> Lost Crusaders > by Diloboi > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > 1: Mini-horses in a stall > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I believe I should give some background first. My name is Kay, I go to high school in Colorado, and I'm 16. Life is pretty average. Live in a typical suburban house. I've got a mom and dad, divorced, and three brothers. Got other family that live in another state. That's about it. Day to Day, nothing really interesting happens. I wake up, drive to school, spend 8 hours not doing much of anything, head home, and go to bed. It almost feels like a living the same week every time, only difference being the weather and what assignment is due this time. It's boring, but if I'm being honest, I wouldn't want it to be any different. It's simple, not complex, and pretty mellow. Of course that's when the universe decided it would be funny to mess around with me a bit. I was on my way to the bathroom. It was nearing the end of 6th period, being P.E. , and I decided to take a small break. I walk at a brisk pace through the locker lined halls, passing the occasional student or teacher. While there was a restroom near to the gym, it always smelled of some kind of fruit and had a guy checking themselves out in the mirror. So I decided to walk to a further one near the miscellaneous classes section. Usually it was empty, and it was a nice bathroom in general. Clean, no rude drawings on the mirrors or stalls, and some windows that had a view of the the football field. Navigating through the corridors, I came to a junction, the hall splitting to go left or right. Going left, I walked a small distance before coming to a set of wooden double doors on the right. I pulled one open and stepped into another hallway. While the last one had large grey tiles and locker lined walls, this one was narrow with carpet floors and drywall. It continued before cutting left, but my objective was to the right, being two doors labeled 'MENS' and 'WOMENS'. Coming to the door, I began to push it open when a familiar voice stopped me. "Hey Kay. What brings you all the way over here?" A girl, with shoulder length brown hair and white skin said, raising an eyebrow before smirking. "Hi Zoe. Just using the bathroom." I turned and looked at her. She wore a simple pair of jeans with sneakers, and a T-shirt with some band on it. "Aren't you supposed to be in the Gym?" She asked, narrowing her eyes with a mock frown of suspicion. I met her expression with an equal use of narrow eyes and a frown. "Well shouldn't you be... somewhere?" "Spanish." She corrected me, letting a small smile cross her features. "Yeah. There." "Well yes, but I have to use the bathroom." She moved to the other door, eyeing me the whole way. "Okay... I guess we'll just go our separate ways..." I began to push the door open while walking in backwards, trying to not break into a smile and keep my expression. "Yeah... Careful not to fall in." She said as she also began to disappear into the doorway. "What?" I blanked at the statement, caught a little of guard. "Nothing!" Came a chipper response, muffled by the closing door. Shaking my head, I stepped inside the restroom, and was greeted by a clean area. A pair of urinals lined the left wall, three sinks were situated to the right, and a single stall stood at the back, just bellow a narrow window at the top of the back wall. I looked over the surroundings for a second. Still clean as ever. It even has soap in the dispenser- My thought was interrupted as something scurried around in the stall. From my view, I caught a blur of orange from underneath the divider. Initially, I thought if may have a been a rat, but the size of the object looked to be to large, unless this school had massive ones. Slowly, on light feet, I crept towards the stall. As I approached I heard a few small noises followed by what sounded like whispering. While I wasn't to sure, the noises sounded similar to hooves on pavement, albeit a bit higher pitched. Getting to the stall door, I gave a small rap with my knuckles and spoke. "Hello?" The whispering stopped almost instantly, and again the sound similar to hooves was present before stopping abruptly. Confusion splayed across my features, and I hesitated for a moment. I might regret doing this, but my curiosity compels me. I dropped to one knee and leaned down, peeking underneath the plastic wall. Scanning around, nothing was out of the ordinary until my gaze passed over the toilet. I froze for a moment, looking at the sight. 4 brightly colored yellow cylinders stood atop the toilet seat. They quivered ever so slightly and looked to be covered by hair. What the fuck? As the stall wall was pretty low to the floor, and not wanting to subject myself to whatever was on the floor, I stood back to my full height. I stood for a second, frozen in thought. Some kind of art project maybe? But why was it moving? There's hardly a breeze or anything. I again knocked on the door. Something slid and the sound of plastic denting followed it. I paused, taking a small breath. There's something in there. I pushed on the door, finding it unlocked. I stepped in, and froze at the sight inside. Three animals stood stacked upon each other. A yellow one with red hair and tail, and a large bow was on the bottom. Atop it was a snow white one, with curly pink and purple hair and tail, and a horn on its head, and atop that one was a orange one, with purple hair and tail, and little wings on its sides. The three creatures stood with wide eyes and locked on me. I returned the expression. Nothing happened for what seemed to be forever when the one on top cleared its throat. "Uh... Occupied?" It spoke. My jaw hitting the floor was cut short as the one on the bottom lost it's footing. Hoofing? I don't know. It fell. > 2: Ponies? Really? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The three creatures tumbled from the perch upon the toilet, and directly towards me. I could do little but brace myself and yelp in shock as they came crashing down on me, knocking me down to the floor in the process. I hissed in pain as contact was made with the hard tiled floor, then again when the orange one landed directly on my stomach, knocking the breath from my lungs. I sputtered and gasped for air as I heard the dull thuds of the other two hit the ground. I laid splayed out for a few seconds before catching my breath and looking at the three offenders. The orange one was still laying flat on me, rubbing its head with its forelimb. The white one looked like its head was spinning, and laid on its stomach. The yellow one, however, was up on its 4 legs looking between the orange one and me with wide eyes. "...Scootaloo? You might wanna move..." It spoke in a high voice with a southern accent. Weird. The orange one stopped the rubbing and finally realized its situation. It's large purple eyes widened before it shambled back to its feet... hooves? It quickly backed up before assuming what I