This is the end result of a night out with friends. Waking up in a cartoon landscape turned into a talking horse and being mocked by said friend. Yep, my life is just dandy.
This is the end result of a night out with friends. Waking up in a cartoon landscape turned into a talking horse and being mocked by said friend. Yep, my life is just dandy. Follow Soral, as an slightly antisocial foal as he deals with life in equestria. He will make friends, enemies, and maybe make Twilight sware. Oh, and his friend Suzy is there too, she's a pervert.
This is my first real self insert into anything. This will mostly be delivered from my point of view while slightly shifting over to others. The first chapter is just an opening. I am used to writing for FFN so there will be little notes inside of it every now and then. Don't whine at me to change the format cause you will just be ignored.
*Sigh* Dang, okay, I can’t seem to write anything for my current fics so I have decided to toss this one out here. I figure a new project will get the old juices flowing again. This is a story inspired by a friend of mine… and alcohol.
Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Ponies, or my friend’s dreams. Damned if I am not going to write about them though.
Chapter One: Never Again.
Celestia’s sun lit everything in the path of its unforgiving rays. No nook or cranny was safe. The purifying spears of light jabbed down into any weak point they could access.
“My eyes!” Shouted a high pitched voice before groaning and holding it’s now pounding head.
“Oh, my head.” The voice whined. The voice was revealed to belong to none other than a small foal. He had a mint green coat, and a brown mane. Slowly, the foal opened his bloodshot eyes, and began to look around.
“What happened? Last I remember Suzy convinced me to go drinking and…” He trailed off as he stared intently at the hoof in front of his face. It was his hoof. The problem here though, was that he didn’t have hooves, he had hands. For you see this was Soral, who went to visit one of his online friends for a fun weekend. He was human, not an animal with hooves. Slowly, he made his way onto all fours. Turning his head to the side to look at the rest of himself, he saw that his body was that of a small horse, and oddly colored at that. He had long legs, and a thin body. Swinging his head to the right he found that he was not alone. There was a large lavender horse lying on the ground near him. She was much bigger than he was, and she had a horn.
“Great, so not only am I now a horse, I am a runt.” He groused, the pounding headache from the hangover making his mood that much worse.
“Soral, be a good pony.” The lavender unicorn muttered in her sleep. He stared at the horse in shock. Her voice was very familiar to the mint coated foal. Soral brought a hoof to his face and stifled a groan. It was Suzy, and obviously they were supposed to be ponies. He slid his hoof upwards where it encountered something hard. A strange tingling shot through him at the touch. Apparently he had a horn as well. “Great.” He thought sarcastically.
“Nuuuu~! Soral stop poking everyone with your horn. You’re being a bad unihorn.” Suzy muttered and began giggling in her sleep.
Soral looked down at the mare with anger on his face. "The first time I let myself get talked into drinking and this happens." He mentally screamed. Well, there was really only one way he could respond to this whole situation. “Suzy this is all, your fault!” The little foal screeched before ramming his horn into the lavender unicorns flank.
“Youch!” The Lavender mare screamed as she was painfully brought to reality. “What, where, who?” She shot off until her eyes fell on the source of her pain. Her mental state stalled as it took in the sight of a mint green foal that was right at home in My Little Pony.
“This is all your fault Suzy!” The foal shouted leveling a hoof at her. “I told you I didn’t want to go drinking, but no~, it was a visit~, I should cut loose. Look at what [CENSORD] happened. I got turned into a cartoon horse for [CENSORD] sake! What are we going to do now, huh?” Soral ranted, letting loose the frustration that had built since he first woke up. Suzy on the other hand was currently suffering having her psyche bludgeoned to death by a rubber chicken. While she tried to keep a straight face through the rant is was sadly not to be as she soon succumbed to her fate, and toppled backwards laughing her flank off.
“This isn’t funny! Stop laughing or I’ll make you! I have magic now!” Soral spat. He scrunched up his face, trying to muster any magic he could to the surface, but only achieved in making himself look constipated.
“B-but you look so cute.” She laughed, “And your voice. Oh my sides hurt.” Suzy went right back to rolling on the ground, leaving Soral to scowl at her.
“What in tarnation is all that racket?” An accented voice questioned. Soral turned to the source to see an orange pony trotting up towards them. A pony he recognized.
It was the Element of Honesty, Applejack, making her way towards them. Now, while he was relieved to be in Ponyville and not stranded in some far corner of Equestria, or even one of the major cities, he was still mad at Suzy. So he decided to get revenge by doing something rather devious, being honest. He wobbled over to the orange pony and willed fourth a few tears.
“Mi-Miss,” he sniffled, “My head hurts.” He now had the orange mare’s undivided attention. “I remember we,” he said gesturing to himself and the laughing mare, “Went to a strange building. I think it was called a bar. She convinced me those funny tasting drinks would be fun. Now I don’t know where we are and all she is doing is laughing at me.”
Applejacks face lit up with fury. She placed foreleg over Soral’s shoulder and place a friendly smile on her face. “Now don’t you fret none. I'll take care of this.” Applejack told him. She then glared at the laughing mare.
“Now see here,” She said marching on the offender, “What in th’ name of Tartarus were you think’n taking a little colt to a bar of all places.” She hollered at Suzy, who was no longer laughing now that she had someone yelling at her. In fact she looked quite uncomfortable. Soral smiled to himself, he knew she would find some way to pay him back eventually, but he really didn't care at the moment..
Disclaimer: I do not own “My Little Ponies.” They are owned by Hasbro. I do own Suzy.
Chapter Two: The Apples
Soral let out a pained groan as he trotted next to Applejack, his first real hangover informing him of how much of an idiot he was for drinking sixty-proof liquor.
“Ya’ okay there little fella?” The orange mare asked around the bit of rope in her mouth.
“No, this is my first hangover. I swear I am never touching anything alcoholic again.” Soral told her, before his eyes traced the length of the rope again. The rope lead to hogtied Suzy, who was still letting out the occasional giggling at the situation, despite being dragged around like a prize. Then again, this might be a one of her fantasies, best to abort that train of thought.
Instead he thought about why they were currently ponies. Or in his case a foal. Sure, he had wanted to be a kid again, but each time he made that wish it was to be a kid “human,” not another species.
“Well, once we get back to the farm I’ll give ya’ an old Apple Family cure.” Applejack told the colt.
“Oh! Oh! Hard cider hair of the mare!” Suzy called out excitedly.
Soral turned to her with a confused expression on his face. “What the heck is that?”
“It’s when you drink something with alcohol to get rid of a hangover.” Suzy said excitedly.
Applejack just growled at the mare. The pony clearly was not a good example for her younger charge. “I gonna’ have to set the little guy--”
“No chance in hell.” Soral stated flatly.
“-straight...” Applejack looked at the colt again. He was not acting the same as when they first met, and she had a sneaking suspicion that she had been given crocodile tears.
“Say now, you seem to be acting a lot more mature than a normal colt.” Applejack stated.
“My guardian is a big enough child for both of us.” Soral sighed.
“Hey!”
“Are we almost at your farm Ms. Applejack?” Soral pleaded, his headache
“Just over this next hill.” The mare said, accepting his answer. And true to her word when they reached the top of the hill a lush farm came into view. There were apple groves the stretched as far as they could see, and fields of well tended crops. There were also ponies, lots of ponies.
“Wow, that is quite the group you got down there.” Soral said, a bit of nervousness creeping into his voice. He did not do well with crowds, maybe they would ignore him. Oh wait, Suzy was trussed up like a pig. Well there went the option of avoiding notice.
“Yep, the entire apple clan is down there.” Applejack proudly stated. “We are even doing the catering for this year’s Summer Sun Celebration.” She let out a small chuckle, “If all goes well this will increase our business by quite a bit.”
“Summer Sun Celebration? That’s today?” Soral asked. Now while he was not an avid fan *cough*bronie*cough* Soral did retain what he had seen of the show. He knew what the Summer Sun Celebration was, and considering Applejack look no older than she was in the show, there was a very good chance he knew when they were as well.
“Yep, your just in time for one the biggest shindigs in Equestria. Woo-Wee is this gonna be great!” Applejack hollered.
Soral let loose another pained groan. “This won’t be good.”
Applejack gave the colt a sympathetic look, “Sorry, let’s get you and your mom cleaned up first. Then we can see about that little cure.”
“Wait wha--”
“Yes, we could do with a bath. Wait till a get you in the tub mister.” Suzy proclaimed. Great, she was going with the idea that she was my mother. My headache just got worse from the possibilities.
*-*-*
“Behind the ears, and through the mane.” Suzy said in a sing-song voice as she scrubbed Soral. Originally he was against having her in the tub with him, “But would she listen? No~. She just hops in anyway. I can clean myself dang-it.” Soral grumbled to himself as she upended a bucket to rinse him.
“Oh don’t you look so cute with that scowl on your face.” She cackled.
“You could be a little more serious about this you know?” Soral threw back.
"I could, but where is the fun in that?” Suzy challenged. “Look we might as well enjoy ourselves while we are here. Right?”
“Behold my happy face.” I deadpan with blank expression.
“Har, har. Cheeky little brat.” She muttered then dumped another bucket over him.
