> Zero Fate
>  by GreyNimbus
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 0 — Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fate. Oh, how I hate that word.

Anyone who actually buys that crap is just too dumb to realize when they get influenced by false hope.

There's no such thing as fate or destiny. Only possibilities. All we have is what we got. We can't decide our entire future.

I suppose I should formally introduce myself.

My name's Luther. I was born in 1995 in Perth, Australia, to a loving mother but a deadbeat father - who both broke up due to the multiple affairs my dad kept secret.  I still don't know how my mum was able to forgive him until the 3rd cheating. She took care of me most of my life and I was grateful for everything she did for me. When I started high school, I realized I didn't fit in with anyone at all. It's been 7 years since I had a true friend. I was constantly bullied for being isolated all the time. Not my fault is it?  Due to this, I was always the social outcast and never really got any friends. Being alone has become a habit, so I stopped trying to make friends - not that I tried to begin with.

Where am I now today? Just living in a share-house in a small suburb near the coast. My big brother lived nearby and got me a job at the coffee bar (not to be confused for a café) he works at. Mostly, I work alone during my shifts, but when I work with my bro, I can still be myself. Not to mention it pays really well. Could I have asked for a better job?

I ran into a lot of... experiences on the way. I took 4 different study courses; Information Technology, Digital Gaming, general studies, and commercial cooking. All where I was too incompetent to get somewhere. A huge waste of both time and money.

I had so much trouble figuring out what I was good at and how I could use it. Which just enforces my disbelief in fate. I just wasn't gonna accomplish anything that I, or anyone else, could be proud of. So what have I got to look forward to? Nothing. This is all I'm capable of doing now.





Anyway, to the present. I put down my bag and collapsed on the bed after another regular day at work. I shortly get undressed, grab my towel, and take a well-deserved shower. After a mind-clearing wash, I move to my desk and turn on my laptop to watch my stories. I won't go into details about specific stories, but I will say that I like fantasy. I did it all the time in my own time. I see reading as a way to escape from reality.

After an hour of 'me time', I look at my watch to see it is now 8:51 PM. I still have a few hours before I plan to go to bed. And since it was Winter, the sky was overcast with dark clouds. This is my favorite kind of weather. Being isolated all the time, I've become very fond of the night, giving me a dark complexion. So I decided to take a walk.

I turn off my laptop and put on some clean clothes. I take my smartphone, keys, wallet (just in case), and wireless headset so I can make my walk more entertaining. And how can I forget my trademark black bandana that I keep around my neck? I always wear it so people know who I am and I never take it off unless I'm taking a shower or sleeping. Plus, it keeps me warm.

After locking the door to my room, I make my way outside and begin my trek into darkness. In times like this, I always listen to instrumental music. After about 30 minutes of wandering aimlessly, I found a nice, old bus bench that was never removed. I sighed and sat down as I gazed into the night sky. It was so beautiful. I could sit here all night.

After about 10 minutes or so, I decided to do something really childish; make a wish on a shooting star... only there weren't any shooting stars out tonight, so I focused my thoughts on the moon instead.

If this is all I can do, then what's the point? What's the meaning of life? Nothing? Damn, I wish I had something to look forward to, or someplace where my actions actually matter. I'd even go to another planet if it means I can do something worthwhile.

After venting my thoughts, I noticed something that caught my eye; The moon started to... twinkle? Even stars don't twinkle as much. There were multiple twinkles slowly popping up all over the moon's surface.

As I stared at the unbelievable display in the sky, more and more twinkles were popping up. Soon the whole moon was blanketed with them. I quickly stood up and brought my smartphone out to take a picture. The twinkling was intensifying to the point where it was almost as bright as the sun. I quickly put my phone away and shielded my head with both arms.

What... the hell... is going on?

My vision had locked onto a bright light from the twinkling moon. The light got brighter and brighter until I could no longer keep my eyes open. Grunting in pain and shielding my eyes from the blinding light, I found myself feeling lightheaded and dizzy. I felt like I was going to collapse.  I waited for my body to hit the ground... but I didn't feel the impact.

I then lost consciousness.






Night-time in Equestria.


In Ponyville, Princess Twilight Sparkle had organized a special get-together and invited all 7 of her closest friends to her castle; Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Spike, and Starlight Glimmer. One by one, they showed up individually.

After the last pony showed up, Twilight and her friends were all getting comfortable on the balcony of her crystal castle. Splayed out on the floor were cushions for each pony (and dragon), and a large telescope for stargazing.

"Alright, everypony. Are you all ready for the first Winter Moon Celebration?", She asked excitedly.

A brief cheer sounded in response before Twilight continued.

"Tonight, history will be made! As you all know, Princess Luna returned from her banishment precisely two and a half years ago. She and Celestia have both agreed to make this particular day the longest night of the year!".
 
"Ooh, I can't wait!", exclaimed Pinkie Pie, "This is gonna be just as exciting as the Summer Sun Celebration! We still stay up all night and... oh, wait, if you think about it, it's not so different."

"True, Pinkie.", said Starlight, "But this event is dedicated to Princess Luna, showing her that we love the night just as much as the day."

"But isn't that what Nightmare Night's all about?", asked Rainbow Dash.

"That's more of a holiday where ponies dress up in silly costumes, eat candy, and have fun.", Twilight answered, "Now, what we're about to witness is the moon twinkling brighter than a mirror ball. When it happens, the moon will start to brighten up, making it a sight worth seeing."

Twilight and her friends all sat down on their cushions, getting comfortable. As they waited for the light show to start, everypony helped themselves to snacks and refreshments that were shared between each of them. While eating, Applejack took sight of the first twinkle.

"Hey, y'all! It's startin'!"

Right on cue, everypony looked up to the moon and their eyes were filled with wonder and amazement. Just like a giant mirror ball, it twinkled all over and illuminated intensely. After several minutes of watching the fantastic light show, Starlight spoke.

"Uh, guys? Is it me or is one of those twinkles getting bigger?", she asked.

Taking notice of Starlight's finding, the rest of the group noticed the same thing. There was an out-of-place twinkle getting larger and seemed to be moving off the frame of the moon. After closer observation, they all noticed that the twinkle suddenly turned into a bright, flying object. It was heading towards the castle.

"Everypony get inside, quick!", yelled Twilight.

Panicked, the group of friends stood up from their cushions and rushed back inside, and attempted to close the doors. Before it could be fully closed, the doors were blasted off their hinges and the bright, flying object crashed into the castle, briefly blinding everypony from the light knocking them unconscious.
> 1 — Where Am I?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is much that can be said about the powers of wishful thinking.

And all I've learned from that is 'expect the unexpected'.

An example would be wondering why I'm in so much pain right now. I feel like I was tended to by the world's most merciless massage therapist with a BDSM fetish.

Some of the bones in my limbs feel like they're bending in reverse while at the same time, lost a bit of length.

Although, I can't clarify this because somehow I can't see anything. My eyes feel so heavy that I can barely peek. But I know that feeling is also believing.

"I swear, if I'm in the hospital again, I'm gonna be so damn nettled." I groan under my breath.

I have a very unpleasant history with hospitals; after I was struck with an eye condition called Keratoconus, I was required to have Corneal Transplant surgery, but the doctors operating on me totally screwed me on the hospital bills.

Luckily I got away with it when my brother, who was supporting me, gave them the wrong billing address.

That's why I don't respect or trust hospitals. I don't doubt that they want to help mankind, but I believe they have more interest in money.

Setting aside my hatred for the medical institution, I try to move my body. What I was laying on didn't feel like a bed, more like a waxed floor. It's so cold, but it doesn't bother me. Especially with my hot-blooded body.

I try opening my eyes to get a clear picture, but only managed to get my left one to open a peak. In front of me, an inch away from my face was a wall that appeared to be made out of crystal.

I could make out a reflection, but it was fainter than a window's. Not to mention my poor eyesight made it even harder. I know it wasn't wallpaper or some sort of holographic wall because it reflected my struggling attempts to move.

But it didn't mimic the appearance that I'm familiar with.

I was in too much agony to question my situation. I just wanted to sleep this pain away.

It would be easier if I didn't have the sound of coughing and gagging behind me. Wait...

"Is everypony alright?"

I heard the faint voice of a young woman coming from another room.

There's someone else here? Maybe they can...

Oh, right, too much agony. I'll just do what I said I was going to do.

I rested my head on the cold hard floor with a painful groan before I quickly lost consciousness.

"Girls, I think I heard something in the other room!"





Fatigue. Sickness. Pain.

None of those feelings can compare to what I feel right now. This was pure agony times three.

I know for a fact that I wasn't dreaming because I remember (slightly) clearly what happened to me after I stared at the moon. Normally you forget what you dream about right after you wake up.

I was falling. Falling like a skydiver without a parachute. It didn't help that I had Acrophobia.

I can feel myself waking up from the void of slumber. I kept my eyes shut as I let out a yawn.

I groaned as I try to stretch. "Auhh... what happened?"

The pain coursing through my body before losing consciousness had been reduced from Bone-itis pain to numbness. I can feel my limbs move, but I was too numb to properly feel where I was. I was in a bed, that much I can make out, but who's bed?

I finally open my eyes. Both of them.

"Oh, good, you're awake."

"Huh?"

I turn my head to the suddenly calming voice.

Who... what am I looking at? Is that a Unicorn? It's staring at me with such huge, sparkling eyes.

The 'Unicorn' turned its head around and shouted, "Girls, look! He's awake!"

There were more Unicorns and... non-Unicorns sitting behind the one who spoke. They all turned to stare at me too.

I was more scared and confused than a homeless man under house arrest. Following my instincts, I reacted accordingly; I suddenly scooted myself to the edge of the bed I was laying in, trying to keep my distance from these techno-colored equines. I then began to hyperventilate.

"Wha... Who are you!? Where am I? What's going o- Oww!"

My head hit what felt like the edge of a window sill. I brought my hand to the back of my head to try and ease the pain. The numbness was starting to subside.

Normally, I would just hiss in pain and walk it off, but for some reason, my eyes started to water and cloud my vision once again. I wanted... to cry.

I shut my eyes tight and let the tears flow down my cheeks while sobbing with my head lowered. Through my suddenly childish sorrow, I could hear multiple gasps, most likely coming from the equines. I paid no attention to them as I just wanted to vent. I don't even care why I was crying anymore.

"Oh, no. P-please, don't cry." Said one of the equines. I'm not sure which one.

I then felt the bed I was on shift a bit as someone crawled onto it and slowly moved towards me. Still crying, I wrapped my arms around my legs as I braced for whatever she might do to me. Without warning, I was embraced by a warm, furry hug and a kiss on my sore head.

I suddenly feel... a little bit better.

Loosening my arms around my legs, my sobbing was reduced to sniffling. I slowly open my eyes and raise my head to see who was hugging me.

It was one of the Unicorns. She had a pink coat and a purple and teal mane. Her violet eyes looked down on me, showing me that aura of a mother protecting her child.

Wanting to feel safer, I wrapped my arms around her torso in a slightly tighter embrace than what she was giving.

"N'aww, it's okay, little guy. There's nothing to be afraid of." She said warmly while stroking my hair with her soft hoof.

"Good thinking, Starlight. I didn't know you were good with kids." said the cheerful voice of one of the other equines.

"Thanks, Pinkie Pie. I've never actually had much experience with kids. I just followed my instincts."

Her name is Starlight? Unorthodox name, but pretty. Wait, did I just hear them call me a kid?

Suddenly releasing the warm embrace, I gently pushed Starlight off me and lifted up the blanket that covered most of my body. I examined myself to find the clothes I was wearing when I went out on my nightly walk, but they were so loose and big now. No, that's not it.

I inspected my hands and feet. They were so tiny! I brushed my little hands across my face. It felt so smooth! And all my facial hair was gone too. But I had to be sure.

"Umm... can I get a mirror, please?" I asked shyly.

"Oh, of course." said the purple Unicorn who I first saw when I woke up.

Getting a better look, I can see that she also had feathered wings on her back. She's part Pegasus too?

Bottling up my surprise, I waited patiently. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait long. Her horn suddenly glowed with a sparkling, deep indigo aura. My mouth has slightly gaped.

One of the drawers on the nightstand that was next to the bed started to glow the same color as her horn. The drawer was then pulled out and a personal, black, oval-shaped mirror with a handle was levitated out of it, also glowing. It hovered over towards me and I hesitantly grabbed it by the handle.

I brought it close to my face. What I saw... was a memory.

So last night, I was right when I didn't look like myself on that crystal wall. I didn't shrink. I got younger!

My hands were shaking as I held the mirror. The shaking intensified until the mirror fell out of my grip. My mind was in more worlds than one.

"Wha... wha... how... How did this happen? What's going on!?" I exclaimed.

"Whoa, whoa, it's okay. Everything's fine." Starlight said. "We'll answer your questions as best we can. Then maybe we can help you. Just please calm down."

I felt her hoof gently rubbing my back, easing my disoriented mind. I turn to look at her. She was sitting right next to me, showing me that motherly smile yet again.

"Do you feel better now?"

"I... I guess. More or less."

"That's good to hear. Now, why don't we start by giving each other our names?"

I nodded slowly.

"Good," she says as she removes her hoof from my back. I wish she hadn't, though. "My name is Starlight. Starlight Glimmer. And these are all my friends." She turned to the other equines and extended a hoof out to them.





After a few minutes of introductions and asking a few questions of my own, I soon learned that I am in a land called Equestria. I'm not much of a historian or geologist, but I'm pretty sure Equestria is not on any of Earth's maps.

They also told me how I ended up in one of their beds. They were celebrating a brand new night-time holiday dedicated to Princess Luna, one of the co-rulers of Equestria. They were all on their balcony to watch the night sky event when I came crashing down through the sky into the balcony windows. They found my unconscious body in the aftermath of the crash and nursed me back to health. I was told that I was sleeping for a day and a half.

Well, now I know why I woke up in this bed, feeling famished and wrapped in white linen bandages on my limbs and torso. Why was I still wearing my now baggy clothes?

"But don't worry, dear. While you were asleep, I took your measurements so I can make you some more fitting clothes. Don't know why you'd go around wearing something you could make a tent out of.", said the white Unicorn with the curly, purple mane and tail.

"Uhh, well, I wasn't. These fit me just fine last time I wore them. I somehow got smaller. Please believe me, I was not this small!" I retorted, more harshly than I intended.
 
The white Unicorn, who I learned is named Rarity, seemed a little flabbergasted at my retort. Not wanting to make her mad, I acted as the child I now was.

"I... I'm sorry, Miss Rarity. I didn't mean to yell."

"Oh, it's alright, deary. You have nothing to apologize for. You seem to be in a real big mess. But don't worry, we are all here to help you. Right, girls?"

Everyone else nodded in agreement.

"As I was saying, after taking your measurements, I trotted back to my boutique and put together some new garments for you to wear. It took me longer than I care to admit because I've never made clothes for a creature such as yourself."

"That reminds me," Twilight Sparkle, the purple 'Alicorn' said, "We still don't know anything about you. Would you care to tell us more about yourself, sweetie?" She asked with a smile.

Oh, that's right. I've been the one asking all the important questions. It's only fair that I answer theirs too.

"Oh! Well, I'm a human. My name is Luther."

"Loofah?" Pinkie Pie, the pink 'Earth Pony' asked, tilting her head.

I groaned in frustration. To be honest, I never really liked my birth name. It was always a challenge for others to pronounce it correctly. I wanted to change my name by deed poll someday but never got around to it.

"No. Lu-ther."

"Oh. That's a funny name." Pinkie said, giggling.

Thank you, Pinkie Pie, for giving me another reason to hate myself.

"There's nothing funny about it. In fact, I hate it." I said, frowning and folding my arms.

Pinkie's ears dropped and looked like I upset her somehow. Oh, dammit, I hope I didn't do anything wrong.

"Aww, I'm sorry, Luther. I didn't mean to upset you."

Wait, she was feeling sympathetic for me? I'm not used to people feeling sorry for me. I hate making other people upset, so I let my inner child take the next step.

I slowly slide off the bed, some of my bandaged injuries still a little sore but nothing I can handle. Twilight tries to stop me, fearing I might re-open my wounds. I put a hand in front of her, signaling that I'll be just fine. I limped slightly over to Pinkie Pie and wrapped my arms around her in a soft hug.

"I forgive you, Pinkie Pie. You didn't know."

All the other mares, excluding the tough-looking, prismatic Pegasus Rainbow Dash, gasped and let out a long "N'aww~". Pinkie, on the other hand, sat on her haunches and hugged me in return.

"It... it's okay, little guy. If you don't want me to use that name, I can call you something else, if you'd like." she said.

I can tell by the tone in her voice that she was shedding tears of happiness. I never met anyone so caring and emotional before.

She actually gave me an idea. I always wanted to change my name before. Why not do it now? After all, I'm in a magical land of sophisticated, colorful ponies with all sorts of strange names. I might as well fit in.

After patting Pinkie on the back, translating to asking her to let me go, she complied with a smile. I turn to the others with a smile of my own.

"You know, I think I want to change my name. If I'm gonna stick around, I may as well learn how to fit in with ponies."

They all had questionable expressions on their... 'muzzles', I think they're called? Applejack, the Earth Pony with the orange coat, blonde mane and tail, and wearing a stetson hat, asked me;

"Well, sugarcube, we'd be happy ta have yah around, but don't ya'll wanna find a way to get back home?"

Oh, that's right. I was so distracted by all that's happened, that I forgot all about home.

I stood there, pondering what my priority should be. On one hand, I could stay here and start a new life from scratch. On the other hand, I find a way to get back to my boring, unsuccessful life in a world I was born in, but barely know.

"I don't have anything else to look forward to back home. So I've made my decision; if you'll allow me, I'd like to stay here with you guys."

I suddenly feel like I'm asking too much from them, especially if you consider the collateral damage I caused when I crash-landed. And I know nothing about the laws of this land, but I hope they'll teach me.

I look around to see them all looking a little shocked at my decision. I was sure that I said something regrettable. That is until Starlight slid off the bed and slowly made her way towards me. I flinched, hoping she wouldn't hurt me. But, once again, I was surprised by what she did next.

She gently put a hoof on my shoulder. I looked up and saw her giving me that same, genuine smile.

"If that's what you really want to do, then welcome to Equestria; Your new home."

I smiled and moved forward to hug her in a loving embrace once again.
> 2 — Comfort
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So, have you decided on your new name yet, sweetie?"

I turned to Starlight Glimmer who was sitting next to me on the bed as she asked me that question. Fluttershy, the yellow-coated pink-maned Pegasus, was sitting in front of me on the floor, changing the last bandages on my leg before she goes home for the night. All the other girls, besides Starlight and Twilight who live in this, which I discovered earlier, castle, went home a while ago.

"Not... yet," I said as Fluttershy was finishing tightly wrapping fresh bandages around my lower thigh and ankle.

Finally, she packed up her medical supplies in her first-aid kit and placed them back in her neat little saddle bag. The bag had a picture of three pink butterflies, matching the odd tattoos on her flanks. I just now realized that all my new pony friends have strange tattoos printed on their butts. Is it a fashion statement or some form of identity? I'll ask questions later.

The new clothes that Rarity made for me were 2 sets of casual clothes and 1 set of pajamas. Now, when I say "casual", I don't mean the 'au naturel' kind of casual, since ponies walking around wearing nothing is considered casual around here. Rarity simply took my old clothes as a reference for designing the new ones. Since my old clothes were plain, she didn't make too many alterations to the design. It's like she magically duplicated, repaired, and shrunk my old clothes to fit my new body.

"Well, there you go." Fluttershy said, "Just stay off those legs for about 2 days and you should be fully healed. Now don't remove those bandages before then. Doctor's orders."

I gave her a nod. "Yes, ma'am."

She responds by gently patting my head. "That's a good boy. I'll be back tomorrow to check on you. Until then, be sure to get some rest."

"Okay." I said, "Thank you, Miss Fluttershy."

She giggled sweetly before saying, "Aww, you're welcome, Luth... Oh, I-I mean... sweetie." After that, she shyly trotted through the door and closed it behind her.

I almost frowned when she was about to say my name, but luckily I have an exceptional Poker face.

After that awkward farewell with the shy mare, it was now just me and Starlight in the room. Since it was nighttime, everyone had already gone home. It feels like it's been forever since I saw the light of day. Not that it matters to me. I prefer the night over the day.

Twilight said she went to get me something to eat before she herself turned in for the night. In the meantime, Starlight volunteered to keep me company. I may as well try to get comfortable.

I slowly lift my bandaged legs to slide them into bed. Starlight noticed and offered to give me some leverage with her magic.

"Thanks," I said.

She replies with a nod and a smile.

Once I was in a comfy position, Starlight hopped off the bed and tucked me in. Even though I'm not tired, I don't want to put any strain on my injuries.

There was an awkward silence in the room for at least a minute until Starlight broke it.

"Sooo..."

"Hmm?" I look up at her.

"Earlier you said that you must have shrunk. What exactly did you mean by that?"

"Well... how do I explain this... uhh, before I ended up here, I was a young adult. 23 years old, to be exact."

Starlight's eyes widened and her irises shrunk to pinpricks. "Really? You're an adult?"

"It's true. Remember the clothes I had on me when you took care of me? Even Rarity pointed it out. They were way too big for... who I am now."

"Oh." Starlight said dumbfounded, "Well, I guess I believe you. May I ask what you were doing before you came to Equestria?"

Now that was a question I can answer. Thankfully, I didn't get amnesia or a concussion from that fall.

"Well, after I got home from my job, I went out on one of my nightly strolls for some fresh air and solitude. I found a lone bench in a pretty quiet area. I sat on it for a little while, staring at the moon."

Starlight remembered how she and her friends did the same thing 2 nights ago. Could he have perhaps seen...

"Hold on," Starlight interrupted, "Did something strange happen while you were staring at the moon?"

I cocked an eyebrow. "Uhh, yeah, actually. The moon started to twinkle very brightly. In the span of a minute, it twinkled so much that it was like looking into the sun. It sure was weird. Wait, how did you know?"

Starlight suddenly avoids eye contact with me and puts a hoof to her forehead, near the base of her horn. "Oh, sweet Celestia."

"What's wrong?" I asked worriedly.

Still averting her eyes from me, she spoke. "Well... the night you arrived, the exact same thing was happening to our moon. But right after the twinkling died down, you suddenly came flying from the direction of the moon to this castle."

I didn't know what to think. Both our moons were twinkling at the exact same time and somehow I ended up here. Was the moon temporarily a portal to another world that sucked me into it? That's just... improbable. How could this happen? Why did this happen? Why me?

I suddenly heard hoofsteps outside the room. The sound was getting louder as it came closer. The doors opened, revealing Twilight. She was levitating a plate with a sandwich on it and a glass of water.

"I'm back! I brought you something to snack on. Sorry, for taking so long. You must be starv... ing." Twilight said as she briefly felt the sense of awkwardness in the room.

Starlight and I both turned to face Twilight, showing her our expressions of dread.

"Are you two alright? You look like you just saw a ghost." Twilight asked.

"No, Twilight. I'm not." I answered.

Sensing my distraught, Starlight tries to soothe me by gently stroking my cheek. I welcomed the soft caress of her hoof.

"Twilight," Starlight said, turning to her mentor, "We need to talk."

"Oh, umm... okay. Just let me give this food to... him." She came forward and put the food on the bedside table.

"Sweetie, Twilight and I need to discuss something in private. We'll just be on the other side of the door. You just eat the food Twilight prepared for you and wait until I come back. Can you do that?" Starlight said, retracting her hoof from my cheek. I was fine with it since it was all I needed to calm my nerves.

Instantly, I grabbed onto her foreleg before she could walk away. "You promise you'll come back?" I replied.

Starlight saw the look of desperation in my eyes. She could tell that I didn't want her to leave me all alone. But I could put up with it for a little while. I just wanted Starlight's word.

Starlight smiled and leaned forward before wrapping her hooves around me once again. I don't know why, but her hugs always make me feel safe and happy. All the more reason for my desire for her presence.

"I promise," she said softly.

We broke our tender embrace. I waved her goodbye as she exited the room with Twilight. After they closed the door behind them, I sat up straight and grabbed the plate with the sandwich. I was about to take a bite until I considered what ponies actually eat. I open the sandwich to have a look at the contents; lettuce, tomatoes, and... hay?

Okay, there were 2 things wrong with this picture; 1.) Tomatoes are supposed to be poisonous to equines. And 2.) Humans can't digest hay.

Not wanting to disrespect Twilight's hospitality, I pulled a piece of hay out of the sandwich and observed it. It doesn't look like any hay I've ever seen. It looks less... organic. In fact, it looks like it's been deep-fried. I took a small bite out of it.

"Hmm..." I mumbled as I slowly chewed it. "It almost tastes like fries. Not bad."

It was surprisingly tasty and easy to chew. After swallowing, I began to eat the whole sandwich. Not wanting to get hiccups, I took my time.





Meanwhile, just outside of my room...

"So that's how he ended up here." Starlight said to Twilight.

"But how could this happen!?" Twilight exclaimed. "The moon's shine was just supposed to be a magical cosmetic illusion! Not a portal to another world!

"Maybe Luna didn't know this would happen. Maybe it was just an accident."

"She's a Princess! She doesn't just make mistakes! Especially when it comes to her power over the moon!"

"Everypony makes mistakes, Twilight! Even the princesses! That includes Luna, Celestia, even you!"

