> Pwnification > by Tomiix > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Welcome, Starlight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pwnification Chapter One The air was clean and beautiful, trees and flowers littered the entire landscape. Business was booming for the locals. Everyone knew each other and was really nice, you always had a friend when you needed one. There were no worries as children scampered around playing tag, hide and seek, or kick the can. The local inn keeper always told stories to the little-ones around his fire in the back; he usually gave free meals to the poorer folk, mostly the older members of the booming community, who couldn’t work for themselves. It was a good town, Jackson Town, and walking through it every day on my way home from school was the best, when I leave the town though I continue my mile walk all the way to Pitsville. The polar opposite of Jackson Town, instead of being littered by trees and flowers, it was littered by trash and dog crap. I was an upstanding member of the community at school and at home, I deserved to live in Jackson Town. Unfortunately money doesn’t grow on trees as they say, and all the money from my side work goes towards making money for dinner for my little sister, as my dad is too damn drunk half the time to acknowledge our existence. Life sincerely sucked to be blunt and it sucked even more when my dad beat her to death. She’s only 4, I was at school, and he did it. He always threatened to beat one of us for the stupidest reasons. I always told her to stay in her room and not disturb him during his drunken rage, but telling by the police vehicles outside my house, I could tell she didn’t listen. By his claim, he didn’t beat her and intruders caught both of them off guard. It was obvious he was lying though, you could tell by his little grin, as he looked at me, as if asserting his superiority. He didn’t appreciate me taking care of the whole family of three, but what was I supposed to do, starve!? I lived by myself, in that same house. I’m only 17 but I was able to pass off 18, as my birthday was the following week. I didn’t want to be in foster care, heck I took care of myself pretty good already. Would it really be that different? It was, without her smiling face pulling me through I felt like I was walking dead. I stopped going to school for days, until while looking for some food I found my sisters old doll. If she saw me like this, what would she think of me? I had to keep pushing through. I thought about quitting school and getting a full time job, but mom always stressed good education, before she had an “accident” when I was in 5th grade. I kept going, for her. It was the Monday of my birth-week when a bunch of my friends challenged me to watch some new T.V. show. Ever since I started living by myself, I had to cut cable and electricity, to conserve cash. They I was in a rough spot, where they rubbing it in? “Dude, I really think that it would help you out. Put a smile to your face, make you feel better.” “You mean, make me look like a little girl who liked playing with dolls?” I really could care less about my appearance in school. I look liked a dump, and smelt like one too. Heck the soup kitchen actually let me in once, I must have looked really convincing. Hell of a lot better than a bit of cheese and crackers. Yet the idea that I would watch some kid show was really unusual. Why were THEY watching it? Was it really that good? Or were they just trying to come out of the closet? I really didn’t want to be part of the process, but out of curiosity and sheer boredom, I went to the local library, and looked up My Little Pony for the first time. I found myself watching for hours, until I was caught up with the entire show. I envied the little ponies; they lived in a place like Jackson Town. It was bright and welcoming. Each of the ponies had no parents living with them, (except Apple Jack, but she lives on a family farm, so there’s no surprise.) Yet they were happy and content with there friends. The entire town was friendly. In my town, you could walk the entire stretch and see not one smile. But in the show everyone smiled! How I wished and pleaded to be there. I apologized to my friends about calling them gay, and we talked forever about the fandom, and all aspects of the MLP universe. I even started reading fan fics, but either they were either perverted or very dark. I didn’t need more darkness in my life, and I don’t really see the appeal in faping to ponies. I mean there like mini horses, what parts of them are sexy? The anatomy in most of them doesn’t even make sense. I don’t wish to watch an Animal Planet documentary on horses mating, but I know that it isn’t the same as human sex, and so I choose to avoid them and only enjoy a few fics. Now, I do not claim to be the biggest fan. There are kids way crazier in love with the series than me. They buy all the toys and stream each new episode in 1080p the minute it’s on. I’m a casual fan of the series, but what happens next was only worthy of those big time fans, more amazing then anything I have ever seen. Yet I’m glad to have taken the journey. It’s January, naturally it’s so cold, I could make my own snot into popsicle sticks. I notice at the border of Jackson Town and Pitsville, a heat wave. You know how, when you look at cooking food, like bacon and it generates so much heat that you see waves in the air above it? Well that’s what I saw. The snow around the area was completely melted, and flowers grew in the patches. All the other kids who lived in Pitsville, who were walking by were completely oblivious to the phenomenon but me. So I walked up to it, and noticed that when I got closer, there was this small circle in the middle of this patch of Eden. It was about as big as an eye, upon closer inspection it appeared that colors flashed out of the hole. These colors while shining on me, left my heart at ease and I felt at peace. Then I heard some talking. “PINKIE PIE! STOP KNOCKING OVER MY BOOKS!” Screamed the voice of a familiar violet pony. At first I thought I was hearing things, someone must have been watching the show on their IPod as they were walking by. As I looked around no one was around, as it was getting dark fast. I’ve stood in the same spot for two hours. I picked at my ears, rubbed at my eyes and looked down the hole as I saw the bright pink pony jumping off the walls. “and then the Elements went WOOSH and made a hole in your ceiling. Told you it wasn’t my fault Twi.” “Even if you’re telling the truth Pinkie, how do we know where the hole leads too? It isn’t night time, and my room is on the second floor of the library anyway.” “There’s only one way to find out!” Pinkie promptly took some tools from Twilight’s Science kit. She then gingerly tried to pry the hole open, not noticing me on the other end. She stared into the hole slowly making it expand with a blank look, like she couldn’t see me. Suddenly, I hear the Inn keeper from the Jackson Town inn call his dog for some food, and in the mad rush, the mutt shoved into me pushing me into the hole. My body mass kept the hole open, as the two ponies now had a good view of my upper-body now sticking out of there ceiling. “Oh wow a guest! He’s an alien too, look at him!” Exclaimed Pinkie, a bit too excited about the visit. Twilight was looking alright, she witnessed all science she believed in disappear as I was wiggling helplessly in her roof. I finally got