“At least my hangover is gone now.” Soral thought. He tried to clamber out of the tub only to be stopped by Suzy.
“Where do you think you’re going? We still need to scrub under your tail.” She said with a mischievous glint in her eye.
“Done! I don’t want to play anymore.” Soral began to thrash and manage to slip from Suzy’s clutches before bolting out of the bathroom.
“What in tarnashion!”
“You’re tracking water.”
“Watch where you’re running!”
Suzy just hung over the side of the tub trying to get her breath back. “It’s just so easy.” She thought to herself.
*-*-*
Applejack entered the barn with a towel draped over her back. She walked over to a quivering pile of straw, taking a hoof and moving it aside. “Now, I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but dose running across a crowded farm; sopping wet mind you, like you being chased by a pack a’ timber wolves seem like a bright thing to do?”
Soral kept his eyes to the ground.
The orange mare let out a sigh, “Com’on, lets get you dried off.” She said, draping the towel over him and patting the water out of his fur.
“Sorry.” Soral mumbled to her.
“It’s okay sugar-cube. Now buck up. I know, how bout I take ya’ to my little sister Apple Bloom?” The farm pony offered. “I know that she wanted to take a break from the work anyway.”
“That,” Soral started, unsure of what to do. He sucked with kids. Well that wasn’t completely true, but still, he was twenty-four. It didn’t matter if he was in a foals body… did it? “That would be nice.”
“That’s the spirit.” Applejack said leading the foal out of the barn. “Applebloom! Come over to the barn ya’ hear!” She hollered.
“Comin’!” A young voice shouted back. Soon a small yellow filly with a bright red mane could be seen headed towards them.
“Yeah sis?” The filly asked as soon as she arrived.
“Applebloom, meet Soral. Soral, meet Applebloom my little sister.” Applejack said getting introductions out of the way.
“Hi there.” Applebloom chirped.
“Hello.” Soral said with a little less enthusiasm.
“Applebloom, I want you to show him around the farm. We got enough helpers here that you don’t need to do any chores today.” Applejack told the little filly.
“Really, okay let’s go!” Shouted the yellow filly. She took off faster than you would think possible and even managed to drag Soral along with her.
“I think this is what I have to look forward to here.” Though Soral glumly as he tried to keep up with the farm filly. “Ah well, might as well try to enjoy myself.”
*-*-*
“So this is where we keep the other residents of the farm.” Applebloom explained showing off the animal pens.
“So… What do you do with the animals?” Soral asked genuinely curious.
“What do you mean?” Applebloom asked looking at him.
“Well, what are they for. I mean you can get milk from cows but what about the pigs? I don’t think anyone around here eats meat either. So why do you have pigs?” He asked again.
“Oh, well they eat all the bad apples and damaged crops. If we didn’t keep a few of them around we would just have big rotting piles of Apples, and that would just cause problems.” Applebloom explained.
“Ah that explains it.” Soral said before thinking up another question. He never got to ask it though as a shout rang out across the grounds.
“Soups on everypony!”
“Your sister has some strong lunges.” He said looking to where the shout originated from.
“Yep.” The filly chirped as she led her new friend to where brunch was being served.
“Well this will at least tell me if I am right or not. If Twilight and Spike are there then there is no doubt.” Soral considered the possible actions they could take. “Well the best idea was to simply stay out of the—Butterflies trembled in my stomach, my thought became muddled, it felt as though there was too much going on— way…”
“What the hay was that?” Soral muttered as he pressed of hoof to the side of his head. A slight pressure made itself known. Shaking his head did nothing to get rid of it, but it seemed to move.
“What was what?” Applebloom asked concerned for her friend.
“I—I don’t know. I just felt a bunch of different emotions and then they went away.” Soral told her, and then whined, “Now my head hurts again.” Soral tried to move his head again. Experimenting, noticing that pressure seemed to stay in one area compared to his moving head. He tilted it until the pressure was right behind his eyes and opened them. He found himself looking at the occupant of a table slowly filling with food. A purple unicorn mare he recognized from the show.
“Applebloom… I think, I think I need some food. This is probably from not eating yet today.” He told her. No need to speak about an odd ability just yet. It could be a fluke. Hell it could be that Twilight is projecting her emotions.
“O-kay, if you’re sure.” The yellow filly eyes him, obviously not believing his story. She makes her way over to add her part to the introductions and the food.
“Oh how cute you made a new friend, that’s my little unihorn.” A familiar voice gushed from nearby.
“Yes Mom,” I said emphasizing the word mom. Might as well stick to the rolls we were given. “Applebloom is very nice, and very innocent. Do not turn her into a pervert like you.” I accused her.
“Now that is just rude, beside aren’t you just as bad as me?” She shot back.
“I haven’t had any of those thoughts since we got here the headaches are making sure of that.” The mint colt whined while dropping to his belly.
Suzy’s expression became a bit more serious at that. “Headaches? Are you okay?” She asked with real concern.
“I don’t know. I was heading this way with Applebloom and felt a bunch of emotions that were not mine. Now I have this annoying pressure inside my head that keeps focus on one area.” He told her with a lowered voice. He really didn’t want the other around them to hear this.
“Where does it hurt?”
Soral place a hoof to the side of his head behind his left ear. “Hear, and this is the weird part. It is acting like a compass, one that is trained on her.” He said pointing a hoof at Twilight Sparkle.
He was about to give his theory on what it was when he again felt emotions breach into his mind. Concern, curiosity, amusement. The new pressure was not as bad as the one he felt from Twilight, but the fact that a new one was there new one at all scared him. He was also already looking at where this pressure pointed to.
“Suzy,” Soral’s voice was barely a whisper, “Did—did you feel anything just now?”
“Like what?” She asked.
The feeling of concern grew, and a cold feeling was added to the one already forming in his stomach. “You’re afraid and curious and concerned and I can feel where you are as well.” Soral babbled, his words coming out quickly. “I—I should go, and—and.” His body was trembling and he was on the verge of hyperventilating.
“Soral! Calm down.” Suzy said while firmly holding a hoof in the middle of his back to keep him from bolting.
“Is everythin’ okay over here?” Applejack asked as she trotted up to them, concern showing on her face.
Suzy looked at the trembling foal and decided it would be best to handle this now than to try and put it off. “No, no things are not alright. Could you take him into the house? I need to talk to Twilight Sparkle rather urgently.”
Applejack gave her a confused look but seeing the mint colored unicorn foal trembling like a leaf in a windstorm caused her to hold her question. With a nod, the orange mare managed to get Soral onto her back and head for the farm house.
With that the lavender mar headed over to meet who she recognized as one of the knowledgeable figures in Equestria. Twilight was preparing to force herself to sample more of the food even as her stomach protested the very idea when a angle saved her.
“Miss Sparkle I need to speak with you, privately.”
Okay, so the tone suggested that the pony was upset but still it was a legitimate excuse to get away from the table. She excused herself to follow after the lavender coated mare. They marched over to the edge of the orchard where they were far enough away from prying ears.
“What may I help you with miss…?” Twilight trailed off.
“Suzy. The problem is with you. Sorry not to be rude but when my son came near you something odd happened.” Suzy began to explain.
“I don’t understand.” Twilight said.
“My son was approaching the picnic with Applebloom when it happened. I think that this has something to do with his magic and… well I was hoping you might know something about it.” Suzy took a deep breath before continuing. “When he told me about it, he said he felt emotions that weren’t his and he had a headache. He said the headache was like pressure at a fixed point… and he pointed at you as that point.”
Twilight Sparkle’s eyes went wide with that declaration. She was not allowed to respond though because Suzy pressed forward.
“After that he looked at me with genuine terror in his eyes, and name three emotions I was feeling at that moment before he started having a panic attack. Now Miss Sparkle, I have a very scared child in the house and I need answers.” Suzy practically demanded of the purple unicorn.
Twilight swallowed the heavy lump that formed in her mouth. “I think I know what it is, but I will have to ask him a few questions first.” She offered.
Suzy let out a sigh and nodded. “I asked Applejack to take him inside the house.”
I do not own My Little Ponies. And Suzy does not own me, don’t let her tell you otherwise either.
Chapter Three: The Sparkle
As they walked Twilight got a better look at the mare in front of her. She was a unicorn, with the same coat as her. Her mane and tail were flowing rivers of white and grey. Her cutie mark was an elegant glass filled with an amber liquid.
They entered the farm to find Applejack on the couch, holding a mint green foal. He had no mark, not very unusual for a foal, and his mane was pure white. He pressed himself tighter against the orange mare as they got closer.
“Soral, I got Twilight, she is going to try and help.” Suzy told the foal.
Soral looked up at Suzy as she and Twilight Sparkle entered the room. He managed a shaky nod to her before looking to the floor. “Get it together Soral! You are twenty-four years old you should not be breaking down like a child.” He mentally berated himself. The pressure in his head spiked as they drew closer causing him to flinch.
“Hi there, would you mind answering a few questions for me.” Twilight asked him.
“Okay.” Soral whispered as head raised a hoof to rub his temples in a vain effort to get his headache to leave. He heard twilight say something but was unable to make it out.
“What was that?” he mumbled out the question.
“I asked if you could describe what you’re feeling right now.” Twilight repeated for him.
