> Adventures with Charles. > by Sally Sunshine > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Journey Begins... (Edited and Revised) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's note. Sosai helped me reedit this update, so it should be much better then before! Thank you Sosai :) ----- What happened? Charles said as he opened his eyes, only to face a very blinding light that stung his eyes like a bee. He tried to move his right arm to cover his eyes from the light, but his arm only responded with a sharp pain. He closed his eyes, protecting them from the harmful light that was sending daggers into them, and let out a little grunt as he stopped trying to move his arm. His head throbbed, sending pain up and down his spine and into his numbed limbs. He soon started to open his eyes slowly, adjusting to the blinding light and tried to see where he was… His eyes soon adjusted to the light, allowing him to see what was in front of him, only to see a field of grass, and off in the distance was a very colorful town. It looked like houses from medieval times in Europe… Did he travel back in time? He couldn’t have, as he doesn’t remember the houses being so colorful… Is this a new place? He slowly started to move his fingers, followed by his legs, trying to shake off his numbness. What felt like a hour, each second of moving his body, rewarded him with another throb to his head and he soon was able to move his arms freely, but slowly. He tried to get up from the ground by lifting himself up into a sitting position. He started to rub his pounding head as he started to stretch his entire body, hearing relieving cracks in his bones. He looked at his body, only seeing the clothes he was wearing: a plain white T and baggy brown pants. He was wearing brown shoes that do not have any shoe-laces or straps, and he was wearing a baseball cap with a red check on it, covering his short black hair with bits of brown mixed in. He soon started to question himself, asking himself where in the world he was… The last thing he remembered was something that involved fire… but he could not quite put a finger on it. He was somewhat appeased, knowing he still remembers who he was, and almost everything about him in his life. He sighed in defeat, as he started to stand up slowly, as his legs are still shaking from having to hold himself up, but he was still able to walk. But he stopped as he felt something inside his pocket. He reached into it, and took out a rectangle device and a pair of earphones… His black and grey iPod! This was probably one of many things that he loved so much; It was the only thing that reminded him of the person who has given this iPod... It was his prize treasure, and he will never go anywhere without it. He pressed the button in the middle of it, as it lighted up to show it is alive. He checked the battery on it and saw it was completely full. Satisfied by this, he plucked the two earphones into his ears, and turned on some Fall out boy. He soon decided to go to this little town, and see where he was. Maybe he’ll find out something… ++++++++ “What is this…” He said bluntly, as he let his jaw hang from his mouth. He was seeing something that no one would ever believe in. There were ponies everywhere, each one has a weird mark on their… Flanks, and they were all differently colored. There was yellow, green, blue, red… every single color he could see, and all of these ponies were staring right back at him. His earphones slipped out of his ears, letting the music hover in the air as it disrupts the silence between him and the colorful ponies. The ponies were giving him awkward stares, probably confused like Charles was... “Where am I?” He said as he looked around the ponies that were staring at him. A small pony walked towards him, it was a small grayish olive pony with a red hair. Mane. Whatever. It was also wearing a pink bow on it’s little head. She was different from the other ponies, as she didn't have one of those weird marks on it's flank... It stopped right in front of Charles, giving him a weird look, before her face lights up with a big grin. “Hey mister, what exactly are you?” It asked him with a cheerful tone. Charles was startled by the pony talking, falling backwards and landed on his butt. “Did… did you just talk!?!?” He exclaimed, as he tried to crawl away slowly. But the little pony started to follow him. She gave off a little giggle, “Of course Ah’ talked, silly! All ponies can talk.” She briefly stated, as if he should of know about this. “You're weird looking! What exactly are you, mister?” He stopped crawling, as he sat up and looked at the pony. He was still surprised, a talking pony? Does that mean all the ponies here can talk? He hesitated, trying to find words to say to the little pony, but only managed to say one word: Human. The little pony put her hoof on her chin, looking as if she was trying to think. She shooked her head in disappointment. “Ah’ never heard of a hew-man before.” She said as she starts to walk closer to him. “Where are you