A Change In Scenery

by TaylorTheFailure

First published

A week after moving into my new house, a miracle turned my life into a dream come true.

Being a fan of MLP, I always had the dream to one day live in that very world.

My name is Taylor and this is the story of that very incident. One fateful night after moving into a new house, I dreamt of entering into the land of Equestria. I was able to meet all of my favorite characters and live out the life of a young filly.

However, is it more than just some simple dream?

Just a Dream

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My name is Taylor and this is my story on how I began living my dream.

It’s May 29th, three days after my birthday. Today, me and my parents officially move into our new house. I’m an only child at seventeen years old and will be returning as a Junior in high school in August. I’m so happy because we are moving to a house much closer to school so that I can sleep in more and I will not have to worry about a one-and-a-half-hour drive like in the last house. What’s even better though, is the separate building on the lot that I will have all to myself.

Sadly though, I start summer school in about a week which suuuuuucks. It gives me no time for my summer at all because I will also have baseball tournaments . I miss the earlier days when I was 13 and 14: no responsibilities and no worries, just relaxing….. and the occasional MLP episode.

Yes, I know MLP, who would’ve guessed (you all). I’d been a fan of the show since 2012 when it began really picking up and I genuinely enjoyed the characters and personalities that were in the show. I still do. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all great, but my favorites for sure are Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, mostly because of how similar they are to me.

Rainbow Dash shares a lot of my traits and hobbies like sports and loving to compete, while Fluttershy shares a lot of similarities with my personality, like my shyness and love of animals. Even though I may be a little introverted, I don’t have an issue making friends, thanks to my involvement in sports.

Anyway, today is our first day living in the new house. We don’t have any of our furniture set up so we’ll have to sleep on the floor when we go to bed. But for now I’m going to catch up on the newest episode of MLP that I missed from yesterday.

Man, I really do love this show. They somehow are able to continue building on their characters like with Rainbow Dash in this episode (no spoilers for people who didn’t see it). Alright, I’m gonna play some Xbox and listen to the newest Rooster Teeth podcast, then probably go to bed.

As usual, I won every single game of Rocket League and loved the newest podcast with Gavin, Gus, Burnie and Barbara. Whelp, time to head to bed.

I exclaimed “Good night Mom and Dad” on my way to my room. I entered into my new bedroom that’s still empty of any furniture since we had just moved in. I then went into my new bathroom where I left my toothbrush and paste and proceeded to brush my teeth. I looked at the teenager in the mirror, about 6’ 2” and 185 pounds. He had dirty blonde hair, combed to his right with very definitive features in his face. Not bad.

I laid down on the soft carpet and watched the ceiling fan spin while I thought about the MLP episode I watched.
“What a show”. I mean really though, definitely one, if not my favorite show.

My thoughts were soon interrupted by the ringtone of my phone. I saw my dad’s message that read, “Don’t forget to wash your baseball uniform for tomorrow’s tournament”. Oh crap, I totally forgot. I have a tournament at 6:00 in the morning. Ugh, that suuuuucks, I really don’t wanna go either because I was really looking forwards to sleeping in tomorrow.

Once I washed my clothes, I headed back up to my room in frustration of having a tournament so early in the morning. Where I live, the sun usually doesn’t come up until at least 7:00 so I laid on the floor of my new bedroom for a while, thinking about the tournament, my life and MLP. I then began to watch as the bedroom became darker, and darker, and darker, until it was pitch black.

I slowly woke up the next morning (I’ve never been a morning person), my eyes slowly adjusting to the early morning. Since it was so early in the morning, the sun still wasn’t fully up, making the sky dark and the area around me hard to see.

“Why do I feel so warm. The AC or something must be broken”. Also what the hell is up with my voice, I sound really tired or something because my voice is much more shy and high pitched.

I tried to push myself up with my hands but they felt kind of weird as if they were in the shape of fists. The ground felt kind of weird too when I pressed down on it.

“Wow. The carpet feels a lot softer than I remember”. Seriously though, what is up with my voice. It is so damn subtle. Maybe when I wake up I’ll sound better.

My thoughts were then interrupted when I remembered the baseball tournament that I had woken up for. I decided that I probably need to get ready for it, so I tried to push myself up. ‘Tried’ being the keyword, because I immediately fell face first back onto the super soft carpet.

“Nooo, I’m so tired, and this carpet is sooo soft” I mean really though, what is with my voice, I have to be sick or something. Anyways, I really don’t want to get up and I don’t think I can manage to do it, even if I wanted to. I really should though.

“Nah”. And I just laid there for a bit. But I eventually got scared at the idea of my dad walking in and seeing me asleep when I had a tournament soon. Yea, I should probably get up soon. But I’d like to know where I am in my bedroom.

I felt around me and couldn’t feel any walls close to me so I must’ve fallen asleep in the middle of the room or something. I decided to crawl around the room and find a wall so that I could find where I am in my new bedroom.

It took only 3 seconds before I found something. It was shaped like a thick pole. “Why is this in my room. I don’t remember seeing it when I first came in here yesterday. Maybe my parents brought it in or something?” I reached for the pole and it felt like bark from a living tree?! “Ooh, my parents put a plant in my room! Wait, who puts plants in a bedroom? And where’s the pot for it?” I must really be sick because my voice still sounds weird, but I’ll worry about that later. Still crawling around, I reached for the base of the tree. “The damn tree is rooted in my carpet!? Huh.” I’m not sure whether to be happy or upset or confused or even a combination right now.

I laid there for a few seconds, thinking about all the possibilities of how there was a tree in my bedroom. “Maybe my parents decided to grow a tree in my room? Maybe the world is being infested by trees? Maybe my parents played a trick on me and put me outside when I was sleeping? Or, am I still dreaming?” Either way, I’ll need to do more than just lay on the ground next to a damn tree, wherever I am.

I decided to get up, which was still really hard because it was dark, but especially because I’m tired. Rather than just jumping up, I used the strategy of using my elbows and knees to gradually push myself up which helped. I eventually got to a kind of push-up pose. But for some reason I couldn’t stand up, I was stuck on my hands and feet. “I must be really freakin tired then”.

I “stood” up for a couple seconds in the pitch black room (with a tree), until the room was suddenly brightened by a bright red light behind me. I looked around the room to find that I was most definitely not in a room, but outside, in a forest! That’d explain why my carpet felt so soft and comfortable. So I was right, my parents put me outside, but why. Oh wait, I could be dreaming too though.

I continued to look around the forest with red glares from the light behind me, stunned at where I was. These trees also seem kind of big and strange looking. Maybe because I’m on my hands and feet. Hopefully the light can sho…..

“W-Wha-What the hell is wrong with me?!” I looked down to find that my hands aren’t even hands, they’re damn furry hooves. I just hysterically looked at myself. I looked down at the two hooves below me, then looking between them, I spot two more in the back, and a damn tail between them!” Well, at least I know that I am dreaming. But is it a nightmare or an awesome dream?

Once, I was done quickly looking at what I was in this dream, I turned around to see what was making the light. “A-Are those eyes?” Yep, they sure are. Massive eyes, the size of microwaves. The sure sign of a nightmare. I took an awkward step backwards (the new body is still kind of strange), and the eyes followed with one small step towards me. I took one more backwards, and the eyes took one forwards. This thing isn’t going to leave me alone, so I made one quick decision. RUN!

I turned around as fast as I could and “bolted” in the other direction, struggling to run on all fours. The red light followed right behind me with the sound of panting from the enormous beast. I ran into the complete darkness of the forest, dodging trees as the light from the beast’s eyes shown on the trees. Branches kept brushing beside me, cutting me as I ran, but the fear of the beast pushed me onwards. I eventually spotted a white light coming from a break in the forest, it appeared to be a small hole big enough for me to fit through. I ran towards it with the remaining strength I had and leaped through, passing out in the process.

“Hello. A-Are you okay?” I can hear a sweet familiar voice as I slowly regain consciousness. “Oh dear, you don’t look too good”. I’m too weak to respond so I just nod. As I try opening my eyes, the bright light from the sun, no longer blocked by the trees, blinds me. When I’m able to actually open my eyes, I internally squeal. IT’S Fluttershy, this is the best damn dream ever! My eyes must have grown twice their size at least.

“You look really hurt, c-can I help?” It must have looked like my eyes were about to explode, because Fluttershy immediately sweetly chuckled and said “I’ll take that as a ‘yes’”.

Is It Though?

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“Ugh, my head?” Why the hell is my voice still so childish? I must still be dreaming, and if so, this is the longest and strangest dream I think I’ve had in a while. Also, where am I, I must’ve passed out or something after I breached the forest. I looked around to find myself on a green couch, with my head snuggled up next to a yellow pillow at the end of it. Weird. The room is comfortably lit and the walls are made of nice wood. There are also some bird houses dangling from the ceiling. Looks awfully familiar.

“Hello there. Glad to see you’re awake,” says a sweet voice that could only have come from a yellow pony with pink hair. Oh, that’s right, I saw Fluttershy before I passed out. She must’ve brought me back to her cabin. That was nice of her.

She then continued, “Um. I-I saw you were really hurt, so I brought you back to my house. Sorry for not asking, but you passed out before I got the chance. A-And I couldn’t just leave you there all alone”.

I can’t think of what to say so I utter a shy “Thanks” in response.

“Y-You looked really hurt. You had a whole bunch of cuts in your fur, but Angel and I did our best to bandage you up”. I looked down at my new body with soft fur and hooves covered in bandages where the cuts were. Man, this dream really is so cool. I actually feel like I got cut and am covered in real bandages. Weird. Also what the hell is that! Are those freaking wings. NO WAY, how did I miss those! That’s so sick! But I don’t even know how to move them. Even if I did, I have bandages on them anyways, I must have had some really bad cuts there because the bandages are huge. After this new enlightenment I turned my attention back on Fluttershy.

“You’re more than welcome to stay until you get better” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Thank you” I responded. My high pitched voice in this dream is going to take some getting used to.

“Certainly. Do you need anything else?”

“No thank you” I quietly responded.

“Oh, okay. If you do need anything in the future, please let me know”.

Fluttershy’s hair was then lightly pulled by her bunny, Angel, who sat beside her. “Okay Angel” Fluttershy gently responded.

“Please excuse me, I’m going to put Angel to bed. You should get some rest too, it’s already night time”. Fluttershy then slowly picked up Angel and gently walked up the stairs. Well, the dream was fun while it lasted. I’m going to probably wake up in my own house, with my human body and no Fluttershy and no damn wings. Too bad. I mean maybe I can have this dream again some time though. Alright, well here I come 6:00 baseball tournament.