Soral scrunched up his face in concentration, trying to search for other words than just pressure to describe what he was going through.
“It—it feels like something is pressing down on my head, but it moves. It follows where you are and a smaller one where Suzy is.” He began slowly. “Then there are the other things that come with it.” He muttered.
“Oh?” Twilight asked.
“Yeah, there is a feeling like a knot in my stomach, anxious, I think. I am getting bits of…” He trailed off and looked to the floor again not willing to speak. “Idiot!” He berated himself.
“Let me guess: curiosity, worry, confidence.” Twilight stated off a few emotions she was feeling at the moment. She winced when the foal pinned her with a terrified look.
“Calm down, calm down.” She said quickly, waving her hooves franticly.
Soral was looking at her intently now, not that he had a choice to do much else. Applejack had tightened her grip on him when his head shot up. At least it sounded like twilight knew what this was.
“This is rare, but it is not unheard of. You have what is known as “Sight of Magic” a very unusual ability. I believe this is the first time you have felt anything like this right?” The student of Celestia asked.
Soral looked to think about it before giving a nod. “Of course this is the first time I felt it, I was human before this.” He did not voice this however. One it would be rude, and it would be horribly out of character.
“Sight of Magic is an ability that appears every now and again. Over the last few centuries it has been better tracked due to improvements in recording history and events. The Sight of Magic appears once every ten years, but that is only for female unicorns.” Twilight explained.
“Yes, girl power!” Suzy mentally cheered.
Soral leveled a glare at Suzy. For some reason he really didn’t like the signal he was picking up off of her.
“In my studies, I have only found mention of two male unicorns to posses it in the last two hundred years.” Twilight explained.
Soral felt his eyes widen at that comment. That was rare, that was very rare. “Uhm, I am not in any danger right?” He asked cautiously.
“Danger?” Twilight asked, lifting a brow at the question. “Why would you think that you are in danger?”
“Well,” Soral licked his dry lips as he considered a few reasons, granted they were human reasons but still. “I mean I am not going to become a test subject because of this am I?”
“Oh!” Twilight said understanding his worry now, “Oh…” and trailing off in a fashion that did wonders for his confidence.
She let out a nervous laugh when he pinned her with panic filled eyes. “I do not want to spend the rest of my life as some research specimen!”
“Well, they are not allowed to do anything without your consent…” The mare said weakly.
“That doesn’t fill me with hope.” Soral said flatly. “In fact, it does the exact opposite.”
“Yes but I promise not to be too invasive—I mean I promise they won’t be too invasive.” She said giving him smile. All was quiet as Soral looked at Twilight with a bit of fear in his eyes. “Please let me study you! I never got to see this ability, I only ever got to read about it. The mares still alive that have it are either too busy, or have hidden away.” Twilight said franticly as she wrapped her hooves around the foal.
“Uhhhh,” Soral tried to think of a way out of this situation when he realized this was Twilight Sparkle he was dealing with. “What is Princess Celestia doing here?” He questioned out loud focusing his eyes on a point behind the mare.
“Princess Celestia I can explain!” Twilight said disengaging from the foal to explain herself before her mentor. Only to realize there was no Princess behind her. The sound of small hooves rapping against the wood alerted her to her target escaping.
“Wait, come back!” Twilight cried about to give chase, when she was blocked by Applejack.
“Don’t you have something else to do? Something the Princess sent you here to do?” The farm mare asked.
Twilight Sparkle looked at her for a moment, before gasping and running out of the house. “Spike! We have to go!” She called. Grabbing the small dragon with her magic she lifted him to her back while heading down the road at a full gallop.
Applejack just shook her head at the odd mare before turning to face the other lavender unicorn in her house. Suzy did not move at first, but the quiver in her shoulder and her chest made her thoughts on the situation all too clear. As if cued by some greater power she chose that moment to breakdown laughing.
*-*-*
Soral was galloping full-tilt away from the farm. He failed to pay attention to where he was placing his hooves and ended up tripping, rolling roughly off the side of the road and into some bushes.
“Ugh.” Soral groaned as he righted himself. Then he felt the pulse that he was learning to associate with Twilight fast approaching. He ignored his bruises and crouched down into the bushes.
“Ah Twilight, why did we have to leave? The food was great.” A nasally voice whined.
Peaking through the leaves he could see the lavender unicorn trot up the road at a decent pace. He made sure not to make any sound that could give away his position.
“Because Spike,” Twilight stated in an exasperated tone, “we need to check on the rest of the preperations for the Summer Sun Celebration. I also need to research more on Nightmare Moon.”
“You’re still going on about that fairy tale?” Spike asked in a disbelieving tone.
“All legends have some base in fact Spike. Nightmare Moon is real and we have to prepare to stop her.” Twilight stated firmly.
Soral blinked at the byplay, he had almost forgotten about the main villain. He briefly wondered if he should try to tamper with any of the evens but realized a larger problem. He had no idea how to navigate Ponyville. He knew he was still close to Sweet Apple Acers but he felt no desire to head back. Suzy would just tease him about what had happened.
There was also the matter of his new power. “Sight of Magic” was a complete mystery to him. It was also the only magic he had access to, even if it was always on. Perhaps he should try to get some practice with understanding it. He entertained the thought that he would be able to see magic later. After all why call it “sight of Magic” if it had nothing to do with sight.
He closed his eyes and focused on the feeling in his head, the odd pressure that was not a pressure. Trying to make sense of the feeling just made his head feel like it was full of fog. Soral guessed that would make Twilight a lamp or something, because he still knew where she was even though everything else was now lost.
Opening his eyes he saw that the mare had moved a good distance down the road. Maybe he should negotiate for lessons. Surely if he approached her in a calm manner she wouldn’t treat him like a lab rat… Right?
Shaking the negative thoughts from his head he decided to follow the mare from a distance. He didn’t want her to see him just yet but he had no clue how to get to Ponyville from here. It wasn’t long before the town was in site. It looked so much different from in the cartoons. Though that was more to the fact everything had depth now that it simply lacked in the show. Ponyville was larger than what he thought it would be. Not some grand city but more than what he considered it to be. There was a definite small-town feel to it, privately owned shops, no big corporations taking up the land. Much more pleasant than some of the other places he has… Was that a McDonnalds?
Soral stared intently at the offending sign that did indeed copy the McDonnalds logo to a T. The good news, the name was different, “Miss Mare’s.” They were still a food place but it seemed to be a real restaurant and not a fast food chain. Still it was a surprise none the less. He turned back to follow Twilight again, only to realize that he had lost sight of her.
“Okay, not too bad, I just need to find her again.” He told himself. He closed his eyes to try and use the Sight of Magic to find her, only to cringe at the results. If the field was like being in a fog with a single torch to light the way, being in town was like seeing a city at night. Lights, all dancing to and fro, nothing about them to help pick one out from the other. He tried to get rid of the building headache by opening his eyes but he could still feel the points of magic moving about town.
“Ugh, I should have stayed at the farm.” Soral groaned aloud. Now what was he going to do. He didn’t see anything he recognized from the show for a landmark, even then he had no idea how to navigate the town. Cartoons aren’t really great for gathering information.
“Hi there!” A voice rang out behind him.
Spinning around he came face to face with Sweetie Belle. “Umm, hello.” Soral mumbled, off guard at the sudden arrival of the filly.
“My names Sweetie Belle, who are you? I have never seen you in town before. Are you here for the Summer Sun Celebration? Do you want to hang out?” The filly fired off in rapid succession.
“My name is Soral. I am… new to town. Yes I am here for the celebration, and I guess we can hang out.” He said slowly, a little unsure, but it was better to follow Sweetie around than be completely lost on his own.
“Soral!” Apple Bloom’s voice sounded just seconds before he was tackled to the ground. “Why did you run off like that? Ya' had me worried.”
“Ugh, sorry Apple Bloom. Something weird happened to me and… I guess I panicked.” Soral admitted, getting up from the ground. He then looked between the two fillies. “Um, Apple Bloom, meet Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle, meet Apple Bloom.” Soral said getting the introductions underway.
“Say, aren’t you in my class at school?” Apple Bloom asked the Sweetie Belle.
“Yes.” Sweetie admitted, “So what do you guys want to do now?”
“Could we go to your house?” Soral asked Sweetie Belle while rubbing a hoof against his head. “I think I need to lie down, or get some aspirin.”
“What’s wrong?” Apple Bloom asked, concern seeping into her voice.
“I woke up a strange ability, and it is causing me trouble.” Soral muttered loud enough for both of them to hear.
The two fillies looked at each other for a moment before Sweetie stepped forward. “Sure thing, follow me.” The white filly took off down the road at a trot. Soral gratefully followed after her, while Apple Bloom stayed close to his side.
*-*-*
Carousel Boutique soon filled their vision as they approached. Soral would admit to underestimating the size of Rarities home and place of business given what he had seen in the show. It was larger than his house back on earth. They entered through the front door, but Soral had the distinct Nagging feeling he forgot something important.
“My sister Rarity is out at the moment, but I can let you lay down on couch for a bit.” Sweetie offered gesturing to a piece of furniture positioned near the back of the room. A fainting couch, he should have expected such from Rarity.
