I'm a mare?

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My name is Leon Harrison and I’ve a fairly normal life and it’s been that way for a while. I’ve no real complaints- or at least none that I can actually do anything about. See I’m actually picked on a lot, even by my own family members, though it’s mostly just teasing from them but from others it’s much worse. First off there is a new show that has come on recently that’s like a new generation of this really girly show, I thought I wouldn’t like it because of its history but I watched with some insisting from people that I couldn’t really call friends but they weren’t mean like the others. I was actually amazed that it was as good as it was it actually was pretty entertaining. I found it strangely addicting and people found out about me likening the show and now I’m bullied mercilessly, I was already picked on enough because of the fact I could play instruments like the harp and even have a lyre that my grandma gave me, I didn’t even know where she found a lyre but I loved the thing. It was cool and it made a nice sound, I would actually play it to calm me down at home whenever I’ve had a stressful day so I’ve grown to be pretty good at it.

So I’m a lyre playing brony, the perfect target for hazing and bullying. For crying out loud I’m a Junior in high school, from the way everyone talks about Juniors and Seniors you would think I get a little respect. Then again it doesn’t really matter; I have my share of fun messing with them. You’d be surprised at how much you can beat someone down just by smiling, joking, and acting friendly. Even if they refuse to actually be any sort of friend they wouldn’t mess with me for risk of others attacking them for picking on someone innocent. Try this at home kids, it works a lot.

Anyways I was walking home from school, the day was nice, the sky was clear and the air was crisp with fall weather. I loved it because I could wear my favorite hoodie; it was plain but had a nice mint green color to it. I was walking down the street with the forest off to my side, my house was next to the forests edge but it was on another street it took a while going around it and I’ve only cut through it a few time to get to my home faster when I was late or I had to do something important, neither of these were the case but I had an urge to take the short cut so I started going through the woods… I’ve been told I have lousy impulse control problems, but I don’t think so. “I don’t even know why I’m going through here.” I said to myself, I have a bad habit of doing that. “I guess it doesn’t really matter, it’s a nice day, and I can stand to be outside longer. My little ponies can wait awhile; I did record it after all.” They play a new episode last Saturday and I was busy both on that day and on Sunday so today I can make up for it today. It’s only the third episode they’ve made so far anyways. My thoughts went on to what it could be about; they fixed the Nightmare Moon problem and all. So maybe it’s just some normal episodes from here on, it was cool but it didn’t strike me as the type of thing that would delve too deep into violence

My thoughts were interrupted by me tripping over something. I didn’t make the most graceful landing ever and actually fell flat on my face. “Good thing no one was around I guess. That’s pretty embarrassing.” I laughed in embarrassment spitting out some dirt I ended up tasting. I pulled myself into a sitting position and turned around to see what I tripped over. To my astonishment it was a weird piece of metal. It was a shiny golden color and was shaped like a sun. the odd thing about it was that, as I said, it was shiny like someone just lost it, but also that it was impaled into the ground half of it under the dirt, like someone tried to use it as if it was a ninja star or something- something doesn’t just happen to fall in such a perfect position like that. Even more importantly is that, to the best of my knowledge, I’m the only one that goes through here. It was odd but I felt like touching it I crawled over to it to inspect the thing closer, nothing too odd about it but whoever made this did a fine job. It looked like it was made of real gold and was flawlessly made, not a single scratch, dent or imperfection to be seen… whoa, I sounded like Rarity for a moment. I had to pick the thing up, I want to touch it.

But as soon as I did something happened “Ah!” I yelled dropping the thing and looked at my hand, a scratch. It was small but it was right on my palm. “Geez, that hurt.” I said to myself, stating the obvious. I didn’t know what happened really, I was carful and it didn’t look too sharp either. I looked at my hand closer, it didn’t look too bad or anything, maybe a Band-Aid or something but nothing to worry about “I’ll try this one more time.” I said and even more carefully picked it up. Nothing else really happened and I headed home.

(~@)

As soon as I got home I through myself onto the couch and flipped on the TV I had the episode’s made so far on DVR, my parents don’t know how to work the thing so I have that handy little feature all to myself and I planned on having an ever growing playlist on MLP on my TV DVR “Hehe, lots of acronyms all in a row.” I chuckled quietly to myself. I decided on another of my weird whims that I would watch all three in order and started to first one. I set the odd sun emblem on the coffee table for now and picked up my trusty lyre from the other side of the couch and started to play the tune for the opening along with the show. It was actually easier to play when your reference was playing at the same time.

“Hey I’m pretty good.” I commented as I was playing, it didn’t matter if I was watching a rerun because my mom and my grandma have both said “Anything worth seeing is worth seeing again.” I let out a small yawn, guess school took more out of me than I thought.

(~!)

“Look around, I’ve been told that they saw someone enter the stalls.” I heard a strong tough voice call out. I stirred groggily waking up, I didn’t remember falling asleep. I heard several other voices start talking but I couldn’t quite make them out and I didn’t want to open my eyes to find out. I wander if those loud neighbors had some people over or something. Honestly can’t a guy get some sleep.

“I found somepony.”

I let out a short quiet laugh, I still had the show on the brain it seemed, and I thought he just said “Somepony” Then I felt someone poking me in the side apparently trying to wake me up…or in my case, getting up. I waved my arm at whoever it was and rolled over “Not now,” I said “come back later.” At the time I should have noticed something odd, like how my voice sounded higher, but I was still half asleep.

“Can’t do that Ma’am your trespassing and I’ll give you one last warning to get out peacefully.” This caught my attention immediately. I pulled myself to a sitting position.

“’Ma’am?! Just who do you think you are telling me to get out and why gives you right to order me?” It was after this comment that I made a shocking discovery. A white Unicorn in shining armor with several other armored ponies stood in front of me.

“We are the guards of Celestia and she gives us the right to protect the castle from intruders.” I apparently just used up my last chance because I was suddenly being dragged out of what apparently was a stall filled with hay. Something told me I wasn’t in Kansas anymore.

After a while of being dragged through the castle my brain had time to catch up with the situation. This is all a dream of some kind, no way something could actually drag me out of my world and put me here in a cartoon. However it was extremely awesome to see the show from a 3D perspective. Dream or not it was awesome! I was asked a lot of questions all revolving around the basic idea of how I even got in the castle, to which I could honestly say… I have no idea. “Sleep walking?” I questioned innocently. They didn’t seem to like that too much. A few moments of silence later and I got bored so I started asking questions. “So what’s it like in the castle? Any fun being a guard? How come that one guy has a cool sliver and purple set of armor when the rest of you have the same thing? Boooring! I think there should be more color here, don’t you agree?”

“Be quiet. For the love of Celestia be quiet!” Well that was rude, I thought ponies would be a little more open and welcoming. He didn’t even want to answer a single question, the rudeness.

“Hey,”

“What?!” The guard on my right moaned angrily

“Where are we going?” before I knew it I was literately thrown out of the castles front doors and right on my face, why my face?! I lifted the top half of myself from the concrete and rubbed my head “That answers my question… I guess.” Then I felt a piece of metal being thrown at the back of my head “Ack! Hey that was unnecessary!” I said angrily shaking my fist at them… only I had no fist, I had a hoof, a mint green hoof. No wait I had two-no four! Other ponies were walking around and a few I could tell were looking at the strange green pony lying down in the road looking over himself like he just grew an extra appendage. Well I should say herself now and that freaked me out more. My manhood was gone!

I wanted to believe this was all a weird dream but after getting my lyre thrown at my head- which was still hurting by the way- I had a good amount of pain to tell me this was so terribly real. “Oh crap,” I said to myself and looked myself over again and poking various parts as if they would suddenly appear normal “No, no, no, no.” I stood awkwardly on four legs, it was so weird but it felt natural. This isn’t good at all, I fall asleep and I just wake up as a pony and not just a pony, but a female one! Oh universe, you have such a sick sense of humor. But I guess in the grand scheme of things it made a little sense, I mean I have noticed that there are a lot more Mares and fillies than Stallions and colts. But still, Why me?

I picked up my lyre that somehow managed to follow me into another universe and decided to look around, this is Canterlot and there is bound to be something here that could give me a sense of what is happening around here. It was awkward holding my instrument in my mouth but it was the only physical way I could hold it unless I was like a unicorn or something, I’m defiantly not a Pegasus and that’s a shame, I thought they were kind of cool. I had to walk slowly because it was a little strange having to coordinate four legs into walking. It gave me a chance to take a look around too, all the fancy dressed ponies and the nice looking houses and stores. The street was pretty one way and a lot of ponies ignored me or looked at me strangely like I didn’t belong there, I defiantly didn’t like the looks I got from a few Stallions. I felt a few chills go up my spine on that one. The street eventually met three other streets, a lot of different ponies were sitting around the small park in the center and many others just walking by on whatever business they had. I felt someone push by me “Oh sorry.” A young male voice called out.

I spit out my lyre “Oh, it’s all… right?” I slowed down as I saw a familiar purple dragon carrying a gift go past me in a rush. This looked familiar I sped up to a trot to try to catch him but I quickly lost him in the crowd. I went back to pick up my instrument and went on my way, no real sense in trying to find him and I had my own problems. As I made my way to the center of the crossroads I sat my instrument on the side of the fountain and I happened to catch me reflection “Huh,” I said with a grin “Fancy that. I’m actually not too bad looking. Wait did that sound vain? Oh well.” I had golden eyes and a mane the same color of my coat with white or lighter streaks of green in them. It was messy looking but at the same time didn’t look too bad, it was like organized chaos with my mane. Not bad if I do say so myself, also I’m a Unicorn! I got to wondering if I had a mark as well and turned to look at my flank, I honestly had doubts since I’m not really-or not supposed to be- a pony. Amazingly I did and it was my lyre, pretty cool. I saw an old pony walk by and he looked like he was a smart guy, er Stallion or whatever you call them! He had a plain colored coat that was a beige color and a grey mane to match his apparent old age. He had a mark on his flank that looked like a scroll, I think my sister and she was a fan long before I was of my little pony, called them cutie marks. I decided to ask him a question “Um, Excuse me!” I called to him and he turned to me.

“Yes ma’am?” I cringed at that remark but tried to play it off.

“Uh, do you know where a library is?”

“Of course, you just go down that road on the right.” He said pointing down a different road. I thanked him and went off with my Lyre in my mouth again, I really need to learn that whole magic thing. I went down the street with not much a change in scenery other than various colorful, snooty ponies that would go by. It was after a while of dull walking that that I bumped into a purple Unicorn with a similar mane style to my own and three cut diamonds cutie mark.

“Oh, hey” She spoke to me “Cool you have a lyre!” That was the first thing for her to say to me? No “I’m sorry for bumping into you”

But what she said was shocking and amazing “Yeew wike wa wyre” I said with the thing still in my mouth, but she could still make it out.

“Of course! I’m not very good at it myself but you have a lyre cutie mark so you must be good.” Well isn’t she nice. “I’m Amethyst Star, what’s your name?”

“wewa harsting”

“Lyra Heartstring?” I spit it out

“Lyra?” I repeated somewhat dumfounded I’m not really a guy anymore and Leo wouldn’t really work all things considered but still it felt weird to be named anything other than my real name. Amethyst looked at me expectantly “I mean- yeah I’m Lyra, it’s just that I’m surprised you understand me so well.” I smiled. We spent a lot of time just talking, she had so many interesting things to talk about and although I wasn’t learning about what I wanted know at this point it was still helpful in a different way. Talking to me about the better places to eat around here and not a whole lot of the food mentioned sounded too edible, except for things like pastries, and apples. I’m going to probably have to eat something so I might as well prepare to eat sandwiches with grass and hay in it.

It was then I heard the rushed clopping of hooves and saw another familiar sight. A certain studious purple Unicorn was galloping our way. If anyone can help it’ll probably be a main character! I waved her down but she totally ignored me and ran past me! Well that was rude too. Amethyst Star commented on it too but despite myself I couldn’t help but laugh “I can’t believe I just met Twilight Sparkle!”

“You can hardly call that ‘meeting’ Lyra.”

“Ha, it was amazing- even though she ignored me- I came almost in complete contact with a main character.”

“What are you talking about? Main character? Is there some sort of play happening?” I realized what I just said a little too late, but at least I had an idea of what’s happening. I’m in the first episode! In theory I should just be able to leave this world as soon as it ends.

“Oh, it’s nothing important that you need to worry about.” I smiled innocently and looked to see a small town out in the distance; Ponyville was probably the best guess. “Out of curiosity, what’s the best way to get to Ponyville?”

“By train, why?” Because if I’m only in this world for one episode then I’m going to enjoy it to the fullest. That was the real reason but I dare not even speak of it here. I don’t know how they would react, first off and I don’t want to take the chance. I thanked her for the company and ran off to where she told me the train station was, I get to go to a Pinkie party! I only got to see a part of it in the show but now I get to experience the whole thing, it looked amazing! My heart was beating so fast from pure excitement and I was bouncing and skipping in complete unrestrained joy. I’m sure I looked strange to everyone watching me but I didn’t care. I would have to get used to adopted name of Lyra and my new gender role for the time being but other than that it was a good day.

However there was a snag in my plan, apparently money still existed except they called it bits and I was bitless. Hehe, never thought I’d say that. The short ride to Ponyville was only 20 bits relatively a lot by this worlds standards but since one bit is only a single coin it seemed like I only had to give twenty cents by human standards. The only problem was I had no idea how to get that much in a short amount of time. The day was still young but if I spent my limited amount of time just working then I’ll miss my chance. My thoughts drifted from an instrument store I saw further back down the street I came from and down to my Lyre. I knew what I had to do get enough money but it hurt so much to think about. Well good buddy… we had some good times. I hesitantly trotted off from the train station to the store.

The store had so many different kinds of instruments, quite a few I wondered how a creature with hooves could play but I let it be. My mind was somewhere else entirely the thought of parting with the love of my life and my best friend, Lyre. I’ll miss ya’ buddy. I set my Lyre on the counter in front of the store owner. “Who much can I get for this?” I said trying to hide the sadness.

(~!)

I managed to get on the train just before it took off. I had just ten bits left and the store owner, Record Tapes, was nice enough to give me a saddlebag to keep the money in for free. He told me something interesting too he had a Granddaughter that lived in Ponyville. He warned me that she loved loud music, but she was nice and he also told me to tell her that he said hi. He didn’t give me a name but I think I might know her when I see her- or hear her. At the moment I was trying to find enough space to set my stuff down and sit. When I finally found a place to sit I came onto another problem, how do I sit on an actual seat? I looked at others and they had different positions they were sitting in. Some sat like I expected a pony to sit but some would seem to lie down. I tried both positions but it didn’t feel right to me. I shifted around in my seat hoping to make it feel more comfortable but it didn’t work. I eventually tried my own way and sat in an almost slouching position like a person instead of a pony. I had a feeling the other ponies were staring at me but when I would look over at some of them they were looking the other way… must be my imagination.

The train ride was short but then again you could see Ponyville from Canterlot. I hurriedly got off the train and for the first time stepped foot in Ponyville. It was Different from Canterlot in a lot of ways. First off it was big in size but not in height like Canterlot, I think the biggest building there was town hall. Everyone seemed happier and friendly, the atmosphere itself felt welcoming. I met a few nice ponies in Canterlot but a majority of them were snooty and rude. Got to be honest here I had barely contained excitement, I can’t really tell if it was actually me that was happy or if it was because of the body I had, I can’t remember being this excited about something since elementary school. It was pure and simple joy, mixed with my own excitable curiosity. I had to get a better look of the town, I need to explore every inch of this new land before Nightmare Moon comes, OH THAT WILL BE COOLER TOO! It was interesting and well made just on TV but now that the show has become a reality it will be cooler. My thoughts of how things will look from my new perspective were effectively interrupted when I heard my stomach growl… maybe I should get something to eat first. I have ten bits and things seem fairly cheap by people standards so I could probably get something good for only ten bits.

I trotted through town trying to find a place to eat I saw a few places but they had mainly food I didn’t care to try. Seriously a child could literally make some of this stuff; they had a sandwich with dandelions in it. My protesting stomach was telling me to eat something and a few times my mind crossed over into wanting to try one of those odd sandwiches. After what felt like a long time I caved in and decided to eat at one of these odd places when my nose caught the scent of something sweet- no, a lot of sweet things! “Candy?” I wondered out loud “I didn’t know there was candy in Equestria.” I hope nobody overheard that remark, there might be some suspicions of some kind and the show hasn’t been around long enough for me to know very much about this place. I followed the smell into a store that just read as Bon Bon’s. At least it seemed to promise candy.

I entered and saw an amazing amount of candies covering shelves along the walls with prices on them and a huge wall of candy even behind the counter. It all looked so good and smelled even better. There were ponies looking at the different candy trying to decide which one they wanted. A lot of these ponies were little fillies and colts but one stood out to me in this whole store. A Pink mare with a pink fluffy, curly mane and tail and a cutie mark that bared three balloons, she was talking to another mare that was behind the counter. She was cream colored with a fluffy mane and tail that was split in half by a second color, her mane and tail color were both pink and a dark blue. I tried to play it cool and walk up to the counter to get myself some candy but my excitement of meeting yet another main character was huge. “Oh hi,” the cream colored mare greeted as she noticed me approach “My name is Bon-Bon, welcome to my shop.”

Pinkie Pie let out a huge and deep gasp as soon as her eyes locked on to mine and quickly turned around “Make that DOUBLE! I need DOUBLE the candy!”

Bon-Bon seemed a bit surprised “B-But that’s the whole wall.” Does Pinkie even have the money for such a buy?

“It needs to be for two super duper big parties!”

“Why are you making a party?”

“Oh, for this new pony that came to Ponyville- but now there are two new ponies in Ponyville. I know you’re new because I’ve never seen you before and if I’ve never seen you before then you must be new because I know everypony in Ponyville and if you’re new then you don’t have any friends yet- and that must be so sad so I’m going to throw you a surprise party and invited tons of ponies!” She stopped after that long breathless sentence to take in huge breath.

I took this moment to get a word in “but if you just told me about it then it’s not a surprise.” This didn’t seem to bother here any and started to mess up my mane playfully.

“Silly filly, I didn’t say it would be today. It could be today or tomorrow or even the day after that or even next week.” She let go of me and backed up speaking the next part in an almost sinister way “You just never know…” she made a motion with one of her hooves as she backed up pointing her at her eyes and to mine.

“Not this again.” Bon-Bon moaned exasperatedly and covered her face with her hooves as if to ward of an oncoming headache.

If she was going to throw a party a later it may be when the episode ends and I would never get to experience a Pinkie party. “Hey wait! I’ve got a better idea for a party.”

“You do?” Pinkie asked

“You do?” Bon-Bon asked as well. Oh, I love to catch people off guard.

“Yeah, instead of two different parties, you should just make one huge super awesome party!” Pinkie let out a shocked gasp at the realization.

“You’re right! I should make a super-awesomely-amazing-fantastic-mega-party! I’ll invite everypony in Ponyville! Oh, this is so exciting!” Pinkie smiled running in place trying to contain herself.

“Will there be games?” I asked not nearly as excited but still pretty stoked.

“Of course, what party would it be without them? Oh, there needs to be tons of food too!”

“Right, you should go and visit all the other stores in town quickly.”