thought to be a defensive stance, it getting low to the floor while giving me a glare. The yellow one stood to its right while the white one scooted behind. "Back creature! These ponies are under my protection!" It said in a scratchy voice while pawing its hoof at the floor. Ponies? I sat up and then looked over the three, trying to come up with some sort of response before settling on one. "...What?" Nice work dum-dum. "If you want to get past me, you'll have to... pass me." It stumbled over its words, sounding unsure at the end of it's sentence. Shaking its head, it again fixed me with a hardly threatening glare. They're pretty cute if I'm being honest. I took a breath to steady myself, then spoke again, "Listen... Pony thing... I don't want any trouble." I said awkwardly, quite unsure if I was going crazy or not. Was there something in the pizza? "I don't believe you!" It cried. "Scoots, maybe we should just calm down..." The yellow pony spoke, bringing up a hoof and resting it on the orange pony's shoulder... I don't know a thing about horse anatomy. It turned to regard the other pony, "Apple bloom! It's evil! It made us fall so it could eat us probably!" It faced me again, pointing an accusatory hoof, "I'm on to you!" The yellow pony facepalmed... facehooved? It put a hoof to its face before setting it down and speaking, "Scootaloo! I slipped and we all fell. It's hard holding both of you, and it was slippery!" The orange one turned, looking much less sure of itself. I took the opportunity to speak, trying to clear up the fog of confusion building in my head. "Uh- Excuse me? What are you?" The orange one began to open its mouth before it was beaten by the white one, who had left its hiding place behind them. "We're ponies. I'm a unicorn, she's a pegasus, and she's a earth pony. What about you?" It spoke in a high pitch tone. "Oh! I'm a human." The unicorn gave a blank face to my response while I pondered what she said. Ponies that can talk. And are also fictional creatures. Cool. "What's a who-man?" The orange pegasus spoke, its snout wrinkling as it pronounced the words. "Well... It's what I am. I walk on two legs, have hair on my head, have hands... all that stuff." The three ponies paused for a second, looking uncertain by the glances they gave each other. The trio resumed looking at me, and I held eye contact with them for an uncomfortable amount of time. I was able to get a look at the three, taking in details. The pegasus had a semi-short hair-cut, with purple eyes and small wings on her back. I pondered for a second on how these could even carry her. The Unicorn had curly hair, and the horn poking out of her forehead looked to be made of bone or something. She also had emerald colored eyes. The yellow pony had bunched up thing of red hair, while the rest was tied up by a massive bow on the back of her head, and large orange coloured eyes. They all three had little ears that poked form their heads, small, stubby legs ending with hooves, and small snouts capable of expressions. Overall, the three didn't resemble typical horses much, save for their ears. The yellow pony spoke up, "I've never seen a who-man... do you have a name Mr. who-man?" "Yeah. It's Kay. Also its 'human', not who-man." I said, rolling my eyes lightly. The three nodded in understanding at the same time, which brought a small smirk to my face. I asked my own question too, "What are your names?" Again the yellow pony... Apple something, answered, "My name's Apple Bloom. This is Scootaloo, and this is Sweetie Belle." The orange one followed up while striking a pose, "...And together..." She paused before the three belted out in sync, "We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Together they struck poses not unlike that of a super hero team. I resisted the urge to laugh and instead a large smile broke out across my features that I tried to hide with a balled up fist. The three broke out their poses and gave their own smiles back. I sat for a moment when I thought of a question for the three little ponies. "What are you doing here?" I noticed the three's smiles dropped when I asked. Scootaloo found the ground much more interesting, Sweetie Belle shifted from to side to side and looked away, and Apple Bloom looked down slightly, "Well... We kinda went into a room off limits and-" The sound of the wooden door getting pounded one cut the small pony off. My mind went blank before a voice rang out from the other side. "Kay? Are you alright in there? I heard a shout or something. Did you actually fall in?" I heard some shuffling outside before she spoke again, "I'm going to open the door. Just to make sure you're not dead." My mind caught up and I could only think one thing. Shit. > 3: No ponies here! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shit Quickly I scrambled back to my feet, startling the three ponies who took a instinctual step back. I grabbed the still open stall door and slammed it shut, locking it with the bolt. I pivoted to face the ponies, and paused at their wide eye expressions, and the ever so slight presence of fear. Stop scaring them moron! Slower this time, I crouched and spoke in stage-whisper, "Hide! Behind the toilet!" Pointing towards the space behind them. Quickly the trio scattered, diving in head and hoof first behind the small cover and sliding to a halt next to each other. I noticed the white unicorn, Sweetie Bell, shiver slightly before my focus was taken. The bathroom's door creaked open, and I heard the sound of footsteps creep into the room. Hurriedly, I spoke to halt my friend. "Zoe! What are you doing!?" Immediately, the steps stopped. "Kay? Are you alright? I though I heard something fall?" While I didn't know exactly where she was, I guessed she was around the sinks, only 6 or 7 feet away from the stall me and the ponies were in. Realizing I hadn't spoken for a few seconds, I quickly made a response. "Y-Yeah. I just slipped and fell. Somebody spilled water..." I paused and spoke again, "At least I hope it was water." I heard her choke for a second, before she spoke in a strained tone, "...Did you land in it?" Resisting the urge to groan, I spoke in exasperation, "No! Can you just... just please leave. Don't you know this is the Mens bathroom?" For a few seconds, I didn't hear a response, just the slight shuffling of a feet, before Zoe spoke again, "Are you okay Kay? You're not normally this... irritable. Stressed? I think that's right..." She trailed off. I stood for a second, taken aback. Am I that easy to read? Calming myself to not out myself, I spoke, "I'm fine Zoe. I'm just feeling a bit confused at the moment. That's all." Again, there was a pause before she responded, "...Okay...Well I'll just go now... See ya later Kay." I heard her retreat from the bathroom, the wooden door shutting with a bang behind her. I breathed a sigh of relief, but I couldn't help but feel that she wasn't completely convinced. My thoughts when a small hoof prodded my leg. Glancing down, Apple