"But... but..." Twilight was beginning to hyperventilate. When it comes to the princesses, every topic was stress-worthy for her.

Starlight's horn glowed and conjured a brown paper bag and levitated it towards the panicking Alicorn. "Twilight, breathe into this bag and calm down!"

Twilight took the bag with her magic and rapidly panted into it. After a moment of releasing her stress, she slowly came to her senses again.

She let out a relieving sigh. "So now what do we do?" She asked.

Starlight turned to look at the door to my room and back at her mentor. "I say we make him feel at home."

"What? But what about the princesses? They need to know about this."

"Why?"

"Because they... uhh... Th-they... I don't know."

"Exactly. They don't need to know about our little human guest. Besides, if Princess Luna found out that she was theoretically responsible for taking a child away from his home, I don't think she could live with the guilt. It'll just make things more complicated. Besides, he's already made his decision on what he wants to do."

Twilight pondered for a moment about what her student was saying. She smiled. "I agree. The princesses don't need to know about him. At least not yet. If they found out now, they would probably try to send him back to where he came from. But if he wants to choose his fate, who are we to stop him?"

"Right." Starlight nodded "Anyway, I should probably check on him. He must be feeling lonely."

"Oh, sure thing. I'll leave you two alone, then. I'm heading to bed. Goodnight, Starlight."

"Goodnight, Twilight."

As Twilight made off in the direction of her bedroom, Starlight knocked on the door before slowly opening it, hoping not to startle the child.

As she poked her head in she saw me drinking the entire glass of water, that Twilight brought me, in one go. Starlight smiled and fully opened the door. I heard the door creak as I was finished emptying my glass. I set out a refreshing sigh as I put the glass back on the nightstand, on top of the empty plate. I saw Starlight making her way towards me.

"I'm back. How do you feel?" She asked.

"I feel much better, thanks. Feels like a lifetime ago since I had something to eat." I replied. "So what did you and Twilight talk about?"

"Oh, nothing you need to concern yourself with."

"Oh. I see." I lowered my head in disappointment.

Starlight noticed my abrupt distress. Maybe I'm being too sensitive.

"But if you really want to know, I'll tell you in the morning. Is that okay with you?"

I raised my head and faced her. "Okay. I'll wait." I said, a little cheerful.

"Good to see you're so patient. Then again, you are an adult. Mentally, not physically." She said, letting out a cute giggle.

I let out a giggle of my own, a little cuter than I intended. It must be my premature vocabulary.

"Yeah, I suppose you're right."

After the laughter died down, Starlight asked me another question.

"Speaking of physical, how old do you think you are now?

I never really thought of that. When I first regained consciousness here, I felt like the world got bigger around me, plus I lost quite a bit of weight. I look down the hole for the head of my new pajamas that Rarity made for me. There was no hair on my chest. My abdomen looks as flat as my chest (So I did lose weight. Take that, diet!). I put a hand through the bottom of the shirt to feel my skin. It was as smooth as the day I was born. Not to embarrass myself in front of Starlight, I decided to not look down my pants for any signs of adulthood. So to conclude...

"I'd say I'm 8 years old."

"8, huh? Looks like you'll have to go back to school, then."

"School!? But I already..."  I blurted before something came to mind. Starting school again at an early grade level will be a walk in the park for me. But I doubt I'll make friends with foals who would probably just judge me and treat me like a monster. There are always a few kids at school who act like they own the damn place.

"But nothing, mister." Starlight interrupted. "I know you probably already finished school, but there are a lot of things that you don't know about in Equestria. There are subjects about magic, Cutie Marks, our history, different races of the world..."

"But can't you and Twilight teach me? You both seem very intelligent. Besides, I don't want any other ponies making fun of me for being different."

"You make a valid point, but I still think you need a proper education. I'd love to teach you, but I'm not a qualified teacher. And I don't think Twilight has enough time in her schedule to teach you either. Also, between you and me, Twilight's lessons about anything are more boring than watching paint dry."

I sighed in the defeat of the argument. Once again, I remain at the bottom of the leaderboard. "Alright, Starlight. You win. I'll go back to school."

Seeing my disappointment once again has lured Starlight to try and comfort me. She leans forward and pulls my head towards her soft furry chest. I reacted by wrapping my arms around her neck, snuggling up against her.

"I know you don't like the idea, but maybe if you just give it a chance, you might even grow to enjoy it." She says as she strokes my hair. "And never forget; I will always be there for you when you need me."

That last sentence unexpectedly made my eyes start to water. She really cares about me. I was a lost soul in the shell of my former self, stranded in a world I never imagined could exist. But thanks to this angel of a mare, all of that was turned around, showing me the brighter side of it all. It made me feel so happy, so safe and so... loved.

I started to whimper as tears rolled down my cheeks, staining Starlight's soft fur and making it damp. I began to shiver as my mind felt like a grenade of emotions.

It wasn't long before Starlight noticed my little tantrum. "Oh, gosh, are you alright? Are you hurt?" She says as she breaks our embrace and places her hooves on my cheek and shoulder. Her compassion was so strong, that it could kill a person. Sobbing, I look up at her.

"S-starl-light?"

"Yes? Tell me what's wrong."

"C-can I... s-sleep with y-you... tonight?"

I heard a soft gasp from her as my tears kept flowing. She almost looks sad to see me in such a state. But her frown was slowly replaced with a soft smile. She brings her face forward and kisses me on the forehead.

"Of course, you can, sweetie. But how about I sleep here with you instead? My room is too far for you to walk in your condition."

With tears and mucus still pouring out of my face, I give her a giddy smile.

"But first..." She said as her horn glows and the bedside drawer opens and a box of tissues floats out of it. Starlight yanks one out of the box and brushes away my tears with it. She throws the damp tissue in the nearby bin before pulling out another one. This one, she brings it to my snotty nose. "Blow."

Doing as she says, I blew my nose hard enough to get most of the snot out, but not too hard that I made a huge hole through the thin sheet.

Starlight quickly discards the tissue to the waste bin and puts the tissue box back in its drawer. She then hops onto the bed and steps over me. I scoot over to make room for her. Thankfully there's enough room on this bed for the both of us. Starlight gets under the sheets and places her forearm over me, pulling me in close to her.

"Comfortable?" She asks.

I closed my eyes as her embrace made me so relaxed. I could fall asleep in mere moments. "Yeah." She responds with another kiss on my forehead.

"Hey, Starlight?" I whispered.

"Hmm?"

"I've thought of a new name for myself."

"Really? What is it?" she asks, excited.

"...I'll tell you in the morning..." Before she could ogle me to tell her straight away, she heard me fall asleep.

Giggling softly, she too closes her eyes. "I guess I deserve that."
> 3 — A New Name
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was drifting.

Drifting into a black void.

Everything around me was pure darkness.

The only sound I could make out was a heartbeat in the direction I was drifting.

I don't know what awaited me, but something tells me that the heartbeat was my destination. But is that where I really want to go?

I lived my whole life wanting to make my own decisions. Some of them are worth following, and some of them I heavily regret. That was nobody's fault but my own.

Even now, I start to wonder if my somewhat carelessness, in some people's opinion, is why I now find myself surrounded by the loneliness and darkness that is this void.

I took a moment to look around. Is this what my life led to? Is this my punishment for not realizing my full potential? For not finding the ambition to fulfill my... destiny?

I shook those thoughts of doubt away and followed the heartbeat. Anyone with common sense would realize that this is the only path available. As I move closer, the heartbeat gets louder and a wisp of light starts to form in my path.

I reached out to touch it as it got closer and louder every second.

Finally, I grabbed the small wisp of light. It suddenly shines as bright as the sun as it blinded me. The heartbeat continues its soothing symphony.





I gasped as I was startled out of my sleep by the blinding light. I opened my eyes widely, surprisingly they didn't feel so sensitive after I was aware that I was dreaming.

But what stayed the same was the sound of that heartbeat.

I look around to see nothing but pink fur less than an inch in front of my face. I look up to see Starlight Glimmer, sleeping like a puppy. She still had her forearm laying across my body.

I smiled as I now realized that the heartbeat was coming from Starlight's chest. I wonder how I was also able to hear it in my dream? Oh, well. Who cares?

Not wanting to wake her up, I slowly slide out of her grasp. I throw my legs over the side of the bed as I carefully try to stand back up. With little trouble, I stood up stretching my arms to wake up my tired muscles and bones. I hope the sound of popping bones as I stretch doesn't become a bother to any of the ponies here.

Unsure of what time I went to sleep, or when I woke up, I walked over to a window and looked out at the sky. As well as what a portion of this new world looked like.

I look up. It was still nighttime. I can't see the moon. It must be on the other side of this castle. I look down. There was a town or a village of sorts. There were dirt roads and buildings that look far more primitive than the ones back on Earth. They all looked like typical cottages. The roofs were all covered with straw (or hay) and they had timber frames with distinct thatched roofs and overhanging upper floors.

Not exactly what I'm used to, but when it comes to not having hands, I guess there are limits to what ponies can accomplish at carpentering. I'm sure I'll get used to it in no time. I was actually born in a cottage.

Taking the sights several minutes later, I hear a slight moan coming from the bed. I turn to see Starlight shifting in her sleep. I smile at her, thinking about everything she's done for me in my short time here.

She was the first pony out of her group of friends who comforted me when I was feeling sad and alone. She makes me feel like an arrow that found its target. She acted like a guardian angel, with me under her protection.

I was a lost soul when I ended up here, without a home or a goal in life (not that I ever had one)—not caring how or why I got here because nobody can tell me what my future holds. Only I can make that decision. That is why I have decided to go by the new name...


Zero Fate.


After remembering all the names of Starlight's friends, I realized that their names sounded more like a combination of nouns, verbs, and adjectives. They weren't like human names at all. So I figured that going with a name like 'Zero Fate' should make me fit in more. I think 'Zero' for short is a viable nickname too.

I can't wait to see Starlight's reaction when I tell her my new name. But unfortunately, there's nothing else to do but wait.

I've had more than enough sleep, so I wasn't going to go back to sleep for at least another day. Wanting to find something else to do, I scaled the room for anything of interest.

On the opposite wall from the bed was a bookshelf, stocked with... well, books. I limped over to it and tilted my head, trying to read some of the titles on the spines of the books.

Daring Do and the Marked Thief of Marapore.

This first book's title piqued my interest in a split second already. I always was a bit of a novel fanatic. I pulled it out and saw the cover. It showed a Pegasus mare wearing an explorer's hat and vest standing on a rock over a pit of lava in a volcanic environment. There was also a line-up of woodland critters on one side of the cover and a villainous-looking pony in a cowl holding a staff on the other side.

Upon closer inspection, this mare looked a lot like Rainbow Dash, but with different colors. Coincidence? Eh, probably.

I like to read and this book seemed interesting, but I don't just jump right into the first book I pick up. I wanted to see what else is on this metaphorical menu.

I pull out another one. The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide. Nope. Sounds pretty boring. And a guidebook doesn't count as a story. The cover looked well-made, though. Next one!

The Star in Yellow. This one looks like it was written by a child with too much time on his/her hands... er, hooves. It just had a big crudely-drawn yellow star in the center with the title written below it like it was the fine print. Who's book is this? Anyway, moving on.

Fifty Shades of Hay. Okay, perhaps I shouldn't read this. I mean, I'm no stranger to erotic literature, but this one had an 'Adults Only' sticker on the corner of the cover. I don't think ponies would take kindly to watching a child read a book for mature audiences.  Back you go!

I've suddenly lost my taste for reading at the moment. I'll find something else to do. After putting back all the books and placing them back into their rightful places, I made my way to a desk with a few rolled-up scrolls that were tied with ribbons and an inkwell with a quill sticking out of it. I wonder how ponies write? Do they just get a Unicorn to do it or do they use a special kind of pen that they can attach to their hooves? Maybe I'll find that out when I'm enrolled in school... again?

I also see a short stack of parchments next to the inkwell. That's when an idea came to me. Not only was I a bit of a bookworm, but I was also confident in my artistic skills. I wanted to show Starlight how much I appreciate her comfort, so I hop onto the chair and pull out a parchment, and took the quill. I let the excess ink drip back into the inkwell before bringing it to the parchment. I then got to work.





It's a good thing that night in Equestria wasn't as dark as Earth's night, otherwise, this would've taken me much longer. It's almost like the moon is full every night or something.

After an hour of careful positioning and stroking of my quill, I've successfully drawn the mark on Starlight's flank.

I still don't know what those marks are or what they mean, but I get the feeling that they are most important to whoever they are imprinted on.

Oops, almost forgot to sign it.

I wasn't sure how I was going to show Starlight my drawing, but for now, I left it on the desk so the ink can dry. I was starting to get bored again until I noticed a sudden increase in brightness in the room. I looked out the window and saw the sun rising over the horizon at a speed that was a hundred times faster than the ascension of Earth's sun. How is that possible!? Was something actually controlling the sun's positioning? I was so taken back by this that I lost balance and tripped over. I landed with a thud.

"Owww..." That hurt more than I was expecting.

"Huh?"

I briefly heard Starlight as she started to wake up. Either from the sound of my tumble or the sun's rays, I can't say for sure.

"S-starlight?"

"Little guy? Wait, where are you?"

"I'm..." I struggle to continue my sentence as I hiss in pain, "I'm on the floor."

Starlight looked down and gasped in shock. "Oh, no! Are you alright? Did you fall out of bed?"

"Not exactly. Can you help me up, please?"

Starlight complied and lifted my whole body with her magic. She levitated me up and gently landed me back on the bed, lying right next to her.

Starlight quickly examined me for signs of any new bruises. "Are you hurt?", She asked worriedly.

I shook my head, "No, I'll be alright. I didn't actually fall out of bed. I tripped over."

"Tripped over?" Starlight asked, raising an eyebrow, "You mean you were walking around? You remember what Fluttershy told you, right? You have to stay off your legs for just a couple more days. I know you probably don't like laying in bed all day, but it's for your own good."

"I know, but..." I said, feeling guilty for acting so careless, "I just wanted to make something nice for you, that's all." I start to feel a tear building up in my eye.

"You... made something for me? What was it?" She said, starting to feel bad for scolding me.

I pointed to the desk where the drawing was still sitting. "On the desk."

She turned to where I was pointing and saw an unfamiliar parchment with something drawn on it. She hopped off the bed and made her way toward it.

This isn't how I had planned to show her, but I suppose it'll have to do. I didn't want to lie to her about how I fell.

When Starlight finally got close enough to the table, she let out a gasp and moved a hoof to her muzzle. I was sure that she liked what she saw.

After a few seconds of waiting for a reaction, she turned to face me. She was smiling and had a tear rolling down her cheek.

"This... this is so sweet of you. You drew my Cutie Mark with such grace and detail. I love it so much!" She then trotted towards me and grabbed me in a tight embrace. "Thank you... Zero Fate."

I was a little taken back by how she knew my new name. But then I remembered that I wrote it down in fine print at the corner of the picture as my signature.

So those marks on her flanks are called 'Cutie Marks', huh? Cute name...

"You're welcome... Starlight Glimmer."







After our mutual bonding, Starlight took the drawing and left the room, saying she'll be right back. I assume she went to show Twilight and her assistant, whom I have yet to meet.

I waited patiently in bed, rubbing the slight bruise that I got on my knee when I fell down. The pain went away in no time.

After several minutes of waiting, Starlight returned, holding a picture frame with her magic. "Sorry for the wait." She said, "I just ran to the storage room to find a frame for your drawing."

So that's what she did when she left. I figured she liked my drawing, but not enough that she had to find a frame for it right away. It actually made me quite happy to know that my artistic skills can brighten someone's day like that.

She then took down a different framed picture from the wall. This one was just an equal sign with a negation symbol over it. I wonder what that one's about. She then replaced it with the new framed drawing and threw the old one in the trash bin next to her desk.

"There we go!" She said "Now whenever I'm in my room, I will always have this drawing to remember you by. Not that you would just disappear out of thin air and never come back, right?"

I laughed nervously "Eheheh, yeah."

Wow, talk about foreshadowing.

"Anyway," Starlight said, "would you like me to bring you some breakfast? I can make whatever you like."

How generous of her. "I'd like that, but could you please escort me to the lavatory first? I haven't gone in 2 days." I said as my legs began to fidget, signaling to Starlight that I'm trying to hold it in.

"Oh, of course, Zero. Here, let me help you out of bed." She says as she lifts me up with her magic again. She looked like she was going to sit me on her back and carry me to the little boy's room. But before I could sit on her, I interrupted.

"Uh, Starlight? Would it be alright if I walk there?" I asked. I know I was busting to make a little waterfall, but I still wanted to try getting there myself. I just needed an escort so I wouldn't get lost.

"No can do, kid. You've already put too much strain on your legs. Take another step and you can lay in that bed for an extra day, mister." She says, acting all responsible.

I guess she has a point. She finally puts me on her back and walks out of the room.





After going Number 1 in what their version of a lavatory is, Starlight and I went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. On the way there I got a good look at the other parts of the castle. I'm more surprised how anyone can't get lost in this place. All the interior looks the same as anywhere else and there are no signs telling me which room is which. It's a freakin' maze here.

After a few minutes of wandering through this crystalline fortress, we arrived at the kitchen. It looks decent enough. They got a pantry, a large refrigerator, a couple of stoves, sinks, ovens, and a big prep table in the center. They also had a collection of cooking utensils, pots, and pans hanging from the walls. This is probably the best-looking kitchen anyone with a cooking career could ever want.

As we walked inside, Starlight lifted me once again and sat me down on a stool next to the prep table.

"So, what are you in the mood for today, Zero?" Starlight asks.

On our way here, I didn't even stop to consider what I want for breakfast. I was too distracted by the castle's interior design.

"Umm... pancakes?" I said shyly.

"Great!" She exclaimed "Let's get started, then! Wanna help me make them?"

"Uh, sure. Why not?" I was a little bit hesitant because I wasn't very good at making pancakes. But for Starlight, I'll gladly follow her instructions. "What do you want me to do?"





After what I thought would take all morning, we had finished making pancakes with cream, maple syrup, chocolate sauce, and blueberries. This is probably the most beautiful and attractive breakfast I've ever seen. No one on Earth would put enough effort to make pancakes with this many toppings... or in more than 3 stacks! My stack was a tower of 8 pancakes. I'm not sure if I can eat all this.

I don't know who taught her but Starlight really knew her stuff when it came to cooking. I hope she'll teach me a thing or two when I'm older.

She and I both sat next to each other at this round crystalline table with, what appeared to be, six thrones (seven if you count the little one). I just sat there nervously with my stack on a plate in front of me. As Starlight was eating her own stack, using a fork with her magic, she took notice of my uncomfortable expression.

"Is something wrong, Zero? You haven't even touched your food," she asked.

I don't make eye contact, I just look down at my lap, twiddling my thumbs nervously. "Oh, it's nothing, really. I just... feel a bit guilty for not being of much help in... making such good-looking pancakes."

Starlight was about to take her next bite before she stopped with her mouth wide open. She then thought of a slightly embarrassing idea (for both of them). She may come to either regret it later or cherish the moment to come.

She puts down her fork and uses her magic to grab my own fork. She stabs my pancakes to get a chunk out of one and playfully brings it to my face.

"Say 'Aah'!"

I notice the food floating toward me, causing me to back off in my seat.

"What the heck is she doing?" I thought.

I turn to look at her, showing me a smile that showed nearly all her teeth like she was forcing herself to smile. I can tell she was just treating me like a... oh, I see what she's doing; She's trying to spoil me.

Alright, I'll play along.

I lazily close my eyes as I open my mouth as wide as I can, waiting for my prize. "Aaahhh~!"

The next thing I felt was the unmistakable texture of the heavenly pancakes. Just feeling them on my tongue was enough to judge its scrumptious taste.

I closed my mouth and chewed slowly. "Mmm~." I moaned in bliss as I took in the combined flavors of the pancakes and all their toppings.

"So, what do you think?" Starlight asked.

I re-opened my eyes to look at her as I answered professionally.

"They're delicious! I love them!" I shouted after swallowing my food. If I could have breakfast like this every day, I would be so happy.

"Good to see you in better spirits." She said with a smile, which made me blush. "Now, finish your breakfast and I'll give you the grand tour of Ponyville. Sound good?"

I raised my fork in the air, feeling like a flag-bearer saluting for a Warband. "Yes, ma'am!"

I then proceeded to wolf down my most important meal of the day like a man possessed.
> 4 — Lost and Found
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Carousel Boutique


Equestria's new resident human wasn't the only one having an awkward morning.

Rarity was in the kitchen, prepping ingredients to make breakfast for herself and her little sister. She hummed a pleasant tune while she cracked a few eggs and poured them onto a sizzling frying pan.

As she was cooking, she heard light hoofsteps coming into the kitchen. She turned her head to the source of the hoofsteps and then back to the pan.

"Aah, good morning, Sweetie Belle."

"Morning, Rarity." yawned the Unicorn filly with a light purple and pink mane and white coat. "What's for breakfast?"

"Sunny Side-Up eggs with toast and fried carrots."

"Again?!" The filly shouted as she took her seat at the dining table. "You make eggs for breakfast, like, 5 days a week! Can't you learn how to cook something else besides eggs? What about tofu sausages?"

Rarity scoffed and turned to her picky sister. "Don't be such a picky eater, Sweetie. These eggs were given to me generously by Applejack. She gives me 2 dozen eggs every week. The least we can do is eat them."

Sweetie Belle groaned in annoyance and leaned her head on her hoof. "Fine. But maybe you could turn down her offer next time? I'm sick of eggs."

While Rarity listened to her sister's whining, she was stirring the carrots and flipping the eggs. "If you want to cook something else, be my guest."

Sweetie Belle simply rolled her eyes, waiting for her disappointment of a first meal of the day. As she waited, she noticed something unfamiliar across the table. Sweetie got off her chair and went around to get a closer look. It was a small rectangular-shaped object that looked like it was made of plastic and metal. one side had glass built into it while the rest of it had what seemed to be a blue, protective cover made out of rubber. "Huh?"

Rarity heard her sister's questionable voice and turned to her once again. She saw her sister was about to touch what she left on the table. In a slight panic, Rarity rushed to grab the unfamiliar object before her sister could. It levitated in Rarity's magic and floated behind her.

"Rarity, what are you hiding?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Umm..." Rarity was starting to get nervous. She didn't know what it was either. All she knew was that she found it in the human's oversized clothes when she was using them as a reference. She slowly revealed it to the curious filly.

"To be honest, Sweetie Belle, I have no idea what it is. I found it in some strange clothes that I was examining and found this in one of the pockets. But whatever it is, I think I know who can tell us."

"Who?"






Castle of Friendship


After (surprisingly) finishing my hefty breakfast, Starlight escorted me back to my room. No thanks to my minute body, I struggled to get to the last bite. I don't think I'll need anything else to eat today.

"Why don't you try on the new clothes Rarity made you before we go out?" She said.

I gave her a nod and she stepped out of the room to give me some privacy.

I went over to the nightstand where my new clothes were neatly folded and stacked on. I grabbed the first set from the top of the pile and spread them out to get a full view of it. They looked exactly like my old clothes, but small enough now to fit me. I always owned simple clothes with plain colors and shades. I never wore T-shirts because then I'd stand out too much. And I wasn't a fan of attention.

I slipped out of my PJs and folded them neatly onto the bed. I took a precaution and looked around the room and windows to make sure I wasn't being watched. I'm sure none of these ponies would care to see me in my birthday suit, but I beg to differ. Once I knew the coast was clear, I put on my new shirt and trousers. I was glad to see that Rarity also included new socks, but... She didn't include new shoes to go with them.

Maybe I lost my shoes during my descent and now they're somewhere outside. Or maybe Rarity just didn't know how to make shoes. I wouldn't blame her. After all, who ever heard of homemade shoes? Without new shoes, I left the socks paired and put them on top of my PJs. I wasn't exactly comfortable walking outside on a dirt road with nothing protecting my feet. Maybe next time I see Rarity, I'll ask her if she can make me a new pair of shoes. Even sandals would be more than fine for me.

Usually, before I left my home to go somewhere, I always double-checked my pockets to see that I had my wallet, keys, and phone. Unfortunately, I hadn't realized until now that I don't have either of them. Maybe I lost them too. The keys and wallet probably don't matter anymore, but my phone was something I always wanted to have on me at all times.

Oh, well. Beggars can't be choosers.

After I got myself all dressed, I walked towards the door and opened it to see Starlight waiting patiently.

"Wow, that was fast," she said, surprised.

"I'm not the kind of man who keeps a lady waiting. Plus, I don't have shoes."

Starlight just tilted her head, wondering what I meant when I said 'man'. She did however understand my lack of protection for my feet.

"Oh. Well, perhaps we could stop by Rarity's boutique and ask her to make you a pair. Sound good?"

"I was actually thinking that while I was changing. So, yeah, that sounds like a plan."

"Great!" she beamed with excitement, "Let's go, then!"

She lowered herself to the floor, gesturing to me to ride on her back again. I was a little uncomfortable with riding a pony through a town inhabited by... well, ponies. I expect that they would look at me questionably. After all, I'd stick out like a sore thumb (if that phrase actually exists here).

"Zero?"

I was broken out of my trance by Starlight calling my name. I shook my head to stay focused. "Huh?"

"What are you waiting for? Hop on."

"Uhh, well... I appreciate the offer, Starlight, but I'm a little scared."

"Scared? Of what?"

"Well, scared of the reaction I will get from other ponies."