“Yeah, I should thanks for the help new pony!” she yelled as she sprinted to the door. I couldn’t just let her leave without my name but my real name would leave a lot of questions I don’t want to answer.

“My names Lyra, by the way!” I don’t know if she heard me or not but it did make me feel better somewhat. I hate that I have to refer to a female name but those are the cards life deals sometimes… the cards that tell you you’ll lose any attempt at winning it’s rigged little game. Seriously, I know there are a lot of mares in the show but there are plenty of stallions, albeit not as many, but still!

“So your Lyra, it kind of matches the Lyre cutie mark you have.” Bon-Bon said “Thanks for saving my store by the way, Celestia knows I need the bits but I can’t just be sold out for a few weeks.”

I smiled at the compliment “No problem, happy to help. Oh! I almost forgot why I came in here.” She gladly gave me a discount on the really sweet candy, which was fine by me. I wasn’t really into stuff like chocolate. I got a bunch of different kinds of colorful candy and they were the best thing I’ve ever tasted. Bon-Bon rocks at making candy. Yes, she makes her own but needs the supplies delivered to her. I thought it was fascinating actually, how does someone make candy with hooves?

We spent some time talking, sharing stories about the finer points of candy and music. Eventually I decided to leave, I needed to look around some more before the episode ended. As I turned around I was face to face with a blue mare with a mane that reminded me of toothpaste. She was smiling a big toothed grin and I swear her teeth were giving off their own light, they were so white. “Whoah!” I yelled out in surprise.

“Colgate, I never see you in here.”

The pony in question, Colgate, looked around me and at Bon-Bon with a look that wasn’t exactly friendly but not hateful either, it was more like… angry disappointment. With a name like Colgate I had a feeling I knew why “Honestly, under normal circumstances I would never step hoof in this teeth rotting sugar filled hole but Pearly White suggested that if I had a jar of candy at my office kids might like the dentist more. I don’t approve but, it kind of contradicts the whole visit but if it will stop them from struggling so much.” She let the last part hang in the air, we already understood. She was certainly eccentric with teeth, but her cutie mark confused me.

I pointed it out “Judging from you cutie mark your talent must have something to do with time.”

“Yeah,” Colgate said as if not understanding

“You’re a Dentist.”

“Yep,”

“… Well, uh… What does an Hourglass have to do with Dentistry?” It was the golden question but I didn’t get the answer I wanted.

“Nothing, I don’t really even remember what my talent is.” How does someone forget something like that? Especially when it’s tattooed on your butt.

“You’re a new face. Pinkie was talking about two unicorns, Lyra and Twilight, so which one are you?” It was odd but my new name was starting to grow on me a little… like a wart you want removed, I hate being called a girl-even though, you know, I technically am one- wait is there a difference between a woman and a Mare?

“I’m Lyra Heartstrings- but just call me Lyra.”

“I’m Colgate Fluorine Minuette, but just call me Colgate. I knew you were new because everypony in town comes to my building eventually and I never forget a face I’ve worked on. Can I say that you are just perfect?” She commented with a bright smile. ‘I am?’ I wondered “You’re coat is such a beautiful green and is just as clean and shiny as your teeth.” Probably because this body is brand new but for some reason the comment on my appearance made me feel far better than any man should feel. It made feel… pretty. I loved the thought and at the same time hated it; I have a girl brain in my head but have the essence of a man! It’s like I have two brains in my head. “I mean really, you must take good care of those teeth seeing how much you love sweets.” She gave me a friendly hug “I think we’re going to be fast friends.” Well this was certainly different and I didn’t see any of this coming. I left the shop the moment Colgate turned her attention back to Bon-Bon and the two started arguing. I couldn’t make heads or tails if they hated each other or not. But my mind kept going back the several times today I’ve been referred to my new gender. It made me feel uneasy, people-err, ponies- treating me in a way that no one would treat a man, being called miss or Ma’am. Just the girl name itself was odd feeling to me. But the last and most critical part that made me feel weird beyond what women could understand and what few men could imagine. Walking around naked without you’re manhood. Just normal naked would feel weird but it was a step more than that. The worst part is that it was really breezy, it’s super awkward. I could feel a blush crawl up my face the more I thought about the oddity. I tried to think about something else, think about the positives.

Sure I was a female now, but that was sure to be temporary and I’ll be back to normal in my own world as a man when the show ends. They all treat me differently here since I’m female; though the looks I get from a few stallions are creepy it’s nothing to worry about. There are things I couldn’t do as a male, just think of the possibilities. I stopped in my tracks at that thought and blushed harder. I sat down and buried my face in my hooves “I have a sick mind.”

The Great Misadventure

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This town is as colorful as the ponies that live in it. Nothing here is boring, at least not to me. This was the day before the Summer Sun celebration and also the day before something ground shaking came. I walked around admiring all the fancy decorations as they were being set up. I wanted to see more of the main cast but, as I’ve mentioned before, everything looks different from a 3D perspective instead of watching the characters just transition to the next place. So in the simplest terms possible: I’m lost.

Not much of a problem, I didn’t have anywhere specific to be anyways. “Look out!” someone called out BANG!

“Holy fish monkey!” I screamed as a piano fell from the sky just in front of me. I could have been killed! Or at least severely wounded, that would have ruined my day for sure. I looked up in the sky to see how that was even possible. I saw a group of pegasi in the sky they looked like delivery people to me-or in this case delivery ponies. A grey Mare Pegasus with a blond mane and tail and had wall-eyes. It was strange and at the same time cool. As she got closer I could see that she had bubbles for a cutie mark… again I had no idea what that mark even meant or what it had to do with anything. Colgate isn’t the only one with a mysterious cutie mark it seems.

“I’m so sorry, that’s my bad! Did I hurt you? Are you okay?” She seemed really worried- I mean, yeah, she did almost crush me with a piano but even for a mistake like that she seemed too upset.

“Calm down, I’m okay.”

“Pheew, that’s a relief. I’ve yet to drop anything on anypony as big as a piano but still I’m such a clutz.” I wondered if the fact her eyes couldn’t focus on something at the same time had anything to do with it.

“I’m Lyra by the way.” Percentage count of getting used to my new name: 50%

“I’m Derpy Hooves.” She replied- it was actually kind of fitting, but then again all of their names fit each other in one way or another. “This Piano was actually supposed to go to the Summer Sun Celebration.” She laughed a little nervously while she looked at the totaled piano.

“Derpy!” A Male Pegasus called out from above with the other Pegesi “That was to be sent to the town hall unharmed!”

“Sorry, my bad!” She called up and then turned back to me “I gotta go, nice talking with you though.” Then she flew back up to the others. The last I heard was her trying to figure out a way to fix it before the celebration and to explain why she opened the “Delivery cart” while they were moving. Apparently she was worried that it might have gotten smashed a little while they were moving. I felt bad for her in a way, she was a clutz put in charge of delivering a heavy package. It was more of her bosses fault more than anything and she was getting blamed for it. I kind of understand how Twilight felt on her first time in Ponyville. These ponies are crazy! But that makes it even more fun!

I looked up in the sky to get an idea of what time of day it was, it was still pretty early maybe around noon or a little later. I can’t honestly say that the nothing has happened today. I wake up to finding out I’ve been turned into a female pony from a TV show, decide to have a little fun while I’m here and meet a nice mare in charge of a candy store, a Dentist pony with a mysterious cutie mark and knows nothing of personal space and almost get flattened by a piano by a clumsy but somehow endearing Pegasus. Oh- I shouldn’t forget that half of my brain seems like a females and the other half is both manly and disgusted with the other half. I’m so conflicted right now. I don’t know if I should be worried or not by the obvious changes to myself. I decided to just ignore them for now and have fun, at least I have memory of my life as a human and the fact that at least a part of me is still manly… even though it’s not exactly the part that I wanted.

Oh well, you can’t win them all I guess. “I should really be worried that I keep reacting to things with just ‘Oh well’.” I commented out loud. In my train of thought I lost track of what legs to move and ended up tripping myself. Thank fully I caught myself before I crashed face first into the ground (that would have been embarrassing) but I ended up throwing some of my bits out from my bag. “Oh no!” I cried in a vain attempt to catch them. I might have been able to do it if I knew how to use magic. I searched through the grass for them. I kneeled low to the ground just to find them. It was an honest pain but I might need that money later. “Ah-ha!” I exclaimed when I found one I’ve seen other ponies today pick things up with their hooves (much to my surprise) and tried it myself but with no luck. It can work for others, why not me?! Then a big hoof came down and picked it up for me “It’s practically impossible with hooves!” I said more out of disbelief than anything else. The foreleg was big and muscular and covered in red fur. As I followed the arm up I saw a more muscular red body and the face was strong and gentle looking with bright green eyes and an orange mane. I’m not sure how long I was staring at the stallion, maybe a few seconds but it felt too long so I tried to say something but my chest felt… odd. There was this nagging feeling in the back of my head that told me what was going on but I refused to admit something so disgusting- plus it’s completely unrealistic! “Um-Uh, I’m bit thank for hooves- no- I mean I’m Lyra thank you for helping me!” I stammered and stumbled through my words. Thankfully he didn’t seem to notice me making a mess of my words.

“Eeyup.” He said simply. He voice was so deep and strong! No! Shut up brain! “I’m Big McIntosh.” My heart seemed to be melting and I felt both flustered and panicked.

“WellthankyouBigMcIntoshItsbeennicebutnowIhavetogo bye!” I said as fast as I could and hightailed it from there. I had no idea where I was going but all I knew was that I didn’t want to be near Big McIntosh. I felt confused, I had no idea what that was about but it felt like a heart attack.

I felt like drowning myself every time my mind went back to the encounter. It was so embarrassing… in more ways than one! I spent the rest of my time quietly sulking near the fountain at the park in the center of town. I didn’t even care that I forgot to take the bits he picked up for me. My mind was stuck on those features he had. Big, strong and kind looking. Strong but soft spoken voice, so generous helping a complete stranger- No stop it brain! This violates so many rules! I have almost like two brains in my head, the normal GUY brain and a stupid brain that not only is FEMALE but a MARE! Stupid female pony brain… stupid sexy Big Mac. It was awful because the man half of my brain was still there but then there was the female brain that came with the body and I seemed to have no control of which side comes out. Worse yet is that he is a Cartoon character; he’s not even human in shape! “Ah!” I screamed as loud as I could throwing my front hooves in the air. I didn’t really care who heard me “Get out of my head!” and slammed my head against the edge of the fountain ignoring the pain after realizing that was a stupid move. No real tears were shed but I did sit on the ground slumped against the fountain with an angry look on my face. I still didn’t make myself sit normally- or for what is considered normal here. I sat slumped against the fountain with my back legs laying out in front of me and my back against the fountain. I may have not been human anymore and I may have been too angry to care for most things at that point but I still wanted to sit like a person, plus I still think it’s more comfortable than sitting any other way. I got a lot of passing ponies to stare at me-and I still don’t know why I’m getting stares just from sitting!

I don’t know exactly how long I was sitting there but the sun was starting to set and I started to hear talk about a party at the new library and took a wild guess that it might be starting soon. I started to head over that direction; I needed something to get me out of the rotten mood I was in. If Pinkie is as good as she seems on the show then I might feel better instantly. I approached the tree house library that I knew belonged to a certain rude, egghead Unicorn. The moment I came up to the door it flew open and with a loud “surprise!” from everyone inside I was grabbed roughly and dragged inside. I saw tons of ponies with smiling faces and streamers all around and different decorations and lots of delicious sweets and other foods. The bright colors made me feel better quickly. I admired the work put into this when Pinkie happily jumped in front of me “Hey new friend! Surprised you didn’t we?”

“Yeah, I just came over to check out what was going on. This looks amazing Pinkie.”

Pinkie smiled even brighter “I knew you’d love it!”

“Alright! Finally we can get this party started!” A white unicorn with wild electric blue hair and purple sunglasses shouted from behind a turntable. Immediately she started to play the loud party music and bobbing her head to the beat, everyone was getting into it until Pinkie ran faster than I thought was possible and turned it off. “Hey! What gives?! I’ve been here for hours waiting to play!” The unicorn seemed really eager to play her music. I remembered what Mr. Tapes said about his granddaughter and took a wild guess that she was the one he was talking about.

“The other new pony is coming! Everypony get ready!” all the lights quickly turned off again. I made my way to the window and carefully peeked out to see a familiar scene.

Spike was riding on the back of Twilight Sparkle (who didn’t look too pleased) while talking to Fluttershy. “And that’s the story of my whole entire life! Well up until today- would you want to hear about today?” He asked happily

“Oh, yes please!” Fluttershy said happily. Twilight quickly turned around and put on a fake nice act as they made it to the steps of her home.

“I am so sorry! How did we get here so fast? This is where I’ll be staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his rest.”

“No I don’t!” Spike interjected but was quickly thrown off to keep him quiet.

Twilight took a close look at him with fake sympathy “Aw, wook at that,” she said in a baby talk that made me snicker to myself “He’s so sleepy he can keep his wittle bawence.” She gave the most fake grin ever to cover a lie with and Spike glared at her. Fluttershy flew over to him and picked him up looking genuinely sympathetic.

“Poor thing, we simply must get him to bed. And then she flew inside the only light in the place coming from outside and everyone saw Twilight run after her and take Spike from her hooves and gently but also uncaringly pushed her out the door.

“Yes, yes we’ll get right on that- Well goodnight!” and she quickly slammed the door before another word could be said. I could hear the clopping of hooves as Twilight made her way through the dark.

“Hmph, rude much?” I completely agree, Twilight is a very rude Unicorn!

“Sorry Spike, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming and that we’re running out of time. I just need to be alone without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now where’s the light?” At that moment the lights came back to life and everypony- heh, I said it- yelled “Surprise.” And she looked even more surprise than me. Confetti went flying and I heard some noise makers. Pinkie even blew one into Twilights face, the reaction was hilarious. I let the rest of the scene play out while I hung around in the background enjoying the party with everyone else. I heard lots of ponies talking about different things but there were a lot of them saying how long it had been without Pinkie Pie throwing a party. I made my way through the crowd to talk to the DJ pony I ran into Colgate and Bon-Bon arguing over something. I thought it was kinda funny and exactly what I imagine would happen if a Dentist that really loved their job and a Candy clerk that loved their job also met in the same room.

“Mint candy is not the same as toothpaste! It’s one of the worse candies ever because it can get stuck to the teeth and decay the teeth more the longer it stays! Sticky candy is the worst kind.”

Bon-Bon smirked “Well obviously it’s not so bad if somepony decided to make toothpaste taste like mint candy.”

“I keep hearing about how sweet your candy is and it gets me really worried sometimes.” Bon-Bon looked interested in this statement and waited for her to finish “The sweeter it is then the more sugar it has and the more sugar it has means more tooth decay. Think about the young teeth all rotting away.”

Bon-Bon grimaced “Eww, I’d rather not.”

“The sad thing is that there is no such thing as healthy candy and no pony wants to try too hard to keep their teeth all sparkly.” Well not everypony can be like Colgate I suppose. The conversation went like that for a while them going back and forth about dental care and candy. Colgate had some words she seemed to like to use a lot. Things like clean, perfect, and shiny she was even using those words to talk about the party itself. Like how the decorations were so shiny and beautiful and how Twilight seemed to keep the library so clean, or how she hoped it would be left ugly and messy when the party was over. I had the sneaking suspicion she had some kind of weird obsession. I walked up to them “Hey, Bon-Bon.”

“Hey Lyra.” Bon-Bon greeted nicely and I was taken by surprise when I was given a big hug from Colgate. She’s a hugger alright. After a hug I felt was a little too long she finally let go and greeted me too. We had a good conversation going on actually, I just made sure to stay away from certain topics else Colgate went on a “Clean rant” again I was surprised at how they could be at each other’s throats constantly and yet stand to talk to each other. Is it some kind of rivalry or do they both just not want to back down? I saw the DJ leave from behind her turntable and all of her equipment; I might lose her in the crowd. I excused myself from them

“You two be good now.” I smiled and said half-jokingly the two gave each other a look but I left them before I could see anymore. I pushed past other ponies to get to the DJ and trust me it’s very hard to do when you’re used to having hands… I miss hands. They were so simple to use, unlike magic, and were so convenient. On that note it would still be useful to figure out magic. Back to the subject at hand- I mean, hoof… whatever! I got caught up with her when I made it to a table filled with snacks. A cupcake floated in the air just above her covered in a blue aura. “Found you!” I said, she turned to me with a look of curiosity stopping halfway from eating the snack. She pushed her purple sunglasses up till they rested on her horn. She had the most interesting eyes, I thought Rainbow Dash had red eyes but this one’s eyes were really red.

“Do I know you?” she asked looking at me with her head tilted trying to figure out who I was.

“Not really but I think I know you.” She took a step back. I wonder if I said something wrong-that’s not too important right now! “Is your Grandpa Record Tapes?” This caught her attention.

Her curious and slightly disturbed look brightened and a big smile grew on her face “You know Grandpa Tapes? I haven’t heard from him in years, I was wondering if any of my letters ever made it to him.”

“Yeah…” I said slowly as the thought of Derpy came to mind. I had the feeling she had something to do with the lack of letters. “Well… anyways he wanted me to tell you hi and that he’s thinking of you.”

“Well that’s nice of him and even nicer of you to go through all that trouble.” She took my front hoof in both of her forelegs and shook it as hard and fast as she could “Well it’s nice to meet you. Gramps apparently really trusts you and any friend of Grandpa Tapes is a friend of mine. My stage name is DJ Pon-3 but since we’re friends you can call me Vinyl Scratch.”

“My names Lyra.”

“Well hi Lyra, you’re the second pony I’ve ever had as a pal that’s talent is music.” She wrapped a foreleg around my neck “Are you seeing anypony?” she leered

“I-wha?!”

Vinyl started to crack up and playfully hit me on the shoulder “Calm down, I’m just messing with you. You should see your face.” I let out a deep breath of relief. As far as anyone here knew I was a mare and that comment of Vinyl’s made me wonder if there were… other preferences, like there are in my own world. She was clearly joking but it still made me wonder… I wonder if Bon-Bon has someone special- wait, where did that thought come from? Why should I even care? “I already have a special somepony anyways.” Vinyl commented with a smile and then walked off with her cupcake. I tried not to think too much about what Vinyl could have meant by that. I spent some time snacking out as I watched everypony else part. Hehe, that’s still fun to say, everypony, it’s so whimsical! I hope I don’t ever accidently say that out loud when I’m human again. Anyways these ponies could really party, it was insanity and no one held back… well except Vinyl Scratch but she was just forcing herself to stay behind her equipment and that in itself hardly seemed to work because she was practically dancing in her spot. I had to admit though; she was a very talented DJ. But out of all the dancing and games that were being done I saw Derpy just standing around the side lines. She seemed kind of worried or maybe nervous.

Without thinking I went over to her to see what the problem was. I figured that she would be having fun like everyone else; it was hard to imagine somepony not having fun at this party. I even saw Spike running around with a lamp shade on his head. It was actually pretty funny! “Hey Derpy, what’s the matter? Aren’t you having fun?” I said to her.

“Oh, Lyra hi… yeah it’s fun and all,” the way she was talking didn’t convince any and their wasn’t even a fake smile in an attempt to lie. It seemed like it was to convince herself. Then again, it was hard to tell but it looked like she was staring at something on the other side of the room.