Bloom stood, a small frown adorning her face. The two others stood behind her, though Sweetie Bell looked relieved while Scootaloo had a small smirk. I addressed the little pony, "Sorry. I didn't want us getting caught." The small yellow pony look conflicted, before speaking again, "It's not nice to lie." Taken aback, I quickly tried to defend myself, "I was..." Before relenting, "...I'm sorry. I'm just... Nervous, Okay? I just met three small talking ponies about 3 minutes ago, and was trying to not cause a disaster... Sorry..." I looked away slightly. It was hard to meet her large orange eyes. They would probably paralyze me if I held contact from sheer sweetness. Damn you Instincts to hug the furry creature Apple Bloom looked on at me for a second more, the spoke in a much happier, "Well thank ya for keepin us safe..." She put a hoof to her chin as she paused, "...Why did ya have ta lie?" "Well... I can't very well tell everyone about the three ponies I found in the bathroom. That would be a whole mess probably involving the Government and Police and all that." My long winded explanation just seemed to confuse the Earth pony and Unicorn, but the Pegasus looked like she would explode from excitement. "Guys! This is just like a Comic Book where we have to be all secret and stuff! Like that one where that Filly finds a little slime and takes care of it and stuff!" While I regarded her with a blank expression, the other two ponies regarded her a raised eyebrow and confusion. "I haven't read any comic books like that..." Sweetie trailed off. "Scootaloo, not everything is like a comic book! Ah'm starting to think spike shouldn't have let you borrow his." Apple Bloom said, while Scootaloo stuck out her tongue. Shaking my head to ward off the thought of ponies reading comic books, I cleared my throat the regain their attention. "First things first. We need to get you three out of here. A school is no place for three little ponies..." I trailed off before looking at the three, "Do you guys go to school?" "Yes." They all three replied simply, though Scootaloo grumbled something about 'Too much homework'. "...Okay... Well the important thing is we need to leave. The period ends in about..." Pulling out my phone, my eyes widened in surprise as I noticed it was 2:12, giving only another six minutes of this period to go. "...Six Minutes. We need to get out of here before that. Any ideas?" The fillies looked around for a couple of seconds before Sweetie Bell pointed a hoof towards the windows above. "What about through there?" "Alright, lemme see if I..." I walked to the toilet, bringing a foot up and planting it on top. I then stood atop on the seat, and was able to just reach the windows. I found what I was looking for, being a small lock, and twisted it to the side. Then, I slide the window open, it going slowly from years of old age. A cool breeze met my face, bringing a small shiver down my back. Standing up normally, I looked down at the three fillies. "Okay. I'm going to help you through the window, and you can drop down on the other side. I think there's a bush beneath, so just hide in there. I'll go swing by the gym and grab my bags, and we'll take my car and leave, okay?" The three fillies just looked up at me with confusion before Apple Bloom spoke. "What's a car?" I stood for second, before sighing, "Never mind that, just hide over there. I'll show you once we're out." Apple Bloom nodded at took a step forward. I crouched down and picked her up around her mid torso. Her eyes widened and her breath hitched as I hoisted her from the ground. She weighed around that of a small dog, maybe a little heavier. Hoisting her up, her front hooves met the window's edge and she pulled herself through, disappearing to the other side. I repeated the process with Sweetie Bell, who squeaked as I lifted her, and Scootaloo, who was grinning like a madman... madpony? madmare... sure. After that, I dropped down and left the stall. I paused to rinse my hands off in the sink before continuing to the door. I pulled it open, and quickly turned down the hallway, sprinting towards the Gym. Around the corner, Zoe looked on with suspicion, eying Kay as he sprinted out from the hallway doors and towards the Gym. What caught her eye, however, was the small orange feather that floated down to the floor in his wake. Moving towards it, Zoe gingerly picked it up, rolling it between here fingers. "Just what has you confused Kay?" > 4: Pony-seeker > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Slipping into the gym, I quickly grabbed my bag from near the bleachers and retreated out. I dashed down the locker lined hallways once again back towards the bathroom, but instead of going into that side hall, I instead continued on. Eventually, it opened up to a larger area where a set of metal double doors stood, and beyond that, the outside. Bingo I pushed the heavy doors open, and stepped outside. The day was cool, being a little warmer than freezing. The sky was overcast with clouds, and the trees were barren. Disregarding the concrete path ahead, I turned onto the grass landscaping towards where the bathroom would be. I pulled my phone out, flicking it on to see the time. 2:17. We should be alright. Just gotta look out for anyone leaving early. Walking along the tall brick walls of the school, I came to my goal. I saw the still open window above, and below, the bush where the three ponies would be. As I made my approach, I called out for the three ponies. "Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle! Third one! I'm back!" I noticed the bush ruffle slightly, and a white horn and bright green eyes poke from it. "Kay! Come here!" Sweetie Belle said in a loud whisper. I hurriedly came up and crouched down, looking at the little pony who poked her head out of the bush. "I'm here. What's wrong?" I said with concern. "Scootaloo and Apple Bloom left!" My eyes widened, I felt a tinge of fear. Of all the things that could've happened. "Where did they go? I was only gone for five minutes!" "Scootaloo ran off as soon as we got out. Apple Bloom chased her and told me to stay here." She raised a hoof, pointing towards the parking lot, "I saw them go that way." I looked over where she pointed, trying to see if I could catch a glimpse of one of them. Alas, I couldn't. "Ah crap..." I facepalmed, but quickly dropped my hand. I slung my backpack off my shoulder, and set it in front of the unicorn. Unzipping it, I motioned to it, "Hop in. Lets go get them!" Sweetie Bell nodded, a determined look forming as she jumped in the bag. She quickly reoriented herself with her head poking out of the top and her front hooves gripping the sides of the opening. I grabbed the bag and put it on, carefully for my passenger, and began to sprint towards the parking lot. Running through grass, then concrete, we met the asphalt next as we arrived the small road between the school and parking lot. Careful as to not be run over, I looked side to side before