"Oh, don't worry about that. Once they see that you're with me, I'm sure they'll turn a blind eye. Besides, I'll just carry you until your legs are fully healed and we get you a new pair of shoes, okay?"

She made one point clear. Ponies already have nature's shoes; hooves. But I only had soft skin. And from what I saw through my window last night, the ground wasn't exactly the most pleasant to walk on bare feet. I sigh in the defeat of yet another petty argument. Why am I so mediocre with these sorts of discussions?

"Alright, you win," I said as I took a step over Starlight and lowered myself onto her back.

Once I was in place, she stood up and casually walked down the hall. I could always walk on my own, but my legs were too sore to even jog right now.

"I hope I'm not too heavy for you," I said.

"Not at all." she responded "You're as light as a saddlebag."

I smiled at her compliment.





After 5 whole minutes of walking, we finally made it to the entrance door. This castle must be bigger than I thought. Not even mansions take this long to walk through.

Just as we were about to go through the door, we were stopped by a sudden voice from behind.

"Good morning, you two!"

We both turned around to see Twilight with a... purple lizard creature standing next to her.

"Morning, Twilight. I'm just about to show Ze... our guest around town." She said as she briefly looked at me and gave me a wink. I assume she wanted to let me introduce myself.

"You hesitated, Starlight. Is there something you'd like to share with us?" Twilight asked.

"I don't, but he does. He'd like to tell you his new name." Starlight said before lowering herself to let me stand on my own. I wobbled a little as I struggled to stand up straight. I placed a hand on Starlight's back to keep my balance. She then helped me walk slowly towards Twilight and her companion. When close enough, I introduced myself formally.

"Hello." I said, "My name is Zero Fate. It's very nice to meet you. I never got to thank you properly for helping me."

Twilight smiled with glee. "'Zero Fate', huh? That's a very regal-sounding name." She puts a hoof to her chest. "My name is Twilight Sparkle and this is my assistant, Spike."

Spike gave me a brief wave. "Hiya," he greeted, sounding a little confused.

I wave back at him. "Hey," I said, slightly nervous.

There was suddenly an awkward silence with a pure sense of tension between the four of us. I don't even know what to say. Well, shit...

I was then saved from my incompetence by a knock at the front door. We all turn around to face the source of the noise. The noise was then replaced by a familiar voice.

"Twilight~! I'm coming in~!" said the voice in sing-song.

The door creaked open with magic, revealing the beautiful seamstress; Rarity. Boy, was I happy to see her? She appeared to be wearing a saddlebag strapped to her left side.

Standing next to her was a Unicorn filly who looked almost like her, but with a different mane and tail. Wow, she actually looks pretty cute. But as soon as the little filly and I made eye contact, she froze in her tracks and stared at me in shock. Her eyes became so bright and clear, that I could almost stare into her very soul. A faint, pink hue was starting to develop around her cheeks.

...Was I really having that sort of effect on her?





"Morning, Rarity," Twilight said, unbeknown to my self-loathing. "What are you doing here so early? Not that I'm complaining, heh." She asked nervously.

Rarity waved a hoof between her and her friend. "Oh, don't think about it too much, darling. I'm simply here to deliver a lost item."

I look at her curiously. She opens her saddlebag with her magic and pulls out something that I was all too familiar with. She levitates it towards me. "I found this on the old clothes you let me use and thought it might belong to you, sweetie."

I gasped in surprise before I shouted; "My phone!!" I quickly snatched it out of Rarity's magical grasp and hugged it as if it were my baby. "Thank you, thank you, Rarity! I thought I lost it!" I smiled as I looked back at her. She showed me a smile of her own.

"Aww, you're very welcome... uhh..."

"Zero Fate. My new name is Zero Fate."

She appeared to have the same look Twilight had when I told her; fascination and curiosity. "You're very welcome, Zero Fate. I must say, it is a rather strange device. I've never seen anything like it."

"Yeah, me neither." Starlight said.

"Likewise," Twilight said.

"That's because this..." I said as I presented my phone to them, "...is a prime example of Earth's technology. This device is known as a mobile phone, or 'phone' for short. It has a lot of useful functions that'll blow your mind."

Twilight suddenly moved her face barely inches away from mine. She was staring right into my eyes as I was staring into hers. Due to her impossibly larger eyes, it was like I was staring into her soul.

"Tell me everything!" she shrieked really ominously.

She was obviously one of those insane geniuses who would do anything to get their hooves on advanced technology. But I wasn't going to let her take my baby.

She was gently pushed away by another hoof. Starlight turned to face her psycho friend. "Twilight, give Zero his space. If you really want to know more about his phone, don't do it without his consent. It belongs to him, after all."

I was happy that Starlight was defending me, but I patted her withers, signaling her to stop lashing out at Twilight.

"It's okay, Starlight. I don't mind showing her. But I think I'd rather do it after we had our tour."

Starlight turned her head towards me. "Are you sure? We can always have your tour tomorrow. Besides, Rarity's here so we can ask her that favor."

Oh, right. I forgot we were gonna make a detour to Rarity's today. But it looks like she saved us the trouble. The outside world isn't going anywhere and I'm never going to enjoy life if I'm always in a rush. Once again, I'm on the losing end of the argument. Goddammit, this must be some kind of record.

"You have a point there." I sigh in defeat. "Alright, we'll stay here."

"Yay~!" Twilight yelled while jumping up and down. I guess I can't really blame her. I'd probably be acting like her if I was an arm's length away from something new that I want to explore.

"But first..." I continued as I walked toward Rarity. "Rarity, could I please ask you to put something together for me?"

Rarity kept her earlier smile and responded sweetly, "Why of course, Zero darling. What do you need? An extra set of clothes?"

"Not exactly."

I then slowly bend my still-bandaged legs until I ease myself onto the floor. I sat down with my legs spread out in front of me. It wasn't hurting as much anymore.

"You see these?" I asked, gently rocking my feet to draw her attention. She nodded in response. "When you brought me my new clothes, you also made me a pair of socks to go on my feet, remember."

"Yes?"

"Well, could you please make me a pair of enclosed shoes to go around them too?"

"'Enclosed shoes'? Do you mean like boots? I could do that, but I currently don't have any rubber to craft a pair. And it takes 10 weeks minimum for a shipment to arrive after ordering."

"No, not boots. Something a little more, uh... actually, did you find anything around my feet when I crashed here? Maybe you can use those for reference?"

"I'm sorry, dear, but I'm afraid we didn't find anything of the sort. All you had around your feet were your old socks."

I lowered my head in disappointment. "Oh..."

Rarity gently lifted my chin with her hoof, bringing my eyes to her level. "But don't worry. I can always make you something that matches your preferences. I'll just need to take the measurements of your feet."

That made me smile. I leaned forward and gave her a hug. "Thank you, Rarity."

She hugged me back. "It's no trouble at all, dear." After a few more seconds of a tender moment of bonding, we broke our embrace. "And it's a good thing that I brought my measuring tape with me~." She said, raising her voice pitch. She pulled out a fully rolled-up measuring tape and helped me stand up with her magic.

"Well, that's convenient. How about we go somewhere more comfortable? I don't really like sitting on this cold, hard floor. No offense, Twilight."

"Oh, none taken. When you live in a castle made entirely of crystal, how can it not be cold? We had 6 fireplaces built in a while ago just to make this place more liveable."

Wow. 6 fireplaces? I don't think even mansions have that many.

"Anyway...", Twilight continued, "Let's go to my study. I think you'll find it far more luxurious than the floor."

"Sounds good." I mounted Starlight once again and we began our trek to Twilight's study.

"Excellent!" Rarity exclaimed. She then turned to her little sister. "Sweetie Belle, would you like to... w-what?" ...only to find an empty space. "Sweetie Belle? Where did you go?"

The rest of us stopped and turned around at our friend's concerning tone. Her little sister who was standing next to her just a minute ago was no longer there. How did none of us notice?

In a panic, Rarity rushed through the front entrance doors, hoping to see her sister on the other side. At first, all she saw were the townsfolk of Ponyville going about their morning routine in the distance. Ponies were escorting their foals to school, more were setting up their business stalls while others were consummating at those stalls.

But Sweetie Belle wasn't among them.

Rarity looked around in panic. "SWEETIE BELLE! WHERE ARE YOU?!", she yelled.

Before she decided to look elsewhere, she heard a voice nearby.

"I'm... I'm down here."

Rarity looked to her right over the stair guard and saw her precious sibling sitting on the grass with her head lowered and shivering.

"Oh, Sweetie Belle, there you are. I thought something terrible must've happened to you." Rarity said as she descended the stairs and walked around towards her sister. "Why did you wander off like that? Is something troubling you?"

As she approached, she noticed that Sweetie Belle's shivering was not from the low temperature of the castle, otherwise, she wouldn't still be here. Something else was wrong.

Without an immediate response, Rarity sat in front of her and put a hoof to her sister's cheek. Her cheek was surprisingly warm and flushed.

"Sweetie Belle?"

She finally got a response. But not in the form of words. The little filly raised her head to show her face to her big sister. She was blushing a bright red and her eyes turned to hearts. She looked like a puppy that was begging for attention.

"Sweetie, are you feeling ill?

"Rarity...?"

"Yes?"

The nervous-looking filly bashfully faced away.

"I think... I think I have a crush."
> 5 — An Unexpected Call
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I didn't know exactly what was going through that little filly's head, but when Rarity found her outside the castle, they were having a brief conversation that I couldn't overhear. Without an explanation, Sweetie Belle just left. Rarity tells me that she was going to go play with her friends. Although, Rarity sounded a little hesitant when she said that. I could tell she was hiding something but that's none of my concern.

After Sweetie Belle left, the rest of us made our way to Twilight's study so I could show everyone my phone, and Rarity could take my feets' measurements.

The study was like a personal library. The bookshelves were all built into the walls that scaled from the floor all the way to the ceiling. There was a fireplace with a couple of coaches placed in front of it where we made ourselves comfortable. Twilight, Starlight, and I sat on one of the coaches with me in the middle and the other two sitting on each side of me. Rarity sat on the floor in front of me using her measuring tape to measure my feet. Spike sat on the other couch.

After making myself comfortable, I began to tell the girls everything I can about my phone.

"This brand of phone is called a 'Samsung Galaxy 5'. I've had it for 3 years and it's still in perfect working condition." I said.

"So what exactly is its main purpose?" Starlight asked.

"It's basically a communication device that transmits a signal to another phone around the world. You can talk to anyone on the other side in real-time."

"Anywhere around the world?!" Twilight exclaimed. "Not even telepathy magic can reach that far. Only a few miles at best."

"That's not all it can do. I use it to store music that I like to listen to repeatedly. Here, let me show you." I said as I turned my phone on. Thank goodness it still had battery life. I flick through to find the music app and scroll through my list of music and pressed one that I think the girls would like. I like to think that I have great taste in music.

I pressed Play.

As soon as the song started playing, I looked at the girls and they all had the same look of shock and amazement on their faces. Spike already seemed to enjoy the song since he was shifting his head from side to side in sync with the rhythm.

"This is really impressive, Zero. Your phone is a revelation of technology." Twilight said gleefully. "Oh, I wish I could study it more thoroughly, but I doubt you'd let me."

She wasn't wrong there. This level of technology is probably too advanced for her, judging from what I've seen during my stay here. If I let her tinker with my only phone, I doubt she'd know how to put it back together to its original state if she dismantles it.

"Yeah, sorry, Twilight. This phone is one of a kind here and it's too valuable to be tampered with without any sufficient knowledge of how it works. All I can do is show you. That is all."

She lowered her head, lowering her eyes and ears in disappointment. "I understand," she said sadly.

The song still plays as I decided to rub her back, hoping to comfort her. That's when an idea came to me. It was a long shot, but if it would satisfy one of the ponies who helped me in my time of need, it'll be worth it.

"Unless..." I said, pausing for dramatic effect. Twilight turned to face me curiously. "You wouldn't happen to know any magical spells that can duplicate items, would you?"

Twilight responded with a gasp of excitement, forcing me to retract my hand from her back.

"Zero, you're a genius!" She shouted as she got off the couch. She then takes my phone in her magical grasp, the song still playing. "Umm, do you mind if I take this somewhere where I can concentrate on duplicating it?"

"As long as you don't break it, go wild," I replied reassuringly.

With a huge grin on her face, Twilight trots out of the room with my phone in hand... er, hoof. Whatever. As soon as she was gone, an annoying groan came from the baby dragon.

"Aww, rats. I was really enjoying that song."

"Don't worry, buddy," I said. "If Twilight succeeds in making herself a copy, there'll be plenty of time to show you more of my songs."

Spiked looked at me and smiled. "Thanks, Zero."

"Wait a minute!" Starlight suddenly exclaimed. "You didn't show her how to turn off the music! What if something bad happens while it's still active?!"

"Oh." That's what she's freaking out about? Sure, I agree that it's not wise to leave anything running when you're not using it, but I don't think there's anything to worry about.

"It's fine, Starlight. From what I've seen, Twilight seems like a very intelligent pony. Besides, she saw me play the music, I'm sure she's smart enough to know how to turn it off."

Starlight opened her mouth about to make a retort but said nothing.

"Seriously, I think you worry too much."

"I think Twilight's personality is starting to rub off on her student." Rarity said.

Starlight looked down at Rarity, blushing with embarrassment. "What?! I am not as over-reactive as Twilight!"

Spike laughed at the irony. I joined in on the glee.

"Hate to dip my little fly in your ointment, Starlight, but don't you think you're being hypocritical?" I said, "When I first met you both, I thought you two were sisters. Think about it; You both have similar colors, names, and talents. Anyone who's never met you both would have assumed the same thing."

"Alright, alright! That's enough!" she said in defeat.

Wow, that actually felt good. I never get the chance to make a point to someone or prove them wrong at anything. Wait, did I just win an argument? Boom! I can finally cross that off the bucket list!





After about 10 minutes of waiting around, Rarity had already finished taking my measurements. She decided to head back to her boutique, saying that she should get to work on them now. Before she could leave, I gave her a genuine hug to thank her for her troubles.

Moments after she departed, Twilight came back from her little duplication ritual. Before she could tell me the results, I silently prayed that nothing went wrong. Fortunately, everything went swimmingly. She held in her magic, not one, but two smartphones! She passed the copy to me and I wanted to see if it was working. I pressed the 'On' button on the side and the screen lit up with the same lock screen I remembered. Swiping the screen, it showed me the home screen. All my apps were still there. I went to my music app and played a different song.

*Tap*

Yes! It works like a charm!

I hopped off the couch and moved toward Twilight to hug her. "Thanks, Twilight!"

She hugs me back. "No. Thank you, Zero. It was your idea, after all."

We held our hug for a few moments. We were interrupted by Spike.

"Whoa, this song's even better than the first!"

"What can I say?" I said with a smile. "I like to think I have great taste in music."

"I'll say!"

Spike continued to dance, with minimal movement, to the song. I look to my sides to see what Starlight and Twilight think of it. Starlight didn't seem too enthused with this one, nor did Twilight. Oh, well, I can't expect everyone to like the same music I listen to.

"Well, uhh..." Starlight said. "Oh! Why don't you tell us a little bit about your background, Zero? I'm sure you must have so many interesting things to tell us."

My smile faded.

I didn't really enjoy telling others about my past. Mostly because I didn't want them to feel sorry for me. Sympathy was never a welcome guest in my conscience. Unlike these ponies, my life was never sunshine and rainbows (literally), instead, it was a mixed bag of disappointment, regrets, and failures.

"Umm... well..."

Starlight noticed my hesitation. "Oh, it's okay. You don't have to tell us anything if you don't want to. But I would still like to get to know you better."

"I don't doubt that you're curious about me, but my story isn't exactly as pleasant as you think."

Starlight drooped her ears and sighed. But I didn't want to see her disappointed. I guess telling her what she wants is the least I can do after all she's done for me so far.

"But if telling you means that much to you, then I'll give you what you want."

Her expression suddenly took a 180. "You will?!"

"Sure. But first..." I reached for the phone copy that was just finishing the song that Spike was listening to and scrolled through the list to find a song that would go with story-telling.

"Aww, man, I loved that song," Spike said.

"I'm glad you did, Spike, and I'll show you more later. But right now I'm gonna play something a little more tranquil."

I played the next song before setting it back on the coffee table.

I leaned back on the couch and made myself comfortable.

"Well, where should I start?"

"How about your family?" Twilight asked as she took a seat next to me.

"Alright. Well, my mother was a real gem. I meant figuratively, not literally. She was always there for me and all she wanted for me was to be happy. Sure, sometimes she spoils me, but unlike most kids who take advantage of it, I was actually grateful. I wanted to do so many nice things for her in return. We were inseparable."

"What about your father? Didn't you get along with him?" Starlight asked.

I knew one of them was going to ask me about... him. Frankly, I was prepared to tell them.

With a heavy sigh, I continued. "Yes and no."

"What do you mean?" Spike asked.

"When I was younger, I got along well with him and I wanted to respect him. But when I was 8 years old, he began having affairs."

I heard a gasp from each of them. "You mean... he cheated on your mother?" Twilight asked.

"Bingo. I never found out why he did it, but I had my theories. Shortly after, he and my Mum broke up and I was stuck with my mother. Honestly, I'm glad they broke up. Because after my Dad showed his true colors, I lost all respect for him and realized that the time I spent trying to respect him at all was a huge waste of time. I used to visit him on weekends until he got remarried. But that wasn't the end. He and his new wife relocated to a crummy old town way up north from where I lived. When I was 13, I was sent there to visit him for 3 weeks. I really didn't want to go, but my mother insisted. Even during the first week, he didn't treat me like a son. More like a prisoner."

"That sounds terrible! What kind of father would do that to his own son?!" Starlight exclaimed.

"The kind who doesn't deserve a son, apparently," Twilight answered.

"So what happened afterward?" Spike asked. "You went back to your mother after 3 weeks, right?"

"That was the plan, but..." I said, starting to shiver in anger. "3 weeks turned into 6 months."

"What?!" They all said in unison, shocked.

"I don't know what he was thinking but he obviously didn't care about me. Every night, I went without dinner. I attended the worst school imaginable, his wife was abusive and he wouldn't let me do anything I wanted. Every night, I cried myself to sleep. I wanted to run away. But one day, I finally had the courage to tell him how much I hate him. He responded by beating me."

I hear another gasp from my listeners.

"But he finally realized that there was no point in keeping me around anymore. So he sent me back home to my mother. She found out what happened and knew that she made a huge mistake in sending me to live with my deadbeat father. It’s been 10 years since I saw him, and I hope I never do again but I'm just glad that I was back with someone who truly cared about me."

Before I continued my story, I was suddenly embraced by Starlight who hugged me tightly. "Oh, Zero. I'm so sorry you had to go through all that. You must really miss your mother." She said enviously.

I hugged her back while feeling another hoof on my back. I turned my head around to see it was Twilight rubbing my back.

"Are you sure you don't want to return home? Your mother must be worried sick about you." Twilight asked.

"I've already made up my mind, Twilight. I want to stay here with you guys. I've got nothing worth looking forward to back home anyway. Although, I do wish there was a way to tell her that I'm alright. I know she'll understand."

The song playing on my copied phone ends. I decided to leave it since I do enjoy a bit of silence from time to time. Instead, I enjoy cuddling with Starlight. After a minute of hugging, I was starting to get a little sleepy. I never know that embracing a creature with such a soft coat could be like a bedtime story for little kids. Then again, I am a little kid.

"Don't you worry about a thing, Zero. If there is a way to make contact with your world, I'll find it for you. And if you still decide to stay here, then I respect your wishes." Twilight said.

Starlight and I broke our hug and I turned to look at the Alicorn. "You mean it?" I asked, a little surprised at Twilight's claim.

"Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye," she said while making strange gestures with her forelegs.

"Thanks, Twilight," I said, giving her a smile.

I'm sure the others were still curious about my backstory. I didn't really want to tell them anymore. My thoughts were interrupted when my phone in Twilight's possession started making an alarming sound.

I knew that wasn't my actual alarm tone because that plays a different tune. That was my ringtone. Someone was calling me!

"What the..." Twilight says as she hovers the phone over to me. "Zero, what's it doing?"

I grabbed the phone out of the air before answering her. "Somebody's calling me? But that's impossible!" I declared before looking to the top of the screen. The signal bar was full.

The rest of the screen showed a photo I took of my mother a few years ago. She was smiling for the birdie. I hesitate to answer it. Usually, she calls me to check up on me. Even though I'm an independent adult, she still sees me as her little boy. If I answer the phone, how am I going to explain my situation to her? I don't want to lie to her, but I doubt she's going to believe that I'm in another world, especially since I can still communicate with her on my phone.

"It's my mother," I whispered to myself, nervously.

Starlight leans towards me to get a better look at Mum's picture on the caller ID. "That's your mother? She seems nice. Maybe you should talk to her."

"And tell her what?!" I exclaimed, making Starlight back up away slightly. "That I'm living in a literal fantasy world that I'm not coming home?"

"I'm sure she'll understand if you explain it to her. We'll be right next to you to back up your story too!" Starlight says.

"Yeah! So, go on. Answer it." Spike gestured.

Without a second thought, I swiped the screen to the side to answer her call. Luckily, she didn't hang up before I answered. I then bring the phone up to my left ear. My hands were shaking.

"H-hello?"

"Sweetie, it's Mum!" said the voice on the phone. Yep, it was definitely her.

"Hey, Mum."

"How are you, cheeky-chops?"

Oh, God, she still uses her cute names on me.

"Uhh, I'm okay. I'm fine. How about you?"

"Oh, I'm fine, darling. Just checking up on you, seeing how you're faring along."

"Yeah, thanks."

"I hope you're eating well, not just filling up on noodles and junk."

Dammit, I hate it when she keeps asking about what I eat. I know she's like every mother who wants what's best for her child, but I wish she'd learn to just let me deal with things on my own. But no matter how much she meddles in my life, I still love her to bits.

"Yeah, yeah, don't worry about it."

"Honey, are you sure you're doing alright? You sound a little different."

Oh, crap. I forgot to disguise my premature voice. I clear my throat and lower my speaking tone.

"Um-- *ahem* -- I just had, uh... a bit of a..." I didn't know what to say next. On one hand; I lie to her and hopefully, she'll drop the subject. On the other hand; She sees through my ruse and starts asking impossible questions.

I don't like my options one bit.

I was starting to panic. My hands won't stop shaking as I hold my phone in both of them. If I don't tell her the truth now, it'll be harder to tell her the longer I wait. What am I gonna do?!

"Mum, can I talk to you another time? I need to take care of something. Sorry!"

"Luther? What ar--" Her voice was cut off as I desperately hung up.

I dropped the phone onto my lap and grip the sides of my head

"DAAAAAUUUGH! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME??!!" I shouted, my whole body shaking with worry.

I then suddenly felt Starlight wrap her forelegs around me as she pulled me towards her in a soft cuddle.

"There, there, Zero. It's alright," she whispers softly.

I started feeling like crying again. I let the tears that were starting to build up in my eyes fall down my cheeks and into the soft fur of Starlight's chest.

"I don't know what I'm gonna do, Starlight." I whimper. "She's done so much for me. How am I gonna tell her that she might never see me again?"

"I know how much you must be worried but I promise that we'll find a way to tell her. In the meantime, why don't you get some rest?"

I only woke up about 6 hours ago and everything that's happened today has started to make me sleepy. It must be a side effect of being a kid again. I guess I'll take her advice and take a nap. But I don't want to move from this spot.

"Starlight?" I whisper.

"Yes, Zero?"

"Can I just stay with you like this? It... It really helps."

Starlight smiles and rubs my back.

"You don't even have to ask, Zero. We can stay here as long as you want."
> 6 — The Lucid Dream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm having that dream again.

The one where I'm falling in a black void.

I can still hear the soft symphony of a heartbeat coming from the direction I was drifting towards.

The same light appeared, glowing like a lone candle in a dark attic.

The closer I moved towards the light, the warmer and brighter it got.

I reached out to grab it again, but something prevented me from doing so.

The light glowed even brighter, too bright to stare directly at it. I blocked out the intense brightness with my hand.

The light wisped and hovered above me. It was now like a miniature sun.

My body was feeling even warmer, thanks to the light.

In an instant, the darkness of the void was suddenly lit up in pure, white light. But not too bright to affect my sensitive vision.

After a moment, the brightness slowly faded away, revealing a whole new world. I was in what looked like a completely different realm. I found myself standing on a path that seemed to be made of tiny little balls of light all gathered together. The path seemed to go on endlessly in both directions. I couldn't see anything else to stand on. I was surrounded by an endless expanse of what looked like the cosmos itself. It's like I'm standing at the center of a miniature version of the Milky Way.

The little light that I saw a moment ago flew back down in front of me, it's brightness now at a more comfortable level.

I'm a little taken back by all these sudden turns of events in my dream. I'm pretty sure this is not how dreams are supposed to be. They aren't as lucid or realistic as the one I'm experiencing now. Dreams are basically visions created by memories that you see in your sleep. But none of what I'm seeing right now is familiar to me at all. Except for the light, which I only saw once.

Speaking of which...

The little light wisp in front of me was now flying down the path. It beckoned me to follow it.

As I pursued my ethereal guide, I noticed that every step I took didn't make a single sound. Is that how this place is designed or am I really in space? I guess I'll find answers soon.