“Is there something wrong?” I tried to follow what I believed to be her line of sight and saw a stallion that stuck out to me. A brown stallion with a spiky brown mane and an hourglass cutie mark. “It’s something to do with him right?” I questioned. The blush that grew on her cheeks confirmed it and told me a little more. She’s shy but still wants to talk to him; it’s kind of sweet in that pathetic kind of way. I told her to just talk to him but she outright refused to even consider it. But then she does a 180 and turns the situation on me! She tells me to talk to him! “I absolutely refuse, I’m sorry Derpy but I can’t do that.” When asked why it was for a completely different reason than just being shy or even fearing my new female hormones kicking in “I don’t know why but I feel as though I’d create some sort of paradox if I spoke to him.” there was something odd and Timey-Whimy about him.

That whole ordeal aside, it was so much fun I almost didn’t think about the fact that, by this time, Twilight Sparkle was up stairs trying to go to sleep and Spike was trying to convince her to come down. It was kind of cool that I seemed to know everything that was going on or would happen. It gave me a feeling of omnipotent power, like I’m breaking the fourth wall. The cool and somewhat confusing part of it all was that the ponies here had actual lives and it wasn’t restricted to an episode or the show itself. The whole time I was here I’ve been experiencing real-time and not time skipping for thirty minutes. While they were still a lot different from humans or anything in my perspective of real there were a few things that were the same. Like, for example, some ponies had different… mating preferences- or at least Vinyl hinted at the fact it did happen. They could love in ways that wouldn’t be allowed to be mentioned in a children’s show- my female brain told me that one (I’m disgusted thinking about it). I didn’t just go into a show, I went into another universe! It kind of blows your mind when you think of it that way, dosen’t it?

We partied till the start of the Summer Sun Celebration by that time we all kind of burnt out a lot of energy so everypony was pretty calm. Pinkie seemed as though she wasn’t the least bit tired. In all honesty she probably wasn’t tired she seemed as jittery and happy as normal. I wasn’t all too tired either because I was too excited about what would happen next. Let me tell you it’s one thing to see something magical or unrealistic on TV but when it happens right in front of you completely 3-deminsional and real it’s probably the coolest thing you will ever see. It may sound childish and maybe stupid but you would never really understand until you saw a real Unicorn doing real magic or a real Pegasus flying, let alone talking ponies in general. It was unreal yet so very real.

I stood next to Bon-Bon, Colgate and Derpy was up in the air not too far away. I’ pretty sure Vinyl was somewhere but I kind of lost her in the crowd. Everyone was talking in excitement over seeing the Princess or the party we all just left from. A few were a combination of both. Bon-Bon and Colgate seemed to be putting their differences aside for their shared joy. “This has been one my best nights,” Bon-Bon said with a smile “Pinkie Pie decides to throw a great party the night of the Summer Sun Celebration, not only do we get to see Princess Celestia in the flesh but immediately after the party.”

“Yes, it seems like a good omen doesn’t it?” Colgate agreed “Not to mention the Mayor picked the perfect pony to decorate town hall for the occasion.” She added admiring Rarity’s handy work. “Ponyville will no doubt get many blessings from Celestia with this level of professionalism.” I know Celestia is important to Equestria but they seemed to treat her as if she were a goddess. I guess that’s to be expected from someone that brings out the very thing that gives world life every day. Rock on pony goddess of the sun, rock on. The mayor was giving some boring and honorific speech about the princess I didn’t really care to listen too but I did pay close attention when Fluttershy’s birds started to sing and Rarity opened the curtains and the princess was nowhere to be seen. All of town hall exploded into shocked gasps and worried talk.

“What happened? Where the Princess?” Bon-Bon asked

“I’m not sure.” It was the whole truth; I always kind of wondered what actually did happen to Celestia during this time. You’d think there was some kind of struggle; with someone of Celestia’s power it should have been completely obvious if there even was a struggle. I didn’t see or hear anything, just suddenly disappeared.

“What could have possibly happened, she’s Celestia! Nopony has the power to actually foalnap her.” I snorted in an attempt to stop myself from laughing. Foalnapping?! Even the term kidnap has a pony version!

“Lyra! This is no time to be laughing! Stop being foalish this is serious!”

“Foalish!” I laughed loudly. Pony version of childish! I tried to stop laughing but it made me laugh worse, luckily everypony else was too busy being worried and being too loud to actually here me “Pfft- hahahahah! It’s too much!” My sides were hurting.

“Lyra!” they both scolded me now.

I took slow deep breaths trying to calm down “Whew, okay, I’m good, I’m calm… Sorry about that.” I apologized. At that moment Nightmare Moon made her appearance in a cloud or starry smoke. The room fell completely quiet as Nightmare Moon spoke and everypony stared at her with a look of confusion and shock.

“Ah, my beloved subjects, it’s been so long since I’ve seen your little sun loving faces.” She spat with sarcasm.

“What did you do with our Princess?!” Rainbow Dash demanded trying to fly and take her head on but was stopped by Applejack that was pulling on Dash’s tail. This only got an amused laugh from the Alicorn.

“Why? Am I not royal enough for you? Don’t you know who I am?” She questioned more sternly.

“Oh, oh more guessing games! Umm, Pokey Smokes! How about Queen Meany? No, Black Snooty, Black Snooty!” Pinkie was silenced by Applejack shoving an apple in her mouth.

Nightmare Moon flew closer to Fluttershy and the poor timid thing cringed in fear and birds flew away “Does my crown not count for anything now that I’ve been imprisoned for a thousand years?” why does it seem like all villains have no concept of personal space and just love to poke and talk right into a person’s ear? Are they trying to be creepy or something? She got right into Rarity’s face too “Do you not recall the legends? Did you not see the signs?” She asked flicking Rarity, seriously Villains stop getting in our space, it’s not evil, and it’s annoying. Although they were terrified probably because there is actually someone that can capture the very creature that can raise the sun. I saw Bon-Bon and Colgate give each other worried looks but I kept most of my focus on Nightmare Moon. I recall that the episode ends at the end of this rant; I actually wondered how it would happen when I leave. Maybe I’ll fall asleep again and then wake up back in my world.

“I know who you are,” Twilight called out and everypony in the room turned their attention to her “You’re the mare on the moon, Nightmare Moon!” there were surprised gasps all around and worried murmurs. They’ve all heard the story at one point or another but most of them apparently thought of it as an old… poniestail! The grammar her can just get so hilarious sometimes I can’t take things seriously!

“Well, well, well,” Nightmare Moon said looking pleased “Someone who remembers me. Then I suppose you know why I’m here?”

“You’re, you’re…” she slowed down as she noticed all the ponies staring at her either questioningly or accusingly.

“Enjoy this day, for it will be your last,” She said not waiting for Twilight to answer. “From this day… the night, will last… Forever!” she declared loudly and created a lightning storm in town hall. Everypony panicked and started making a mad scramble to find the quickest way out. Through the wind and the screaming ponies I saw a cloud of starry smoke fly overhead and leave with Rainbow Dash chasing after it. I tried to get out myself but found myself lost and confused in the crazed stampede. I put as much effort into not getting trampled as I did getting out and was having no success in the second. I felt someone tug on my tail and turned to see Bon-Bon, why had she not left yet?

“What are you doing?!” Bon-Bon demanded “We have to leave!” she yelled over the noise. I followed her and amazingly we made it out but we didn’t stop running we kept going and almost without purpose.

“Where are we going?” I asked not stopping for a moment. We had made it down several blocks by the time the question was asked. It was amazing that this small, oddly cute body had so much stamina. By this time I would have been out of breath and huffing and puffing for air if I was human. There were some good perks to being a pony especially a unicorn, but I still had a stronger want to be human. Most important of them being hands, I loved hands so much; I don’t even know how to use magic!

“Who cares, as long as we’re far away from that thing!”

“Nightmare Moon.” I corrected

“Whatever!” I stopped as my eyes met the night sky and saw that cloud fly past.

“Oh, look their she goes… I got a better idea than running away, I’m going to go after her!” I said happily as I stopped and turned around to follow only to be pulled again by Bon-Bon. She released my tail from her mouth.

“Follow the Evil Mare of Darkness?”

“Yep.”

“Do you have a death wish?”

“Nope, come on!” I said and chased after it. We followed it all the way across town and to the tree house of Twilight Sparkle. I couldn’t see the nightmare cloud but I did decide to peek in through the window and Bon-Bon did as well and we listened to Twilight explain the whole story of Nightmare Moon and how to stop her.

“Sound like a bunch of-”

“Shh!” I said quickly to Bon-Bon. I already knew what they needed to do to stop Nightmare Moon but I wanted to both see and hear it from this perspective, it was so fascinating to see a scene play out in front of your very eyes. It was almost trippy feeling because you weren’t just looking at cartoon characters you were looking at an actual event alive and in flesh… well pastel colored furry flesh but it was the same concept.

“Why are we spying?” Vinyl whispered.

“Shh, Vinyl be quiet… wait- Vinyl?” I turned around to see Vinyl Scratch in between me and Bon-Bon looking through the window with fascination. We both just stared at her for a while before her visible red eyes took notice to the two pairs of eyes watching her. “Oh, um, hi.”

“When did you get here?” Bon-Bon asked.

“A few seconds ago. So, what’s up?” we asked why she was here in the first place “Well I lost Lyra in the crowd and got worried and when you two were chasing that weird cloud. Can let somepony I just met get killed by some evil Mare, so I followed you.”

We turned our attention back to the window soon enough to hear them talking about going into the Everfree forest to find the element stones so they could beat Nightmare Moon.

“Well it’s settled,” I said confidently listening in really helped save me the time of needing to explain why we needed to go into the Everfree “Off to the Everfree then.”

“The Everfree?” The both repeated with concern they both questioned why. And I told them the very simple fact that Nightmare Moon needs to be stopped… and I just want a piece of the action but I didn’t say that last part. They both exchanged concerned looks clearly not thinking that it was a good idea. Pfft, how bad can it possibly be? We all made our way to the forest with me in the lead and not a word was said between us. I already knew why they were scared but I thought it was kind of stupid. An “Evil” forest where animals took care of themselves and plants and weather didn’t need anypony to control them or make them grow. So scary. I stopped just outside of the forest, I was asked by Bon-Bon how we would even find this castle. The answer was simple, or simple enough at least, we’ll eventually find it if we keep walking long enough, besides it’s a Castle we can’t really miss that if we just keep going.

“You’re really going in their?” I heard Derpy ask. We saw both Derpy and Colgate walking up to us with worried look.

“Were you following us too?” Bon-Bon asked

“No” Colgate said quickly

“Yes” Derpy said at that same time but then quickly corrected herself “I mean, no.”

“Don’t you know what that forest is like?” Colgate continued ignoring Derpy’s slip up.

“Nope, but I want to find out.” I said simply and tried to go into the forest but Derpy flew in front of me

“The clouds move all on their own.” Derpy said.

“Nasty, terrifying and filthy Monsters everywhere.” Colgate said

“And the trees grow all on their own and the animals don’t need anypony to take care of them.” Bon-Bon said “doesn’t any of that scare you?”

“Nah,” I said waving a hoof dismissively “That’s nothing, trust me.”

“I say we do it.” Vinyl agreed “Somepony needs to stop that evil Mare and putting all our faith in just six random ponies, we need to try too.” Finally someone that doesn’t think I’m crazy. “I absolutely refuse.” Bon-Bon said defiantly and started to walk away.

(~#)

“How did I get convinced to come along?” Bon-Bon grumbled

“Because of the adventure we’re going to have.” Vinyl said

“Not exactly the kind of adventure I would want.”

“Well I thought it was because of my looks,” I said with a sly smile “My charming good looks.”

“You keep thinking that.” Bon-Bon smiled. Derpy flew overhead worriedly looking around, she was a little tense about the situation but the fact she came was nice. The forest was Darker than it was outside because of the thick covering of trees above us. Light managed to sneak through the trees from the clear jeweled sky above every now and then. I should really be thankful that the pegasi decided to clear the skies. Around us on the ground was overgrown plant life. It was dank and dark the ground was slightly muddy but relatively dry. Everywhere I looked I saw menacing looking trees or strange plants that looked out of place just because of how beautiful they were but that was even more concerning because a dark place like this is no place for nice looking flowers and such. It was something menacing in disguise meant to trick foolish creatures into coming close. It was something that plenty of animals from my world did but I never heard of plants like that. It made me only more cautious of such plants. It was terrifying in some ways but at the same time it was so cool!

Colgate hated this forest loudly. It was far too muddy for her tastes. We managed to tune her out after a while and she eventually quieted to annoyed grumbles. I admired that despite all her hatred for a place like this she still decided to come along, true friends indeed. Coming along anyways even though they don’t want too. I didn’t have to force any of them to do anything, I actually didn’t care but the fact they still came along was nice. “Hey look!” Derpy said we all looked up to see the star cloud race by and was quickly lost in the dark of the forest. That can’t possibly be good. This was punctuated when we heard loud booms.

“What was that?” Bon-Bon asked

“I have no idea.” Vinyl said

“Did a tree fall down?” I asked looking around it really did sound like a tree breaking, but if it was then something really big is coming. More booming and snapping sounds came closer and closer and faster. Till we almost got flattened by a tree. “Look out!” I screamed as I jumped to one side. I picked myself up slowly after roughly throwing myself. Vinyl and Bon-Bon were with me, I tried to look over the colossal tree that nearly crushed me but it was just too big “Is everypony OK?” I asked

“A little scratched but nothing bad.” Vinyl said dusting herself off and picking up her glasses off the ground and resting them back on her head.

“Uh-huh…” Bon-Bon mumbled and she picked herself up slowly.

“Ok over here.” Derpy said.

“Dusty, scratched, but health is ok.” Colgate. Before I even got to wonder what happened a Manticore flew down from the sky and scooped up Bon-Bon.

“Somepony help!” she screamed as she flew away

“Cool! A Manticore!” I beamed despite the unfavorable events.

“What are you happy for?! It’s got me!” She screamed

“Oh- right, sorry!” I turned to Derpy that was fluttering over the tree holding Colgate. “Derpy, you can fly. Try to get it annoyed and come back!” the look on Derpy’s face didn’t need any more words to say her thoughts on that plan. She thought it was terrible but she knew it was the only one we had and she flew after it. We just watched as Derpy flew as fast as she could after it and finally kicked it in the eye. It let out a pained scream as it dropped Bon-Bon, not part of the plan! She was way too high; she could actually die from a fall that high. Without thinking I ran to where it looked like she was falling and make some kind of attempt to catch her. The only thing I saw was her body plummeting to the ground fast and her screams quickly getting closer. I’m not exactly sure what happened next, everything kind of blurred together but the next thing I knew Bon-Bon was levitating off the ground in a gold aura. Vinyl’s was blue and I’m not sure that Colgate’s was gold… did that mean “Bon-Bon! I used magic! I used MAGIC!”

“Yeah great, but that thing is coming back!” Bon-Bon said pointing at the now really angry Manticore flying right at me. I threw Bon-Bon behind me but I knew I didn’t have time to run away myself and I was too terrified to run. I closed my eyes and waited for it to catch me and do something awful. At least I get to die in a memorable way that was completely awesome. How many people would have death by flying lion/scorpion thing? I shivered with fear and anticipating pain as I heard the anger roars get louder and the beating of wings getting closer. Then I felt wind coming from behind me and something big, hard and cold brushing my ears and rushing in front of me. The next things I heard were a loud crack and two heavy thumps. Testing fate I peeked an eye open and saw the Manticore laying on the ground unconscious with its face planted against a small boulder.

Needless to say I was surprised I looked behind me to see which one would own up to that attack and Vinyl quickly and silently pointed at the toothpaste haired unicorn beside her. Colgate stood there for a while with her brain still in attack mode and breathing heavily before she calmed down. “Colgate…” I was speechless. I wasn’t entirely sure if the Unicorn had it in her.

“Well let’s not just stand here!” Bon-Bon said snapping us all out of it “When that thing wakes up it’ll be in a rage!”

“Good point.” I agreed and we hurried out of there as fast as we could.

We continued for a while without much being said except from me and Vinyl. I couldn’t help but talk about that experience. It was the most terrifying thing in the world and at the same time, it was so fucking awesome! I don’t normally throw around words like that but, it was so fucking awesome! I’ll never see something like that again, at least when I’m in the human world. Except maybe on TV but that’s without saying. “It was so cool, guys! We were all like ‘Whoa!’ and Lyra was all like ‘Whoa!’ and Bon-Bon was all ‘oh no!’” Vinyl said excitedly making different shocked expressions- except for mine which seemed really happy… was really that excited looking?

“I know right?! I was like totally a leader right then! I was all like ‘Derpy, attack the Manticore in the eye.’ And when I went after the Bon-Bon as she was falling I actually used magic! I just lifted her like she was nothing!”

“And what about Colgate, huh? That was pretty epic in itself; she totally threw a rock at that monster and won!”

We stopped when we hit a river. It was pretty big and the water was rushing fast. It didn’t really look like we could cross by swimming; we’d probably die from drowning or get swept away. They were right about this forest being dangerous, but we must be getting closer. I looked down both ends hoping that I could spot a bridge or something to help us cross. That wasn’t my luck in the least and I know none of us are strong enough to knock down a tree, even with magic. We all wondered what to do, Derpy can fly but the rest of us can’t and I know that she can’t carry us long enough to get even one of us across the river. I looked for so long and carefully that I eventually noticed bubbles coming from the center of the river. I thought that was really weird, it was even stranger when I thought I saw something shiny and purple come from the water. Before I could even utter a word about it a massive scaly purple serpent exploded from the water. We all screamed in a combination of surprise and fear and hightailed it out of there but we quickly noticed Colgate wasn’t with us. I stopped and started to look and spin around trying to find her and I noticed her still in the riverside clearing staring up at the serpent. Colgate, it was cool when you beat up the Manticore but don’t go thinking you can take on the entire Everfree! We all got closer as quickly and quietly as we could and we stopped when we started to run out of trees to hide behind. It looked like they were talking. I could only make out bits of the conversation.

“Thank you, I’ve been working hard on them.” I heard the serpent say

“I can tell! It is just impressive!” The rest was lost to me when Colgate started to talk normally but she was smiling the whole time.

“They do, don’t they?” He said stroking his moustache “It’s my pride and joy.” More unheard words were given by Colgate. Was she sweet talking this thing? More importantly: it was working? Colgate is rising to being my second favorite pony, Bon-Bon is first. She is just a gem, but Colgate is pretty awesome just standing there having a conversation with this thing. The next words that came clearly to us from Colgate were amazing.

“Out of curiosity, would it trouble you too much to help my friends cross the river? There is something important on the other side we need.” We took this moment to cautiously come out of hiding and the Serpent took quick note of us.

“It would be my honor.” He said nicely. Isn’t that sweet? There are nice and slightly hipster looking creatures in the Everfree after all. We continued traveling with the help of the kind serpent. As soon as we lost sight of the river behind us we heard a terrible scream come from the serpent, but I didn’t pay too much mind. He seemed like the drama queen type. But I changed my mind about him when I saw a familiar cloud pass over us. I decided I really did not want to go back. My mind went to some pretty gruesome images.