dashing into the maze of cars. I weaved my way through them, head on a swivel to try and catch sight of the two missing ponies. No doubt Sweetie was doing the same for her spot. "Do you see them?" I asked, still looking around. "Hold on." She said before she leapt from the bag. My head jerked as the pony shimmied up on top of it. I looked up and stood still as she scanned before she pointed a hoof ahead of us. "They're over there!" "Hold on." I began to sprint that way, the pony up top clinging on to my hair, which gave a little discomfort. Weaving past a couple sedans and a large SUV, I finally saw an orange pegasus, standing atop a large Pickup truck. Beneath her, Apple Bloom looked to be shouting, waving a hoof frantically. "Scootaloo! Get down right now!" She called out. "I'm getting a lay of the land! I can see trees, and that big building, and... other stuff." She looked down at her friend, before looking back up at me and Sweetie approaching. Her eyes widened considerably, and she opened her mouth to respond before I cut her off. "Scootaloo! Get down before-" I was cut off when I heard a shout. "Bro! Get your weird dog off my car!" A guy, with black hair and small mustache, wearing a hoodie, shouted. He looked like he was a little shorter than me, but was still about 20 feet or so away. Scootaloo scowled fiercely, shouting towards him, "Who are you calling dog!? I'm a pony!" The guy stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes looking like they'd pop out his head. He stood for just a second longer before falling back onto the pavement. Oh god, she's killed him. "Scootaloo! Get down!" I said as rushed over, and in the corner of my eye, I saw her glide down. Coming up to him, I saw the guy's eyes were shut, and his mouth hung open slightly. "Did we hurt him?" Sweetie said quietly from her perch. I leaned down, a caught sight of his chest rising slightly. Breathing a sigh of relief, I spoke. "No. He just fainted." I hesitated for a moment, before reaching down grabbing the guys arms. Struggling slightly, I slowly drug him to the truck, hopping no one would spot us, before propping him against the front tire. Sighing to myself, I turned to face the other two ponies. Apple Bloom stared at the unconscious human, while Scootaloo twirled a hoof on the pavement. I opened my mouth, but it was Apple Bloom who spoke first. "Is he okay?" She asked worriedly. "Yes. He just fainted." I paused as she noticeably relaxed, before looking at Scootaloo. Her eyes met mine for a second before they quickly darted to the ground. "Scootaloo..." I started. "I'm sorry. I just got excited and... wasn't being smart..." She said, her ears folding slightly as her eyes watered slightly. The sight nearly took me off my feet, feeling like a wave of sadness had crashed into me. I decided to return it with sympathy. "It's okay Scootaloo. Just be more careful, okay?" She gave a small nod. I knelt down, and hesitating briefly, I reached out ruffled her mane slightly. She closed her eyes and jerked away a bit but smiled. "Alright. Who says we blow this Popsicle stand?" I said grinning. Apple Bloom look up confused at me. "What Popsicle stand?" Sweetie Belle asked from above. Nearly forgot she was up there. "Just a expression. Come on, lets get to my car." I stood up and, making sure the two were following me, walked towards the far side of the parking lot. After the short walk, my car came into sight, a Red, 90's, 2 door Nissan Z-Car. "Its this one." I dug a hand in my pocket, pulling out a small key loop, and stuck one into the car door. Twisting it, I opened the door and motioned towards the interior for the two. Apple Bloom climbed up into the seat, while Scootaloo buzzed her wings rapidly, taking to the air for a precious few seconds. I stared for a second before continuing, reaching up and pulling the white unicorn from my head and setting her in the seat next to the other two. I shut the door, and walked around the front to the other side. Opening it with a key, I slid into the seat before closing the door. I put my key in to start the engine, and it purred to life. The three ponies eyes widened, and Scootaloo looked at me. "How does a car work?" I smirked, reaching into the cup holder and retrieving a pair of sunglasses. Putting them on my face, I revved the engine slightly before looking at the three. "Buckle up and you'll see." > 5: Fillies on my lawn > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Sparkle walked through the expansive crystal halls, her hoof steps echoing through the entirety of her castle. Held in a magenta aura in front of her was a old tome, the cover and pages weathered from age. Her gaze was firmly locked on it, her eyes scanning the words within. Occasionally, she would mumble a string of words to herself or pause her reading to see which way she was going. Unbeknownst to her, she had already looped around her castle 4 times. This time, however, a irregularity caught her eye. A side door, small and unassuming, was slightly open inwards, revealing a dark set of stairs. Trotting up to the opening, she examined it for a second before calling out. "Spiiiike! Are you down there?" Her voice echoed through the building, but no response came. Sighing, she moved down the staircase into the basement below, simultaneously lighting her horn up. Reaching the bottom, the dark room was bathed in lavender light. The forms of objects covered in sheets appeared, small and large. Layers of dust covered most everything. Initially, nothing stood out of interest. Scanning the room, Twilight was about to turn and leave when there was a flash of blue. Trotting over, a circular mirror lay flat on the the floor. Its frame was a mix of blue and green, but what Twilight's eye was the rippling glass surface. "Uh oh." I turned into the cul-de-sac, passing three houses before I finally pulled up next to the curb. Beside me, three ponies, secured under the lap belt, sat. Apple Bloom looked around with wide eyes. Sweetie Belle clutched Scootaloo, who had a wide smile and vibrated with joy. Chuckling to myself, I spoke to the trio. "Well, we're here! C'mon ponies!" I unbuckled my seat belt and began to reach for the door when Scootaloo spoke. "That. Was. AWESOME!" She punctuated each word before raising her hooves in the air. Smiling, I reached over and unbuckled the three. Then, I opened the door and stepped out into the street. Rounding the car, I came to the other side and opened the passenger door. A orange filly quickly zipped by, stopping on my lawn of yellowed grass. Next, a yellow filly stumbled out of the car, landing with a clack on the sidewalk before joining her friend in examining the two story house. The white filly, however, had not left the car yet. Turning to face her, I noticed she was shivering a bit. My smile disappeared when I reached out and spoke to the pony. "Sweetie Belle? You okay?" I put my hand on the little pony's front leg. She turned to look at me with large green eyes, speaking with a