> The Chronicles of Andy Hunter- New Life in Equestria > by AndyHunter > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Disc #1 Goodbye America, I never come back > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was an ordinary day, the same routine as always, getting up, going to the university, doing homework, sleeping. repeat the same thing every week. My life is terribly boring but I'm happy with it. There is not much to say about it. But that would change forever. A friday noon after arriving home, I went to my room, I spend more time there than anywhere else, why wouldn't I? Here is everything I need, PC, consoles, TV, enough reasons to not get out. But this time I didn't feel like doing those activities, I preferred to take a nap before starting my weekend. I didn't even bother to take off my shoes, lay on my bed and closed my eyes, it was very relaxing, could only hear the sound of the fans in my room. When I had finally fallen asleep, I felt a strange sensation in my body, it was similar to the typical dream in which you seem to fall from a building. I felt that a supernatural force was pushing me down, it was all dark, couldn't see anything, I was sure at that moment that everything was a dream. Until from one second to another you can see some kind of sky, I tried to stand up but there was no floor, I was scared for a moment, I had never experienced anything like this before. "I'm already dead or something?" I said, but I kept my composure, would I finally see God face to face with his great book, to read all the sins that I have committed in my life up to that moment? Everything began to move, the supernatural force, whatever it was, was taking me to another place, far away, I no longer knew what to think, it wouldn't be worth breaking my head trying to decipher what was happening. The force took me to a kind of ocean, I was underwater, but the strange thing was that I could still breathe and that my clothes were not wet, it was taking me deeper, these interdimensional trips were starting to piss me off. But what can I do? I could only wait for that thing to take me somewhere nice, for god's sake other than Raccoon City or something. This could not be a dream, impossible, I was being transported to another place, have seen it a lot on TV, in movies about the chosen one and stuff. My body began to shine, everything was spinning, until I fell to the ground. I didn't feel pain or anything, miraculously, the first thing I did was standing up and look around, I recognized this place immediately, it was the Everfree forest, the typical place for strange beings like us to land here, is something very common, it's a pattern that keeps repeating itself for some reason. "I'm in equestria? I can't believe it, I'm going to try to see if I'm not dreaming" I pinched myself and no... I didn't wake up, so everything was real I'm in Equestria! "OHHHH YEAH BABY" I said, before continuing to scream like a fangirl, I checked my pockets to see what I had, I only had a replica of the ocarina of time that I bought on Amazon, my cell phone and money from my world, american dollars, I don't think it will be of much use to me here. "I also have to find a place to spend the night, I don't know if Fluttershy is willing to let me stay at her house, I wonder how she'll react when she sees me, I'm sure she'll be scared, it's very typical of her" I said thinking about what I will do "I know Flutters lives near the forest but I don't know where exactly, guess if I go this way, I'll find her house" I started walking towards the exit of the forest, without making too much noise, I know how dangerous this place is and what the Timberwolves are capable of doing. I had a jacket on and I could still feel the cold of the night, I hugged myself to try to warm, also blew my hands and I could see the smoke coming out of my mouth every time I breathed. I walked for several minutes until I finally found Fluttershy's house, I never imagined seeing it in person, it's beautiful. Could see the lights on, it means she's still awake, I don't know what time it is exactly, but since everything is very quiet around here, I guess it's the time when almost all the ponies sleep. I step slowly towards the door of the house, couldn't stop thinking about Fluttershy's reaction when she sees me, hope I can reach an agreement and that I'm not an alien or a monster that comes to conquer Equestria. knock on the door and call her "Fluttershy, are you there? Open the door please" "Oh, somepony is calling me at this hour? wonder who will be" I managed to hear her sweet voice, it means that she heard me... "Oh shit, Flutter is coming..." I told myself, swallowed hard to prepare myself and do a lot of explaining, and try to calm her down if she becomes hysterical. Fluttershy opened the door and her reaction was exactly what I expected, she widened her eyes as wide as she could, let out a gasp of astonishment as she dropped to the floor "WHAT ARE YOU? PLEASE DON'T HURT ME" "Oh Fluttershy, relax, I didn't come here to hurt you. Finally get to see you in person...pony, whatever, you're still the shy and kind pony I know" Fluttershy slowly turned her head towards me looking directly at me, still trembling with fear. "Huh? Do you know me, how?" I Never see you before" Fluttershy said still scared. "Where I come from, you are very famous and loved by many people, including me, I am not from this world, I come from far, far away" I told Fluttershy, smiling to convey confidence in her. "I'm famous and loved, how? I don't remember doing something worthy to be known" Fluttershy said, it seemed that what I was saying seemed funny to her, could see her holding back laughter. "I don't want to bother you, came to ask you a big favor, to stay at your house just for tonight, can I? I have nowhere to stay, if you let me I promise I can help you take care of your animals. Then I can explain everything" "Oh, that's very nice of you and there's no problem, you can stay as long as you want, some company never hurts" She told me, showing me her adorable smile, I was surprised how quickly she calmed down, but I'm so glad that everything turned out well. "Thank you Fluttershy, I'm going to close the door, it's very cold in here. I can't thank you enough, when I get a job here in Ponyville, I'll pay you a few bits for helping me out" "Don't worry about it, it's not necessary, I like to help whoever needs it. By the way, what is your name?" She asked me as we both walked towards the sofa, sitting next to each other. "Oh sorry, my name is Andy Hunter and I'm a Human" "Hunter? What do you hunt exactly?" "Hahahahahaha No no, I mean, it's just a last name, it doesn't mean i´m really a hunter" I told Fluttershy, both laughing at the same time. "Andy, I also want to ask you about what is a human? Even in the books there´s nothing about creatures like you" "I'm not from Equestria as I mentioned before, humans are like the ponies here, we have our own civilization and we are the superior species in our world, that's right, a portal brought me here, there are also ponies where I come from, but they can't speak or do magic" "Oh, interesting, I would like to know more about your world Andy, although it seems strange to me that the ponies in your world cannot speak, I would still like to go there with you. What is the name of the place where you come from? "I come from a continent called America, but I don't think I can take you there, sorry, humans can't do magic, I don't know where that portal came from" "I see, a portal brought you here... I remember that you mentioned it before, but there are many things that I would like to ask you" "We can continue tomorrow Flutter, and by the way we tell all your friends, they deserve to know too" "My friends? Do you know them too?" Fluttershy asked me with a hoof on her chin. "Yeah, Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Applejack" Those names are impossible to forget for me. "I thought you only knew me, but you also know about my friends, you really don't cease to amaze me Andy" "You will make me blush flutters, also, you 6 are very loved in my world, believe it or not, it should not surprise you if I know the name of a friend or family member of yours. Tomorrow we continue talking about this with your friends, so we save the explanations" "Oh that's right, get ready because tomorrow you will have to explain a lot, especially Twilight, she will want to know every little detail hahahahah" Listening to Fluttershy's laugh is the cutest thing you can hear in your life, I also laughed with her in a short time we became good friends, just as I expected, making friends in Equestria is very easy. Despite the time that has passed, still find it hard to believe that I spoke with one of the mane 6, don't have favorites to tell the truth, I like each of them just the way it is. "Fluttershy where am I going to sleep?" I asked since I wasn't sure if I could sleep on that sofa, it was too small for me. "You can sleep in the bed upstairs. There is only one since I live alone and I hardly receive visitors, I can sleep on the sofa" "Seriously Fluttershy, are you willing to do that for me?" I've seen the entire show twice, but Fluttershy's kindness is something that goes beyond the word itself, even so, I won't refuse her offer. "Of course Andy, all to help a friend!" Fluttershy said smiling and lying on the sofa ready to sleep. "Thanks Flutter, you have a heart of gold" Fluttershy blushed when I said that, I saw her and couldn't help but laugh a little. I took off my jacket I was wearing and left my Ocarina and my phone on the table near what seemed to be a fireplace. "Good night Fluttershy" "You too Andy, sweet dreams." I gave her a hug, she returned the hug and I went to sleep in her bed. It was an excellent night and tomorrow will surely be a great day too, to meet the rest of the Mane 6, oh man, I´m so excited right now. END > Meeting The Rest Of The Mane Six > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was 5 in the morning, Celestia hadn't even raised the sun yet, it was still very early, so I decided to take advantage of this moment to exercise and practice some Karate and Bojutsu while Fluttershy slept, I wanted to go to Ponyville at once but it was better to go with her. I went down the stairs carefully since the house was made of wood, the footsteps could make a lot of noise. I was looking for a bucket to fill it with water and to be able to take it for the moments in which I have to stop to take a rest, also to pour it over myself to refresh my body. I had found it, it was in the kitchen in a corner, took it with me. I walked carefully to the door, opened it and closed it as slowly as I could, as if I was on a stealth mission. Outside the house, next to it there was a lake, I walked towards it and filled the bucket with water, put my hand inside to make sure there weren't any fish inside, after verifying that there wouldn't be any, headed towards the bridge that is right in front of Fluttershy's house, in front there was a large field, it would be perfect for running and doing 50 laps. Leave the bucket near a tree, an easy place to remember where I left it. I was ready to start my training, I only needed the bo, at least an improvised one, I'll take care of that later. I was wearing black pants, black sneakers and spiked bracelets, I almost never take them off, they became a part of me since I became a metalhead since I was 16 years old. Didn't feel it was necessary to wear a shirt, still don't think I'd impress anypony, I'm too skinny. "I hope Stellar doesn't care that I doesn't have muscles hahaha" I said to myself "I'll visit her tomorrow at Sire's Hollow, I think that's what it was called where she lives, a very small town that is hardly talked about" I don't know what happened to me at that moment, I suddenly started thinking about that mare, I fell in love with her from the first time I saw her from my phone screen, but now was not the right time to think about it! Sometimes wish I had my karate uniform, left it in another backpack in my room, if I had known that this portal would bring me here, I would have brought everything I needed, like my Nintendo 3DS, my favorite video game posters and bands, my plushes from Kingdom Hearts, Pokemon and Studio Ghibli. But it was too late for that, I'm here and there's no going back, I should also do exercises to relax my mind, to take this weight off my shoulders. Did a 5 minute leg stretch, it was somewhat painful, worse if you don't exercise every day, at least once, In my case it was because the university always kept me busy, now that I'm here in Equestria, thank you Celestia that I won't have to worry about that anymore. I proceed to do 60 push ups and 30 sit-ups, I think it would be enough to start running, after having the body warm and ready to keep it in constant movement without getting tired so quickly. When I did 15 out of 15 of each exercise, I took a 3-minute break, my stamina was not the best, I usually get tired very quickly, in the exams to move up in rank I was always the one who stood out the least. I drank some water from the bucket, take another 3 minute break before starting to run across the field. During the break I lay down on the grass that surrounded almost the entire field, it wasn't that high, looking at the beautiful stars in the sky, there was nothing more relaxing than this, I could feel the wind blowing, it was the only thing I could hear. I thought out loud "I wish you were here" my mind projected while looking at the sky, an image of all the stars, taking the shape of Stellar Flare, her beautiful mane, face, I remained hypnotized contemplating that image, until I stood up and decided to continue training to become stronger and be able to defend not only her, but my friends too. Took a breath and got ready to run at full speed. I ran like I had never done before, as if I was escaping from prison, I ran and ran, 25 laps left, it felt like an eternity, but I promised to reach 50 laps, I need to get my body in shape. The field in which I was running was somewhat wide, there was a tree bigger than the rest that was almost reaching Ponyville, when I reached that tree, returned to Fluttershy's house, it was a considerable distance. I had finally achieved it, ran 50 laps and on the way I found a stick that I can use for Bojutsu, it was not easy, because on many occasions I wanted to sit down and take a breath and my face was full of sweat, I had to clean myself very often. I drank almost all the water from the bucket and what was left I poured it over myself, with my body fresh, could start practicing Katas, started with the least complex ones up to the most difficult ones that I knew. Celestia had already raised the sun at that moment, I myself saw how she moved it with her magic, I looked at the sky for a few seconds then continue. in the process I would shout "KIAI" as loud as I could, since there was no pony listening to me, I was always embarrassed to shout that when practiced in the dojo. When I made a mistake in any movement, I started the whole kata again, it didn't bother me at all, I enjoy martial arts and making a mistake is very common. After finishing with the karate katas, I proceeded to do the same with the bojutsu katas, which for me were more complicated, but it was necessary, if at any time I have to fight someone using a melee weapon. When I moved the staff to make an attack, I could hear the sound of the swing, it means that my strength had increased, I am very happy about that, it also motivated me to shout "KIAI" with all my might. Fluttershy had gotten up scared, she didn't see that I was inside the house, so she went outside and saw me with a staff in my hand. "Andy why are you screaming, what happened?" Asked Fluttershy, with her mane ruined and with a scared face as if she had seen a Timberwolf eat a Pony. "Relax Fluttershy, it's part of the training we Karateka do, I'm sorry if I scared you, I didn't mean to" "Is okay Andy, I didn't know that fighters have to shout , good morning by the way" Fluttershy said more calmly and with a smile on her face. "Good morning Flutters, Let's go home, we need to be ready to go to Ponyville, I want to go meet your friends and the other ponies in town!" "Of course, I can fix you some cereal while you can shower, you're all sweaty. You can't introduce yourself like that, especially if you're going to meet Rarity" Fluttershy and I laughed at the same time when she said that. Fluttershy was preparing breakfast and I took a little bit relaxing shower, because that tub was too small. Thank god or Celestia, I don't have claustrophobia. I'll have to get used to this too, the seats, tubs, small doors, every time I want to enter or exit Fluttershy's house I have to bend down. After making myself decently presentable, put on the only clothes I had, I was hoping that Rarity could make more clothes for me, I'm sure she would be happy to help me with that problem. Flutters and I sat at the table next to each other and had a little conversation. "Andy I would like to ask you several questions, if it's you okay with that..." Fluttershy said with her typical timid tone. "Sure Flutters, tell me what's bothering you" "It doesn't bother me, don't worry, I would like to know the objects that are on the table near the sofa, that blue thing with holes and that rectangular thing that looks like a mirror" Say the timid mare. "The blue thing is an instrument, it's called the ocarina of time and if you're wondering too, no, I can't travel in time, since it's just a replica, which was made based on a videogame" "I had never heard of that instrument before, I would like to know how it sounds, do you think you can play a song? surely the birdies will like it" Said the yellow pegasus excited. "Yeah, why not? I have in mind to spend time with each of our friends, with you I can play a song and for the animals too, it will be fun, I assure you. I'm a little rusty, but I think still remember how to play the ocarina" I replied to Fluttershy and then proceeded to answer her next question. "And about the rectangular thing, it's not a mirror, it's a phone, it's used to communicate at far distances, it's technology from my world, but here I don't think it's very useful, but at least can take photos with it and keep beautiful memories of the time I will spend in Equestria" "Interesting device, the objects of your world really surprise me, before we go to Ponyville, what do you think if we take a picture? as a souvenir of your first day in Equestria and the first time we met!" "Good idea, but I'm going to finish my cereal first, which by the way is delicious, thanks Fluttershy" "You're welcome Andy, that's what friends are for!" The pegasus said with great enthusiasm. We were ready to go out, we took a picture outside Flutters' house, it was a great honor, that a Pony I admire wanted to take a picture with me. We went directly to Ponyville, the time had come, I'm waiting for how the ponies will react when they see