And not too long of a time made it to the edge of the castle. I could see it on the other side of the cliff. It was extremely foggy and dark that I couldn’t see down the cliff side. Thankfully we didn’t need any help from passing monsters because there was a bridge. “Well,” Vinyl smiled “That’s convenient isn’t it?” As we got closer even I was having second thoughts. That was a rarity no matter where I was honestly. But Vinyl Scratch was completely certain about it, I honestly didn’t know how. The bridge was all rickety and creaking. I even saw some boards missing and the ropes looked a little worn and maybe even chewed slightly.

“Vinyl,” Bon-Bon said “Vinyl this is a terrible idea.”

“Yeah,” I agreed “This bridge is really, really old looking.”

“Oh, come on this bridge is completely safe.” Vinyl reassured and started to cross. I tried to pull her back but dared not step hoof on that bridge. Vinyl walked simply as if nothing was wrong- this pony is either insane, suicidal or a mixture of both.

“Vinyl Scratch you come back here!” Bon-Bon yelled. She was very good at using that tone of voice, it almost reminded me of a mom with the amount of nag she put into that voice.

“Come down here and make me!” She called back to us daringly. I could just tell she was smirking from that tone of voice.

“It’s not safe!” Colgate called.

“Really?” She said in a sarcastic tone and started to shake it. In almost that very second Bon-Bon ran out onto the bridge and grabbed onto Vinyl Scratch with her forelegs to stop her from shaking.

“Are you insane?” She said to Vinyl.

“Are you?” Derpy responded. Bon-Bon took that moment to take a look at her surroundings and she started squeezing onto Vinyl in fear.

“It’s not that bad.” She insisted. Derpy flew over to try and help in some way.

I tried to help from where I was too “It’s in your head! Just imagine yourself being as light as a feather!” they had stopped moving in the middle bridge mostly because Bon-Bon wouldn’t let go and had effectively stopped Vinyl Scratch from moving. Derpy stopped right above them and she extended a hoof.

“Grab on Bon-Bon I can probably carry you the rest of the way.” Then a single feather fluttered down from her wing. I didn’t take too much notice until that little bit of extra weight made the bridge collapse. Heavy feather. Derpy made a panicked grab for them but fell short of them and they fell with the bridge. “Oh no!” Derpy screamed.

“Bon-Bon! Vinyl!” I screamed hopelessly looking over the edge as they fell.

“Lyra!” I heard Bon-Bon scream as she fell from sight in the dense fog. I expected the worse.

“No, no, no, no, no.” I moaned sadly. They fell and we couldn’t save them. This was terrible! What would we do now?

“Um, hello?” I heard Vinyl’s voice. My ears perked up and my eyes widened at the fact that I could hear Vinyl’s voice. “Hey, can you hear us?”

“Vinyl?” Derpy questioned “I thought you were dead! I would never be able to sleep again if you two were actually dead!” she smiled

“The two of you are still alive, right? Not just one of you?” I asked apprehensively

“Nah, dude were both alive! Bon-Bon just can’t talk right now!”

“What do you mean?” Colgate questioned. “Is it not as deep as we thought or something?”

A moment of silence the she slowly answered “No, it’s pretty deep. Bon-Bon is holding on for the both of us.”

“Huh?” we all said

“Well she never really let go of me and isn’t letting go of the bridge.” How is she holding on to Vinyl and the bridge?

“How?” I asked.

“With her mouth of course, what else?”

“Doesn’t that kind of hurt?”

“Probably, so could you think of something quick? She’s either going to let me go first or let go of the rope.” A sound warning if any. It didn’t take too long to figure out but it was a little difficult to accomplish. Derpy was able to clear the fog enough for us to see Bon-Bon holding Vinyl in her hooves and holding on to the rope with her mouth. Earth ponies might not have any cool flashy powers like Unicorns or awesome wings and weather powers like Pegasi but Earth ponies held something over each of them. They were stronger than Unicorns and had greater endurance than a Pegasi. Bon-Bon was amazing right now not just by saving Vinyl but how she was saving Vinyl. If I was in her position or if anyone else was either our body would have popped off from our necks or we would have let Vinyl go or we both would have fallen. I had a hat I it would be tipped to Bon-Bon.

Once we could see them Derpy picked up Vinyl for Bon-Bon and flew her to the top on the other side. I managed to use my magic again and I levitated Bon-Bon to the other side as well. Vinyl used her magic to bring me over and Colgate. Magic was so useful and so much more convenient.

We all entered the large castle. It was apparently over a thousand years old but it was in really good condition all things considered. A bit too good looking to just be in ruins. I tried to think about where the elements would be but I realized. The show wasn’t too specific about that!

I looked from one end to the other trying to figure it out “Um… I think we go that way.” Pointing down to a tower on the right. They didn’t have any better ideas than me so they went with it. Bon-Bon stopped me as the others went ahead.

“Uh Lyra,” She said slowly.

“Yes Bon-Bon?”

She seemed nervous for some reason which caught my curiosity “Come close, I need to tell you something.” She whispered. Apparently she didn’t want the others to hear. Curiously I did so and then out of nowhere a hoof whacked me on my cheek and another on came soon after.

“Ah! What was that for?!” I questioned angrily rubbing one of my sore cheeks. Getting hit with a hoof hurts a lot more than a hand, trust me.

“It’s your fault that we’re here and it’s your fault I almost died twice!”

“Well you didn’t have to hit me twice,” I whined “I saved you on both accounts, didn’t I?”

“I almost died,” she repeated

“Almost but not really.” Bon-Bon’s glare made want to shrink “Sorry.” I apologized quickly Bon-Bon walked off to catch up with the others I was trying to catch them too. They hadn’t made it too far and Vinyl had moved to the back by the time we caught up. Vinyl’s red eyes seemed to glow in the moonlight and I could see an amused smirk on her face. She looked back at the group as if seeing if anyone was eavesdropping. When she seemed satisfied while we were traveling up a spiraling set of stairs Vinyl spoke to me.

“She likes you.”

“Huh?” I said dumbfounded

“Bon-Bon, she likes you.” What did she mean by that? Bon-Bon seemed the furthest from liking me at all, she seemed to hate me right now. Vinyl seemed to notice the confused look on my face and let out a short, amused laugh “you honestly didn’t realize? Maybe you really are as dense as you first seemed.”

“Hey!” I take offense to that- wait, I should say that part out loud. I was about to object when Vinyl continued.

“Why do you think she came when she clearly said she didn’t want to go?”

“Same reason the rest of you came.” Vinyl’s happy face lost some of its composure as if I said something stupid but continued anyways “We came for different reasons, but yeah one of the reasons had you as a common interest. We can’t leave you hanging and you’re not exactly bright enough to take care of yourself, you’re like a little filly that needs to be watched.” I found it kind of hard to be angry when she’s being so honest like that. “Honestly my friend in Canterlot treats me the same way.” She added thoughtfully and a sly smile formed on her face as she looked back at me “That’s another reason why I think she likes you.” I was a little confused as to what she actually meant but I’m also confused as to whom this friend is she keeps talking about and why she gets all spacey when she mentions her friend.

“Does anypony else hear that?” Derpy said from the front. We all stopped and the clopping of our hooves on the stone stairs stopped. It was completely quiet and we listened. She was right; I could hear a low rumbling sound.

“Sounds like thunder.” Colgate said

“But the sky was clear, not a cloud in the sky.” Bon-Bon said.

“Maybe it’s Nightmare Moon again.” Derpy offered “If it is then we should hurry. She can’t get those elements, right?” Derpy made sense and we stopped walking and started running. The stairs seemed to go on forever. I knew their wasn’t much to worry about in the way of defeating Nightmare Moon but it would be cool to offer some kind of help to the main characters. After what seemed like forever with no change we finally made it to a door. I could hear on the other side I heard what sounded like Rainbow Dash yelling and several hooves running on the other side.

“Come on I saw them go this way!” I quickly tried to open the door but the moment I did it slammed shut again and smack me in the face. Needless to say I lost some balance and fell backwards unfortunately for me going backward meant going down stairs. I felt myself hit several screaming bodies as gravity did its work. Thankfully the bodies made me stop falling after a while. I lay awkwardly on top on everyone else with

“Not my fault this time.” Derpy moaned from underneath. One painful climb back up later and we made past the door and to the top of the tower. We hid behind a wall next to a massive door way as we peeked past I witnessed the final confrontation with Nightmare Moon.

“Whoa…” Bon-Bon said stunned as they activated the Elements of Harmony

“Amazing,” Vinyl said just as surprised

The Rainbow of friendly doom engulfed Nightmare Moon as she struggled desperately and with an explosion pieces of armor went everywhere making us duck back behind the corner. When we looked back after we were sure it was over we saw a much younger and gentler looking Alicorn lying on the ground.

“Ooh, she’s pretty.” Derpy commented

“Really pretty.” Colgate agreed

“I guess they didn’t need our help after all.” I thought out loud a little disappointed.

“Which means this trip was completely pointless.” Bon-Bon said. I was about to argue with that fact but it was cut short when Luna’s eyes locked on to us.

“Move she saw us!” I whispered urgently and we hightailed it out of there.

We made it back to Ponyville and the sun had been in the air for a while now. Everyone in town had lined up against the main street to watch Celestia, her sister Luna and Twilight and her friends. We watched as Twilight talked to the Princess. Vinyl was happy the sun was out because she could finally put her glasses back on. She seemed to really love them for some reason. The episode is nearing an end and exhaustion seemed to catch up with me now that I was standing still. “Lyra? Are you okay?” I heard Derpy ask. My eyes couldn’t stay open and I didn’t have the power to answer. My body went limp and felt myself fall to the ground but I didn’t wake up or even open my eyes.

“Lyra? Lyra!” Bon-Bon said, whatever was spoken afterwards was lost.

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Birds… I could hear birds chirping. It was so peaceful sounding. It’s so much better to wake up to nature than a blaring alarm clock. My groggy mind slowly started to wake up as I started to try and figure things out. I remembered waking up in a castle and going on this wild adventure… was it all a dream? I slowly opened my heavy eyes as I started to wake up and noticed I was in a bed. My eyes slowly looked around as best they could since I hadn’t worked up the will power to sit up. My waking mind had a vague feeling that something wasn’t right. I felt something big and fuzzy in front of me, I was holding on to something fuzzy… oh, it’s just Bon-Bon. I was just about to fall asleep again when my mind woke up and slammed on the brakes. BON-BON!? I let go of her as quick as I could and backed away fast and ended up falling head first off the side of the bed with a loud thud. “I’m still here.” I mumbled to myself… but at the same time I wondered where exactly is “here”? I heard the creaking of the bed and Bon-Bon loudly yawning.

She peeked over the side of the bed to look at me “Your finally awake.” She said.

I picked myself up and rubbed the back of my head “Yeah… I guess I am.” I took a good look at the room and it clearly wasn’t mine. It looked pretty modern but also had a strange “Old-timey” feeling to it. Plus it wasn’t exactly the most masculine room I had seen but wasn’t too girly either, although it was just girly enough (I should expect as much). “What happened?” I asked, it was the golden question right now.

“You fainted from exhaustion.” Bon-Bon said “I took you to the hospital and they said you were fine. They said you were just tired, I guess the whole Everfree thing finally caught up to you at the wrong time.” It was a little embarrassing to think that I just dropped like a fly on the spot like that, but even more so to wake up in a compromising position like that. I know that ponies don’t normally where clothes but thoughts of lesbianism went rushing through my mind… wait does that even count for me? I’m technically a girl but I’m really a guy… could I even call it a thing like that? What exactly do I classify as in the first place? Why am I thinking so hard about it? I decided to push away both gender and identity issues for the moment.

“So… why am I here instead of some place like the hospital?”

Bon-Bon let out a deep irritated sigh “I would of but you had a death grip on me. No one could get you off. I was also pretty tired too, so I decided to just go to bed instead of carrying you all day.”

“Just how long was I out?” She looked over at the clock sitting on a small table next to the bad. I was a little surprised at how she was able to pick it up with only hooves just like a human would with hands. How is that even possible? If I hadn’t figured out how to use magic recently I would have to use my mouth still. On a side note, I should probably start trying to learn how to use hooves… I miss hands.

Anyways Bon-Bon read the time for me and apparently we slept for one whole day. I wonder if there is a record for the most hours spent asleep. I’m not entirely sure if a twenty-four hour nap is the world’s longest, but it was the longest I ever spent. Bon-Bon jumped out of bed and stretched some “Well I have to open the shop anyways and I’m hour late. Make yourself at home if you want.” Then Bon-Bon walked off. I was a little stunned actually, not just from the events that took place only moments ago but also with the fact that my little trip to Equestria might not be so temporary after all. I was sure that I’d be home the moment I woke up; after all, I fell asleep and woke up in Equestria. I was sure the opposite would be true. In the very least I thought I’d just teleport home after the episode was over- actually, now that I think about it I did go through two episodes since it was a two- part episode.

Darn it if that wasn’t the most misleading way to end that little adventure. I heard a door down stairs shut and was left to my own devices. I figured I should take a look around.

I could see a bathroom straight down the hall. I walked over and could hear my own hooves clopping on the wooden floor. From my limited view of upstairs it was modest looking she had a single picture hanging on the wall in the hallway of her store with her standing in front of it. It must have been a picture of when she opened it for the first time. I could see down stairs and into the living room, She had nice furniture but not exactly the best. There was even a nice looking fire place. I got to the bathroom I could see my reflection in the mirror, I looked rough. I had bad bed hair… bed-mane? I used my magic to levitate a brush and started to fix my mane. I impressed myself actually that I managed to fix and style it so easily to how it was before. “Meh, this is coming from a world where hair defies gravity anyways.” I said to no one. “Also, stop talking to yourself. If you do that in public everyone will think you’re crazy- and I’m still doing it!”

I decided to eat something thank to the suggestion of my growling stomach, but I quickly ran into a little snag with that plan of action: Stairs. I had four legs now which would mean going down head first and I wasn’t too confident in myself. I decided to go for it anyways, simply because I can’t be stuck upstairs all day, TV dosen’t exist here. I soon realized that would come to hate stairs, Nothing is really as nerve racking as going down a slope head first, especially if you realize that you could slip and seriously screw up. I missed a step maybe only two times and let me tell you, it hurts. Her kitchen was pretty normal looking and I couldn’t help think about how this universe could be so modern in one way and so old in the other. They had DJ turntables but lacked TV. They had record players but no radio- at least as far as I knew. I’m sure there are more differences that I don’t know about. I checked the cabinets and the refrigerator and saw that the kitchen largely consisted of vegetables, which I kind of expected, and flowers- not too sure if they served another purpose, I wonder if there are certain flowers to have only for decoration and others only for eating. Either way I didn’t feel like eating that, although since I’m apparently going to be here for a while it might come to that.

After lots of looking and considering I went for some simple toast. Afterwards I headed out to get my bearings of where Bon-Bon’s house was and to get a good look around. I was bored more than anything and confused like nothing else. How did I come here and how do I get back? Was their some special reason or was it some sort of accident?

Bon-Bon’s home seemed to be just on the edge of town. The back of her house was a field and I could actually see the Everfree forest from here. We weren’t really as far out as Fluttershy’s house was because her house was at least close to other home’s, Fluttershy’s house was all on its own… maybe it has something to do with how shy that pony is. In any case I decided it would be best to look around. The morning sun shone pleasantly and other ponies were starting to come out and do whatever business they had. I walked through town admiring everything with more patience since I wasn’t leaving like I thought I was. Some pleasant looking houses and shops, simple stands for some pony to sell whatever they had. Ponies walking around with content looks, like nothing was wrong. It was peaceful actually and pretty nice, such a good change actually from where I came from. Rush of people, the stress to get their daily lives together- although at the same time even though I liked this place I still wanted to go back. I knew I couldn’t stay here forever (although that is definably a likely outcome) humans had flaws but no one is perfect, even in this world.

For now I’ll just enjoy the peacefulness of this morning to clear my head. Without warning though loud, deep rumbling music started blaring out of nowhere and I actually tripped myself in the sudden shock. I looked around for the sound as well as a few others and saw a home that was dark inside except for the obvious strobe lights. A certain unicorn with a blue, eternally wild mane opened the top window with a big grin on her face “Good morning Ponyville!” I heard of morning people but she was so much more than that. I don’t even think there is a name for what she is. “It’s Monday but don’t let that get you down!” she yelled.

“Vinyl Scratch?” I said picking myself up she turned her attention down to me “What are you doing?” I called up to her with her loud music still playing.

“Just getting myself pumped up! Put on your game face on the start of new day!” she said “I’m making WAFFLES!” she yelled as loud as she could over her music as if it was the greatest development in history. Under normal circumstances I’m sure somebody like her would’ve gotten arrested years ago for public disturbance. I’m not entirely sure if there even is police in Ponyville. I decided to let Vinyl get back to… whatever it is she’s doing.

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Bon-Bon just sat behind the counter of her store looking thoroughly bored. It was 9:13 and she had been waiting nearly two hours with not a single customer having entered. The rush usually didn’t start till school was out and she had a few hour to wait till then. What was the deal? Everypony that had tasted her personally made candy had said it was amazing in one way or another. So why did it seem like she was having fewer customers with each passing day? The holidays and other special celebrations were always something to look forward to with her store in mind but the holidays were far away and nothing special was happening anytime soon. She was so desperate for someone to enter the store that she wouldn’t mind if it was Colgate. She lazily laid her head on the counter. “I got out of bed for this?” she said to herself. With nothing else to do her mind started to wander. She twisted her head so she could look out the windows of her store without ever actually picking up her head “I wonder what Lyra’s doing.” She must be having more fun than her

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I let loose a deep heavy sigh as I continued to wander aimlessly. I am so bored, Bon-Bon is working, Vinyl is doing… whatever she does (something DJ related probably) Colgate is probably working too and if not I don’t even know where she lives, and I’m already out of ideas to my mysterious transportation into a universe that’s supposed to be a cartoon. My life is weird. I sat down off to the side leaning against a building. I tried to sit like everyone else does instead of my own way for a few minutes. I just sat in silence while I was thinking of what to do “Nope,” I said after sitting in silence for a little bit. “I’m not feeling it.” It wasn’t uncomfortable in the least since my body was built to be in positions like this but it wasn’t uncomfortable sitting the way I have been either.

I heard the sound of metal squeaking next to me and I looked over to see Derpy. She had a mailbag strapped around her and an obvious uniform on. Seeing her like this really made me believe she was a “Mail mare” I still think all these horse puns are hilarious but I guess they don’t really see them as puns. “Hi Lyra,” Derpy said making as good eye contact as she could “You look really bored.” No… really? “Is something wrong?”

“Well I don’t have anything to do and I’m a little lost and confused.” I said telling a half-truth. I really didn’t have anything to do and had no idea how to actually get home. Derpy interpreted what I said differently.

“Well this is my last delivery for today; you could come over to my house. I have to drop my stuff off but we can still do something afterwards.” She offered. She seemed sincere although she was clumsy and ditzy she really tried. Something told me she didn’t have really many friends that would give her a chance.

“Sure, sounds like a plan.” I smiled and picked myself up as she put in the last of her mail and I followed her as she walked in the direction of her home.

“Well it’s not really my house. It belongs to my friend Carrot Top but she lets us stay there.” She corrected herself.