from?” Never heard of humans? Does that mean... his the only human? “I’m from Owensboro, Kentucky.” He said bluntly towards the little pony. She must know what that place is, as he should still be on earth, but her face says other wise. “Nope, never heard of it.” She said as only scratches her head with her front hooves. Charles knew that she would say that, so now he knows his not on earth anymore. It would mean that either his on a different planet or a different dimension, either way, it looks like his stuck here. He sighed as he took off his head and scratches his scalp. “Well…” He begin to speak, “I would be appreciative if I knew where I was, Miss…” “Apple bloom!” She responded with a happy tone. “Well, Apple bloom, do you know where I am?” He asked politely. The little pony giggled at the question. “We’re in Ponyville, a small peaceful town, and where mah family’s business is.” She said as she started to walk around you curiously. “Just what is a hew-man, Mister?” He scratched his head at her answer. Ponyville? Now that’s just down silly, being named after your species. But, he isn’t the one to judge. He finally sat upward, and looked down at Apple bloom. “Well, Human’s are… how should I put this… Larger monkeys. We don’t have fur coats like them, but we still glow hair around our body. Some prefer to have a hairless body, and shave off the hair. We walk on two legs, and work with our hands.” Apple bloom looked closer at his hands, curious how it looked. “These are hands?” He couldn't help but let out a little giggle as he raised his hands right in front of her face. “Yes, these are hands. Each hand has 5 fingers,” He said as he moved his fingers back and forth, “ and we use them for almost everything really.” Apple bloom couldn't help but say oooh’s and aahh’s as she watched the fingers moved. “That’s so cool!” She said. She then looked at him in the eyes, probably going to ask another question judging by the curious look. “What’s your name, Mister?” She asked with a big smile on her face, killing him on the inside with cuteness and diabetes. “My name’s Charles. Charles Hamilton.” He said proudly as he decided to stand up from the ground. He noticed that his music was still on, so he took out his iPod and turned it off. He wants to keep it alive as long as possible before it decides to die on him, because judging by the town and how it looks, their won't be a plug in anywhere for him to charge it. Apple bloom was quick to notice the iPod and soon started hopping with joy and curious on her face. “Ohh! What’s dat, what’s dat?!” She yelled, as she continue to stare at it with big eyes. Charles looked at her with a little grin. “It’s my joy and pride.” +++++ Apple bloom and Charles were walking through the streets of Ponyville, as she was showing him around. They were sharing stories about each other as they continued to walk through the town. Apple bloom was the youngest of three siblings, and her family owns a large farm called 'Sweet Apple Acres,' a famous farm for it's delicious apples. She said that one day, she would inherit the farms, and she would help keep the family line going somehow. Charles smiled at the thought, even though she is a pony, she had emotions of a little girl whose dreams are big. Apple bloom also enjoyed Charles's stories about himself, and about the place where he was from. He came from a small farm in the middle of a large country plain in this 'Kentucky.' He said that he would wake up early every morning to watch the sun rise, as he described it as the most magical thing he has ever seen. Apple bloom would sure like to see the sun rise in his world... Charles was alo stunned on how the ponies were very well civilized, and they all knew how to speak so perfectly! It was as if that every human in the world, besides himself, was turned into a pony. There were shops that sell flowers, toys, fabric, even soap! There were stands where they sold food ingredients and other stuff. Apple bloom started to talk about visiting a shop called “Sugarcube corner.” She said that it was the towns bakery, where ponies would go to get cupcakes, muffins, and almost anything else that’s tasty. The reason why was because she wanted to get her two best friends, Scootaloo and Sweetie belle, some cupcakes for her little party she’s having. She also invited me to come over to her family’s farm and meet everyone, He couldn't say no, even if he didn’t want to. To be honest, he's starting to get used to all these ponies talking and what not. He imagined them as humans turned into ponies, because of how they all acted human like and have the same emotions and such as a human would, just in the form of colorful pony. He's the type who can get used to almost anything that god can throw at him… They walked for a good five minutes till they reached their destination, Sugar cube corner. He was stunned at the large building that looks like it’s made entirely out of sweets. He loved sweets, and he was thinking if he should try to get a little piece of the sweet covered