Soral didn’t say anything, he couldn’t, the ache had grown into a steady throb and made everything hazy. He managed to nod to the now concerned looking fillies; he briefly wondered why they looked like that. That line of thought didn’t last as the moment he was on the couch he was out like a light.
*-*-*
“You’re sure he just passed out as soon as he lay down?” A voice questioned.
“Yep, an' he was breathin funny, an' his head was hot.” An excited voice, Apple Bloom.
“He said an ability of his was causing problems and he needed to lie down. What was he talking about?” Sweetie Belle, wait am I still.
Soral opened his eyes blearily and tried to look around. A sudden welling of nausea caused him to limit those actions to a groan. “Hot.” He moaned out, realizing that he felt like he was baking in his own skin.
“Damn, I should have gone after him sooner. He told me this was the first time he used the Sight of Magic.” The first voice said. More was said and by different voices but Soral couldn’t pay attention to it. He soon passed out again.
Soral was floating; it was soundless, sightless, and senseless. It was an abyss and he knew it was a dream. Just cause he knew it was a dream though, didn’t mean he could change it, or wanted to change it. He enjoyed the lack of sensory information, the peace offered by empty dreams.
However a change happened, sound began to invade, muffled voices drifting in the abyss. Soral sighed, the dream was about to end. He doubted he would remember these thoughts when woke.
Light flooded his vision, piercing his mind. The small foal groaned as he adjusted to the waking world. Using his hoof to push his long mane out of his eyes he waited for his vision to clear. His vision was filled with something unexpected, several faces that were very close to his own.
“Uh... Hello.” Soral try to say. Unfortunately when he got to the “h” he began coughing. His throat was extremely dry and scratchy.
“Twilight! He’s awake!” The yellow furred face turned and hollered.
“Apple Bloom. That is Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Bell. What is going on though?” Soral tried to figure out the situation but asking questions in ones own head was a rather slower process when compared to asking them aloud.
“Here, drink this.” A voice said next to the colt.
Turning his head he found a glass of water held in purple talons. Snatching the glass away, he drank the water greedily. Once the heavenly liquid was gone he looked to the one who had handed it to him. A bipedal lizard looking creature. “Spike, but I am not supposed to know that yet.” Soral thought to himself.
“Thank you.” He said gratefully, though his voice was still a little raspy. “Could I have more?”
“Sure thing.” The dragon said, taking the glass back to the kitchen.
“So this is the mysterious new holder of “Sight of Magic”?” An amused voice asked.
Soral turned to see the owner of the voice, only for his mind to almost shut down. The sun. That was the only way to describe what he was seeing. The sun had descended to earth and was now moving towards him. There was no escape, there was nowhere to hide, it was all encompassing and all consuming. It was... A cool tingling enveloped him and the world faded into normalcy. He got his first look at the creature who held the power of the sun and still had few words to describe her.
“Is that better my little pony?” Celestia asked as she finished the spell that suppressed Soral’s ability. Her smile was caring, not unlike that of a mother looking at her child.
Soral managed a shaky nod. His body was trembling slightly. He tried to calm down but the trembling wouldn’t stop.
“Why can’t I stop sh-shaking.” Soral asked haltingly.
“When an adrenaline rush fades you crash, this normally results in uncontrolled trembling or passing out.” Twilight stated as if reciting a passage from a book. Then again knowing her, she probably was. A chuckle escaped from Celestia.
“I am sorry for giving you such a scare little one. Meeting those with the Sight is rare enough that I forget the effect I can have on them. Not to mention most I have met have had training prior to the meeting.” Celestia explained.
Soral nodded slowly at this, his shaking began to subside. After taking a look at those in the room he felt something was missing.
“Where is Su, I mean mom?” he asked. This elicited a few laughs from those in the room with him. He quirked a brow at them in his best attempt at a “Explain Now” expression. That just seemed to make the laughing intensify.
“Perhaps you should look behind you.” Celestia said kindly.
Soral slowly did as she said and turned. “Well that explains why the bed is so warm.” He thought to himself. Suzy was laying down next to him, and he was curled next to her like a child seeking comfort. “She is never going to let me forget this though.”
“Oh.” Was all he could say to the current situation.
“Now onto more important matters.” Celestia said. Soral felt something sink in his stomach at the change in subject. “You have a rare gift my child. One that makes growing up far more confusing than what is normal. It is a gift that needs to be trained and guided.” Celestia explained.
“I am not going to Canterlot.” Soral stated flatly, cutting the current conversation short. The room descended into silence. Twilight look horrified that Soral had blatantly interrupted the Princess.
Celestia smiled gently at the colt. “I understand your decision. After all, having the ability to feel magic to such a degree would be quite frustrating in a high magic environment such as Canterlot. No, I was going to recommend something else.”
Soral gazed up at the Princess; if she wasn't taking him away to Canterlot then what was she talking about.
“I was going to suggest a much more elegant solution. You would get to remain here in Ponyville,” she paused and let the tension build, “as Twilight Sparkle’s student.” Celestia informed them.
“WHAT!” Twin cries of disbelief rang out at the suggestion. Twilight and Soral were both looking at the Princess with shocked faces.
“Bu-But Princess Celestia! I have never taught anypony before! How am I supposed to teach him how to control an ability I have never studied!?" Twilight asked frantically.
“You underestimate your abilities Twilight. I have the utmost faith in you to carry out this task. You would also get to study the ability firsthoof. I suppose it fits a rather old saying... “Two birds with one stone” I believe it went.” Celestia finished.
Twilight gave her teacher an odd look at the turn of phrase, but Celestia was not looking at Twilight. Her eyes were focused on Soral, who seemed to turn rigid at the phrase itself. After a moment he relaxed before meeting the princesses eyes.
“If you are trying to be subtle you might have better luck with different phrase than that one.” He said tensely.
“True, but there is a time for subtlety and a time to be forward. This is somewhere in between both.” Celestia explained, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
“So, you obviously know more about Suzy and I than everyone else thus far.” Soral stated, he was still unsure of what was going to happen next.
“Ah yes. Suzy makes a delightful drinking partner.” Celestia admitted.
The tension that had built in the room fled with several nervous giggles, as Soral smacked his head with his hoof. With a small groan he let out a curse. “*** SUZY!”
“Language!” Twilight scolded the little colt.
“Sorry.” Soral said blandly, not really meaning it, he had been watching his language since arriving and he was frustrated enough not to care at the moment. “I would like to speak to the Princess in private if you do not mind?”
“That would be fine, follow me.” Celestia informed him before anyone else could respond. Soral got to his hooves and trotted after her as the Princess led them to a balcony before shutting the doors behind them. Her horned glowed for a split second and dimmed.
“There, now nopony can hear what we discuss.” She explained.
“Okay then, How much did you get from Suzy, beside that we are, or were human?” Soral asked the princess.
“Oh my, I think you misunderstood, she never told me you both were human.” Celestia told him with an amused smile.
Soral’s eyes widened considerably. “But?”
“I found that out when I cast a few diagnostic spells on you when you were sleeping.” She explained, “I was trying to discern just what your ailment was. Twilight was distracted and didn’t think of doing the same, the silly filly always seems to forget the forest for the trees. But when I cast my spell I was very surprised at what I found.”
“Just... Just what was it you found.” Soral asked, his mouth suddenly dry.
“Transformation magic, very old transformation magic. I have not seen the likes of it in quite some time.”
“Wait, you mean to tell me someone did this to us on purpose?” Soral asked incredulously.
“Not quite.” Celestia paused looking to the sky. “You see, equestria has some rather odd phenomenons. Chaotic magic that still roams, phasing in and out of existence, impossible to control. It is this that has cause your change, and your arrival.”
“So... Can you fix it?”
Celestia gave the foal a sad smile this time. “I am afraid not little one, I am sorry.” A long silence hung between them. “So, what exactly is a Human?” Celestia asked.
Soral let out a sigh and decided to explain some of the basics.
*-*-*
“Well, your culture certainly sounds interesting. Though I don’t think I would want to establish contact given some of the things you have shared.” Celestia said.
“I understand. There are more good elements than bad, but the bad ones tend to be very determined. Not to mention the whole group mentality thing.” Soral groaned rubbing his head. “One or two humans by themselves are plenty smart, however get them into a group and they are about as smart as sheep. Now if only they were as docile we would't have the number of wars we do.” He ended his statement with a disgruntled look.
“I have noticed that about several species actually. It is rather unfortunate that large groups are so easily swayed.” Celestia stated. Silence filled the air between the princess and foal.
“So... Do I still have to be Twilight’s student?” Soral asked, a pensive look on his face.
“Yes.” The Princess of the Sun stated.
“Great,” Soral grumbled, “back to school, on top of finding a place to stay and a source of income.”
“Hmm, well there are ways around that.” Celestia said airily.
Soral turned to look at the princess, curious as to what her solution was.
“I could label you as a ward of the castle. That would allow me to provide funds for your care without drawing any unwanted attention.” She told him.
Soral was silent as he considered her words. “Okay, I am waiting for the other hoof to drop.” He said after a moment.
“My, my. You really think I wouldn’t do such a thing out of the goodness of my heart.” Celestia said, she looked on the verge of tears.