me. "So, you've been training since early to become stronger and protect me and our friends... but I don't think there's another threat, I mean, my friends and I defeated Nightmare Moon and Discord, you think there´s will be other bad guys try to conquer Equestria?" Said the shy pegasus in a serious tone. It's good that they defeated Discord, there would be nothing I could do against him, even though knowing all the martial arts in the world and being black belt in all of them, I wouldn't have a chance against him because he's goddamn OP with his chaos magic. "Most likely, yes, there may be more besides them, but don't think about that now Flutters, now we are at peace, when the time comes, I will protect you and I will not let anyone hurt you" "Awww that's very kind of-" Fluttershy was interrupted, when a Pony had yelled "A MONSTER, EVERYPONY HIDE!" The ponies ran to their houses quickly, closing the doors and windows, some hid in their sales stalls. "This is exactly what happened when Zecora came to Ponyville" I said sarcastically. "It´s ok everypony, he's a friend, there's nothing to be scared of" Fluttershy said in her usual timid tone. "I don't think they can hear you" "I'm sorry, that's the loudest I can speak" Fluttershy replied with disappointment, sitting up and resting her head on my leg. "It's alright ponies, I come from another world, maybe you've never seen someone like me before, but I didn't come here to hurt anyone" Nopony answered me, they still don't trust me. "It didn't work Andy, what do we do?" Ask the yellow pegasus "I have an idea, a beautiful melody can help them calm down and transmit confidence" "You mean...?" "Exactly, I'm going to play a song with my ocarina of time, Serenade of Water, what kind of monster would play a beautiful melody? none" I said proudly, putting my ocarina skills to the test, it was a little hard for me to remember some songs since the sheet music was left it in my world. "Serenade of water... I think it was, A, down, right, right, left" I had remembered the song, I took a breath and started to play the melody but more extended than the original. "That was beautiful Andy. And look, the ponies are getting closer, they really like your song!" The ponies formed a circle around Fluttershy and me, they began to ask me too many questions, the most common were what kind of creature I am, my name and the instrument I had in my hands, I couldn't answer all of them at once but I did my best effort. I managed to hear a pony with a cowgirl accent, I immediately recognized that voice, it was Applejack, who was walking towards me slowly, approaching me, making everypony stay silent. "Howdy there partner, you're new here right?" Applejack Asked. "That's right Applejack, nice to meet you, I'd like to introduce myself, but it's better if all your friends are here, where are they by the way?" "Do you know them? I guess Fluttershy told you about us, they are in sugarcube corner, we ran quickly there when we saw you, it seemed strange to me that you were with Fluttershy, we thought that you had brainwashed her with dark magic or something. When you played that beautiful melody with that weird instrument, I felt that you were not an enemy and also you would have already caused chaos" "A little exaggerated, you should know that I am not a magical being like all of you, and if I had magic, I would use it for good" "That's good to hear fella, girls you can come out, he is a friend!" Said Applejack calling the rest of the mane 6. "Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight!" I said excited, also realized that Twilight didn't have her wings yet, so I figured I'm on the timeline where she's not a princess. The mane 6 and I went to Twilight's library, I said goodbye to all the ponies that surrounded me first, some gave me cupcakes, and Pinkie Pie sang me a welcome song! Her party machine covered all my clothes with confetti, but we already know Pinkie is, so I didn't bother with her at all. Golden Oak Library "You say that a portal brought you here, do you have any idea what or who could have caused it?" Asked Twilight "In short on details about that portal, it just appeared out of nowhere when I was in my room. For a moment I thought it was Celestia or maybe Luna, but it's very unlikely, since arrived I haven't had any contact with them, not even Princess Luna appeared in my dreams, to talk to me or warn me about something" "Mmmmm I really doubt the princesses brought you here, and as you mention, they probably don't know you're here yet, I can send them a letter about your arrival right now, maybe they can help you to return to your world" Twilight suggested, She really think I want to go back? Never. "What?!" Fluttershy said surprised when Twilight said that. "That's not necessary Twilight, the truth is that I don't want to go back to my world, I'm fine here, but I would like to meet the princesses someday, it can't be tomorrow since I have plans, maybe another day" "Andy is right Twilight, he seems happy to be here, he said that himself that does not want to return to his world" Fluttershy replied, it really seems that she appreciates me a lot, doesn't like the idea of ​​me leaving at all. "But you don't have a family? Someone waiting for you?" Twilight asked. "I am an adult Twilight, anyway at some point in my life I will have to separate from them, the only thing that happened is that I didn't have the opportunity to say goodbye, but I know that they will be fine without me. I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine here, besides, Fluttershy is like my mother now" When I answered Fluttershy hugged my arm. “I agree with Fluttershy and Andy, Twilight, if he doesn't want to come back, you shouldn't try to convince him or change his mind, he already made his decision" Spike replied. "What? No, it wasn't about that, I was just worried that his family is surely waiting for him, but if he agrees, is more than welcome in Equestria, Andy, I hope you have a lot of fun here" "A pleasure to have you here partner, you can come to my farm to meet my family if you like" Said the farm pony. "Welcome to Equestria my dear, what do you think if I take you to my boutique first? you really need some new clothes and I can make you one in no time" Rarity said proudly. "Is there a time when you don't think about fashion, Rarity? I mean, look at him, Andy doesn't seem to be interested in that kind of thing, he sure likes sports like me, also he knows martial arts, come on Andy, try to hit me HIYAAAA" Andy vs Rainbow Dash Rainbow Dash flew quickly towards me, using her rear hoof like kick. I didn't have time to react, her hoof impacted directly on my face making me go back and fall to the ground. Rainbow Dash just stared at me with a self-assured look. I did an instant Kip up and put myself in a fighting stance. "What happened? you told me you knew Karate, Taekwondo, Aikido and bojutsu something" "Rainbow Dash what are you doing? you're hurting him!" Said Fluttershy covering half of her face with her tail "It's ok Fluttershy, it's just a friendly fight. And you just took me by surprise but now I'm ready" My body was filled with adrenaline at that moment, fighting Rainbow Dash? Maybe she has magic in her favor, but in the show she is almost never seen practicing karate, being a showoff has its consequences and I will show it to her, of course, without hurting her. "Attack whenever you want" I told Rainbow Dash. "My house is not a dojo!" Twilight said annoyed, but we both ignored her, RD and I we're just concentrating on having a friendly fight. The rest of mane 6 were speechless, they had all their attention on the fight. This time Rainbow Dash used her front hooves as fists. She attacked very predictably block them was easy, so I grabbed one of her hoof before they hit my face again, I cartwheeled while grabbing Rainbow's hoof, that was to confuse her, while behind her and I took the opportunity to give her a spinning hook kick. the kick hit her nape, sending her flying a bit. "How did you-" she turned around and came towards me as fast as she could. Rainbow was going to kick me again, I ducked, she turned around again and desperately tried to hit me with her front hooves, I dodged them by moving side to side, then did a backflip before Rainbow kicked me, and countered quickly with a jump spin back kick. This time my kick hit her face, I accidentally kicked her so hard that she collided with one of Twilight's bookcases, she fell to the ground. We all sighed in astonishment and approached Rainbow Dash to check that she was alright. **Song end** "I'm so sorry Rainbow, I shouldn't have used that kick against you" I don't even know if she want to be my friend after this. "Are you kidding me? That was AWESOME!" Said the cyan mare flying again. "Really? didn't I hurt you?" "Well, it hurt a little, but I know you didn't do it on purpose. Where did you learn to fight like that, Andy?" "From my sensei and from a movie that I really like, The Matrix" "You're cool Andy, we should go out to play sports or do amazing activities now, what do you say?" "I think the best thing would be to have a welcome party!" Said the party pony. "Listen, I would love to spend time with each of you but I think need some new clothes, tomorrow have to go see a pony" "Oh really? You never told me you'd go see somepony" Said Fluttershy. "Someone is in love♪" Says Pinkie Pie singing. "Who's the lucky mare? lover boy" Applejack asked. when it comes to love issues, I always keep it to myself, but I don't think they make fun of it. With them if I can feel safe to talk about these topics. "I'll introduce her to you all when we're dating, I'll just tell you that she lives in Sire's Hollow, do you know where that is?" "I have a map that can tell you where it is" Twilight with her horn and gave me a map of all Equestria, it had the names of all the cities and towns marked on it. "Thank you Twilight, to all of you actually, for welcoming me to Equestria, it was nice meeting you all, I'll see you later, okay? maybe I'll visit your farm Applejack and maybe spend time with you, Rainbow" "We will be waiting for you, take your time, there's no rush" Said Rainbow Dash saying goodbye. After we all say goodbye, I went with Rarity to her Boutique, nothing makes her happier than making clothes, especially for a friend. "Andy my dear, do you have a design in mind for your clothes? Because you know, I only make for ponies" Said the fashionista. "Of course Rarity, when we arrive, I'll make you reference drawings so you can see how I want it" "Excellent, I will do my best to make you look handsome!" Meanwhile back the Golden Oak Library "Twilight, did you see that Rainbow Dash vs. Andy fight?" Asked Spike while accommodate the books that Rainbow had thrown after kicking her. "Of course Spike, for a non-magical being, the truth is that he fights very well, left me surprise, although I'm still upset that they fought in my house" "At least they gave us a good show, I would like to learn to fight like Andy, to defend Rarity from the bad guys Hi-yah! EEEE-YAH!" Spike began to imitate my movements "Woah woah!" Until he lost his balance and fell to the ground trying to do a roundhouse kick. "Someday Spike" Twilight and Spike laughed together. END > My Beloved Teacher > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I walked with Rarity toward her boutique. She was going to design my outfit because I planned to visit Stellar Flare tomorrow with my new clothes. I know how much she cares about being presentable and well-dressed. I've been wearing these clothes since yesterday, and it's the only outfit I have. Rarity is the perfect pony for this assignment. Rarity asked me, "Andy dear, what colors do you usually wear?" "Well, I tend to favor darker colors like black and gray these days. When I was a child, my favorite color was yellow, but my style has evolved to embrace darker shades. I realize it contrasts with Equestria's vibrant palette, but it's just my personal preference" "It's a unusual style... unique, I have to say, I've seen ponies who dress that way but not very often" Rarity said a little surprised, she had stopped when I answered her, she started following my pace again. "I completely trust you Rarity, I already have the design in mind I just need you to sew it" I clenched one of my fists with determination, leaving all my trust in Rarity. "Of course Darling, you can count on me! By the way Andy, you say you're a human, do they always used clothes wherever they go?" "In my world, humans cannot go without clothes anywhere, that is called exhibitionism and it is very frowned upon, we only take them off when we are obviously going to bathe or have a private moment with our partners. Even though I'm in Equestria now, I prefer to be dressed at all times, it would be strange not to have anything on" "Oh I see, in that case I'll have to make you more clothes than I thought, I don't think there is clothing boutiques for humans anywhere in Equestria" Rarity said, I could see her determination on her face and she was smiling, showing her teeth. We had arrived at Rarity's Boutique, Rarity opened the door and we both entered, I saw Opalescence sleeping, I approached her and said "Opalescence!" "Oh my! You know my cat's name too?" Rarity said surprised. "Sure, remember what I said in Golden Oak when we were with the girls and Spike? I had explained to you all that in my world there's alternative versions of you, you could say that I know more than half of Equestria" This was my way of saying that they are not a television show, if I tell them that they are fictional characters, an unforgettable chaos could form that Discord would surely be proud of. Rarity was processing the information I told her, while I was playing with Opal, I put my index finger in front of her and she bit it gently, she was just playing, she seems to like me, she's cute but when she's upset it's better to walk away, I wouldn't want her to scratch my face or something. Rarity, seeing me playing with Opal, seems to have left what I told her behind and focused more on the tender scene "Wow Andy, I didn't know you got along well with animals, Opal seems to like you!" "Well, in my world I have a Husky dog ​​but don't worry, my parents are going to take good care of him. Too bad I can't say the same about Angel, Fluttershy's bunny, I tried to get along with him but it seems like he ignored me and I preferred to leave him alone, surely over time he'll get used to it and we'll get along well, it's better not to force him, I am a creature Angel have never seen and it must be normal for him to have his suspicions" "Very thoughtful of you Andy, with that attitude, you will surely make friends with all the ponies" Rarity said excitedly raising one of her hooves towards the sky. "Thank you, Rarity. I appreciate your kind words. I believe in taking things slowly and building trust over time" Opal had lain in my arms, it seems like she wants me to hold her for a moment. I carried Opal in my arms while I caressed her. "Let's go to the room where you make clothes!" "Sure my dear, follow me!" Said Rarity proudly. I followed Rarity as she took a look at her boutique, the walls were white, pink with some purple in some parts, it doesn't match my style but I admire how clean and well organized the place is, it just lacks air conditioning and maybe some black to this wall, a skull lamp would look great, in this corner I would put a large statue of Gordon Freeman, it would look great with the place, next to it there could be another statue of Vaul-boy, it would give a unique touch to the place. On this wall I would perhaps put a painting of the cover of Starcraft from 1998 and the cover of the Blindside album About a Burning Fire with the image of the kid and the crystal ball of fire. Definitely when I have my own house I will decorate it like this! Although I don't judge Rarity's style, everypony has their own tastes and they have to be respected. "This is where the magic happens!" Rarity exclaimed as she magically opened the door to her workplace. It appeared exactly as I had imagined, with everything in a state of disarray. Rolls of fabric lay scattered on the floor; it was the only place in her boutique that wasn't meticulously tidy. I assumed Rarity must find more inspiration in this chaotic environment. I recalled a time when Sweetie Belle attempted to tidy up this area, which had greatly upset Rarity. She likely had her reasons for keeping it messy, but it certainly didn't harm anypony. "Wow, I like the place. You just need a human mannequin," I said with a hint of sarcasm. Rarity let out a small laugh. "You're the only human in Equestria; they would have to create mannequins specifically just for you!" We both started laughing. Rarity laughed elegantly, while it seemed like I was convulsing on the floor laughing. Even Opal had to go somewhere else because she was bothered by how hard I was laughing. After laughing for a few minutes, Rarity gave me a sheet of paper and a pencil with her magic to draw the design of my clothes. When I started to draw, she asked me, "Why are you drawing using... that thing instead of your mouth?" "Oh, these are hands and fingers. They make it easier for us to grab objects. We don't use our mouths to grab objects like pegasi or earth ponies usually do. I'm going to draw you an example of what it would look like to use your mouth" I began to draw a picture of Sweetie Belle driving a Ferrari Superamerica at full speed, passing underneath a cargo truck. Sweetie Belle had a serious expression and was wearing sunglasses. On the other side of the page, I attempted to draw with my mouth, but the result was a collection of random lines without any recognizable pattern. That reminded me of the day I had my Kia Opirus, blasting MLP soundtrack and CheVelle, I really miss my car, I only drove it twice and it didn't want to start. Buying used cars is definitely a bad idea. Rarity had taken a step back, her eyes widening. "Wow, first of all, I must say that you draw very well. I'm not sure if I should ask how you know my little Sweetie Belle" "The answer is still the same, Rarity. Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo also have their respective versions, just like you and your friends. It shouldn't be surprising" I responded with a calm tone. "I understand, but there are things about your drawing that make me wonder, what is that thing Sweetie Belle is on?" Rarity had a curious and surprised expression. It would be better if I explained it to her in a simple way. "What Sweetie Belle is in is a car, similar to a wagon but it doesn't need somepony to push it to move. It runs on an engine, which is how cars work in my world. Ferrari is my favorite brand, and they have a wide variety of designs and models. I just wanted Sweetie Belle to look cool!" I said, my childish side took control of me this time. "Wow, your world is interesting despite not having magic. Sweetie Belle will surely like your drawing! But the other doodle you made... on second thought, it's probably better if you use your hands to draw. We don't want to give anypony a heart attack" I took Rarity's comment with humor, it didn't offend me to be honest, we both started laughing again. I began to draw the design of the clothes I wanted. As I planned to go on adventures, the perfect outfit would be a tunic similar to Link's from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, but with a gothic touch. The tunic would be entirely black, paired with emo jeans, spiked gloves, and a matching spiked necklace. As for footwear, my existing Converse sneakers would complete the look. I finished the drawing, which I had created with references. Rarity remained like a statue, likely not accustomed to styles like these. "Oh my, that unique and spiked style will certainly make you stand out. I can finish it by tomorrow if I start right away. But first, I'll need to take your measurements," Rarity replied. "Of course, Rarity" I stood up in front of her, allowing her to take my measurements. She carefully noted them down in her notebook. "That's it! Tomorrow it will be ready!" Rarity announced with a smile. "Thank you, Rarity. I appreciate it" I expressed my gratitude with a slight bow, like I was in Japan. "You don't need to thank me, I'm doing this because we are good friends" Rarity said excitedly turning around and starting to work on the clothes. We said goodbye and I went outside the Boutique, it's better that Rarity was alone, that way she can concentrate better. My next destination will be Ponyville school, Cheerilee... I mean Cutie Mark Crusaders here I come! As I walked to school I greeted the ponies, some simply stared at me, I've only been here a day but by tomorrow they will surely get used to my presence, the important thing is that they don't see me as someone bad. I started to wander in my thoughts thinking about what I could say to Cheerilee, what could we talk about? I don't know... thinking even more, I remembered a pony that I really don't want to meet, I had a flashback about the episode Hard To Say Anything. "Ese semental cabrón..." I thought about that dude called Feather Bangs, if I meet him I'm going to beat him up... no, I shouldn't think about violence but he's super annoying, he believes that relationships are a competition, a game. Feather is so childish, he can do whatever he wants, I don't care as long as he doesn't get in my way when I'm on my way to meet my marefriends. The only thing Feather has on his side is appearance, being an irrelevant aspect. Beyond that, his personality matches my shoes altitude, it's worthless. It's the ridiculousness, the slapstick, ponified, what a loser. For me, relationships are something serious that must be respected and valued. Don't walk around believing that we are the protagonists of a anime. I can already imagine that dude challenging me to a fight, maybe I'm not very good at singing but in a fight, Pfff Celestia would crown him, clown of the year without a doubt. I'll stop wasting imaginary saliva on this guy. As I walked I got closer and closer to the school, it seemed like they were still in class, there's nopony outside. I went to the playground to wait for recess or for them to go home, probably the latter, since it was noon. I would like to ask Cheerilee if she would like me to accompany her home, although I am very embarrassed. I sat on one of the swings, they were small but I could still sit on them, considering how skinny I am. I was going to play a song with my ocarina of time but it would surely make a lot of noise and be heard inside the classroom. Dude, I wish I had my 3DS with me, some entertainment wouldn't hurt me now. "I think I'll sing a little to pass the time, what song... oh I know which one" I cleared my throat and tried to remember the lyrics since I had forgotten them a little. "Dreams of earthquakes. Dreams of hurricanes. Dreams of pouring rain. Dreams of tidal waves .To wash us all away. Dreams of guns blazed. Dreams of fire rage. Dreams of swollen graves. Dreams of hollow pain. All gone. No more fallen .No more enemy. No. more casualty. No more dream" I sang while I swung doing 360 degree turns on the swing. I had heard the bell, which means that Cheerilee will surely see me, I will wait for her to arrive. "Fall into sleep. Fall into me. I have a dream. But nobody cares. Nobody wants to listen" I kept singing with great energy until I heard a voice. "It's the creature all ponies talk about!" Cheerilee said surprised with her mouth open. All the foals were panicking and Cheerilee was desperately trying to calm them down. "It's a reaction that I really expected, but I know how to calm them" I jumped off the swing doing a 360 spin in the air, falling dramatically to the ground. All the ponies had their eyes on me believing I would do something to them. I took my ocarina of time out of my pocket and played the song from Nocturne of Shadow, an extended version. While I was playing, some little birds were next to me singing at the same rhythm. I turned my gaze to Cheerilee, she had blushed at the scene. "I must say that was beautiful... that means you won't hurt us right?" Cheerilee asked with a nervous tone. "No, not at all, I'm not a monster like many ponies believe, the reason I came here was to... visit you." I looked away and covered part of my face with the hood of my jacket. Cheerilee seemed to be calming down, and some of the foals were no longer panicking. She approached me cautiously and said "I suppose we got off on the wrong hoof. I'm Cheerilee, the foals' teacher. What's your name?" "My- my name is- is Andy Hunter. I'm a human. Nice to meet you and the foals" It was very difficult to talk to a mare as beautiful as Cheerilee, her mane, her beautiful green eyes, they have me hypnotized. Cheerilee extended a hoof to shake my hand and gave a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Andy Hunter. I'm glad to see that you're not as frightening as the rumors made you out to be" She then gestured to the foals. "These little ones were just worried because they didn't know you. Equestria is a peaceful place, and we don't encounter many creatures like you" "I understand, we are all afraid of the unknown. You are already heading home, right? I would like to talk to you" I looked at the ground, I couldn't see her directly, I was very embarrassed. "Yes, I had already finished teaching the foals, what exactly did you want to talk to me about?" Asked Cheerilee. "I know this will sound sudden but I know you, I am not from this world, a portal brought me here. In my world there are alternative versions of all the ponies that includes you, if I am not mistaken you have a twin sister who is call Cherry Blossom and you live alone in your house..." Cheerilee recoiled a little when I revealed to her that I am not from this world. Also when I told him his sister's name. "How is it possible... that you know all that?" "In my world, all the ponies have their respective versions, as I mentioned before, it may be a great coincidence that Equestria exists in my world but is fictional while here it is real. That's why I know about you" I said showing a smile to Cheerilee, we looked at each other, she had a combination of emotions but the one that stood out the most was surprise. "I have no way to contradict that, if you know my sister then everything you say must be true. Regarding the alternative versions that you mentioned in your world, what is my role?" "In your world, Cheerilee, like others ponies serves as a teacher in Ponyville and plays a role in educating and guiding young ponies. However, in my world, these characters are part of a fictional TV show called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, which is enjoyed by people of all ages. This TV show features the adventures and lessons of the characters, including you as a dedicated and caring teacher" "That's exciting! and how many episodes do I appear?" Cheerilee asked excitedly, leaning close to my face. "Mmm, I think there are only four, but it doesn't matter. For me, you are still special even if you don't appear in many chapters" Cheerilee had blushed and looked away to the left, I had definitely won her heart, but it's still too early, she needs to know more about me before taking the next step. "Thank you seriously... I have never been treated this way, I know we just met but I would like to know more about you so that we can be more than friends" Cheerilee said between pauses. Several fillies, highlighting the CMC, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, let out a sigh that Cheerilee and I managed to hear, revealing their positions, they were listening to our conversation the entire time, I had seen them, but I didn't tell anything, foals usually can be very curious. "Miss Cheerilee, you can't seriously be falling for that creature," Diamond Tiara said with contemp. "Yes, I mean, just look at him. He looks like a hairless orangutan," Silver Spoon said, always quick to agree with Diamond Tiara. Cheerilee leaned on my leg and said "Come on girls, be respectful to him, Andy may not look like he's from here but that's the least of it, love has many forms and different ways of expressing itself" "It's incredible... a strange creature and a pony and the worst thing is that he is dating my teacher!" said Diamond Tiara. I Completely understand Diamond Tiara and Silver, although their lack of respect is not something that makes me very angry, I can let it go. They have never seen someone like me and it is normal for a pony her age to process an unusual situation like this, it is like the Japanese man who married Hatsune Miku and everyone went crazy. But time makes people or ponies in this case change their perspective, maybe if Diamond and Silver notice that Cheerilee is happy with me it might make them change their minds. "We're not dating yet, DT and Silver, we're in the process. Why don't you both go home and take a break so you can process everything you saw today?" I told both fillies with a calm and friendly tone. "You're right monkey, I better go before I go crazy, follow me Silver" Diamond Tiara and Silver retired to their homes while murmuring, you don't have to be a genius to know what it's about. "I'm sorry Andy, that's how those two are, they're very dramatic" Cheerilee said while I stroked her mane. "It's true, those two bullies are very annoying. It's a pleasure to meet you Andy, my name is Apple Bloom and this is Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo" Apple Bloom said, introducing herself and pointing at her friends with one of her front hooves. "My pleasure, you are the Cutie Mark Crusaders! Applejack's sister, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash's number one fan" I had been a little excited, I always wanted to meet the CMC at this point they are no longer surprised that I know who they are, surely they were listening to my conversation with Cheerilee. "You know Sweetie Bell, now that teacher Cheerilee has a genuine partner, it makes me feel worse about the time we gave her that love potion" Scootaloo said whispering to Sweetie Belle. "It's true, but at least Mr. Andy will surely make her happy" I approached Scootaloo and Sweetie and crouched down to their height, Apple Bloom and Cheerilee were next to me "Ha! I know what you two are talking about, you're talking about the day you gave Cheerilee and Applejack's monosyllabic brother the love potion" I couldn't hold back my laughter, I was laughing like a seal. Cheerilee jumped in surprise and blushed "Do you know about that too? I had no idea what I was doing or saying while I was under the effects of that potion" "You and Applejack's brother with the name of a Burger King hamburger, became inseparable, you couldn't be apart for a minute. The potion also made you two have incredible strength, Burger King... I mean Big Mac, he moved a house while that you, Cheerilee, broke a large part of Carousel Boutique with your Hulk super strength!" "There's no way that actually happened" Cheerilee said while covering her face with embarrassment. "Actually Cheerilee, that did happen...and Andy stop calling my brother weird nicknames!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, but you could tell she couldn't hold back her laughter either. "I'm sorry, but in my world there is a restaurant that serves hamburgers with the same name as Big Mac. As I said, the best part was the cheesy way they referred to each other" I prepared my voice to imitate the voice of Big Mac and Cheerilee "Cheerilee says. my shmoopy-doopy sweetie-weetie pony pie. Big mac says. You're my shmoopy-doopy sweetie-weetie pony pie. Cheerilee responds with, you're my cutie-patootie lovie-dovie honey-bunny. And Big mac counter attack with, my cuddly-wuddly boopsie-woopsie pumpkin pie. But really, I hope Cheerilee, you refer to me as your lovely, huggable, strong and cool human" We all started laughing, Cheerilee was redder than ever but she was the one who laughed the hardest, she still has a hard time believing she said all those things, it was a good moment. The CMC said their last words before saying goodbye, they had to return to their homes because it was around two in the afternoon. "Goodbye mister Hunter, hope to see you soon!" "You're very funny Andy, I hope you and Miss Cheerilee get married" "If you want you can visit us in our Clubhouse is not far from here and have some fun together!" "Have a good day Cutie Mark Crusaders, send my greetings to Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash" I think I'll stay at Cheerilee's house and visit Stellar Flare tomorrow. Fluttershy should know this too, because if I don't tell her, she might worry about me if I don't come back at night. Cheerilee and I were walking together towards Fluttershy's house, I had explained to her that she is like my mother since she was the first pony I met, giving me a home and food. "Andy, is that shirt you're wearing, the creature that looks like you, is she your sister or something like that? The wind had blown causing my jacket to reveal the shirt I was wearing, it was Heather Mason from Silent Hill 3. "She's not a relative, she's a fictional character from a horror game in my world, her name is Heather Mason. That game is very scary but fun" "Oh, you like scary things from what I see, any anecdotes you have related to that game? Cheerilee asked curiously, it was obvious that she wanted to know more about me. "Absolutely, I'm a big fan of horror games. There was this one time when I was playing Silent Hill 3 late at night with all the lights off. I was so immersed in the game that when a particularly creepy monster suddenly appeared on the screen while I was looking for a key item, I nearly fell off my chair! My heart was racing for hours afterward. But you know, the thrill of those games and the adrenaline rush they give you can be quite addictive" Cheerilee started to laugh at my answer "That was really funny and creepy at the same time! It's a shame that in Equestria we don't have those things, it would be fun to have a good time of scares, you and me" "Don't worry, we will find another way to have fun, being by your side is what matters most" I said to Cheerilee as I looked into her eyes, we both blushed. I didn't have the courage to ask her this before, but I think it's the perfect time..."Cheerilee... due can we not hold hands- hoof while we're walking, what do you say if I carry you in my arms?" "Of course Andy, I'm a little embarrassed since all the ponies will see us but hugging you will make me feel safer" Cheerilee said, extending her front hooves for me to hug her and carry her. I carried Cheerilee in my arms as we continued walking towards Fluttershy's house, her head resting comfortably on my shoulder. The ponies we passed by looked at us with curiosity and surprise, but I didn't mind. I was too busy enjoying the moment with Cheerilee to care about what others thought. "You're my pony strawberry cupcake with vanilla covered in chocolate and orange juice" I told Cheerilee as a joke about Big Mac, I couldn't resist continuing to joke with that. Cheerilee giggled at my playful remark "Well, you're my human cinnamon roll with extra frosting and a side of hot cocoa" she replied with a grin. We continued our light-hearted banter as we approached Fluttershy's house. END > Smells Like Teen Spirit > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fluttershy gathered her animal friends around her in the cozy living room of her cottage. The fireplace crackled softly, casting a warm, inviting glow across the room. Her animal companions, including Angel Bunny, Harry, Hummingway, Constance and several others, nestled close to her, eager for the tale she was about to share. "Alright, everycreature" Fluttershy began with a gentle smile, "In this noon, I'm going to tell you all a very special story. It's a tale of adventure and wonder, much like our own little adventures here in the Everfree Forest!" The animals chirped and hopped with excitement, their eyes wide and curious. "This story is about a pony named Alice," Fluttershy continued, "And her extraordinary journey through a magical land. Are you all ready?" Her audience responded with a chorus of enthusiastic nods and squeaks. Fluttershy cleared her throat and began to spin her tale. "Once upon a time, in the peaceful land of Equestria, there lived a young pony named Alice. Alice was a curious and kindhearted pony, always eager to explore the world around her. One sunny day, while she was picnicking near the outskirts of the Everfree Forest, she spotted something quite unusual" Fluttershy's voice took on a dreamy quality as she described Alice's discovery. "Alice saw a peculiar rabbit, you see, but this wasn't just any rabbit. It was a white rabbit with a waistcoat and a pocket watch, and it was hurrying along as if it were terribly late for something important." The animals leaned in closer, their eyes locked onto Fluttershy as she continued her tale. "Unable to resist her curiosity, Alice decided to follow the rabbit into the heart of the Everfree Forest. She ventured through the dense foliage, passing by colorful mushrooms and talking flowers. It was a place unlike any she had ever seen, a world filled with enchantment and wonder" As Fluttershy described Alice's adventures, the animals imagined themselves in her place, embarking on a whimsical journey through a magical forest. "Along her journey, Alice met all sorts of fascinating characters," Fluttershy said with a fond smile. "There was the wise Cheshire Cat, who always had a mischievous grin, and the Mad Hatter, who hosted tea parties that lasted forever" Fluttershy's voice became animated as she portrayed the characters in her story. "And then there was the Queen of Hearts, who ruled over a kingdom of playing cards and loved to shout, off with their heads!' Alice found herself in the midst of a grand adventure, filled with puzzles and riddles, all while trying to find her way back home" Fluttershy's tale