house, and see what it will taste like... Apple bloom giggled at his expression, “It’s not made out of sweets. Ah’ve tried to eat it, didn’t end well.” She said as she continued to walk towards the sweet shop. Charles sighed, now knowing he can't eat the house, as he followed Apple bloom inside. As they walked in, he continued to stare around the whole room with a hungry look in his eyes. The shop was full of cupcakes, candy, muffins… everything that is made out of sugar! he felt like he had died, and have been sent off to the candy house in the sky. Apple bloom walked towards the counter, as she tried to hop on top of it, hopefully ringing the bell. Charles giggled at her fail attempts at the bell, so he decided to ring it for her. “Coming!!” said a happily tone from the kitchen. A very pink pony came out from the kitchen in a very “hopping” manner towards the counter. It was a dark pink pony with a puffy light pink mane, and a mark on her flank of 3 balloons; one blue on each side with a yellow balloon in the middle. “Hey there Apple bloom and…” she said before she looked at Charles, with a very surprised face. But that face soon dropped down into something he was familiar with… shock. Before he or Apple bloom could respond, Pinkie Pie let out a large gasp and ran towards the staircase and ran upstairs. He looked at Applebloom, who was giggling, "Don't worry, Pinkie Pie is like that to newcomers." Apple bloom said as she looked up towards Charles."Just be ready for a surprise." He wondered, does that mean this happens often? But before I could ask, another voice rang in the air, “Who is it, Pinkie Pie?” A very light blue pony walked out of the kitchen, only to see me and Apple bloom. She sighed as she walked towards the counter, and started to look at him with much confusion. “Oh my, I never seen anything like you before.” she said with confusion in her voice. Charles gave a small smile in response. “Like everyone else in this village…” “Everypony.” Apple bloom corrected him. “Everypony…” “Everypony.” “Like everypony else in this village.” He corrected himself with a giggle. The blue pony giggled as she leaned over the counter to see Apple bloom. “Is this a new friend, Apple bloom?” “He sure is, Mrs. Cake! His name is Charles, and his a Hew-man” She said as she looked up to me with a smile. He responded to her with a smile as well. The blue pony gave out a little giggle. “A hew-man? I never heard such a thing before., She said as she studied him with her bright red eyes. “He said that a hew-man walks on two feet an’ works with two hands!” Apple bloom replied as the blue pony nodded. It was only for a bit till she looked away and gave off a little smile towards Apple bloom. “He seems rather interesting; maybe you should take him to your sisters friend, Twilight. She’ll probably flip when she sees you!” she said, teasing Charles. “But, business comes first. What can I get you two?” “The usual, please! And a extra cupcake for Charles too!” Apple bloom replied with a cheery tone. Mrs. Cake nodded and went back into the kitchen, only to come out some minutes later with four cupcakes, straight from the oven. He could tell due to the overwhelming aroma coming from the cupcakes. Apple bloom took out her little bag that was hanging by her side and opened it up, taking out three gold pieces and placing them on the counter. Mrs. Cake didn’t have to say anything, due to Apple bloom already knowing how much it would of cost. She scooped up the gold pieces and placed them inside the register, and giving the cupcakes to Charles, which he gladly accepted. We said our thanks and headed out of the store. Apple bloom sighed, “I wonder what freaked Pinkie Pie out seeing a non-pony?” Pinkie Pie, the pink pony that got scared half to death when she saw me and ran? Probably not by Charles, of course. “Maybe she got scared by me, since I am… out of the ordinary,” he said to Apple bloom. “Maybe… but it is Pinkie Pie. She’s just being herself…” she reassured herself as she stepped in front of him and looked up to him. “Let’s head to my home, Ah’ want ya to meet the family! They’re going to be surprised!” she said as she darted off into the direction towards her families home. Charles, who was slow to react, finally realized that she left him at the speed of light. He quickly ran towards her, trying not to spill the cupcakes that were made for Apple blooms friends. “Hey! Wait up!” he said, as he tried to catch up to her… > Apples and Friends. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors note - There isn't one... Not that I can't think of one. This update is longer, so be happy :D Like I said, I have my arms wide open to all those criticizers and Grammer nazi's out there! I am also Accepting idea's of what Charles should do on his first adventure, and who will join him on it. Enjoy the reading! ----- It’s only been a few minutes till Charles caught up with Apple bloom, who was waiting eagerly next to a row of fences that was surrounding a large grove. Behind her were rows, and rows of trees filled with bright red apples, and a little dirt path leads up to a very large red barn. The barn was surrounded by smaller barns, a lot of apple trees and outside of it was a large red pony that seems to be relaxing. Apple bloom spotted me and gave off a happily smile as she literally hopped towards Charles. “We’re here!” she said as she started to follow the dirt path up to the barn. She waved her head towards Charles for him to follow, which he does. Charles noticed a sign that hung above the two saying “Sweet Apple Acres,” as the railing was covered with fresh tree leaves and apples, making it look fancier. The farm was peaceful, and the view was beautiful from his stand point. He has seen a lot of country plains and farms in his life, but this was probably the best country view he has ever seen. He wondered if there was a place for him to view this… The two soon walked up to the relaxing red pony, who had a spring of wheat in his mouth. The red pony looked up to Apple bloom and Charles, as he raised one of his eyes at me. Apple bloom went up to him with her big smile that touched both sides of her face. “Big Mac! Ah’ found me a new friend!” She said as she pointed her right forehoove towards Charles. “His name is Charles, and his a Hew-man!” Charles walked up behind her, extending his left hand towards Big Mac for a hand/Hoove shake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Big Mac.” He said formerly. Big Mac nodded as he raised his Hoove. Big Mac was a large draft pony, judging by the grip he somehow received from the recent handshake, and how big and tough he looked. “Eeeyup.” He said, with not much expression in his tone. “Do you know where Applejack is?” Apple bloom asked. “She’s at Twi’s house.” He responded. “Do you know when she will get back?” “Nnnope.” Apple bloom sighed, “Well… Is Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo he-” But before she could finish, a faint orange ghost that was going at the speed of light swept Apple bloom off her feet, and carried her into the large barn. Charles stared at the spot where Apple bloom stood till he noticed she was gone. Charles looked around, trying to see his new friend but seen no sight of her. Big Mac nodded, “Eeeyup.” He said as he continued to look at me, from toe to head with his sap green eyes. “If Ah’ may ask, What are you again?” He asked politely. Charles sighed, “I’m a Hew-man… I mean Human.” He corrected himself, “And I wanted to know how did I get here…” “What do you mean?” Big Mac asked as he raised his eyebrow. “Like, how did I get into this world? Judging by every…pony in ‘Ponyville’ stares at me, I’m probably the only human here…” He scratched his head at the thought. Big Mac stared at him for a bit before he responded. “Well, Ah’ never heard a ‘Human’ before…” “We’re like larger monkeys, just smarter and look better. Do you guys have monkeys here?” “Eeeyup.” “Just imagine me as one of them, just not throwing poop at each other, wear clothes, less hairy, and can tell a difference between a square and a circle.” Big Mac gave a friendly smile as he started to move towards inside the barn. “Ah’ Like you already, No wonder Apple bloom likes you…” He said, making Charles happy on the inside and being proud of his first time introduction. “Apple bloom might be in her room with her two other friends, Ah’ll show you the way, would you mind telling me more about yourself?” +++ Before Apple bloom could blink at what happen, she found out that she was already in her rooms, and standing in front of her was her two best friends, and her Cutie mark crusaders, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Both of them looked as if they saw a ghost-pony. “What’s the matter, girls?” Apple bloom asked her friends. Scootaloo took a step closer to answer her. “What was that thing that was with you??” She whispered as she kept a eye on the door. “I never saw anything like it!” Apple bloom realize the situation and giggled, “Don’t worry girls, He's friendly!” She exclaimed, trying to soothe the mood that lingerED around her two friends. “His name is Charles, and he's a Hew-man! He's nice, friendly, and funny too!” This lowered both Belle and Scootaloo’s mood, but they were still tensed. Even though it’s exciting to see something new, they didn’t know if they should trust it or not. “Hew-man?” Both responded, with bit confusion in their tone. “Yea! It’s a larger monkey that’s smarter and wears clothes. They even have hands, not hooves!” She said, remembering what Charles had told her what Hew-man’s looked like. Both Belle and Scootaloo looked at each other before their face started to light up. “Is it okay to… talk to him then?” Belle asked, as Apple bloom nodded to her question. “Well of course, silly! Ah’m sure you’ll like him!” But before they started to leave, the door behind Apple bloom opened, standing there was Big Mac and Charles. Charles was talking about something as they were entering the room. “… And that’s why I was kicked out of the party.” Charles said, finishing up his sentence as