The wording was odd “Us?” I questioned

“Yeah, me and Dinky.” Derpy confirmed “She’s my daughter and she’s really sweet.” I couldn’t actually tell age as well as I could in the human world but Derpy didn’t strike me as being old enough for something like that, she still seemed pretty young herself.

“Um, just how old are you?” I asked.

“Twenty-five.” She answered simply. She wasn’t exactly old but not young either and if she had a little filly then she would have been even younger when it happened. I guess even in this world you can make mistakes like that, but Derpy didn’t seem put off by it. Instead it seemed to make her happier just mentioning Dinky. We walked through town and out into the more rural looking area talking about this and that. Derpy would tell me things about her job and her daughter. All the interesting and funny mistakes she’s made and stories that where just plain interesting. I guess when you’re as accident prone as she is you live a pretty full life, or at least an interesting life. It was when she started asking me questions that things got complicated. I wasn’t an actual pony- well I was, but I haven’t lived my entire life as one. She asked questions that where really hard to answer and I didn’t to have to lie to her when she was being so open with me.

I had to tell half-truths and downright lie, I wasn’t sure if there were any humans in this world or if she would even believe me if I told her the truth. Plus how could I explain the concept of a cartoon to creatures that don’t even know what a TV is? “Well I came from Canterlot and I was born there.” I really hate lying

“What made you come here? Canterlot sound wonderful.” Derpy said.

“Yeah, it’s big and pretty. Lots of amazing places to go but the ponies there can get pretty snobby and full of themselves.” This was not a lie. The place itself was amazing but a lot of the ponies there are pretty uptight. I told fake parts of a life I never had as a filly. The worst part was that I was so good at the lies I would of believed them if I was Derpy. I tried to put as much truth as possible into my stories so it didn’t feel like I was just spitting in her face. I wanted her to know something about me that was true and not fake. I wanted her to at least know a little about Leon and not all about Lyra.

Thankfully we stopped talking as was come upon a certain farm. “Wait a minute.” I said looking at the familiar red barn. “This is Sweet Apple Acres!” I said in a mixture of shock and confusion.

“Yep,” Derpy smiled “Carrot Top’s house and farm is next to it.” She said pointing at the big yellow building practically next door to it. I was wondering since the moment I laid my eyes on it in the show why there was a place to grow carrots on a farm dedicated to apples. Now I understood, it was another farm all together. Albeit much smaller but you don’t really need acres of land just for carrots.

We went over and saw a light orange Earth pony with a big curly mane of a darker shade of orange and a carrot cutie mark watering carrots. This was definitely the pony Derpy called Carrot Top, that much was obvious. She noticed us as we walked up “Hey Derpy, you’re back early. Nothing much today?”

“Nope, just a few letters and not a single package.” Derpy smiled.

“That’s a little surprising actually, I know that it’s been two days since the whole Nightmare Moon thing but you’d think the town would be getting more letters or something.”

“Nah, I’m sure that plenty of ponies realized there was nothing to worry about.” I spoke up.

Carrot Top took notice of me again and apologized for not introducing herself and I told her my “name” as well. It’s still odd having to use a fake name as if it were your real one. Derpy explained that I was going to hang out her for today. “Come on, let’s go inside. It’s pretty bright out her.”

“Yeah, the least the Pegasi could do is put up a few clouds.” Carrot Top agreed looking up in the cloudless sky. As we went inside I saw the inside of Carrot’s house I saw that Carrot had things pretty nice. Bon-Bon’s house was nice but Carrot’s was probably better. It was Probably because there were two ponies with jobs instead of one. This reminds me, I need to thank Bon-Bon for taking me in. Maybe get a job myself since I’ll be staying in Equestria for some time. Or just find some way to make some bits. Bon-Bon said herself she doesn’t have a lot of money.

I saw some pictures of them on the walls and of what I would assume is their families. I saw a picture of Carrot Top standing next to someone that strangely looked a lot like Carrot Top. I decided not to ask about that one. But I saw a picture of Derpy with two other ponies and I knew one of them “Amethyst Star?” Derpy looked at the picture with me smiling.

“Yeah that’s Dinky’s oldest cousin. She and Dinky spend so much time together they’re practically sisters.”

So the little filly in front of Derpy is… wait a minute “You’re a Pegasus and your daughter is a unicorn? And Dinky’s cousin is a unicorn too… how?”

Derpy looked at me as if it were an odd question or if I was joking. After I didn’t say anything for a while she relented and answered “Well there is plenty of unicorn blood in my family already and Dinky’s dad was also a unicorn” right simple genetics. Recessive traits and dominate traits and all that. Amethyst was probably a full blooded unicorn since Derpy said that there were unicorns in her family. As I spent my time admiring all the different photos left out Carrot Top had come back in the room with a plate of sandwiches and Derpy had got out of her uniform.

“It’s already almost noon you two must be hungry” she said putting the plate down on the small table. Now that she mentioned it I was actually pretty hungry. I sat down on the floor next to the table in that still pretty awkward four legged way. I like sitting the other way more but I couldn’t really sit like that without having something behind me or else I’d lose balance and tip over. I used my magic to pick up the sandwich but when I took a bite I realized there was something odd. I could taste and feel something in the sandwich but it wasn’t lettuce… it was grass! I didn’t think it tasted weird, in fact I oddly enough thought it tasted pretty good; it was the fact that I knew what was in my mouth that bothered me. I didn’t spit it out or anything like that because it would be rude so I quietly ate it. The weirdest part of the super vegan sandwich was that I didn’t think it tasted too gross. It still didn’t taste like anything I had before and if it weren’t for what I currently was I would have preferred to have some meat.

I soon saw a little grayish purple unicorn I now knew as Dinky come in. “You’re home early.” Carrot Top said.

“Miss Cheerilee let us out early since its summer now.” She smiled

“You must be pretty happy about that.” I said

“Well yeah, but also I’ll miss being in class with Ms. Cheerilee, she’s so nice.” She said with a look as if she were trying to figure out herself if she was happy or not about school being over. Then she gave me a look of confusion “Who are you?”

“Oh sorry Dinky,” Derpy apologized “This is my new friend Lyra.”

“Hello Ms. Lyra.” She said.

“Just Lyra, please.” I gave a nervous smile. I didn’t want to be called Miss anything, because it just reminds me of the awful truth that I’m not a guy anymore. She was so polite too most kids I’ve seen are so rowdy you would have to nail their legs down to keep the still. Derpy must pretty good with her.

“Oh! Mom I have to meet up with some friends, were gonna go human hunting!” Dinky said excitedly. Wait, did I hear right? They mentioned humans, they exist here? Sweet! If magic exists and humans exist here then that must mean there must be humans that can use magic. I might have just found a way to get back home!

Derpy and Carrot both laughed amusedly and told her to be careful and come back home before dark. “Ok bye!” Dinky said and headed for the door.

“Wait! I mean, wait up.” I said trying not to scream. Dinky stopped and turned back to me “Can I come along?” I asked nicely.

She smiled “Sure, I’ve never seen an adult want to go on one.” Why not? I wondered what she could have meant by that. “Come on let’s hurry! Snips and Snails are probably already there!” what and odd name but who am I to really complain about names. A lot of ponies here have puns for names; I wonder why none of them pick up on that?

Dinky ran off and Derpy stopped me before I could leave “It’s really nice of you to play with Dinky like this,” Play? I thought we were going to find humans.

I pushed the thought away and gave a smile “No problem, I want to see a human anyways.” For some reason both Derpy and Carrot Top got a confused look on their face.

“Rrriiight,” Carrot said slowly, her look not disappearing “well… just don’t get your hopes up.”

“Um, okay?” it seemed to be getting really awkward for some reason so I just left.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Bon-Bon finally got some business going. Just as she thought when the kids got off school for the last time this year they decided to rush her store. She saw a few of them head to Sugar cube corner across the street instead her shop, but that store was her only really competition around here. Nothing like some healthy competitive business to get a store at its best. It was more or less of a friendly competition since Pinkie works for the Cakes and makes frequent visits to her shop as well as occasionally asking for some supplies for their own food. She got paid for it of course but Pinkie was the only constant source of income. Some of the young fillies and colts that have come into her store were sitting around at the tables she had set up in her store. There were two colts in particular that had been sitting there for a while as if waiting for someone. A tall orange one and a small blue one.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Dinky said that we needed to meet her friends at Bon-Bon’s shop. It worked for me; I wanted to see what Bon-Bon was up to anyways. On our way their I saw Colgate coming our way whistling the My Little Pony tune, it’s funny and odd how they don’t know a thing about the world they live in being a cartoon and yet they seem to know the tune to their own opening song. I tried to force down the urge to laugh and get her attention with a greeting “Hey Colgate!” I called out.

“Oh, hello Lyra. Didn’t expect to meet you, who’s the little filly?”

“I’m Dinky.” She answered “Lyra said she wanted to play with me and my friends.”

“Well that’s sweet of you, you’re like a little filly yourself. Playing with kids should be easy for you.” Colgate said. Why dose everypony say I act like a kid? Am I really that childish?

“It’s really never been a problem for me.” I said. I always had a knack for watching and playing with little kids. If my special talent wasn’t the Lyre then babysitting would have been… I wonder what a cutie mark like that would look like.

“We’re going to go looking for humans.”

Colgate let out an amused giggle “I remember when I used to go on those with Berry and Cheerilee.”

“You knew Ms. Cheerilee?” Dinky asked

“Of course, she was much older than me or Berry and had the strangest fashion sense.” Colgate said with a small smirk apparently remembering an oddly dressed pony. “Anyways I’m probably wasting your time now. Have fun.” She said and continued her walk. There was something fishy going on about this whole situation. Dinky and I continued on our way to her friends.

When we entered the shop Bon-Bon owned she greeted me happily and I said hi back to her. The shop itself wasn’t as busy as last time I came but I felt as though the celebration had something to do with it. I told her about my day so far especially the odd Vinyl Scratch wake up call. “I’m honestly surprised that she doesn’t get any noise complaints.” Bon-Bon said

“She probably wouldn’t hear them.” I answered simply “Oh yeah, I offered to go with Dinky and her friends to go look for humans.” Remembering the most important part of the day.

“I remember those, I can’t believe I ever thought they we’re real.” She laughed innocently but my mind was caught up on what she said.

Humans… searching… kids- er, foals… Humans… I gasped “Not real?!”

Bon-Bon shoved her hoof in my mouth and shushed me urgently. I noticed that some faces were turned to me “Quiet,” She whispered angrily “Their young and will be heartbroken if they find out.” My heart felt broken though.

When she removed her hoof I whispered back in the same urgent tone “What do you mean humans aren’t real?”

Bon-Bon looked genuinely surprised “You really thought they were?”

“Well duh,” I said, wasn’t it obvious? But then another realization came upon me. Humans are real where I’m from and yet they know at least a little about them, Unicorns, Pegasi and other magical creatures live here and everyone in my world knows at least a little about all of them… so would that mean that there is still a chance of humans in Equestria? “You may have lost faith but I swear I will find a Human and I’ll even show it to you when I do. In fact I’ll show everypony.”

“Lyra it’s just an old pony’s tale.”

“So was Nightmare Moon.”

Bon-Bon fell silent realizing that I was right in that respect “I’ll give you that one but honestly do you honestly believe that you’ll find a human?”

“Absolutely, Maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow but eventually I’ll find one.”

Bon-Bon was apprehensive on the whole fact I believed in what was apparently the pony version of Bigfoot but let it go as I went with Dinky, and her friends Snips and Snails. These ponies are so punny “If you think that human hunting is fun you should come and help us look for Seaponies someday.” Snips said.

“I might just do that.” I said, If humans are real and so are many other creatures in this world the there must be the existents of these Seaponies too, right? Either way this should be interesting even if it is the pony version of a Snipe hunt.

Best morning ever!

View Online

So here I am in the most confusing of situations and one most could only imagine and couldn’t hope to understand the full force of. It’s been a little over a week now and I’m still having trouble wrapping my mind around it. I’ve been pulled into a world by some unknown force, a world that shouldn’t exist. I’ve been switched out of my normal body to fit the new world (don’t really understand how that happened either) and by dumb chance that new body happened to be female (Although it creeps me out on many levels I don’t think I look too bad) I’m living in a town inhabited by pastel colored ponies and am even living with one.
On that note Bon-Bon wasn’t bad, she’s rough around the edges but is just a sweetheart when you get to know her. Her candy is even sweeter and she can make tons of other good food too. Let me tell you, this mare knows how to cook! I never thought that I would like things like vegetable soup so much! I never thought I would like grass or flower or even hay based food at all but she made it work. Also she has a spare room but mostly used it to store things, she offered to clean it out for me so I could sleep there instead of… sharing a bed. I don’t like the idea of us sleeping together for some reason. There is like some sort of nagging feeling in the back of my head.

Currently, though, I’m in the soon to be my room writing on a desk that was there by candle light. It was night outside and a lamp had not made it into the room yet. I had decided early on to take notes of thing I’ve learned and pieces and clues I’ve collected on how I even got to this world. I traced and retraced my steps over and over again but got next to nothing. I was walking through the woods and made it home and then fell asleep, but that didn’t seem right somehow. I was missing something “What else happened then?” I looked outside staring at the dark jeweled sky hoping for some sort of inspiration and then it hit me “Of course! The sun!” I exclaimed excitedly. Well it wasn’t the sun exactly it was that strange golden item that was shaped like a sun but this was progress- or at least I hope it is.

“What was that, Lyra?” Bon-Bon called up from downstairs “Did you say something?”

“Nothing Bon-Bon.” I hated not being able to tell them things especially Bon-Bon since I’m living with her. However if I did they would probably think I was crazy. Firstly because no one in this world believed that humans were real (except for kids but no one takes them quite as seriously as adults) they thought I was strange enough for believing such a thing. Anyone would be thought crazy if they went around telling others that they were a creature of myth.
So I’m keeping quiet about that detail and anything related to it till I can prove it once and for all… This might be a bit harder than I originally thought.

I began drawing the design of that strange emblem I found before all the craziness happened. I figured out a few days earlier how to use magic to write and draw, it was very useful. I need to learn a few actual spells eventually, it would be cool. I drew several of them and labeled them simply as “Sun thingy” I’m not too good at names.
“‘Sun thingy’ huh?” I heard suddenly from behind me. In surprise I dropped the quill- well okay it was more like it was launched across the room but the concept was the same. I turned around to see Bon-Bon looking at my work. It was only a few sheets and nothing really big in size or importance. I hadn’t gotten much progress in the investigation department.

“Bon-Bon, please don’t sneak up on me like that!”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” Bon-Bon apologized with a little smirk on her face that told me she wasn’t entirely sorry. “I just came to tell you that dinner is ready.” My growling stomach reminded me of my need for food. I decided that the whole mystery universe jumping problem could wait till after I finished dinner. I wouldn’t be able to solve anything on an empty stomach after all.

Let me say this one last thing about Bon-Bon’s cooking, by the time I get back to my own world she’ll have just made a vegetarian out of me. Until I came here I would never have thought I would like vegetables so much. (I also never thought I would ever be seen eating flowers and grass but that’s a different matter) the strange part of the pony diet here in Equestria is that they do eat meat but only one kind: eggs. I know strange, right? Ponies eating eggs, amazing but strange. Getting back to the topic of Bon-Bon’s currently made dinner; she made the best veggie soup I had ever tasted. “What did you do to this, Bon-Bon? I’ve never tasted a soup like this before.” I said before eating another spoon full. I really wanted to know this secret; I’m not the world’s best cook but this I had to know.

“Not much,” Bon-Bon answered modestly “I just seasoned it a little.”

“This is grade A.” I commented and I noticed a slight blush from my complimenting her cooking. She must be so shy and modest to act this way and not just admit she’s a great cook.

“That means a lot coming from someone with your upbringing.” I stopped eating, curious about what she meant by that. “Living in Canterlot you must have had some pretty good food.” Oh yeah, they all think I’m from Canterlot. To lie to creatures, whether or not they were cartoon ponies or actual people, always made feel awful. She’d taken me in and gave me a home when she could easily just let me wonder aimlessly. She had every reason to after the Nightmare Moon crisis. By this time we had stopped eating and were just talking but none of us really noticed or cared too much.

“Well the food there was definitely fancy looking and complicated.” I commented thinking back to the several pastry stores I had passed when I first wandered Canterlot. “But the taste wasn’t really the same. You can dress something up and make it look good but that doesn’t mean it always is.” I said all of this while trying not to make direct eye contact. I didn’t to risk having her find out it was a lie. Hopefully I’ll never have to make up an entire backstory for myself.

“Well I’m glad you like it.” She said and went back to the food.

“One of these days I’m going to do something to pay you back for all this.”

“You don’t need to do that, Lyra.”

“But I want to, you’ve gone out of your way to make me at home and help me.” I insisted.

Bon-Bon thought about it while tapping a hoof on her chin in thought “Well, Vinyl Scratch said she’d help me with the supplies being delivered to my shop, but then said today that something came up in Canterlot so she might be gone for a few days. It should be here by tomorrow, you could help me with that if you want.” It was a start but I’ll take, not exactly a good exchange for giving me a place to live and feeding me. She said that her shop has been suffering money problems lately so maybe if I could find a way to make some income for myself it would help her. I’m not sure what I would qualify for or even how I would go about getting a job. I still don’t fully understand Equestrian society. I’ll start with this good deed and worry about that later. We enjoyed the rest of our meal talking about this and that.

Bon-Bon told me about some funny experiences she’s had at work. Like one time this pony named Berry Punch came into her shop with Colgate (apparently Berry practically forced her to come) Berry wasn’t in her complete mind at the time and became convinced that she could break a record for the world’s biggest bubble gum bubble. I wasn’t aware there was such a thing. Berry bought so much gum that she could barely chew and blew a huge bubble it popped and- as fate would have it- Colgate got a face full of chewed gum. Bon-Bon laughed at the memory “It was stuck everywhere! Her blue face was completely pink and so was her toothpaste mane.” She snorted. I snorted from trying to keep a straight face long enough to listen to the story “It was stuck into her coat and everything! Oh, but that wasn’t the best part,” I covered my mouth with my hooves, a huge grin forming on my face and feeling like I would explode “She started to panic, running around the room like a mad mare.” Bon-Bon and I laughed. I could only imagine Colgate freaking out with gum stuck to her face. We continued like this the rest of the night.
I don’t ever remember having a friend any bit like Bon-Bon; if I were stuck in another universe I’m glad it’s this one. Things are more peaceful here (more often than not) and there are ponies willing to give you a place to stay and rest your head. Speaking of which, when it got too deep into the night we went to bed. Still the same bed, it still bothered me every now and then when a touch of nervousness crept in or when my mind fell into the gutter until I had to fish it back out. I pretty much got over that little detail after a while, the couch was too uncomfortable to sleep on and their wasn’t a second bed yet so I really had no choice. The only issue I still have is, when I sleep, I end up turning Bon-Bon into a my hug pillow. I always wake up holding her close to me. I’ve tried a few things to fix it but nothing ever really works. I tried sleeping with a pillow already in my forelegs so I wouldn’t turn to Bon-Bon, needless to say it didn’t work.