shaky voice. "T-Too fast..." My heart dropped for a second, before I gave her hoof a gentle squeeze. "Sorry Sweetie. I'll make sure to go slower next time, okay?" She gave a small nod, looking down at the seat for second before getting up on shaking hooves. She took a step, but quickly stumbled and fell forward out the door. Reacting quickly, I caught the filly in my hands. She shook her head for a second, righting herself in my arms before looking up at me sheepishly. "Sorry..." "It's okay." I paused for a second, considering my words, "I could just carry you, if you don't wanna walk" She looked at me and gave a smile. "Yes please." Nodding, I held her in one arm for a second as I grabbed my bag from where it was stored below. Turning back towards the house, I gave the door a kick to shut it. Walking through the grass, the two ponies looked at me from the front door. Getting up the concrete step, I readjusted Sweetie Belle to holding her at my side while I fumbled with my keys. Eventually, I slid the key into the door, twisted it and pushed it open. I was greeted by the living room, and the kitchen behind it. Walking in, I set Sweetie on the carpeted floor, who was joined by the other two fillies. I hung my backpack on a hook by the door, and slipped my shoes off. "So... Why don't I go get something for you three to drink, then we can talk about... stuff. Yeah." I pointed towards a large grey couch. "There's a couch right there to sit down." Stepping into the kitchen, I walked to the fridge and pulled it open, looking at the stock. "Do you three want water, milk, or orange juice?" From the other room, I heard some muttering before Scootaloo talked after a brief moment. "Orange juice please!" Reaching into the fridge, I grabbed a jug of juice, closing the door and setting it on the counter. Next, I walked to the cupboard and opened it up, taking out four plastic cups. Taking the jug and pouring the juice in each of the cups, I put it back. Grabbing four cups, two in hands and two pressed against my chest with my arms, I walked back into the living room. The fillies had situated themselves on the couch, sitting somewhat patiently, but all three smiled when I set the three cups on the coffee table. "Wait. Hold on." I pushed the table closer to the couch, putting the cups within the reach of the ponies. Finally, I stood up and took a seat next to the three. They drank the juice happily for a second before I spoke up. "So, how did you three end up in a bathroom." Apple Bloom spoke, "Well, we wandered through Twilight's castle for a bit, then saw a door. We went in there, and it was all dark n' dusty, but there was this mirror that was flashing. I went up to it, and touched it, n' fell in. Then I was in that bathroom, and Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle came out too." Scootaloo spoke next, "We flew out of the mirror in the bathroom. The whole place was big, so we couldn't reach the door or mirror, So we stacked up to reach it. When we reached it, it was hard again." Finally Sweetie Belle spoke, "So we couldn't go back, and couldn't leave the room. So we waited for somepony to come find us, and that's when you walked in." I raised an eyebrow about the supposed 'magic mirror', but listened intently. Once they were done, their expressions were a mix of embarrassment and sadness, so I decided to try and cheer the three up, "So we just have to wait for that mirror to be uh... Portal again, and then you can go back home! It'll be easy. I'll just check it every day." The three ponies looked a little better after I said that, but still a little down trodden. I thought to myself for a second. What can cheer up three little ponies. Maybe... "Why don't we watch a movie?" Their ears perked up, but they looked at me with confusion. "Do you have a projector?" Sweetie Belle asked. "No... but I have a TV!" I stood up and walked up to the large black rectangle on the wall. Grabbing a remote from a table beneath it, I pushed some buttons until it turned on. I walked back towards the fillies and sat down again. The three stared intently as I browsed through the many apps. "Um... Here." I clicked on a app. It loaded up, displaying many different options. "Woah. Cool!" Scootaloo said. "Which one do you wanna watch?" I asked, smiling. "Star Wars looks cool!" Scootaloo. I looked over, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom nodding at the suggestion. "Okay. Star Wars it is." Clicking on it, the movie started with a blast of music as text scrolled down the screen. > 6: Duel the Fillies > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Slowly, I crept through the basement, clutching my revolver tightly. The inky black surrounded me, making it near impossible to see more than a few feet in front of me. I took a few more steps. Ahead, my objective, being the set of stairs and door above, was my last chance at salvation. Something scurried by behind me, and I pivoted around, leveling my weapon in the direction. I tried to catch a glimpse of the perpetrator, but what ever it was made no further movements. I couldn't help but smirk. I would just have to close in, and one would be down. But then, I slowly realized my fatal mistake. My rear was completely exposed! It was a trick! I quickly tried to turn back when something leaped from the darkness. It collided with my chest, knocking the pistol loose from my grip. I fell on my back, sprawled out before I hastefully scrambled to try to rearm myself. Reaching around, my hand met the weapons grip, but it was little too late. 3 brightly colored sabers flashed on around me, illuminating the three fillies wielding them. To my left, Sweetie Belle held a Green blade in her matching aura, her face contorted in concentration. To my right, Apple Bloom held a Yellow Saber in her mouth, sending a glare in my direction. And in front of me, Scootaloo stood with a Purple blade held in a forehoof, her face alight with determination. It was her who spoke. "Darth Kay the Evil, you shall surrender at once, or face our might and be destroyed!" She bellowed, bringing her sword mere inches away from my face. I chuckled, facing the pony with a smirk. "What makes you so sure, Master Scoots?" She smirked as well, "We have you surrounded. It's three on one!" I gave a hearty laugh, which unnerved the ponies around me, before speaking with my best 'evil' voice, "I like those odds. It will be you who will be DESTROYED!" Quickly I brought the Revolver up and fired, the projectile arcing towards the pegasus. Her eyes widened as she quickly dove to her right. The other two, now caught off guard from my attack, gave me the chance to draw my own blade. Igniting it, a beam of red emitted from the hilt. Like lightning, I brought down an attack on the downed pegasus, who blocked with her own edge, which begun to flash erratically, looking more like fire than a steady beam. She was slowly buckling, however, and called out to her allies. "Crusaders! Attack!" Apple Bloom charged behind