continued, weaving a whimsical narrative of Alice's encounters and her quest to unravel the mysteries of this magical land. The animals listened intently, hanging on every word. "Through her journey" Fluttershy concluded, "Alice discovered that the world can be a strange and beautiful place, filled with unexpected friends and endless possibilities. And in the end, she realized that home was wherever her heart felt the most love and happiness" As Fluttershy finished her story, the animals applauded with joyful chirps and applause. They were delighted by the enchanting tale she had shared. "It looks like Fluttershy is having story time with her animals," I said to Cheerilee as she hugged me, and I still held her in my arms. "I can even hear their applause. It must have been a good story. I wonder what it was about," Cheerilee's voice was filled with curiosity as she nestled against me, her warm embrace making me feel a sense of contentment. I approached the door knocking to the Overworld melody from Super Mario Bros Wii. It was a habit that I had had for years and will surely never go away. "Fluttershy it's me, Andy, and Cheerilee. Can you please open the door?" I called out, my voice filled with warmth and eagerness. "Give me a second, I'll open the door!" Fluttershy said as she trotted towards the door with a calm and carefree tone. "Take your time, Fluttershy" I replied, my voice filled with patience and a hint of excitement. Fluttershy opened the door "Andy, it's good to see you! And I also see that you made a new friend" I greeted Fluttershy with a warm smile. "Hi Flutters. I'm glad to see you too! I wanted to let you know that I'll be staying at Cheerilee's house for the night. I didn't want you to worry if you didn't see me around" Fluttershy replied with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and relief "Thank you for letting me know, Andy. I appreciate it" Fluttershy's curiosity piqued as she noticed the close bond between me and Cheerilee "Wait a second... are you two a couple?" she asked with a soft and friendly tone. Cheerilee blushed as she spoke, her heartwarming words filling the room "Well... we are in the process, for now we are just friends. We met today at school and the way he cares about me, how Andy treats the other ponies with respect, and how talented he is with the instrument he has, when I heard him play that song... my heart skipped a beat, and that made me believe that Andy could be the light of my life," she confessed, her voice filled with admiration for me. Fluttershy couldn't help but smile at the budding connection between us. "Wow, Cheerilee, that was incredibly sweet," Fluttershy said with excitement in her voice. Her kind words touched my heart deeply. I wasn't accustomed to hearing such praise, and I couldn't help but feel a warm blush of embarrassment creeping onto my cheeks. "I hope you two are very happy together. Please take good care of him for me, alright?" Fluttershy added with a playful and caring tone, expressing her fondness for both of us. "Haha, thanks, I will," Cheerilee responded with a warm smile. As I glanced towards the forest, I noticed some strange sounds. There was an eerie, pained cry that echoed through the air, almost like an injured animal. It resembled a bird's call, but there was an unmistakable note of distress in it. I gently lowered Cheerilee back to the ground and furrowed my brow in concern "What's wrong, Andy?" she inquired, her voice filled with curiosity. "In the forest, I heard a bird, and it sounds like it's hurt," I replied urgently. "I have to go help it!" Cheerilee looked at me with a worried expression and asked, "Can I go with you?" I replied with a serious and protective tone, "No, I'm sorry, Cheerilee. It's better that you and Fluttershy stay here. It seems like the sound is coming from deeper in the forest, and I wouldn't want you both to get hurt. I don't know what I might find in there, but with my abilities, maybe I can handle it" Fluttershy expressed her concern, "Are you sure you want to go alone, Andy?" "Of course, I can take care of myself, remember that friendly fight I had with Rainbow Dash? That will be enough," I reassured Fluttershy with a confident smile. "I do remember that... but I don't know..." Fluttershy hesitated, her worry evident. Cheerilee stepped closer to Fluttershy, placing a comforting hoof on her. "Have some faith, Fluttershy. I'm sure Andy knows what he's doing. Let's trust in his capabilities," she reassured Fluttershy with a warm smile. "Thank you Cheerilee. I'll be back, I promise, in the meantime stay inside the house, I'll be right back when I rescue the animal, no matter how late I'm going to come back no matter what it costs me." To give Fluttershy confidence and so that Cheerilee can see my skills, I did several handsprings backwards with elegance and precision and then took a big jump turning 360 degrees in the air. As I executed my agile acrobatics and sprinted off towards the forest, I couldn't help but glance back for a moment. I saw the expressions on Cheerilee and Fluttershy's faces. Cheerilee wore an impressed and slightly awestruck expression. Her eyes widened, and her cheeks blushed as she watched me move with such grace and confidence. She seemed genuinely captivated by my display of skill and determination. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, displayed a mix of emotions. Her eyes reflected her concern for my safety, but there was also a glimmer of hope and admiration. She watched me with a blend of worry and pride, hoping that I would return safely from my mission. As I disappeared into the forest, I could only hope that my actions had given them both the reassurance they needed. Entering the dense forest, I found myself surrounded by towering trees whose branches reached high into the sky, their thick foliage forming a natural canopy that blocked most of the sunlight. Shafts of golden light pierced through occasional gaps in the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor below. The air was cool and slightly damp, carrying with it the earthy scent of moss and decaying leaves. The forest floor was a carpet of fallen leaves, creating a soft, rustling underfoot as I moved. Shafts of light illuminated patches of colorful wildflowers that dotted the forest floor, providing a stark contrast to the otherwise green and brown surroundings. The sounds of the forest enveloped me as I ventured deeper. The chirping of birds, the distant chatter of small creatures, and the occasional rustle of unseen wildlife filled the air with a symphony of natural sounds. Yet, amid this symphony, one sound stood out—the desperate cry of the injured animal, growing louder with each step I took. It was a haunting sound, filled with pain and distress, as if the creature was using the last of its energy to call for help. Driven by the urgency of the situation, I quickened my pace, pushing deeper into the forest's heart, determined to locate the source of that anguished cry. The trail of thin red lines, unmistakably blood, led me deeper into the forest with each step, serving as a grim and unsettling guide. Fortunately, the sunny weather worked in my favor, as the bloodstains would remain visible and not be washed away by rain. As I followed the trail, my heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and dread. I knew that I was getting closer to the injured animal, but the sight that awaited me filled me with shock and disbelief. When I finally reached the source of the blood trail, my breath caught in my throat, and I stood frozen for a moment. Before me, lying on the forest floor, was a chocobo. It's vibrant, feathered body was stained with blood, and its normally bright, expressive eyes were dim with pain. It was evident that the chocobo had suffered a severe injury. My initial shock gave way to a surge of empathy and determination. I knew I had to help this magnificent creature from one of my favorite games, but the sight of the wounded chocobo left me with a daunting question: how would I save it? Gently approaching the wounded chocobo, I realized that I couldn't simply drag or pull the injured creature. Doing so would likely worsen its already severe wounds, and I couldn't afford to take that risk. This chocobo was an adult, significantly larger and taller than me. The thought of carrying it was daunting, especially given my limited physical strength. However, I knew I had no other choice. The urgency of the situation left me with a singular goal: to get the Chocobo to Zecora's as quickly and carefully as possible. With determination in my heart, I took a deep breath, crouched down, and carefully lifted the injured chocobo onto my back. The bird's weight pressed down on me, but I refused to let it deter me. This creature's life depended on my actions, and I was determined to see it through. Bracing myself, I began the slow and arduous journey back to Zecora's hut, every step a testament to my determination to save this magnificent creature's life. "Zecora, I need your help," I managed to say, my voice trembling with urgency as I approached her hut. Zecora turned towards us, and her initial surprise quickly gave way to concern as she took in the sight of the injured chocobo. The gravity of the situation was apparent, and I could only hope that she had a solution to save the creature's life. "Bring the wounded one inside, do not despair, let us provide," Zecora spoke in her trademark rhyming manner, her voice filled with a reassuring calmness that helped ease my anxiety. She gestured for me to carefully lay the injured chocobo down on a soft mat she had prepared. "Thank you very much for your help Zecora. I fully trust you that you can help the chocobo, I know you must have many questions but I will answer them all in due time" I told Zecora as I leaned against one of the walls of her house sighing from exhaustion. Zecora nodded in acknowledgment of my words, her focus turning to the wounded chocobo "Questions will wait, for now, we mend, let us ensure this chocobo will mend," she replied, her attention fully on her work as she prepared to tend to the injured bird. Feeling a mix of relief and weariness, I stood by, ready to assist if needed, and with the promise of answering her questions later, I allowed myself a moment to catch my breath. My body mainly my face was full of sweat. I took off my leather jacket which made me very hot, in these areas the wind hardly blew. To help Zecora I asked "Is there anything you need, Zecora?" Zecora continued her work with focused determination, carefully tending to the chocobo's injuries. She glanced up at me briefly, acknowledging my offer of help. "A poultice, a bandage, and some herbs, fetch them now, for it greatly perturbs," she rhymed, indicating the various ingredients she required to treat the chocobo's wounds. With a nod, I hurried to gather the necessary supplies, eager to assist in any way I could. As I gathered the supplies Zecora had requested, I couldn't help but notice her deep in thought, her gaze fixed on the chocobo's wounds. After handing her the poultice, bandage, and various herbs, she inspected them carefully, and then her eyes widened as if she'd realized something important. "Iris plant, I do require, for the potion to truly inspire," she rhymed, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. It became clear that the missing ingredient was essential to the chocobo's recovery. I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll find the iris plant for you, Zecora. Just tell me where I can found one" Zecora nodded appreciatively and began her work on treating the chocobo's wounds. After a moment, she looked up and spoke in rhymes to provide me with the necessary instructions. "To find the iris plant, head north with care, through the woods where diamond dogs sometimes dare. Into the mines, their domain so vast, you'll face challenges, but the iris will be your prize at last," she advised, her words filled with both wisdom and concern. Her guidance was clear, and I knew the path ahead wouldn't be easy. But the chocobo's life depended on it, and I was ready to face whatever challenges awaited me in the diamond dog mines to obtain the Iris plant. With Zecora's instructions and the map Twilight gave me, I set off on my journey toward the diamond dog mines. As I left Zecora's hut, the green field she had mentioned was clearly marked on my map, and it seemed like a reasonable place to search for the iris plant. The path ahead was filled with uncertainty, but my determination to save the injured chocobo spurred me forward. With each step, I drew closer to the diamond dog mines, ready to face whatever challenges awaited me in my quest to obtain the iris plant. While I was running, three dogs had come out of their hiding place, and each one had distinctive features that I remembered well. Rover, with his shaggy fur, stepped forward confidently. Fido, who bore a striking resemblance to the Grinch, his scarred eye still a prominent feature, grinned menacingly. Spot, known for his unusually large ears, seemed more curious than aggressive. As I faced them, memories of their past actions flooded my mind. I couldn't help but mutter to myself, "These pelotudos again" The tension in the air was palpable as we stood there, sizing each other up. "Look, dude, I don't have time for this; I'm just passing through," I exclaimed, keeping a wary eye on each of them. "You don't need to lie, I know you came here to steal our gems" Rover told me in a threatening manner. Rover's obsession with gems, which he shared with his companions, seemed rather peculiar. I couldn't help but add a sarcastic touch to my thoughts. And why do they want the gems anyway? It's not like they go out shopping at the neighborhood chinese supermarket. "I don't want your gems," I retorted, my annoyance growing by the second. "I was just passing through here, and what I have to do is none of your business" "I don't believe anything you say, monkey, everyone who passes by here only wants gems and I'm sure you do too. If you don't want problems, you better go back where you came from" Fido said in a serious tone, he had a spear with him. Fido's threatening words didn't sit well with me. I took a step back, ready to defend myself if necessary, but still trying to avoid a confrontation. "Look, I really don't want any trouble," I said firmly, hoping to defuse the situation. "I just need to pass through here to find something important. If you let me go peacefully, I won't cause any problems" The tense standoff continued, and I couldn't help but wonder if these diamond dogs would be willing to listen to reason or if I'd have to find another way to reach the iris plant and save the injured chocobo. "Let you pass? And take our gems while we don't see you? Fido attack him with your spear and see if he understands the hard way" Spot's words were met with a menacing nod from Fido. It was clear that reasoning with these diamond dogs would be a challenge. As Fido advanced with his spear raised, I knew I had to act quickly to defend myself. It wasn't worth reasoning with them, as Fido approached I positioned myself in Wushu stance. Andy Hunter vs. Diamond Dogs It would be useful, to keep my balance and stay on my feet if he tries to sweep me. Fido with his spear tried to hit me in the stomach, I quickly fell to the ground extending and opening my legs, the spear had passed in the center my legs. Fido was going to try to hit me on one of my legs, I quickly stood up on my hands and spread them even further dodging his attack. Fido was going to hit me in the lower part, with my hands on the ground I gained momentum, being in the air I did a split-mid air and when I returned to the ground I attacked him with a roundhouse kick in the face and breaking his wooden spear in two parts. Fido had fallen to the ground, but it seemed like he was still going to continue fighting. Rover and Spot exchanged surprised glances and then both nodded, reaching an agreement to attack me at the same time. They both headed towards me at the same time. I stopped his fists by grabbing them, I swept Rover, throwing him to the ground, and I punched Spot in the face. Spot recoiled from the pain and I counterattacked by jumping high and kneeing him in the face. Fido was going to attack me from behind, I had noticed his shadow looking at the floor for a few moments, he was going to punch me but I ducked in time and elbowed him in the chest. Fido had crouched down a little due to the pain, I did a small backflip while being on Fido's back, I kicked Rover with both legs, Spot was coming from the left and I also kicked him in the face making him fall to the ground. Even though I was on Fido's back, Rover headed towards me trying to grab my leg to make me fall, before he grabbed me I did a big frontflip doing several turns in the air. When I returned to the ground I had lost my balance a little, spot took the opportunity to hit me on the nose, I was going to block it with my elbow but it was too late, I started doing several backflips to gain distance. I breathed a little and noticed that I was bleeding from my nose, no wonder with their long arms and spaghetti legs. I ran my hand over my nose, noticing my blood, I clenched my fist fiercely determined to beat the shit out of these fools. I'm going to change my strategy, I'm going to use drunken boxing, maybe it will help me make my attacks less predictable and confuse them with erratic movements. If it worked during a practice I had in my dojo, why not here? Spot was the one closest to me, we were both staring at each other waiting for who would attack first, my erratic movements made it difficult for Spot when to attack. I pretended to fall to the ground, Spot took the opportunity to attack me but I quickly joined my legs around his neck and spun quickly. Spot also began to spin in the air, I stood up quickly to punch him in the stomach and send him flying in a straight line towards Fido, Spot's body impacted Fido both falling to the ground. Rover came running towards me, he tried to hit me with a right paw, I had blocked it with my arm, he grabbed my hip with his other paw and threw me towards a tree that was nearby, with one of the branches of the tree, I swung back where Rover was extending my legs to kick him in the face with both legs. From the branch I returned to the ground doing several sideflips, Rover had recovered from the kick, he tried to hit me but I dodged it with consecutive sideflips, Spot too, dodging his attack with a backhandspring. With a stone that was on the ground, I quickly picked it up with my feet as if it were a soccer ball, with all my strength I kicked the stone quickly towards Fido. The stone had hit Fido knee, causing him to kneel on the floor. I ran towards Fido, took momentum from his knee, and executed a 360-degree kick, landing it squarely in his face. Spot, who had turned around to attack me, wasn't spared either; in mid-air, I managed to land a swift kick right to his nose. When I