The next morning, I awoke to the smell of flapjacks. Wow, I can’t believe Dad was nice enough to make pancakes before the tournament this early in the morning. Then I slowly opened my eyes to be put in a state of pure disbelief and shock, I’m in Fluttershy’s cabin, still laying on the couch. How damn long is this dream! Or am I even dreaming?

My thoughts were then interrupted by the sound of hooves entering the room, “Good morning. I hope you don’t mind, but I made some pancakes and was wondering if you wanted some. They’re Angel’s favorite”.

“I would love some. Thank you”. I still don’t understand my damn high pitched and shy voice.

Fluttershy smiled, leaving a plate of flapjacks right next to me on the couch, before heading back into the kitchen. Man, these do smell really good. I guess I can figure out what’s happening after a nice meal. But how am I supposed to eat this without any silverware or hands to hold it. I’ll figure it out. Leaning my head over the plate, I bent down and took a bite directly from the highest pancake. WOW! This is amazing, I’ve never eaten anything this good before! I mean it feels like my taste buds are literally on drugs. I rushed to take another bite of the pancakes, then another, and another until my face was smothered in pancake and syrup.

When I eventually licked the plate clean, Fluttershy walked in, “I’m guessing you liked them” she said with a shy chuckle and smile. I just nodded, still mesmerized by the taste of the flapjacks.

“C-Can I ask you something” Fluttershy said with a curious look.

I stared back at her curiously and shyly nodded.

“If it’s not too much to ask, I was wondering what happened to you yesterday. I came across you near the edge of the Everfree forest when you were passed out and I didn’t know what to think. You were badly hurt, with cuts all over your poor body. You were barely breathing, you looked like you were in unbearable pain”. Fluttershy began to slightly sob as she continued, “Nopony deserves that, especially not a young foal like you”.

WAIT, WHAT! A YOUNG FOAL! NO NO NO NO. I’m a damn child? It would explain the voice and why everything looks bigger to me, but it seems a little ridiculous. I mean I know this is probably just some kind of extremely long dream, but what if it’s not. What if I’m trapped here!

I looked back at Fluttershy, her sob turning into a full fledge rain storm. I guess tears were contagious because I began feeling the same stream of water coming from my eyes. We continued to sob for what seemed like an entire minute until we began to settle down.

“W-Well I’m going to make sure that you get the best care I can give,” Fluttershy said as she cuddled me under her wing. It kind of surprised me how soft her wing was; it was like really comfortable. I may have begun to nuzzle into it, don’t judge.

We sat in the middle of the room for a while, with me comfortably tucked underneath her wing until we heard a knock at the door. Me and Fluttershy both immediately raised our heads towards the door. Fluttershy then got up and slowly walked towards the door. Out of my nervous nature of meeting new people and possibly being trapped in a world full of ponies, I ran behind the couch I slept on last night and hid from the ‘newcomer’. From behind the couch, I could hear the door creak open and a familiar voice speak to Fluttershy.

“Hey Fluttershy. A-Are you okay? You look like you were crying. Is everything okay?” I swear I recognize that voice, it is so familiar, but I think I’m still in shock of possibly being stuck here as a filly.

“Oh, I’m fine. Thank you” responded Fluttershy. “But I do want to introduce you to a new friend I met”.

“Is it another squirrel you found in a nearby tree” responded a seemingly sarcastic pony.

“No, something much better! I don’t know where she went.” Wait, where SHE went. NO NO NO! Why does it keep getting worse? First, I might be trapped in a fictional land filled with ponies, then I found out that I’m a foal, and now I’m a SHE. No, I just don’t believe this. I have to wake up at some point please!

My thoughts were then interrupted by the sounds of hooves walking around the room, probably looking for me. I must have some kind of heightened sense of hearing as a filly because I can literally hear everything. It’s pretty cool. It sounds like they’re slowly and gently checking the room to not startle me or something, I don’t know. I may be getting a little bit scared as the sound of hooves begins to get a little bit louder and louder, as if they’re approaching me because they probably are. I’m just sitting here, hiding behind the couch, like a stone that might break at any time from all the pressure and all the unanswered questions. The sounds of hooves keep getting a little bit louder and louder and louder, and I can feel my heartbeat double in pace as if I’m watching the scariest horror film ever and can’t look away.

Then my heart stops when the sounds of the hooves goes silent and I can hear breathing right above me. I’m absolutely terrified, there is most definitely someone staring down at me from on the couch. I slowly turn my head at what I expect to be my doom, the biggest jump scare of all time.

Except what I find, staring right back at me, isn’t a face of horror, but an amazed, joyous and bewildered look. One that makes me exert the same extraordinary reaction when I recognize who it is, RAINBOW DASH!!!

A Familiar Face

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Me and Rainbow sat there, with her on the couch and me sitting behind it to previously hide myself. We were just staring at each other with smiles as wide as canyons across our faces, both amazed at what we were looking at.

Then, calmly and with a smile still radiating from her face, Rainbow began, “Hey there little guy. My name’s Rainbow Dash. What’s yours?”

My face changed from one with joy to one of bewilderment and concern. My name? Uh, I mean my name is Taylor but I don’t think that would really fit a magical female filly. I decided to just shyly shrug in response to her question.

“You don’t know your name?!” I just slowly turned my head from her down to the floor.

Then Fluttershy began, “I found her near the edge of the Everfree forest yesterday”. She continued with a cloudy and saddened tone in her voice, “She was all alone, unconscious and with cuts all over her body. The worst though were across her wings, poor thing.”

“Her wings? SHE’S A PEGASUS!?” Rainbow exclaimed. “I can’t see her wings with all the bandages you put on her Fluttershy.” I looked down at my body. My soft fur, with layers of bandages on top of one another, making my wings barely visible. Not going to lie though, I’m kind of hoping that I can use my new wings before I get home, if I can get home.

The idea of not knowing how or if I even could get home made me feel as if I got hit by seven semi-trucks simultaneously. The possibility of not being able to see my family, friends or anything I knew ever again was more than overwhelming to say the least. Memories of my life flashed before my eyes. Wha-What am I supposed to do? How am I going to get home? Can I even get home? What about my family? Questions flooded into my head, circling my thoughts for what seemed like hours.

I don’t get emotional too often, but with everything going on, it just kind of happened. I began to feel a warm tear coming from my left eye that I tried to wipe away with my soft hoof before Fluttershy or Rainbow Dash saw it, but it was too late.

Fluttershy picked me up in her hooves, moving me close to the soft fur of her chest. She began to smoothly whisper in my ear so that only I could hear, “It’s okay, it’s okay. Everything is going to be okay. We’re going to take good care of you”. That’s when the freaking dam broke through, like a damn tidal wave, tears flooded from my eyes. I couldn’t hold back anything, no matter how much I tried. However, I did feel comforted by the soft patting of Fluttershy’s hooves against my back.

Eventually, and fortunately, the tears retreated and the onslaught of water stopped. I could feel Fluttershy’s tight grip on me loosen as she brought me away from her and back onto the couch. Then Fluttershy began, “I hope you’re feeling better.” I happily nodded in response. “Thank goodness,” she continued in her soft voice. “Also, I hope you don’t mind, but Rainbow Dash and I are going to meet with Princess Twilight soon. I just wanted to make sure that you’d be fine if we left you here with Angel until we got back.” Once again I nodded.

Both Rainbow and Fluttershy sweetly bid me farewell before leaving the cottage to which I waved in response. Now that I have some time to myself, let’s see if I can explore where I am. I have an idea of where I am from watching the show, but I don’t have an in-depth idea of where locations are in relation to one another.

Firstly, I’ll explore Fluttershy’s cottage. I proceeded to take a step down from the couch onto the wooden floor below. The wood felt very cold on my hooves in comparison to the warm cotton of the couch. I looked around the room to find two doorways, one leading to the kitchen and the other leading upstairs. I decided to check upstairs before I go into the kitchen. As I made my way towards the stairs, I felt the bandages tugging on my fur as if it was trying to rip off every bit of hair from my body. I’m not going around like this. I wonder if Fluttershy has scissors or a knife to get these off. She may have one in the kitchen so change in plans, check the kitchen first.

Struggling, I walked over to the kitchen door and peered through to spot a knife on her kitchen table. Her table looks exactly like a picnic table which would be strange in any other house but for some reason, it fits the cottage. Anyways, I made my way to the table and “grabbed” the knife up top. Taking a deep breath, I laid the knife on the ground and put the pressure of one hoof on top of it. I really don’t trust myself to try and hold something this sharp with something as flat as a hoof.

Slowly and carefully I put my other hoof’s bandages up to the blade of the knife and cautiously moved it up and down and until it cut. I then switched hooves and did the same thing. Then I repeated the process with the back hooves. After, I peered down at my now fully visible hooves and saw the scars that surrounded them. They were small in size, but large in number. I’m pretty surprised that the wounds healed as quickly as they did though. My eyes adjusted upwards from my hooves to my torso where my wings laid, covered in layers upon layers of bandages. I’m not even going to try to take off those bandages because I’m pretty sure I’d end up killing myself.

Anyways, once I was done with that I headed out the kitchen and up the stairs. It was weird walking upstairs on all fours with how small I was, but I managed. Eventually I arrived at the second floor where only a single bedroom could be found. In it stood a single bed, a chimney to its right, and a dresser. For how big it is, it seems pretty empty.

Whelp, that was a lot more anticlimactic than what I thought, but then again I don’t really know what I was expecting. I decided to turn-around and head straight back downstairs. “Maybe there’s more stuff outside?”

When I reached the bottom of the stairs I made my way to the front of the door, taking a deep breath as I did so. The door was made of some strange reddish wood and had hinges and a handle that seemed to be made of pure gold. Pretty nice. The door is also separated by a lower and upper half with the handle lying on the lower part of the door. I reached for the golden handle, wrapped my hoof around it and pulled. The door slowly creaked open allowing light from the sun to breach the crack.

I exited through the door to find the beauty of the world. It was overwhelming. There were vibrant colors of life; lively green in the trees, radiant hues of yellows and reds in the flowers, deep shades of blue in the sky and soft whites in the clouds above. It was breathtaking! I spotted more bird houses in the trees near the cottage and ahead was a bridge over a gentle stream of water. But before I continue my adventure, I made sure to shut the door to Fluttershy’s house. Just the nice thing to do.

Anyways, I followed the dirt path leading from the cottage to the small bridge. I looked up at the trees and the life inside of them as I walked past, the creatures seemed so at peace, much more calm than animals back on Earth. Oh….. that’s right. I wonder if I’ll ever even see any life from Earth ever again. I let out an extended sigh as I kept walking.