“I-I’m sorry.” Soral stuttered out at the unexpected display of emotion.
“Thats better.” Celestia said, her face instantly returning to normal and her voice taking on a distinct hint of amusement. Soral felt like hitting himself for falling for crocodile tears.
“As for a place to stay, I am sure my always faithful student who would never dare to eavesdrop.” The Solor Princess said, raising her tone towards then end. A sudden clatter was heard from the library before all went quite. “Would be more than happy to help.” She finished.
Soral stared back at the tree house/library. “I thought you said no one could hear us?”
“She is my prized pupil, do you think a small thing like sound bubbles would keep her out.”
“I suppose not.” He conceded.
“Now, lets go inside.” She said, canceling her earlier spell. She draped a wing over him as they made their way back in. It was a small gesture, but it did wonders for his nerves. Some small part of him didn’t want to go with the plan, a larger part just wanted to run away screaming. Soral sigh, the rest of him was resigned to the fate that awaited. Besides, Twilight was probably his best bet at getting home.
It had not taken long for Celestia to convince Twilight of her plan. The end result was that he and Suzy would be getting their own place. Soral was to report to the library lessons. As a declared ward, he would receive a modest stipend to cover his expenses. This was fine with him, being stuck as a foal pretty much destroyed any chance he had at finding a job.
Early the next day, Twilight was asked by Applejack to help at the farm. Soral decided to follow along, mostly because he already started the lesson on telekinesis and didn’t want to quit just yet.
“Now hold your focus, if your concentration wavers the apple will fall.” Twilight instructed as she and Applejack walked down the path cutting through the orchard. Spike was perched on Twilights back sorting through the apples in her baskets.
The two older mares started chatting but Soral tuned them out. He was staring intently at the apple floating in front of him. It was enveloped in a dark blue glow. To be honest, he was rather surprised with his magic. He expected something that felt like a charge of electricity. He expected it to take longer to draw out. The magic came easily enough. In truth he should have suspected as much, after all every Unicorn out there seems to be able to use basic telekinesis.
Still, the sensation of touching it for the first time, really he did not have words to describe it. It was like- “Oof!”
Shaking his head he looks up to see what he ran into. Twilight and Applejack are looking at him with concern.
“Sorry bout the sudden stop, little guy.” Applejack said checking on the colt. Apparently Twilight received a letter and they had stopped to read it. Soral was still focused on the apple and thus did not stop until his face met Applejacks flank.
“No harm done.” Soral mumbled while getting back on all fours. “So, what does the letter say?” He asked. After all, the piece of parchment is responsible for his humiliation should at least be read before he burned it.
“Right, let’s see.” Twilight said deftly unfurling the scroll with her magic.
Soral stared blanking at the scroll as it was held there. Feeling magic was one thing, but now he had a better understanding of why they call his gift “The Sight of Magic.” He could see more than just the shimmering aura that everyone else seemed to witness. He saw it weave and twist, he saw lines and symbols that seemed to hold a purpose that he had yet been able to decipher. It was the same with his own magic, and one of the reasons why it captivated him. He could see how it moved and changed. It was almost like watching an artist start on a blank canvas. Testing strokes being placed down while he struggles to decide what this new piece shall be.
His introspective moment was interrupted by both mares suddenly releasing earsplitting squeals of excitement. “The Grand Galloping Gala!”
“My ears...” Soral whined as he lowered his head to the ground and wrapped his forelegs around his head to ward off the sound. Twilight and Applejack had the good grace to look sheepish and apologised for yelling in his ears. Applejack began talking about the opportunity that going to such an event could bring for her and her family. Soral did his best not to roll his eyes at this. It would be a great chance for her if she was catering, but a stand would never work at such an event. “Won’t work.” He decided to state as much.
Applejack paused her daydream to glare at the colt. “Wha’ d’ya mean it won’ work?”
“Because the ‘High Society’ as they like to be called would never stoop to buying from a stand. Anyone with money or a big name tend to be pompous gits.” Soral stated. He had a very low opinion of the wealthy.
“Now ya don’ know that for certain.” Applejack said, she was being stubborn, obviously not wanting to give up on her fantasy. “It could be tha’ mah stand is jus’ wha’ their missing.”
“Did you know your accent gets worse when you get grumpy?” Soral would later admit that he deserved the swat she gave him. He really needed to stop being such as wise-mouth.
“Nice work kid.” A raspy laugh carried on the wind as Rainbow Dash landed near them. “So Twilight, what’s this I hear about tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?” She asked his teacher.
Soral remembered how the rest of the particular episode went and made a decision. “Well, I see the theme for today.” He muttered loud enough for them all to hear before turning a set of puppy-eyes on Twilight, “May I go play with Apple Bloom?” He pleaded to her. Forget being nice and preventing the coming storm, Soral would much rather step out of the way of the fan altogether.
“Now darlin, she’s in school right now, and won’t be getting out for a few hours yet.” Applejack stated.
“And you think I won’t be going to school soon anyway.” Soral stated. Honestly, Twilight was his teacher, but that was for magic. He really didn’t think she would be teaching him everything.
“What, but I'm your teacher! What could school possibly offer you that I couldn’t?” Twilight demanded in a panicked voice.
Crap, he was not expecting her to be so protective of her title. “Uh.. A chance to be around those my own age?” Soral hedged hesitantly. “Well, physical age.” he amended to himself.
“I guess you’re right.” Twilight sighed. “The princess has me here studying friendship. What would she say if I denied you the chance to make your own.”
Soral nodded at this, doing his best impression of a sage, “Yes young one. Now you begin to gain wisdom of the ages.”
“Ha ha.” Twilight said flatly at the colts attempt at humor, she also did her level best to ignore the snickering of Rainbow Dash and Spike. “Alright Smarty-pants, let’s go. Might as well get you registered while we still can today," she was interrupted by her stomach growling, “and some lunch.” Twilight finished with a blush.
“Latter Applejack, Rainbow Dash.” Soral bid both mares as he and Twilight began to leave. Spike waved goodbye from his perch on Twiligh’s back.
“Later you three.” Applejack said before turning to Rainbow Dash. “Now I thought ya’ said ya’ were busy today? Here I find ya’ eavesdroppin’ on my and Twi’s conversation.”
Soral heard Rainbow’s nervous laughter fading out as he and Twilight left the farm.
*-*-*
Soral followed Twilight through town to an cafe with an outdoor dining area. He took a moment to look around the town. Soral had to admit he liked the atmosphere of Ponyville. It was relaxing watching the ponies go about their daily business. He look up to see if there were any interesting clouds and frowned. There were several Pegasi moving clouds into place over the town.
“How about here?” Twilight’s voice brought him out of his observation. He turned to see Twilight and Spike taking a seat at one of the outdoor tables. A waiter was already on his way over to get their orders.
“Twilight I think we should eat inside.” He told her.
“What? It’s a beautiful day, why would we eat inside?” She questioned.
“Because the weather team is setting up a downpour as we speak.” Soral told her while pointing a hoof to the section of sky gathering clouds.
Twilight made a small “Oh” with her mouth before asking the waiter if they had any available seats inside. Once they were moved orders were taken and they decided to make small talk to pass the time.
“So Twilight, who are you giving the other ticket too?” Spike asked.
“I don’t know. Applejack seems to really think that the Gala would help her business. I am not sure why Rainbow is interested though?” She said to herself.
“Who knows, hopefully they don’t start fighting over it.” Soral stated. Playing ignorant was the best option here, he did not want to get dragged into the coming chaos.
Twilight grimaced at that. “I really don’t want these tickets to cause a rift with my friends.”
“Well, I don’t want to go there. The Gala is to fru-fru for my tastes.” Spike announced.
Soral rolled his eyes at the discription before speaking himself. “I have no interest in going to a formal event. I would have nothing to do and would be bored out of my mind.” He explained. He notice the waiter on heading towards their table. “Oh look the foods here.”
This was the first time Soral tried what passed for normal pony food. a daisy club sandwich. Honestly it wasn't bad, not what he was expecting but not bad. Which was odd considering the last time he tasted a daisy he distinctly remembered it being bitter. During their meal the rain had started to fall. I wasn’t sure but I think I saw Rainbow dash fly by once or twice.
“Should we wait here until the rain stops or just leave?” He asked Twilight breaking the silence at the table.
“Well,” She said while looking out the window. “I think it should be letting up soon so we might as well wait.”
“Hmm,” Soral noised while looking over at Spike. “Hey Twilight, has Spike ever been to school?” He asked, honestly curious. He was surprised when both dragon and pony seemed to cringe. “What?”
“Let’s just say fiery sneezes and school work doesn’t mix.” Spike muttered.
“Oh... Sorry.” Soral mumbled. Judging by their reaction their was a story behind that, and not a pleasant one. “Well it looks like the rain is stopping. We should probably go to the schoolhouse before the teacher leaves.”
“Oh, you’re right. Let’s get going then.” Twilight said looking out the window before asking the waiter for the cheque. Soral walked to the door and waited on Twilight to pay. He noticed Rainbow still flying around looking for something, he ducked back behind the door before she could see him. Rainbow Dash flew off to search elsewhere.
“Okay I know the episode displayed it as such but really this is just too much.” Soral muttered.
“What was that?” Spike asked him.