I lay down in the bed in complete darkness, save for the clear night sky shining through the window, and next to one of my best friends since I’ve arrived here. It seemed appropriate to call her my best friend despite the little time I’ve known her. After everything she’s done it’d be clear to the most oblivious person in the world that she’s a good friend. I just lay there for what felt like hours with thoughts running through my head. So many questions and no answers! I appeared here by what I’d assume is some kind of magic, but no idea why I’m here. I assumed it would be a short lived trip and yet I’m here days after the “Nightmare Moon Incident” so what hasn’t been done? Am I here one accident? Just some sort of freak mistake? Or am I here on some mission that even I don’t know about? Did I physically take part in me coming here or did something drag me here? Honestly some of these sound a little cliché and maybe even unrealistic but this world’s idea of “Unrealistic” differs greatly than my world’s idea of the word. I need answers and I need to go home! “Lyra?” a groggy, half-awake voice called out interrupting my thoughts.

“Yeah, Bon-Bon?”

“Is something wrong? You’ve been tossing and turning, it’s shaking the bed.”

“Sorry,” I apologized “I just can’t turn my brain off right now.”

“Want to talk about it? Maybe get it off your chest?” It was a nice offer and all but I wasn’t sure if I could, or at least, not in the way I wanted. She didn’t believe in humans and to her a mare that still believes in them is strange enough, if I started saying I was one of them she might think I’m crazy.

“No thanks, I can get over it.”

“Is it about your home?” I fell quiet, my tired mind was stunned “We don’t live too far from Canterlot, you could visit them anytime.”

I felt home sick and my heart had fallen into my stomach. “…yeah you’re right,” the thought occurred to me that I might never go home. Then for the first time since I’m glad it was dark and she was too sleepy to really pay attention “goodnight Bon-Bon.” I said in the best way I could to keep my voice from betraying me. I thought I felt a tear come.

(*~#)

I woke up like I would any morning, it was another peaceful and bright summer morning outside and I could feel Celestia’s sun shining through the window. Except there was one difference today. Bon-Bon was awake and I was holding on to her again. Why is this different? Because up until this point she didn’t know I did that, I always woke up first. I quickly let go and made sure I was careful not to fall off. “Uh… sorry.” I said quickly and hopped off the bed and quickly walked out before anything could be said.

It was another bright and shining day out and nice summer weather was a wonderful change from fall weather in my world… my world, I wonder if they know I’m missing. What could all of them be doing? Maybe I could try to break the fourth wall and get someone’s attention. That last thought put a smile on my sour thoughts. I will find a way back eventually, and until then I should just enjoy what time I have here.

The morning sun shone through the windows of the kitchen. I ate a simple bowel of cereal as a waited for Bon-bon. A mane like hers doesn’t just happen I guess. There hasn’t been a cloud out in a while and by a while I mean several days. Even in the human world a completely cloudless day several days in a row is odd but in a world where weather is manual I can’t apply normal logic without looking strange. There hadn’t been anything in the paper about any change in weather and I’ve heard several say that the weather factory might have had a sort of incident and we could be having a drought. Least it hasn’t been getting too hot, fur and hot weather was uncomfortable.

After we got ready to leave and Bon-Bon was finished with her things we headed out for being early in the day it was surprisingly warm, maybe we are having a drought. The walk was peaceful and quiet but the silence got heavy fast. We filled it up with conversation, it was mostly random things. We talked about funny things and things we’ve been doing, things of that nature. Bon-Bon had some really funny stories; you wouldn’t believe the crazy things that walk through the door of her store.
Next to Sugar Cube corner her store was one of the popular places to hang out in town. Ironically Sugar Cube corner is her biggest rival in the business and also her only constant source of income. I guess it’s a friendly rivalry. Bon-Bon is willing to handle orders for some of their own treats and they pay generously for the supplies. I’m pretty sure if Bon-Bon was there instead of Rarity, Bon-Bon would have been Generosity. I think Vinyl could easily be Laughter. Speaking of which, I wonder how Vinyl is doing in Canterlot. I was there for maybe a few hours and realized fairly quickly that it had a major population of snobs, with the exception of ponies like Grandpa Tapes.

We finally made it to the candy store and Bon-Bon told me to head towards the back of the store. “We need to check inventory first.” She said “After that there will be two bulls with a large cart of items that I ordered, let me know when they come. If they haven’t shown up already they should be coming soon. I’ll check up on things here.” She said opening the register looking at the money and back at a list she had set on the counter. I hadn’t realized how much effort went into a simple sounding store like a candy shop. I went through a door behind the counter while Bon-Bon counted the money in the register.

There was a hallway that led to three different rooms, I flipped on the lights in the hall and saw a sign over the door of each room. The one at the end of the hall was labeled “storage” not wasting anytime I moved over there and turned on the light. I could see all the boxes and jars stacked on top of each other that were previously hidden in the near darkness. I didn’t know what I expected honestly, the boxes were stacked as high as the ceiling in some places. I pulled out a list of things that were supposed to be here (it was not a short list) It had containers listed as well as things like wrappers and ingredients for making candy. Beside each item was listed a number of how many there were supposed to be and what was being ordered.

It took me hours to get a good amount of the list finished and it was barely even half of the list. My magic felt like it was getting weaker as I continued picking up and moving things so I could look at the contents. I’ll be honest I thought magic was just that, magic, but it’s not. I mean, yes its magic but like doing something with your actual body it’ll get tired after a while. It didn’t feel exactly the same though; it wasn’t that same sort of tired you’d get from physical work. My head felt like it was getting a little lighter after a while and I could feel beads of sweat forming on my head. I could feel the beginnings of a headache too. “Bon-Bon deals with all this work on a daily basis?” I wondered out loud to myself. I heard a knocking coming from the room next to me. I peeked out the window in the room I was in and saw two bulls strapped to a large wagon carrying a large amount of items stored in barrels. I’m going to have to carry all that in aren’t I? I trudged out of the room and opened the back door to be greeted by them.

“Delivery for Bon-Bon?” one asked in a tough and gruff voice. I was mildly surprised that they spoke but, then again, cows and bulls aren’t too different from ponies. I’m guessing all creatures similar to ponies have that same amount of sentience.

“That’s right.” I confirmed

“We have six barrels of sugar and four barrels of apples.” I was shocked about how little in variation there was but didn’t comment on it. I levitated the list in front of me and checked. It was at the very bottom of the list.

“That seems right to me. Thank you.” I smiled after I double checked.

“You don’t look like a Bon-Bon.” Said the other in a rather comical more nasally voice.

“Oh, I’m not,” I answered matter of-factly “I’m a friend of hers, my names Lyra.”

“Well enough of the pleasantries,” The first one spoke up getting us back on track. He pulled a paper clipped to a pad out of the cart and I carefully pulled it out of his mouth with my magic and signed it off. They were nice enough to carry them inside for me it was so much quicker having them help. What’s more is that those were the last few things on my list. I came around the front of the store and saw various ponies of age gender and color all gathered around, coming and going and generally going about their business. I wasn’t sure how long I had been in the back but I had been there for a while. I walked over to Bon-Bon how was finishing up with Snips and Snails.

When she turned to face me she looked a little surprised “You’re finished already?” she asked with some noticeable shock.
I raised an eyebrow at the question “Yeah,” I answered slowly “It was tiring but those two bulls came at the right moment, that was exhausting how do you do this every day?” I have newfound respect for Mom and Pop stores. Her shop has, from what I gather, no notability to speak of unlike Sugar Cube Corner and is certainly not a franchise.

“I usually don’t open this early and thought I could take advantage of the extra help, but it takes me longer to go through everything. You sure you checked everything?”

“Yep.” I grinned “It’s all right here.” I said handing over the list. Her expression went from doubtful to surprised and then finally pleased. “I think it would have taken longer if I didn’t use magic.”

“I’m impressed, thank you for the help.” She said with a smile.

“That’s it?” I wondered

“Huh?”
“I figured you needed more help. Is this really all you needed help with?”
“It is, believe it or not. I only make more candy when I’m out of stock and even then it’s only after or before work hours. I can handle this, thank you for your help.” Well… I don’t really have a position to argue with her and she seems pleased… ah, what the heck I guess that’s enough.

“Alrighty then.” I smiled innocently and walked out the front door. It was a very nice day out anyways. I walked through town looking for more things to occupy my time. I saw Twilight walk by me and then I got the greatest idea ever! If I have nothing to do and I’m trying to find a way home then why don’t I look up anything that might give me clues? To the library! I mentally exclaimed. I dashed past her but she didn’t seem to notice much. It looked like she was thinking about something really hard. Spike was riding on her back, maybe he had something to do with it? I looked up into the sky and saw several Pegasi filling the sky with dark clouds. There weren’t very many to worry about right now though. I came closing in on the library tree house… thing, not after too long. As I entered the place with some form of name that escaped me at the moment, I saw Fluttershy and a bunch of her animal friends cleaning the place up.

It was like something out of snow white almost and something about it struck me as odd, was something happening that I wasn’t aware of? Fluttershy noticed me “Oh, hello, I’m sorry but I was thinking of surprising Twilight, sorry if this is bothering you.” She apologized out of the blue while trying to hid behind her mane.

“No need to apologize.” I said comforting “It’s no problem I’ll just come back later” As I closed the door I could only think of two things.

1) What just happened?
2) Am I missing something?

My thoughts were interrupted by my growling stomach and another thought entered my head “I’m hungry.” I said to myself. I remembered seeing a restaurant not very far from here and the more I thought of it the more I realized I never had normal pony food. I only ever had the food the Bon-Bon made, I wonder how the other side lives. Heh, I really did sound like I came from Canterlot that time. I walked down the street directly in front of the tree, house… thing. I tried several stores and different restaurants but too rich for my blood. I get something of an allowance from Bon-Bon, when she needs me to run out and get something for her she’ll give me the money for it and say’s I can keep what’s left. It adds up after a while but I really can only afford the cheap stuff.

I was curious what things like grass, hay and flowers tasted like even before I became a pony. I know some of you probably think it’s weird but seriously I’ve seen some major Vegans eating things like grass before. I thought eating only vegetables was weird enough but I really have no room to talk on that point anymore. Does grass taste like lettuce? Do flowers? They have smell so maybe different flowers have different tastes? Growing up I was never much of a picky eater, not much of one now either and I was curious. If I’m going to be here a while I should try everything I can.

As I continued to wonder the town I came across several good looking places, most looked too rich for my blood but still. The sky seemed to fill up with more clouds as I walked; it was still nothing to worry about. Although a few looked dark and heavy. I eventually came across a modest looking place. Lots of ponies sat around giant purple mushroom with haystacks as seats. “Sweet! Mushroom tables, this place just gets better each time I take a step outside!” That random outburst of speaking my thoughts got me plenty of stares from passing ponies. I let out a nervous grin and felt my cheeks get hot from embarrassment. I walked past the crowd of eyes trying my best to pretend I didn’t just yell my own thoughts for everyone to here. I let out a sigh of relief when they all stopped looking or walked away. “Ah, Leo you have got to stop talking to yourself.” I told myself then stopped dead in my tracks as I realized I did it again “Starting now.” I said out loud for (hopefully) the last time.

I noticed Twilight and Spike sitting at one of the awesome mushroom tables. She was talking to Spike and seemed wore out. I couldn’t make out what was being said but she started picking petals off a flower with her magic. Then I noticed something else less important to the show but important enough for me. My best friend in this colorful, strange world “Bon-Bon!” I called out as I ran over to her. She was sitting at one of the tables talking to a pink earth pony with a yellow mane and had two cherries as a Cutie mark. “I thought you still had work.” I said

“I do I’m just taking a break. I left for some lunch and ran into someone I knew.”

The pink stranger waved at me with a friendly grin “Hi, I’m Cherry Berry. Maybe you’ve seen this amazing hot air balloon flying around.” I took a moment to think about it. Every now and then I have seen this big purple balloon fly around it usually has a bunch of different ponies in it. But their always was the same pink pilot with this awesome hat and goggles.

“Oh yeah I remember that… wait is that yours?!” I exclaimed with surprise. I barely recognized her without the flight stuff.

“Yep, flight is a growing form of travel that’s becoming quite popular. I think it’ll make trains really work for their money. Not everypony can be lucky enough to have wings, myself included of course.” She seemed really proud talking about her balloon. It must be hard to fly a balloon. She must have really worked hard at flying it, especially when her talent clearly involves cherries and not flight. “So you’re Lyra then, huh?” she said with an odd smirk. What was that about?

“Bon-Bon’s been talking about me?”

“Mm-hm, from the way she talks about you the two of you must be close.” There was an odd tone about all of this that I just wasn’t getting I’m sure.

“You bet we’re close! She’s one of my best friends.” I smiled, I looked over and Bon-Bon was smiling too.
Cherry frowned a bit. “That’s all?”

“What else is there?” I asked genuinely curious.

“Yes, I’m confused too.” Bon-Bon said with the same level of curiousness.

Cherry shook her head slightly as if trying to shake off whatever was running in her head “Never mind, So Bon-Bon told me about some drawings of yours.”

Bon-Bon looked as if she remembered something important “Oh yeah!” She pulled out a piece of paper from a bag that was sitting next to her. It was my drawing of the Big Sun-Thingy. “When I saw this I thought it looked familiar. When I showed it to Cherry thinking that she might know, she said it looked a lot like a Cutie Mark.”

“Princess Celestia’s to be exact.” Cherry added. Celestia has something to do with this whole thing? Why? How? Is there some sort of special reason or something? Also, how does a cartoon character wield such power?!? “This is just speculation of course and the only way to find out for sure would be to show the item to them.” Cherry continued to say. They asked me questions about it, where I saw it, how I came across it and why I’m interested. I of course couldn’t just tell them the truth and expect them to believe me so I told a bunch of half-truths. I told them I found in the Everfree while Nightmare Moon was out and about and that it just seemed out of place in the dark forest. Also that I honestly haven’t a single clue as to where it would be now.

I turned to Cherry “How in this world do you have or would have knowledge on artifacts?”

“I used to be an Adventurer but then I injured my knees.” Tragic, strange and oddly funny. All of a sudden a loud boom rang out from above and rain poured down on our heads. We ran inside the restaurant drench when we got inside. Bon-Bon and Cherry looked funny all wet. Bon-Bon had a scowl on her face as her wet mane that was usually puffy and full of life cling to her head and drip. I’m sure I looked no better my mane almost completely covered my eyes. We weren’t too far away from the door but it rained hard. Well when you have a long dry spell you need a lot of rain to make up for it.

“I thought the forecast was no rain.” Bon-Bon growled

I smiled despite myself “Well the town needed water bad.” She said nothing in response but just grumbled and growled some more. I looked out the window and saw Twilight completely dry apparently yelling at Rainbow Dash through a hole in the clouds. I couldn’t make out what they were saying but the Rainbow Pegasus relented and filled in the hole and quickly got soaked. I snickered a little at the scene before me and Spike did too. I saw Rarity walk over to her with and umbrella so she must be alright.

I did something I never had a chance to try before. I spread my hooves and planted them firmly on the hardwood floor. “Lyra what are- no don’t!” I shook myself as hard as I could and I felt the water just spraying off me, this is much more effective than a towel! It didn’t take more than a few seconds and when I finished I looked back over at Bon-Bon to see what she wanted and she was even wet than before… and angrier

“Oh…sorry.” I said with a weak smile. I noticed that she had something brown and slightly discolored hanging from her mouth. My ruined drawing, well I don’t even have written evidence now. Not that it matters, I mean how will I even be able to get an audience with royalty? Cherry walked over to me and smoothed down my mane that was wildly sticking up now.

“Um… Lyra why don’t you just go to the restroom and fix all of this up.” She suggested. Taking her advice I awkwardly left them and headed for the clearly marked doors but not before I heard one last exchange “She isn’t the brightest bulb, but she has heart in the right place.” That hurts my pride a little, I’m sure Cherry thought I couldn’t hear her but that still stung a little.

I walked through the door and heard several startled voices… and all of them deep. “What the-”

“Why is she in here?”

“Did we go in the wrong room?”

My head shot up and my eyes widened I was surrounded Stallions and Colts. Crap, I forgot I was a girl! I bolted out of the room and slammed the door shut leaning against it breathing heavily and my cheeks burning. I’ve gone into the Men’s restroom before. But this was the first time I ever felt like I wasn’t supposed to be there and I felt awkward like never before. I completely forgot my gender. I had flashbacks to my second day of being in this world and I needed to use the bathroom back at the home I was staying at with Bon-Bon. I never used a bathroom like that before and now I have to go into a public bathroom to a gender I’ve only been for a week? Oh Celestia-or whatever god-like being they pray to- give me strength.

I peeked over at the sign next door clearly marked for females then at the door itself. A door has never looked so menacing before. I looked at the crowd of ponies that were minding their own business but it felt like every eye was on me. I slowly opened the door and looked inside, as suspected their indeed were ponies of the female persuasion in there. I took one look back at everyone else and walked inside.

(#!~#)

I went through with it and managed to fix my mane, it wasn’t too bad at least. The rain had stopped and Bon-Bon had to return to the store. I managed to sit down and have lunch while I was at the restaurant. On the off chance you come across a magical and mysterious item from the cartoon despite the fact it doesn’t seem the least bit possible, come to this place and order a daisy sandwich. It may seem weird at first to eat a sandwich whose contents are grass and flowers but if you get over that bit it’s great. I do miss meat at times and after having eggs as the only source of good protein (as strange as it seems for ponies eating eggs) it just doesn’t cut it after a while. The bright side is that you learn so many different ways to have a creative vegetarian meal. I decided that I had spent enough time messing around and decided to head back to the library and see if Twilight was back. However when I got there not only was Twilight in front of the library but she was surrounded by other ponies.

As I got closer I heard Twilight talking to Pinkie Pie in an angry, scolding voice. “At least the other ponies TRIED to be subtle about the ticket.” Now THAT sounded interesting, she was being harassed by other ponies about some ticket. This was starting to sound like an episode was in progress, was their? I could totally break the fourth wall if I wanted at this point. Other ponies started to gather around them attracted by the scene that was happening.

One spoke up “What ticket? What Gala?” Gala? Isn’t that sort of like a big party thing for the sweet and elite or at least those with good connections? What Gala is this whole thing about anyways?

Pinkie smiled ignorantly and told everpony around “Didn’t you know? Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!” The chatter grew instantly and others got excited. Clearly this was huge and it involved the main cast so it also has to be important in some way. Still, I have no idea what the big Alliteration party was about.

Some ponies within ear shot of me talked excitedly “The Grand Gala! The biggest celebration in Equestria for anypony whose anypony! I could even meet the Princess.” That sounds promising actually. Change of plans, I must get the ticket, go to this Gala, talk to the Princess and get this crazy thing sorted out. Lots of ponies were already trying to get Twilights favor with different promises ranging from pathetic to amazing.

I pushed my way through trying to get to her “Twilight! Twilight! Ms. Sparkle!” I yelled trying to get her attention.

“I’ll give you free carrots!”

“You can have things from my store for free!”

“I have an amazing dress that’ll be perfect for you!” Shit, this is tough competition! Think of something! Think of something!