they enter the room. Big Mac was nodding his head, keeping his interest onto his new human friend as they stopped in front of the three fillies. The three Fillies’ approach Big Mac and Charles, as Scootaloo walked closer to Charles, observing him. Charles noticed the little orange pony circling him, so he squatted down to try to get eye level with her. She was a Orange coated pony with a fuchsia colored mane. She was the same height as Apple bloom, and her eye color was a grayish purple. And she also has…. Wings? Charles was surprised, a pony has wings? Does that mean she’s a Pegasus? “You must be one of Apple bloom’s friend, right?” He said cheerfully as he extended his finger towards her. “My name’s Charles, It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Scootaloo was stunned at his hand, never seeing like it before. She stared at the hand for a few moments before she held the finger with her hoof, shaking his hand. She was even more stunned at how the Hew-man looked, it was a creature she has never seen before, and never heard of a creature called Hew-man… “M-my name is… Scootaloo.” She replied, as she continued to look at the hand. “… Is it okay if I… look at your hand?” She asked shyly, trying not to be rude to the Hew-man. Charles didn’t mind it if she did, it must be a interesting sight to see hands for them. He nodded to Scootaloo, allowing her to look at his hands for a bit. “Uh… is by any chance that… you’re a Pegasus?” Charles asked, still curious about the wings on her back. Scootaloo looked up and nodded. "I am...” She replied, as she unfolded her wings and flapped them. Charles was amazed by the wings, always thought of pegasus of being a myth. She was flying only half a inch off the ground before she landed back down. “Wow, that’s amazing!” Charles said cheerfully, “I always thought that your kind didn’t exist.” Scootaloo looked up with a bit of confusion, “Don’t you have Pegasai from where your from?” Charles Shook his head no, “No, we human’s only thought of them as myth’s, old story tales, and such. It’s a honor to meet a Pegasi in the flesh.” He said, giving off a radiating smile. Scootaloo gave a little blushed, trying to get herself distracted by playing with his hands. Apple Bloom’s other friend walked up to him, and stared at him for a good while. She was the same height as the other two, but her coat was light gray, she had green eyes, and her mane were two colors; a grayish mulberry and a pale grayish rose. And on her head was a… Horn? “My name is Sweetie Belle, I’m a… unicorn.” She said as she slowly raised her foreleg towards him. Charles left hand was occupied by Scootaloo, and his other hand was still holding the cupcakes for Apple bloom and her friends… He set the cupcakes down to his side and shook her hoove. Sweetie belle gave a little smile as she continues to gawk at the hew-man. Charles eyes were still focusing on her horn, it was also his first time seeing a Unicorn in the flesh, feeling like he had accomplish something that no other human will be able to accomplish. “A unicorn? My, I never thought I could also see a unicorn too!” He said cheerfully as his smile widen. “Is it true that unicorns can use magic?” Sweetie belle nodded, “Of course they can! Care for me to show you?” She said eagerly. Charles nodded and waited for her to use her magic. Her horn soon glowed with a light gray aura, and soon followed Charles’s hat. His hat soon started to levitate off his head, and was hovering right over the distracted Scootaloo. Soon her horn and his hat stopped glowing, letting the hat fall right onto Scootaloo’s head. Surprised, and blind, she was walking around till she hit the wall behind her. Everyone, besides Big Mac, started to laugh, as Scootaloo tried to get the large hat off of her. The hat was nearly three times her own head, making it hard for her to see. Scootaloo finally shook off the hat and gave a glare at Sweetie belle and everyone else that was laughing. “That was not funny!” She yelled, embarrassed at what just happened. “But it was funny to us!” Sweetie said as she continued laughing hard, following Apple bloom and Charles. Scootaloo gave in and started to laugh with everyone else. Soon after the laughter died out, Charles picked up the cupcakes again, and handed the tray out to the three. “Apple bloom brought you two some cupcakes, care for one?” He said, as the three grabbed their cupcakes. The frosting of the cupcakes matched their mane’s colors, which made the cupcakes look tasty to the three. Charles picked up his cupcake; its frosting was a mix of black and brown, matching the design of his hair. The three fillies were already munching away on their cupcake, so Charles decided to take a bite out of it… The cupcake exploded with flavor as Charles took a bite; it was probably the tastiest cupcake he has ever eaten. Before he realized it, he had completely eaten the whole cupcake within mere seconds. He also noticed that the three little ponies were also finished with theirs. He also noticed that Big Mac wasn’t