“Geh!” Soral choked choked out. “Nothing, nothing at all.” Soral said slightly panicked.
Spike gave him an odd look for moment. “You know you’re acting a lot like Twilight does when she’s nervous.”
“I am not!” Soral said more than a little offended. He did not act like Twilight, he had much better self control. He just wasn't displaying it at the moment.
“Okay, everypony ready to go?” Twilight asked walking up to them. Soon they were walking down the path to the Ponyville School.
“I wonder how long the classes are? Do you think Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are still there? Do you think the teacher is nice?” Soral started asking every inane question he could think of in relation to the school to Twilight. He didn’t really need the information, he was mostly doing it to tax her patience and pass the time. Sadly the first objective was never met as Twilight seemed more than happy to try and answer each of his question.
“Classes are five hours long. They still have another half hour of class time so yes. I have not met the teacher so I wouldn't know.”
Soral was silent for a long moment, surprised at how well she handled that. Then he let a smirk slip onto his face, “Have you ever called Celestia mom?” He asked out of the blue.
“Huh? Wh-why are you asking that?” Twilight sputtered in surprise, but a slight pink tint began to peek through the fur of her face.
“She has, quite a few times actually.” Spike said from his perch atop the unicorns back.
“SPIKE! Why would you tell him that?” Twilight asked obviously feeling betrayed.
“Oh look we’re here. Twilight you should really try to calm down, you want to make a good impression right?” Soral asked casually. She gave him a glare that could have caused a cobra to cower, but Soral ignored it deciding to bask in her irritation.
As they came up to the school Twilight politely knocked on the door. It was opened a moment later by orange pegasus filly. She looked at them for a moment before calling back into the classroom, “It’s a unicorn family Ms. Cheerilee.”
Soral did his best not to laugh as Twilight looked gobsmacked at the filly. Spike didn’t bother and just fell to the ground clutching his sides. Soon a purple mare was at the door. She had a bright smile and on her flank there were three smiley faces.
“Yes, how may I help you?” She asked looking at Twilight.
Twilight cleared her throat before speaking. “Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle and I am here to register my student at your school. Soral, say hello.”
“Hiya. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell are still here right?” Soral asked
Ms. Cheerilee smile at the colt. “Yes. Why don’t you go in and say hello. Class was almost over anyway.” She told him.
Soral nodded and went inside while Twilight and Cheerilee discussed his registration. “Hey Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle.” Soral called out to the two fillies.
“Soral!”
“You’re here!”
Both fillies were soon away from their desks and charging him. Soral did the only logical thing he could think of and ducked. Surprisingly this was the proper action as both fillies went flying past him. It was hard not to laugh with the other children in the room as the two crashed into the bookcase in the back of the classroom.
“Now really, do you think it is the brightest idea to tackle somepony who has been sick for the past few days?” Soral questioned calmly. Internally he was surprised that they were that excited to see him. He put it down to them just being children.
“Sorry bout that.” Apple Bloom said as she and Sweetie Belle looked away with a small blush. Soral had no problem admitting it was adorable but he was not here to fawn over children acting cute. He was here to curru- ah- make friends.
“No problem, but just so you know I don’t care for hugs via flying tackle, it tends to hurt.” He explained, “As to why I am here, I am getting registered for school. I will probably be joining you in class tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow’s Saturday, we don' have classes.” Apple Bloom said.
"Huh, how did I miss that?" Soral asked out loud.
"Looky here class, we have another blank flank." A hawghty voice called out. A few laughs made it around the room but they were mostly forced.
"Well looky here class." That was okay though, Soral could give as good as he got. "A filly who obviously knows what she wants." He said and emphasized by shaking his rear in the direction of said filly.
The result was perfect. The filly who insulted him was left gaping like a fish. The class though burst into laughter at his jab. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were both holding their sides. Soral smiled at what he accomplished.
"What is going on here?" Miss Cheerily asked as she entered the classroom.
“Just getting to know everyone.” Soral said playing innocent. The teacher scrutinizing gaze honed in on him. To be honest it made him a little nervous. Cheerily was always portrayed as such a nice pony in the show. Soral realised however, nice or not, she was still a teacher.
“We do try to play nice now.” She said with a slight air of warning.
“Yes ma’am.” Soral replied instantly.
Miss Cheerily nodded and turned to the rest of the classroom. “Class dismissed. I hope you all enjoy your weekend.”
With a great cheer many of the foals charged out of the classroom. The self-important filly glared at Soral before leaving. Soral just shrugged it off before he was enveloped in a hug.
“Tha’ was amazin Soral! I’ve never seen anypony shut-down Diamond Tiara like tha’.” Apple Bloom squealed excitedly while hugging him.
“Can’t... Breath...” Soral managed to choke out.
“Oops.” Apple Bloom released her grip on him and Soral sucked in his precious air. “Sorry.” The little farm filly apologized.
“No problem.” Soral said, then he looked Apple Bloom up and down. “You are a lot stronger than you look.”
“Thank’ya kindly.” The farm filly smiled.
“Seriously though, I don’t think I have ever seen Diamond Tiara that red.” Sweetie Belle chimed in.
“Dude that was awesome!” A new voice entered the conversation. An orange pegasus filly soon filled Soral’s vision. “Name’s Scootaloo and that was one of the best burns I have ever seen.”
“She provided the fireworks, I merely lit the fuses.” Soral did his best to portray a cool attitude. However he decided that the praise had gone on long enough. “Okay so anyone here want to go play or something?”
“Sure.”
“Alright.”
“What do you have in mind?” The fillies answered at the same time make soral pause to sort out what they said.
“I was thinking hide-n-seek at the farm would be fun.” Soral offered.
Apple Bloom frowned. “But I’ve chores ta’ do.”
“Well you got three helpers. We can get them done quick and get to playing. Sound like a plan?” It took a bit more convincing but he got the fillies to agree to it. Soon they set off for the farm after Soral told Twilight what he was doing.
Soral would admit that he underestimated the girls. Yes they were just foals but then again it was probably why they were good at this game. “Twenty! Ready or not, here I come!” He yelled out to the seemingly empty field. Hide and seek had always been a favorite game of his. He scanned the area for any signs of the girls hiding nearby just waiting for him to leave the base unguarded.
Every bush was scrutinized, their rustling leaves signs of possible prey. But he could not remain at base forever, no they would get bored with that rather quickly. His ears flicked when he heard a twig snap off to his right and a small gasp. Smirking, Soral walked forward, seemingly away from the sound. He went into a bush and began to make his way back to where one of the girls was clearly hiding.
Sweetie Belle poked her head out from her hiding spot. Soral’s smirk became mischievous at this point as he quietly crawled closer. Sweetie emerged fully from her hiding spot, rather close to the base now that he thought about it. Soral got up and charged.
“Ahhhh!” Sweetie Belle squealed as she saw Soral running at her. She panicked and instead of running for the base she ran away from it.
“Big mistake Sweetie! I’m gonna get ya’ now!” Soral hollered after her.
“Help!” Sweetie Belle called out as I chased her down. I almost laughed inside. Why would the other girls help? The game was about getting to the base before I tagged them. Not a lot they can do to help each other out. That is what I thought until something slammed into my side.
After a brief roll I was on my back and my mystery assailant was standing ontop of me like a proud hero. “And that is how Scootaloo saved the day.” The little orange pegasus filly proclaimed.
“Tag.” Soral said lightly bopping her nose with his hoof. “Now you’re it.” Scootaloo looked at him in utter confusion for a few seconds before remembering just what game they were playing and groaned loudly.
“Scootaloo’s it!” Soral called out. This brought Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle out of hiding.
“Hey Soral, it’s gettin’ close ta’ dinner time.” Apple Bloom stated looking up at the low sun.
“Hmm?” Soral sounded before checking himself. “Yeah, you’re right. Call the game here?”
“Sure.”
“I’m good.”
“I’m still it...”
Soral just laughed and gave them a wave. He had finally learned his way around town a little bit today so he was certain he could make it back to Twilight’s with no issue. The walk back into was uneventful. Soral failed to noticed that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were right behind him.
“Hey Soral, where did you live before coming to Ponyville?” Sweetie asked him.
“Huh?” Soral said eloquently, surprised by the question. “Um, I come from fair bit away. Little town that didn’t really stick with you.” He lied. He could have told them the truth, but really why bother with that. It would just lead to questions he didn’t want to answer.
“Did you have any friends there?” Scootaloo asked.
“Not really. Suzy is my friend and she came with me.” He said.
“I thought Suzy was your mom?” Sweetie had a confused expression on her face. It was kinda funny to.
“No, thank goodness. Suzy is a bit too silly to be my mother.” He laughed.
“Then where is your mom?” Scootaloo asked giving him an odd look.
“... Can we change the subject?” Soral asked softly. They were quiet after that. He couldn’t fault them, it sounded like his mother was dead, or something else. Then again, if he couldn’t find a way back home she might as well be. It was odd going so long without speaking to her at least once.
The girls look like they were about to ask another question but were interrupted by what seemed like a stampede. Looking around for the source they were caught of guard when Twilight dodged around the corner and stopped right in the middle of their group.
“Hold tight and try not to throw up.” She shouted and her horn lit with magic.