returned to the ground, I backed away, doing several aerial sideflips backwards and getting into a fighting position in case any of the dogs wanted to continue fighting. Keeping my eyes focused on them, attentive to any movement. As the dust settled and the sounds of our intense battle echoed in the clearing, I couldn't help but notice the fearful expressions that passed among the diamond dogs. They looked battered and bruised, a far cry from their initial bravado. Rover, Fido, and Spot had underestimated me, and it was beginning to dawn on them just how unpredictable and relentless I could be. I caught Rover, his shaggy fur matted with dirt, stammering with a trembling voice, "I-I think we've had enough of this, mates. This monkey too unpredictable!" Fido, nursing his sore knee, chimed in, "Yeah, and he hits like a... like a runaway boulder!" Spot, rubbing his aching head, vigorously nodded in agreement. "I don't know about you guys, but I've had my fill of adventure for the day!" With that, the diamond dogs decided it was time to cut their losses. They scrambled to their feet and made a hasty retreat into the woods, their yelps of fear echoing as they disappeared into the underbrush. I couldn't help but watch them go, a satisfied grin playing on my lips. "This is how you take out the trash. You better stay away from Rarity or any pony that comes here... Now the iris plant," I muttered to myself, feeling a sense of accomplishment. As I ventured further into the forest, the changing colors of the sky painted a mesmerizing tapestry overhead. The sun, now a fiery orange ball, cast long, elongated shadows that danced with every rustle of leaves in the gentle evening breeze. The forest came alive with a symphony of sounds — the melodic chirping of birds, the occasional hoot of an owl, and the faint rustling of unseen creatures scurrying beneath the underbrush. My heart raced with a mix of determination and concern for the injured chocobo. The urgency of my mission weighed on my mind, pushing me forward into the darkening woods. The forest's embrace grew tighter as daylight waned, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation. The canopy above gradually swallowed the remaining light, leaving only faint traces filtering through the dense foliage. It was in this dim, enchanted world that I pressed on, my senses heightened, my purpose unwavering. As I continued my journey, strange and wondrous flora lined my path, their bioluminescent blooms casting an ethereal glow amidst the gathering darkness. With each step, I grew more determined to find the iris plant and return to the chocobo's side. Time was of the essence, and the forest held its secrets close, ready to reveal its treasures to those who dared to explore its depths. As I continued my journey, I stumbled upon a radiant field, illuminated by the soft white glow of the iris plants. The sight was mesmerizing, and I couldn't help but be captivated by the natural beauty surrounding me. The tranquil ambiance of the night tempted me to lay down and lose myself in the splendor of the moment, but I knew that my mission was far from over. Resisting the temptation to linger, I began to collect several iris plants. Their delicate petals seemed to shimmer with ethereal light as I carefully gathered them, ensuring I had enough to fulfill Zecora's requirements. With each pluck of the vibrant blossoms, I felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I was one step closer to helping the injured chocobo and easing the worries of my friends back home. "I'm back, Zecora! I already have the iris plants" I announced to Zecora as I headed towards her to give her the plants. Zecora smiled warmly as me handed her the iris plants. "Ah, excellent work, my friend. With these, I can brew the potion needed to heal the chocobo. You've truly shown your kindness and determination" As I watched Zecora skillfully brew the potion, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. The injured Chocobo lay beside me, and I reached out to gently stroke its feathers, offering words of comfort in hushed tones. The Chocobo gazed up at me with trusting eyes, as if it understood that help had arrived. My soothing touch and the presence of Zecora working diligently provided a glimmer of hope in this uncertain moment. It was a connection, an unspoken promise that we would do everything we could to ensure the Chocobo's well-being. With the potion applied, the wounded Chocobo's recovery was nothing short of miraculous. It stood up, its once-pained expressions replaced by gratitude and happiness. The Chocobo let out joyful sounds, clearly directed towards both me and Zecora. It was a heartwarming moment, a silent exchange of appreciation between us and this magnificent creature. Relief washed over me as I witnessed the Chocobo's swift recovery. Zecora's expertise had worked wonders, and the bond between us, forged through this shared act of kindness, grew stronger. It was a testament to the magic of Equestria, where even the most dire situations could lead to moments of hope and connection. As the Chocobo rejoiced in its newfound health, I turned to Zecora with a grateful smile. The bond between us had grown stronger through this shared experience. "Zecora," I began, "I have to admit, I didn't expect to find you here. I've heard of you and your talents, but I didn't know your name or that you lived in this part of the Everfree Forest" Zecora nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of wisdom and curiosity. "My name is known far and wide, it seems. But I must say, I'm intrigued by how you came to know of me. Not many venture into these woods, and even fewer seek my assistance" I chuckled softly, realizing the uniqueness of our encounter. "Well, I have a friend in Ponyville who mentioned your name. She told me about your skills in potions and remedies. When I heard about the injured Chocobo, I knew I had to come and find you" Zecora's nod of understanding was accompanied by a warm smile. "A friend's word can lead one on a journey unexpected. It is good that you sought my aid, for this Chocobo's fate would have been far more bleak." Our conversation continued, allowing us to get to know each other better. Zecora's presence in the heart of the Everfree Forest remained a mystery, but with each exchanged word, our connection grew stronger, and the forest seemed a little less enigmatic. Before saying goodbye to Zecora I told her. "I wanted to apologize for coming so suddenly, maybe you even had important things to do, I know we just met and that you will help me with a favor as big as this. To return the favor, anything you need has my help" "In gratitude, your kindness shines so bright, a friendship forged in this mystic night. To offer help in times both near and far. Shows the true essence of who you are. In Equestria's embrace, we'll stand together, facing challenges, no matter the weather. Your offer of aid, I'll keep in my heart, as we journey together, let's make a fresh start" Zecora said rhyming in gratitude, placing one of her hoof on her heart. I would have stayed to chat with her more but I have to go back to Cheerilee and Fluttershy, they must be waiting for me. As I made my way back through the tranquil forest, my thoughts were filled with the upcoming reunion with Cheerilee and Fluttershy. I knew they would be curious about the chocobo, a creature that didn't exist in Equestria. It would be an interesting conversation, and I looked forward to sharing the tale of my adventure with them. The soft, warm glow of the evening sun painted the surroundings in hues of orange and pink. The chirping of the birds and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze created a soothing melody that accompanied my journey. It was moments like these, amidst the beauty of Equestria, that made me feel truly grateful for my new life in this magical world. As I approached Fluttershy's cottage, I couldn't help but wonder how Cheerilee and Fluttershy had spent their time while I was away. They were sure to have been concerned about my well-being, and I hoped that they had taken good care of each other in my absence. It seems they were still inside Fluttershy's house so I called them from outside "Cheerilee, Fluttershy I'm back and look at the new friend I made!" I called out to them, eager to share the news of my return and introduce them to the chocobo, my newfound friend. As I waited for their response, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation, wondering how they would react to this unusual creature that had become a part of our lives. Fluttershy and Cheerilee emerged from the house, their faces filled with curiosity and excitement as they joined me to see the chocobo. The sight of the chocobo, a creature not native to Equestria, left them both surprised and intrigued. As they approached the chocobo, I couldn't help but share my thoughts with them. "From how the chocobo got here," I began, "I think I can have an idea of why" I explained the unique nature of chocobos to Fluttershy and Cheerilee. "First of all," I began, "a chocobo is a fictional creature that comes from a video game in my world called Final Fantasy. They are birds, yes, but they can't fly. However, their incredible speed makes up for it. I think they can run at more than a hundred kilometers per hour." Pausing for a moment, I continued, "As for the reason why it's here, it might be because of the stuffed animal I had of it in my room. Perhaps it came to life when I was teleported here along with the portal" Fluttershy and Cheerilee exchanged surprised glances, trying to process this information about a creature from another world suddenly appearing in Equestria. Cheerilee looked at me with fascination. "Wow, Andy, that's incredible! A creature from another world, brought to life by magic? It's like something out of a fairy tale." Fluttershy's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she approached the chocobo cautiously. "Oh my, it's so beautiful. And you say it's called a chocobo? It must be quite special to come from another world. We'll take good care of it, won't we, Cheerilee?" Cheerilee nodded with a warm smile. "Absolutely, Fluttershy. We'll make sure our new friend feels right at home here in Equestria." I felt relieved that they were accepting of the chocobo, and it seemed like this unique creature would find a safe and caring home in Equestria. "But we can't just call him chocobo, have you thought of a name Andy?" Cheerilee asked excitedly. I scratched my head, thinking of a suitable name for our newly friend. "Hmm, how about we call him Nirvana? It's a name that sounds both majestic and tranquil, don't you think?" Smells like teen spirit! Not really, I named it Nirvana because it is associated with happiness, hope, disappearance of all evil. Which is exactly my purpose here in Equestria. Cheerilee and Fluttershy exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. Fluttershy gently petted Nirvana. "Nirvana it is, then. Welcome to our world, Nirvana!" Nirvana seemed to respond positively to his new name, making a cheerful chirping sound. It was settled; our chocobo friend now had a name that suited him well. "To celebrate the arrival of our new friend, how about we take a souvenir photo? Don't worry Cheerilee, this is just a phone, technology from my world, then I'll explain how it works" I told Cheerilee, she nodded. I took out my phone and activated the camera app, holding it up to capture the moment. Fluttershy and Cheerilee stood next to Nirvana, who posed proudly as if he knew he was the center of attention. I snapped the photo, capturing their smiles and Nirvana's presence. "There we go, a perfect memory of our new friend's arrival," I said as I showed them the photo on my phone's screen. Cheerilee and Fluttershy both marveled at the image, clearly fascinated by the technology from my world. END > Cherished Moments > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After a great moment between Cheerilee, Fluttershy. I decided to go to Cheerilee's house for the night, I took Nirvana with me because I'll need a ride to Siren Hollow, it would be faster than going on the Friendship Express. I approached Fluttershy and got on my knees and said. "Good night Fluttershy, I promise I'll be back, I'll go to Siren's Hollow tomorrow, I don't think it'll be long, it'll only be for a couple of hours" "It's okay, Andy," Fluttershy said, her voice filled with warmth and concern. She took a step closer and gently placed a hoof on my shoulder "You're an adult, and I trust you to make responsible choices. Just please promise me you'll be careful. You've only been in Equestria for a day, and I worry about you" I give Fluttershy a big hug "Will do, don't worry" As I bid Fluttershy goodnight, a deep sense of warmth and affection welled up within me. I couldn't help but wrap my arms gently around her, pulling Fluttershy into a warm, heartfelt hug. Her soft, pastel-colored wings folded comfortably against my sides, and her silky mane brushed lightly against my cheek. It was a tender embrace that spoke volumes, conveying the unspoken connection we shared. Fluttershy's response was equally touching. She nestled into the hug, her hooves encircling me in return, as if trying to convey her own reassurance and affection. Her delicate fragrance filled the air, a soothing blend of meadow flowers and serenity. In that moment, our hearts connected in a silent understanding, reminding me that even in a world so different from my own, the language of love and friendship transcended all barriers. With a gentle squeeze, I released the hug and offered her a sincere smile, promising to return soon. Fluttershy's eyes shimmered with warmth and understanding, her unspoken emotions echoing our unbreakable bond. As Cheerilee, Nirvana, and I strolled along the tranquil streets of Ponyville at night, the quaint houses of the town seemed to lean in with a sense of silent camaraderie. Their windows, adorned with glowing lanterns, added a warm, inviting ambiance to the scene. The soft, silvery moonlight bathed the cobblestone streets, casting long, tranquil shadows that danced with each step. Cheerilee's eyes were filled with curiosity as she gazed at me. It was evident that she wanted to know what transpired during my time in the forest "Andy," she said softly, "I'd really like to hear about your adventures there. You were gone for quite a while" "While I was in the forest, I found Nirvana injured, so I took him to Zecora, the zebra. Do you know who she is?" I asked Cheerilee to ensure she knew who helped me cure Nirvana. "Yes, I know who she is," Cheerilee replied. "I've heard from other ponies that she lives in the forest and knows how to make potions. I've also heard that Zecora speaks in rhymes" "Exactly," I continued, "she was creating a potion to cure Nirvana. Zecora told me she needed a special plant that was found in a forest near the mines where those weird-looking Oompa Loompa diamond dogs live" I added a touch of sarcasm to my tone. Cheerilee chuckled at the mention of Oompa Loompas, finding the term amusing. "And you had an encounter with those dogs, I imagine," she commented, "they are obsessed with the gems, and surely they would have thought that you went there to steal them" "Yeah, I had a fight with them," I exclaimed enthusiastically, my inner child taking over. I couldn't help but show off a bit in front of Cheerilee, launching into a spontaneous display of acrobatics and handstands. Cheerilee blushed slightly as she watched my impressive movements, but concern still lingered in her eyes. "Please, try to avoid conflicts if you can," she implored. "I don't condone violence, but I understand sometimes there's no other option" My enthusiasm was palpable as I recounted the events. "I did try to talk to them at first, but they weren't interested in listening. And besides, they deserved it for kidnapping Rarity. They won't be causing any more trouble. But it wasn't all bad. While searching for the plant Zecora needed, I stumbled upon a breathtaking field of flowers. We should visit it someday; it's absolutely stunning," I said with a warm smile. "We could have a lovely picnic there. I'd love to go back" Cheerilee's eyes lit up with enthusiasm "That sounds absolutely wonderful! I'd love to go someday," she exclaimed. As we reached her house, I couldn't resist the urge to share some music with the ponies. "Before we head in, I'm going to play the Requiem of Spirit with my ocarina from the top of Town Hall. It'll help the ponies have sweet dreams," I explained with a smile. My approach to reaching the top of Town Hall was not conventional; instead, I embraced the spirit of parkour. With agile grace, I leaped from rooftop to rooftop, using the structures as my canvas for movement. The moonlight illuminated my path as I vaulted over obstacles and performed precise acrobatics, all while maintaining a sense of elegance and style. Upon reaching the pinnacle of Town Hall, I stood proudly, ocarina of time in hand, ready to share the enchanting melodies with the ponies of Ponyville. The transition from my acrobatic journey to the serene performance added an extra layer of awe to the spectacle. As the Requiem of Spirit echoed through the night, the ponies below gazed up in wonder, their dreams taking flight on the wings of the music. Cheerilee, Nirvana, and I shared a moment of collective magic, our spirits soaring together amidst the harmonious notes that filled the tranquil Ponyville night. Descending from the towering heights of Town Hall was no less breathtaking than the ascent. I executed a series of controlled flips and twists, utilizing the architecture as my playground once more. Each movement flowed seamlessly into the next, creating an ethereal spectacle against the backdrop of the moonlit Ponyville skyline. As I gracefully landed back on the ground, I could see the wonderment in the eyes of the gathered ponies. Yet, it was Cheerilee's reaction that caught my attention. Her eyes shimmered with a mixture of awe and heartfelt appreciation. The song, with its hauntingly beautiful melody, had touched her heart deeply, resonating with the emotions she held within. With a soft smile, she approached me, her voice filled with sincerity, "Andy, that was truly enchanting. Your music has a way of reaching into the depths of one's soul. Thank you for sharing this moment with me" Her words warmed my heart, and I knew that the connection between us had deepened that night, bridging the gap between worlds and filling the air with an unspoken understanding. "You're welcome Cheerilee, I appreciate your sweet words. Maybe that way I can also gain the trust of all the ponies, of course there will be some who will still see me as a strange creature, but over time, I'm sure that will change" Cheerilee nodded in agreement, her smile growing even warmer. "Trust is something that is earned over time, and you've already made a significant impression on many of us here in Ponyville, Andy. Your kindness, your music, and your unique talents are helping to build those bridges, one connection at a time. And as for those who may still see you as a 'strange creature,' well, they'll come around eventually" I felt a surge of happiness at Cheerilee's words. Her understanding and encouragement meant a lot to me, and it warmed my heart to know that I was making a positive impact in Ponyville. With a grateful smile, I nodded in agreement and replied, "I truly appreciate your support, and I'm looking forward to the friendships and connections that lie ahead" As we entered Cheerilee's house, I notice the atmosphere. It was a cozy, quaint cottage that reflected the simple, yet comfortable life of its owner. The furnishings were modest, and the decor had a touch of nostalgia to it. It was a house that exuded a sense of loneliness, as if it had witnessed many solitary nights. Nirvana, my faithful companion, seemed to adapt to the surroundings quickly, finding a spot to rest in the corner. Cheerilee gestured to a comfy chair, inviting me to sit down. The soft glow of the lanterns and the gentle crackling of the fireplace added to the warm ambiance of the room. It was a place where one could find solace and peace, and I felt privileged to be welcomed into this humble abode. I graciously accepted Cheerilee's offer to sit in the chair, although it was noticeably smaller than what I was accustomed to. Crafted to accommodate ponies, it posed a slight challenge for my human frame. Nevertheless, I managed to settle into it, careful not to cause any accidental damage. Despite its size, the chair offered surprising comfort, and I appreciated the effort Cheerilee had put into making me feel at ease in her home. Cheerilee walked over to the refrigerator, her gentle hospitality evident in her offer "Would you like something to drink?" she inquired kindly, listing the available options. "I have orange juice or milk. What's your preference?" "Orange juice please, it wouldn't hurt, after running for who knows how many kilometers" As Cheerilee fetched the orange juice from the fridge, I couldn't help but think about how different this world was from my own. It was a reminder of the need to adapt and embrace new experiences, just like I had been doing since my arrival. With a glass of orange juice in hand, Cheerilee returned and handed it to me with a gentle smile. "Here you go, Andy. Please make yourself at home," she said, gesturing to the small chair across from hers at the table. I took a sip of the refreshing juice and replied, "Thank you, Cheerilee. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated. It's nice to have a quiet moment like this" The room was filled with a sense of tranquility, and I feel grateful for the new friendships I was forming in this magical land. Cheerilee settled into a chair opposite me, her gaze steady and inquisitive. "So... Andy," she began, "it seems like you know a lot about me, but I don't know much about you. I would like to learn more about your past, before you arrived in Equestria" "I'll start by telling you about where I come from. I originate from a continent called America, located within a much larger planet where humans reside, far larger than Equestria itself. During my childhood, I was much like any other child – playful and mischievous. I recall one particular day when I ran away from home; to be honest, I can't quite remember why I did it. Perhaps I thought I could do whatever I pleased and come and go as I liked" Cheerilee's expression revealed her astonishment. "And when you ran away, nothing bad happened to you, right?" she inquired, concerned about my well-being during that period of my life. "I responded to Cheerilee, my voice calm and reflective, "No, nothing bad happened. My father found me not far from home, just a few blocks away. As for my early years in kindergarten, I made some very good friends and even a few enemies... mostly by stealing toys" Cheerilee looked surprised by my revelation. "Wait, wait, you were stealing toys? Why?" she asked, her curiosity piqued" I continued with my confession, not sugarcoating my past actions. "This is going to sound rude, but I'm being completely honest. It was because it was an easy way to get free toys without having to convince my mother to buy them for me. In my elementary school years, I still continued stealing. I waited for all my classmates to leave the classroom, then I would open their backpacks and take their toys. The only ones I didn't steal from were my friends, but it doesn't make the situation any better," I admitted candidly. I noticed Cheerilee's attentive silence and continued my confession, hoping she could understand my past. "As I got older, I realized the error of my ways. I had hurt a lot of people with my actions, and it made me feel terrible. So, I decided to change. I returned all the stolen toys, apologized to those I had wronged, and promised myself I would never steal again. It was a turning point in my life, and it taught me the value of honesty and the importance of making amends" "I'm glad you reconsidered and returned what you stole, that means you've grown and matured, I like that" Said Cheerilee Smiling. I smiled in return, appreciating Cheerilee's understanding and kind words. "I'm glad your understand Cheerilee. It wasn't easy, but I learned some valuable lessons from those experiences. It's made me a better person today" I continued telling her about my past. "When I began adolescence I stopped being active, I mean, I didn't interact much with other people, I became very quiet and spent entire days without saying a word. I think it was because in moments when I didn't feel well, I kept them to myself and didn't tell anyone about my problems, I believed that no one would care and that no one would want to listen to me, I stopped being more expressive basically, feeling of sadness you would never see them in me" Cheerilee put one of her hooves on my hands "But it's not like that anymore, you have me and your friends, you no longer have to hide what you feel, with me you can feel free to express yourself, I'm not going to judge you, I would never do it, If you feel bad, please tell me" Cheerilee looked away from me blushing "Now that I'm your... marefriend, it means a lot more to me that you express yourself" I felt a warmth in my heart as Cheerilee spoke with such sincerity and care. Her support was comforting, and I realized how lucky I was to have someone like her in my life. "I appreciate that, Cheerilee," I said softly, squeezing her hoof gently. "You mean a lot to me too, and I promise I'll always be open with you, just as you've been with me" As our conversation came to a sweet and intimate pause, Cheerilee leaned in closer. I could feel her warm breath against my lips, and in that moment, our eyes locked in a deep and affectionate gaze. The world around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us in that precious instant. Softly, she pressed her lips to mine, a gentle and tender kiss that conveyed all the feelings we held for each other. It was a moment of connection and affection, a promise of the love and understanding we shared. The kiss lingered for a few heartbeats, and when we finally parted, there was a serene smile on both of our faces, knowing that our bond had grown even stronger. After our tender kiss, a brief, almost weightless silence hung in the air. It was the kind of pause that comes naturally after an intimate moment, when words seemed insufficient to express the emotions swirling within us. Cheerilee and I exchanged shy, affectionate smiles, our cheeks tinged with a warm blush. In that shared silence, our feelings spoke volumes, reaffirming the connection that was growing between us. It was a moment of mutual understanding and contentment, where words became secondary to the unspoken affection we held for each other. Cheerilee and I settled into her cozy bedroom, the soft glow of the moon filtering through the curtains. We lay side by side, a comfortable silence hanging in the air as we enjoyed each other's presence. With a gentle sigh, I turned toward her, my eyes locking onto hers "Cheerilee," I began, my voice soft in the quiet room, "there's something I want to discuss with you, something that's been on my mind" Cheerilee turned to face me, her eyes filled with curiosity. "What is it, Andy?" I took a moment to gather my thoughts, the gravity of the conversation weighing on me "Well, you know how much I care about you, right?" She nodded, her expression warm and understanding "Yes, I do." I continued, "I value our relationship a lot, and I want to be completely honest with you. But there's something you should know. I would like to have a polyamorous relationship with several mares" The room seemed to hold its breath as I revealed this to her. Cheerilee's eyes widened in surprise, and she blinked in silence for a moment. I watched her closely, waiting for her response. After a few moments, she spoke, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and understanding. "Polyamorous? Can you explain what that means?" I took a deep breath, relieved that she was willing to listen "Polyamory is a form of consensual non-monogamy where ponies have romantic or emotional relationships with multiple partners. These relationships are built on trust, communication, and mutual consent. It's different from traditional monogamous relationships, where ponies typically have only one partner" Cheerilee looked at me, her expression a mix of curiosity and understanding. "So you plan to have more relationships with other mares in addition to me?" I nodded, meeting her gaze with honesty. "Yes, that's correct. But I want you to know that my feelings for you are genuine and strong, and I value our connection a lot. I wouldn't want this revelation to change how you feel about me, and I hope we can continue to build our relationship together" Cheerilee gave me a soft smile, her understanding evident. "Thank you for being honest with me, Andy. I appreciate your openness, and it's important to me that we can communicate openly about our feelings. I want to continue building our relationship as well" I felt a wave of relief wash over me, grateful that she was accepting of my truth. We shared a tender moment, knowing that our connection had grown even deeper through this conversation. I continued, explaining my perspective to Cheerilee. "I know several mares who are alone in their lives and need someone to give them love and affection. Someone who listens to them. With a polyamorous relationship, we could make their lives much better since we will have the support of each other, and we can all share in a more intimate, deeper way" Cheerilee nodded thoughtfully, considering my words. "It's a unique perspective, Andy, and I can see your intentions are rooted in caring for others. It's important that everypony involved is comfortable and consents to this kind of relationship. We should communicate openly with any potential new partners and make sure they're on board with the idea as well" I appreciated her understanding and willingness to discuss the matter. Our conversation had become a testament to the strength of our connection and our ability to navigate important topics together. "Right, that's what it's about. Tomorrow I'm going to Siren Hollow to visit a pony. I assume you'll be busy teaching classes" "Yes, tomorrow is tuesday, and I have to teach every week until friday" Cheerilee replied happily. "But you could still visit me during breaks" "Of course, I'll come visit you when I can," I replied with smile. In the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through her bedroom window, Cheerilee's eyes sparkled with affection. She leaned in, her lips meeting mine in a gentle, lingering kiss. Our hearts beat in unison as we shared this intimate moment. After our lips parted, Cheerilee moved closer, her head resting against my chest. The rhythm of our breaths synchronized, creating a comforting harmony. We lay there, bathed in the gentle embrace of the night, exchanging sweet goodnight wishes, each word laced with affection and the promise of a new day together. END > Welcome to Sire's Hollow > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I wake up to the gentle rays of the morning sun filtering through the curtains. Stretching out, I yawn and rub my eyes, feeling the warmth of the blankets around me. I can't help but smile as I think about the day ahead. Today, I have a special plan to meet up with Stellar Flare. She's an incredible mare, and I can't wait to spend time with her. As I glance over at Cheerilee, who's still fast asleep beside me. Gently, I reach out to brush a few loose strands of Cheerilee's mane away from her face, marveling at how cute she looks in her slumber. The soft, morning light bathes the room in a warm glow, casting a soft, golden halo around her. With a contented sigh, I carefully slip out of bed, trying not to disturb her peaceful rest. Today is a new day, and while I know what's in store for me, I'll cherish this quiet moment and the happiness we share as I prepare to meet Stellar Flare. As I leave the bedroom, I'm already brimming with enthusiasm for the day. My first destination is the kitchen, where I make a beeline for the fridge. Among the colorful array of fruits, an apple catches my eye. Its vibrant, red skin practically begs to be eaten, and I oblige without hesitation. My faithful companion, Nirvana, is quick to join me. He's already alert and ready for the day. As I peel the banana – his favorite – I can see his keen avian eyes following the process with rapt attention. The soft, satisfying sound of the banana peel being removed fills the room, and I share a brief, knowing smile with Nirvana. He's always enthusiastic about his morning fruit treat. I snap off a piece and offer it to him. He chirps happily, a sound that never fails to brighten my day. With a piece of banana in his beak and my apple in hand, we enjoy a quiet, contented moment together. It's a simple but cherished start to our day, full of the promise of adventures waiting just around the corner. As Nirvana and I sit at the kitchen table, enjoying our morning snacks, there's a palpable sense of tranquility in the room. The gentle, rhythmic sounds of our munching create a soothing ambiance, and the familiarity of this daily ritual only adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Nirvana, my loyal chocobo companion, is the picture of serenity. His vivid feathers shimmer in the soft morning light that filters through the window. He takes each piece of banana with an air of patience and grace, his contented chirps punctuating the tranquil stillness. I, too, savor the simple pleasure of biting into the crisp apple, its sweet, slightly tart flavor invigorating my senses. We eat in a comfortable silence, appreciating the bond we share and the comforting routine that connects us. Then, as if on cue, the delightful vision of Cheerilee begins to stir from her slumber. Her graceful form emerges, her eyes adjusting to the newfound day's radiance. Nirvana and I exchange glances, knowing that our morning respite is about to evolve into another joyful chapter of our shared adventures. "Good morning, Sleepylee!" I greet my marefriend with a sarcastic yet playful tone, bestowing upon her a newfound nickname. It's just one of those endearing little monikers I love to sprinkle into our conversations. Cheerilee, still blinking away the remnants of sleep, offers a drowsy smile in return, her tousled mane and disheveled appearance only making her cuter in my eyes. My heart flutters at the sight, but I mask it with a grin as we share this early moment. A few moments of silent appreciation pass as I study the way the morning light adds a soft glow to her features, a sight I could never tire of. In her half-awake state, she's the very embodiment of adorableness, and I can't help but admire how lucky I am to have her in my life. "Hahaha, very funny, honey. Good morning, by the way," Cheerilee responds with a chuckle, her playful mood gradually waking her up. With a peck on her cheek, I let her go about her morning routine as she heads off to take a bath. The sound of running water fills the room, a soothing and rhythmic backdrop to my quiet contemplation. Cheerilee's presence always brings a touch of warmth and happiness to every morning. It's in these tranquil moments that I find myself counting my blessings for having such a wonderful marefriend. "Cheerilee, after you get out of school, do you think we could go on a date soon?" I asked, my eyes filled with hopeful anticipation. "I'm not sure, my love," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of weariness. "Although it may not seem like it, being a teacher is a very tiring job. But how about we plan a special date for Hearth's Warming Eve? It's just next week, and it'll give us something to look forward to." Upon hearing her suggestion, I couldn't contain my excitement. "WHAT? Hearth's Warming Eve. That means..." I let out a surprised sound, but I was excited at the same time. "There will be snow, and I will finally be able to fulfill my dream of becoming the best snowboarder. I'm going to buy a board and escape from many avalanches and all the hazards of snowy mountains, like the attacks from a polar bear. This is going to be epic!" My enthusiasm was palpable, and I couldn't help but share my thrill with Cheerilee. "Are you serious, Andy? That sounds very dangerous," she said, "And from what you say, it seems like you've never snowboarded before. I don't want you to get hurt, and I definitely don't want to spend our date in a hospital with you on a stretcher." Her tone was filled with genuine care and caution. Cheerilee stepped out of the shower, her mane damp and her demeanor refreshed. "I know, I know, I exaggerated," I admitted with a chuckle. "But I could at least practice some tricks. There's one called 'Road to Montezuma' which involves doing many turns in the air while holding the board in your hands." I grinned, my enthusiasm for snowboarding still evident. "That sounds... impressive, but at the same time very complex for a novice. Why don't you start with some simpler tricks?" Cheerilee said, her concern for my safety still apparent. "Alright, Sleepylee, I'll attempt some simpler tricks," I replied. I decided to limit myself to just three attempts at the "Road to Montezuma." If I couldn't nail it in those tries, I'd heed Cheerilee's advice and switch to more basic moves. I chuckled as I watched Cheerilee stylishly comb her mane. "Are you going to call me 'Sleepylee' forever?" Said Cheerilee in a playful tone. I respond to Cheerilee while laughing "Yes, I'll call you that, so much so that I'm going to forget that your real name is Cheerilee." I smiled and watched as Cheerilee continued to groom herself. "Well, I suppose you can call me whatever you like, as long as you remember it's me," she replied with a playful wink. As I finished the last bite of my apple, Cheerilee moved to