me, swinging her blade. I jumped over the attack, but had to pull my saber from Scootaloo's to block another incoming strike. Sweetie Belle took the opportunity to pull Scootaloo away in her magic, who was quickly recovering from my earlier attack. My saber caught a side-swing aimed at my knees when I saw the white pony doing this. I brought my pistol and fired two shots, one of which hit home on the little unicorns furry chest. "Aagh... pleh." She fell over, dramatically clutching her fatal wound as she closed her eyes. "Sweetie?! NOOOOOOOOO!!!" Scootaloo screamed, before giving me the iciest glare I had ever known. "You'll pay for this!" She buzzed her wings and leapt into the air, her blade coming up to strike me across the chest. I deflected the strike, but buckled slightly. She sprung off from my edge, and landed down before bouncing up and attacking again repeatedly. I blocked each strike, but was forced to step back to keep my distance. Apple Bloom seized the opening to move and flank me from my right. As I deflected a strike from the orange pegasus, she charged forward, intending to slice cleanly through my ankles. I took noticed and, with not a second to spare, sidestepped the charging earth pony while pushing off the orange pegasus. I again aimed my revolver, firing two shots. One hit the floor beneath the yellow pony, but the other hit her right flank. She slid to the ground, her saber dropping beside her. Her orange eyes slowly slid shut. "Apple Bloom!" Master Scoots grinded her teeth, facing me with unbridled anger. "Yes... Good... Let the hate flow through you. Let it drive you." I drawled out, grinning devilishly. The pegasus's eyes widened before snapping shut. "No... I won't let it!" "There is no resisting it. Follow the path of the dark side. Join me!" I began to cackle. The pegasus struggled for a second, her hooves shaking. But suddenly, a a pair of voices rung out. "Don't listen to him, Scoots." "Yu're stronger than em." "Calm yourself." "We believe in you." The pegasus steadied herself, taking a deep breath before her eyes opened again. Gone was the fear. Gone was the hate. All that remained, was straight. pure. Determination. "No... It can't be..." I whispered breathlessly, before shouting, "Where is your hate?! Where is your fear?!" "I'm not afraid of you. I'm going to Defeat you." My eyes widened in terror as she rocketed forward. Her blade quickly striking my own partial block. She quickly pivoted on her rear hoof to my left, spinning and hitting at my side. I barely was able to block when she darted again to my right and struck. I caught her blade, but she twisted it quickly, and disarmed me. I howled in pain as my blade flew uselessly through the air, clattering to the ground. The little pegasus followed up with a slice across my stomach. The saber burned through me and I stumbled back, collapsing to the floor. I looked up as the pony stalked towards me, purple blade burning in her hoof. Exhaustion quickly overwhelmed me in my wounded state. I wheezed out to her, "Go ahead... Strike me down. You'll be no better than I." She paused, staring at me impassively. "No." "...What?" "I'll never be evil like you." She turned away, walking back to her fallen friends. "It will be your final mistake..." I said, pulling up my revolver and firing a shot towards the pony. The bullet seemed to travel towards the pony in slow motion. I could only smile. She would surely be defeated for her failure. Time resumed as the pony swiftly turned and slashed the projectile in half. My eyes could only widen in shock as it fell to the ground. "Nice try." My gun clicked uselessly. I was done. Defeated. I had been bested at my own game. By a little filly no less. I could only shout one more thing before my fatigue won me. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I sat on the couch beside the three fillies, who's fur was matted with sweat and bits of carpet still stuck. I let out a breath, before addressing the trio. "So... wanna just relax now?" Without looking at me, Sweetie Belle replied, "Yeah." I paused for a second, "Are you mad at me?" She looked at me and shook her head. "No. That was fun. I'm just tired." "It was awesome!" Scootaloo said. "I had fun." Apple Bloom agreed. "...Oh. Okay." We sat for a few seconds more when a sound from outside caught my attention. Standing up, I walked to the window and peeked through the blinds. "Uh oh." "What?" Apple Bloom asked. "My Brother's home..." > 7: Ponies in the house > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So I'm thinking there's three ways we can play this." I said, still facing my brother as he pulled into the drive in a old blue ford ranger. Turning to the three fillies on the couch, I continued, "One, you guys hide until the portal reopens, which is probably the least appealing option if you're staying for a while. Two, I try to introduce my brother to you three, and let him down easy. Knowing him though, he might freak out or something. Three, we just pretend everything is normal, and the three of you are just here. Even though that might make him feel crazy, I think it would be pretty funny." The trio glanced at one another, considering my words most likely. They also huddled together and began to whisper, which made my heart melt a little. After a couple seconds, Apple Bloom turned to face me, standing up on her hooves. Behind her, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo did the same. "We think that y'all should just talk it out. I think ya can convince him to not freak out." She spoke. Scootaloo gave a indignant look to her companion, raising a hoof and speaking. "That's not what we said! I said we should just act like everything is normal!" Apple Bloom scowled at her. "That's not a good idea! What if he freaks out! We'll be toast!" "Better than him not believing Kay!" The two fillies bickered, while Sweetie muttered quietly. "We should just hide..." I facepalmed, shaking my head simultaneously. Well this is bad. What should I do? Leave your answers in the comments- My train of thought shattered as a loud knock rung out. The fillies stopped arguing almost instantly, instead staring with wide eyes towards the door. "Uh oh." Apple Bloom said quietly. Shit. "Uhh... Just go downstairs and be quiet. Be careful on the steps. I'll talk with him and call for you three." Scootaloo frowned slightly but nodded, while Apple Bloom looked content. Sweetie Belle on the other hand, looked a little uneasy. Together, the three ponies jumped from the couch and made their way towards the kitchen. Sweetie looked back towards me, a small anxious look on her face. I gave her a quick smile and thumbs up. She returned it with a small smile and continued after her friends. They disappeared from sight around the corner. I looked on for a second more before another knock at the door brought me back. Taking a breath, I gripped the metal nob and twisted, pulling open the door. Standing there, my other brother, Patrick, stood. He was