myself loose, and was going to pull out, but so much of my weight was leaning forward that instead I fell into the hole, and it closed behind me. I landed straight on my head, and was knocked out with a panicked hoof to the face via Twilight. The inn keeper approached to investigate me, seeing my head being caught in the snow, yet when I fell in, he noticed my disappearance, and walked back inside, assuming he was seeing things. I awoke in a strange medical ward, with staring ponies all focused on me. Included in the list are Twilight and the Princess Celestia. I wanted to bow down right away, so I hopped out of the stretcher and took a knee. This startles everyone in the room until they realize the gesture I was making toward there princes, and she smiled. “I see you know me.” “Know you? Everyone who’s a fa…” I stopped myself. What if they don’t know about being on T.V. how they are just cartoons drawn up for the pleasure of little girls, and well older people like me. I didn’t want to diminish their entire way of life. Heck maybe the entire show is based on this, the REAL Equestria. Yet, he still wasn’t sure he was there. All he has seen was the inside of a tree house and this weird medical ward. “I’m less curious about how you know me, but more curious about how you GOT here.” Inquired the princess “Umm right, all I remember before being stomped in the face by a certain pony, was that I fell into this hole and I met Twilight” Twilight couldn’t help but interrupt with apologies as Celestia calms her and says that it was a normal reaction. “How do you know her name?” Inquired Celestia I wasn’t going to be able to explain myself truthfully to the Princess without ruining there whole world, so I asked if she could dismiss everybody, so we could talk privately. When everyone left, I explained the entire situation to the Princess and Twilight. The Princess was quiet and understanding, and never interrupted me. When I was finished. She explained herself. “You are not the first of human-kind to come here. Every time we have had to resort to using the Elements of Harmony to stop evil, the shock-wave of its power created small holes in our world, eventually being discovered by someone. Heck my lead adviser was once human, he advises me of paranormal events like the one you are a part of.” Stated Celestia “What do you mean by “once” human.” I asked worriedly. “Well… It might be better for him to tell you. Hey Jamison, come in.” An old pony walked in. You could tell he had little to no vision, but he could still tell my body shape, and was pleasantly surprised. “I thought you were showing me the human.” “I am.” Shocked, I self-evaluated myself, and I had not changed into a pony. Yet if this was the human, will I eventually become ponified? I gave him a look of concern, I couldn’t tell if he understood my facial expressions or not, but it seemed he did as he explained. “During your second day here, the magic holding together all Equestria will turn you into a pony to keep balance, since humans aren’t supposed to be here. This change is permanent, and to protect other ponies I will not allow you to go back to where you came from. The princess has the power to return you home. You need to decide now; will you be staying with us in Equestria?” This was all so sudden; did I want to stay here? My heart says yes but my mind says no. Yet after long thought, I realized that there is nothing really out there for me. Everything that was precious was gone. I had always dreamed of living in a place like this, and now I had my chance, and I was taking it. “I would love to stay sir.” “Very Good, before I start… how should I say it, resocializing you, why don’t you tell me how are current events up there? Is Vietnam over yet?” Did he just ask me about Vietnam? That war has been started and over with long before MLP FIM, does this mean that what I thought was true, that the animation is based off of this? Also, if he was around for Vietnam, he must be pretty old. What should I tell him? “umm… it’s been long done sir.” “Did we win son? Did we show them not to mess with the states?” So he was American, well might as well make him feel good. “We beat down those idiots like there was no tomorrow. “ That’s good… my brother was in the war, before I got sucked up in here I would always root him on, good thing it was all worthwhile. Now let’s cover what you are going to need to get used to.” The shriveled old pony walked me to a group of six ponies. The old man explained. “These are the representatives of the Elements of Harmony, since they caused you to join us here, they are more than willing to assist you.” Each one introduced themselves, one by one. “Howdy, I’m Apple Jack” “Whatsup? I’m Rainbow Dash” “Hi… I’m Fluttershy…” “The name is Rarity” “I’M PINKIE PIE!” “and I am Twilight Sparkle. I’m so sorry for hoofing you?” He didn’t want to be reminded, not only did he get beat up by a girl, but a girl my little pony. “They will help you get accustomed to Equestria when you finish morphing.” I was very excited to meet the mane six, I had so many questions to ask, but the old pony was inpatient, and tug on my shirt with his teeth, as if gesturing me to continue on. The old pony led me to a room, my room for the next week. There was a bed, it was way too small for a young adult my size, but then I realized that it won’t matter once I start changing, which brought the question, what will happen? Will it hurt? The massive amount of pain pills in the side table drawer reassured me that it will hurt, a lot. I would be locked in there for a week, because apparently the transformation gets really ugly, and no pony wants to see that. The old man left me in my room, and I awaited a change. I woke up in the morning on the floor starved, they delivered me my food through a slot like a prisoner, yet I would find cards with words of encouragement from ponies I didn’t even know. I haven’t even met these ponies yet but they still cared. I felt genuinely cared for, and it has been awhile since I have felt that way. Breakfast was unusual, Apples, Cupcakes, and Flowers. Then I remembered that I should be transforming into a pony, and ponies eat Flowers and Apples. I’m still not sure if it’s normal for ponies to eat sweets, but I honestly could care less. It finally happened after lunch, I felt a jolt in my back and I immediately took a pain pill. Even after I took the pill I still felt immense pain, and I could see my skin get furrier. I can’t remember much of the details of my transformation as I nearly fainted every time I saw my body morph differently, or discovered the knock-out pills (humorously named Twilight's Medicine, no one is going to let me live that one down) to keep my sanity. I took to too much meds, and I awoke when the entire process was entirely over. I awoke in a haze, I tried standing up on my legs as usual, but my center of balance drastically changed, causing me to land on my fore-legs. That when I almost scared myself to death. It wasn’t a dream, I was really a pony or, a Stallion or Colt was more appropriate. I splashed water into my face from the sink across of the room. I looked at the mirror, I had wings. I was a Pegasus Pony. The hairs that covered me were white as snow, my hair had different shades of blue, and my eyes were a dark hazel. Continually looking down my side I realize I had no cutie mark, yet I was full sized. I could feel the insults now, and no pony has even seen me yet. I tried