“Oh, Oh! Free music lesson! I could teach you how to play!” it was worth a shot, I didn’t have anything else. Everything was borrowed from Bon-Bon. Everyone (including myself was yelling over each other for her. The all of a sudden with a scream Twilight jumped over our heads and ran. Without much thought I along with everyone else chased her. She bolted down the street past Sugarcube Corner and around a house I followed after her but she wasn’t there when I came around. My head swung all over the place frantically trying to find her. I hear her voice behind me along with several voices calling out to her. I turned around I almost made myself dizzy and ran after her. She ran so fast down the main street it was hard to keep an eye on her it didn’t help that the stampede of ponies was kicking up some serious dust. We barely managed to tail her for several streets as she made confusing twists and turns, she fell out of my sight for a second and vanished again. I heard what sounded like Carrot Top yelling and saw her behind us pointing at Twilight who managed to disguise herself.

The chase continued for so long I lost track of time. We crossed the park pass multiple streets and through the occasional store until she got stuck in an alley, Just when I thought I could finally get her attention she did something I didn’t expect and vanished, just a quick poof and she was gone. The few that managed to keep up the chase till this point muttered to themselves in confusion. I looked around seeing if she teleported close by but no such luck.

“Ugh, I can’t believe this!” a familiar voice called out in irritation.

“Bon-Bon! I didn’t think I’d see you caught in all this.”

“Of course, if I could get into the Gala I could make a good impression on the nobles and whole new life could start for me. I might just be able to get a home in Canterlot and even open a shop there. Why would you want to go to the Gala?”

“I just want to meet Canterlot royalty, it would be awesome!” In the purest sense that was my goal but more specifically was to meet Princess Celestia. I noticed Derpy was here too. I honestly didn’t expect her to be in on this. She seemed pretty happy with her life, what would someone like her want from all this craziness? We asked her about it and, as it turned out, she just really wanted to go “A once in a lifetime experience” she says, that going only once would be a full life. They invite about a year in advance, according to Bon-Bon and Derpy, because it’s such a huge event. So much for that huge plan anyways. Nopony is getting their fantasy fulfilled this time. I lowered my head in disappointment and let loose a heavy sigh “Well it doesn’t really matter now, right?” They grudgingly agreed. We spent most of the day going about our business taking care of what needed to be done. I helped Bon-Bon out some more at her shop. Visited Derpy and Carrot Top, I stayed there for a while. I even had some fun with Colgate when the dentistry building closed down.

Nothing really exciting happened after the incident earlier that day. Bon-Bon had yet again outdone herself on the cooking when dinner came around. I sat in my still unfinished room drawing and sketching different ideas of what I should do from here, I was back to square one, sure I had a valuable clue now but that means nothing if I can’t get close to the princess. Eventually came morning and as I was cleaning myself up to get ready for another day I hear a knock at the door. “Could you get that Lyra?” Bon-Bon called from downstairs in the kitchen.

“Alright!” I finished brushing my hair in my familiar fashion and headed down. As I opened the door Derpy was there in her uniform “Hey what’s up?”

“A message from Canterlot.” Derpy said handing over a rather thick envelope. Who do I know from Canterlot anyways? Yeah, there was Vinyl’s grandpa but he didn’t know where I live. Curiosity getting a hold of me I held the envelope with my magic and tore it open. There was a letter written to me and Bon-Bon.

Hey Lyra and Bon-Bon, Things are going great up here. I’m staying with a friend of mine while I’m here and I should be back by tomorrow. Some awesome stuff down here if you get over the infestation of snobs. The downtown area is my favorite, there is so much nightlife there and it reminds me of Manehatten. Anyways the point is I got some awesome gifts for you Bon-Bon, Derpy and Colgate and I couldn’t wait. Go nuts!

The Queen of Clubs, Vinyl Scratch

That is a bit of a boastful title. I looked back into the envelope and pulled out four golden tickets, my eyes widened with surprise and excitement as it read the ticket “Grand Galloping Gala Tickets!” I screamed.

“WHAT?!?” Bon-Bon screamed from the other side of the house and ran faster than I’ve ever seen before to look at them herself. “That’s enough for all of us to go!”

“Oh, dear Celestia this is wonderful!” Derpy screamed with as much joy as the rest of us.

We were jumping up and down screaming fangirl screams of joy! I’ve never done that before, BUT WHO CARES?!? WE GOT TICKETS! “Can you girls say best morning ever?” Bon-Bon smiled.

I took a deep breath “BEST MORNING EVER!!!”

Art of The Dress

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I swam under the surface of the water with goggles on and yellow flippers on my feet. Laugh if you want but flippers help make swimming easier. I swam closer to the bottom and looked flipped over to look up towards the surface. I could see the rays of sunlight shining through and the shadows of ponies and animals moving around on the surface.

Now I probably lost a lot of you already, well I got a clue to some magical creatures called Seaponies from Twilight’s library/house. Apparently, despite their name, Seaponies can live in any body of water. So I was swimming around in the river that went right through town. Admittedly the book I got the information from was a book of legends and myths but with Nightmare Moon I figured that anything they claimed wasn’t real could be real. Besides this is a world with so many amazing monsters and creatures, I would think a Seapony could be real. I heard some echoing from the water it sounded like muffled yelling or something but it also didn’t sound like it came from the water.

I decided to swim towards the surface to see what was going on. When my head breached the water I was greeted by Colgate and Derpy. “Hi, guys.” I smiled. They both looked a little confused, and curious.

“What are you doing at the bottom of a river?” Colgate asked. I pulled myself out of the water and took off my goggles. Colgate handed me the towel I brought.

“Thank you, and to answer your question I’m currently looking for Seaponies. I figured this is a good place to start.” I said cleaning myself off. I pulled off the flippers and stuffed them and the towel in a bag. “What’s up?”

“Bon-Bon was heading over to the Carousel Boutique and wanted us to go find you and Vinyl and bring you over.” Derpy said. I know I’ve heard of that place before but I couldn’t think of it.

“What for?” I asked. I knew French because I have a grandma that doesn’t speak English too well and boutique meant literally “small shop” but aside from that I really had no idea what a “boutique” was. Also, what reason did they need me and Vinyl for? Vinyl is practically a boy in a girl’s body- or a stallion in a mare’s body, as the case was. I was literally a boy in a girl’s body… it’s still weird to think about. We both aren’t the most, as Colgate would put it, the most lady-like ponies. I was considered naïve and Vinyl was considered very loud, both were pretty true too. If Colgate is in on this- whatever it is- then it would probably take something that Vinyl and I both don’t have a lot of, if any.

“It’s a secret.” Colgate grinned and walked off with Derpy following “Come on, let’s go get Vinyl.” Colgate called over her shoulder. I levitated the bag I brought and put it on and did a quick trot to catch up with them.

The day was very nice and the town seemed busier than ever, as if each citizen had something important that needed to be done. A few clouds where in the sky and the sun was more gentle than usual. We traveled for a little while until we made it to Vinyl’s home and I realized something- well a few things actually. First was that, looking down the street, Vinyl didn’t live too far from Twilight. The other thing was that there were a lot of empty houses around Vinyl’s home, the houses on either side of her was empty and so was a few homes across the street from her. I didn’t even see a “for sale” sign on them; it’s as if they got out in a hurry. Derpy walked up to the door and knocked on the door “Vinyl? You home?” She called.

We heard a voice from the other side of the door yell out “Door’s open!” for the first time we entered Vinyl’s home and to our surprise her home was a mess. A mess of junk from days passed, old boxes of take-out food were scattered everywhere, random pieces and wires from things unknown. Suitcases and bags and, oddly enough, a shocking amount of clothes despite the fact I’ve never seen her wear a bit of it were laying across the floor. Colgate was visibly disgusted by the mess but before anything could be commented on the mess Vinyl walked in from another room holding a slice of pizza in her magical grip “Hey guys!” She grinned seeing us “Welcome to my home! I’m almost done unpacking my stuff.”

I took another look around “Yeah, I can see that.” I answered

“I’m assuming that this is about the Carousel Boutique since Bon-Bon sent me a letter before I came back to Ponyville. Well make yourselves at home; I have a few things I need to take care of before I can head out.”

“More than a few by the look of it.” Colgate grimaced taking another look at the disaster area. Vinyl just walked by us heading for the stairs and laughed a little. Derpy, Colgate and I were left in her mess of a house while Vinyl took care of some business up stairs. My eyes shifted from one pile of discarded clothing the other and I became more curious to WHY she had so much clothing in the first place. I didn’t even have any clothes back at Bon-Bon’s house, aside from a baseball hat that I saw at one point while wandering the market one time.

“I don’t think even Dinky has ever had her room even half as messy as this single room.” Derpy said breaking the silence.

“I’ve never seen a mess like this.” Colgate said.

“It actually reminds me of my room when I haven’t cleaned it in a while.” I said absentmindedly. Derpy decided to head to the kitchen to get something to eat, she was certain that Vinyl wouldn’t mind. Colgate timidly started to wander the house as if a monster would jump out and kill her. My mind went back to the mysterious piles of clothes then I saw a single article of clothing on one of the piles “A sock?” I muttered to myself. It was stripped in grey and purple I levitated it closer to my face and examined it “Hmm.”

Derpy came walking back chewing on the last piece of a sandwich “What’s that?” She asked.

“What’s what?” Colgate asked looking back “I-is that a sock?”

“Yeah,” I answered fascinated by the item “Weird, I’ve never seen one wore by a pony before.”

“Ugh, what kind of weird things is that mare into?” Colgate muttered in disgust.

The more I processed this information the more I was interested “Hmm… Ponies in socks… I’d like to see that actually!” Both simultaneously told me not to say “Creepy” things like that. What was creepy about it? I threw it back into the pile disregarding it for now gray and purple aren’t her colors anyways, it’s so drab and dark and not at all a good match for a bright, colorful and wild pony- and I REALLY sound like a girl right now!

I wondered the house a little more, carefully stepping around the clutter and I found a room that was surprisingly well kept, even for someone that normally has a well put together house. It was filled with instruments- and her DJ equipment but I still debate if that can be considered an actual instrument- I walked in admiring how nice this one room was, the clutter of the next room didn’t even slightly touch the room like some sort of invisible force field has in front of the threshold. The different instruments where put together with obvious gentleness and care. Some hung on the walls, which were really white because I guess she like cleans them or something and the same could be said about the carpet in terms of cleanliness. Other instruments were on special racks, or cabinets. “I didn’t think she had it in her.” I heard Colgate say as she walked to the room. “But why all the other instruments? Isn’t she a DJ?”

“Well she is also a musician.” I answered “A proper musician shouldn’t isolate themselves to a single thing and see the world of music for all it has to offer, rather than focus on a single bit of it.”

“Oh yeah, you’re a musician too aren’t you?” Colgate said

“Eh…” I said rubbing the back of my head with some embarrassment “You’d think that, but really I’m no one special. I play the lyre but I can’t call myself a proper musician if I just have the ability to play an instrument. I need to make a name for myself even if its small time.”

“Huh, I didn’t think that music was that hard of an industry to get into.”

I heard a laugh come from behind us “Oh, believe me, it’s tough. It’s a battle to still stay relevant at times too.” Vinyl said as we turned to see her advance towards us “Sometimes other ponies go to extremes and end up looking like they’ve gone insane, sometimes they DO go insane but that’s a different matter.”

“Wow…” Derpy said as she entered the same very clean room we all were in “Sounds rough.”

Vinyl walked over to a cabinet on the far corner and pulled out a small case “Also,” she said as she turned around “A musician needs an instrument.” She walked over to me and opened it revealing a shiny golden lyre that looked just like my old one.

“Really Vinyl? I can have it this?”

“Yeah, it’s yours after all.” She smirked. “Grandpa gave it to me while I was in Canterlot, said it was for someone important.” I levitated from the case to look it over. The strings were perfect, the frame was flawless without a dent or scratch in it and it shone bright in the light from its polish. On the back of it though was something else. There was an engraving on it: “To Leon” my heart skipped a beat when I read it. This wasn’t just a replacement lyre… it was MY lyre. Without much thought a gave Vinyl a hug “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” some people may want something bigger or fancier or stuff like that, but for me this was one of the best gifts I could ask for. It always meant so much to me and now that it’s back it means so much more, especially now that I’m so far from home.

($#@~)

We wasted enough time at Vinyl’s house and we were getting right back on track. We all headed down to the boutique and while we were headed their Derpy spoke up and asked me a question “So… who’s Leon?”

“Yes,” Colgate agreed “who is Leon?”

“Uh, um h-he’s…” I stammered trying to think of something “He-he’s uhhh… just a guy.”

“It’s doesn’t sound too much like a pony name though, does it?” Derpy wondered out loud “Is he a Griffon?” I mentally stepped on the breaks and even stopped walking “Wait a minute… there are Griffon’s here?!”

“Well, there aren’t that many living in Equestria most of them live in the Griffon Kingdom, but yeah.” Sweet! I hope I get to see one of those! Griffons are awesome!

“I think we can rule out the possibility of him being a Griffon.” Vinyl said with a strange smile on her face. You could tell even with her glasses on that there was some something moving around in her mind. Whenever Vinyl gets all mysterious on me I wonder just how much does she know or thinks she knows and how much she actually reveals.

We entered the market place and it was really busy this time of day. Everyone had some kind of business to take care of and I even noticed Fluttershy in the crowd doing some shopping of her own while Rainbow Dash sped across the sky. I also saw Twilight walking around while spike trailed behind carrying a rather large list and Twilight was just chatting away to Spike. It was moments like this when I saw portions of the main cast that reminded me that I was in a world that was supposed to be a cartoon. The moment was ruined when two ponies I never met before walked in front of me from the corners of my eyes. It was strange I didn’t even notice the from my peripheral, it was as if the appeared out of thin air. The others were ahead of me and didn’t even notice that I was stopped. The two ponies had strange colors, both were Earth ponies, the Stallion was white with a black mane and tail and was fix up really proper like they just came from Canterlot, his cutie mark was a simple black dot and he held a plate with a bit sitting in it. The mare right next to him was black with a white mane and tail and also looked very proper; she had a simple white spot for a cutie mark. She wore a chalk board thing around herself and had to columns with the words “Heads” and the other “Tails” the heads side was filled with tally marks and the other column was strangely empty. I don’t think probability supported that.

“Heads,” the Stallion spoke

“Or tails?” the mare finished

“Excuse me?” I wondered

“It’s simple,” the stallion spoke in a very calmly “heads,”

“Or tails?” it was strange how they kept on finishing the sentence for each other, it felt so rehearsed. I picked up the coin and rooted for the underdog.

“Tails.” I flipped it and it landed on heads.
“Hmm, fascinating.” The stallion spoke as he put up another tally to the heads column.

“Fascinating that nothing changed” the mare spoke.

“Though everything is different.” The stallion said

“And yet nothing is.” Said the mare

“Or was” Stallion

“Or has been.” Mare

“I don’t believe the proper syntax has been invented yet” thought the Stallion. And then they both walk back into the corners of my eyes but when I tried to find them the just didn’t seem to be there. I thought only unicorns could teleport, where did they go?! I looked side to side, all around me and even tried above me… nothing they freaking vanished!

“This some Doctor Who bullshit going on here.” I muttered to myself irritatingly. Not a single trace could be found. There were a lot of colorful ponies doing whatever they were doing but I didn’t see a single black and white mare or stallion. “Hmm…” I hummed to myself feeling a little confused.

“Lyra!” Colgate called to me snapping my attention back into reality “come on she can’t wait forever!” the rest of the trip went on without any more strange ponies coming from nowhere and no other interruptions. We eventually came up to a purple house that stood out from many other buildings. It actually reminded me of a tent almost… and it looked very familiar. I think I saw it at one point before even though I’ve never come out this way before. It was out near the edge of town before it got into the more rural part of ponyville like were Fluttershy and Applejack and Carrot Top lived. We walked in with the ringing of a tiny bell to welcome us. As we entered I realized that I have seen this place, it was a brief moment in the first episode, Rarity’s home.

Bon-Bon and Rarity were sitting down on rather comfortable cushions talking with each other when we walked in. “Finally,” Bon-Bon breathed “What kept all of you?”

“We had minor detour.” Vinyl answered simply

“Well what matters is that you’re here now.” Rarity smiled. I had been living in ponyville for a while but I’ve never talked to one of the main characters before. I wonder if Bon-Bon and I were ever caught in an episode scene. “Oh, I so do enjoy this part of my job.” Rarity beamed “Since you’re all such good friends of Colgate, I would be more than happy to make personalized dresses for the Gala.” Normally I’d be interested in how Colgate and Rarity know each other so well but my heart sunk when I found out this was about dresses. I’d take a guess that Rarity usually makes dresses for the Gala but there were times that I forgot certain details about my interesting situation. It was moments like this that I was reminded my remaining masculinity was being threatened. Everyone else felt it was a good idea though, even Vinyl, I honestly couldn’t imagine her in a dress. Rarity asked if she do some measurements on Bon-Bon first and she agreed. I don’t understand the concept of dress making so I won’t go into too much detail. Though it did take a lot of different measurements and some weird cloth things on certain portions of her body and marked with marker (probably to memorize the shape?)

The process was not a fast one, I know I’m in a world that was previously only a TV show but things didn’t run in TV time here. Colgate and Derpy sat on the rather comfortable cushions next to a small table passed the time with conversation and Vinyl, who sat apart from everyone else on a fancy looking couch Rarity had, had carried some magazines, again not something I would expect. She held it at an angle that I couldn’t read the title and I couldn’t sneak a peek either. She seemed oddly excited for reading a stupid magazine. I decided to use this moment to take out my Lyre. I pulled out the case from my bag and opened it levitating my favorite lesser known instrument. Honestly hardly anyone remembers what lyre is and when they see one they call it a harp, that’s one thing that really irritates me. It’s like saying a turtle and a tortoise are the same thing, there is a major difference despite them looking similar.

I paused for a moment pondering exactly how I would play it, I didn’t have hands after all. I couldn’t use my hooves, it requires precise grip of each string as you pluck it, and I didn’t even understand how a pony could pick anything up with their hooves besides they were too big to do anything precise… I guess if it can pick things up with telekinesis then, in theory, I could play it with magic as well. I tried it, it was my talent according to what my butt says. I played tunes that I could imagine clearly, I didn’t expect much but, to my amazement, I played the songs flawlessly with my magic. It wasn’t like the magic was doing it for me, I had to remember how to pluck each string but I was playing music again.

I felt at peace and fell into an almost Zen like peace as the calm melodies left my head and played through my instrument. It was hard to play fast paced music on a lyre but if you did it right you really didn’t need to. I don’t know how long I was playing but when I was done several impressed faces were looking at me. “What a lovely song, dear.” Rarity spoke up.

“Thank you.” I answered with pride welling up inside.

“In fact,” Rarity added “Seeing that harp-”

“Lyre.” I corrected sternly

“Yes, seeing that instrument has given me an idea for your dress. I’m done with your friend, if you could so kindly step up here I can start with yours.” My heart sank at the thought of having to wear a dress bit it wouldn’t even appear for another couple days. I timidly stood up on the stage thing and the process started all over again. It involved a lot of touching and I really felt like my personal space was being invaded, but I tried to remain as still as possible. It was Colgate that spoke first through this process.

“You’re really good a that instrument, lyre right?”

“Yeah it’s a lyre.” I answered still trying to stay still enough for Rarity to do her work

“This Leon guy gave you that instrument, right? It says it was his, did he teach you to play it as well?”

“No I’m self-taught.”

“I don’t believe I’m familiar with a Leon, is that a Griffon name?” Rarity asked “I would love to meet a Griffon, they are so rare in Equestria.”