Eventually I made my way to the bridge where a calm stream laid below. I stood at the bridge’s edge and peered down into the gentle blue beneath me. It was so clear! I could see the fishes and their undisturbed movements. Amongst them was a filly. Wait, is that my reflection! I stuck my hoof out to see the watery figure act in the same fashion. Sweet, it is me! I never had the chance to really see what I look like ever since I got here.

I looked back to see a filly with very light blue fur, a little bit lighter than Rainbow’s. I still had the bandages on my wings and upper torso which blocked much of my body, but I could still see some major parts. I could see my hair, or mane, which was interesting to say the least. It was short and messy and had the same style as my tail. It was blue with a small streak of white running through it. But the face was the freakiest thing to me by far. The feminine features of the face were the scariest things I’ve ever seen. I mean, I already knew that I was a SHE, but I didn’t want to believe it. It’s just not right. My attention then changed to my eyes which were huge. They were very cool though, one eye was a vibrant blue while the other was an ember, like one that you would find in the heart of a fire. It was a very strange contrast but I was still more concerned by the feminine features.

I stood there for a while, just staring at myself. I mean, this is me. This is the new me. The temporary me? I don’t know anymore. I just let out another heavy sigh out of frustration and confusion.

Eventually I realized that I should probably continue my “adventure” before Rainbow and Fluttershy get back and suspect anything. I gazed down the rest of the path to find it leading to numerous houses and shops. Hmm, that must be Ponyville!

Adventures in the Village

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I wandered down the dirt path, gazing on at the approaching town that was about a mile away. All of the buildings created a collage of vibrant colors. Most of the houses and shops were made of wood foundations and had what appeared to be hay as roofs. Weird.

I could also see that there were a lot of ponies standing around and talking to each other, just smiling and laughing. I was too far to hear what they were saying, but it seemed like this was the norm around here.

As I came closer and closer to the town, I could see that there were some buildings that stood out from the rest. Thanks to my knowledge from watching the show, I knew most of them.

One of them being the building I know as the Mayor’s Office. It stood to be one of the tallest structures in the whole town and was made out of the same wooden material as the other houses and shops. However, it had more color on it than mostly every other building. There was also a large amount of a certain reddish, purplish color that covered the roof.

I continued to stare at the building until I had just about arrived at the entrance of the village. Now the ponies from earlier, the ones I could see at a distance who were talking and laughing with one another, were much closer to me. And being the shy person or “wallflower” as my parents called me, I would much rather avoid conversation with weird mystical ponies that I didn’t know, especially in a world that I wasn’t completely used to.

I snuck behind the closest house on my right, making sure that I was hidden amongst its shadow. I slowly continued sneaking around the house until I reached its edge. But for some strange reason, as I reached the corner of the house, I heard the sound of a harmonious tune coming from the other side of the building, where the other ponies were before.

I peeked around the edge of the house to see something that left me in shock. There had to be at least 20 times as many ponies as before and… and they were all singing?! I know they’d sing in the show, but I didn’t think it was some type of common occurrence in the village, I mean really. I also recognized a bunch of the ponies there.

There was Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and then Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, who were all leading the song. I even recognized a lot of the other ponies singing behind them. I really don’t know what they were singing about, but it didn’t sound bad at all. They were all harmonized pretty well.

I guess while I was watching the stampede of ponies singing in rhythm, I must have come out from behind the building because I immediately saw Fluttershy’s face go from a face of happiness and singing, to one staring right at me with concern. She stopped and just stared at me for a second. She had this weirdly focused face, similar to what a lion looks like when it’s about to pounce on its prey. Then, her wings popped up like she was abo….. Oh no! She’s going to come after me.

As I turned to run as fast as I could in the other direction, I could barely see a yellow blur race for me while I could hear Rainbow Dash’s voice fade, “Fluttershy, where are you going!?”

I ran at a complete sprint towards, well, I don’t really know. I passed numerous buildings which seemed like a blur at the speed I was going. Additionally, I was absolutely terrified! I mean, what happens if she catches me? Will she be completely enraged? Wait, who am I kidding, Fluttershy was never really a fast flyer in the show so why would now be any different.

Then as I continued running, I looked over my shoulder to see how far away she was. She was a good couple hundred feet behind me, so I could probably lose her soon. I turned my gaze from Fluttershy back to the buildings in front of me. I really don’t know where I am right now. I mean, all these buildings look alike, but I obviously can’t stop here. Maybe I can find some place I recognize and hide there, but first I have to gain some distance between Fluttershy and me.

I once again looked over my shoulder and, “Oh my god!”, sh-she’s right behind me. There’s only about ten feet separating us, and she looks absolutely furious! How did she catch up so fast!? All I know is that I need to lose her, NOW! I looked back in front of me to see a house directly ahead of us.

I picked up some speed, running straight for the house, and then right before I collided with the building, I made a sharp left. I immediately heard a crashing sound behind me. I turned around to see that Fluttershy had flown directly into the house! Oh god, I-I feel awful. I began to slowly trot towards her, wanting to make sure she was alright.

But, then, I heard a fighter jet? Wait, ponies don’t have fighter jets. Or do they? I began to ponder this question, but it was quickly taken out of my thoughts when I saw a speeding blue blur race towards Fluttershy. It was Rainbow again. She stopped at Fluttershy, who had small bunnies spinning around her head like in the cartoons. It was kind of funny, but I still felt terrible. That’s when Twilight and the rest of the Main 6 arrived to Fluttershy’s aid. When I saw them all, I slowly walked backwards, trying to draw as little attention to myself as possible.

But, I immediately saw the most terrifying thing I’ve ever experienced. Fluttershy began to slowly move and basically pushed herself up and just stared at me with determination in her eyes, like a terminator. I just felt a heavy gulp go down my throat. I mean, how the hell am I supposed to stop her!?

My slow back-stepping immediately changed into an all-out sprint in the other direction. But right before I turned around, I saw not only Fluttershy’s wings pop up as she began to come after me, but also Rainbow staring right at me with confusion and determination in her face as her wings also popped up. It looked like she was about to come after… Oh no! She’s coming after me too! I’m absolutely screwed! I might’ve been able to escape Fluttershy, but not the fastest damn flyer!

I hopelessly began running as fast as I could, but I knew that I didn’t stand a chance. I could once again hear the sound of fighter jets behind me, except now there were two and they were getting louder and louder.

Oh wait, I have an idea! What if right before they grab me, I pull a nice little juke move and go right underneath them and run in the other direction? It couldn’t hurt to try.

I waited for just the right moment. Then, right as it sounded as if I was about to get ran over by fighter jets, I stopped like a running back, and went right under them, back towards where we came from. I watched Fluttershy and Rainbow struggle to stop as I sprinted back. I can’t believe that worked! I kept watching them as I ran, exerting a light chuckle as I did so.

But then, I ran into something really soft and sturdy which sent me onto my back. It was Applejack, who was next to Twilight, Rarity and Pinkie Pie. I just stared at them for a second with heavy amounts of concern in my eyes. “Hey there, little feller.” Applejack said. I didn’t say anything in response. I just laid there on my back, looking up at all of them with worry. That’s when I could once again hear the sounds of Fluttershy and Rainbow flying towards me. Oh no!

I jumped up and began to run, but I-I didn’t move! I kept trying and trying, but something was pulling my tail! NO, NO, NO, NO! I looked behind me to see that a purple aura surrounded my tail. The same aura that radiated from Twilight’s horn. No! I was so close! I used my soft hooves to cover my eyes in fear as I was lifted into the air by my tail, which surprisingly didn’t hurt.

Then I heard Twilight speak with a soft chuckle, not to me, but to someone else, “I believe she’s what you were after?”

I removed my hooves from my eyes for a second, only to immediately re-place them when I saw Rainbow and Fluttershy standing right in front of me, their eyes locked on me.

“Thank you Twilight. I was really worried that we were going to lose her” said Fluttershy with a soft tone.

I can’t believe I was sooooo close to getting away. I mean, I was right there! Well, I’m just worried with what’s going to happen now.

Tormenting Punishment

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I don’t think I’ve ever felt so defeated. I can’t get over the fact of how close I was! But I’m a little bit more concerned with what’s going to happen now.

Once Twilight handed me back over to Fluttershy, I may have considered trying to escape again, but this attempt didn’t last nearly as long. I didn’t even get off the ground before Twilight’s magic grabbed me again. All I ended up doing was making Fluttershy a little bit angrier while giving the others something to laugh at.

Afterwards, Rainbow Dash was nice enough to offer Fluttershy some help with “transporting” me home, as if I was some kind of criminal. The rest of the Main 6 made sure to say their goodbyes before we took off. On the way to Fluttershy’s cottage, Rainbow squeezed me tightly in her hooves to make sure I didn’t somehow escape, which made me upset at my own helplessness.

When we arrived, we entered the cottage through its wooden door, and Rainbow set me on the same couch that I had slept on last night. She then turned her attention from me to Fluttershy and asked if they could speak outside. Fluttershy sweetly and unsurely responded, “Oh, uh, okay”.

They went outside, making sure to shut the door behind them. I could hear the sound of the door’s lock being engaged, probably to make sure I didn’t run off again, which I can understand. I could also hear them talking outside, but it only transferred to a mumble through the walls, so I couldn’t really make out what they were saying. They were out there for a good couple minutes, with Rainbow definitely dominating the conversation.

Eventually I got bored and began to ponder whether I could get out through the windows of the house. But before I even had time to consider trying, the door’s lock disengaged and the front door creaked open. The two walked in, with Rainbow nudging Fluttershy towards me. Something didn’t seem right. I exerted a kind of puzzled look as Rainbow waited by the door, ushering Fluttershy towards me.

At first, Fluttershy began walking towards me with a nervous and unsure posture. However, after Rainbow said she needed to be “more assertive”, Fluttershy stopped, tuck a deep breath and continued on her path towards me. I really don’t know what’s going on.

When Fluttershy finally reached me, she stopped for a moment and just looked at me with a face of changing looks. First she was unsure and nervous, but her emotion quickly snapped into a face of confidence and assertiveness. I’m kind of getting scared. I don’t remember Fluttershy looking this upset in the show, at least not with other ponies, and especially not with small fillies! Man, that word still doesn’t feel right saying.

Anyways, Fluttershy began to talk in her sweet voice, with a definite amount of assertiveness present. “I don’t know why you ran off today. B-But, I won’t let it happen again. And since I can’t always be home to check-up on you, Rainbow and I have decided to sign you up for school.”

Wait, what! I was almost done with school, and now I’m going to have to start all over! NO! I could feel my face become the complete embodiment of sorrow as I just sat there without any movement whatsoever. I was basically dumbfounded, and I could only form a single question in response, “B-But why?”

“Because you almost ran away!” responded Rainbow at the front of the house.