moving my wings, but I was still not adjusted with the new appendage. The door opened, and I was greeted by Twilight. “Great, you look like as if you were meant to be here in the first place. I guess the first order of business is to get you to Celestia. Oh my we have so much to do, I should write a checklist! I’ll do that on the flying carriage ride down to Ponyville.” Now I know where I am, there was no doubt, if were taking a flying carriage down to Ponyville, we were in Canterlot. Yet the odd chamber they were leaving did not feel like the luxurious Cantelot he remembered from the show. It looked dark and confined. That was until he walked out of the hallway into the Canterlot Castles main receiving hallway. Twilight promptly closed the secret doors as to not attract wondering, undeserving eyes. Now, before heading to Ponyville, I first had to officaly meet Celestia, in somewhat of a ceremony, but it was only Celestia, some ponies of importance that worked for her, Twilight and Me. Apparently word let out about me and everypony wanted to see the “Alien”. Yet all I can do is assume, yet I didn’t care, I kind of liked being center of attention. Since I’m used to sitting in the behind the scenes, as no one really had a use for me, now everypony knew about me. ---- Celestia smiled, and spoke. “My name is Princes Celestia, I would like to welcome you to your new home, Equestria! What is your name?” I prepared to speak, since I have said my name multiple times through out my life, as like most people, it was like instinct. “My name is …” I couldn’t finish my sentence, why couldn’t I say my name? Every attempt I made only resulted in gibberish. Twilight looked at me concerned. I simply stared at Celestia, confused. “Like many before you, you have forgotten your name during your transformation, this is a sign that your transformation is complete, and we can officially allow you in to our world. If you will allow me, I shall grant you a name that you will follow by, for the rest of your life here.” “Princess, please grant me a name.” “Very well.” She walked up to me, her horn glowed and she touched it to my head. “I Princess Celestia herby grant the title Starlight, to this new pony. His name, borrowed from a once great Pony who saved our world from disaster many years ago. In hopes that his arrival is a sign of hope and safety.” Twilight gasped, as she looked at one of the many window panes in Princes Celestia’s throne chamber, as I shared the direction of my eyes with her, I realized there was this brave looking pony, personally protecting the Princess from a foul beast, that looked exactly like my new form. As I eyed the Cutie Mark, I felt a tingle down my spine as I felt her magic coursing through my vanes. Where the magic stopped the same Cutie Mark that Starlight had, he shared on his flank. It was a shooting star leaving a blue trail. Amazed by the immense amount of magic it must of taken to grant a cutie mark, Twilight looked towards Celestia, confused. Yet the princess only smiled, and awaited me to say something. All I could do is bow, and say “Thank you.” She nodded her head, acknowledging my bow yet she had not spoken a word, as if she expected a speech of some kind. Noticing the awkward silence, she looked towards Twilight. “My faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. I now instill a new task upon you. You must guide Starlight through the ways of being a pony, how to act and how to behave and prepare him for a dinner of his honor. You may enlist the help of your friends, as such a task will take the help of close friends to accomplish. Can you do this?” “Of course Princess, I will try my hardest.” “Then go, I will see both of you soon. Good luck, Starlight.” She giggled as she realized the unusual similarity between our names. ---- I followed her up the castle stairs, towards a platform of knights, preparing a carriage for them. Twilight promptly jumped in the seat and patted the cushion next to her gesturing me to sit down. I rested myself awkwardly. I’m surprised I am even able to walk, what with all the changes in my body. Yet I realized that the new body had no new muscle, when I would move my arms in human form, it would move my fore legs and when I moved my shoulders, I really moved my wings. The Pegasus’ pulling the chariot moved swiftly as I would look around amazed by the colors. I heard a noise coming from the town they were approaching, Ponyville. Banners were hung and people waited around our landing site. I was amazed; all of those ponies were waiting for me! Twilight looked towards me happy to see me happy. I truly was happy this was nothing like Pitsville and I was excited to begin. > Honest Work > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pwnification Chapter 2 As we landed, some ponies controlled the crowd to make space for us. A familiar face waited for me. Pinkie Pie, was bouncing around defying gravity, excited as ever. Now I knew that she was a fast speaker, and like to get her point out quickly, but I couldn’t understand a single word she had said. “HOW DID YOU LIKE THE SURPRISE? I planed this you know I got everypony to get together and welcome you here. We had the whole week to plan; I hung the streamers, and decorated the cake! Oh gosh it’s such a pretty pink cake! Oh wait, did you like pink? Cause I like pink pinkisthecoolestcolorintheworldyouknowimeanwhodosen’tlovepinkcauseifaponydosen’tlikepink,thenimsurprisedsince itssuchawarmcolorimeanballonsarepinkcottencandyispinkimpimpinkitsamazinghowgreatpinkisiknowyournotpinkbuti meancomeonyouhavetoadmitthatpinkisgreat. Tacos and…” She didn’t get the chance to finish her ramblings, as I walked into the door and she slammed into the wall. I almost cried at the immense amount of people who where here just to see me. I didn’t know if I should have been insulted or flattered. I didn’t care, everyone was happy and having a good time. The party was long and dragged on for some time. Yet since I didn’t know anyone, it was just a bunch of confusion and some delicious cake. Not knowing where to stay, Twilight let me crash on one of the library’s couches. As I walked in I noticed the room was barely touched. Not many ponies used the library, as they normally didn’t need books. Yet the library look abandoned. I could see dried blood on the floor. Realizing it was mine, I felt my temple. It still hurt, even though the pain of the transformation had passed. I had a massive headache; it was a long day, so I plopped onto the couch and drifted into a deep sleep. ---- I was woken abruptly by a bucket full of cold water in the face. Looking at me with a amused grin and holding back a laugh was Apple Jack. “Why hello there sugarcube! Twilight said I could have ye for the day. I need yall’s help at the farm. The snow is getting pretty high up and I need to dig mah family out!” I remembered. It was winter, and after realizing the date, I remembered a lot of things. Like my upcoming birthday. I remember when I was little, my mom would get me all kinds of gifts, and my dad wasn’t so mean at the time so he was nice too. Ever since mom died, I was lucky to get a bite to eat. My train of thought was interrupted as Apple Jack brought me back to reality. “Would yeah stop zoning out and listen to me? I know you just got here but I need your help. This’ll be one of yer lessons. Then after I can teach you about food and serve you the Apple Famly’s best. How bout that?” She didn’t need to say another