the refrigerator and retrieved a juicy watermelon. She skillfully sliced ​​it into manageable pieces and packed them in a container for her lunch later at school. Meanwhile, Nirvana, my chocobo friend, hopped about, clearly eager for our daily adventure. Once Cheerilee had her lunch prepared, we made our way to the door. Outside, the sun was shining brightly, and the town of Ponyville was bustling with activity. Our day was about to begin. Cheerilee smiled warmly and leaned in to plant a gentle, lingering kiss on my lips. It was a sweet and affectionate gesture, filled with unspoken words of love and care. She pulled away, her eyes sparkling with affection. "See you soon, Andy," she said, her voice soft and tender. "Please take care of yourself." With a final affectionate pat on Nirvana's feathers, Cheerilee waved goodbye and headed off to her school. Nirvana and I watched her go, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment from the love and support of my beloved marefriend. "Bye Cheerilee I love you" I say goodbye to Cheerilee." With a fond farewell to Cheerilee, I climbed onto Nirvana's back. I patted him gently to reassure him, and then I leaned in to give him a light hug. "Let's go to Rarity's boutique, buddy," I said to Nirvana, who nodded understandingly. "But take it slow, we don't want to disturb anypony on the way." Second Day in Equestria Theme Nirvana responded with a soft chocobo chirp, and we set off at a leisurely pace, making our way through Ponyville towards Rarity's boutique. As Nirvana and I strolled through Ponyville, the warm sun cast a golden glow over the town. The day was as vibrant as the friendly ponies we passed along the way. Some greeted us with smiles and waves, while others were genuinely surprised to see me and Nirvana, causing double takes and curious gazes. However, there were a few who couldn't help but be taken aback, even fearful, as they encountered the only human in Equestria. Notable ponies like DJ-Pon3 curiously removed their glasses to get a better look at me while she was red. Meanwhile, Octavia, Bon Bon, Lyra Heartstrings, and Cloud Chaser found themselves blushing, likely due to my shirtless attire on this sunny day. I didn't think that not wearing a shirt would draw even more attention from the mares. If want to have more dates with other mares, as my friend Tony Montana says. First I must have the bits, after having the bits you get the power, after you get the power, then you have many mares behind you. Because it would be embarrassing to say, I don't have a single bit with me, just a 5 dollar bill. As Nirvana and I continued our leisurely stroll, I couldn't help but notice that Lyra and Bon Bon were following us from a distance. Their faces had taken on a noticeable shade of red, and they seemed to be sharing hushed, nervous whispers with each other. It was clear that they were embarrassed and hesitant to approach me, but their curiosity seemed to get the best of them. "See, Bon Bon? I told you humans existed, nopony believed me and there's the proof, I can't believe I'm seeing one right now." Lyra said whispering to Bon Bon while at the same time she was excited. I couldn't help but overhear Lyra's excited whisper to Bon Bon. It was amusing to witness their reactions, and it brought a smile to my face. I didn't mind the attention, and I figured it was only natural for ponies in Equestria to be curious about a human, considering I was indeed a rarity in their world and a Top G. I'm joking, but seriously, they look so cute, I always considered them attractive mares, I could tell they would like to know more about me. "And I thought you were just saying crazy things... I would like to talk to him but I'm not sure, I'm really embarrassed" Say Bon Bon To Lyra whispering. I gestured to Nirvana to stop, allowing me to turn and face Lyra and Bon Bon. "Hey, no need to be embarrassed," I said, trying to ease their nervousness. "I'm just a regular guy, well, a regular human in Equestria. Feel free to talk to me. I don't bite!" I chuckled, hoping to lighten the mood and make them feel more comfortable. "And it's a friendly one, that's good!" Bon Bon said to Lyra. "Well, we'll start by introducing ourselves, my name is-" Lyra said about to introduce herself but it wasn't necessary since I know her. "Sorry to interrupt you, but I already know you, you are Lyra Heartstrings and you are Bon Bon or Sweetie Drops" I told both mares. Lyra and Bon Bon looked at each other, eyes wide in surprise. "You... you know our names?" Lyra stammered. I chuckled and winked at them. "Well, you know, I am a bit of a sorcerer. I've got my ways of learning about the ponies in town." "Wait, wait... You just say Sweetie Drops? Who told you that?" Says Bon Bon Shocked. "I've known Bon Bon for a long time and I didn't know she had another name, why is that?" Lyra asked confused and surprised. Oh shit, what a way to start the day. I had forgotten that Bon Bon is a CIA agent and that Sweetie Drops is her real name. I thought they were one of those ponies that have multiple names like Derpy: Ditzy Doo, Muffins. I have no choice, I will have to tell Lyra the truth, being barely in season 2. At least they will solve this problem before Slice of Life. "I'm going to explain everything to you Lyra, but please don't be angry with Bon Bon, it's all part of her job." I extended both of my hands forward and moved them up and down to reassure Lyra that it wasn't something serious. "Wait, whatever you're going to say, don't tell her!" Bon Bon said, panicking. Lyra raised an eyebrow "Hmmm? Could it be something you've been hiding from me, Bon Bon or Sweetie Drops? I want to know everything, right now." "It's not worth continuing to hide it Bon Bon, she's your friend, she deserves to know" I told Bon Bon in a serious and neutral tone. "Okay, you're right, but try not to say it out loud. Lyra, come a little closer to us." Bon Bon with one of her hooves indicated to Lyra to get a little closer to me and her. Lyra moved closer, her curiosity piqued. With a slight nod from Bon Bon, I were ready to reveal the secret. "First, Bon Bon's real name is Sweetie Drops. She works for the Super Secret anti-monster agency in Canterlot. Or she used to, if you're here in Ponyville, Bon Bon, that means the Bugbear escaped and now you're under cover." Bon Bon stayed static for a few seconds, she couldn't believe I knew all this "I can't believe it, how do you know that, I don't remember anyone like you at the agency..." Lyra with disbelief said "This... I can't believe anything I'm hearing now" "When the bugbear escaped, they had to shutter the whole agency. Every last piece of evidence of the organization's existence was destroyed. Celestia demanded complete denia something. And that's all" I told Lyra. "Wow...just wow, so that means Bon Bon was just hiding from the Bugbear, so our whole friendship is a lie?" Lyra said downcast and disappointed. "It's not that Lyra, I had to do it for our own safety. That was my motive at the beginning, to hide from the Bugbear, but I was never using you or taking advantage of you, I planned to tell you one day, I swear. You are my best friend and I enjoy every moment with you, I wouldn't be able to do something like that to you." Bon Bon said, putting one of her hooves on Lyra. "Take your time to process all this information Lyra. You must understand that Bon Bon's feelings towards you are genuine, in any moment she was trying to take advantage of you or anypony else." I said to Lyra looking directly at her with a serious expression. Lyra seemed to be in deep thought, trying to come to terms with the newfound knowledge about her friend Bon Bon. It was evident that this revelation had shaken her, and she needed time to process it. "I forgive you Bon Bon, now I understand that it was necessary for you to hide your identity not only for your own good, but also for mine. But you know, I don't like things like that being hidden from me, next time be more confident in telling me, discovering at this point, Bon Bon isn't even your real name, make me feel, I don't know..." At the end of the sentence, Lyra looked away, sighing. Bon Bon let out a sigh of relief "I'm glad you understand Lyra, now that you know everything, I promise from now on that I will always tell you the truth and won't hide anything." Lyra smiled warmly and returned the hug. "Thank you for being honest with me, Bon Bon. I know it wasn't easy to reveal your secret, but I'm glad we could clear the air." The two friends continued their warm embrace, reassured by the fact that their friendship had grown stronger through this revelation. "Honesty and open communication are key in any relationship," I told Bon Bon and Lyra. Bon Bon and Lyra separated, and they looked at me at the same time. "Thank you very much. Uh, your name is?" Bon Bon asked, but Lyra also had a curious expression. "My name is Andy Hunter, and I come from another world. A portal brought me here." "Nice to meet you, Andy. Any idea why that portal brought you here?" Lyra asked. "Not yet, but I think I was brought here for a specific purpose. I don't know what it is, but I'm sure one day I'll find out," I told Lyra. "We wish you courage and luck in discovering it. In the meantime, enjoy Equestria! I'm sure you'll appreciate the wonders it has to offer. I also wanted to thank you for helping me a moment ago with my secret identity; it was a weight I had been carrying for a long time." "Don't worry, Bon Bon. It's already resolved, and everything turned out fine." "You know, Andy, for your help, I would like to thank you. It's not much, but it's something," Lyra said. Lyra and Bon Bon exchanged a knowing glance, then simultaneously nodded. They each leaned in and gave me a kiss on the cheek as a sign of gratitude. "I also have this for you." Bon Bon reached into her mane, searching for a gift, and pulled out a lollipop. "Thank you, Bon Bon. I really like lollipops!" I took the lollipop from Bon Bon and put it in my pocket. I received a lollipop, a gift from Bon Bon as a thank you. It was nothing out of the ordinary, and I might eat it later. "You can visit us whenever you want, Andy! We live right there, in that candy store," Lyra said, indicating the location of the candy store with her hooves. "Cool! I'm going to take a photo of it with my phone so I don't forget its location. All the houses in Ponyville look the same for some reason." I took out my Huawei phone from my pants pocket. Lyra and Bon Bon exchanged curious glances as they observed the unfamiliar technology. "Oh, this is just a phone, technology from my world. I can explain how it works later. Right now, I have to go to Rarity's Boutique to pick up my new clothes." "It's okay, no problem, Andy. We'll be waiting for you," Bon Bon said, her cheeks blushing, and Lyra also seemed eager, wanting me to visit them later and spend some time together. With a warm smile, I bid farewell to Lyra and Bon Bon, their cheeks still tinged with a hint of blush. I gave a signal to Nirvana to keep walking and began riding towards Rarity's Boutique. As I approached Rarity's Boutique atop my majestic chocobo, Nirvana, the vibrant plumage of the bird shimmered in the gentle Equestrian sunlight. The feeling of the wind ruffling through my hair added to the surreal experience of being in this beautiful land. With a soft pat on Nirvana's feathered neck, I whispered, "Wait here, buddy," and gracefully dismounted. Nirvana obediently stood still, his blue eyes reflecting trust and patience. I approached the door of Rarity's Boutique, the fine craftsmanship of the building's design apparent in every detail. I gently knocked on the ornate wooden door. Rarity's door swung open gracefully, courtesy of her unicorn magic, revealing her radiant smile that seemed to match the elegance of her boutique. "Oh, my dear Andy! Good morning," she greeted with a hint of excitement. "I'm certain you've come for your clothes, and they're awaiting you in the fitting room right here." With another wave of her magic, Rarity opened the fitting room door, inviting me to step inside. The room was adorned with plush fabrics and mirrors, a testament to Rarity's impeccable taste and attention to detail. "Good morning, Rarity. Thank you for all the effort you surely put into my tunic," I expressed my gratitude with genuine empathy, fully aware that creating clothing for a human was a novel experience for her, different from designing for ponies. As I walked toward the fitting room, I admired Rarity's craftsmanship and dedication, eager to try on the tunic she had painstakingly crafted. "You're welcome, Darling! I'm always willing to accept new challenges, especially when it comes to fashion," Rarity replied with enthusiasm. She was clearly eager to see how her creation would look on a human. "Go try it on, and please do let me know if there's anything you don't like or any changes you'd like. I'm eager to hear your thoughts." Carefully, I began to don the tunic, akin to Link's from "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," though it was a sleek, deep black. Its fabric was remarkably comfortable against my skin, and the design resembled a blend of Equestrian elegance and my world's heroism. I paired the tunic with equally stylish emo jeans and the long hat in black which complemented the dark aesthetic. The long fingerless gloves, adorned with sleek metallic spikes, added a touch of edginess to the ensemble, while providing an unmistakable sense of rugged determination. Around my neck, two distinct necklaces hung. The first, a necklace with pointed spikes, gave off an aura of mystery and rebellion. The second, a heart-shaped pendant reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts, brought a unique touch of nostalgia and sentimentality to the outfit. To complete the look, I kept my black and white Converse sneakers, their timeless design fitting seamlessly with the fusion of Equestrian and human elements in my attire. As I gazed at myself in the mirror, I felt an intriguing blend of adventure and style, a fusion of worlds personified in my unique attire. Exiting the fitting room with an excited grin, I couldn't contain my enthusiasm. "Wow, Rarity, I absolutely love how my tunic turned out! Thank you; it's perfect. I feel like a true adventurer and fighter. Do I look absolutely badass, or what?" I inquired, the sense of anticipation and pride evident in my voice. "Of course, my dear. I'm delighted that you like it," Rarity replied with a warm smile. "An outfit as unique as that will undoubtedly make you stand out. Although, I must admit it's quite dark. But, look, I've crafted something special for you." With a graceful display of her unicorn magic, Rarity conjured two earrings in the shape of her own cutie mark. They were a brilliant shade of blue, reminiscent of the diamonds that represented her special talent. "I made you these, as a symbol of our friendship," she explained, her eyes gleaming with sincerity as she offered the elegant earrings. I was touched by this thoughtful gesture and accepted the earrings with gratitude. They added a touch of Rarity's signature style and a symbol of our newfound bond to my unique ensemble. Overwhelmed by Rarity's kindness and her beautiful gift, I couldn't help but express my gratitude. "Rarity, thank you so much. These earrings are amazing, and they add just the right touch of color to my outfit. You've made me look even cooler." I got the tunic of friendship. That name suits it better. It's my first adventure gear that Rarity made for me, I can carry my ocarina of time more comfortably and carry more bits with me, due to the number of pockets and the size of them. I hope I don't drive the mares crazy with this badass outfit. With genuine appreciation in my eyes, I moved closer to Rarity and wrapped my arms around her in a heartfelt hug. The embrace felt warm and comforting, a tangible manifestation of the newfound friendship between a visitor from another world and the talented fashionista from Equestria. Rarity's delicate presence, mixed with her distinctive perfume, made the hug a truly memorable and touching moment. At that moment Sweetie Belle was getting ready to leave for school "Rarity, I'm going to school now." Sweetie Belle let out a sigh of surprise and concern when she saw me and Rarity hugging. "I can't believe it! Andy, are you dating my sister?! I thought you were with Cheerilee!" Sweetie Belle's sudden arrival caught us by surprise. She expressed her concern "What the hell?! Sweetie Belle, it's not what it looks like," I reassured her, gently breaking the hug with Rarity. "Rarity and I were just hugging as friends. There's no need to worry, I'm not dating your sister. Rarity chimed in, adding, "That's right, Sweetie. Just a friendly hug, nothing more." Sweetie Belle, with a mischievous glint in her eye, narrowed her gaze at me and Rarity and declared, "Yeah, sure... I'll be watching you both." She punctuated her words with an exaggerated wink, infusing the moment with a touch of humor that had us all chuckling. "Believe me, Sweetie Belle, we're just friends, don't worry," I reassured her with a friendly smile. "I don't want to bother, but could you do me a favor? Since you're heading to school, I need you to deliver a package to Cheerilee." I pick up my clothes I had been wearing before from the floor placed inside the fitting room. The garments were neatly folded, and I carefully placed them in a box, preparing them for delivery to Cheerilee. Sweetie Belle, ever the helpful pony, agreed to the favor and took the package with a nod. "Sure, I can do that for you, Andy. Just give me the package, and I'll make sure it gets to Cheerilee." With a sense of gratitude, I handed the package to Sweetie Belle, knowing that it would soon be on its way to its intended destination. "Bye, Rarity and Andy, I should go now; I'm running late. Hey, there are the Cutie Mark Crusaders! Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, wait for me!