Then Fluttershy spoke, “Don’t worry. It’s only going to be until we can get you back home.”

Every time “home” was mentioned, my stomach hurt a little bit more and made me feel sick, so I tried to get off the topic immediately. “Okay” I quickly and sadly responded.

“Oh you’ll have so much fun! Just think about all the fillies your age that you’ll meet there!” said Fluttershy with a smile that engulfed half of her face.

“When does It start?” I asked, hoping for an answer that indicated that it would be a while.

“Class starts tomorrow.” replied Rainbow who still stood at the door.

What?! Tomorrow! But that’s like tomorrow! That’s way too soon!

My thoughts were soon interrupted by Fluttershy’s mentioning of the time. “Wow, 7:30 already! It looks like it’s time to put you to bed.”

“But it’s only 7:30.” I responded.

“Oh, well, I guess you could stay u-“

“Fluttershy!” responded an agitated Dash.

“Oh. I mean. No buts. You have to get to bed early for school tomorrow.”

Without much resistance after that, I laid down on the same couch as the previous night, while Fluttershy sweetly covered me in a soft yellow blanket. I was considering getting out of here before the morning, but I guess Rainbow figured that I’d do something like that, so she offered to stay the night to make sure I couldn’t run away. Smart move. Rainbow took up her post by the front door, while Fluttershy headed upstairs into her room for bed.

However, I had a plan to escape. I pretended to fall asleep after a while, and once I could hear the snoring of Rainbow near the door, I opened my eyes. Then, I carefully and slowly removed the soft blanket on top of me and made my way off of the couch. I moved as slowly as I could towards one of the windows to see if it would budge, but before I reached for it, Rainbow’s snoring stopped, which sent a sharp pain to my heart. I turned around, only to find that she was still asleep. Something probably happened in her dream. I turned my gaze back to the window.

The window seemed to be made of two halves, a left and a right. There wasn’t a lock or anything, so I’m pretty sure that I could just push on them and they would open. I put my hoof out to the window, and very slowly, I pushed, creating a small crack between the two halves of the window. I kept slowly pushing, but right before it had opened enough for me to squeeze through, a soft hoof grabbed the back of my shoulder. I just froze there for a second. But I eventually began to slowly turn my head, and there standing behind me was Rainbow. She was staring at me with a face that basically read “Really?” to which I just gave a nervous smile back.

She exerted a long sigh and said, “You’re sleeping with me.”

She then nudged me over to where she was sleeping on the floor a second ago and urged me to lay down. She proceeded to lay down next to me and began to stretch her wing around me. It was surprisingly, very soft. Unfortunately though, whenever I tried to squirm, I could feel Rainbow’s wing restricting any of my movement, like a seatbelt. Eventually, I just gave up and ended up falling asleep.

The next morning, I awoke to the sound of hoof steps coming down the stairs. It was Fluttershy. Rainbow had just woken up too and still had her wing wrapped around me. Fluttershy saw this and uttered an extended, “Awww”. Rainbow and I got up as fast we could, with both of us blushing.

Fluttershy then asked me, “Are you excited for your first day of school?”

Oh that’s right. I forgot about the whole school thing, and I kind of wish that it’d stayed that way. I just uttered a sigh in response.

“Oh. I bet it’ll be lots of fun!” said an enthusiastic Fluttershy.

“You know, that’s how we met.” Interrupted Rainbow.

Oh yeah. I remember that episode when Rainbow stuck up for Fluttershy against the bullies in Cloudsdale. I wonder what ever happened to those bullies though. Did they become athletes like their cutie marks showed?

Before I could think of a possible conclusion to my thought, I heard Fluttershy beginning to speak to me. “Rainbow and I are going to take you to school right after breakfast, okay?”

“Okay.” I responded

Fluttershy had once again made pancakes, and once again they were delicious. Rainbow, Fluttershy and I sat at the picnic-like table in the kitchen, eating away at the amazing flapjacks. I guess Rainbow loved them too, because she ate them the same way I did, face first. When I saw this, I immediately challenged her to see who could finish first, to which she obviously accepted. We threw our faces into the syrupy goodness and chowed down. We were both neck and neck, but she won in the end. And of course, she made sure that everyone in the room knew it.

After the competitive breakfast, Fluttershy said it was about time to head out for school.

I really don’t want to go! Maybe I could try and stall them for a bit. What could I possibly do though? Oh, I could ask Rainbow what it’s like to be a Wonderbolt, that’d definitely take up some time.

So I asked, “Rainbow Dash?”

To which I received a “Yes” in response.

“What’s it like being a Wonderbolt?”

The tone of her voice picked up when she began to speak. “Oh, it’s amazing! It was always my dream to be one. But, I always knew they’d choose me. I mean, I’m the best flyer in Equestria! And there’s also…..”

She stopped for a second before looking at me with a confused face, “How did you know I became a Wonderbolt? I’ve only told a few ponies.”

Oh crap, is that not like publicly stated! She’s going to figure out that something is really wrong! What am I supposed to say!

Fortunately though, before I got completely found out, Fluttershy interrupted and said that we needed to leave. Phew.

We headed out the door with Fluttershy leading the way, and Rainbow staying close to me to make sure I still didn’t run away. We then followed the dirt path, passing the trees, the bridge and the creek. After a little bit of walking, the familiar view of the village once again came into sight. When we finally breached its entrance, we continued down an unfamiliar path until we could see the school house at a distance.

My heart sped up every step we took closer to the small school. Although I became more and more frightened as we came closer to it, I couldn’t help but admire the schoolhouse’s cheerful expression. It had lively trees surrounding it, as well as a pure white fence in front. It also had a flagpole with a completely red flag and a cool pony designed at the top. The schoolhouse even had a small vibrant playground to its side.

It would seem like paradise to most kids, but it doesn’t really comfort me at all! Mostly because I’m not really a kid, or sorry filly. Ugh, I hate that damn word!

Anyways, we’re starting to get really close to the school, like a couple hundred feet, and I don’t like it, AT ALL! I can feel my knees getting weak, as I begin to sporadically shake. I really don’t want to go! Out of fear and anxiety I decided to come to a complete stop, leaving me to watch as Fluttershy continued her walk towards the school. Maybe I can still get away! I turned around, only to be met with blue fur. Oh crap, I forgot Rainbow was behind me.

“C’mon kid. You’re going to school!” she said, as she stared directly into my soul. Not really, but it felt like it. I could feel myself begin to move again as Rainbow started to push me with her muzzle, so I did the most logical thing I could, sit down. It didn’t really do much though, because she just kept pushing me towards the school house. And I know I said that I was shaking before, but now it got really bad! It felt like I was trapped in a magnitude 6 earthquake!

As Rainbow continued to push me from behind, I could see Fluttershy up ahead waiting for us. I guess she noticed that I’d stopped.

When we finally reached her, I was still badly shaking, but that didn’t stop Rainbow from pushing me towards the entrance of the school. And it only took a few seconds before I was sitting at the front door of this friendly, but somehow menacing place. I didn’t do anything other than shake, so Rainbow decided to knock. I could hear hoof steps amongst the inside of the building approaching the door. With every step, my heart skipped a beat, sending me further into a state of fear. Eventually, the hoof steps stopped. Maybe they decided not to answer! But nope. The door began to open! The creaking sound of the door sent me into a frenzy as I hid myself behind my hooves, hoping that something would save me. But nothing did.

I could only try and accept the truth. That I was helpless here.

First Day Of School

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There I sat, using my hooves to cover my face, trying to hide myself from the pony who had just opened the school’s door. Unfortunately, I could still feel my entire body shaking intensely, which definitely echoed my fright to the other three around me.

“Is this our new student?” asked a comforting voice that came from the door.

“Uh, yes. P-Please take good care of her.” said an unassured Fluttershy

“Don’t worry, she’ll be in good hooves.” responded the voice at the door.

“She likes to run off a lot too, so try to keep an eye on her.” mentioned Rainbow.

I was kind of hoping they wouldn’t say anything about that. I was planning on using the breaks, or recess to escape, but it’s going to be a bit harder now, especially with this pony knowing my intentions.

“I’ll be sure to keep her in my sight at all times.” responded the voice at the door.

Then Fluttershy began to speak in an obviously concerned ramble. “Oh, okay, bu-but make sure that she’s comfortable, an-and that nobody is mean to her because….”

“Fluttershy!” interrupted Rainbow. “She’s going to be fine. Okay?”

Fluttershy took a deep breath before responding, “Okay.”

A long pause formed after Fluttershy’s answer. Then Rainbow spoke up, “Alright. Are you ready to go?”

“Y-Yes. I think so.” responded Fluttershy

Then, I could hear the two of them behind me, moving away from me and the school. No, don’t leave me here! I removed my hooves from my face as I began thinking of what to call out at them. However, rather than yelling after them once I removed my hooves, I looked up at the figure standing right in front of me at the door.

She was a familiar magenta horse with a pink mane, containing a strip of white, and she had a cutie mark of three smiling flowers. It was Cheerilee, which makes sense. I didn’t recognize her voice at first, mostly because it’s been a while since she was present in a recent episode. But, I do remember her character. She was very nice, with the assertiveness of a teacher, which probably explains why she is one.

Anyways, Cheerilee called out to Rainbow and Fluttershy, who quickly stopped when she said, “Wait! I have one last question.”

She then paused, waiting for both Rainbow and Fluttershy to turn around before asking her question. “What’s her name?”

Oh, wow! I completely forgot that I still don’t have a name here. Hmm, I wonder if I have any say in what it would be. I’d like something that’s a single word, like Taylor, but I’m pretty sure that something like my real name wouldn’t work here, because firstly, I’m a pony, and secondly, I’m a damn filly! But, I really don’t have any idea whatsoever as to what it could even be.

“Uhh... well, we don’t really know what her name is.” said a melancholy Rainbow

“Really?!” responded Cheerilee with pure surprise and amazement present.

Rainbow just looked at Fluttershy, who thought for a second, only to come up with nothing. They ended up deciding that it’d be best to figure it out later. So, I guess I still don’t have a name for now.

A moment passed before Fluttershy and Rainbow decided to say their goodbyes to me and Cheerilee, and I swear I could see Fluttershy getting a little bit emotional before they flew off. I remained sitting there for a second, watching as they disappeared in the pure blue sky. Once they were truly gone, I just sat there, away from Cheerilee and the school, still looking at the sky, as if they were going to come back and take me home. But no one came.

I only ended up turning around when Cheerilee sweetly asked me, “Are you ready to come in? I’d love to introduce you to your new classmates!”

With sadness present in my voice, I responded “Okay.”