word. I got up and happily followed her to Sweet Apple Acres. The snow was cold, yet thanks to the immense amount of snowy white hairs I grew, I was relatively comfortable. When we finally got there she hooked me and a few other Colts to some snow plows. One of them was a big strong Stallion, who I recognized right away as Big Macintosh. We exchanged nods as his sister explained: “Now I realize that you’re a pegasus pony, and you aren’t as strong as the rest of these land ponies, but you look muscular enough to hold your own...I hope.” I accepted her challenge. “I think I can plow all of this snow, in ten seconds flat!” I said, appropriately quoting Rainbow Dash. Apple Jack laughed at the joke and then finished helping her brother with the plow. She then wished us good luck and told us to start. I pushed with all my might and I got some distance, but Macintosh was running threw it like he was a super pony. I was actually doing better than most of the other ponies, yet I couldn’t stop staring at the amazing land speed of the big red stallion. Now THAT’S what I wanted to beat. He was definitely competition. The day was long and it was almost lunch, and I was starved from not having a bite to eat for the day. Apple Jack, noticing my decline in work energy, stopped me and told me she was glad for the help. “You did a lot today; you’ve earned your bits, why don’t ye come inside?” I protested, “You sure I can stop? I don’t want to leave you guys hanging.” “Why I wish all ponies shared your dedication hun, yet I’m noticing that you mighty hungry and that you might want to move on, it’s fine. Come in and I’ll start showing you some food. “ I followed her, and I began touring the Apple Families stash. They had apples of course. Yet they also had Oats, Hay, and all kinds of meals. I was concerned that the diet here wasn’t very diversified, yet there were so many mixtures that you could have with all of the food, the list was endless. Apple Jack whipped us some oatmeal, and it was the best oatmeal ever. Literally all other oatmeal I had before seemed fake compared to her oatmeal. I wasn’t sure if this was me talking or my pony instincts yet I dug in anyway. Twilight came up after I was done helping to finish the snow shoveling, and said that my lessons were going to start. “Lessons? Like what?” She laughed. “I’m going to teach you the ENTIRE history of Equestria! It’s going to be so much fun! I’ll get to use my teachers guide and old history text books.” I was less than enthusiastic about going back to school, but I supposed I had to. I went to say goodbye to Apple Jack, when Big Macintosh blocked my path. “Why hello there big Macintosh!” I was sincerely excited to meet him. He eyed me over, observing. He took note of my wings, and gave an un-amused sigh. Then he spoke. “You did a good job out there, first time I’ve seen a Pegasi hold there own weight and not complain a bit. And when you begged my sister to keep going, I wanted to laugh. You do good work, and I want to see yeah around more often yeah hear? You seem to be dedicated to whatever your task is so I’ll be glad to hire you as a hand if you need the bits.” “Sure Big Macin…” “Call me Macintosh.” “Sure Macintosh, I’ll be glad to stop by whenever you need help.” Satisfied with the response, he walked away humming an old farmer's tune. Twilight grew impatient, and dragged me away back to the library, where a desk and a chalkboard awaited. She sure was excited to be the teacher for once, and not a student. So I didn’t think much of the preparation. She began telling the story of how Equestria was created by two God-Like Alicorns. She then explained the story that she read in the first episode of the series. I knew the story by heart, but let her read it again. I loved being read too, my mom would always read to me. They pained me, but the memories were good, I would lay in bed, and she would read me a story about anything from a evil monster under a bridge, to a princess being rescued by a prince. She was such a good reader. I need to stop thinking about my mom. Would she want me to be remembering her when I should be paying attention to Twilight? I didn’t think so, so I listened as Twilight droned on about my transformation and history when a sudden scream came out of nowhere. This caused Twilight to look outside, seeing no sign of anything. Fluttershy ran up to her, rambling about something with the animals and a weird one causing a lot of noise. Without a second thought the two ran away, Twilight forgetting me. I spoke to the air. “Thank you!” When suddenly a reply came. “Your welcome!” Rainbow Dash flew into the room laughing at the prank she just did. “It was simple really, all I had to do was make a lot of noise and put a dummy snake in Fluttershy’s garden. I told her about it ahead of time of course, my is she a good actor.” She continued. “So I hear you’re a Pegasus who can’t fly someone clip your wings or something?” “I guess someone did, as I’m stuck to the ground as much as a stump is.” I replied jokingly. She giggled as she encouraged me to try and fly up to the ceiling. I ended up falling on my face. She held her laughter long enough to offer her teachings. “How about you come to my place and I teach you how to fly. I should be more fun than spending the day with these dusty old books." I couldn’t agree more. *Author’s Note* I hope you are enjoying the series so far. I am planning to make the chapters shorter, as to make it easier for my editor, and so that I can release a steady stream of chapters maybe as often as everyday or every other day. Just don’t hold my word for it! Thanks for the support! -Tomiix > Flying, Hair and Development > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pwnification Chapter 3 I flapped my wings as hard as I could, but to no avail. I kept to the ground. Rainbow, tired of laughing, just looked at me disappointed. I was disappointed in myself too. The challenge was simple, fly up to Rainbow’s front door. But I couldn’t even do that. She sighed, came back down to earth and spoke. “Are you sure your not just an anchor?” Quickly she picked me up and lifted me to a nearby cloud, where I stood firm. He laughter began again as I was able to stay on the cloud. I hadn’t been a dud Pegasus but I couldn’t fly. “Hehe… You fly worse than Fluttershy, at least she can lift off. Hey I read something that some fillies don’t learn how to fly until they really need it. How about I make it so that you need it?” Suddenly she bucked the cloud holding me up and I started to fall, losing altitude fast. I spread out my wings, yet all they did was flop in the wind. I had to focus, let my Pegasus powers make me as light as a feather. I waited to land on the ground, when I noticed I was flying. I could hear Rainbow’s cheering as I flew to her front step. “Took you forever! Well we're done for the day, you practice take-offs until we meet again, then I'll teach you how to STAY up.” She laughed again and went off. She had explained about her weather duties, yet I still had hoped to work on my wings some more. So I started the flight back to the library when I fell, not able to maintain control. When I got back, Twilight wasn’t home yet, so I decided to check on Rarity. She had mentioned vaguely during the party that she wanted me to talk to her about fashion where I was from, and she offered to make me some clothes. I was both thankful and concerned. I felt naked walking around without any clothes, yet at