with them anymore; he probably went back outside to relax again. After cleaning up the mess they made from eating the cupcakes, Apple bloom and her friends sat in front of Charles, wanting to ask questions. Apple bloom was the first one to ask a question. “If it’s okay, can you tell us about yourself?” She asked. “Do you want me to start from the beginning?” Charles questioned. All three of them nodded, making Charles smile. “Here’s a touching story...” ++++ Applejack gave out a large yawn as she continue her walk back to her barn, tired from helping twilight reorganize her library… Again. If it weren’t for Rainbow dash, who decided it was fun to dive right into twilight’s window and crash into the bookshelves, she and her friends wouldn’t have to clean up the library again. She sighed as she continue her walk down the path, and noticing two ponies talking to each other. She didn’t bother them, but she was hearing their conversation the two had… “Did you see it?” “That thing that Apple bloom was showing around?” “Yea, that thing! It looked so weird, I never seen anything like it!” “I wonder if it’s okay to let it roam free? It might hurt that poor filly…” Applejack stopped and turned to the two, looking worried at what she had heard. Apple bloom was with a strange looking creature? What is she doing with it…. “Uh, Pardon me for interrupting…” Applejack said, getting the two ponies attention. “Did you just say Apple bloom was with a strange creature?” “Oh Applejack! Yes, we did see Apple bloom with it.” The one of the left said. “It was standing on two legs, and looked like a hairless monkey. It’s been following Apple bloom since this morning!” Applejack was worried, what if this creature was dangerous? Apple bloom should know better not to be befriending strange looking things… “Do ya’ll know where they are now?” Applejack asked. The pony on the right nodded her head. “We saw them going into the same direction where your barn is.” She said as she pointed into the direction where Applejack’s barn was. She said thanks before she dashed off towards her barn, hoping nothing bad happened. It wasn’t long till she reached her barn, and noticed Big Mac was outside the barn, relaxing like usual. Big Mac noticed her sister running in, probably worried about Apple bloom. Applejack stopped next to Big Mac with a worried expression on her. “Big Mac, Ya’ll know where Apple bloom is?” She ask, breathing heavily from the running and looked impatient. “Eeeyup. She’s in her room with her friends and-” But before he could finish, Applejack was already heading inside the barn, and going directly to Apple blooms room. When she got to her sisters door and reaching out to open it, she soon started to hear a male voice coming from the room. She opened it slowly, trying to get a look inside… “…And that’s how I got this hat.” He said as he twirl his baseball cap around in his index finger. The three little ponies gave out a little giggle before they noticed Applejack at the door. Apple bloom stood up and ran to the door to embrace Applejack with a hug on her leg. “Hey Applejack!” She exclaimed cheerfully. Applejack gave out a sigh before she hugged back, She was worried over nothing. She looked up to the creature that the whole town was talking about, he doesn’t look that evil at all. “Hey there, Sugarcube.” Applejack replied to her sister, “I heard that you made a new friend…?” Apple bloom nodded and pointed to Charles, who was sitting with Scootaloo and Sweete belle, talking about something. “Yes! His name is Charles, and he says he is a Hew-man!” Soon Apple bloom started to explain to her sister about Charles and what he was. Applejack smiled at the part where he explained to Apple bloom that he was a hairless monkey of sorts. Charles noticed Apple bloom was speaking to the Orange pony with a hat on that just entered the room. By the sound of it, She’s Apple blooms big sister. He stood up from the ground and walked towards Apple bloom and the orange pony, followed by Sweete and Scootaloo. The Orange pony looked up to Charles and gave smile. “Howdy there, name’s Applejack.” She said as she extended her leg for a hand/hoove shake. Charles grabbed her hoove and shook it. “Name’s Charles Hamilton, It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He said politely Applejack. “Are you Apple bloom’s big sister?” “Ah’ sure am. It’s great to know my little sis didn’t make friends with a evil monster or something. Ya’ll look honest, but Ah’ never saw anything like you.” Charles smiled, “It seems no one has, but that’s fine by me really. I usually like to be one-of-a-kind, especially in a place where I am probably the only human here.” But before Applejack could respond, Apple bloom was hopping in front of her, trying to get her attention. “Applejack! Is it okay if ah’ can take Charles with me to our clubhouse? Me, Scootaloo, and Belle are going to take him with us on our crusading!” “Crusading?” Charles asked, wondering what she meant. Apple bloom and her friends nodded, “Yea, because we’re-“ all three