She turned around, heading into the school house, with me following in turn. As I followed behind her, my emotions immediately changed from sorrow and sadness, to pure fear and anxiety when I thought about what she had just said. She wanted to introduce me to my new classmates!? Something was just so unnerving about having to stand in front of a whole bunch of new people, be the center of attention, and remain there without knowing what to do.

My thoughts continued to wander as we made our way towards the school’s door. On entering the school, my eyes immediately began to scan the one small room. To our right was a teacher’s desk and chalkboard, which is most likely where Cheerilee spends her time. Across the room, on the wall opposite of us, were several windows, each with their own set of curtains. Additionally, there were numerous dressers and shelves with books and other school supplies beneath them. And then, to our left was…. Oh god!

On the left of the room were ten pairs of eyes, all fixated on me. They were all foals, situated in small, but nice, wooden desks. They all began either whispering to one another, most likely about me, or they were expressing wonder as they watched me walk across the room. When I saw that they were staring at me, I immediately looked away and turned my gaze towards the floor. I could feel my heart beat kick up as well.

As I continued walking, I remained staring at the ground in front of me. At least until I found the hooves of Cheerilee, who had stopped right in front of her desk. I looked up to see her eyes staring back at mine. She looked at me for a moment before she turned her head towards the group of seated foals and began to speak.

“I’d like you all to meet our newest student who will be joining us today! She’s new to Ponyville, so I hope that you can all give her a nice and warm welcome!”

She then turned back to me and asked, “Would you like me to show you where you’ll be sitting?”

With me wanting to get out of the center of attention, I quickly responded “Yes!”

She then walked me over to the back row of desks, while most of the foals kept their eyes on me. I just kept trying to avert my eyes from looking back at them.

We eventually made it to my seat. It was in the last row, where only one other foal was. The three rows of desks in front of mine were filled with numerous ponies that I recognized, such as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Diamond Tiara and several others. However, the only other foal in my row was separated from me by an empty desk in between us. And this pony seemed strange to me. Not in a bad way though. They just seemed different in comparison to the vibrant and colorful personalities of the other foals.

This pony was a colt. He had grayish blue fur and long dark blue flowing hair that came close to dropping over his lively purple eyes. There was also a horn that protruded through his long hair. He seemed to be an introvert, similarly to me, so he didn’t look like he would say much. But, he did seem intrigued by my presence just like the other foals. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see him glance at me every one and a while, only to look away when I turned my head towards him. He made me feel like I wasn’t the only frightened one in the room, which was nice.

Eventually, Cheerilee made her way back to the front of the class and began. “Good morning everypony! Today we’re going to begin by talking about cutie marks!” she said with a smile.

“But we’ve already learned about cutie marks!” cried out Diamond Tiara.

“Yes, but we have a new student who may have not learned this yet. And don’t worry, I’m only going to give a brief summary of them.” Responded Cheerilee

Then she began to give the class a “brief summary” on the history of cutie marks and how they define who we are, and basically everything I already knew from the show. I didn’t learn anything new, but it did make me curious as to how many foals in the class had cutie marks. I proceeded to look around the room at all the flanks of the other foals, and strangely enough, only two were blank: mine and the shy colt’s across from me. Strange.

Anyways, after the “brief” half hour refresher on cutie marks, we began a lesson on addition. Yes, really, addition! It seems like school here is very easy. Understandably, I got bored very quickly. So, I started to lay my head on the nice wooden desk after only the first couple minutes. I could even feel my eyes slowly begin to shut, only to suddenly reopen when Cheerilee appeared next to me.

“Would you like to answer the question?” she asked me, pointing her hoof towards the chalkboard at the front.

On the board was an addition problem that read “13+7=”. I’m in pre-calculus, so I’d hope that I’d be able to solve an easy addition problem. However, everypony in the class had their eyes on me and I really don’t like being the center of attention, as you may have guessed.

So I quietly whispered so that only Cheerilee could hear, “No thank you.”

Cheerilee looked at me for a second after my response, only to try and encourage/coerce me to do it. I don’t know how, but she somehow managed to get me to attempt the easy question. I looked up at the board, and once I read the question, “13+7=” one more time. I instinctively said “20”.

Cheerilee immediately congratulated me, while the other foals in the class looked at me as if I had just won the lottery. I don’t know why everypony was so surprised that I answered the question, but it definitely made me feel good. But then, I figured out why everypony was staring at me like that.

Cheerilee had pulled out a piece of candy and proceeded to put it on my desk. “Good job! Whenever somepony answers a question right, they earn a piece of candy!” she said with a jovial look. I picked up the candy in between both of my hooves, as I somehow managed to get it in my mouth, and wow! The candy is really, really, really good. I mean, wow! It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted, but it didn’t seem overwhelmingly sweet. I don’t know if my new palate makes sweet things taste amazing, or what. But, I do know that it was absolutely delicious!

Once Cheerilee went back up to the board, she continued teaching the class on the “wonders” of addition. I looked over to see the colt across the row look at me for a second before turning his head as quickly as he could. He tried to act as if he had been paying attention to the lesson the whole time, but the blushing of his cheek gave him away. Well, and the fact that I actually saw him looking at me. I just let out a short giggle that didn’t attract much attention.

I decided that I would try and pay attention so that Cheerilee wouldn’t call on me again, so I turned my gaze back to the chalkboard where she stood. She had written another question down and was asking students if they could solve it. Now this question was a little bit harder, because now it was the addition of two two-digit numbers. The question on the board read, “11+23=”.

I didn’t raise my hoof, but just about every other pony in the class did. Me and the colt across the row were the only two foals who didn’t raise our hooves. Cheerilee first called on Applebloom who got the question wrong, and then she called on Diamond Tiara, who also got it wrong. Cheerilee continued calling on every pony with their hand up, and every time they got it wrong.

Eventually, Cheerilee realized that there were only two foals in the room who hadn’t tried to answer the question. Thankfully, she didn’t call on me first!

“Blue Shade, do you want to try to answer the question?” asked Cheerilee. Blue Shade, that’s his name? Hmm, okay.

He sat frozen for a moment, not moving out of shock of having been called on. Then a few seconds passed before he realized that he still needed to offer a response. “O-Okay. I-Is it 37?”

“No, sorry. Very close though!” said Cheerilee, trying to comfort him. The young colt across the row, Shade, then turned his head down towards his desk, disappointed that he missed the question.

“How about you?” said Cheerilee, staring directly at me.

I really hope it doesn’t become a reoccurring thing that she calls on me. I took a deep breath and reread the question written on the chalkboard in my head, “11+23=”. Oh, well the answer is 34. “It’s 34” I told Cheerilee.

Her face lit up with a smile as soon as the words left my mouth, as if she didn’t expect anypony to actually get the question right. “That’s right! You get two pieces for being able to solve such a hard question!”

There were numerous reactions from the foals in front of me. Some gasped while others were jealous, and a few even tried to coerce me into giving them a piece.

Cheerilee trotted over and placed the two pieces of candy on my desk before walking off again towards the front of the room. I felt a large amount of pride while staring at the sweets in front of me. I satisfyingly plopped one of the delicious sweets into my mouth. Wow, these are so good! Then, I squeezed the second piece in between my hooves, preparing to consume it as well. But, as it got closer and closer to my mouth, I gazed over at Shade, who was still sadly staring at his desk for having gotten the question wrong.

Instinctively, when I saw him looking so sad, I halted my hooves from delivering the second delicious piece of candy into my mouth. I paused for a moment. And then, I offered him the piece with my hoof. It took him a moment to realize that I was holding the piece of candy out to him, but once he noticed, he looked up at it, and then at me. “Thank you.” he said, slowly grasping the candy from my hoof. I just smiled in response.

I watched as Shade devoured the candy, a smile quickly growing on his face.

A couple seconds passed, and then the bell rang. Yay, I get to go home!

I began to get up from my desk, but I quickly stopped once Cheerilee began to speak, “Alright everypony, time for recess!”

Wait, what! No, I wanted to go home!

Rough Recess

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The entire class left the schoolhouse for recess, while I stayed in my seat. Once all the other foals were gone, only Cheerilee and I remained. She just stared at me from the door, as if waiting for me. When I didn't move, she used her eyes to usher me out the door. Once she did that, and I didn't respond, she just kept her eyes locked on mine as her expression became more and more frustrated that I wasn't moving.

I wonder if she'd come after me if I just stayed in my seat. It only took a few moments before I found the answer to my question. She took one hard step towards me, and so I knew that one way or another, she'd be getting me out of this room.

So I decided to get up, but not before exerting a heavy sigh. When she saw me moving towards the door, her facial expression immediately diverted into a stream of happiness.

As soon as I took a step outside, I had the immediate urge to run. But, I looked over my shoulder to see Cheerilee looking at me as if she knew what I was planning. So, reluctantly, I decided that it would be better to try and escape when Cheerilee was not paying attention to me.

She led me over to the playground, which was a surprisingly big space. There was more grass and field than anything else. However, it did have a swing-set, some kind of tetherball pole and a jungle gym which most of the other foals were playing on.

When I finally entered the playground's premises, Cheerilee came out from behind me and crouched in my path. "I have to go and watch the other foals now, so I need you to be safe and have some fun, okay?"

"Okay" I responded.

"Make sure to try and make friends too" she said as she wandered away from me with a smile on her face.

She just left me. That was easier than I thought! Now, I can just get the hell out of here! I looked around the playground to see if anypony was watching me, and nopony was. But one lonely foal on the swings caught my attention. It's that colt, Shade, that sits in my row! He's looks absolutely miserable.

I probably have time to see what's up with him before I bail. So, I began to slowly trot over to him, but I quickly stopped myself when another, much bigger, colt approached him from behind. This colt was thicker than all of the foals and had light brown fur. In class, he sat on the right of the first row and didn't seem to pay much attention to Cheerilee.

Anyways, this colt was obviously going to the swings. Aww, that's nice. He's probably going to sit in the empty swing next to Shade.

The bigger colt made his way to the swings, but he didn't go on the empty one. Instead, he went right behind Shade. Aww, that's even nicer, he's gonna push him on the swing. That's when the bigger colt charged up and hit Shade as hard as he could off of the swing. Shade fell hard, face first into the grass. What the hell!

I immediately looked over to see if Cheerilee saw that, but she was helping another foal on the other side of the schoolyard and missed it. I then turned my attention back to the swings. Shade was still lying on the ground in front of the swing as the bigger colt was now standing right above him. Shade covered his face with his hooves as the bigger colt began stomping on him. Oh my god! What the hell is this! I thought these damn ponies were supposed to be all about friendship!

Nopony was doing anything and Cheerilee was too far to see what was happening. I can't just stand here and watch a small foal get repeatedly kicked in the head! I could feel the rage inside of me swelling so much that my eyes felt like they were about to burst into flames.