the same time I’ve heard how painful Rarity’s “fitting sessions” are. When I arrived, she was in the zone designing a dress. From the patterns and colors, I figured it was a personal project. I finally had to let out a huge grunt as to get her attention. Immediately she shifted attention from her work at me, and she seemed at the very least surprised. She promptly hid the dress and began to speak. “Why Starlight dear, how nice it is to see you again. You should have said something, I could’ve made us something before you arrived. Please have a seat.” She motioned towards the new addition of her boutique. She was now doing hair, since the only hair business in town closed due towards the owner getting a huge break in Canterlot, one such break that Rarity always desired. Instead of coming back with food, like how I expected, she arrived with hair gels, conditioner and all kinds of product. “Now lets fix that mess you call a mane, you wouldn’t want to have a dirty mane when trying to talk to some mares now would you?” She tried using mares as an incentive to let her mess with my hair. I allowed her to start experimenting, as I never owned or seen a real life pony before, I don’t really know many looks I liked, so I let her play with it. Yet what she said struck me; even after turning into a Stallion, I had no interest in mares other than as friends. I vaguely remembered what Twilight said about my mind. “STARLIGHT WAKE UP!” I awoke in Twilights class room, she was still trying to teach me all she could cram in before I had left with Rainbow. “Good now back to talking about your development.” “Wait, you were actually talking about something important?” I didn’t want to sound like I was being smart, yet I was and Twilight wasn’t amused and continued. “As I was saying, your body may be fully developed yet your mind has not yet. It may take up to a year for you to start behaving and reacting normally like a pony.” She further explained that I would slowly develop feelings that will seem more natural, in specific love. A human wouldn’t normally feel deep intimacy towards a mare, yet as my brain develops I will. Which is exactly what I needed, basically another years worth of puberty. Who knows what wonders come with PONY puberty? Rarity finally snapped me back to reality when she accidently lobed a handful of shampoo into my eyes, which had been focused on my new snout. I cried out in pain, and ran to the closest sink to start washing it out. During the madness, all I could hear was Rarity’s frantic apologies. After I was done, I looked into the mirror again to see where she was getting at. Suddenly I was in awe. The once subtle difference in my two hair colors, different shades of blue now shown off. She was putting in gel to spike up the front, but I flattened it against my face a bit, to an appropriate position. I turned to her with a smile on my face. “This is perfect Rarity, thank you.” “Are you sure, I haven’t even added the sparkles yet.” Confused, I looked at the picture she was working off of, and looked surprised at the frufy hair she picked for me. I’m pretty damned lucky she dropped gel in my eye, or else everypony would have laughed at its craziness. I walked back to the tree house for the seconded time. Twilight was there, disappointed but not surprised. “I’ll try to not drag on as much anymore. I herd that your flying is getting better. Your partner in crime explained everything; as long as you were productive I don’t care. You better get some shut eye, your going to have a big day tomorrow.” I didn’t argue. As a plopped into the couch I relaxed. I could get used to this having so much peace and quiet. To feel supported finally, it is going to be a good year. I’m not so concerned for the up and coming events. Why should I, this is literally a restart and I’m going to make the most of it. > Boys Night (+1 Mare) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pwnification Chapter 4 You know when you were a kid, and every time when it’s your birthday and a friend throws you a surprise party, you are really surprised even though you remembered your birthday? Well I felt like that kid today, but instead of telling you about that first, let me explain the build up. I awoke again to a bucket of water in the face and followed Apple Jack to sweet Apple Acres. I helped Macintosh weather proof the barn. We did a good job and finished in enough time for some famous Apple Family apple sauce. Apple Jack seemed nervous, and when I asked her about the problem she said there was none. Since she was the element of honesty, I didn’t think twice as to her telling the truth. I should of noticed the lie of course, yet I was too enveloped in thinking about what kind of life I would lead her when suddenly Big Mac spoke. He seemed to speak a lot around me, as if something about me makes him feel he needs to explain more, well I was practically as smart as a foul when it came to pony communication, so I wasn’t too offended. “Hey Starlight, you wanna hang out with me and Braeburn?” I wasn’t sure who Braeburn was, but before being able to ask the question, a yellow colt sporting a stereotypical cowboy hat entered, shouting: “HOWDY FROM AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPLEOSA!” I now remembered who Braeburn was, and officially face hoofed for the first time. Big Mac chuckled in agreement and returned the greeting. For those of you who don’t know Braeburn, he is that really obnoxious pony from the episode where Apple Jack visits her distant family. Braeburn was Mac’s cousin. So I did my best not to insult the guy, but he was pretty annoying. “So Mac, you wanted to hang with this new fella?” Mac replied with a simple “Eeyup” Braeburn then approached me and shook my hoof very firmly and quickly, asking for my name. “WHY HOWDY PARTNER, WHAT'S YOUR NAME?” “Starlight…” “You ready to see how real Stallions hang? I’ve seen you with the girls, and although being a ladies' man is nice, you need to know how to be one of the guys. Imagine this as one of yer ‘Lessons.’” Any class Braeburn was teaching I would normally think to avoid, but if Macintosh thought it was a fine idea, then it shouldn’t have been to bothersome. Like I said before not many things made sense that day, which should’ve tipped me off. We left the farm, and went down to town, where we screwed around. Basically we checked out girls. At least, Braeburn was. Me and Macintosh were admiring some music equipment in Octavia’s new store, replacing the old Hair Salon. “You play music?” asked Macintosh amused with my stare at an electronic six string. “I used to play guitar when I had fingers, how do you guys play?” “Care to find out?” I followed Macintosh in as Braeburn was winking at Twilight, probably running errands, she had an unusually huge load, yet I wasn’t surprised. Which was stupid, as something so huge was happening right under my snout! I watched Big Macintosh as he draped the guitar over him, and he started playing an acoustic. He used his one hoof as a pick, while the other had a device on it which allowed controlled pressure on the fret depending how he angled it. He played a soothing country song, which sounded like it deserved lyrics, yet he remained silent. “Amazing” I caught myself saying. “Eeyup.” Macintosh said with an amused smile. We walked back outside, finding Braeburn missing. After some searching, we found him, gawking at a group of girls talking over tea at the café’. I honestly couldn’t see