of them started to breathe in lots of air before they yell. Applejack prepared for it by covering her ears. “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS! AND WE’RE ON A CRUSADE TO FIND OUR CUTIE MARK!” all three of them yelled, vibrating the entire barn. Charles was playing with his right ear with his pinkie, trying to see if his ear drums were still intact. His ears seem to be fine, so he faced the three eager ponies who were staring at him. “Cutie mark crusaders?” Charles asked simply, still toying with his ears. “Yea, we’re on a mission to find our cutie marks!” Scootaloo said with her big grin. “Cutie mark? You mean that Tattoo on those ponies flanks?” He said, remembering the marks on the ponies flanks he saw. He also noticed that Apple bloom and her friends didn’t have one, but what does it mean? “Yes, our Cutie mark.” Sweetie said, “its shows us what our special talent is in life, and it appears on our flanks. Don’t you have a cutie mark, mister?” Charles giggled at the thought of him having a Cutie mark. If he did had one, it would probably be a picture of a bed with a laptop on it, showing his special talent in being lazy. Or maybe a musical note to show his talent in being…. Musical. “Well, humans don’t have cutie marks, we have to find out special talent ourselves without it. Plus it would look downright funny to have a tattoo on our butts, since we would always wear clothes. It’s a taboo to not wear clothes in public.” Charles said, smirking at the thought of people having a cutie mark. “Then what’s that mark on your hand then?” Apple bloom pointed to his left hand, wanted Charles to see. “What mark-“ he said before noticing a strange mark on his back of his hand… It was a checkered pattern on his hand, making a vortex in the middle of his back and front of his hand. He never noticed the mark till now… how long did he had it? He quickly looked up his arm to see if there were any more, but it only goes up to his wrist. It was weird, he was sure he never went to a tattoo artist, and if he did he would of got something cooler, so he must of gotten it when he came here… But why does he have this strange tattoo? He sighed at the thought, now trying to scramble a answer to the three fillies. “It’s a… tattoo I got from where I’m from. Cool, isn’t it?” They nodded their heads, looking at the pattern on the hand for a bit before they looked back at him. Apple bloom spoke up to him, “Do you want to go crusading with us?” Charles nodded with a smile, “Sure, I would love to.” “Cool, We’re be waiting outside then! Come on, girls!” Apple bloom said, as she was the first one to dash out of the room, followed by Scootaloo and Sweetie belle. Charles was about to follow till Applejack stopped him by stepping in front of him. Her face was giving off a very serious aura could suffocate someone. “Ah’m only going to say this once, If you even think of hurting my little Apple bloom, or making her cry… Ah’ will give you the most brutal butt-whooping ya will ever experience, do you understand me?” She said in a icy tone, as she continued to glare at me, waiting for a response from Charles. He only stared back at her with a blank stare before a smile crept up on his face. This reminded him of himself when he used to protect his closest friend whenever she got picked on. Charles patted her head, giving off a playful, yet honest smile. “I will eat a thousand needles, hanged by my feet, and get beaten up like a piñata before I make such a innocent girl cry.” He said, as his tone was more serious than before, which made Applejack give off a blank stare towards him. “I might be new to this world, looking like a monster to everyone here. You don’t have to trust me no matter what, but I promise you this; I will not hurt her, as she is my friend, and she showed me nothing but kindness. I might only just met her, but I think of her as a friend that I wish I would have known for years. If I do make her cry for any reason, I would gladly accept your beating.” Applejack was surprised to see this human was a kind heart, and she knew he isn’t lying, she is the element of honestly! Applejack finally sighed, and gave off a small smile. “Ah’m glad that my little sister has befriended a honest pony… person. Ah’ hope we can be good friends then?” Charles nodded, “Of course. Now then, let’s get going. Don’t want to hold up the hyper crusaders.” Applejack nodded with a smile as the two started to walk out of the room and head outside. Applejack is now certain that her sister has found a true friend to be with… Another thing popped into her mind, making her look up to Charles. “Mind if Ah’ ask, but why did you lie about that tattoo of yours?” Charles sighed as he scratched his head, “Was it obvious? To be honest, I don’t really know why I have this tattoo on my hand. I think I must have gotten it when I came to this world. But, nothing bad happened so I’m not worried.” “If you say so.” Applejack replied, knowing now he was telling the truth. This is going to be a very long day for both of them…