wearing a black hoodie, a pair of jeans, and a set of tan boots. On his back was a brown bag. He smirked upon seeing me, speaking. "Hey Kay. Thanks for getting the door." He walked in the house, and I pushed the door closed behind him. Despite being older than me, he was a few inches shorter than I. "Hey Pat. Can I talk to you for a second? I kinda have a... problem, and you probably should know." Upon him raising an eyebrow towards me, I continued, albeit a bit quickly, "It's not bad or anything, it's just kinda... eh." He stood blank face for a second before a hint of understanding crossed his features. "Did you find a cat or something on the way home again? You know mom doesn't want anymore pets." "No I didn't. And I've only done that twice." I pointed an accusatory finger at him, "You're the one who used to bring snakes home." Pat frowned slightly, but continued, "Then what's the 'problem'?" I decided to just be blunt about it, and taking a breath, I spoke sounding a serious as possible about little horses that could talk. "Today I found three ponies in a bathroom stall and brought them home." He stared blankly, shifting slightly from my sudden change in mood. I stared back. Nothing was said for a long moment, until he broke it. "Uh... Okay? Are you being serious?" "Yes." Again the silence returned, only briefly though. "Show me then." "Alright... Don't freak out or anything." I turned and began to walk to the kitchen, my brother trailing behind me. "I swear Kay, if this is some joke or some-" As if on cue, a large crash rung out from the floor bellow. My eyes widened as my pace quickened. I jumped down the short of stairs, unsure if Pat was still following behind. Looking about the room, the only thing that could describe it was chaos. Atop a bookshelf, Scootaloo bravely fended off against a black cat swiping its paw at her, tossing books down. Underneath the couch, a small pink and white tail stuck out, twitching as a orange cat sniffed and batted at it with a pay. And in the center of the room, Apple Bloom ran around wildly, the poor filly trying to shake a Bobtail Cat off from he back, bumping into side tables and other things. "Dude what... woah." Pat said from somewhere behind me. Damn it. The cats got out! "Monkey! Get off Apple Bloom!" Almost instantaneously, the cat dropped from the filly's back and darted past and up the stairs behind me. "Pepper! Stop messing with Sweetie Belles tail." I walked towards the cat, who's gaze snapped up towards mine. She quickly left, going after the other cat. The only left one, the most persistent of the three, still heckled Scootaloo. "Uranus! Down! Stop!" I dashed over to the bookshelf, snatching the cat in two hands. He squirmed slightly in my grip, but didn't break loose. I hastefully set him down on the floor, and he dashed towards the stairs, past a stunned looking Pat. I regarded him for a second before looking back up at the filly above. "Here. Do you need help down?" I reached my hands up. "Y-Yeah." She set the book down beside her and jumped into my awaiting hands. Gripping her mid-section, I slowly brought her and set her gently on the floor. After that, I passed Apple Bloom and gave a small pat on her head. "You okay Apple Bloom?" She looked up at me with with wide eyes, speaking with a quiver in her voice, "I d-don't c-cats." I crouched down and laid my hand down gently on her shoulder, speaking "I'll make sure that they don't be mean next time, okay?" She gave a small nod and smile as I stood up and walked to the couch. Dropping to a sitting a position next to the tuft of hair sticking from beneath, I called out to it's owner. "Sweetie? The cats are gone now." After a few seconds, the white unicorn shuffled around, revealing her snout poking out from underneath the furniture. "T-They are?" "Yup. Do you need help getting out from under there?" "Yes please." She reached out a foreleg, which I gripped and tugged her out from underneath. She stood to her hooves and trotted over to where the other two were. They joined up and gave each other a group hug for a good few seconds. I'm going to have a heart attack if they don't stop being adorable. I turned and looked at Pat, who still stared wide eyed at the trio from the bottom of the stairs. "Pat? You alright?" I called to him. He barely moved, only raising a finger to point towards the three ponies. "Talking... Ponies... Cute..." He slurred out before tumbling forward onto the carpeted floor with a dull smack. I nearly facepalmed at the reaction. The three ponies had ended their group hug and now looked at my fallen brother. Apple Bloom spoke as she shook her head. "I don't get it. Why do ya humans keep fainting when see'n us?" > 8: Plot-thickening-agent > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 minutes earlier... "Are you sure you want to do this Rainbow?" Twilight looked over her multicolored friend with apprehension. Her, and the rest of her 5 friends, stood in the now brightened basement, the place filled with lanterns and the old furniture and artifacts pushed aside. Rainbow Dash made to speak, but was beat by Applejack, "Twi, mah sister's been gone for a good few hours, and ah'm worried. If what you said about spike seein her and her friends come here is true, then ah'm darn sure that they've gone in that mirror." Twilight tried to Argue, "But it could be dangerous! We have no idea what could be on the other side! It could be a whole different dimension that is so completely foreign to us that we couldn't-" "Which is why we should stop talking and get on with it!" Rainbow Dash cut in. "If they're in trouble, then we've gotta hurry." Twilight glanced between the two, eyes meeting both of the duo, before they quickly darted to rest of her friends. Rarity, despite doing her best to hide it, was struggling with the thought of her missing sister. Fluttershy rest a hoof on her shoulder, offering comforting words. Perhaps the most troubling, however, was Pinkie Pie, who wore a small frown upon her face, looking dead at Twilight. The pressure of her friends was to much to bear. Sagging, wings drooping to the floor, she sighed. "Sorry girls. I just don't want anypony to get hurt..." "And nopony will Twi. Rainbow will make sure that our sisters are all right." Applejack glanced over at the rainbow pegasus, "Right?" "Yeah! I'll get those fillies home in a jiffy!" Rainbow Dash boasted, but it still earned smiles from the rooms occupants. Twilight gave one final look over her friends, their confident smiles being the tipping point, "Fine... But I want you to be extra careful. Don't raise any attention to yourself, and if there is something over there that see's you, hide or get away. Okay?" Twilights demeanor changed rapidly, but Rainbow Dash still nodded. "Alright. Now I've got to go get somepony." "Alright Starlight. On the count of 3, I want you to cast the stabilization spell while I cast one that will open the portal." Twilight paused as she turned to face Rainbow, "The Portal will