the appeal, yet I caught Macintosh say a quick, silent and sly “Eeeeyup.” I pulled both away, hoping to change the course of this hang out. Yet I soon felt as dumbfound as them as we walked by Rarity’s boutique. The most beautiful, colorful thing emerged from the store. Instantly causing my wings to fly up, causing a awkward ‘FWOOP’ noise. Noticing the display, Braeburn and Macintosh made quick work of hiding my wings by pushing their sides against my wings, forcing them back into place. After the surprising move, I tried getting a second look before the mare disappeared. Flying swiftly away as if she wasn’t there in the first place. “Looks like some pony has a drive after all!” exclaimed Braeburn, shocked and relieved. “Why the hell did my wings do that?” “My golly you ARE dumber than a foul. When pegasus are attracted to something, their wings shoot up.” I couldn’t admit it my self, but I had no control over the incident. Apparently I can develop control over it, but for the moment that reaction will stay spontaneous. We kept on talking and walking, although now my mind was stuck on the same thought. It was as if two sides of my brain were fighting for dominance. One side couldn’t help but exclaim how hot she was. The other half preaching how she’s a pony, and I’m a human. Then I remembered, I’m not human anymore, I should stop fighting with myself and let my feelings run free. It was becoming dark, and to end our day of screwing around, Braeburn suggested us going back to Sweet Apple Acres for some apple cider. I considered the pony alcoholic beverage, and debated in my mind, but my curiosity got to the best of me, and I followed back to the farm. We walked up the dirt road up to one of the barns, where the apparent stash was hidden. When we opened the door we were not greeted by the promised liquor, but a party cannon to the face, effectively knocking me back into the mud. I then heard the screams… of joy as the chorus sang out. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG MACINTOSH!” Yup. Bet you didn’t see that one coming… ok so they may have also screamed “AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY STARLIGHT!” Yet I wanted to see what you would think. Anyway yup it was a surprise party. I was filled of confusion, but instead of asking about the party, I found myself crying. Everyone looked concerned about me. So I had to clarify, through my tears. “YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST EVER!” I screamed while sobbing. No one ever threw me a surprise party, once. My dad never got me anything since my mom died, and even then we couldn’t afford huge parties, yet this party was the biggest. I was never so thankful in my life. All of those faces staring at my crying face cared enough to throw me a party. I never thought I would see the day, when people I have known only for a few days would do such a thing. It is unheard of where I’m from but here, I was so happy. I was suddenly surrounded in what could be considered the biggest hug in the world. Cake was had and gifts were given, the one standing out the most was the very same six string I had my eye on while walking around. Octavia was the giver, and I couldn’t thank her enough. One of my biggest worries was losing my music to this transformation, but now I could give these ponies the gift of human music to their lives. Like they gave me the gift of life themselves. The beautiful mare I met earlier that day was there as well. Her Rainbow mane hanging in front of her face. Everyone was dressed up, and Rarity was kind enough to clean the mud off of me and give me a nice suit, yet she stood out to me. After trying it’s hardest one half of my brain gave in for now, yet didn’t know what to do. I acknowledged my feeling, now how was I going to deal with it? I decided to put it off, and enjoy the party. Since it was also Macintosh's party, we had two whole cakes for each of us, causing both of us to go home sick from eating too much. Today could be considered the best day ever. Not only did everypony I have met came to support me on my birthday, I became self-realized in my emotions, and found my first love in Rainbow Dash. I’ve had little crushes before, yet I couldn’t help but become flushed in the face with a rose color every time I thought about her. She was exactly what I looked for in a girl, she was spunky, cool, kind, loyal and she was beautiful. When I try to sleep all I can think of is her. “What do I say?” > Rainbow Down > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pwnification Chapter 5 I sat on the front stoop waiting for her. I have been repeating the same cycle over and over again for the past month. Wake up early to go help out the Apple Family and get a free meal there. Then I double back here for the tree house for some lessons about history or some other topic of Twilight’s interest. Sometimes instead I would be with Pinkie or Fluttershy learning to cook and take care of animals. Then I wait here for Rainbow Dash to take me to new heights, literally. She has been practically helping me learn to walk again. She would show me how to fly, where to fly, when and where to catch good wind and most importantly how to gain speed. After slowly becoming a better flyer and flying more often I understood Rainbow’s need to sleep and eat a lot. Pegasus burn a lot of energy flying so we need to eat a lot and rest up to keep ourselves going. I eventually want to help the weather team, yet they say I need to take some flying courses at Cloudsdale University. This wouldn’t be a problem normally since the tests aren’t that hard. The only problem is GETTING there. Cloudsdale is pretty far from Ponyville and it is pretty high up. I just barely reached cloud level the other day, Rainbow doesn’t let me fly really high normally, but I’m sure I can do better. I want to convince her today. The faster I join the weather team the more time I spend with her anyway. Half of my brain started to have a full out brawl with the other again, and I started to feel confused again. How would that work anyway? Would she ever accept me as another pony? Will I let my self fall in love with a pony in the first place? For some reason, somewhere in my mind I still feel like it’s a terrible idea to like ponies. Wasn’t it me who said awhile ago that I didn’t find horses attractive? Now look at me, I can’t even think straight for ten seconds without burning images of her flank running across my mind. I decided to take out my guitar. Its red finish shinned in the sun as I played a metal version of the title music of My Little Pony. Some ponies have asked about where the tune came from, and I just claim it as my own. I only got to play a verse when a familiar rainbow blur started zooming over town, showing off as usual. I didn’t mind as she had the right too, she was practically a star in this small town and hey, I enjoyed the show too. My wings started to spread out as she approached, but I quickly collapse them. I started getting better at doing that. I had to as I learned the hard way how not being able to control my wings could end up. I was following Rainbow Dash mid flight, when I looked up to see her, her haunches were almost right in my face! My wings stiffened harder than rock and I started to fall. I was able to recover, and when I was asked what was wrong I just told her that I needed more practice. That is probably why she wants me low to the ground. What am I supposed to say? “You got a