“Uh.. er-um.” I stammered trying to think of something, Rarity seemed to pick up on that.

“Is he someone special to you, like a special somepony?”

“No! Never anything like that! I don’t even have a special…somepony.” My imagination took over as I tried to imagine how something like that would work with a pony and a griffon, I felt a little sick with more of the thought entering my mind and I think it showed on my face a little which is why the subject got changed.

Rarity smiled happily “Anyways, these dresses will blow you horseshoes off.. So to speak” that’s a new expression I’ve heard since being here. After I was finished Rarity did the same for Colgate, I found myself eventually looking back at Vinyl who was still enthralled in her magazine, or magazines as I found out there were many. A small pile had formed since the beginning. Curiosity finally taking hold I walked over to take a look, for the briefest of moments I caught a glimpse of two mares with socks on, I was sure more was happening but I didn’t get to see it because she quickly caught me and closed it hiding it inside her bag.

“What was that?”

“None of your business!” this was… oddly defensive.

“Ok, sorry!” I was hurt by her snapping at me like that and was just going to leave her being.

“No wait a moment!” Vinyl called back to stop me. “This is actually a good time to show you something.”

“Show me what?”

“I can’t really say in our current company but just sit here and look.” I took a seat next to her and let my hind legs dangle over the edge.

“What?” I asked when I saw her looking at me with a confused look. Vinyl sat upright on the couch too but had her hind legs brought up to rest on the couch cushion whereas mine just dangled.

“Never mind that’s not important.” She dismissed quickly and begun to dig through her bag. “I bought this one when I was still… discovering myself when I was younger.” She pulled out a magazine with unicorn stallions, there were some interesting looking pictures in here but for some reason a lot of them involved their horns. Just their horns you could barely see their face. I only got through the first two pages before I looked back at her with a confused look “I don’t get it. They just take pictures of their horns and nothing else?”

Vinyl had a smile on her face it wasn’t one of her really big smiles I usually saw but a smile of amusement “Among other things.”

I looked down at it and just stared at the page I was on trying to figure out what this was supposed to be all I could must was a slightly bewildered “huh” I flipped the page to see a weird looking comic with actual pictures but no words. There was a beige colored mare with black and hot pink sock and a spiked choker collar and a red stallion that had a spatula and he slowly inched towards her but it looked like it continued on the next page “What is this?” I wondered out loud “What’s he gonna do with that spatula?”

“Keep going.” Vinyl said as she was getting back into her own magazines. Before I could flip the page Bon-Bon came over.

“What are you two- what in Tartarus are you two reading?!” She screamed as she looked at the magazine I was holding.

I took one more quick look at it to figure that out myself and quickly tried to come up with a conclusion “Lonely stallions expressing themselves in the only way they know how?” I guessed. She quickly yanked the magazine from my hooves and half-heartedly threw it at Vinyl. Her anger seemed more directed at me than her and I had no idea why she was angry.

“You shouldn’t be reading that crap!” Bon-Bon quietly yelled apparently having the presence of mind to not disturb Rarity.

“I admit it’s crap and honestly not far too interesting either.” Vinyl answered

“You stay out of this!”

“I was curious to see what Vinyl was reading and then she handed me this… thing. But, you know curiosity killed the cat, so I’m sorry.”

“You’re forgiven,” she said still looking angry “But I’m still mad with you.” And then she marched off and I could just feel anger rising from her body.

“Dude, your ass is grass.” Vinyl snickered. I just sat their stunned thinking about what just happened “You really felt nothing looking at that?” She asked under her breath referring to the recently confiscated magazine. I just shook my head “Interesting.” Vinyl said simply and then dropped it. Thankfully Colgate was the last one and with final thanks and good byes. We left. I looked up into the sky and say that nearly half the day had gone by.

“Well not that it wasn’t completely boring but I say we have some real fun.” Vinyl suggested.

“What did you have in mind?” I asked

“Nothing, I came up with the concept why doesn’t one of you try thinking of something.” A moment of silence passed and no one could think of anything.

“We could try the Bowling Alley” Bowling? But their ponies, they don’t have and form of fingers. Spike has the closest thing to hands in this entire town and that little dragon is the biggest minority in all of Ponyville. I had to see this!

Bon-Bon looked unsure “I don’t know, the game is a little hard.”

“I’m in for it.” I said

“But it’s still fun in its own way.” Bon-Bon quickly said. Everyone else agreed so we all headed towards the Bowling Alley. But not more than a few minutes after we decided to head over there a mail man- er, pony?- ran up to me.

“For Lyra Heartsring.” he said handing over an envelope. I took it and the pony ran off. I was curious about this. I don’t know anypony well enough to mail anything to me. As I opened it there was a short, direct but still cryptic message.

‘Ms. Heartstrings, take care in the passing days. The small are not always weak, especially in a group. Steel your mind as the rage grows.’

That was strange, it doesn’t even say who it’s from. I checked it front and back for a clue but no such luck. The others looked over my shoulder. “What in the name of Celestia is this even supposed to mean?” Bon-Bon wondered.

“Maybe it’s one of those weird horoscope things.” Vinyl suggested

“Perhaps it’s a prank.” Colgate offered

“I have no idea but it’s probably nothing.” I dismissed.

“You’re right, besides we have to watch as I completely destroy you guys at the Bowling Alley!” Vinyl smiled.

“Prepare to eat those words! Bon-Bon and I will kick your white flank!” I challenged. All five of use raced all the way there.

Wibbly Wobbly stuff.

View Online

Well after weeks of pondering the many things recently happening in my life I came to one major conclusion: I have no idea what's happening! Celestia's emblem seemingly transported me to a world that shouldn't even be real and I have no idea why, for all I know she dragged me here herself. The problem arises that if she did do it on purpose then why has she not contacted me? I was in her castle you think I would have been more of a priority. The other question is why in whatever God they believe in here, did I become a Mare of all things? It seems so wrong for something that fundamental be be changed for no reason and it may just be my imagination but it seems like I'm the secondary character in my own life. Like I'm just backstage to other people and getting dragged along for the ride. A few times I wonder if this is just a vivid dream, because it just seems impossible - not that I'm complaining mind you - I have been getting a nagging feeling too like something has changed. I guess a lot has but ironically or coincidentally (depending on your view on it) a lot of the changes I'm used to or are starting to feel natural, but it's like something is changing that I should be noticing but I'm just not.

I've gotten into a habit of writing my thoughts down in a journal (writing with magic is getting pretty natural too) I love mystery novels, they give such a good feeling to the reader trying to figure out what's happening before the main character. Now it feels like I am that Main Character and it is both fun and confusing. I don't really know where to look and my only lead I have to wait nearly a year to see. I was sitting at a desk in my still unfinished room, looking at my writings, my pictures, all of it just hoping there was something I missed... No such luck. Then I looked at that cryptic letter I got a while back, why did this feel like such an urgent warning? It's been several days since that letter was given to me and nothing has happened. It was still fairly early in the morning not even the birds that made a home outside my window were chirping. Bon Bon left to open shop so I was alone, I hated when she left to run her shop. It made me feel useless and I hated feeling useless, I need to figure out some way to compensate her for letting me live here. I looked back at my Lyre lovingly placed on a shelf I felt a smile spread across my face as I got an idea.

(@&$)

(Bon Bon)

The morning was running slow, it's to be expected when you run a candy shop. Morning Ponies don't exactly run for the candy first thing in the morning. There were a few ponies coming in to pick up some orders I had, but aside from that not much head way. It was moments like this I wondered about this and that how Sugarcube Corner always seemed to be busy, but lately it's been about Lyra. She's been getting really into these "Monster Hunts" childish and innocent more than not but it made me feel nostalgic. I'd never tell her this or anypony else but I used to be a part of a Monster Agency headed by Celestia herself. An unfortunate accident on my part and Celestia had to disband the organization to preserve deniability. Most foals would call us "Monster Hunters" but that was an oversimplification. This life was actually pretty pleasant compared to my old one but every now and then I wish I could revisit those days even for a moment. I still owned some basic gear too! My thoughts were snapped back to reality when Derpy burst loudly through my store door and flew over to me with a worried expression. "Bon Bon! I need your help!" She said her voice filled with urgency.

"Why? What's happening?" I asked trying to hide any concern.

"I need to find a Stallion, a very specific one, he has a brown coat and dark brown mane with an hour glass cutie mark. He sometimes wears a green tie." She described. I had to wonder what kind of history she had with a pony like that, that she would look for him like this. I pushed those thoughts aside for now.

"No, no one like that, sorry Derpy." I apologized. I wish I could be more help. She flew off not quite as fast but still in a speedy manner.

The last thing I heard from her as she left was more directed to herself than anyone else "What am I gonna do?!"

"....Well that was interesting." I muttered to myself somewhat dumbstruck. Was something bad happening? There was a tinge of concern in the back of my head, I got a really bad feeling about today.

(@&$)

(Lyra)

I sat at the base of a tree in the park that was in town, my trusty Lyre levitating in the air and I started playing. I saw street artists all the time do this sort of thing and if my Bit to Dollar ratio is even slightly correct then 40 bits would be a good day. My plan was simple and elegant: do some street music, ponies get impressed with my skills, and the Bits come rolling. It was so simple even a kid could do it. I really do need to thank Tapes for giving it back, Vinyl really reminds me of him. I wonder if her parents are like that too.

I was playing all these different songs I could think of and some I just made up, I lost track of time, I think I was playing for about and hour or so and I managed to make 5 Bits. Not as much as I was hoping in one hour but it was something. I heard voices of two familiar blue and white Unicorns.

"It's been weeks now Colgate! I keep telling you I only look at them for the advertisements. I don't care about that other stuff!" Vinyl insisted as the two of them walked down a road side by side in an argument.

"Don't give me that excuse! That's one of the oldest lies, nopony looks at the advertising in those books. No one! How could you show such a sweet and innocent pony those, how could you bring those to Rarity's shop?" Colgate retorted.

"Simple, I was looking at the advertisements."

"Lies!"

"How could you think I'd be so impure?" Vinyl asked indignantly.

"I could give you many reasons." Colgate said with confidence

I was going to interrupt this argument when some weird Stallion with a brown mane and coat and hourglass cutie mark ran up to them. "Excuse me ladies, but have you seen anything out of the ordinary? Odd behavior, moodiness, odd fashions, that sort of thing." He had a voice that seemed similar to someone I remember seeing on TV and he looked really familiar.

"You'd have a better chance looking for that sort of thing in Canterlot." Vinyl joked. Then with a smirk she added "or my friend here."

"Oh we're doing this now, huh?!" Colgate responded angrily.

"You know I heard that you're a pretty cheerful and optimistic pony but I haven't seen it." Vinyl said, her smirk not vanishing. Apparently the Stallion didn't understand the joke because he was suddenly invading Colgates personal space shining a light into her eyes and asking very personal questions. During all of this I just sat there separated by nothing but a small hedge watching in amazement at this pony unaware of universal concepts like space, privacy or common decency. After a while of this strange interrogation he stops with a look of confidence of a pony who knew what he doing.

"Sorry for that, it's very important business I'm sure you understand, now if you'll excuse me I have to continue my investigation." And he started to do a mild trot away from them like nothing happened.

I walk over to them and just ask "what just happened?" Neither of us had an answer. That's when things got weirder. Derpy flew past us calling out to him

"Doctor, finally found you!" she was breathing heavily like she was flying as fast as she could "I found something you need to look at!" Managing to sound worried despite heavy breathing.

"Yes!" The Weird doctor said excitedly "lead the way Derpy!" Derpy knew him? More importantly the guy was a Doctor? They ran off and vanished behind a corner. Then Derpy casually walked past us again from the opposite direction as if nothing happened. How did she get behind us?

"What the- Derpy how did you get here?" Vinyl asked

Derpy only returned a confused look "I walked. How did you get here?"

"I mean WHY are you here didn't you run off with that doctor?"

"What doctor?"

Colgate waved her hoof dismissively "wait, wait, wait, you fly over her so fast that you're out of breath to meet this doctor and show him something and then quickly abandon him and act like you never knew him? Wait kind of game is being played her? If this some kind of joke I'm not getting?" She was more confused than annoyed and I was in the same boat.

Derpy was just as confused but more defensive "I really don't know what you are talking about, I don't need to see a doctor and I was just enjoying my day off. Are you sure it was me and not Somepony else?" That could be it but... no I'm pretty sure it was her.

"Maybe..." I said unsure.

($&@#*)

(Bon Bon)

Well the day was getting pretty normal for a while up until noon my shop had an unusual amount of ponies and their must be some weird fashion trend going on because not only were there was a store filled to burst with ponies but they all had purple paint across their face that reminded me of a Racoon mask. I was happy for the business but I just wish they weren't so aggressive about getting candy. You'd think it was a matter of life and death. I never thought I would see the day when I wished less ponies would shop here. I was hurriedly grabbing hoof gulls of bits and shoving them into the register, I had given up on opening up and closing it and just left it open. There was a consistent line of ponies coming in and out towards the counter and away from it I couldn't even look out the windows where I usually got a good view of Sugarcube Corner there were ponies blocking it from the outside and inside because the place was so full. "Don't forget your change!" A yelled to one pony over the noise

"Who cares about the change?!" He yelled back. I was taken aback from that. Usually if someone wanted me to keep the change (which wasn't often) they would be like "you need it more than I do" or something equally as sweet, but it was as if he just couldn't be bothered.

"Focus back to us you moron!" One mare yelled at me rudely glaring at me from the other side of the counter "some of us have more important things to do!"

"Then why are you here?" I mumbled under my breath as I took the money. Suddenly someone yelled over the noise so loudly it was clear for everyone's ears.

"The candy is all gone!" I breathed a sigh of relief but it was given too soon for what was about to happen. All the activity in the shop went dead silent and I think my heart skipped a beat the next two voices voices broke that sudden bone chilling silence. But they didn't easy the sudden sense of danger. Quietly I moved one of my back hooves careful not to make any sudden movements two pulls out a metal suitcase I kept for emergencies from under the counter.

"What do you mean gone?!" One of the new voices yelled the crowd split for the, revealing Pinkie and Fluttershy both not looking quite like themselves. They both wore a frown so unlike them and they had those same purple paint around their eyes like everypony else. It was Pinkie would had asked that question.

"You better find more or there is going to be serious trouble." Fluttershy said. It wasn't a threat so much as a promise. I was shocked, nervous and curious all at the same time. "We need that sugar and we WILL get it." Pinkie and Fluttershy both stomped over to me and glared into my eyes. I don't know what they were planning on doing but I was almost certain that these couldn't be the same kind ponies I've known for years. I didn't give them an inch my expression remained calm.

Pinkie slammed her front hooves on the counter angrily "Where is the rest of it?!"

"I'm sorry miss Pie but it would seem that my stock has been completely wiped out. I can't possibly think of a reason why." I said calmly. She did not like my answer and screamed a loud and angry scream as she threw my tip jar against a wall.

Fluttershy had her turn to scream but this scream came with an order. "She must have Sugar in still in this shop! We'll just have to tear this place apart until we find it!" That's when all Tartarus broke out because next thing we knew stones were smashing windows. Ponies were tearing down anything attached to the wall with anything they could use shelves toppled, jars smashed holes in the walls, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie jumped over the counter looking for a fight, well I'll give it to them. I grabbed my briefcase with my front hooves and used it to smash Pinkie in the side of the head and sent back over the counter. While Pinkie was stunned and Fluttershy distracted I quickly tried to open it and grab some of my gear. But I only managed to grab two things before Fluttershy wrapped her hooves around my neck and was aggressively trying to pull me away. I quickly put on my sunglasses and activated the flash bang grenade I had and tossed a distance away from me. I closed my eyes for good measure and heard the bang and immediate screams of pain from the ponies in my shop and felt the grip around my neck release. I looked around and saw ponies clutching their eyes in pain. "Ah! When I get you I'll make you pay!" Fluttershy screamed. I quickly grabbed the case and decided I should close shop early. As I ran to the door I saw Derpy and the Stallion she was talking about enter the store door.

"Bon-Bon hurry!" Derpy yelled "It's not safe here" I kind of figured that one out on my own.

(@&$-:)

(Lyra)

During my own attempt at money I managed 10 bits and decided to call it a day. I decided to
Head back to Bon's shop with Vinyl and Colgate but quickly noticed that it seemed like a bad time to do that. Why, you ask? Because their was a small riot going on around her shop. I saw her run out of the shop smacking ponies away with a briefcase with Derpy and her doctor outside. The rioting ponies looked like they gave up on her after she left the shop. We ran over to her in a hurry. "Bon-Bon, what's happening?" I yelled

She was breathing heavily and looked haggard from fighting her way through that "I... I don't even know. Something about sugar then they started to destroy the place... How do those two things even connect?!?"

The doctor pulled out what looked like a tricked out pen and pointed it at the ponies, it glowed and made a strange but familiar humming noise. It looked really familiar too. It took only a few seconds and then he looked at it "strange... What ever those ponies are both do and do not belong in this dimension" I thought a bout that for a few seconds and an idea slowly dawned on me.

"No." I said under my breath. It was Impossible even for the current standards.

Vinyl spoke up "How in the world would you know something like that?"

The doctor responded calmly "Well the typical properties on this universe aren't found in parts of their bodies, something that doesn't exist in this universe is something to take note of." I just kept trying to push the idea out of my head, but that voice, that pen- or rather an advanced Screwdriver, such wide but specific knowledge. It had to be but it couldn't be.

"That's impossible to know, how could you even know the properties of the universe" Colgate said

"Is this a quiz? It's simple if you know where to look."

"Well then what do they want?"

"Sugar if what we've heard is anything to go by."

"Why do they want sugar so badly?" Bon-Bon asked

The Doctor smiled "THAT is an excellent question and one I do not have an answer too, but it sounds fascinating to figure out."

I just had to makes sure and his answer would no doubt tell me once and for all "Just who exactly are you?"

He looked right at me and answered just as happily "I'm The Doctor" I have never been so shocked, happy and scared in my entire life. Happy because somehow, whatever messed up thing happened I made it into the MLP universe but not only that in my universe The Doctor is just some fictional character but somehow this universe has a real life version of The Doctor. What scared me was that if something like this has gotten his attention then something bad is happening. "OMG! It's you- I mean it's obviously you, but come on this is like barely a 1 and a billion chance it's so small even I can't think of a number yet here you are!" I was just spewing out joy in a storm of babbling nonsense and I couldn't stop "You are a legend! At least I hope you are here but you are back there-"

"Lyra, Lyra what are you talking about?" Bon-Bon asked interrupting my first personal encounter of fan girling.

"It's The Doctor!" I said bouncing up and down.

"Doctor who?

"Actually it's just the Doctor." He answered "how do you know me... Or have we met before... Time Travel still manages to confuse me every now and then." He mumbled not too quietly to himself tapping his chin in thought. I was about to answer when a brick whizzed past my face. We looked over to see some angry ponies with weird purple stuff around their eyes started to crawl out of the destruction and run towards us. "On second thought tell me later, for now let's just run." No one argued with him and so with angry possibly brain washed ponies on our tails we ran as far as we could. Looking back this is where I believe my adventure truly began and where the mysteries got more confusing.

Equestrian human

by Vinyl Destination

I'm a mare?

The Great Misadventure

What we know and love

Best morning ever!

Art of The Dress

Wibbly Wobbly stuff.