only be open for about 8 hours. I want you to go in, take a look around, and head back." "Uh Huh" Rainbow stared ahead at the mirror, now propped up and standing straight. "Rainbow! Pay Attention! Go in, look around, and come back. Okay?" Twilight barked. "Okay, okay! I got it." Twilight gave one last look at Rainbow before refocusing on Starlight, "On three." Starlight gave a nod, her horn already charging. "1" "2" "3!" Simultaneously, their horns flared brilliantly in light, before it flew forwards and met the mirror. It cackled and hissed as the surface changed from a hardened surface to one reminiscent of rippling water. "Its ready! Go Rainbow!" Twilight yelled as her horn strained with magic. Said pony quickly darted forward, crashing through the mirrors surface, disappearing from Twilights view in a flash of blue light. As the mirror rippled, Twilight breathed a heavily for a couple seconds. She then turned to her fellow unicorn, "You think she made it through?" "I'm sure she did." Starlight replied with a smile, before it turned into a quizzical look, "Why did she need to go in there anyway? You hardly explained anything other than you need help with a magical artifact." Twilight sighed heavily, "It involves three trouble making fillies..." A flash of understanding crossed Starlight's eyes. "That makes sense..." Rainbow dove headfirst into the magic mirror... ...And promptly crashed head first into a solid wall. "...owww..." She moaned, prone on the floor beneath a newly cracked tiled wall. She rubbed a hoof on her head, already feeling what may soon be a bruise, before slowly getting up to her hooves. Once she did, she glanced around the room, taking in the surroundings. It was a bathroom. It had two strange objects with metal tubes on a wall, and what looked to be a set of strange toilets, but it was clear that it was a bathroom. A single stall stood at the back of the room, and several hanging sinks with mirrors above them hung from a wall. "...Weird..." She noticed that the sink tops were just bellow eye level, about at her chin, and that the strange toilets were to high to be any use to ponies. "The creatures here must be taller or... something." Suddenly, a thud on the door shook Rainbow from her investigation. Quickly glancing towards it, it seemed to move in slow motion as it opened. Acting quickly, she pumped her wings and launched herself towards the mirror, silently hoping she picked the right one that wouldn't be a solid surface. Her gamble paid off as her head effortlessly passed through it, leaving a flash of blue. Before she fully passed through, her wing clipped the side of the mirror. As she disappeared from view, the door fully opened to reveal a man, with tanned skin and black hair, who stepped in. He looked over the room for a few seconds before they drifted over to the wall opposite of the mirrors. "Dammit. These kids are so rough on shit..." He mumbled to himself, sighing and stepping back out of the room. Neither the pony nor human noticed the wide eyes through a crack in the stall. 16 minutes later... "I still can't believe there is three little ponies in our kitchen." Pat mumbled, before sipping on a glass of water. He had woken up about four minutes ago, and promptly stumbled his way up into the kitchen for a glass of water. I had spent the last couple minutes introducing the trio of fillies, and he still hadn't accepted the fact. "What's so hard to believe about this? They're literally right there." I gestured over to a chair behind me next to a small table within the kitchen. In said chair, three fillies quietly munched on some apple slices. All three were covered with band-aids covering cat scratches and had shaggy fur and manes, but they were mostly content on letting us talk. Apple Bloom mumbled something about the apples being bland, but otherwise still ate them. "That doesn't mean anything!" He chugged the rest of the water quite messily before continuing, "Nothing can be that cute dude! They have to be like... I don't know... but something isn't right here!" I raised an eyebrow, and began to speak when Scootaloo spoke from behind me. "I'm not cute..." She said, crossing her forelegs and beginning to pout. "Yes you are... and stop doing that, it's too much." Pat said, pointing towards the orange filly, who glared at him. "Come on Pat. They're right there, they talk to you, they can touch stuff... what more do you want?" I crossed my arms, exasperated. "...I don't know. But I can't just believe this. This is right out of some 2000's CGI movie or some poorly written story on a writing website..." He turned around facing away, speaking quietly, "...I just can't..." I sighed to myself, looking from my brother to the floor beneath. For I few a seconds, I just stare idly, trying to think of some way to convince him, when I hear the shuffling of hooves. Turning to look behind me, I watch Sweetie Belle scoot rear first of the chair, landing on the floor with a small thud. She slowly trots towards Pat, who glances towards the little filly. She stops just before his leg, lifting a hoof and resting it on his leg. "Please Pat?" She gives him a pleading look, with the biggest eyes I've ever seen. He stares down at the little unicorn. I know he can only stand that look for so long. I'm nearly going to become paralyzed myself if I keep looking. "...Fine..." He says begrudgingly, eyes snapping away from the fillies. "Oh thank you, Pat!" Sweetie Belle rears up, hugging her hooves around Pats leg. She has a wide smile and her eyes are squeezed shut. I chuckle, grinning at the cuteness. I glance up at him, but he is just staring with wide eyes down towards the white unicorn. "Pat? You okay dare bud?" I wave my hand in front of his eyes, but he doesn't respond. Slowly he begins to sink downwards and towards the counter behind him. I catch him halfway, and lower him to the floor. "Not again... I think you broke my brother Sweetie Belle." I turned to look to her. She looked at the unconscious form of my brother nervously, before she looked at me. "I'm sorry..." Her ears droop down. I give her a disarming smile. "It's okay Sweetie. It's kinda funny really." I stand from my brother, and look back towards the other two ponies, who have finished the Apple slices. "How about I make you guys something to eat, and we can watch another movie? There are 8 other star wars ones!" Scootaloo instantly stands up, a large smile crossing her muzzle, "Hay yeah!" She yells, her wings buzzing by her sides. "Language Scoots." Apple Bloom scolds her friend, before turning and smiling at me, "Ah think that's a great idea." "Alrighty!" I say, stepping over my brother to the fridge, swinging it open. "What do you fillies want? I can make ramen, or mac & cheese, or-" Suddenly my brother snaps up, breathing heavily with sweat forming on his forehead. We all look at him, but he seemingly doesn't notice. After a few seconds, he shakily raises a finger towards Sweetie. "She needs to be classified as a weapon."