nice ass Rainbow Dash! That’s why I almost fell!” I face hoofed at the very though of it. She landed as if on que in front of me, and nodded. “How’d you like THAT!” After being deep in though about my affections about her I had forgotten to pay attention to her show. “You did great!” I said unconvincingly We took off for her place like usual, yet when we arrived next to Rainbow’s home there was a huge cloud, with some rainbow pools in it. “Well today, we are building you a cloud castle.” I looked at the giant pile of cloud in shock and stared at Rainbows palace next door. “You mean to tell me you did that all by yourself?” “Are you kidding? I had a friend help, and it took forever yet it was worth it.” “You don’t have to do this for me.” “Well I won’t be doing it alone.” “Well of course you wouldn’t but I mean I can stay in the tree house.” “No you can’t. Trust me, once you sleep on a cloud you’ll never go back. Now that you’re flying more seriously you're going to need some better sleep. If you want to keep up with me you are going to need lots of rest, and luck.” She winked at me. “Challenge Accepted.” We began first on working on the base of the future castle. I never realized how complicated these fortresses are. Basically, if you want to shape the clouds that way you want it on the top, you need a good big base to keep the thing afloat. Not everything was pure cloud. In order for the building on top to keep form, water crystals formed together tightly make nice pillars, and they can only be held up by a strong cloud. After about two hours of forming together the base cloud, Rainbow and I began flattening the top. While focused in our work, we crashed into each other, and began to laugh and admire our handiwork. Yet we couldn’t really find time to laugh long, as a small grey Pegasus flew right to Rainbow in a panic. It was a very nervous Derpy Hooves. “Whats the matter pal?” inquired Rainbow Dash “We have problem with storm from Everfree!” Her grammar was a bit off, but the message was clear, weather team duty. I sighed, when she first said we were building this castle together, I figured this meant a lot of time with each other but in the end Rainbow just gets pulled away again. Ruining a nice moment I was having. Yet when I looked into the direction where Rainbow and Derpy were heading, the situation didn’t look good. There was a huge menacing black cloud coming our way from Everfree it didn’t compare to the platform I am on now. I followed quickly behind, flying higher and higher to get a better look. It definitely looked like it was going to be heavy rain, and winds were already picking up against me. Following Rainbows advice on flying against the wind, I managed to make it to the meeting spot of the weather team. Derpy flew away again to pass the message along to other ponies of importance. “Okay team, we got a massive storm our way. It is too big to stomp out, so the best we can attempt to do is change the direction. I’m gonna need every able bodied Pegasus on this job.” He acknowledged me being there with a nod. “Are you here to help boy?” I started to say I would, when Rainbow interrupted. “He isn’t really that great of a flier yet sir.” “Oh really Rainbow? Were my eyes fooling me then when I saw him fly towards us against the biggest gust storm this town has seen in history? He is good enough for this job.” She looked at me with concern written all over her face, but I knew I could do this. We began spreading the word, in case we failed the town needed to get ready for rapid flooding. I helped the Apple family before being called to prepare to change the course of the cloud. “Now, everyone is going to need to get situated around the cloud, and we will begin prodding it in a different direction. Be careful of the strong winds, if you get caught, remember your training.” I followed along with every Pegasus in Ponyville, with Rainbow at my side. “You sure you can do this Starlight?” “More sure than you can imagine. Heck I was going to ask you to let me fly up to Cloudsdale height today if this storm didn’t come along.” She nodded knowingly, she out of anypony understood the longing to prove themselves. We finally reached the forest and took pre-assigned positions around the cloud when suddenly a gust of wind clipped everypony surrounding it, as if the cloud was protecting itself. Everypony came out of it fine, even me. At least, that was what I thought. I herd a scream of terror as someone pointed out a falling Rainbow Dash who got struck in the head by some flying debris, and now seemed lifeless. Everypony wanted to go after them, yet the Boss yelled at all of them to stay on the cloud, as it was too dangerous to go down there. Another second later and another gust of wind came by and knocked all of the Pegasus back to ponyville, except for me. I was already on my decent towards the forest to save Rainbow Dash. I was knocked by the wind into a tree branch, which instead of snapping itself broke my wing. I landed with a thud, and slowly got up with a pain in my left wing. “Don’t worry Rainbow, I got you.” > Healing Warmth (Start of better quality work.) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pwnification Chapter Six I slowly raised myself off the ground, and felt a sharp pain in my left wing. Turning my head to observe the damage, I almost made myself sick. There was blood everywhere, and I could see the bone in my wing. No matter how much it hurt, Rainbow was in more trouble. There are tons of mysterious and unknown creatures in the forest, if one were to pick her up as a afternoon snack I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. I started to walk in the direction that I saw Rainbow fall. Time seemed to creep down to a full stop, leisurely leaking by while I walked towards her. This was getting bad. If Rainbow had survived her fall, would she be able to survive the cold of this storm? I need to focus. She's a tough pony and could power through yet, if her crash was as bad or worse than mine, she probably couldn’t fight off the wicked monsters in the forest. I walked at a sluggish limp, gradually making progress towards what I hoped was Rainbow’s landing site. When the storm cloud looming above started producing snow I started to panic and proceeded to walk faster, hoping to get there in time. However, as hard as I tried the massive pain in my left side gave me a limit, forcing me to continue at the slothful gait I started with. After walking about three miles I broke through some thick underbrush into a small clearing. I immediately recognized a rainbowed mane sticking out of some bushes at the edge of the clearing. I was glad to see Rainbow, regardless of the fact that she was half in a bush. I sprinted over, ignoring the pain in my side, and gently wiped the light sheet of snow off of her wings and mane. The ragged breathing I heard almost made me cry, she was unconsious. Trying as much as I could to keep her warm, I spread myself over her body, distributing my own body heat to the most important areas: her head and core. When she started breathing regularly I started to think of a way out of here. One thing I knew, we couldn't stay out in the cold. I had to take her to some kind of shelter. There seemed to be a small path immediately beyond the ever-present veil of thickening snow. If my memory of the history lessons from Twilight was correct, I seem to remember that there was a bridge just a few miles down this path that would