That's when I instinctively began sprinting as hard as I could towards the bigger one, and when I was only a couple feet away, I leaped into the air, charged back a hoof with all my rage and swung so hard that it knocked the bigger foal fell off balanced. He stumbled a couple feet backwards before losing his balance and falling down. I was still filled with rage afterwards and thought about going after that foal, but I realized that I needed to make sure Shade was okay.

I helped Shade up and watched as his hooves revealed a silent trail of tears leaving his bloodshot eyes. As soon as he saw me, he wrapped his hooves around me and hugged me harder than I've ever been hugged before. "Thank you!" he said, with emotions cracking through his voice.

I didn't say anything, but I comfortingly hugged him back. A few moments passed before a hoof lightly touched the back of my neck. I turned around to see Cheerilee staring at me with a face of pure anger, but also fear.

"W-W-WHAT HAPPENED HERE!" she yelled at me, pointing a hoof at the brown colt who now had stars circling his head.

I was about to respond to her, but then I noticed all the eyes on me. Every single foal had stopped playing, and was watching me, judging me. I couldn't even manage to utter any words to defend myself.

"You three are coming with me to class right now!" stated Cheerilee

She was not happy at all, and she made sure that we knew. She pointed a hoof towards the school, directing Shade and I to go wait inside while she helped up the colt that I'd hit.

On our way back to class, I kept trying to think of how everything got out of hand so quickly. How could a small colt in a world manifested by friendship beat up another foal? It just doesn't make any sense! Maybe this place is a lot different than I thought.

We arrived in the classroom and waited by Cheerilee's desk. I began to get cold sweats as I pondered what Cheerilee might do when she comes through that door.

She eventually arrived with the other colt who now had a lump on the side of his head.

"Would you like to explain what happened?" asked Cheerilee, staring right at me.

I tried to say something, but I was so scared of what she might do that I couldn't even speak. Fortunately though, Shade, who was standing next to me, saw me and spoke up. He told her everything, from being on the swings and being pushed off, to me socking the other colt in the face. Surprisingly, the brown colt didn't even try to retaliate. He seemed embarrassed that he got beat up by a filly.

Anyways, Cheerilee stood in front of all three of us and generated a deep sigh. First she looked at me, then the other two, and then back at me. "You need to apologize to Rider" she commanded me. Oh, so that colt is Rider, and why do I have to apologize to him! He hit Shade off the swings for no reason whatsoever! But, I could see Cheerilee was not in a mood for backtalk, so I grudgingly told Rider that I was sorry.

Then Cheerilee told Rider to apologize for pushing Shade. Shockingly, Rider was able to say he was sorry with true remorse in his voice. He seemed like he was actually disappointed in himself for what he did.

Afterwards, Cheerilee mentioned that she would still have to punish us, which reinstalled fear in me as to what it might be. "Shade, since you didn't do anything, you won't be punished. You can go back outside and enjoy the rest of your recess."

He happily left after saying bye to me, leaving Cheerilee, Rider and I. "I'm very disappointed in you both. You know that you shouldn't hurt other foals. So, after what has happened, you both will have to miss the rest of today's recess."

Wait, what! That's it?! I actually punched a colt unconscious and I only have to miss the rest of recess. I almost bursted out laughing, but I contained it when I gazed back at Cheerilee's stern look. I wanted to see if Rider had the same thought as me, but upon looking over, he looked like he was about to break down and start crying. This is weird.

"You'll both have to stay in your desks for the rest of recess while I go and take care of the others" said Cheerilee.

We both made our way to our seats and watched as Cheerilee left, making sure to lock the door behind her. Well, that went a lot better than I thought it would.

Rider and I did't say a word to each other for a couple minutes. But, he eventually turned around from his desk and faced me. I was expecting him to get really upset, but his face said otherwise. Strangely enough, he had a face of pure shame. "I-I'm sorry for what I did. I know it wasn't right and I'm really sorry! But, I think you knocked some sense into me so I'll leave the poor colt alone. Are we cool?" he asked.

I was pretty astounded at what he just said. I don't know if he said it out of fear or if he was truly sorry, but I do know that he'll leave poor Shade alone. That gave me enough reassurance that I hopefully did the right thing. "We're cool" I responded.

The classroom fell back into a deep silence once Rider turned back around. For the rest of the time, my brain wandered. At first, I thought about the past couple of days and what's happened, but my mind quickly eluded to thoughts of my family and friends.

Holy crap! How could I forget about my own parents?! They must be absolutely worried sick! I wonder what they would think if they saw me now. The thought sent a quick smirk onto my face.

Just then, a shower of memories of my family and friends flooded into my thoughts. The first baseball game I ever went to with my dad. Then there was the week-long camping trip that we took in the mountains. And there was even that one time when my best friend, Max, and I were seven, and we hid in one of those circular hangar racks at Nordstrom. My mom had to call security and they finally found us an hour later. She was absolutely furious, but we still somehow got ice cream afterwards. Oh I wish I could go back to those days. Well, I guess getting back to that world, or dimension, or whatever it is would be a better place to start, because if I can't get home, all that time would've been lost! All those people I loved and shared relationships with will all be gone, forever!

The thought of basically losing everything I've ever known sent my mind into a deep depression.

It's strange too, because ever since I've been here, I've acted a lot differently than usual. I've always been introverted and quiet, but I was never this emotional. I honestly don't know whether it's the fact that I'm not used to this place, if the ponies' emotions are rubbing off on me, or if being transformed into a young filly somehow changed my behavior. In any case, while I've been here, I haven't had control of my feelings. It seems that a lot of the time, I instinctively begin to do things that I know I would never actually do back on earth.

I need to figure out why I'm acting so much differently and how I could get home, but truthfully, I don't have any clue on how I could figure out either one of those things, especially while being trapped in a classroom. Once I get out of here though, I'll try and figure something out. But even if I do manage to find a way home, I might as well enjoy myself while I'm in this "friendly" little land. It's not everyday that you have the chance to live in Equestria!

My thoughts began to stall as the school's door flung open and the sound of foals' laughter quickly filled the room. Strangely enough, none of them acknowledged what had happened at recess, but they made sure to get to their seats once Cheerilee walked in.

As I watched them get to their desks, I felt a warm pair of hooves wrap around me from my left. It was Shade. He gave me a light hug before uttering another quiet "Thank you". Then, he quickly released me and made his way to his own desk. I could feel my face begin to flush bright pink.

Then, Cheerilee began to speak and the entire class snapped their attention to her. We began another lesson, but I was still too overwhelmed by what had happened at recess to really focus. First, I watched Rider beat up Shade. Then, I stepped in and actually sucker punched one of them. Afterwards, Cheerilee gave us the most minuscule punishment of all time. And now, I'm sitting in class as if nothing ever happened. How is that even possible?!

Whatever, I just hope Cheerilee doesn't say anything to Fluttershy or Rainbow when they come to get me. Speaking of which, when do I get out of here? Because I'm starting to get really really really bored. I already know all of this material and relearning it is killing me! But, I can't really do anything other than hunker down and wait until school's over.

So, I did my best to pretend like I was paying attention so Cheerilee wouldn't call on me. My eyes remained at the front of the room while my mind dozed off to other places. I began to think about everything that happened today. I remember waking up under Rainbow's wing, and I did feel a little embarrassed when Fluttershy came down, but I was more comforted than anything. I felt protected, as if I had someone here that cared and that I could count on.

Then, I started to recollect yesterday. I remember that I came so close to getting away from Fluttershy and Rainbow, and maybe if I had, I wouldn't have to be at school. I also remember that that day was the first time I was introduced to Rainbow, and technically Fluttershy because I was..... unconscious the day before.

As soon as I remembered being knocked out, my mind diverted into a stream of flashbacks. A still image of big, glowing red eyes piercing through my soul as I tried to figure out what the hell was going on. What the hell was that thing anyway?

Before I could try and ponder what that thing in the forest could have possibly been, the bell's ringing halted all of my thoughts. Yes, I can go home!

As I got up from my desk, like all the other foals, I could hear Cheerilee talking about the lesson plans for tomorrow. None of the foals really payed attention and it made me feel sorry for her. She seems so nice, but she doesn't get much respect from her students.

Once she finished, I made my way towards the door, and there, towering over me, were two of the widest grins I've ever seen, emitted from a pair of very familiar pegasi.

A Trip to the Heavens

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The three of us journeyed back to the cottage, talking about my day the whole way there. They asked me numerous questions that I was more than happy to answer. But, they didn't seem to know about the whole recess incident, so I was sure not to mention it.

As we continued walking, I couldn't help but admire the attentiveness and care of the two. Fluttershy and Rainbow seemed so interested in my school day and my overall well-being. I could feel the joy radiating from them, as if they were suns producing rays of exuberance.

We finally arrived at the dirt path that made its way to Fluttershy's cottage. Our short and sweet conversations persisted, while the breaks in between provided my eyes with the chance to observe the world's environment. My gaze turned from the two, to the vast, lively and towering forest. I could feel my buoyant face change into one of sorrow as remembered my first encounter there. I don't know if I'll ever go back, but there might be some answers in there as to why I'm here.

My expression of deep concentration, as I stared at the dense forest caught the attention of Fluttershy.

"I-Is everything okay?" Fluttershy asked, with large amounts of concern on her face.

Rainbow turned to see me, gesturing a face that showed that she knew that I was distraught.

"Y-Yea. I'm fine" I responded, shaking the memory of gargantuan red eyes from my thoughts.

"Well okay. But if you ever need anypony to talk to, we'll always be available" said Fluttershy, with Rainbow nodding in agreement.

Our hike down the dirt path continued, while my eyes once again surveyed the environment. However, my eyes quickly drifted from the beautiful grass, plants and trees; to the charming blue sky and its divine clouds. The fluffy, soft and bulbous white masses were absolutely incredible to see.

I looked intently at each one, appreciating its build and shape which made each one so unique to the rest. Eventually, my eyes settled on one that made me stop in awe. It looked like a city made of clouds! Is that Cloudsdale?! I-It's unbelievable!

I turned my head towards the others who gave a small chuckle and a burst of laughter as they saw my dumbstruck face. I was too stunned by the city to really retaliate to their laughters. Their giggles and chuckles persisted before finally dying down.

"Have you never seen Cloudsdale!?" asked Rainbow with true disbelief in her voice.

"N-Not like this!" I said.

I sometimes saw the city in certain episodes of the show, but this was so much more incredible. It looked as if I was staring at heaven itself!

We ultimately arrived at Fluttershy's cottage, with my attention still solely focused on the gorgeous floating city. I only looked away, once I heard a short coughing noise coming from the two. I gazed at them, while they did the same at me, except with small grins on their faces.