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she excitedly took the package and then sprinted off toward Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, joining her friends to head to school together. "Bye, Sweetie Belle. Make sure you're back in time for dinner," Rarity called out to her younger sister as she headed off to school. "Sayonara, amiga Sweetie Belle!" I bid Sweetie Belle farewell, offering my own multilingual farewell along with Rarity. As for the request for sunglasses, I added with a hint of playfulness, "By the way, Rarity, don't you have some sunglasses you could lend me? It's scorching hot out today, and I think I'd look even cooler with them, don't you think?" Rarity considered the request and replied with a gracious smile, "Of course, darling. Let me find a pair that suits your style." She went to retrieve a pair of stylish sunglasses, adding a touch of flair to my already unique ensemble. With the sunglasses in hand, I thanked Rarity for her generosity, ready to face the sunny day in style. With a flair for style, I gracefully slipped the sunglasses onto my face, instantly elevating my appearance. As I gazed back at Rarity with a confident smile, I noticed a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. It seemed that my newfound coolness, accentuated by the sunglasses, had quite an effect on her. "Thank you, Rarity. These are perfect," I said, appreciating not only the sunglasses but also her thoughtfulness. Rarity, still slightly blushing, replied, "You're most welcome, darling. They suit you very well." The complement only seemed to intensify the warmth in her cheeks. With the sunglasses in place and Rarity's sweet gesture in my heart, I bid her goodbye for the moment. As I prepared to mount Nirvana and make my way to the Friendship Express Station, Rarity extended her hooves with a graceful, elegant gesture. She raised them in a farewell that seemed to carry both warmth and sophistication, bidding me adieu in her uniquely charming fashion. With a nod of gratitude and a wave, I acknowledged Rarity's farewell. Her presence and friendship had left a lasting impression, and I knew I would carry the memories of this enchanting world with me as I embarked on my journey to Sire's Hollow. At the Friendship Express Station, I gave Nirvana a gentle pat and whispered, "Let's go, my friend, run as fast as you can." Chocobos were known for their incredible speed, capable of reaching speeds over 120 kilometers per hour. As we sped along the tracks, the landscape blurred into a colorful mosaic of Equestrian scenery. It wasn't long before we encountered the Friendship Train. Passengers and the driver of the train were taken aback by the sight of Nirvana, dashing alongside the train with a velocity that seemed almost otherworldly. Gasps of surprise and excited chatter erupted from the train's windows, the spectacle of a chocobo racing at such breathtaking speed a sight to behold. Nirvana's incredible speed had certainly left an impression on those aboard the Friendship Train, a testament to the uniqueness and magic of this world. As we continued our sprint alongside the Friendship Express, Nirvana suddenly executed a remarkable feat. With a powerful leap, he soared through the air, effortlessly clearing the width of the train tracks. The passengers inside the Friendship Train were in awe, their amazement palpable. Nirvana landed gracefully on the other side of the train, and with a burst of speed, he overtook the Friendship Express. The passengers aboard the train watched in astonishment as we pulled ahead, leaving the train in our dust. It was a breathtaking display of Nirvana's agility and speed, an unforgettable moment that would be talked about by those lucky enough to witness it aboard the Friendship Train. Nirvana continued to gallop with incredible speed, and our journey to Sire's Hollow progressed at a remarkable pace. The familiar sights of Equestria rushed by as we made our way towards our destination. As we finally approached Sire's Hollow, there was no sign of the Friendship Train, and the distant sound of its horn had faded away into silence. We had arrived much ahead of the train, a testament to the chocobo's extraordinary swiftness. Nirvana and I had beaten the train to our destination, and the stillness in the air marked our early arrival, a remarkable testament to the incredible speed of a chocobo in full stride. As we approached the grand Gate of Sire's Hollow, I could feel the excitement building. The sun glistened in the sky, casting a warm glow over the town. With a sense of anticipation, I dismounted from Nirvana's back, feeling a surge of energy and adventure. In a spontaneous burst of enthusiasm, I executed a graceful 360-degree turn, culminating in a frontflip that seemed to capture the essence of this magical world. As I landed smoothly, I turned to Nirvana and said, "Wait here, Nirvana." Nirvana let out a cheerful chocobo chirp, understanding my command, and settled in, ready to rest after our incredible journey. The gateway to Sire's Hollow stood before me. I moved the gate slowly, I already knew that when I opened the gate an automated voice would be heard so that when somepony opened the gate it would say "Welcome to Sire's Hollow". I'm going to play with the gate for a little while. I move constantly the gate opening and closing it and the automated voice repeating "Welcome to Sire's Hollow" I increase the speed even more by moving the gate. While saying "Welcome to Sire's Hollow" "Welcome to Sire's Hollow" "Welcome to Si-" Welcome to-" "Welcome-" "Welcom-" "Wel-" I fell to the floor laughing hard at how funny the voice sounded and how it couldn't finish the sentence because of the speed at which the gate opened and closed it. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH" While I was laughing looking at the ground, a pony said "Stop playing with the gate, it's annoying!" and I felt like I was hit by a scroll. "I'm sorry, HAHAHAHAHA, it's just that... it's so funny," I managed to say between bouts of laughter. As I looked up, I found myself facing Stellar Flare, whose beauty left me momentarily stunned. Stellar Flare's color scheme resonated with the warm, sunlit tones akin to Sunburst. Her skin showcased a lively, sunburst orange, exuding vitality and energy. Her flowing mane and tail boasted a golden yellow shade, akin to rays of sunshine on a bright day. The enchanting emerald green of her eyes sparkled with both wisdom and kindness, adding depth and charm to her visage. Stellar Flare's overall presence radiated a captivating warmth and radiance, reminiscent of the sun, making her a beautiful and alluring figure in Sire's Hollow. "Huh? What are you? And who are you? I don't recall ever having seen a creature like you before," Stellar Flare asked. With her magic, she placed her scroll next to her. In a playful tone, I responded to Stellar Flare, "I'm Andy Hunter, a political prisoner from Cuba." Stellar Flare was taken aback and expressed concern as she responded, "What? A political prisoner?!" I chuckled and clarified, "HAHAHAH, I'm just kidding. I'm not a politician or a prisoner, but there was a time I almost get arrested by a misunderstanding but it doesn't matter now. I'm just a human in Equestria, and I came here to see you, Stellar." Stellar Flare was not only surprised by my words but also concerned that I knew her name. She inquired, "How do you know my name? I don't know you at all, and you're starting to worry me. Aren't you one of those creatures that want to invade Equestria?" "Huh? Fuck no, I don't want to invade Equestria. The reason I know about you is because I come from another world and there are alternative versions of all the ponies of Equestria but in the form of a television show. A portal brought me here. I still don't know the reason." "Mmmmm, that explains it. Who would have thought there were more unknown worlds beyond Equestria... And please don't use those words here; it's considered inappropriate," Stellar told me, gently advising against the use of inappropriate language, which was a human habit. "I'm sorry, it's a human habit. I'm sure you want to know why I came to visit you, but can I explain it to you later? I'd like to explore Sire's Hollow for a bit." Stellar Flare's expression shifted to one of understanding and happiness as she noticed my interest in exploring Sire's Hollow. "Really? Wow, we don't usually receive visitors because of how small this town is. Go ahead, have fun. I'll make sure everything is in order. As the head of the Sire's Hollow Development Committee, it's my duty to ensure everything is fine." I nodded to Stellar Flare, expressing my gratitude for her understanding and permission. As I stood up, I began to dust off my emo jeans, which had accumulated a bit of dirt due to my laughter-inducing antics at the gate. Welcome to Sire's Hollow Taking in the surroundings of Sire's Hollow, I noticed that the town had a distinctive duality. The left side seemed to preserve the rich history of Sire's Hollow, with traditional architecture and a sense of nostalgia that resonated with the past. On the right side, there was a noticeable contrast—a vibrant and modern area, showcasing a revolution of Sire's Hollow, complete with advanced structures and a palpable sense of progress. It was an intriguing blend of tradition and innovation that made Sire's Hollow a unique and captivating place to explore. I approached the perfume stand owned by Ever Essence, and she blushed when she saw me. "Hey, Ever, I understand that those are perfumes with essence. Could you give me one?" I inquired with a friendly smile. Ever was visibly surprised and her cheeks turned as red as a tomato as I approached her. She appeared to be taken aback, both by my unique appearance and the fact that I knew her name. "How do you know my name?!" Ever asked, a question that seemed to be a common reaction when I mentioned a pony's name without any prior introduction. "I come from another world where there are alternative versions of all the ponies in Equestria in the form of a television show. That's how I know the names of almost all the ponies. But don't worry, just because I know that, doesn't mean I'm a threat," I explained to Ever, suppressing a chuckle. "And, by the way, my name is... My name is Peter Griffin." As Ever responded with a polite "Oh I see.... Nice to meet you, Peter Griffin," I couldn't hold back my laughter, and I burst into hearty laughter, much to Ever's confusion. "What's tickling your funny bone, Peter?" Ever inquired, utterly perplexed by my reaction. As she used the name "Peter" once more, my laughter intensified, making the situation even more bewildering for her. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Wait..." I managed to say between bouts of laughter. I momentarily removed Rarity's sunglasses, allowing my emo fringe to be lifted by the wind, revealing my other eye. As I wiped away the tears of laughter, Ever's blush deepened even further, the unexpected reveal adding a touch of charm to the moment. "Peter Griffin is a fictional character from my world, he's very funny and very stupid. My real name is Andy Hunter," I explained, chuckling as I clarified. "Nice to meet you. I know you must be a bit confused now, but don't worry. I just wanted to share a good laugh, even if it means making a pony say 'Peter Griffin.'" "Oh, I understand. So, Andy, how is that world of yours?" Ever Essence inquired as I put Rarity's sunglasses back on. "It's almost similar to Equestria, but there are some notable differences. In my world, the ponies don't speak, and there's no magic. Instead, we excel in technology," I explained, drawing the distinctions between my world and Equestria. "A world without magic? I can't even begin to imagine that," Ever Essence replied, her astonishment evident as she contemplated the absence of magic in my world, a concept so integral to Equestria. "It's not as bad as it sounds," I reassured Ever. "By the way, can you give me some Chocolate Definitely Essence perfume?" "Of course, it's five bits!" Ever Essence responded enthusiastically. I checked my pockets and realized I didn't have any bits, only a five-dollar bill. "Huuuh, I don't have any bits, but can I pay you with a kiss?" I suggested with a playful and lighthearted tone. Ever Essence blushed and replied, "Although I would like a kiss... I mean, you have to pay me five bits." She maintained a sense of professionalism even as her earlier blush lingered. "You've been blushing since you saw me, I can give you a kiss now and pay for your perfume the next time I have the necessary amount," I offered with a friendly and understanding tone, acknowledging the noticeable effect my presence had on Ever Essence. "Sounds fair to me," Ever Essence agreed. She stepped closer, and we shared a gentle kiss on the lips, while Ever caressed my shoulders with her hooves and I caressed her mane. A moment filled with warmth and affection. Our embrace was sincere and comforting, sealing the friendly and unique interaction with a touch of intimacy. The kiss between Ever Essence and me was soft and tender, filled with a warm sensation that seemed to transcend the moment. It carried an air of friendliness and a unique connection, leaving a lingering feeling of comfort and contentment. "My, my, as far as I know, today is not Heart and Hooves Day," a voice teased, and I thought I recognized it—it was Firelight, playfully observing our affectionate exchange. Ever and I gently separated to direct our gazes to Firelight, I stood up and clean my saliva drip shared with Ever. "Forgive us, Firelight, we didn't realize you were here," Ever apologized to Firelight, acknowledging our moment had been unintentionally observed. Firelight chuckled and reassured, "Don't worry about it, Ever. It's perfectly fine to express how you two feel about each other. By the way, now that I realize, isn't that the creature Stellar Flare was talking about? The one dressed all in black and spikey, who knew the names of all the ponies?" "Exactly, it's him right here. His name is Peter - I mean Andy Hunter," Ever explained, with a hint of confusion about my name due to the earlier Peter Griffin joke. I couldn't help but suppress my laughter once more. "I see. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Andy Hunter. You should be aware that my name is Firelight. I believe it's your first visit to Sire's Hollow, correct?" Firelight inquired, extending a warm welcome and confirming my newcomer status in the town. "Indeed, it's my first time in Sire's Hollow. I've heard that it's not a very commonly visited town, so I thought it might be interesting to take a stroll and explore," I replied. While I felt a bit embarrassed about the main reason for my visit being to see Stellar Flare, I maintained honesty in my response, as my curiosity about the town's unique qualities was also genuine. "I welcome you to Sire's Hollow! I'm delighted to know that there are creatures interested in discovering more about our wonderful town," Firelight expressed warmly. "I am the head of the Sire's Hollow Preservation Society." "Thank you for the warm welcome. That explains why one side of the town appears to preserve tradition, while the other side has a more modern and commercial feel, almost like a shopping mall. I suppose you and Stellar must have distinct visions for Sire's Hollow," I observed, recognizing the contrasting aspects of the town's layout and development. "True, Stellar says that my vision doesn't make sense and that I'm crazy," Firelight expressed with a sarcastic laugh, mimicking the gestures and mannerisms that Stellar used when she shared her perspective. "Nonsense! Sire's Hollow has been a wonderful town since its founding, and it must remain exactly as it was when it was established over a thousand years ago. That is my duty," Firelight playfully emphasized, highlighting the differing viewpoints between the two leaders. Exactly what I expected, I'm just in season 2, I'm not sure whether to help with this problem or wait a long time later when the cutie map calls Starlight and Sunburst to solve this problem. I'm not sure if intervening with the cutie map missions will have unexpected consequences, I guess I'll find out later, since I'm in Equestria, why not try it? I'll let Sunburst and Starlight take care of this, but maybe I can intervene in another mission. "I understand your perspective, Firelight. Collaboration and mutual respect for each pony's viewpoints are crucial. It's natural for differences to exist, but I'm confident that someday Stellar will come to appreciate your vision, and a harmonious balance between both perspectives can be achieved," I conveyed, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and open dialogue. "Your words bring me a sense of relief and reassurance, knowing that there's somecreature who doesn't criticize my visions but respects them. What you're saying is indeed true, it's just unfortunate that Stellar doesn't make it any easier," Firelight acknowledged, expressing appreciation for the understanding and acknowledging the challenges posed by differing viewpoints. "You will undoubtedly find a solution one day, Firelight. Have faith," I reassured him, maintaining an optimistic outlook on the situation. "Alright, Andy. It's not that I want to intrude into your personal affairs, but I'm quite curious to hear the story of how you and Ever crossed paths. As far as I know, this is your first visit to Sire's Hollow, and Ever rarely ventures outside the town unless it's to visit her family," Firelight inquired, expressing interest in the unique circumstances that led to our meeting. Ever took the initiative to explain, "Well, when I saw him passing by, I felt a certain stirring inside me. It's not something romantic because I barely know him, but he's undeniably handsome. The way he brought a sense of joy to my day, especially since I've been here at this perfume stand, patiently waiting for somepony to come and purchase my essences, which, truth be told, isn't the most thrilling activity. That was until Andy arrived." I blushed upon hearing the beautiful words from Ever Essence. I'm not accustomed to receiving compliments, especially regarding my appearance. "Indeed," I replied, "I noticed how Ever seemed captivated by my presence, which is why I decided to approach her. Although we barely know each other, sometimes all one needs is a friendly and affectionate moment to brighten their day, just like the one you've just witnessed." Firelight nodded with understanding. "Y'know, even though it might not seem like it, I consider myself an open-minded pony. As long as there's affection and support, I see no reason to criticize the dynamic between you two. However, it's important to bear in mind that not everypony is as open-minded. Some may offer criticism or view it as unexpected. The best approach is often to ignore them; it's a common reaction when ponies encounter something out of the ordinary." "Thank you, Firelight. You're a very kind pony," I responded, "To avoid any potential conflicts, we'll choose a more private location." Essence asked me to bend down to whisper to me, "Next time, we should share a kiss in a more private setting, preferably inside my perfume shop." I gave Ever Essence a thumbs-up. "That means 'I agree.'" Ever nodded, and Firelight straightened his tie. "No problem Ever, and Andy, I hope you have a wonderful visit to Sire's Hollow. I must continue to maintain the town's preservation." With that, Firelight bid us farewell, and Ever and I followed suit, saying our goodbyes. "I'll see you later, Ever. I'd like to explore the town a bit more, and I'll return once I'm done," I said to Ever. Ever smiled and replied, "No problem, Andy. If I'm not at the stand, you might find me inside the store during my lunch break at noon." With a warm smile, I knelt down to give Ever a friendly kiss on the cheek. After that, we exchanged our goodbyes, and I began to walk forward, eager to explore the intriguing town of Sire's Hollow. END