I was beginning to keep up with the light. After what felt like a few minutes of running, we both stopped at a door that was blocking the path. The door looked quite fancy, like the front entrance of Twilight's castle. The light hovered above the door handle, gesturing for me to open it. I nodded.

I slowly open the door. On the other side, I found myself on a similar path with more doors on both sides. The one I came through just seemed to be one of many. But where do they all go?

I closed the door behind me after the light followed me through. By now, I could tell this light has a conscience of its own. It guided me here for a reason. It was time I got those answers.

"Where are we?" I asked.

The light didn't reply in any noticeable way. It just floated there.

I was about to ask the same question when...

"WHO DARES TRESPASS INTO MY REALM??!!" said a booming voice from above.

I looked up to see who that voice came from. A figure of a pony was swiftly descending towards me. I jumped out of the way to avoid impact. Luckily, I succeeded.

I now got a good look at the pony. It was a mare. She was taller than any pony I've seen so far. Her coat was dark blue and her slightly lighter mane and tail were wavering in a non-existent wind. They appeared to be sparkling, like space itself was in her hair. She had both wings and a horn, labeling her as a race of pony that I have yet to learn about. She wore a black crown, a plated necklace, and elegant shoes on all four of her hooves. Her Cutie Mark looked like a large, black splotch with a white, crescent moon in the center.

As she towered over me, she gave me a rather intimidating scowl. I was getting scared out of my mind.

"So you're the one who invaded my Dream Realm. Who are you?! What are you?" she exclaimed dominantly.

'Dream Realm'? So I guess I am dreaming. I gulped nervously before answering the scary mare.

"I... I'm sorry, miss. I just followed this light and I... I ended up here. I had no idea I was trespassing. I'm sorry." I said, pathetically.

The mare could sense that I meant no trouble, as she placed a hoof on my head. We mutually gaze into each other's eyes.

"Forgive me, little one. I acted carelessly. I should know better than to think that a child such as yourself could ever cause any trouble in my realm." She says, more calmly.

Somehow, that didn't make me feel any better.

"But please, have no fear. You are simply dreaming and this is the Dream Realm - my realm."

The mare gave me a reassuring smile, extinguishing any other traces of doubt and worry.

She spreads her wings out majestically before answering...

"I am Princess Luna, princess of the night and co-ruler of Equestria." she said with great poise. "And what might your name be, young one?"

I got back up on my feet and brushed off my clothes. I then cleared my throat before answering... "Umm... My name is Zero Fate, miss. I'm a human."

She tilted her head. "A human? I've never heard of your kind. Where do your kind prosper?"

"Actually..." I said, scratching the back of my head, "I don't really come from Equestria -- or anywhere else in the world."

"I don't understand. What are you trying to tell me?" Luna asked.

"I just arrived in this world about 3 days ago. I've been staying with some nice ponies who nursed me back to health after I fell out of the sky."

Luna's eyes widened. "You're from another world?"

I gulped nervously before answering "Mm-hm."

I wasn't expecting her to believe me so I faced away as I braced for her reaction.

"That's... that's..." she paused for a few moments "Wait, y-you said you arrived 3 days ago. W-was it also... at night?"

I jolted from her question and looked at her curiously. She looked so nervous that I saw a bead of sweat run down the side of her head. "Uhh, yeah it was. How did you know?"

She answered with a gasp before slowly backing away from me. She's acting like she committed murder or something.

"No... I... I'm sorry!" She exclaimed before spreading her wings and flying away.

I decided to run after her, hoping to find out what I did to upset her. As I ran, she was just getting further and further away. She was flying much faster than I could run. As she disappeared into the plain of stars, the sound of the familiar heartbeat began to pulse in my ears. The volume rapidly increased. Next thing I knew, I felt the soft fur coat of Starlight on my cheek. My eyes were now wide open and the heartbeat was still there.

I lift my head to look around. I was laying on top of Starlight, who was sleeping on her back on the same coach I fell asleep on. She had both hooves wrapped around my torso.

I wanted to get up and walk around a bit to get my blood pumping. I've been sleeping too much lately. I gently pat Starlight's cheek to wake her up.

"Starlight?... Starlight, wake up." I whispered.

She groaned as she returned from her slumber. She cracks an eye open and looks down to meet my gaze.

"Hi, Starlight."

She stretches her limbs before retorting. I can hear a few of her bones pop. "Good morning, Zero." she moans.

"Actually, I don't think it's morning anymore." I said as I got off her chest. Now standing up, I too made a few stretches of my own.

"Sleep well?" she asked, now laying on her side.

"Mmm, yeah. Well, sort of. I mean, you were so comfortable, I fell asleep in seconds. That never happens to me." I said, still doing my morning workout. "But I had an unusual dream."

"What was it about?"

"First there was this dark void, then a little light appeared in front of me. I followed it and I ended up in this place called the Dream Realm. There, I met this pony princess. I think her name was Luna?"

"Oh, you met Princess Luna? Yeah, she has the power to enter the dreams of others."

I cease my warm-up and turn around to face her. "Really? Isn't that an invasion of privacy, though?"

"Oh, she only enters the dreams of those who are experiencing nightmares. It's one of her duties to repel nightmares so her subjects can have pleasant dreams."

"Oh." I was about to drop the subject when another flaw in my dream came to mind. "But I wasn't having a nightmare when I met her. She found me in this cosmic-like corridor with lots of doors surrounding it. She accused me of trespassing in her realm. I was a little confused. I don't remember much after that until I woke up."

I feel like I might have instilled more worries into Starlight.

"Well, I'm sure this topic can wait another time. What do you say we take that tour now?"

...or not.

"Sure, okay."





We began our tour through the quiet little village of Ponyville, with me riding on Starlight's back. From what I've seen so far, it genuinely looks like a civilized settlement from medieval times. There weren't many tall buildings. The pathways were lacking pavement, there were no street lights and no signs of modern Earth technology. Every house appeared to have gardens of all varieties, big and small, growing around them. Suppose these ponies like their gardening. There didn't seem to be any fences marking the borders of one's property. Many of the buildings seem to be shops, bars, vendors, places of business, and residential homes.

There were also many ponies out and about right now. I noticed that they all seem chipper like nothing could ever ruin their day. I wonder if they're like this every day. If peace was an infection, I think I just stumbled upon Ground Zero. The feeling must be contagious because I can feel myself smiling too. You don't see many people like this back home. Despite all the lack of technology, I think I could stand to live here. Sure, it's not exactly suburbia, but at least it's peaceful.

However, that all shortly changed as soon as I got their attention.

"So, Zero," Starlight said as she continued her tour, "How are you liking Ponyville so far?"

"...The verdict's still out on that." I stated hesitantly.

"Oh? What's wrong?"

"I like what we've seen so far; The scenery, the architecture, the theme... but..."

"But what?"

"It'd be a lot better if everyone would quit staring at me like I'm a parade balloon."

With those words, Starlight looked at her surroundings. Everywhere she took me, all the ponies stopped what they were doing and were rudely giving her passenger uncomfortable stares. Some turned away when they caught Starlight's attention, some were still fixated on me. It's kind of unsettling wandering around like this now that I think about it. Maybe they're more concerned with why I'm riding a pony. Maybe it's considered unusual here.

"Maybe the tour wasn't the best idea. But if you're gonna live here, you're gonna have to make a good impression. Let them all know that you're as friendly and gentle as they are."

With those words of encouragement, I ignored the stares from the townsfolk as I smiled. "You're right."

As a start to my debut as a new citizen of this town, I put on a friendly face and waved at the ponies who saw me walking by. Their awkward stares slowly changed to a more neutral expression. Some even smiled and waved back.

Geez, tough crowd. Can't say I blame them, though. I stick out like a sore thumb.

"Okay, here's our first official stop, Zero." Starlight suddenly speaks up after a long, awkward trot through town. We stopped in front of what is probably the largest building in the whole town. It was a cylinder-shaped building with a cone-shaped roof and a flag on top.

"This is the Town Hall. This is where we'll be getting you your official records and validation as an Equestrian citizen."

Questioning whether going into a potentially busy government building is a good or bad idea, I reluctantly give in to her intentions. I'm still feeling a little uneasy about being seen like a half-naked man in public. When she confirms my defeated argument, she makes her way inside. Surprised to say it isn't as busy as I expected. After considering the situation I'm in, and the fact that Starlight is going out of her way to help me, I've decided to comply with everything that'll come my way in this vastness that is Equestria.
> 7 — New Human In Town
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starlight and I passed through the entrance to the Town Hall, with me still mounting her (not what you're thinking). Once inside, I find myself in a pretty fancy place. The place looks more like an audience hall than an office. There was a red carpet that stretched out from the entrance to the other end of the building. To my left and right were 2 wide wooden desks with a pony behind each of them. There was also a balcony above them that circled the entire room.

Starlight grabs me with her magic and gently places me on a waiting chair next to the entrance.

"You wait right here while I sort out the paperwork, okay?" She said.

I guess all I need to do is be present. I'll just sit here until she needs me for a signature or something. I gave her a nod.

With that, she trots to the left desk. There was a sign in front of it that said 'Ward Office'. I'm not exactly sure what a ward is. It's not a common word where I come from. I'm so glad I'm not in front of that desk right now.





20 minutes have passed since I began the waiting game. Fortunately, I was born with an exceptional trait of patience. She could take a whole hour and I still wouldn't mind the wait. During that time, I passed the time mostly with my arms folded while rocking my legs back and forth. I suddenly realized that I took my phone with me before we left the castle. I fished through my pockets and pulled it out. This one is the original that Twilight used to make a copy. Still can't believe she pulled it off.

I decided to liven up the atmosphere in the room by playing a song at a low enough volume so as not to disturb anyone.

Press 'Play'.

Sure wish I had my headset with me. I wonder what happened to it. I know I had it with me when I went on that night walk a few days ago.

As the song played, I placed the phone back in my pocket. I then slowly began to fall asleep from this peaceful tune. Before sleep took me (once again), I hear hoofsteps approaching me. I jolt my eyes open to see who it was.

Standing near me was an Earth Pony mare. She had a light grey coat, dark grey mane and tail, and purple eyes. She was also wearing a pink bow-tie with a white collar. We share a look of curiosity at each other. Before I could say anything, she spoke up first.

"Hello there. Are you all alone here?" She said in a sophisticated British accent.

I was a little surprised by her first words to me. I was expecting her to immediately question who or what I am. Instead, she respectfully greets me. Maybe I'm underestimating these pony's acceptance of other creatures.

"Uhh, no, ma'am. I'm here with my friend over there." I answer, pointing towards Starlight who was talking with the receptionist.

The mare looks to where I was pointing and perks her head up with glee.

"Ohh! I know her. That's Starlight Glimmer; Princess Twilight's student. What are you doing here with her?"

That question made me return the favor with a look of suspicion and distrust. The mare noticed and tried to rephrase.

"Oh! I'm so sorry, I know it's not my place to stick my nose in your business. I was just curious." She panicked.

"Curious about what?"

"Well... that music. It's coming from that little device, I'm assuming?" She asked, pointing to my phone.

"Oh."

So that's what she was curious about? I was expecting her to ask me about my species.

I pick up the phone and show her what's on the screen. "Yeah, this is a pretty unique item. It's made from advanced technology. It's called a phone. I can use it to communicate with other phones around the world, at least that was its primary use."

She brings her face closer to the screen, admiring the brightness.

"There are many things you can do with this; play music, read, collect information, write down notes, a calendar, an alarm clock, an emergency source of light..."

"I'm amazed by its genius! I haven't seen anything so useful in my life!" she exclaims.

Realizing she has yet to introduce herself, she takes a step back and clears her throat.

"My name is Octavia. Octavia Melody. I'm a musician."

"Nice to meet you, Miss Octavia. I'm Zero Fate. But you can just call me 'Zero'."

She smiled at my attempt at a first impression. I'm not really big on formal greetings.

She moves to a seat next to mine and puts a hoof on it.

"I hope you don't mind?" she asks.

"Not at all." I gestured.

With that, she sets her haunches down on the seat, sitting with the same posture of any other four-legged creature.

"If you don't mind me asking, what exactly are you, Zero?" she asks yet again.

"I thought you'd never ask. I'm a human.", I answered. "You've probably never seen any of my kind before."

She shakes her head in response.

"Well, there's a reason for that; I'm not from this world."

She gasps.

"I guess that would explain a lot. Especially when you have a device so small yet functional. How did you get here?"

"No idea." I shrugged. "All I know is that I fell out of the sky at night. But I'm not really interested in all the details. I've decided to stay here."

The song finally ends and I place the phone back into my pocket.

After a pregnant silence, we both asked in unison...

"You know, you remind me of someone."
"You know, you remind me of somepony."

Jynx!

Our simultaneous question earned us a chuckle throughout the great hall. That also earned us some looks from all around us. Their attention was shortly taken elsewhere.

Once the chuckling died down, we both realized that we basically asked the same question.

"Umm..." I said hesitantly, "Ladies first."

Octavia let out another chuckle before being the first to speak. Her expression when she laughed was so cute that the blood started to rush to my face, making my head feel hotter.

"Alright, but only if you're interested." she said, still wearing that cute expression.

"I'm all ears."

"Well, you remind me of my roommate. She's a complete wiz when it comes to modern music. Even though I live with her and we both practice entirely unresponsive genres of music, we still respect each other's ambitions. She's mostly interested in Dubstep. I prefer Classical."

They have Dubstep here? I wanna meet this chick. She sounds promising.

"What's her name?" I ask.

"Vinyl Scratch. DJ-PON3 is her stage name." she answered.

"How original. I never really took up playing any instruments. My mother made me take up piano lessons once, but that only lasted for about 2 weeks."

"Oh? How come?"

"It was her idea to get me out of the house. But she didn't learn until years later that I required the right motivation to do anything. Otherwise, she's just wasting everyone's time."

She responded by tilting her head in curiosity. "I see..."

"Don't get me wrong, I love her to bits. She's just one of those parents who sees a lot of potential in me."

"You know, you're very smart for somepony so young."

"Believe me, I'm older than I look. Anyway, it's my turn. You remind me of another pony I met here a few days ago. She's a white Unicorn with a beautifully curled purple mane and tail. She actually made these clothes for me after my old ones were ruined. You actually share her posh accent. That's what reminded me of her."

Octavia's ears perked up as if she knew who I was talking about.

"This mare... her name wouldn't happen to be 'Rarity', would it?"

"Yeah, that's it. Do you know her?"

"Not personally, only by reputation. She's the most gifted fashion designer in Ponyville. Everypony goes to her boutique for occasional dresses and suits. I actually didn't realize that she made the clothes that you're wearing until you told me. Most impressive."

So Rarity's famous? I guess I should've known since she's friends with a princess.

"Well, as much as I'd like to continue our conversation, I'm afraid I must attend to some errands. I was actually about to leave until I spotted you." She said as she got down from her seat and slowly trotted towards the exit.

"Oh, no problem. I won't hold you up anymore. It was nice speaking to you, Miss Octavia."

"Likewise, Zero, likewise. But please, just 'Octavia' is fine."

"Okay. I hope to see you again soon." I said, waving to her.

She waves back before finally disappearing out of sight through the doors.

"Hmm..." I whispered "What a nice young lady."

Meeting Octavia has raised my hopes of these ponies. They're a lot nicer than I give them credit for. But that's still not enough to lower my guard around those I'm not familiar with. Even while I'm in this younger body, I look like a charity case filled with innocence to the naked eye. But inside beats the heart of Pandora's Box. Hopefully, nobody here will try to push my buttons as soon as they meet me.

I must've been deeper in thought than I realize because I later see Starlight standing in front of me, barely a meter away.

"I've got all the paperwork we need, kiddo. They just need your official signature. Think you can do that for me?" She said, levitating a few sheets of paper.

"Sure thing."

I got down from my seat and followed her to one of the self-service desks.





After 15 minutes of practicing my new signature, Starlight and I were finally done with the paperwork. She was told by the Ward Office that we have to come by again tomorrow to collect my new ID.

The journey back through town seems to go by faster than when we left the castle because sooner I didn't realize that we're already standing in front of our next destination; the school.

I still hate the idea of going back to school, but as an 8-year-old with the knowledge of a 23-year-old, I'm at least 95% sure that I'm gonna ace every subject. The other 5% being history.

We stood outside the gate that leads to the schoolhouse. I look around to see what I'll be spending a lot of my time around. There was a simple square-shaped sandpit that was held up by planks of wood, a pair of swings, and a monkey cage.

...Not impressed.

However, there were a lot of trees surrounding the playground that provide adequate shade.

The main building seemed to be a red barn, but a little smaller than average. Is there only one classroom in this entire school? How long do the kids here even have to attend school? 'Till they're 14? I realize these are questions that I couldn't possibly answer until I ask from the right source.

"This here is the school where you'll be educated. It's almost recess, so we'll have time to talk to Ms. Cheerilee about getting you enrolled."

'Ms. Cheerilee'? It sounds more like the name of a cheerleader rather than a teacher. I wonder...

I looked towards the windows of the schoolhouse, hoping to see what it's like in there from out here. I can see some other foals there. By my count, I'd say there's about a dozen. I can't see any more clearly than that.

After a moment, the school bell finally sounded, signaling the beginning of recess. I decided to dismount Starlight. I wouldn't want the other kids to think that I'm too weak to walk on my own. Afterward, the front door to the schoolhouse opened, with all the little colts and fillies running outside and headed towards the playground.

"That's our cue." Starlight said "C'mon, let's go meet your new teacher."

I gulped nervously, clinging to Starlight's fur. "Okay."

We walked along the little cobblestone pathway between the schoolhouse and the gate. I could already feel the eyes of some of my soon-to-be classmates, some unpleasant and some just plain rude. I don't need to make eye contact with them to know that.

We stopped at the door frame. Starlight knocked on the door frame to gain the attention of the pony behind the teacher's desk.

The mare standing behind it was an Earth Pony. Her coat was sort of mulberry color with a mane and tail like cotton candy and pig pink. Her Cutie Mark appeared to be three smiling daisies.

"Sorry for interrupting you during recess, Cheerilee, but could I trouble you for a moment?" Starlight said considerately.

"Why, of course, Starlight Glimmer. What can I..." She stopped when she saw me.

She lets out a long gasp. She may as well be inhaling.

"Who, umm... who is this you have with you?" Cheerilee asked.

I see what you're doing there, lady. I know what you're thinking. I've been pondering it all day.

"This is Zero Fate. I would like to enroll him at your school." Starlight introduced me.

"Well... I-I guess we have a vacancy for a... new student." Cheerilee hesitated. "I would first need to interview him before I can enroll him, though. Recess just started, so we have 15 minutes to spare."

Cheerilee reached into one of the drawers of her desk and pulled out a piece of paper and a pencil.

"If you'd like to fill out this form, I can submit it to the School Board of Directors." She said.

"Perfect!" Starlight beamed.

Starlight then levitated 2 of the student's chairs for both of us to sit on and placed them in front of Cheerilee's desk. After taking our seats, we looked over the details of the form. Before getting to the first question, she levitated the pencil over the first dotted line.





After 10 minutes of going through the form, we finally finished filling out all the necessary dotted lines. Cheerilee agreed to take the form to the Board of Directors once school was finished for the day. Before the bell marking the end of recess rang, Starlight and I thanked Cheerilee, or Ms. Cheerilee as I should probably start calling her now, then walked out the front door. We managed to book it before the other kids could notice us. I wanna see the looks on their faces when they see that their new classmate is a completely new species.

I was actually quite surprised by that teacher. As soon as I walked in, I could sense that she was giving off the aura of fear, but she overcame that fear in an instant and agreed to let me enroll at her school. To repeat myself; what a nice young lady. I now feel more at ease to go back to school again.

It won't be like that one time when my deadbeat dad just left me in front of a crappy new school on my first day. Lazy old douche didn't even bother escorting me onto school grounds. What did I expect? All my life, he was never there for me.

But I don't have to worry about that anymore. It's been 10 years since I last saw, or even spoke to, him. I'm gonna live for a change!

Anyway, after our engagement at the schoolhouse, Starlight and I made our way towards our third destination. I asked Starlight where we're going next. She decided to be vague with me and answered...

"We're going to a bakery!"
> 8 — Pinkie Pie Surprise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leaving school grounds was probably the most satisfying time of the day when you're a child. But that was not the case at the moment. Firstly, I was only there for about 15 minutes. Secondly, I'm not heading directly home.

Starlight vaguely told me that we're going to a bakery after I asked her. I assume she wanted to surprise me. Maybe we're going to more than a bakery. I pondered this as we were walking through the streets of Ponyville.

I chose not to ride her this time as I told her that I wanted to get used to walking again on my own. The aching in my legs is finally starting to disappear.

I wasn't sure how far our destination was. The signs and banners that were around town didn't have any text on them at all. Just a bunch of pictures symbolizing what type of business the shops they are attached to are. Are these ponies dyslexic or something? Are they all secretly children who never got around learning how to write?

But I suppose it's not fair to always assume. Then again, I am an excellent judge of character. I usually keep my opinions to myself, though.

I'll give them this, though. They sure know how to be decorative.

Having enough of my sight-seeing, I looked down to the ground as I was walking. In my younger years, staring between my feet and what's in front of me has always been a habit. Probably because I didn't want to step on something hazardous, even if I wore shoes. I guess I can write down 'constantly overcautious' to my list of habits.

Suddenly, I was brought to a halt by Starlight who blocked me with her foreleg.

"We're here." she said, looking slightly up.

Our eyes then mutually found the same target. In front of us is probably the most unlikely building I've ever seen. It was a freakin' gingerbread house!

"This is Sugarcube Corner. Ponyville's top bakery and where Pinkie Pie works." Starlight revealed.

Pinkie Pie? Oh, right. The pony who made fun of my old name. Oh, well. Since I've abandoned that name, I doubt she'll make fun of my new awesome one.

"So I take it that she spends all day making sugary treats?" I asked.

"That's right." Starlight answered. "She makes the best sweets you'll ever have in 10 lifetimes."

"Oh. If that's the only thing she makes, I assume she doesn't eat them by herself in her spare time?"

"Well..." Starlight froze. I feel I might've said something a little taboo. Before I could clarify anything, Starlight spoke, "She's not like any pony you'll ever meet. She tends to get over excited over the smallest things and sometimes doesn't make any sense. As for the sweets she makes, she keeps most of them for herself. I don't think I've ever seen her eat a balanced meal."

"Seriously? How is she still alive?" I forcefully asked.

"Trust me, there is nothing in the universe that can explain Pinkie Pie." Starlight said. "On that note, do you have something against her? I know you didn't like her making fun of your old name, but you're never gonna feel better by holding a grudge."

I folded my arms, lamenting my recent reaction to her.

I suppose I can't blame her. Besides, why would I? That name's history and now I'm moving on. I'll let bygones be bygones.

"Nah, I'm not holding a grudge against her. As long as she doesn't try anything inconsiderate, like throw a pie in my face, we'll have no problem."

"Good to hear! Now let's go inside and I'll buy you a treat."

I follow Starlight through the old Western-style tavern door leading inside the bakery. Once inside, I noticed that the interior was more decorative than the exterior. I gave the red velvet-cake wall next to the biscuit-looking door a few knocks to test what the building was really made of.

*Knock* *Knock*

Knock on... Wood.

Of course it's just wood. If it was actually made out of the type of stuff that it was made to look like, the whole bakery would be structurally unstable. I was almost thinking of biting the door when we left too. Why did they have to make this place look so damn tasty?

During my daydreaming reassurance, Starlight moved to the counter and rang the service bell next to the register. Immediately after, Pinkie Pie popped right out from behind the counter, giving Starlight a bit of a scare.

"Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! What can I get for you today!?" She exclaimed, reminding me of a certain cartoon sponge.

Starlight chuckled nervously before speaking, "Hi, Pinkie. I'll have the usual. Zero Fate, what would you like?"

"His name is 'Zero Fate' now? I like it! So what'll it be?"

"Um... Surprise me?"

Pinkie responded with a toothy smile wide and creepy enough to make even clowns look attractive. This pony scares me. "Coming ri~ght up!"

Pinkie then zipped across the counter and into the next room, which I assume is the kitchen. In the meantime, Starlight and I took a seat at one of the few round tables in the more open area of the bakery. This place was set up more like a café than a bakery.

While waiting, I was impatiently tapping my finger on the table. Usually, I've always been the patient one in my family. But I guess I lost that habit when I became a kid again. I wanted to pass the time by starting a conversation, even though I was never keen on it, even when I was an adult. I'm socially awkward when it comes to talking with others, especially those whose name I don't even remember because the topics I bring up are always out of context or don't make any sense.

"So, Starlight?"

"Hmm?"

"How long have you been living at the castle?"

"Oh. Let's see... about 3 months now. Twilight actually made me her student after she reformed me out of my selfish ambitions. She's been teaching me the Magic of Friendship."

'Magic of Friendship'? It sounds like a gag to me.

"What did you do that required reformation?"

She opened her mouth, about to say something. But nothing was spoken. She groaned sadly, rubbing one of her forearms, translating that it's a sensitive subject that she doesn't want to talk about.

Fortunately, I can take a hint.

"Oh, don't worry about it. You don't have to say anything. I'll hear you out when you're ready to talk, okay? No pressure."

She responded to my consideration with a genuine smile, satisfied with my understanding. I smiled back at her.

Next thing I knew, Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared right in front of us with our orders in a tray that she was balancing on her poofy mane. She lowered her head, letting the tray gracefully slide onto the table.

"Here's your order!" Pinkie exclaimed.