"Have you ever been there?" asked Fluttershy softly.

"N-No" I replied.

"WHAT!?" yelled Rainbow.

Her outburst scared Fluttershy and I so much that we jumped backwards as our eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

"What do you mean you've never been to Cloudsdale!" exclaimed Rainbow, with her eyes transferring from me, to Fluttershy and then back to me. Her expression somehow became even more confused when her gaze found my light blue wings.

Rainbow picked up her hoof and pointed at them. "But you're a pegasus! How could you have never been to Cloudsdale!"

She then stopped as an even more alarming thought ran through her head. Rainbow looked at me as her eyes gradually grew wider and wider until they couldn't get any larger.

"HAVE YOU NEVER SEEN THE WONDERBOLTS!?" she yelled in my face.

The towering pony caused me to cower behind my hooves. I only came a few moments later to utter a response. "N-No."

Rainbow's face was utterly shocked as her head shifted away from me. Her eyes remained on mine, a confused look emoting from her. But, she soon turned away from me and to Fluttershy, before quickly turning back to meet my gaze.

She facehoofed and announced, "We're going!"

"B-But, Rainbow Dash, their next performance isn't until tomorrow" informed Fluttershy.

"Oh, that's right. Well we still need to take her to see Cloudsdale. Maybe we can go to the performance tomorrow" said Rainbow with a growing smile on her face.

I internally sighed when she called me a "her". But whatever, I might as well try and get used to it while I'm here.

"Sure, that sounds great! Well, um, only if you want to" said Fluttershy shyly looking towards me.

Once she had said that, Rainbow turned towards me and approached in a threatening manner.

"I'd love to" I said, with a drop of sweat coming from my forehead.

A giant smirk engulfed Rainbow's face as if she wasn't intending on killing me. "We should get going!"

"Okay, but I'll have to tend to the animals before we leave" said Fluttershy.

Rainbow just rolled her eyes as Fluttershy disappeared into her wooden cottage.

A half hour passed before Fluttershy emerged from her house. "Are you girls ready?" she asked.

Why are they torturing me like this?! Why couldn't she have said 'Are you ready' without the "girls"? It's ridiculous! Ugh, I swear if they mention the fact that I'm female again I'm going to flip.

Rainbow and Fluttershy lifted themselves off the ground with their wings and watched as I did nothing.

"So I'm guessing you haven't learned to fly yet" said Rainbow.

"No. Are there certain," I paused and cringed a little bit at what I was about to say, "fillies that can fly?"

"Some can" replied Fluttershy. "Rainbow could when she was a filly. In fact, she was better than most ponies I know today!"

That's when the episode where Rainbow and those colts raced up in Cloudsdale flooded my mind. It's crazy that I used to only see this world as a show.

Then another idea circulated my head: flight. It must be so cool to be able to fly! I mean, I always thought about it as a child, but now having the opportunity to actually try and learn how to do it is crazy! Plus, I have the best flier in all of Equestria here with me.

"Hey Rainbow?" I asked.

"What's up?"

"Well, I was just wondering if one of these days, you could teach me how to fly."

As soon as the words left my mouth, her confused expression changed into a grin that was so big that she looked like a psychopath. But, as soon as she realized that she was giving off too much emotion, she suddenly snapped into a normal, or uninterested expression.

"Uh, sure. I guess" said Rainbow, obviously trying to hold in her enthusiasm.

A little bit later, we finally decided to head towards the heavenly city. Since I can't fly.... yet, Rainbow volunteered to carry me up there. I was very hesitant at the idea. I mean, I already had a huge fear of heights, but this was taking that to a whole other level. How is she going to securely hold me with flat hooves?!

"I'm not too sure ab..." I wasn't able to finish protesting before I was picked up in a flash.

I looked up to see that I was now in Rainbow's grasp as she gave me a sly smirk. NO! I began to squirm and attempt to escape, but her grasp on me was too strong. All I did was tire myself out as she let out a light chuckle.

"You all ready?" asked Rainbow humorously.

I didn't know whether to be more upset or scared that I was going to be carried helplessly through the air. I just hid myself behind my hooves as we started to ascend farther and farther from the safety of the ground.

Eventually, the air's cold breeze breached my fur and that's when I knew that we were high up. I finally built up the courage to see where we were. I slowly and unsurely removed my hooves from my eyes, and the first thing I noticed was the absence of any vegetation. I immediately thought about taking shelter behind my hooves again, but not without a peek downwards.

I looked over the railing of blue hooves and stared at the abyss of life. I couldn't believe how high we were! I was absolutely terrified and I almost cowered back behind my hooves, but the outstanding view of the land had me stuck in a trance. I could see everything!

All of Ponyville was visible, along with some other bits of land on the outskirts. It all looked so majestic from up above. I couldn't look away, and it was as if my fear of heights vanished. I sat in Rainbow's hooves, with wide eyes and an awe-spired jaw, peering down at the breathtaking view.

I guess the two looked at me, because I soon heard them release soft laughter. The noise took me out of the view's trance and back into the power of the height's fear. I once again sheltered my eyes, trying to hide from the reality of my position.

After a while, I could feel our movements slowing down, as if we were about to land. I once again removed my hooves, and saw that we were only a couple feet away from the floating city. I watched as Fluttershy landed, while Rainbow hovered, with me, above the cloud floor.

Rainbow began to lower me with her hooves, which sent a sharp feeling of fear throughout my entire body. What if I just fell straight through!? What if I just plummeted to the ground!?

"Rainbow, wait!" I yelled.

She stopped moving and looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Maybe we should come back to Cloudsdale another day" I said, with an unconvincing grin and sweat pouring down from my forehead.

Rainbow didn't respond. She just rolled her eyes and continued lowering me.

"WAIT, NO, I DON'T WANNA DIE!"

I closed my eyes shut as much as they could, waiting for the worst. This is it! I'm done for!

Eventually I could feel Rainbow's hooves loosen their grasp on me, as I was no longer protected by her. I cringed in fear as I knew that it was only a matter of time before I felt the embrace of the earthy ground so far below.

However, I wasn't moving. I wasn't plummeting or anything! I hesitantly opened my eyes and saw the very thing holding me up: the clouds! I couldn't believe it. I thought about yelling something at Rainbow, but my attention was fully centered on my bulbous white savior.

I leaned down to examine the surprisingly firm, yet soft white mass. I used my hoof to pick up a piece of the cloud, as if scooping up dirt, and looked it at it with astonishment. I never thought I'd ever be able to hold a freaking cloud! I moved it around my hooves gently, looking at each side and feeling the softness it produced.

I gave it a strong squeeze between my hooves until the cloud bursted into a blanket of air and vapor above me.

Then I peered back down to the soft white floor. I experimentally jumped on it, as it gave way and shot me back up like a trampoline would. I felt my childish nature take over, as my eyes grew with excitement. I began hopping around the clouds, getting higher and higher with every bounce. I even began to do front flips, back flips, supermans, and all sorts of tricks.

I only stopped dancing around the clouds, when I noticed Rainbow and Fluttershy watching me with barely concealed laughter. I calmly stopped while a blanket of embarrassment rushed over my face.

"Are you ready to move on?" asked Rainbow, failing to contain her sheepish grin.

I just nodded as they turned around and began trotting in the other direction. Eventually, Rainbow and Fluttershy walked through the city of cloud, with me in turn.

We walked for a long while, stopping only to look at different interest points along our path. We saw numerous shops which all seemed to be encompassed in the large cloud city.

Then, we passed by the "Rainbow Factory," as Rainbow called it. It was very large with vats of color surrounding the walls. We only got to see a little bit before we were stopped at a clearance point. For some reason, being there reminded me of that one murderous fanfic where pegasi were slaughtered for their color. The thought of that actually being a possibility sent a chill down my spine.

Once we had left the factory, we headed to our last interest point, the Colosseum. It was on its own separate cloud, not too far away from the main one. Rainbow once again picked me up, and the three us of circled the arena, admiring its impeccable craftsmanship . It reminded me of ancient Greek buildings. It had numerous ledges made of soft cloud, a wide opening at the bottom, and a strange overhang that was much larger and more decorated than the others. It had a set of curtains, along with an enormous statue of an alicorn on top. I think that it's safe to say that that is where the princesses sit during events.

Once we had explored the empty colosseum, Fluttershy and Rainbow, with me in her grasp, flew away. I wasn't sure where we were going and the two didn't make any mention as to where it might be.

A minute or two passed as our journey through the sky began to slow down. A strange cloud equipped with a house came into range as the two began to decelerate. It had numerous mini rainbow waterfalls spewing from it. It was Rainbow's house. I remember it from the show, although I can't recall too much about what it looked like on the inside.

We landed and Rainbow released me. I took a glance at the house before spotting one of the small rainbow waterfalls only a few feet away from me. I trotted up to it and took a closer look.

The smooth rainbow liquid kept pouring itself over the cloud's side, falling down to the ground below. I was fascinated by how there could be so many colors that coexisted without blending together.

I reached out a hoof to touch the vibrant fluid. I circled my movements around it, feeling the coolness it possessed, like a normal river. Then, I retraced my hoof. It was now covered in a cool coating of liquid rainbow! And then, a question suddenly popped into my head: What does a Rainbow taste like?

I thought about the Skittles' catchphrase "Taste the rainbow!" And then I remembered the episode when Pinkie actually got to sample a portion of it.

I might never have this chance again, so why not try it. I took a taste and immediately regretted it. IT WAS SO SPICY! It's exactly what I imagined sweet beer to taste like!

I heard the laughter of the two behind me, as my eyes began to water. I ran around in a frenzy, looking for something to drench the spice with. And then, I noticed the very thing that I was standing on.

I threw my head into the water vapored clouds and took a huge bite. I felt the satisfaction of a spice-less mouth, as the water took away the taste of rainbow.

After the whole fiasco was over, and the two were no longer chuckling at what had just occurred, we made our way to the house's entrance.

As we approached the house, I noticed the intricate opening, which was a set of two towering doors, each with a curving design on its front. Rainbow's hoof creaked them open, giving me the ability to see inside. I was taken back by how huge it was!

It seemed like the first room passed the double doors was its own lobby-like area. Numerous statues of the Wonderbolts lined the walls, along with windows that ran across the exterior. There were also two sets of stairs, with one leading upwards and the other downwards.

I slowly trotted inside, behind Rainbow and Fluttershy, with my eyes gazing at every detail of the new place. I couldn't believe how big her house was! It was as if she had her own mini mansion!

The two showed me around the many rooms of the house, leaving me amazed after every turn. Eventually, the tour was finally finished and we made our way back to the lobby-like area near the front.