Realizing what was about to happen Soral pulled both fillies against Twilight. There was a buildup of energy and then sensation of being bathed in electricity. When it stopped they were in the library, only slightly singed from the magic.
“What the Hay Twilight!” Soral shouted.
“Sorry.” She apologized tiredly. She trotted slowly across the library.
Soral watched as she walked away surprised at how exhausted she sounded. His ears picked up the sound of arguing. He decided to take a look for himself at what was going on.
“That. Was. Awesome!” He would also need to make sure Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle didn’t get into trouble. Looking at them he saw that Sweetie was shaking, obviously she did not enjoy her first teleportation. Scootaloo on the other hand had a manic grin on her face.
“C’mon, let’s go see what all the chaos is about.” Soral said. They entered the other room to witness Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and surprisingly enough Fluttershy arguing. The only thing they could pick out was the word ticket being said a few times.
“That is Enough!” Twilight yelled at the ponies in the room halting the argument in it’s tracks. “I am sick and tired of your arguing over who gets the stupid ticket. All this time I have been trying to be fair and trying to be patient and I am Sick of it! If the ticket means so much more to you than our own friendship then...” Twilight’s voice was quivering now. “Then you can just leave.” The purple mare finished softly. The silence that filled the room at that statement was deafening though.
Twilight turned and headed up the stair to her room leaving the five stunned mares in her wake. Applejack seemed to come out of her stupor the first, she made to go after Twilight. She was stopped when her hooves were encased in a dark blue aura and jerked back sharply causing her to stumble.
“What the hell.” It took a moment for Soral to realize he was the one speaking. He saw that he had everyone’s attention thanks to his stunt however and decided to push on.
“You five have the audacity to call yourselves her friends.” The temperature of the room seemed to drop several degrees as the girls shivered from his statement.
“You were her first friends, outside of her family, outside of the princess. You were the first ones to earn her friendship. Then the second something comes along to remind you of just how well connected she is you all throw it away for selfish and stupid reasons.” Soral’s voice was cold, it reminded him of winter for some reason.
The girls tried to protest but he wouldn’t have it. “Shut UP! You lost the right to call yourselves her friends after what you have pulled today. Did you not see what she looked like? Did you not see how tired and heartbroken you five made her?” He asked rhetorically.
Applejack had her head down in shame. Rarity was not far behind. Rainbow dash looked very uncomfortable. Pinkie’s hair was flat. Fluttershy was crying silently.
“No, you each only saw what you could get from her.” Soral took a deep breath to calm down. “Leave.” They looked at him in surprise. “Leave and don’t come back until you are ready to give a real heartfelt apology.”
One by one they began to shuffle out. “Come on Sweetie Belle. It is time for dinner, and I have some thinking to do.” Rarity told her sister as she guided her out.
“I’m sorry.” Applejack said simply as she left.
“Hey Scoots, how bout I take you home.” Rainbow said to her fan. The orange pegasus filly gave a weak smile and nodded.
Fluttershy managed an apology so soft that Soral couldn’t make it out, before rushing away with tears falling down her cheeks.
The last to leave was Pinkie Pie. She didn’t say anything, but her face read like an open book.
Finally Soral was alone in the room. This incident revealed several things to him. But most of all it showed him he would be an idiot to believe the show was accurate down to the letter. No it wouldn’t be that simple. The show was scripted, and he could feel from his time in this world already that it was plenty real. That could wait though.
Soral slowly plodded up the stairs to where the bedroom was. As he reached the top he saw Twilight laying belly first on her bed, hugging a rag doll pony. Soral opened his mouth to say something to comfort her.
“Thank you.”
He slowly closed his mouth, surprised at what she said to him.
“I... I heard everything. Thank you.” Twilight told him. A few tears leaked from her eyes.
Soral moved forward and climbed into bed next to her. He nuzzled her neck, trying his best to give any form of support. “I’m sorry.” He told her gently.
Twilight let out a small sob. “How, how did this happen?”
Soral thought for a long moment, before giving an answer that would at least fit him. “Everyone is naturally selfish. It is just leftover survival instinct to look out for themselves first. However they will always look at their wants, their needs first, before looking to another’s.” He told her. “The Gala is something talked about by all ponies, it is the biggest event in Canterlot. Even though only small number of all the ponies goes there everyone else will fabricate this big perfect dream event.” He paused to look at her.
“Do you remember what I told Applejack about her dreams for the Gala? I was being truthful. If she sets up a stand she might sell five items period. But she didn’t want to believe that. She had her own ideas of what the Gala was. Dreams that she has cultivated since she was a filly. Something I think you have also done.”
“I-I would get to spend the night talking with Princess Celestia, just enjoying myself and having a good time.” She answered hesitantly.
“Celestia, as the hostess of the event, will be busy for most of the night greeting every pony that has been invited to the Gala. That is a task that could take a few hours. You won’t get much time to talk to her.” He told her, seeing her wince slightly at the information. “You still want to go, you still want to try, even if you know it won’t be like your dreams of the event.”
Twilight gave a shaky nod.
“Your friends will be back, and they will apologise. When they found out about the tickets their sight was filled with stars. A chance at a dream in their reach. It gave them tunnel-vision and all they saw were the tickets. Well now they have seen the price of their dream. I don’t think they will find the Gala worth losing friendship.
“Thank you Soral.” Twilight said, nuzzling him. “How are you so wise about this?”
Soral was quiet for a time before he answered. “Experience is a harsh teacher. Your friends want to apologise. Mine didn’t.”
Twilight pulled the colt into a hug at that statement. It felt awkward if Soral was honest. “Well, I won’t. You’re my friend... Right?” Twilight asked him.
Soral stiffened for a moment, and then the hug didn’t feel so strange. He pressed into her a little further. “Yes.” his breathing started to even out as he began to get sleepy. “Twilight... Thank you.”
*-*-*
The next morning was a somber event. Spike didn’t seem to understand why Twilight was so down. She told him not to worry about it. Soral was thinking to himself.
“I smell pancakes.” Suzy’s cheerfully sang as she entered the kitchen. She sat down at the table and spike served up a plate of flapjacks covered in syrup. “Yay, pancakes!” Suzy squealed happily before taking a large bite out of the stack.
“Well someone is happy this morning.” Soral commented.
Suzy chewed a bit longer enjoying the tasted before swallowing the sugary breakfast down. “Yep, I found a job yesterday.”
“Oh?”
“What did you find?” Twilight asked.
“I found this pub owned by Berry Punch. I help serve drinks and food now.” Suzy explained.
“Ah, of course.” Soral mumbled.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Suzy asked while glaring at the colt.
“Nothing, nothing at all.” Soral said acting innocent.
Before Suzy could continue interrogating Soral there was a loud rapping on the library door. Everyone paused for a minute to look at the door.
“Huh? Wonder who could be visiting this early?” Spike said as he waddled over to the door. Opening the door revealed five mares with their heads bowed. “Oh, hey guys... what’s wrong.”
“Hello Spike, might we come in to speak to Twilight.” Rarity asked the baby dragon.
“Yeah of course you can.” Spike said sigh dreamily at the white unicorn. Soral realised he would have to explain to the dragon in the feature weather or not they were angry with Rarity, or else she would be able to barge in without issue.
The groupe shuffled into the library, even Rainbow Dash who was on the ground for the longest time Soral’s seen since coming here. Applejack stepped forward from the group and cleared her throat.
“Twih’light, I, we... We’re all awfully sorry Twih’. There’s no excuse for how we acted yesterday.” Applejack said.
“Yes. We were very rude trying to force you to pick one of us but not listening to your feelings on the matter.” Rarity said. The rest nodded their heads.
“Yeah, I guess it was pretty uncool of us. I’m sorry Twilight.” Rainbow apologized.
“I’m sorry please forgive me.” Fluttershy said quietly
“I’m super, duper, duper sorry Twilight. We were meanies yesterday and didn’t consider didn’t consider your feelings.”
“I guess what it comes down t’ sugarcube, is can ya’ forgive us?” Applejack asked. Their faces all shone with hope that Twilight would say she did.
Twilight Sparkle stood still while she heard their pleas for forgiveness. She remained quiet for a time after they had stopped. Finally she spoke. “Of course I can girls. I don’t want something as silly as tickets to the gala to break up our friendship.” She told them. The whole thing ended in a group hug and a few tears were shed by the girls.
“Soral, what the hell happened yesterday?” Suzy asked confused about the events taking place in front of her.
“The short story is the show is not going to be very helpful to us. I will explain more later.” He told her. He was just happy that they seemed to be back on track. Twilight finished writing a letter and had Spike send it along with the tickets. It was barely a minute later that the response came. It came with enough tickets for their little group. What surprised him however was when he was presented with one.
Soral looked from the ticket up to Twilight. “I would really like it if you would come with.” She told him.
He hesitated for a moment, before accepting the ticket. “I’d be happy to.” He told her. Strangely enough, he meant it.
Honestly he should have expected this. Why on earth would it be so easy, so simple to just bypass a major problem without drawbacks. No, the consequences didn’t even enter his mind once he got used to the methods of madness. “Of course I wouldn’t be able to use magic non stop.” Soral moaned. A horrid throbbing pain emanating from his horn, reminiscent of a bad headache.