In front of us were some pretty delectable treats. On Starlight's side, she got 6 cupcakes with green frosting and small slices of apple on top of them. "For Starlight, her usual half-dozen Apple Cider cupcakes!"

As for me, I got a large pie as big as my face with pink, fluffy cream covering the whole thing. I couldn't tell what was inside. "And for Zero, my newest creation; The Pinkie Pie Surprise!"

Well, I guess I did say 'Surprise me'. But is this even safe to eat?

"Thanks, Pinkie. How much do I owe you?" Starlight said.

"This one's on the house! For every first-time customer, they get a freebie! And since you're with him, I'll include that deal to you too!"

Well, that's awfully generous of her. Maybe I really did misjudge her. Although, I'm not sure I can finish this whole thing.

"Thank you, Pinkie Pie." I said.

"You're very welcome, cutie pie! Now go on, have a bite, and tell me what you think." She responded, excitedly.

"Okay!"

I can see why she named this pie after herself. The pink frosting looks exactly like her cotton candy mane. It's like she cut off her mane, placed it in a dish, magically turned the hair into cream and regrew her hair again instantly. If, somehow, I found out that that's exactly what Pinkie did, I'm gonna officially label myself as psychic.

I took a fork from the little utensil bin in the center of the table and gently poked the pie with it.

... But now I wish I hadn't.

The moment my fork dug into the cream, I was suddenly splattered in the face by a smaller pie that was hiding in the bigger pie.

Shutting my eyes due to flinching saved me in the nick of time from agonizing pain.

I heard cackling laughter coming from Pinkie after hearing a shocked gasp from Starlight.

Pinkie Pie... she... threw a pie in my face...

I can't believe this. I was willing to let this pink lunatic off the hook earlier, but now she's crossed the line. I opened the door to my circle of friends and she betrayed me!

I feel so embarrassed... so violated... so betrayed.

My body was reacting to the negativity building up inside my stomach. I was shaking like a bobblehead doll in a moving car. I can feel myself weeping through this damn cream on my face.

I... I don't want to be here anymore.

Clenching my teeth tightly, I sobbed.

Pinkie didn't stop laughing at the pain she unknowingly inflicted to my psyche.

"Pinkie Pie!" I heard Starlight yell, "How could you do something so cruel!?"

Pinkie ceased her maniacal laughter after feeling Starlight's raised voice. Her smile disappeared when she saw Starlight's serious expression and my pathetic state. She gasped.

Starlight went around the table and pulled me into a hug to comfort me. She didn't care that my cake-ridden face was getting her fur dirty.

"Look what you've done!" Starlight exclaimed to the pink pony, "You just made Zero cry!"

"But..." Pinkie said quietly, her voice starting to break from the guilt, "He said he wanted me to surprise him."

"Yes, he wanted you to surprise him, not assault with a pie!"

"I'm sorry! I didn't think he'd take it so badly."

Just hearing Pinkie's inconsideration made me finalize my opinion of her. There's no way I want to be friends with someone who attacks children with pies and doesn't consider how they might feel about it. My sobbing turns into outright crying and I grip onto Starlight's coat. She responds by resting her chin on top of my head and rubs my back.

"Ssshhh, it's okay. I'm here, sweetie."

Hearing Starlight comfort me once again has opened me up to speak. "I... *sniff* wanna go... *hic* h-home." I whimpered in sorrow.

Starlight then breaks our embrace and levitates me on her back. I wrap my arms around her, hugging her neck. She makes her way towards the exit but stops to say something to Pinkie.

"Pinkie... I don't want to see you until you clean up your act. Zero's just a child, not an adult. He has more sensitive feelings. Think about what you've done." Starlight said coldly before finally exiting the building.

Neither of us bother to even look at the pony who made me cry. All Starlight could do was give her a warning. As I continued to keep my grip on Starlight, we made our way back to the castle.

This is exactly why I can't cope with adults.
> 9 — Why Do Birds Fly?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the last 10 minutes, I've had my eyes shut as I was trying to keep myself from falling off of Starlight's back as she trotted us home.

My mind continues to be plagued with childish malevolence. After that pie attack from that pink weirdo, all I wanted to do was stay away from her as much as possible.

During our return home, I managed to shake most of the cream from the pie off my face. I can still feel some substance in my hair and nose. This stuff was as sticky and thick as shaving cream after you've spread it all over.

I was still crying like a wimpy kid who was just bullied. It makes sense since that's pretty much what happened to me.

As she continued to trot, Starlight briefly turned her head towards me to see my current condition. What she saw was no different than a lost child who she failed to protect. Since the day she met Zero Fate, she told herself that she would look after him. She knew that it was the right thing to do.

Starlight's eyes were beginning to well up with tears of regret. She bit her lower lip, punishing herself for not thinking this all the way through.

She should've known Pinkie Pie would get over-excited about seeing new faces in Ponyville. Sure, she may have held herself back when she and Zero first met, but it was only a matter of time until she cracked out of her shell of good behavior.

I'm a terrible guardian.





Starlight finally made it back to the castle. As she made her way up the steps in front of the entrance, the front doors opened, revealing a familiar pony. Starlight came to a halt in front of her yellow friend.

"Oh, my. Hello, Starlight." said the timid Pegasus.

"Fluttershy? What are you doing here?"

"I came by to check up on Zero Fate's condition on his legs. When I couldn't find either of you, I asked Twilight and Spike where you were. That's how I learned his new name. They told me you were giving him a tour. I was just about to go search for you until now."

"Well, that makes sense. But right now, Zero needs some time to calm down. He just had a really bad experience with Pinkie Pie and he's very upset."

Fluttershy gasped before rushing over to Starlight's side to pour over Zero.

She placed a gentle hoof on his back and asked in a motherly voice, "Zero, sweetie? You OK?"

My face was buried in the soft coat of Starlight's neck. I didn't want to show my ugly, melancholy face to anyone right now. I've already been embarrassed enough.

I responded to Fluttershy by shaking my head.

"What happened? You can tell me. I'm here to listen." Fluttershy said softly.

Hesitantly, I peeked from under the fur and looked at Fluttershy. She gave me a genuine smile that swept my paranoia away like Autumn leaves on a footpath. I slowly lifted my head and sat up straight.

I wiped away the fluids that were leaking from my face before giving Fluttershy a response.

"Pinkie Pie, she... she prepared a special pie for me. But when I was about to eat it, she... she rigged it to splatter me in the face."

Fluttershy gasped intensely.

"It's true, Fluttershy," Starlight said, "She wanted to surprise Zero with it, but she took it too far."

"Oh, you poor baby. You must've been so traumatized." Fluttershy cried, gently stroking my back.

I nodded.

"Don't worry, we'll have a talk with Pinkie later. In the meantime, would you please let me examine your legs' condition?"

I gave her another nod before dismounting Starlight. I then took a seat on one of the steps and let her examine me.



After a thorough examination, Fluttershy gave me the OK to walk around freely at 100%. She also pulled out a washcloth from her saddlebag and wiped my face clean of any excess cream. After she packs up her medical kit into her saddlebag, she invites Starlight and I over to her house for some tea, which actually sounds pretty good right now. I could use some after that traumatic experience. Maybe it'll take my mind off it.

She said she lives on the border of a place called the Everfree Forest, which is just outside Ponyville. Apparently, that forest isn't natural, according to Starlight and Fluttershy. They say that the clouds that hover over it move on their own, wild animals survive on their own and the vegetation doesn't need tending to.

Sounds just like any old forest to me...

Or so I thought if they also didn't mention the supposedly mythical creatures that live in it. Not that I don't believe them, but I'll have to see it to believe it.

After 15 minutes of being escorted through Ponyville and the outer fields, we come to our destination. It was a small hobbit-esque cottage built on top of a small hill. There were multiple bird houses hanging from it and the surrounding trees as well as a small stream that flowed through the property with a little plank bridge to cross over on.

"Welcome to my cottage, Zero Fate." Fluttershy announced.

I was quite amazed at Fluttershy's home. I was never really into country living, but after seeing this, it was making me alter my opinions.

This place just looks so... peaceful. The perfect place to have tea.

As Fluttershy leads us inside her sanctuary, Starlight and I settle down in her living room while she prepares the tea she promised in the next room.

"What sort of tea would you both like?"

"Green Tea, thanks." Starlight said.

"Same here, please." I said.

"Not a problem."

Patiently waiting, I decided to add some music to the tranquil ambiance of birds chirping. I pulled out my phone from my pocket and scrolled through my collection of music. Finally, after deciding on a good choice, I hit 'Play' and set the phone on the coffee table.

As the atmosphere began to cleanse my corrupt mind, I leaned back on the sofa and let out a long relieving exhale. I gently closed my eyes and took in this lovely soul therapy.

"Feeling better yet?" Asked Starlight, who was sitting right next to me.

Keeping my eyes closed, I replied with a smile, "Much better..."

"I'm glad to see you in better spirits, Zero."

"Me too. I've already forgotten that horrible experience earlier."

"Oh, you..."

Starlight follows my example and also veges out on the couch. After a few minutes of pure relaxation, Fluttershy walks back into the living room, balancing a tea set and tray on her head.

She carefully places the tray on the table and passes us our respected cups containing Green Tea. She takes her own cup in her hooves and hovers onto a recliner next to the couch.

"Thanks a lot, Miss Fluttershy. This is exactly what I needed after the day I had." I said.

"Likewise." Starlight added, "After sorting out a bunch of paperwork at Town Hall, getting Zero enrolled in school and that... incident, there's nothing as rewarding for the heart than a good old cup of tea."

"It's nice to see you both in good moods."

We each took a sip from our cups and sighed in relief. Shortly after, Fluttershy spoke up. "So, Zero, what's this unusual device that's playing that music?"

I knew eventually she'd question me about my phone. I'd prefer to explain all about it to all her friends rather than one at a time. After she's been so hospitable to me ever since I first arrived in Equestria, who am I to ignore her curiosity?





After giving a 10-minute explanation about my phone, Fluttershy's curiosity was sated... enough. There were still several things she didn't understand, but she was satisfied with what I've told her so far.

We went back to vegging out on these nice coaches. Shortly after, I began to hear the sound of chirping birds flying by. I turned around and looked out the window behind the coach. I saw a pair of parakeets perched on one of the many birdhouses that were hanging from a nearby tree. They seemed to be mates, judging by the way they nuzzle each other.

I stared at them, thinking about why I was so envious of their species. They've got no jobs to make a living, they're their own boss in life, they don't have to worry about making plans for the future and they go wherever they want.

But most of all, they can fly. I was never interested in becoming a Zoologist, but birds were my exceptional target of interest. Well, ones that can fly anyway.

"Whatcha looking at, Zero?" Starlight asked.

I answered her without looking away from the birds.

"Why do you think that birds fly?"

"Oh. Umm... So they can gather food, I guess? What about you, Fluttershy?"

"Well, birds fly for many reasons; foraging, escaping predators, building their nests..."

The birds then decided to take that moment to fly away out of sight. If I could decide on what I want my spirit animal to be, it'd be a bird.

I turn my attention to Starlight and Fluttershy.

"Umm... Why do you think birds fly, Zero?" Fluttershy asked.

"I think birds fly because they want to. I don't think they even need a reason. They don't fly for anyone's benefit but their own."

The girls seem to be a little shocked at my opinion. But it wasn't just an answer. It was my philosophy.

"Birds fly... because they want to fly?" Starlight thought out loud. "No other reason?"

Fluttershy was the next to speak. "I never thought of it like that. Even in all my years of being an animal caretaker, I never considered why birds do what they do. I always thought it was just natural to them."

"Yeah," Starlight added, "For somepony your age, you sure are full of wisdom."

I chuckled at that remark. "Oh, trust me, you have no idea."

I then suddenly sculled down the rest of my tea and placed the teacup back on the tray.

I let out another sigh of relief. "Thanks again for the tea, Fluttershy. It helped a lot."

Fluttershy, who too finished her tea, responded with a smile. "You're very welcome, Zero Fate. If you ever feel troubled again, please don't hesitate to come to visit me again for some tea."

"Thanks, but maybe next time I'll come over just to see you." I said, giving her a wink.

She and Starlight both giggled at my teasing.

Starlight was the last one of us to finish her tea. After putting her cup down, she got off the coach.

"Well, it's getting pretty late. I think it's about time the two of us went back to the castle. Thanks again for your hospitality, Fluttershy."

"My pleasure. You two have a safe trip home now. And remember; my door is always open if you need me."





It was now past dusk.

Starlight and I were on our way back to the castle. This time I'm not riding her.

It seems Ponyville is a lot more peaceful at night. Pretty much like any other place. This is why I prefer the night over the day.

Right now, we were cutting through the local park. As we passed the nocturnal street lights, I was wondering if they were one of those night light's that's powered during the day or it's just lit up by magic. But I guess those are questions for another time.

Continuing our walk home, I noticed Starlight looking a little mopey. Her expression showed mixed signs of worry and regret. I decided to find out.

"You OK, Starlight?" I asked.

"Oh, uhh, it's nothing. Don't worry about it." She jumped. Clearly, she's hiding something. She's just too much in denial to face them.

"OK, now I know something's wrong. You can tell me, Starlight. Come on, I won't judge you."

She immediately stopped walking and just stood there. I waited for a moment to see how she'll react. Suddenly, without warning, she rushes to me and pulls me into a hug.

I was a little surprised to see her embracing me out of the blue. But since I've pretty much gotten used to it by now, I hugged her back.

"I'm sorry."

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry!"

I don't know why, but after that unknown apology from her, she started crying. She tightened her grip around me.

"Starlight, what are you sorry for?" I asked sympathetically, gently patting her back.

"I'm sorry for messing up our tour! I'm sorry for not doing anything about Pinkie! I'm sorry I ruined your day! I'm sorry I couldn't protect you!"

What!?

"What are you talking about? You didn't do anything wrong! If anything, I'm the one who should be sorry."

Starlight broke our embrace and looked me in the eyes. "Huh?" Her face was filled with sorrow. I can emphasize that.

I raised both my hands and gently placed them on her cheeks. "You went out of your way to help me settle into this new life because you wanted to. You're not the one who should be sorry. I am! You got me official documents, you got me enrolled in school. And when Pinkie Pie pulled that hurtful prank on me, you comforted me and took me away from there. No other living being has ever gone out of their way for me like that before. Not even my own family."

I pulled her into another warm embrace. This time, I started to mutually cry with her. But this time, out of happiness and gratitude.

"You helped me because you wanted to. I know you did. For that, I am so grateful. You didn't do it because someone told you to. Deep down, that proves that you have the wings of a bird."

"...Zero..."

"So thank you, Starlight Glimmer. I love you."

Those last words could no longer hold her back. She embraced me back while crying her heart out.

"You're s-such a sweetheart, Z-Zero Fate. I... *hic* I love you too!"

I was so glad to hear those words coming out of her mouth.

Moments after our emotional connection, Starlight and I eventually broke our embrace and cleaned our faces of the tears and snot. Once we were back on our feet/hooves, Starlight spoke up.

"Let's go home, Zero."

"Yeah."
> 10 — Dinner and a Lecture
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After today's kaleidoscope of emotional encounters, we finally arrived home.

If there's anything I learned in today's tour, it's that not only can you choose your life's path, but you can also choose your friends too. And I think I've made two friends today; Octavia and Fluttershy.

Octavia was an interesting one. She approached me while I was sitting idle, asked me questions, and then grew into a friendly conversation. But I think she was mostly interested in my 'musical device'.

That didn't stop us from mutually taking an interest in one another. She was open enough to give me her name and occupation to a complete stranger, one who wasn't even native to this world. I wasn't sure what to think much at the time because our roles were technically reversed. I was the child, yet I was the one who decided to talk to the complete stranger.

Frankly, I still don't know how friendly most ponies are in general.

Now, Fluttershy, on the other hand... boy, what do you say about Fluttershy? Besides Starlight, she was the kindest pony I've met since coming to Equestria. Her hospitality rivaled my aunt's who offers so much leftover food to anyone who visits her. Like that tea she prepared for us. It was so enjoyable that I didn't realize until later that she added honey. No wonder my young taste buds didn't notice a difference.

Besides my phone and philosophy, we didn't share many mutual interests. But I definitely want to be friends with her. I still have to repay her for mending my legs.

Anyway, I'll conclude the summary of my day here and move on to the present.





Starlight and I finally made it back to the castle. We immediately went to the kitchen to put together something for dinner, when who should we see already cooking, but Twilight and Spike. Spike was wearing a frilly pink apron and standing on a stool to reach the kitchen bench. Twilight was standing next to him, chopping up vegetables together.

Since they were facing away from us, they hadn't noticed our presence yet. I decided to give them amble warning by gently knocking on the frame of the doorway.

They both turned their heads to us. "Oh, Starlight. Zero. You're back! How was your day?", Twilight said, quite happily.

"We'll talk to you about it over dinner, Twilight." Starlight answered. "Speaking of dinner, what's on the menu?"

Spike grabbed a wok from the bench and raised it up before announcing, "It's Stir Friday!"

So... stir fry? On Friday? I'll admit, that's a very clever name.

"Stir fry sounds good. Do you guys want any help?" I asked.

Everyone then turned their attention to me and gave me a look that spoke a thousand words.

"What are you all looking at me like that for, like I can't cook?"

"Oh, we're not judging your cooking skills, sweetie." Twilight said. "We just... don't want to trouble you, that's all."

I let out a disappointed sigh before folding my arms. "Twilight, if there's anything I learned from my mother, it's that it's wise to show gratitude to those who've looked out for you instead of taking advantage of them and ending up as a spoiled brat."

Now they were giving me wobbling lips and looks of... what's the word... 'liquid pride'?

"How can I say 'no' to that?" Twilight said.





After assisting the residents of this fine castle with the cooking, we were now having dinner on the round crystal table in the council room, or as Twilight and the others call it, 'The Map'. Apparently, the table can produce a hologram of all of Equestria. Right now it was turned off so we could eat our dinner.

For dinner, our stir fry consisted of snow peas, broccoli, egg noodles, mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and onions. I decided to whip up some homemade satay sauce for serving. I never have my stir fry without the special sauce. That's probably my inner child talking, though.

I took a seat on one of the large chairs surrounding The Map. This one had 3 pink butterflies engraved into it. I decided to sit here to honor the time I spent with Fluttershy today. Everyone else present sat in their respective seats, except Starlight, who sat in Applejack's seat next to Fluttershy's.

While in the middle of eating, I decided to ask for everyone's opinion on the sauce I prepared.

"So what do you guys think of the sauce?"

"Mmm..." Starlight responded, still chewing her food.

"It's really delicious, Zero." Twilight commented. "And thank you for helping out with the cooking."

"Yeah..." Spike added. "Now I'm glad we let you cook with us."

"No problem, guys. I enjoy a little cooking every now and then. And since I'm gonna be living here, I'd better get used to cooking vegetarian meals."

At that moment, everyone in the room froze in place, like I said something shocking. I assume they didn't realize that humans are omnivores. I might as well pull this out from under the rug.

"I won't lie to you, I do eat meat. But there are some humans who choose to live without it. We only eat meat for the proteins. So if there's a substitute that you can think of, I wouldn't mind eating that."

They all respond with a sigh of relief.

"Oh, I'm glad." Twilight said. "For a minute there, I thought you'd consider eating ponies."

"Never!"

After finally swallowing her food, Starlight giggles. "Hey, how about we change the subject? Oh, I know! Why don't you tell Twilight and Spike about your day, sweetie?"

"Umm... okay."

"Dinner and a story! My favorite!" Spike exclaimed.

"Okay, where to start..." I put my fork down as I began my tale. "Well, after we left the castle this morning, Starlight and I went directly to Town Hall to get my personal documents. While I was in the waiting room, I met this really nice lady. Her name was... Octilia, I think? Octivia?"

"I think you mean 'Octavia'." Twilight corrected.

"That's it, yeah!" I said, snapping my fingers. "Wait, how do you know her?"

"I've heard about her from Rarity. They both met at the Grand Galloping Gala last year."

"What's the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"It's a royal party that's held in Canterlot once a year. Normally, only the social elites and nobles attend the Gala to discuss boring politics and such. But when me and my friends had the authority to liven things up, it became an event worth attending."

Even after hearing all that, I never wanted to go to another party ever again. Not after what happened on my 18th birthday. It was the first time I drank tequila and as soon as I had one single shot, I regurgitate everything I had at the restaurant earlier and I spent the rest of the right groaning and rolling on the floor. Not to mention I was sick to my stomach and nobody even bothered putting me to bed.

Unbelievable, right? One. Single. Tequila shot.

"Wow, sounds like... something." I said unimpressed.

"What, you don't like parties?" Spike asked.

"No, I don't. Come to think of it, I don't like social events in general. I have a slight case of autism."

"Ooh, Pinkie wouldn't like it if she heard you say that." Twilight warned.

Not that pink psycho again. Just hearing someone mention her gives me a bad vibe. Similar to what I feel when I hear someone mention my father.

I folded my arms and looked away.

"I don't care what that weirdo thinks."

Twilight and Spike gasped.

"You shouldn't say such rude things about Pinkie Pie. Sure, she's a bit unusual, but that's no reason to say mean things about her." Twilight said.

"Actually, Twilight..." Starlight retorted. "There is a reason for that. You see, we went to Sugarcube Corner today for a treat. Zero couldn't decide on what he wanted so he asked Pinkie Pie to 'surprise' him. She took it too literally and gave him a pie... to the face. She made him cry, Twilight."

Twilight and Spike gasped.

"That's horrible!" Twilight exclaimed. "It's one thing to play a harmless prank every now and then, but she didn't even consider your feelings."

Starlight and I nodded in agreement.

I then felt the whole table shake; Twilight slammed both hooves on it and walked away from her seat.

"Twilight, where are you going?" Spike asked as he saw her trotting out of the room.

"I'm going to give Pinkie Pie a lecture."

"But you haven't finished your food yet."

"I've lost my appetite!"

After excusing herself, she magically opened the large door and closed it behind her. In her wake, she left behind a room full of silent individuals.

I broke the silents by leaning on the table in disappointment with my hands covering my face.

"Uugh..." I groaned. "Dammit..."

However, there was more that was bothering me. You know those times where you obviously want to be left alone and then someone walks by and asks you what's wrong? Then they assume you looked upset and offer to take care of things for you even though you didn't ask for help but they insist on it anyway? That's pretty much relatable to this situation.

But what bothered me more wasn't what Pinkie Pie did to me today, it was because Twilight insisted on fixing my problem without my consent. I guess I can label that as one of the cons to this youthful body.

"You OK, Zero?" Starlight asked.

I removed my hands from my face and answered her after slamming the table and getting off my seat.

"Not like this..."

I did exactly what the purple princess did and stormed towards the same door with a face full of seriousness. After pushing the doors open, I picked up the pace.

"Twilight, wait for me! I'm coming too!"





Twilight was quite surprised to know that I didn't want her fighting my battles, no matter how trivial they might seem. After telling her that I wasn't keen on the idea of her speaking for me, we agreed to go see Pinkie Pie together.

We were now walking side by side in the now deserted and dusky streets of Ponyville. On our walk, I was taking the time to think about how I want to confront Pinkie. I was a bit nervous since Twilight insisted on getting this over with while we were in the middle of dinner. I felt she was just enforcing the pressure between us. I honestly can't tell which one of us is in over our heads.

"Twilight, I appreciate you going out of your way to talk things out with Pinkie for me, but I really think I should be the one to finish what I started."

Twilight looked at me with a mixed expression of worry and surprise. Mostly the former.

"I'm not a charity case, but that doesn't mean that I don't need help in every problem I have. Usually when something similar to this happens to me, I just try to forget about it and move on."

"I understand where you're coming from, Zero, but you can't just run away from your problems. And besides, Pinkie Pie is my friend, so it already is my business."

I never thought of it like that. Now I feel even worse than before. I concluded that conversation there and kept walking with my hands in my pockets. Every few steps, I kicked any loose pebbles or small stones that littered the dirt road. I fixated my vision between the road and what's in front of me, so not to walk into any stationary objects.

We were only a few minutes away from where Pinkie Pie lives, according to Twilight. I suddenly got the curiosity to ask more about our resident crazy pony.

"Hey, Twilight?"

"Yes? Something wrong?"

"I'm just curious; how did you and Pinkie Pie first meet each other?"

"Ooh, that's quite a long story. We're almost to our destination, so I'll tell you another time. I'll tell you how I met all my friends when the time is right."

"Alright, fine."

I wasn't particularly interested in knowing the origin of all of Twilight's friends. The one story I truly want to hear about is Starlight's.

After another couple of minutes of walking, we arrived at... Sugarcube Corner?

What are we doing back at the scene of the... prank? I thought we were going to Pinkie's house, not the bakery!
> 11 — Choosing Your Friends
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sugarcube Corner


It was closing time at the #1 bakery in Ponyville. Pinkie Pie was stacking the chairs upside-down on the tables while her employers, Cup Cake and Carrot Cake,   covered the display cases with dust covers and swept the floors.

The Cakes were in a casually good mood as they were humming their favorite tunes. They expected their usual chipper employee to join in, only to have their cheerfulness disturbed by a heavy sigh from the pink mare.

Mrs. Cake knew something wasn't right whenever Pinkie Pie doesn't join the humming chorus. She walks over to Pinkie and asks in a nanny voice.

"Is something wrong, dear?"

Pinkie replied with another depressing exhale. She stopped what she was doing and turned to Cup Cake, showing her 'taboo' frown. Cup Cake gasped.