Fluttershy informed Rainbow and I that she needed to get back to her cottage and take care of her animals for the night. She was planning on meeting us back here in the morning. So, she took off, after giving each of us gentle hugs. When the doors shut behind her, I could see the immediate thought process taking place in Rainbow's head.

She turned to me and proclaimed, "I bet you couldn't beat me at some video games," with a cocky grin on her face.

"You're on!"

We raced downstairs, where a couch sat. On the opposite wall was a television and video game console. It didn't look familiar to me whatsoever, but its controllers were quite simple: a joystick and two buttons.

I hopped on the couch, while she raced over to turn it on. After the satisfying bing noise of the machine was heard, Rainbow trotted to the empty space on the couch next to me and jumped on.

"You're going down!" she said with a smug grin.

"In your dreams!"

The game began. It looked like a rip-off of street fighter, but with ponies! I used one hoof to hold the controller, while the other did the button mashing.

The room fell into an eerie silence, only to be broken by the game's announcer, "Ready..... Fight!" The sound of intense button mashing ensued.

Rainbow's character jumped and tried kicking, but my character slid under hers and countered from behind. Then, I used multiple combo moves and dodged each one of her shots. Finally, I did a round-house kick, sending her player flying and giving me the victory within seconds.

I looked over to see Rainbow in awe. But she soon snapped back into her old self. "I-I was just going easy on you. But now, I'll show you what I can really do."

"Round two. Ready.... Fight!" yelled the game's announcer. Rainbow's forehead began to profusely sweat, as her eyes focused intensely on the game. Her character charged mine, while I made no effort to move. She kept closing in, and when her character was close enough, I busted out the ultimate move.

My hooves activated the move at super-sonic speed: up, down, up, right, left, left, down, right, right, up, up, down, right, left.

And then, an animation played over. My character charged up a ball of pure energy and finally released it, sending it towards Rainbow's character, completely obliterating her.

"Player two wins! Flawless victory!" exclaimed the announcer.

Rainbow's jaw dropped to the floor, as she was completely stunned. She didn't move or say anything, while her gaze remained focused on the words on the screen.

"It was a good effort" I said humorously with a sly smile.

Rainbow looked at me with a face of pure skepticism, confusion and a mix of numerous other emotions, as she tried to find something to retort with. "I-I wasn't warmed up yet... Rematch!"

We played game, after game, after game. And each time, I won. I almost always had two flawless victories in a row, but sometimes she landed a hit. We only stopped when I was too tired to hold my controller any more.

"C'mon Squirt, one more game!" Rainbow pleaded.

"You said that twenty games ago" I said with a yawn.

"Yeah, but I mean it this time!" she said with desperation in her eyes.

I looked away to the clock that stood on one of the walls. "2:00 A:M" it read.

"I don't know. I mean it's pretty late. Plus, I want to be wide awake for the Wonderbolts tomorrow!"

Rainbow's eyes drifted away from me and to the clock. She let out a heavy sigh. "I guess you're right" she said, roughing up my hair with her hoof.

"But afterwards, you and I are coming back down here."

"It's a deal" I said with tired eyes

With that, she led me upstairs to her bedroom. There was only one bed, so she decided to makeshift me one next to hers. We each made our selves comfortable under our own sheets and said "Good night" to one another.

As I reflected on the day, I couldn't help but develop an alarmingly large smile as I drifted off to sleep.

The Return

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The sun rose, introducing the new day. I slowly opened my eyes, with the assistance of my hands of course. Wait, my hands!

My eyes immediately darted to the two familiar multi-fingered extremities that I had been away from way too long. My hands! I flexed each finger individually, admiring how I had gone any length of the time without them.

My attention moved from them, to the room. My bedroom! And it looked exactly the same as when I left it, empty and new. I'm home!

I laid my head back down, thinking about the insanely long dream I had just had. I can't believe it wasn't real! I mean, of course when you're running around as a cartoon horse in a cartoon world, there should be some major red flags, but it just felt so real. It was so long, but enjoyable. However, I am happy to finally be back to my old self.

A knock at the door quickly interrupted my thoughts.

"Hey sport. Are you up yet?" greeted my dad from the other side of my bedroom's door.

As soon as I heard his voice, I had the immediate impulse to hug him. I jumped up, opened the door, and wrapped my arms around him. But he did't hug me back. At first, I thought it was because he was in shock by what I had just done, but a few moments passed and I still didn't feel his arms around me. Something wasn't right.

I retracted my hug and looked at him. His face had a cold stare. It wasn't the accustomed jolly one that I was used to, but rather a motionless glare, as if he didn't know me.

"Dad?" I questioned, reaching out to him.

My hand slowly made its way to him, while he didn't twitch or move at all. Eventually, my fingers were only a few inches from him when his face began to move. Not normally though, but as if his skin was beginning to sag. Dad's face kept drooping and drooping, until I realized that it wasn't sagging, it was melting!

"DAD!?"

His face began to melt faster and faster, until he was completely unrecognizable. The rest of his body and the walls around us began to pick up the same routine of melting, like a glacier that was headed straight for the sun.

I helplessly reached out to try and stop my Dad's body from liquifying, but all I ended up doing was grabbing two scoops of my melting father.

"DAD! NO! OH GOD, PLEASE NO!"

My hands fumbled around in the puddle of color that was my Dad, while the walls around me also continued melting.

"This can't be real! THIS CAN'T BE REAL!" I yelled, closing my eyes.

I reopened them a moment later, to find that I was no longer home with my liquified father, but rather, in a pitch black space. I couldn't see much, mostly on account that it was pitch black, but I did notice that I was no longer human, but a damn filly again.

Before I could once again get upset by my reoccurring predicament of being turned into a filly, or the fact that I had just watched my father get liquified into a puddle, the room was quickly lit by two familiar... humongous... red... eyes. They were focused on me with the similar evil and angry expression as in the forest. I froze, stuck reliving the same horror again. And I knew that there was only one way to go, and that was in the complete opposite direction.

I bolted, with the familiar feeling of fear in me, while the vast darkness ahead of me was rapidly brightened by the light of the red eyes following my path, just like before.

Except this time, I didn't get away. I felt myself stumble and land on my side. I tried to get back up, but I couldn't, like a vine or something had wrapped itself around my hoof. I looked back to see the two red eyes closing in on me. I was done for. I just stared into the shining lights of death, knowing that it would be the last things I'd ever see.

But then, a dark purple beam collided with the sinister red eyes and obliterated them into a blanket of dust, just like the cloud I crushed between my hooves. What the hell just happened!

At first I didn't move, still in shock of all the events occurring. But, I eventually scanned the once again pitch black space, in the direction of where the beam came from, as if expecting to be able to see anything. However, for some reason, I was able to make out the movement of something coming towards me amongst the darkness.

I immediately panicked, knowing that it must be another haunting creature or nightmarish experience. I kept trying to will myself off of the ground, but was still held down by some vine-like structure. My struggling persisted and persisted until the silhouette spoke!

"Thou have no need to be afraid" said a calm and familiar voice.

I froze, still cautious of this new entity. I didn't respond. My eyes, however, revealed that I knew that someone was there. I've heard that voice before, and considering where I might be, I'm pretty sure I know who it belongs to. But it could be another trap, just like my father was. I would have been saddened by that thought, if I wasn't preoccupied by this new possible threat.

The familiar voice once again spoke up, "I said thou have nothing to be afraid of."

Then, a flicker of dark purple magic from the entity evolved into an illuminating light that brightened much of the dark space. It also revealed its master: Luna, who had a welcoming smile on her face.

At first, I was glad to see that I was right about my suspicion, but I was still watchful of her, not knowing whether it was truly her or another ruse.

Luna saw my heedful look, as her smile vanished.

"Why art thou so wary of me" she asked, with ponderment and confusion in her eyes.

A few moments passed, and I was finally about to speak, but I stopped once Luna pointed her horn towards me. A familiar purple aura covered it, indicating that she was about to do something.

Still trapped by the vine's grasp, I knew that I wasn't going to be able to escape. Instead, I closed my eyes and embraced the fury that was about to be unleashed.

I waited with my eyes closed for what seemed like minutes, only to realize that nothing had happened. I reopened my eyes to find Luna standing in her same place, except her horn no longer had its aura, and she was staring at me with a comforting grin.

I looked all around at my self to see what she had done. I ended up finding that rather than anything happening to me, something that happened to the vine around my back hoof. It was gone!

I lifted myself up, relishing in my regained freedom. "Thank you" I said, with hesitation still evident in my voice.

"Thou art most welcome, little one" she responded.

I still didn't know whether to trust her, but if it was the real Luna, and considering that she just freed me, I might as well give her the benefit of the doubt.

Thoughts ran through my head as I began pondering what to say. Then, an interesting question arose from within the sludge of my brain.

"How long have you been here?"

Luna didn't hesitate to the inquiry. "The whole time" she quickly responded.

"You mean you saw the..."

"Yes. I saw the monstrous eyes and the horrific fate of the strange two-legged creatures" Luna interrupted with uncertainty in her voice. "I have seen many dreams throughout my nights, but never something as horrendous as thine."

Then her eyes began an intense diagnostic on me. "In fact, I do not believe that I have encountered a single dream of thou" she said with a hint of skepticism and ponderment in her voice.

Uh oh. I think she knows that I'm not from Equestria! I froze, knowing that she would kill or incarcerate me for having invaded their world. I had to say something before she knew for certain that I'm not really one of them. "Uh, I'm new here" I barely managed to mutter.

THAT WAS TERRIBLE! Did I really just say that!?

"What does thou mean?" Luna asked with even more bewilderment present.

"Uh, uh... well you see..." Come on! I have to think of something!

Even though I knew it was a dream, I could still sense the build-up of sweat pouring down my forehead. I began slowly backing away from the princess, struggling to form any excuse or explanation that would keep her from ending me.

But then, as all my hope faded, and I began to feel myself mentally crumble, a loud echoing sound came from above. "Get up! We're going to be late!"

"Rainbow?" I asked, questioning the voice as if it could hear me. It didn't respond, but it did continue. "Hello?! Wake up, we got to go!"

As the familiar, yet disembodied voice continued, her annoyance was amplified. Then, the empty space, excluding Luna and I, began shaking, as my vision blurred in and out. I had no idea what was going on, but Luna gave me a look of uneasiness and dissatisfaction, as if she had so many unanswered questions.

"Wait!" Luna commanded, as she rushed for me.

My vision kept blurring in and out. And before Luna made it to me, my vision went completely black, as the echoing of Rainbow's voice remained dancing in my head.

My eyes shot open, revealing a both annoyed and worried Rainbow who was shaking my makeshift bed. "Get up! We have to go Squirt or we're gonna be late!"