lead to The Temple of the Two Sisters. We could stay there until rescue arrived, It was a well known landmark for the few ponies that knew how to navigate the forest. Using my good wing, I lifted her figure up and let her roll onto my back, tucking her head into my mane to keep the wind out of her face. I would have to make multiple stops to warm her up again. With all the extra weight, we could collapse in a quite unpleasant spot, making the trip that much more difficult. I began the listless journey towards the temple. Hoping to make it there in a reasonable amount of time. The snow pounded out a never-ending yet ever-changing rythym against my face. What should have been an hour long walk turned into five. As night decended, the moon casted its silvery rays through breaks in the massive storm cloud. As I walked over the bridge I caught sight of the shadowy outline of the Temple of the Two Sisters in the distance, nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding landscape. I cast a glance up at the temple's tower where we would most likely be staying, then walked on. I treaded my way up the icy staircase, stumbling slightly a few times as the wind blew in through a few open stone windows. I opened the oak door to the room at the top and stepped over the threshold, depositing my precious cargo onto the floormat close to a small fireplace. There wasn't any wood in the small pit inside the fireplace, and nothing in the way of combustibles could be found in the room save a curtain, a few tapestries, and the floormat. Instead of burning the curtains and fine art, I ventured out into snow again, making sure to close the massive oak door to the tower room as I walked out. Building fires without matches is harder than you think. It was difficult enough when I was a human, in the boy scouts you would need to set up your camp no matter where you landed. Trying to use human digits to manipulate objects with the purpose of building is a chore for the average human to begin with. In the cold, you would have to maneuver your freezing fingers to adjust metal poles and wood, which was often painful. When you have hooves instead of hands, you can’t even get a good grasp of the simplest stick. After many failures to grasp the birch branch between my teeth, I was able to cause enough friction for the fire to finally spark and combust into a great roaring flame. I selfishly soaked in the heat for a few moments, relishing the tingling feeling leaving my body, when I remembered I had a mare to warm up first. After throwing on a bit of pine needles and a few various sap-covered sticks to fuel the fire, I grabbed one of the extra floormats rolled up in the corner, and secured Rainbow and myself in a makeshift blanket next to the fire. With the combination of my body heat and the fire, she was nice and toasty. Once I was sure she was warm enough to get uncovered from the blankets, I spent the next two hours examining the various wounds that covered the majority of Rainbow's body. Judging by the way her wings looked, they might be broken. The same could be said of her legs. Her head was pretty messed up too, her rainbow mane had streaks of blood from the cut she got when she collided with the oak tree at the edge of the clearing. Her coat was matted with dried blood from the many scrapes and cuts that made a criss-crossed graffiti-like pattern. These wounds had to be cleaned and covered, yet I had no medical supplies. So I improvised. I salvaged one of the remaining curtains and tore them into strips, making two dozen dusty bandages out of them. I tried the best I could to wash out her wounds with a bit of melted snow, but ended up resorting to just using my tongue; I licked the wounds clean like a dog would to themselves. I used a few of the cleaner looking strips to start wrapping her head, hoping to minimize the blood loss. Soon she was covered in the purple fabric, stained with the fresh blood that still leaked out of some wounds. Her breathing finally smoothed out into the steady whisp of air I remember from the time I first met her. When I first started to help her, it was to help her survive, yet now I couldn’t help but stay close to her. Whether it was my infatuation or the need to feel safe I still don’t know but I can’t bear to let go of her. Licking some parts of her body didn’t help the awkwardness I felt. She finally woke up with a shocked look on her face, reeling back slightly before she gasped in pain. She started to panic, but calmed a bit when she heard me breath into her ear. “You’re safe, don’t you pass out again” She turned to see me smiling at her sheepishly, I had been cradling her against my chest for hours. Her face was plastered with obvious concern. “You could’ve killed yourself you know, chasing after me like that.” She said bluntly, with a tad bit more harshness than I thought was necessary. I blinked. “My life wouldn’t have been worth living if you had died and I didn’t try to help you.” I stated in a soft voice. She couldn’t help but blush at this, yet it was true. I would do this for any friend, it just so happened the Rainbow meant more to me than anypony else. I really liked Rainbow Dash, yet why do I? My brain was still having a bare knuckle boxing match about the matter. She looked speechless, and it started to seem as if she wanted to have the space to herself, so I started to leave the blanket. “WAIT!” she said gasping as if I was taking away her life line. “Can you please… hold me again?” I couldn’t help but let out a huge blush as I re-entered the blanket and wrapped a fore-leg around her. I let my broken wing rest lazily over her body as well. We laid there cherishing the warmth for all it could provide. I looked out of one of the newly exposed windows that I borrowed the cloth from and noticed that the blizzard had stopped. I was relived for only a moment before stiffening at the thought of what the morning would bring. The blizzard was the only thing keeping the creatures in the forest at bay, how were they going to look for a way out tomorrow without having an encounter with Timber Wolfs or Diamond Dogs? I couldn’t let Rainbow in on my fears now, I had to be the brave one for us. “I think we should get some sleep.” I whispered. She was way ahead of me. I again heard her trademark whisping and felt the light breeze it made hit my neck. She turned in her sleep to face me. Her cyan coat, dotted with flickering shadows from the fire, embellished her already beautiful form in her sleep. The most beautiful mare in the world, and she was all mine in my gentle embrace. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I leaned in and kissed her on the forehead, like a mother would do for her foal, and laid down next to her. Tired from the day's events, I soon follwed Rainbow into the realm of deep sleep. The next morning I awoke to a strange smell, apple cinnamon oatmeal. “Oh great, you have awoke. I am so glad you are alive, I do believe your tummy just spoke?” asked a familiar sounding Zebra. Editors Note This chapter is by far the best in quality. This is all thanks to Micheal Lazarowicz, A.K.A. Sirisma. He has done a great job at editing and giving me tips. Referring me to writers guides and Thesauruses. Thank you so much, and hopefully I can call on you again! Also, for those of you who have asked. I use Microsoft Word for my stories. Though I here most people recommend OpenOffice, so I may be changing to this if it helps my quality improve.