"Yes, Mrs. Cake. I did something... terrible today." Pinkie whimpered.

"Oh, no." Mrs. Cake replied, "You didn't eat all the Corn Cakes again, did you?"

"No. I only ate one today and I wrapped the rest up and put them in the pantry. But that's not the problem I'm having."

"Well, why don't you tell us all about it over dinner, Pinkie?" Carrot Cake said, still sweeping.

Pinkie lowered her head, her mane slightly deflating like a balloon.

"Okay, Mr. Cake."

Knock Knock

Their conversation was interrupted by a series of knocking on the now locked front door. Mr. Cake leans his broom against the wall and unlocks the door before peeking through to see who it was.

It was the very Princess of Friendship herself, Twilight Sparkle, accompanied by a smaller, yet unfamiliar, creature that stood on two legs.

"Good evening, Mr. Cake." Twilight greeted the stallion. "I'm sorry for stopping by when you're closing up shop for the day, but I really need to speak with Pinkie Pie. Is she here?"

"Oh, no need to apologize, Princess Twilight. You're welcome to drop by Sugarcube Corner anytime. As for Pinkie, she's right here with us. Would you like to come inside to chat with her?"

Twilight shook her head. "No thank you. Could you just please ask Pinkie to come outside?"

"Oh, hi, Twilight." Pinkie said as she pushed the door wide open from behind Mr. Cake. Clearly, she heard every word.

The moment Twilight saw her pink friend, her expression and personality suddenly became more serious.

"Hello, Pinkie. We need to talk."





After Twilight's untimely request, Pinkie Pie was dragged outside to discuss an understanding between her and myself. She looks just as scared and nervous as I am for being in such an awkward situation after today's prank.

I was quite surprised to discover that Pinkie's workplace doubles as her home. I guess that's a common industry in this village. I wonder if the same is true with Twilight's other friends.

Once we were all outside, Pinkie Pie did her best to avoid eye contact with me. I could tell that she was more upset than I was after that stunt she pulled.

A picture says a thousand words and all of them say 'Guilt'.

Before I could point it out, Twilight spoke up. "Pinkie, do you know why Zero Fate and I came to visit you tonight?"

Pinkie hesitated to respond, even though the answer was obvious. She already looks like she's suffered enough from the guilt. However, I can't be too careful. I've experienced the embarrassment of falling for drama queens who think they can get away with guilt-tripping others for their own benefit.

Guilty or not, I'm not gonna give her the satisfaction she wants.

Before Twilight could repeat her question, I stepped forward and intervened. I cleared my throat.

"Allow me, Twilight." I said to her before turning to Pinkie. "I'll tell you why; we're here to make things crystal clear for you. I may be a child, but I've got the heart and soul of an adult. Despite my childish antics, I have a bad habit of taking things too seriously, especially jokes. But you take them far too literally."

Pinkie barely looked at me as I lectured her. The more I spoke, the more her gaze focused on the ground.

"Zero," Twilight interrupted "we're here to understand you and Pinkie Pie's boundaries. You should really..."

"But this is my problem, Twilight. I told you that earlier."

"I'm not here just to defend you, Zero. I'm here for Pinkie Pie too. I told you, she's my friend."

Loyalty like Twilight's was rare to come by. I understand that she's the 'Princess' of Friendship, if that's even logical, but not everything can be solved with friendship. And that is what led me to accompany Twilight to Sugarcube Corner.

I assume she wanted me to have a civilized conversation with Pinkie Pie and, hopefully, make up and become friends. However, I've decided to let Twilight know exactly how I feel about this little episode.

"I know she's your friend, Twilight, and I don't mind if you defend us unbiased, but she needs to hear what I have to say. Same to you."

Twilight opened her mouth to make a retort, but paused and shut her mouth without uttering a single word.

She then steps aside to give me some space and gestures her hoof towards her pink friend.

"Thank you." I said to Twilight.

Clearing my throat, I took a step towards Pinkie until we were in a less awkward proximity from each other.

"Pinkie Pie," I announced, "I was really upset when you booby-trapped that pie today. It was inconsiderate, immature, selfish and a complete waste of a pie. I hope you realize that laughing at someone's humiliation really isn't funny."

Pinkie Pie nodded slowly while snorting up the transparent mucus that leaked out of her nostrils.

"I... I'm really... r-really sorry, Zero."

In her sorrow, Pinkie released a stream of tears that ran down her cheeks and dripped off her chin.

"I can see that you're taking this even worse than I did, so I've only got 2 more things to say to you tonight."

Pinkie lifted her head to look at me questionably. I reacted by stepping directly in front of her and putting a hand on one of her withers.

"The first thing I want to say is..."

Pinkie flinched, bracing for whatever harsh words she was about to endure.

"...I forgive you."

"H...huh? But... but I..."

"Threw a pie in my face, I know. And it may have made me cry like a typical child, but I knew it was just a prank. Pranks are... not the best way to make others smile, but it's still a way. And from what I've heard from your friends, you're the most optimistic pony in town. I'm not the kind of person to hold a grudge that often but I've decided to let bygones be bygones."

After my forgiveness, Pinkie's smile was slowly returning. But as much as I like a good smile as much as the next guy, I don't think she'll like what I have to say next.

I removed my hand from her wither and walked over to Twilight who was watching from the sideline.

I turn back around to face Pinkie.

"However..." I said, causing Pinkie's ears to perk up, "Even though I forgive you for your arrogance, I do not want to be your friend."

Twilight and Pinkie gasped in shock and Pinkie's smile disappeared.

"But, Zero..." Twilight said, "Didn't you want to make up with Pinkie? Why don't you want to be her..."

"Because friendship is not collateral and I don't just let anyone be my friend. I have to be selective with who I want to spend my time around."

"But if you're always selective then how can you give those you don't choose a chance to be your friend?"

I groaned in annoyance as I facepalmed. I sighed heavily. I always hated getting into arguments. But I know that I'm always powerless to avoid them.

"Twilight, not everyone can be like you and make friends with every pony you meet."

"That's not true. Pinkie Pie is a friend to everypony in..."

"Whatever! It doesn't matter to me!" I yelled, a little louder than intended.

I look back to Pinkie Pie, who was now standing back up, with the same expression on her face as when Twilight and I showed up to talk to her.

"If that's how you really feel, Zero..." Pinkie said quietly, "Then I will respect your decision. I'm sorry that I couldn't be the friend that you wanted. But maybe, in time, that could change?"

I responded with a nod. She gave me a brief smile.

Twilight didn't seem very tolerant of my behavior and attitude tonight. I could tell because she gave me a scowl every time I made eye contact with her. But even the Princess of Friendship can't decide on who should be friends with whom.

"I think I can cope with that." I said to Pinkie Pie. "Anyway, that's all I wanted to say to you tonight. I think Twilight and I had better get back to the castle before dinner gets cold."

Pinkie wipes her face of any tears or mucus that rolled down to her chin.

"Okie-dokie. Goodnight, Zero. Goodnight, Twilight." She said, her mood slightly brightened up as she waved at us.

"Uhh... Goodnight, Pinkie Pie. We'll see you later." Twilight said.

I simply waved at her before turning around and began my return journey to the Castle of Friendship with Twilight on my trail.

As soon as Twilight and I were out of sight of the pink pony, she walked back inside Sugarcube Corner and locked the front door behind her after flipping the sign out front to 'Closed'.






Twilight's POV


Walking home, I was having mixed feelings about how Zero confronted Pinkie Pie about today's incident and how it concluded. When he first arrived after crashing in my castle, he was just a scared and lost soul who needed protection and guidance. Now he was acting more mature and independent in the span of only a couple of days. It's like his personality completely switched from a colt to a stallion on occasion.

I still have a lot to learn from our human guest. Despite being completely alien in Equestria, I'm allowing him to take shelter in my own home and even asked my friends to show him how to live life the pony way. Not everything went as smoothly as I liked, but at least there was some progress. I admit that I can get over-reactive when some of my plans run into flaws and miscalculations.

Walking side-by-side with Zero, I cleared my throat to get his attention, which I received.

"Zero, I gotta say I'm both proud and disappointed in you." I said neutrally.

"Huh? What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, even though I insisted on talking things out with Pinkie Pie on my own, you decided to accompany me because you wanted to sort out your own problems. That, I am proud of."

Zero shrugged his shoulders modestly.

"Well, I felt like you didn't leave me much of a choice. I may look young, but I still have the heart and stomach of an adult. I'm old enough to finish what I started. Besides, I never asked you to talk to Pinkie on my behalf. That was your decision."

He's more mature than I thought.

"I guess I shouldn't have underestimated you, then." I said. "But I'm a little disappointed about how you spoke to her. I know she was wrong to pull that prank, but you could've gone easier on her. Pinkie is driven by parties and treats to make other ponies smile."

"She threw a pie in my face and I don't want to be her friend. I think that makes us even. I decided that I don't want to be her friend because I know that we don't have anything in common. That's how I've always been. I choose my friends carefully, Twilight."

I opened my mouth to speak, but to no avail. I guess it isn't the Princess of Friendship's right to meddle in everyone's friendships.

The walk back home became a little more awkward as I was now getting a little stoic.






Zero Fate's POV


Finally arriving back at the castle, Twilight and I immediately made our way to the throne room where Starlight and Spike were finishing their dinner.

I sat back next to Starlight while Twilight took her seat next to Spike.

As I went back to eating my stir fry, I noticed that it did get a little colder, but still warm enough to enjoy. Twilight thought the same thing.

After a few seconds of continuing our meal, Starlight broke the silence.

"So, uhh... did you and Pinkie work things out?" She said, a little too casual.

"I forgave her for her prank earlier, but I decided to suspend our friendship. Not that we really had one to begin with."

"So that's how it turned out, huh?" Spike asked. "That's a first for her."

"Yeah." I replied. "Sometimes it's not the friends you meet, but the friends you choose."

"How do you feel about all this, Twilight?" Starlight asked.

"Well, I think things could've gone a lot smoother, but I can't force others to be friends. If Zero doesn't want to be Pinkie's friend, then he doesn't have to." Twilight responded.

"Well, how did Pinkie Pie take it?" Spike asked.

"She didn't seem very pleased about my decision, but she accepted it regardless." I answered.

Now that our conversation seemed to conclude, I went back to finishing my dinner, as did the others. Spike and Starlight had just about cleaned their whole plates before neatly setting their eating utensils on them.

As I continued to eat, my attention was drawn to how Starlight and Twilight who were using their magic. Despite all the weird stuff I've seen in Ponyville, I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that magic is real here. It got me wondering... am I able to use it too? Or is it strictly reserved for creatures with horns. If so, that totally rules me out, even if I can get a horn.

A couple of minutes later, my plate was empty and my belly was full. I sighed heavily in relief as I leaned back in my seat. Starlight then took my plate and cutlery with her magic, along with her own, and exited the room. Spike followed her shortly afterward, carrying his share of dishes. Now it was just me and Twilight alone in this big, tranquil room.

Having enough awkward silence for one day, I got off my seat and cleared my throat.

"Umm... thanks a lot for dinner, Twilight."

"Oh, no need to thank me, Zero. I should be thanking you for helping us with the cooking."

"Not at all, princess. I was raised to always show gratitude to those who've provided for me. And you guys have done more for me than I could ever ask."

Twilight smiled and blushed at me using her title so casually and sweet. I guess I should also get used to the fact that I'm a lot cuter at this age. As a bonus, I've got my innocence back!

"Now," Twilight said, getting out of her seat before circling the table towards me, "how would you like to take a bath, mister? You and Starlight have been out all day."

"Well, I do feel a bit sticky. I think a bath sounds great."

Twilight wraps one of her wings around my back and guides me to the bathroom. I'm actually quite surprised that nobody noticed my body odor yet. Usually, I sweat very easily that I need 2-3 showers a day because of how hot-blooded I am. Come to think of it, the last time I bathed was just before I was transported to Equestria. I must reek!

"Hey," Twilight interrupted my thoughts, "maybe you'd like to have Starlight wash your back for you?"

I suddenly lost my balance and fell on the floor, annoyed.

Twilight chuckled before pulling me back on my feet with her magic.

Even after I went out of my way to prove how much of a grownup I can be, I'm still being treated like I don't know any better.

...

Although, bathing with Starlight does sound more pleasant.
> 12 — Story Time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After waking up the next day in my own room (courtesy of Twilight), my mind was beginning to catch up on the events that have happened to me so far these last few days. If someone told me a week ago that I would escape the harsh realities of my world and find myself in a colorful paradise, I would've called them a liar.

Now remembering what the last 3 days have done for me, I'm still having a hard time fitting into pony society, despite all the wonderful guidance that I didn't deserve.

I stretched my tired muscles as I still lay in bed. I let out a moan of relief, knowing that I no longer have to see a chiropractor anymore. Back on Earth, I had to see one at least once a month. My lower back was always in a crooked state due to spending literally all my free time sitting in front of a computer.

I miss my lifeline.

Finally getting out of bed, I did some quick morning exercise to get my blood pumping. Normally, I would just sleep in until I'm fully awake. For the first time since I started my new life in this strange world, I'm actually grateful for being who I currently am, despite everything that I unwillingly abandoned.

My job. My possessions. My family.

It's like I died and got reincarnated, but I still have all my previous life's memories. Maybe that explained my reclaimed youth. I still want answers, but I'm gonna let it go for now.

I then proceed to remove my new pajamas and slip on some of my new awesome casual clothes. After getting myself fully clothed for the day, I begin to make my way to Starlight's room to give her the morning greeting I think she deserves.

However, I was the one who got that greeting.

As I opened the door to my room, I found Starlight directly on the other side, her hoof raised as she was about to knock on my door. Luckily, my door opens inwards so I didn't slam her face right into it.

We both stare at each other presenting expressions of surprise. My expression quickly changed into one filled with glee and excitement. Starlight was the first to speak.

"Good morning, Ze..." I interrupted her as I leaped into her chest and gave her a tight hug. Every time I see her, it fills me with hope and love. Her caring nature and personality were almost all I needed to achieve inner peace. Emphasis on almost.

As I locked my arms around her neck, I shut my eyes tightly as I tightly nuzzled her. She responds with a nuzzle of her own and strokes my back.

I finally spoke up. "Morning, Starlight."

"Well, somepony's in a good mood this morning. Did something happen?" she asked.

We ceased our nuzzling and pulled back, focusing on each other's faces.

"No... I'm just so happy to see you again." I said, still excited.

"It's only been, like, 10 hours, Zero. Besides, I live here too. Did you think I wasn't going to see you again?"

"No, not at all. I just..." I hesitate to continue as I recalled the events that have transpired these last few days. "After everything you've done for me, I can't imagine life here without you. You mean a lot to me, Starlight."

She responds with a proud smile and places a hoof on my shoulder. "That means a lot to me, sweetie."

After enjoying our moment a little longer, we both made our way to the kitchen for breakfast.

On our way, I decided to start a conversation.

"So, what's our schedule today, Starlight?" I asked.

"Well, after breakfast, we have to go back to Town Hall to pick up your new documents, then we pay a visit to the schoolhouse and get an update from Cheerilee about your enrollment, and maybe afterward, we can go shopping."

"Okay..." I hesitated. "By the way, I've been wanting to ask you something for a while now. Can I ask you over breakfast?"

I pleaded, giving Starlight a curious expression.

"Sure, Zero. You can ask me anything."





We soon helped ourselves with what we craved for as today's first meal. I requested something practical and Starlight recommended cereal, which I gladly chose. In the pantry, I saw 2 different brands of cereal boxes, one of them seemed like the sugary kind for kids, the other was a bland, healthy bran type. I decided to go for the bran cereal. I may be a fit kid again, but that's no excuse to neglect my diet.

As for Starlight, she made herself 4 slices of buttered toast and a cup of coffee.

Once we were both set on the table, I decided to get my question out of the way before I forget.

"So..." I began.

"Oh, yeah, what did you want to ask me?" Starlight asked.

"You said you've been Twilight’s student for a few months, right?"

"That's right." Starlight nodded, levitating a piece of buttered toast to her mouth.

"What did you do before that?"

Starlight hesitated, slowly placing the toast back down on its plate.

"It's a long story. A pretty depressing one at that."

"If you're okay with it, I'd like to know more about you as much as I can, Starlight. But I'll leave that choice up to you and respect your decision." I reassured her.

Starlight remained silent and bent down to her plate, placing her piece of toast back in her mouth. After taking a big bite out of it, she levitated it away from her muzzle and looked at me.

"Let's finish breakfast first, sweetie."

I gasped excitedly before scoffing through my cereal like a watermill.





After slurping the last of the milk from my bowl, Starlight levitated our dishes before making her way back into the kitchen to wash them while asking me to go to the library and wait for her there.

I complied without hesitation and gleefully jogged to the library.

After 5 minutes of waiting patiently on one of the library sofas, Starlight entered the room and joined me on the coach.

"Thanks for waiting, Zero." Starlight said in a motherly tone.

"No problem, Starlight. So, is it story time now?" I said, unable to contain my excited curiosity.

Starlight giggled at my remark. "M-hm-hm-hm. Yes, I guess you could call it that, you little rascal. Now, get comfortable and clear those ears."

I jumped on the coach, changing my position to laying on my back with my head on the arm of the sofa. I locked my hands together over my chest and prepared for Starlight's story.

Seeing me now in a more comfortable position, Starlight leaned back on the sofa and took a deep breath.

"Alright, here goes." Starlight began, "When I was just a little filly, about your age, I was living in my hometown of Sire's Hollow. It's just your average, run-of-the-mill town, but it was home. Not as good as Ponyville, though. I wasn't a very popular or social filly. The only friend I ever grew up with was a colt named Sunburst. He and I were always fascinated with books and magic. Every day, we would hang out and learn something new.  I thought it would last forever."

I could tell from Starlight's sudden decrease in vocal tone after she finished that sentence. Clearly, the real story is just beginning.

After heavily exhaling a breath she didn't know she was holding in, she proceeded in her backstory.

"But one day, after Sunburst and I were browsing some books in my house, his Cutie Mark suddenly appeared after he gracefully levitated said books. He ran outside to show everypony his achievement. His parents were so proud of him, they sent him off to a school for gifted Unicorns, leaving me behind. With my only friend gone, I became completely distraught and blamed his Cutie Mark for his departure. Many years later, I dedicated my life to starting a crusade against Cutie Marks. When I was old enough to leave my home, I gathered together a herd of followers to help my cause. We eventually built together a small, remote village in the middle of nowhere as our base. After studying magic for a long time, I discovered a spell to brainwash my followers into thinking they were all equal by removing their Cutie Marks and storing them in a magical vault. Things were..."

"Whoa, whoa, hold on..." I interrupted, "You mean you started a cult? All because your only friend left?"

"Uhh, yeah. I realized a few months ago that my ambitions were wrong after Twilight and Spike truly opened my eyes."

"But a cult? That's going way too far. You must've been really messed up in the head when Sunburst left you behind."

"It wasn't easy for me, you know. How would you react if your best friend suddenly got his Cutie Mark and left to fulfill his destiny?"

"First of all; I don't believe in 'destiny'. Second of all; humans don't get Cutie Marks. Thirdly; Cutie Marks had nothing to do with your crusade. The real culprit was Sunburst!"

Starlight was a little shocked at my comment on her backstory. She felt she still needed more to hear from me.

"What do you mean Sunburst is the real culprit?" she asked.

"What kind of friend would just up and leave to go live somewhere else and completely neglect his only friend? Even if he got his Cutie Mark, that doesn't excuse him for abandoning you. Even though you both separated, didn't you think to write each other letters or something?"

There was a huge pause as I waited for Starlight's response. After seconds of awkward silence, she simply slapped a hoof against her forehead.

"Why didn't I think of that!?"

I was quite surprised that someone with her level of intellect didn't have enough common sense to do something that wasn't so regrettable. I don't know what she must've gone through when she was growing up, but I won't forgive Sunburst for what he did to Starlight.

I leaned closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, hoping to reassure her.

She responded with a smile.

"So... did you ever see Sunburst again?" I asked.

My reassurance seemed to have worked. Starlight pulled me into a hug and allowed me to sit between her hind legs. She begins stroking my hair as she answers my question.

"Yes, I did, actually. It was actually just a few weeks ago."

Did they reunite just recently? Well, that works for me.

"Twilight and her friends were invited to the Crystal Empire in Northern Equestria to meet her new niece. She told me that Sunburst was also living in the Crystal Empire as a wizard and she dragged me along with the rest of her friends. Of course, I was too afraid to even speak to Sunburst, but Twilight’s first friendship lesson for me is making amends with him."

"And did you?"

"At first, it was totally awkward between us. But eventually, we confessed the truth about our mistakes in life and worked together to help save the Crystal Empire from being blanketed in snow."

"If it was up to me, I'd kick that guy in the teeth." I said venomously.

"WHAT!?" Starlight exclaimed, surprised at my indirect threat, "Why would you say that!?"

"No disrespect, Starlight, but why would you forgive him for basically catalyzing your entire mental breakdown, which, might I remind you, motivated you to start a cult to erase the very lifestyle of an entire country? You should hate the guy for what he did!"

Starlight sighed.

"That would've been the easiest way out, but Twilight once told me 'Friendship is worth fighting for'. I was convinced that Sunburst didn't want to be my friend, but Spike assured me that Twilight wants to be my friend, and so does he, so I shouldn't give up on the pony who used to be my one and only friend. Sunburst admitted that he failed as a student at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns before apologizing for losing touch with me for so long and not telling me the truth sooner. I forgave him and we both finally made amends."

I lowered my head, a little disappointed with how the story concluded. I can't imagine going through such a life of despair and forgiving the very cause of it.

After a heavy sigh, I decided to bring this topic to an end. I was no longer in the mood to go over the frustrating details.

"Well, thanks for the story, Starlight. It wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but knowing more about you was satisfying enough for me." I said calmly.

"You're welcome, sweetie. Thanks for listening." she replied.

Finally getting what I wanted to hear from my favorite pony, I leaped off the sofa and raised my arms for a stretch. Sitting in one spot for too long would be a waste for my youth.

"Now that I'm prepared for the day, can we go and get those documents?" I said excitedly.

Starlight smiled and furled her eyebrows as she too got off the sofa.

"Oh, I almost forgot about that. Come on, let's get your new life together."

...Wait, what?
> 13 — A Filly in Sheep's Clothing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

For a child like myself, listening to a story would eventually tire you out until you're fast asleep. But I generally read online stories in bed before I go to sleep in hopes of calming me down. I never realized that, depending on the story, it can actually keep you awake due to curiosity on what it's going to tell you next.

So why was it that Starlight's tale on her backstory made me feel queasy?

I know it can't be from a lack of sleep because I've been sleeping for at least half the time I've been in Equestria.

Was it because the details of her story were so drastic? I know I didn't like the part about her reason for starting a cult was due to her only friend suddenly forgetting about her and moved away. My initial thought after hearing about that was 'Is she for real? Talk about overreacting.'.

I love Starlight, but now that I understand her a lot more, I can clearly see that she still has a few scars that have yet to fade away.

I lament my concern for her as we walked together back to the Town Hall to collect my official documents. We both walked side-by-side at minimum proximity so we don't get separated.

I can feel the hot, blazing stares of other ponies as I walk by them. I keep my eyes focused on the road in front of me as I feared the potentially scared expressions of those ponies.

I always hated attracting malevolent attention while I was minding my own business.

I picked up the pace and my casual walking speed increased to almost being a jog. Starlight noticed and trotted after me until we arrived at our destination.





After the most uncomfortable walk, I've ever experienced, I finally stopped at the front doors leading to Town Hall. I quickly caught my breath from the slight anxiety attack I developed just from being stared at. I feel like I walked in and out of a lingerie shop after buying one of every variety of underwear.

Starlight finally caught up and noticed my sorry state.

"Zero, are you alright? What happened back there?" She asks, trying to comfort me with a back rub.

After a long exhale, I answered her.

"All those stares, Starlight! I feel so alienated! I didn't even look at them, but I can feel their gazes on me. I thought I could handle showing myself in public, but I nearly had a panic attack!"

Starlight's back rub turned into a comforting embrace as she pulls me towards her soft chest.

"There, there, sweetie. It's gonna be alright. I know for certain that everypony will accept you as one of us. Just give it a little time. I mean, if a baby dragon, like Spike, could fit in with pony society, then so can a human child."

Her words were so soothing, I don't know how she does it. I'm pretty sure she doesn't have kids of her own, but she can handle a child's tantrum as if she was 'Mother of the Year'.

I pull back from Starlight's embrace before standing back up straight.

"Thanks, Starlight. You really know what I needed to hear. I'm surprised you're not a mother yet."

Those last words must've been TMI because Starlight looks completely flabbergasted at my comment.

"Uhh... did I say something wrong?" I asked her nervously.

"No, no, no, it's okay." she responded, equally as nervous. "I just never thought of the idea of me being a mother. I've never even been in a romantic relationship before. I'm not sure I could handle the responsibility."

Her nervousness makes her look so innocent, which I found quite cute. I placed a hand on her head to reassure her.

"It's okay, Starlight. I've been single my whole life too."

I pushed the doors open and we both walked inside. Once I come back out, I'll officially be a whole new person.





If it wasn't for the fact that I still had my memories of my post-traumatic experience with my father that justified my social awkwardness, I'd probably be waving to these pony folk left and right as I walk by them without being so nervous. That experience didn't happen until I was a few years older, but even before that, I lost my innocence prematurely.

I've always had my mother to watch over me, and I turned out to be a pretty okay guy. I didn't need the parental influence of a patriarch to tell me how to live my life. In a way, I envied my mother. She raised 4 offspring without settling down with any of her previous life partners all by herself.

She was the most hard-working woman I've ever known. I just wish I could've shown her how much she meant to me.

And that's why I look up to Starlight Glimmer with the respect she so rightfully deserves.

After receiving my documents, we made our way to the schoolhouse where Ms. Cheerilee provided us with my finalized enrollment form. Honestly, I was both excited and afraid to be going back to school. Especially a school so distant from what I've already attended in so many ways.

Luckily, school was out today because it was a Saturday, so we weren't interrupting any of my new teacher's lessons. I already admire her dedication to her job by coming to meet us at the school when it's not even open.

Just before we were about to take our leave, Cheerilee stopped us before showing us a special coupon for new students to purchase school supplies at a huge discount. Starlight happily accepted the coupon and we both thanked her before finally departing. As we walked along the path leading to the road, I turned around into a backward walk while waving to Cheerilee who was watching us leave through one of the windows. She waved back with a big smile.





"Still getting cold hooves, Zero?"

I was slowly walking along the path next to Starlight, who I barely noticed was speaking to me. I shook my head as I snapped out of my trance.

"Huh? Oh, well, not as much as before. I'm actually looking forward to being taught by Ms. Cheerilee. She seems like a nice pony. I wish I had a teacher like her back on Earth."

"Oh? Were all your teachers not as friendly as her?"

"Mmm, no... Although, there was this one teacher who was too friendly."

"What do you mean?"

Weird, I was expecting her to know what I meant. But I don't want the idea of a child giving an adult mature thoughts to go to her head. I'll just drop the subject.

"I don't wanna talk about it." I said coldly.

"Oh. Alright, then." she replied carelessly.

Good. She might not be able to take a hint that much, but at least she knows a boundary when she sees one.

"Anyway, since my first day at school won't be until Monday, can we put the school supplies on hold until tomorrow? No point wasting a whole day on nothing but errands, right?" I asked gleefully.

"Couldn't agree more. Let's go home, Zero."






3rd Person POV


As Starlight and Zero finish their errands of the day, they decide to enjoy the rest of the day at their leisure together. Little did they know, they were being watched by the curious eyes of three fillies.

Not far behind the pair, the three fillies were making themselves discreet behind a bush next to the dirt road. Knowing they have not yet been discovered, they took a break to rest their poor little legs.

"So that kid's the reason you've been acting so weird lately?" One filly, Scootaloo, asked; An orange-coated Pegasus with a purple mane.

"Mm-hm." Sweetie Belle, another one of the fillies and Rarity's little sister said shyly.

"Y'all weren't kiddin' when ya said he ain't a pony." The last filly, Apple Bloom, said in a Southern accent. This one was a yellow-coated Earth Pony with a red mane and a big pink bow tied behind her head.

"I still don't see what's special about him that you had to turn red every time you think of him." Scootaloo stated ignorantly.

"I don't know why either, Scootaloo! But when I saw him at Princess Twilight's castle, he just... triggered something in me that I've never felt before. I convinced myself and Rarity that it was love at first sight." Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

The nervous filly then faced away from her friends and sat on her haunches, still somewhat embarrassed sharing the details of her crush with them.

"And did you hear what Ms. Cheerilee said back there?..." She said, her voice increasing in pitch, "He's going to be in our class!"

"Well, ah'm happy for yah, Sweetie Belle. We both are." Apple Bloom said, getting a nod of agreement from Scootaloo, "And don't y'all worry 'bout a thing. Scootaloo and ah'll be your wing-ponies while y'all both get more... intimate." she teased.

"Thanks, but no thanks, girls." Sweetie Belle retorted.

"What? Why not?" Scootaloo asked, disappointed.

"I'm not sure if you girls realized yet, but we have a pretty bad history with matchmaking. Remember when we tried to hook Ms. Cheerilee up with Big Mac? We had to resort to making a Love Poison and it resulted in uprooting a whole house and doing chores on Sweet Apple Acres. No offense, Apple Bloom."

"None taken. But ah see yer point. We'll just cheer for yah on the sidelines."

"Yeah! Besides, what kind of friends would we be if we did anything to stand in the way of your true love?"

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom both gave Scootaloo a questionable look as if she said something rude.

"Wh-what did I say?"

"Too soon to know that for a fact, Scootaloo." Sweetie Belle replied. "I haven't even said a single word to him yet. But I'll make my debut when I see him at school on Monday."

"That's the spirit, Sweetie Belle!" Apple Bloom said confidently. "Anyhow, ah think we've stalked yer crush long enough today. I gotta get back home for lunch."

"Oh, no problem. I think I'm gonna go back to Rarity's too. What about you, Scootaloo?"

"Actually, my Aunt Holiday wants me to go shopping with her and I promised her that I'd be home soon to meet her."

"Alright, girls. I'll see you both on Monday."

The fillies said their farewells before splitting up from their bushy camouflage, each going in different directions off the path.






Zero Fate's POV


"Ah... Achoo!"

I sneezed roughly before gently rubbing my nose. I wonder what could've caused it. I doubt there are enough dust mites outside in the streets to trigger my allergies.

"You alright, sweetie?" Starlight asked, stopping in her tracks before patting my back for relief.

I gave a big sniffle before letting out a long exhale. Doing that always makes my head spin and I sometimes end up seeing stars around my field of vision. I slap the sides of my head, making me more focused. Once I pulled myself together, I answered Starlight.

"Yeah, I'm alright. I have a severe dust allergy, but I didn't expect to sneeze out here. Maybe I'm getting hay fever."

"Oh. Well, maybe somepony's talking about you behind your back."

"You believe that Urban legend?"

"No, but I expected my liddle-widdle human to~." She mocked, squishing my cheeks together, turning my face into that of a bloated fish.

"Okay, okay, you've had your fun, cut it out." I played along before gently taking her hooves off my face.

We both shared a giggle before resuming our journey through Ponyville.

Seriously though, who's idea was it to decide that people talking behind your back causes you to sneeze out of nowhere? Where's the logic in that?

Putting aside my questioning on superstitions, I began to think of ways that I want to repay Starlight, Twilight, and all their other friends for everything they've done for me. Such an act of kindness deserves to be rewarded. I know I'm not satisfied with just constantly saying 'thank you' on every occasion. I need another way to express my gratitude somehow.

Hmm...

...

...

...I've got it!

"Starlight, do you know if there any way I could make some pocket money?"
> 14 — Starlight's Assistant
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starlight seemed reluctant to answer my sudden question.

I didn't want to ask her the impossible, but my mature habits are starting to kick in. Ever since I arrived in Equestria, it's been one thing after another for me. Beneficially, of course.

Frankly, I'm not one who takes things for granted.

"You mean you want a job?" she asked.

"Well, I imagine that nobody here would hire an 8-year-old alien. I was actually thinking of doing some chores or errands around the castle in exchange for pocket money."

Starlight seemed almost instantly relieved as I lowered the magnitude of my answer. There was even a very small spark in her eyes that gave away the genuine joy she felt at my consideration.

"Well, I'm sure if we spoke to Twilight about it, I'll bet she'd be willing to find a few things to keep you busy."

"Great! Let's ask her when we get home." I said, excited.

Despite my best efforts, I found myself giggling in excitement against my will, sending a genuine smile to Starlight's muzzle.

"You really are an interesting one, Zero." Starlight said, catching me off guard.

My giggling quickly turned into a laugh at Starlight's plight, but I didn't want to embarrass her, no matter how true it may be.

Geez, I wonder why(!)





After finally making it back to the castle, I spared no time at all as I hopped around Starlight like a dog begging for a treat. I don't care if others see me as nothing more than a defenseless urchin, I want to be independent as soon as possible before the guilt of being spoiled sinks in. Bad move on my part, though. My legs were still in a painful state, but I was too excited to worry about the pain.

Either way, once I start discussing things with Twilight, I'll have everything I need.

Starlight still seemed to feel somewhat awkward to my demand. One thing I have noticed in my slim time with her is that this mare is exceptionally easy to read. She seemed to wear every emotion and thought proudly on her face, even if she didn't fully intend to.

"Alright, sweetheart, I'll go and find Twilight and ask her to take some time for you. Why don't you wait in the library and find yourself something to read while you wait?" She suggested.

"I guess I can kill some time with a bit of browsing. Alright, I'll see you there. And no need to rush on my part. You can take your time." I reassured her.

"That's my colt." She said before pulling me close to her and kissing my forehead. After that, she wandered down one of the corridors, in search of her teacher.

I was able to find the library with ease since I've been there once before. Once I was there, it seemed to be unoccupied for the moment.

Despite me being the only one here, the fireplace was freshly lit up and warming the room. I didn't really understand why someone would start a fire when it's not even that cold. It seems like a waste of firewood to me.

My pointless curiosity aside, I began to search for something to read, starting at the nearest shelf. After skimming through a few titles on the spines, it seemed like you couldn't find anything here. Either these books haven't been re-shelved in a long time, or Twilight has a really messed up system. I found a book on birds next to a maternity guide. I mean, what the hell!?

Do these ponies not have Dewey Decimal here? These shelves aren't even labeled! I've seen better organizing in my niece's bedroom. And she's only 3!

Giving up on finding any decent reading material, I retired to the couch by the fireplace, which was still lit up.

I decided to entertain myself with a little browsing on my phone. After pulling it out of my pocket, I turned the screen on. The status bar at the top of the screen showed that the battery was still at 100%, but there is no available phone service.

Well, I guess the Internet is long gone. Farewell, my eternal friend.

I was immediately reminded of the last time Mum called me. That conversation didn't end well. It would've inevitably ended that way whether I gave her an explanation or not. Now that I can no longer speak to her again, I realize just how much I already miss her. And the rest of my family.

I'll bet they're worried sick about me. I wish there was some way to tell them that I'm alright.

Not to mention the guys at work might be suffering from my disappearance. Right now, they're either searching for me or looking for my replacement. Working at a coffee warehouse was the best job I ever had and now... it seems I'll have to cut my losses and look for more work.

After lamenting my now abandoned life, I went to my Music app and hit the 'Shuffle' button.

Aaahhh... that's better.





After waiting patiently for a few minutes while listening to my tunes on loop (it's a habit), Starlight finally showed up with Twilight and Spike in tow. Twilight looks at me and asks "Sorry for the wait, Zero. Did you find anything good to read?"

A question about a book from the smartest pony I know. Surprise, surprise.

"Not really. I could barely find anything with the disorganization on the shelves. I gave up looking and decided to just listen to some music." I answered brutally and honestly.

"I told you we should've stuck with the old system, Twilight. The poor little guy couldn't find anything." Spike complained.

Unbeknownst to him, I glared at Spike with annoyance. Did he seriously just call me little? I'm the same height as an average mare. "We aren't here to discuss books, you guys. We're here to listen to Zero Fate's request." Starlight intervened.

I paused my music and put my phone back in my pocket. Everyone else took their seats. Starlight sat next to me while Twilight and Spike sat on the couch opposite to us.

"So, Zero...", I turned to Twilight.

"Starlight tells me you're looking for a job. Am I right?", I nodded, "Can you explain to us why?"

I smirked and wondered.

"Does a kid like me even want a job? Do I have to rely on my own money? This is just the adult in me talking, but I think money is important. I know you guys have already given me more than I could ask for and for that I am always grateful."

Spike immediately added,

"It's true that money is important, but you still have your whole life ahead of you. Which reminds me, how long do humans usually live for?"

"Between 80 to 100 years."

"You see? You're barely at a tenth of your life and you're already looking for a job. Why do you want to throw away your dependence so soon?"

I lean back on the couch and stare at the ceiling as I ask the princess and dragon,

"Do you know why birds fly?"

Twilight followed Spike's stare as they looked up to the ceiling too. But Starlight knew where I was going with this.

"I guess... If they didn't, they wouldn't be birds at all?" Twilight abruptly answered.

"Isn't it so they can survive in the wild?" Spike asked.

Starlight sensed that a part of Zero's more mature side was blossoming around him like nothing could take that spirit away.

She placed a hoof on my shoulder and gave her own answer.

"I think birds fly because they have wings and they want to know what those wings can do."

"To Starlight's point, I just want to do something. Anything. How can I be a benefit to you guys?"

My three caretakers exchanged glances as they thought hard about what they can do to keep me occupied. Admittedly, I'm still not accustomed to the lifestyle of Equestria, so finding me a job that suits me just became harder for us all. I frowned as my impatience was beginning to put pressure on the others.

They were still pondering while I was twiddling my thumbs with guilt. Maybe Spike was right. Maybe I was being too hasty. Before I could take back my request, Twilight's face lit up and proposed. "I know! How would you like to work as Starlight's assistant?"

That proposal caught Starlight and me off guard.

"Her assistant?"
"My assistant?"

We both said in unison. Spike got a giggle out of that.

Twilight gave a confirming nod. "Mmm-hmm! Back when I was still Princess Celestia's student, Spike was always there with me when I needed help with my studying. I think an assistant would be the perfect role for Zero. You two already seem to treat each other like family, just like me and Spike. This way, you don't have to be apart from each other, and Starlight will have somepony to help her with her friendship studies. What do you think?"

I couldn't have smiled wider if I tried as Starlight took the opportunity to pull me into a rib-crushing hug. "Yes yes YES! Thank you, Twilight!"

Starlight's embrace didn't seem to phase me as I was so happy that I was just staring off into space for a few seconds. I was brought back to reality as Starlight's bangs tickled my nose delicately, causing me to sneeze and scratch my nose. I startled her, making her release her grip around me.

"Heheh, sorry 'bout that. I'm very ticklish.", I laugh timidly before giving my own thanks. "Thank you for the idea, Twilight. I'm ashamed I didn't think of it myself. But nothing would fulfill me more than being Starlight's assistant."

Twilight smiles.

"Fantastic! Since it's not really an official job position, I'm willing to pay you for your assistance to Starlight. I'll give you a weekly allowance of 40 bits starting today."

Bits? I assume that's what they call Equestria's currency. I've never seen any examples of 'Bits' yet, but I hope they're easy to carry around. After all, ponies must have some way of carrying them around without pockets.

As if she were reading my mind, Twilight's horn glowed and conjured up a small stack of shiny gold coins on the coffee table. "Here's 10 Bits. Consider it as a signing bonus and a gift from me.", she says as she gestures me to collect the coins.

I took my time as I picked up each Bit individually and inspect their elaborate heft. These coins were about the size of plastic bottle caps and were as heavy as AA batteries. Well, I'm sure just 10 Bits is enough to spend on some fun. I'll just have to know where to spend them.

After gathering Twilight's gift, I poured them into my pocket opposite to the one that contained my phone so it doesn't get scratched.

"Thank you kindly, Twilight." I said.

"Yeah, thanks for giving him this opportunity. I think I'm really gonna enjoy having an assistant." Starlight said.

"No problem, you two. Now, I'd love to stay and chat more, but I need to get back to studying Zero's phone. You can spend those Bits on whatever you like. Just don't spend it all at once." Twilight says as she gets out of her seat and walks to the library door with Spike following suit.

The two exit the room, leaving Starlight and me alone. For a few moments, the only sound that could be heard was my nasal breathing. I look up at Starlight, who was looking back at me with a grin. I can tell we both had the same thing on our minds. I broke the silence.

"Well... could today possibly get any better?"

Briefly examining Starlight, she appears to be mustering all of her willpower, trying not to crush my ribs again in an over-the-top bear hug. But, alas...

She couldn't resist the siren call any longer. With a quick flurry of purple, she pulls me into her chest like a black hole and traps me in place with her forelegs. My face is buried in the fur of her neck, reducing my speech to muffles. Knowing this was going to happen, I preemptively suck in my gut, making this show of affection more enduring.

"Today will be the start of a more than beautiful friendship." She squeals quietly.

"Mmh! Hmn... Mfmh!" The ominous nature of Starlight's hug prevents me to agree with her.

"Oh!", finally noticing my discomfort, she gently let's go, allowing me to gasp for air. "So sorry about that, sweetie. I'm just so happy!"

Exhaling my last breath of fresh air, I reassured her. "Don't sweat it, Starlight. I was about to do the same, but you beat me to the punch." I said before giving a nervous chuckle.

Starlight laughs along with me.

After having run out of steam, I carefully get down from the sofa. Starlight assists me halfway to the floor. "Easy there, speedy. You maybe have just been made my assistant today, but until your legs fully recover, I'll be your assistant.", she gently scolds me.

I blush, embarrassed that I forgot about my still barely-aching legs.

"Now..." Starlight lifts me once again with her magic and places me on her back. "It's still broad daylight, but how about we go back to your room and show me what you can do with your phone?"

I felt like I knew Starlight enough now to know that I can give her an answer without words. So I lean towards her head and wrap my arms around her neck, all before letting out a big relieved sigh. "Hmm..."

"I'll take that as a yes, then." Starlight then trots out of the library, carrying my adolescent body on the verge of falling asleep in the soft fur of my new guardian.

"Let's go, my number one assistant!"
> 15 — Breakfast with my Favorite Pony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A long night, a new memory.

After spending the rest of the day showcasing my phone to Starlight, we had a late dinner and went to bed. It took a lot longer than I anticipated to explain how all the features worked, but I had to constantly remind her that I just own it, not created it.

For dinner, both of us excused ourselves while Twilight and Spike had their dinner before us. A couple of hours afterward, Starlight snuck into the kitchen and heated up the leftovers before bringing them back to my room.

Not wanting to keep us both up too late, Starlight decided to call it a night at around 10PM, according to the clock on my phone. As she tucked me into bed, she told me that we'd go shopping for school supplies in the morning since tomorrow is the day before my first day back at school.

Something I still wasn't keen about.






Sunday, 8:27AM


I managed to get myself out of bed before Starlight could wake me up. I wanted to show her how she doesn't need to look out for me all the time.

While I'm getting dressed in my new clothes, courtesy of Rarity, I played a song on my phone to get me in a brighter mood.

Still slightly struggling to put my pants in thanks to my still-recovering leg, I brought myself to bed, hoping it'll be easier to fit through them. After enough time and effort, I was finally wearing my new pants.

After going through all that, I felt like such a loser.

*Knock Knock*

"Come in!", I called out. Stepping through the door was my new attendee and guardian, Starlight Glimmer.

I smiled as I jumped off the bed and ran towards her with my arms spread. Starlight prepares for my affectionate assault as she catches me in a tight embrace.

"Good morning, my little assistant." she coos.

"Morning, Starlight." I said softly as her fur brushed gently against my face. Not wanting to make our morning hug too brief, I close my eyes and sigh in comfort. Starlight caught on to my intent and sat on her haunches, getting herself more comfortable for a gesture that she too didn't want to end so soon.

As I close my eyes, I usually see obscure darkness.

But something was different.

The whole world was covered in white.

Stars...

Yes, white stars. Many of them.

Even now, they continue to wisp around me, coating me with their warmth.

But what could it all mean? Better yet, why is it happening to me?

It's like I'm in a dream. A dream that you never want to wake up from.

Time seemed so slow now. The stars slowly start to gather together at a single point in front of me. I start to move my imaginary hands under the reunion of stars, wanting to hold them. As they come together, the stars start to form in a shape that seemed so familiar, but new to me at the same time.

A symbol I now have hovering over my palms. A mark of a purple and white star with two blue glimmering streams.

Starlight Glimmer's Cutie Mark.

I stare in awe for a moment as I begin to realize what this symbol means to me: it is my beacon of hope. My lifeline. My second chance.

It represents my adoration for Starlight and everything she has done to change me into who I am today.

And somehow, I feel like I've always known that, even from the beginning. That's probably why I drew her Cutie Mark on paper by memory alone.

I was finally slapped back into reality after catching my breath for burying my face in Starlight's chest fur. I sighed dejectedly before gazing up into her eyes.

There, gazing back at me, were those big, full, luminous eyes of a loving, caring mare.

"You okay?" she asked sweetly.

I squinted slightly, trying to hold back my tears. I forced a smile as I tightened my embrace, seemingly catching her by surprise.

"Never been better. Literally."





After our long morning greeting, Starlight and I got ourselves ready for another trip into Ponyville. We also decided to have breakfast in public since Starlight thought it would be a good excuse to see more of this fine village.

I decided to not use her as my crutch today, as my legs were nearly healed 100%. She agreed to let me walk on my own. There were a few noticeable wobbles in my movements, but it's nothing that time won't fix.

On our way to Café Hay, our destination for breakfast, we passed what looked like a huge ditch just sitting in the middle of a wide area. The ditch wasn't that deep, but it was big enough to fit one of these... Ponyvillian houses.

Despite my overwhelming curiosity, I continued walking at a leisurely pace, unfazed by my realization and the deserted scene we just walked past.

A couple of hundred meters later, we made it to Café Hay. There was outdoor and indoor seating in the form of bales of hay and giant mushroom tables. There were also flowers in small vases in the middle of each table.

We stopped at an empty table and took our seats on our hay bales. Not the most comfortable thing for a fur-less creature like myself to sit on, but I'll suck it up. Finally making myself comfortable, Starlight and I picked up the menus that were under the vase.

"Order what you're in the mood for, Zero. My treat." Starlight said.

"Thanks."

Opening my menu, I can see very few varieties of food to order. Kind of disappointing since I've been to cafés with menus fit for a restaurant. Let's see what we got anyway:


Sandwiches - 3 bits
Cucumber & Cheese
Daffodil & Daisy
Tomato & Lettuce
Hay & Grass


Okay, I'll pass on all of those. Hell, the last option will just end up choking me instead of feeding me. Also, I thought tomatoes were poisonous to equines. Why are they serving it at a café? Maybe it doesn't apply to this colorful race of talking ponies. I bet they could probably eat meat if they wanted to. What else do we have here?


Sides - 2 bits
Hay Fries
Grass Nuggets
Potato Gems


Well, I guess I should go for the Potato Gems since it's the only thing on the menu I can stomach. But I might need something to wash it down, just in case.


Drinks - 2 bits
Water (Free)
Orange Juice
Tea
Coffee
Cola


Nope, still disappointed. But you can't have everything. But maybe I should go for the healthier options. I admit I wasn't the healthiest ever since I started living independently, but I had the willpower to stop if I went too far. I'm not gonna self-destruct my body's health again.

"Starlight, I'm ready to order."

Looking up from her menu like a spy, she glances at me, making me feel unsettling.

"Uh, what are you looking at me like for?" I asked, shaking in my itchy seat.

Slamming her menu on the table, she opens her mouth abruptly and spoke as if she was trying to read my thoughts.

"Do you eat hay?" She asked.

After all that suspense, that's all she wanted to ask me? Or maybe she just wants me to play along with some sort of improv.

Let's test that theory.

"Who are you asking? Me or the guy with the long face over there?" I said comically, eyeing the waiter taking another customer's order.

Starlight briefly turns her attention to the nearby waiter before she and I both shared a quiet laugh. I think Starlight found it funnier than I did. A joke like that would usually be considered funny to those with low standards for humor. But it seems ponies in Equestria would find anything funny. I hope I'm not bragging about my sense of humor, but I'm really funny only when I'm not trying.

After Starlight's laughter finally died down, way before mine did, I gave her a straight answer. "Well, I know that hay is a type of grass. Humans can digest grass, but with hay, it's just not possible."

"Are you sure?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in doubt.

"Yeah, why?" I asked, wondering if something I said was amiss.

"Remember that sandwich Twilight made for you? That had hay in it."

I was a bit shocked to know that my appraisal on that sandwich wasn't misplaced. That crunchy fries-looking stuff was hay!

"Is that what that crunchy stuff was? Well, I guess deep-fried hay is an exception, then."

"Looks like it."

Just in the nick of time, the waiter I previously made fun of finally arrives at our table.

"Welcome to Café Hay. My name is Savoir Fare and I will be your waiter zis morning. Are you two ready to order?" the waiter said in a strong European accent.

"Yes, can I get a cucumber and cheese sandwich with a side of hay fries, please?" Starlight said.

"Of course. And vat vould you like to order,... sir?" the waiter asked me while writing down Starlight's order on a notepad. I'll ignore that 'sir' comment since he doesn't know any better.

"Can I please get a coffee and a side of grass nuggets?"

"Zertainly." he says, now writing my order too. "Iz zere anyzing else?"

"Nope, that's everything. Thank you." Starlight confirmed.

"Very good. I'll be back wiz your order momentarily."

And with that, the waiter storms off inside the café.





After several minutes of waiting for our order to arrive in silence, I was pondering on a new topic to continue our conversation on. Most of the time, during my stay in Equestria, I'm usually the one who had to answer questions about myself and where I came from. I hardly had any time to ask some questions of my own. Now I think it's about time that my patience gets rewarded.

"You know..." I started, taking away Starlight's view from the surrounding scenery. "You've asked me so many questions, I almost have nothing left to tell you. But I still don't know much about you."

"Oh..!" Starlight exclaimed, realizing how much she's been neglecting to sate my curiosities. "Well, what would you like to know?"

I already know about her backstory, something that I'm actually grateful for because it brought me closer to her, but I don't know anything about her interests.

"Let's start with something simple; what are your hobbies?" I asked, leaning on the table with a smile.

She scratches her cheeks, delaying an answer. Did I ask her an embarrassing question or does she actually have to think long and hard about it?

"I like learning magic, board games, botany, and... kites." she said nervously.

I wasn't sure what to expect. But I was not expecting that kind of answer.

"Kites, huh? That's, um... I'm sorry, I've got no comment."

"What's the matter? It's not weird to you, is it?"

"Not at all! It's just that... it's not what I expected. I mean, I mostly expected the other stuff you like, but where I come from, kites have been out of fashion for years."

"Oh." she sighed.

"But learning magic; that actually piques my interest. Do you think I could learn magic too?"

Starlight froze at my question. I was a little mind-blown myself. It never occurred to me until now if it was possible for an alien to learn magic in a world that's not their own.

"That's actually a very good question. Do they have magic back in your world?" Starlight asked.

"The closest thing we have to magic are illusions. But they're usually just smoke and mirrors. Nothing compared to what you and Twilight have shown me."

"Then how would you like to find some answers after your first day of school tomorrow?"

I stood up from my seat in excitement and a cheek-aching smile on my face. Could it actually be possible for a human to use magic? Do I have what it takes? Too many questions, so much time.

"You really mean it!? I can use magic as you can!?"

"Easy, Zero. We don't even know if it's possible yet. But it's worth giving it a try. And I'm sure Twilight would be more than happy to help out too."

Barely able to contain my excitement any longer, I rushed over to Starlight's side of the table and gently tackled her in a tight embrace. She gently rubs my back in response to my affection.

"Thanks, Starlight. I love you." I whispered.

"I love you too, Zero. Just remember, you'll have to wait until after school before I could even teach you anything."

"You promise?"

"As long as you don't tell anypony that I like kites, then sure. I promise."

"My lips are sealed."

"Good boy. Now get back to your seat before our order arrives."

"Yes, ma'am."
> 16 — Homesick
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Admittedly, that was not the most pleasant breakfast I ever had, but it'll keep me fed for at least a few hours. The coffee I ordered was too hot, it took ages for it to cool down enough to cope with my sensitive mouth. Not to mention it had no sugar. The grass nuggets left more to be desired. They tasted like baked lentil burgers, only they took much longer to chew. I haven't eaten anything so unsatisfying since I stopped my week-long fasting.

Rating: 1/4 star.

I tried concealing my disappointment until Starlight and I finished eating and left. She caught on suddenly when I tried spitting the aftertaste in a nearby bush. But no matter how much I tried, the taste remained.

"Sorry that you didn't like the food, Zero Fate." Starlight apologized. "But at least you tried something before you decided you hated it, right?"

Groaning from the unpleasant feeling of grass between my teeth, I squatted down, hands on my knees, and gathering as much phlegm as I can, I spat once more in the shrubbery, clearing yet more of the bad taste out.

I coughed a few times before standing up straight. I turned to Starlight. "Next time, can we just have breakfast at the castle?"

Starlight comes over to rub my back, hoping to ease my discomfort. "Of course, sweetie. In the meantime, maybe we could make a list of your species' dietary recommendations. How does that sound?"

I was a little surprised by the way she phrased that. Usually, it would take someone older than I look to understand it immediately, but I'm actually quite relieved. It's good to know that she's starting to treat me like an adult.

"Sounds like... cough... a plan."

Starlight gave me an approving smile before she ceased comforting me. She then continues to walk to our next destination. I swiftly catch up with her and walk with her side-by-side.

"So where to now?" I asked.

"Just one thing left on the agenda: school supplies." she proclaimed.





We spend the next hour buying everything I need to prepare for my first day at school tomorrow; pencils, erasers, blank paper, textbooks, etc. At first, I thought Starlight was going to pay for all this out of pocket, but she reassured me, saying that Twilight already gave her some money to go towards my school supplies. I don't like it when people constantly have to pay for my well-being. That was always the case back home with both my Mum and granny.

Finally finished getting everything ready for school tomorrow, we went back to the castle to store my new supplies in my room.

After walking around all morning, I decided to relax in bed for a while. Starlight had to go and see if there was anything that her mentor, Twilight, needed some help with. Knowing how important her work can get, I let her go without concern.

I lay my head on my super comfy pillow and decided to just relax and stay put until Starlight comes back.






Royal Dining Hall, 11:53 AM


Spending hardly any time searching for Twilight, Starlight heard her voice coming from one of the many rooms in the castle. She steps through into the dining hall to find Twilight sitting at a large round table. She was mumbling something while reading from a piece of parchment she had hovering in her magic. Twilight was facing away from Starlight and didn't seem to hear her enter the room. As Starlight moved closer, she noticed that Twilight was sweating and twitching her ears. She could tell that her mentor was having another one of her episodes.

"Twilight, you okay?" Starlight speaks up.

"Gah!" the princess yelped.

Twilight got caught by surprise, causing her to fall off her seat and drop the parchment. She landed on her side while the parchment floated in front of Starlight. She eyed it before helping Twilight stand back up with her magic.

"Sorry about that, Twilight. I just came to see if you had a lesson for me today. Are you busy at the moment?" Starlight asked.

Brushing herself off, Twilight finally composed herself before answering her student. "Oh, don't worry about it, Starlight. Everything's A-okay." She said nervously. "How's Zero Fate? And where is he?"

Starlight wasn't convinced by Twilight's reassurance but decided to leave it for later.

"Zero is doing just fine. He and I went to Café Hay for breakfast, but the food there didn't really suit him. On our way back, we went and bought him some supplies for school just like you asked me to. Right now, he's resting in his room. In the meantime, I thought I'd come to you for any friendship problems you might have for me to solve."

"Oh. Well, good to hear you're still eager to learn more about friendship, and taking care of your new human assistant." Twilight seemed relieved that Zero Fate was doing well, but Starlight could tell she had something more stressful on her mind.

"Twilight, what's wrong?"

Twilight was forcing a smile, trying to feign composure. But she knew eventually that it wasn't going to work on her student. With a heavy sigh, Twilight spilled the beans.

"I just got a letter from Princess Celestia. She wants to get together for dinner on Tuesday!" She said, sounding more worried at the end.

"Tuesday? That's the day after tomorrow." Starlight clarified. "But why do you look so worried?"

"Because she's asked me to host the dinner here at my castle! And I want to make sure everything goes perfectly!"

Starlight only gazed intensely at Twilight, reading her like a book that fills the void in her life.

"Are you worried about her knowing Zero's existence?" Starlight casually asked.

"No...! Not really... maybe..." Twilight's ears flopped down. "... a little."

Starlight sighed before moving closer to her mentor, putting a hoof on her withers and giving her a reassuring smile.

"You need to learn how to stop panicking over everything, otherwise you'll give yourself a migraine." Starlight teased. "If you're so worried about Princess Celestia discovering Zero Fate, then maybe you should ask for his opinion. And I'll be there with you both, cheering you on."

Twilight's frown disappeared.

"You're truly a fast learner, Starlight." Taking a deep breath, Twilight puffed her chest out. "Alright, let's go and ask Zero if he wants to meet the Princess!"






Zero Fate's room, 12:20 PM


Laying on my bed, I pulled out my phone and scrolled ominously viewed the latest number in my call history: My mum's number.

I know it's only been 2 days since she gave me, what was supposed to be, an impossible call, but I can't stop this sense of guilt for not telling her what happened to me. But what would you do if you were in my situation?

At first, I knew it was a bad idea to answer the phone since I could've just let it go to voicemail and listen to her message a minute later. Now the connection's gone and I have no way of contacting her ever again. No doubt she's been attempting to call me again.

I know it was hopeless to even think about it, but my instincts told me to try calling her back.

My thumb hovered over her phone number, shaking with hesitation. In a swift moment, I pressed 'call', shut my eyes tight, and brought the phone up to my ear.

The number you have called is out of your service range. Please try again later.

I groaned before hanging up and putting my phone on the end table next to my bed.

What the hell was I expecting? I don't know why my phone was connected the other day, but it doesn't matter now. At least I can still use it for its other functions.

I rolled over to my side and curled myself up into a ball with my arms clutching each other. Knowing the fact that I'll never see my family again, I feel a sharp pain emanating from the center of my chest. I noticed trails of tears running down my face and blurring my vision.

My body starts shaking uncontrollably. The familiar craving for the company of my family has returned.

I'm homesick.

I miss my family.

I miss my siblings.

I miss my mum.

I... I...

Before I knew it, my conscience was quickly being overpowered by my childish personality. Sparing myself the pain of repressed sadness, I wailed with all my might,

"I WANT MY MUMMY!!"

It didn't matter to me now how immature I was being right now. As an adult, I could handle separation from the people I love. But... that's no longer the case. I may have the memories, experiences, vocabulary, and knowledge of an adult.

But the fact now remains that I'm still just a little boy. A child who no longer has parents to care for him.

Without a parental figure to give them affection, protection, and guidance, children can easily grow up to be very unhappy. Or not grow up at all if they were unlucky.

Right now, I felt like one of those children. My family is gone, my adulthood is suspended, I'm in a world that alienates me, and now I...

That's when it hit me.

Despite my situation, I'm still here.

I'm alive. I have a new home. I'm under the protection of intelligent creatures that welcomed me.

My crying was beginning to ease, now reduced to hiccups. I was still shaking, but I prevented that by getting under the blankets. Without realizing it, my eyes got heavier, tears still leaking from them.

Moments later, I ended up crying myself to sleep.






West Corridor, 2:56 PM


"Now, are you sure you want to do this?" Twilight asked as she traversed the corridor with Starlight at her side.

Prior to this, the two gifted magic-casters discussed a plan to introduce Zero Fate to Princess Celestia. After a couple of hours of pitching ideas to each other, they finally came to a conclusion;

"Twilight, we've been over this already." Starlight answered reassuringly, "We ask Zero to join us for dinner, I introduce him to the Princess, then you explain how he got here, and I ask her for a solution, depending on whether or not Zero still wants to stay in Equestria, which we are on our way to ask him about."

Twilight nodded. "Yes, and don't forget that your opinion matters too. Probably not as much as Zero Fate's, but still. We both know that if it was up to you..."

"That I'd want him to stay with me... I mean, 'us'." Starlight laughed nervously. "Oh, we're here!"

Hoping to conceal her true intentions from Twilight, Starlight knocked in the door to Zero Fate's room.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

...

...

*Knock, knock, knock.*

...

"...Zero? Sweetheart?" Starlight gingerly asked. "It's just us, Starlight and Twilight. We've come to ask you something..."

...

Still no answer.

The two mares exchanged a look of worry before gently opening the door. It was unlocked. The door squeaked in its hinges, alerting the two ponies.

Once the door was opened the whole way, they scaled the room. It was only moments later that they saw a large lump on the bed.

Zero Fate was currently sleeping, yet their knocking somehow didn't wake him up.

As they quietly tip-toed towards the bed, Starlight noticed that his phone was still on, showing a portrait of his mother. She eyed the picture and then to the human, who's head she can clearly see poking out from under the blankets. As Twilight got a closer look at the slumbering human's face, she realized something and whispered to Starlight,

"Starlight... I think he's been crying."

Those words sent a shiver down Starlight's spine. She eyed her new assistant and back to the photo of his mother. Her fears were starting to well up inside of her as she whispered back to Twilight,

"He really misses his mother. Maybe... maybe he really wants to go back home after all."

This made Twilight gasp.

But this made Starlight... frown.

After just a few short days, she was grieving the thought of letting the young human, who she quickly settled into a special place in her heart, go back to where he came from.

Would she have to let him go? Could she even handle it?
> 17 — First Day of School (Part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rays from the morning sun shined through the single window of my bedroom, where I was currently resting against my surprisingly bouncy, yet soft bed. My mattress feels like it's filled with concentrated cotton, but it's not as bumpy as most beds I've owned. I'll have to ask my caretakers about it later.

Speaking of caretakers, Starlight came back to check on me after my homesick tantrum yesterday. Apparently, I had cried myself to sleep and was out like a light for about an hour, so she says. I really hope she didn't hear me wailing, but I didn't ask and she never brought it up. She informed me about an assignment that Twilight gave her.

Her task was to make a friend.

I don't know squat about friendship, but since when did making friends become as mundane as finding a job? It reminded me of the time my sister-in-law gave me an ultimatum when I was living with her and my brother after they got married; 'Find a better job or I'm kicking you out.' That kind of pressure was enough to make a grown man cry. Which it did. To me.

She also mentioned a special dinner party that Twilight was hosting tonight. She apparently invited Princess Celestia as an honored guest. As for the occasion, I didn't even bother asking. But that's when Starlight asked me the serious question; 'Would you like to meet the princess?' Now, I was never keen on meeting new people, since I mostly never make a real connection with them afterward. But the way Starlight sounded had me a little concerned for her. It's like she was afraid of what my answer would be. I had no idea what she was thinking, but since Princess Celestia is apparently the prime ruler of the diarchy, being allowed to have an audience with her must be a great privilege. 

Back in my world, I didn't care much about government or politics. I was always such a shut-in, I didn't even know the name of our prime minister. However, meeting someone with an attractive title such as 'Princess' might be something worth giving the benefit of the doubt. There wasn't much else to think about, other than how the Princess will react to encountering an alien species in her kingdom. I'll never know until I at least give it a shot, so I gave Starlight affirmation.

Her relative silence didn't give me any comfort, though. The silence was broken when she walked out of the room, avoiding eye contact with me, and wished me good night. I'm not sure what just happened, but I think I need remedial education on how to understand a pony's feelings.

And speaking of education, it's my first day at a new school. Since it was only past 7 AM, I didn't really have time to snooze. The first period starts at 8:30, but my new teacher wanted me to show up at least 15 minutes early so she can give me a few tips on how to fit in. I hope it isn't too much that I have to write everything down just to remind me later.

After being pulled out of bed by my beloved guardian Starlight, I had a brief, cold shower to fully wake me up. She didn't seem so glum this morning, which was a good sign. I just hope whatever we discussed yesterday didn't leave any doubts about anything. In the kitchen, Spike made us eggs on toast for breakfast. I had 3 servings before the hunger disappeared. I realized then that I barely ate yesterday. I even missed dinner.

Before leaving, Spike stopped me to hand me a paper bag with my lunch inside. I can't believe I didn't think of that myself. I now had everything I needed for the day; my duffle bag containing my papers, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpener, ruler, and my lunch.

After thanking Spike, Starlight escorted me through Ponyville to reach the schoolhouse. On our way there, the townsponies who were minding their own business still gave me condemning glances. But at least they're not attacking me or fleeing out of fear. That may be the influence of having Starlight accompany me. Not the result I'm hoping for, but it's at least a noticeable improvement.

We finally made it to the schoolhouse.

Standing at the front, the schoolhouse itself was a pretty small building. It looked big enough to only fit a single classroom. Of course, I've been here once before, but I wasn't really paying attention to what was going on around me. Not that I'm more aware, but this school blended well for a small town like Ponyville. To the left of the building was a playground. At the front was a sign illustrated with an open book. The last thing I noticed was the large bell on top of the schoolhouse.

"Well, sweetie, I hope you're ready to start school... again," said the purple unicorn nervously, "I know it's common for foals to be nervous for their first day, but I'm sure you've got nothing to worry about. Just stay positive, keep your cool, and everything will work out."

Now she's beginning to sound like another purple pony I know. But I think that just shows how much she cares about me. I guess the apple never falls far from the tree.

"Starlight, you're talking to an adult in a child's body. It's nothing to sweat over," I said, brushing the back of her mane with my fingernails, "You just focus on your task and I'll see you back at the castle this afternoon, alright?"

"You're right... you're right," she sighed, "I shouldn't be worried over nothing. Just promise me that you'll try and make a friend as well?"

I lower my head before slowly walking towards the entrance to the schoolhouse, "Sorry, Starlight, but I never make promises. It's one of my life rules."

Starlight flinched as she stuttered for a response. But before she could, I intervened, "However, I can at least give you my word that I'll try to get along with the other students, but that doesn't mean I have to start making friends on the first day."

Stopping in front of the door, I heard her speak up, "I know you like to be independent, sweetie. And I understand. But I love you, and I just want you to be safe when I'm not around."

That last sentence was too impactful to ignore without responding in kind. I gently dropped my duffle bag and ran up to Starlight, embracing her in a loving embrace. I know it'll only be a few hours, but I'm gonna do my best to prove to Starlight that she has nothing to worry about. But I'm still gonna miss her company dearly in the meantime.

"I love you too. I'll be missing you all day."

Starlight returned my embrace lovingly. She kisses my forehead and looks into my eyes with a reassuring smile. "I'll be missing you too, Zero. As soon as I make a friend, I'll meet you back home as soon as possible. I'm not gonna be leaving Ponyville for anything, so you have nothing to worry about either."

She turns me around before gently pushing me towards the schoolhouse. I turn back around and she waves to me. I wave back at her and pick my duffle bag up. She then makes her way back to Ponyville on her mission to make a friend. I continue to wave at her until she disappears out of sight over the hills. Once she was gone, I took a deep breath and exhaled before knocking at the front door.

As I waited for a response or for the door to open, I realized that I didn't see any other ponies around. Sure, I got here 15 minutes before classes start, but I was hoping to at least hear the sound of approaching fillies and colts, who were probably more eager about school than I'll ever be. I guess they'll just show up on time instead.






15 minutes later...


Since the teacher was already inside as I walked in, she pleasantly welcomed me, saying she was expecting me, and how excited she was to have me in the class. She directed me to sit on the stool right next to her desk while we waited for all the other students to show up and be seated.

I had to sit on the side of the desk that was opposite the entrance to the classroom, so as to not completely startle or scare off any of the colts and fillies.

After waiting patiently, all the little ponies were seated at their 'just as little as they are' desks. I avoided eye contact with them since the first student came in, hoping to reduce the level of hostility that I might've displayed in their eyes.

I looked up slowly and saw that I had their full, unwanted attention.

"Alright, everypony," Miss Cheerilee exclaimed, "I know all of you are wondering who our unfamiliar guest here is, but rest assured, he is completely harmless."

Unnoticeable to the present company, I gave her a questionable peek.

Lady, I know you're trying to be a good role model for these kids, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.

"Now, for our first act of the day, we'll be welcoming a new student who'll be joining us from now on," the teacher said happily. She then gestures for me to stand up, "Please give a warm welcome to Zero Fate!"

I stood up slowly, so as to not startle the other students. It seems to have worked. Maybe these ponies aren't as fearful of alien races as I thought.

Raising a hand, I bashfully said, "Umm... hi."

Silence filled the room.

Okay, rather lousy first impression. When in doubt, let everything out.

"Uhh, my name is Zero Fate. I'm a human from... really far away. I'm 8 years old. I live with Princess Twilight Sparkle at her big crystal castle. I was recently appointed as the personal assistant to her student Starlight Glimmer. Since I'm so new to Equestria, they both thought it was a good idea for me to get a decent education on pony culture, so... here I am," I forcefully introduced myself casually. Hopefully, that helped improve my image. Maintaining my calm demeanor, I asked the class, "Any questions?"

Several hooves were raised. Some ascended faster and with more excitement than others. Some were just bored or not interested, so they kept their hooves down.

"You," I pointed to the curious cream-colored Earth Pony filly with a red, curly mane and bright, purple glasses. Her Cutie Mark was two candy canes in the shape of a heart.

"What'th a human?" she asked. Turns out she has a lisp.

Okay, how do I answer that? I could just tell her that a human is what she is seeing in front of her and move on to the next question. But that would just leave the filly's curiosity unsatisfied.

"Well, humans are a race that is evolved from apes. Our species first developed by discovering and using rocks and sticks as tools and our intelligence evolved along with our species." I turned everyone's attention to my hands, "What you see at the ends of my arms are called hands. These are a human's most useful body parts. The little digits sticking out of them are called fingers," I described while wiggling my fingers around to show how much control I have over them.

The ginger filly asked again, " And are thothe thingth on the tipth clawth?"

I'm surprised I understood what she said. "No, these are called fingernails," I answered, "You could call them 'human claws', but they're nowhere near as dangerous or sharp as the claws on a rabbit. Another convenient human tool."

The classroom was starting to fill with sounds of awe. I can tell that they're getting more curious.

"Anypony else have a question for Mr. Fate?" Cheerilee asked the class. She was answered with more foals' hooves in the air.

I hovered my index finger around the room, pointing to any pony with a question, "Okay~, you!", I pointed this time to another Earth Pony filly. This one was yellow with a red mane, only not as curly as the last one's. She had a large, pink bow in her mane. Her Cutie Mark was a shield with a heart-shaped apple on it.

"What bring yah to Equestria?" she asked.

Not a question I was hoping for. But I don't like lying, so I'll just... bend the truth a little.

"I'm not entirely sure how or why I came here. All I can tell you is that it was nighttime and I woke up at Princess Twilight's castle about a week ago. I have no idea how it happened, but as far as I know, there's no way for me to back home. But that doesn't matter now. I've decided to stay here and live in Equestria."

Some of the students gasped or stared at me in shock. I guess could've worded that better.

"You mean you were taken from your home? And you don't even want to go back?" a random student asked.

"That's right," I answered, "I had nothing to look forward to back home. Let's just say I wasn't really happy with how my life was going. So I decided to move on and start a new life among pony-kind."

The fillies and colts looked at me with pity. I raised my hands, reassuring them that they don't need to pity me. Before I could point out the next curious pony, Cheerilee spoke up, "Alright, class, I think that's enough questions for our young human for now. Zero, if you could sit at an empty desk, we can begin our first lesson of the d-" but she was interrupted by the sounds of disappointment and whining from the majority of her students. Seems they wanted to know a lot more about me.

When it seemed that Cheerilee was losing control of her students, I decided to intervene. I turned, facing my new teacher, "Ms. Cheerilee, I don't mind answering more questions. Just think of it as a substitute lesson for your students. They're clearly interested."

"Zero, I don't think-"

"Just look at your students," I stopped her, gesturing to all the students in the classroom, "Their expressions are filled with the desire to learn. Isn't that what you want for them?"

My teacher's eyes widened. Looking at the little ponies, she can see how much of an impact her newest student has made on the rest of her students. She knew that in some rare situations, the student can temporarily act as the teacher for a change. While the idea of letting another teach her class is not something she would usually tolerate, she knew the human had a point. Anyone who could influence her students enough to actually want to learn something is enough to leave her pride as a teacher undamaged.

"Very well, Mr. Fate. I will leave all of my students' questions to you," she declared, earning cheers from all her students.

I smiled, "Thanks, Ms. Cheerilee. If you have any questions of your own, please feel free to join in," I reassured her, "Also, I'd appreciate it if we can skip the formalities from now on."

Cheerilee gasped before nodding. I'm glad she was understanding.

Before pointing out the next pony whose answer I will question, I moved the stool from next to Cheerilee's next to the front of it. I have a feeling I'm gonna be answering a lot of questions, so I may as well get comfortable.

"Alright, who's next?"






3 Hours Later...


"... And that's why Scientology has no place in the real world."

Hours passed and I was still answering questions. It's a miracle my throat wasn't feeling sore at this point. But if politicians can pull it off, I guess I can too. I've been getting all sorts of questions related to me, my species, my home, and my culture. I decided to leave out the part that I'm from another world. I couldn't bear to let them know that an actual alien was attending their classroom. I wouldn't want that on their conscience.

Picking where we left off, a cream-colored Pegasus colt with brown hair and a slight build was asking how asking what my beliefs were. However, I answered him by saying what my disbeliefs were. I apparently had a mental list of bogus ideologies from Earth, and why they don't make sense. This brings us to where we are now...

"Wow," the curious colt, Featherweight, said, "There are some humans who think they're actually immortal?"

"Spiritually, but yes," I answered, "Every mortal creature knows next to nothing about what happens after they die, so they try to make themselves feel safer under the delusion that they'll get rewarded for good behavior in the 'afterlife'. But the fact is nobody knows what truly happens to us after we die because the dead don't come back to tell the tale. It's an eternal mystery."

The entire class seemed a lot more interested than before from my answers. Even Cheerilee seemed captivated when I shared my knowledge. It's true what they say; you're never too old to learn. Even when I mentioned death, the teacher didn't seem to mind. She was just too curious to stop me. So I continued to enlighten these ponies.

"But here's what I believe; Death happens to all living creatures, right? Including us. We're not gonna live forever, we all know that. If we did, it would just be a curse. We're all going to pass away someday. It's a fact. But we shouldn't fear death. Because there's just no point in being afraid of the inevitable. People think that they're afraid of death, but they're not. What really scares them is the pain of dying."

More sounds of awe filled the classroom. Some of the students, including the teacher, nodded in agreement.

"That's a very interesting thought, Zero Fate," Cheerilee said, "It seems you're more knowledgable than we first thought. I might have to make you my substitute teacher," she giggled playfully.

I laughed bashfully. I hope she was joking about that last part. "Thanks, Ms. Cheerilee, but I came here to learn from you, not the other way around."

The tranquility of the classroom was then intruded on by the school bell alarm sounding. The majority of the class, myself included, looked up at the clock above the chalkboard. It was noon on the dot.

"Alright, everypony, it's time for lunch, "Cheerilee announced, "I'm sure you have more questions for Zero Fate, but you'll have to them outside the classroom from now on. After lunch, we'll continue with our usual lessons."

All the students went "Aww~" disappointingly, wishing that they didn't have to go back to their boring lectures. I grabbed my duffel bag while the ponies left their stuff behind and rushed outside. I then joined everyone outside for our lunch break. I'm actually curious to know what Spike made me for lunch.

I wonder how Starlight's lesson is going...