“Now, it will happen less often as you come into your power. You just started using your magic though so it is to be expected.” Twilight said as she lowered an ice pack onto the mint colored horn.
Soral felt a small spike of pain before the numbing cold began working it’s way into the aching appendage. He let out another soft moan before searching for something else to focus on. “It is only to be expected if you know about it in the first place. I have never heard of a horn-ache before now.” Talking helped some, not much but some.
“That’s odd, it is not that uncommon. Surely you have met at least one other unicorn who has...” She trailed off as Soral gave her a very flat stare. “Ah-ha-ha, right.” She laughed weakly.
Sometimes it baffled the little mint coated colt how his caretaker could forget such important details as, him not originally being a pony. He was about to mock her ability to keep track of such detail until a red hot iron decided to lodge itself into his skull. With very shrill squeak his hooves shot to the ice pack that was covering his horn.
Twilight seemed to wince in sympathy, considering her own magical abilities she probably faced similar problems growing up. “I’ll go into town to get some medicine. Do you think you will be okay here with Spike?”
“I’ll manage.” Soral, groaned out. “Just go get something to dull this please.”
“Right, I’ll be back soon.” She said and walked out the door. Soral just put his head back down on his pillow and hoped that the pain would dissipate. He hated this feeling. It was like a headache on steroids, he guessed this was what a migraine felt like.
"So, anything I can get for you?" Spike asked from where he was picking up Twilight's latest mess of books.
"A glass of water please. I think I am just going to lay down for a nap.". Soral told him. Spike nodded and it wasn't long after that he came back with the glass. After a few sips Soral moved the glass as side and set his head on the pillow. Even resting hurt but the pain was slowly pushed aside as sleep creeped in.
"Hey Twilight! You in here?" A raspy voiced hollered followed by a gust of wind.
Soral leveled a baleful glare at the disturbance. Floating inside the room, apparently trying to be as noisy as possible, was a certain cyan pegasus. “Rainbow Dash,” Soral said with annoyed tone, “what do you want?”
“Ah.” Dash said as she turned to the voice. “Hey there pipsqueak. I am looking for Twilight, I wanted her opinion on my latest stunt.” She said while puffing out her chest.
“This wouldn’t happen to be the stunt of ‘Breaking and Entering’ would it?” Soral asked sarcastically.
Rainbow Dash looked affronted by the accusation before glaring at the colt. “What the hay is your problem?”
“Well I was about to get to sleep before you barged in here.” Soral stated flatly. “Now I am wide awake to enjoy the aching pain coming from my horn. Thanks for that.” The last part practically oozed sarcasm as he waved a hoof at her with a fake smile on his face.
“No problem.” She replied flippantly.
Groaning Soral decided to try and nap someplace else. Someplace that did not include ‘Prism Butt’ to pester him. Getting to his hooves he trotted downstairs and headed for the front door. “Spike, I’m going out. Tell Twilight that Prism Butt is waiting for her in her room.” He called out before shutting the door behind him.
“Who is Prism Butt?” Spike asked before turning to see a rather incensed Rainbow Dash glaring at the door. “... Oh!” Spike said after a moment, having figured out the joke.
*-*-*
Soral grumbled angrily as he walked down Ponyville’s main street. His anger quickly burned out though and he focused on trying to relax. The pain from his horn was still there, and it was really starting to fray his nerves. The sensation was like a mix of electricity and a toothache. He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths hoping to sooth the pain. There was a minor success until he bumped into someone. Shaking his head Soral quickly started apologizing to the pony he ran into only to be interrupted.
“Oh my! A-are you okay Soral?” A soft voice asked.
Looking up Soral notice the pale pink lock belonging to a very soft spoken pegasus. Fluttershy looked at him with a hint of worry in her eyes as she moved to check him over for any injuries.
“‘m fine Fluttershy,” Soral mumbled embarrassed by the sudden invasion of privacy, “I just wasn’t watching where I was going. I am sorry for-Aehh!” His sentence was ended in a small shriek as a small blossom of pain flared in his horn.
“Oh dear, oh dear. What’s hurt? Where do you feel pain? Do I need to take you to the hospital?” Fluttershy began fretting over him.
“It’s just a hornache!” He said a bit more forcefully than he intended. Fluttershy shrank back from the sudden yell. Soral winced slightly knowing that he shouldn’t be taking his frustration out on the shy mare. “I’m sorry, that was wrong. Just that this has me cranky and I tried to sleep it off but my nap got interrupted and I’ve never had one before and it really hurts and I just want it to stop and I am sorry I yelled.” Soral finished taking in several breaths to try and calm down.
“Oh, you poor dear.” Fluttershy said. Before Soral knew what was happening he was enveloped into a hug. “I know what will help. Come with me.” The motherly pegasus said while nudging the foal forward.
Slightly confused by her change, Soral decided to do as he was told and walked with her. It wasn’t long until he heard someone call out for Fluttershy’s attention.
“Yoo hoo, Fluttershy!” Rarity waved at them from in front of another of the oddly shaped buildings that made up the town of Ponyville. As they got closer Soral could see it in more detail. It looked like an opulent tent. Hanging over the door was a sign that displayed a pony with a long mane and several sparkles just above her flank. He felt he should recognise this place but he never paid that much attention to the show.
“Oh I am so glad you made our appointment Fluttershy, I was beginning to fear you might be late.” Rarity told her friend.
“Oh, I am sorry Rarity, but I uh... I ran into someone on the way over.” Fluttershy said quietly while motioning towards Soral.
“Oh, so you did dear. How are you today Soral?” Rarity asked politely, if slightly strained. He couldn’t blame her. The only experiences he has had with her thus far was being sick or when he yelled at all of them for ganging up on Twilight.
“Uhm, I’m fine today Rarity. I should be going though.” Since he knew they were bad impression he decided it would be best to leave. He didn’t get far before he was tugged back between the two mares by Fluttyshy.
“Now, now. No running off, I said I was going to help you, so just stay with us.” Fluttershy said.
“Help him with what dear?” Rarity asked, now curious as to why the colt was there. She recognised Fluttershy’s current mood for when she was tending the animals at her cottage.
“Oh, the poor thing has been having such a stressful day I thought maybe he could join us. That is, if you don’t mind?” Fluttershy asked at the end going back to her shy personality.
“Oh not at all darling. Well let’s move along inside shall we.” Rarity said as she came up on Soral’s left. Together to two mares herded him inside of the building. Soral began to sweat, unsure of just what their intentions were.
*-*-*
“Welcome!” The twin tones of cheer cames from two ponies. One pink, one pale blue, both with flowers for cutie marks. Both known well by her.
“Lotus! Aloe! It is so nice to see you again darlings.” Rarity said genuinely. “Now I know we are breaking from tradition but due to recent events Fluttershy and I decided that we could use a visit.”
“No problem Miss Rarity. We are always happy to serve you.” Lotus sung happily.
“Shall we prepare the usual for you and Miss Fluttershy?” Aloe asked before looking down. “Oh? Who is this?”
Rarity allowed herself a small smirk as she saw Soral try to hide behind Fluttershy. It seemed for all his maturity he was still a foal. “This is a friend of our’s Aloe, he has had a terribly stressful day.” Rarity said dramatically.
“Oh, that so terrible.” Both of the spa ponies gasped while bringing their hooves to their mouths.
“Truly. That is why Fluttershy decided a trip here was just what he needed.” Rarity said.
“It’s just a horn-ache.” Soral mumbled while trying to back away to the door.
Rarity frowned and lit her horn with magic. Soral was pulled forward into Aloe and Lotus’s waiting hooves. “Yes, and while earth-ponies don’t know the pain of a horn-ache Aloe and Lotus both know the pain of a migraine. The two are similar enough, believe me dear.” She told the struggling colt. “So I am trusting you two to help the little one relax the pain away, so to speak.”
“Of course Miss Rarity.” Aloe said.
“We would be happy to assist.” Lotus continued.
“So shall we begin?” They both asked.
Allowing herself a small quiet chuckle at the scene before her Rarity nodded her head. The two spa ponies tugged their new charge along with them as she and Fluttershy followed.
“You don’t think we were too forceful, do you?” Fluttershy questioned.
“Not at all darling. I believe the little colt is a lot like Twilight. He thinks he knows what he needs and excludes everything else.” Rarity paused after she said this, seemingly lost in thought. “We should bear that in mind when dealing with them, or we might miss something important.”
Fluttershy gave a small nod. “I have noticed that Twilight seems to stress easily. Do- Do you think we should be worried?”
“No darling, but we should be ready to calm them down. We don’t need them having an episode and embarrassing themselves.” Rarity said. Fluttershy made the smallest sounds of agreement.
It wasn’t long after that they entered the spa proper. Being guided to their seats they were put through their usual routine. The works for Rarity, and lighter sessions for Fluttershy. Rarity began regaling Fluttershy and the girls over the latest gossip and the trials some of her customers caused her. It wasn’t until the massage portion that she noticed Soral again.
His hooves had been cleaned and trimmed. His coat and mane thoroughly washed to where it had a glossy sheen. Now he was on a massage table though not receiving any attention. No he was on the table because both his eyes were closed in sleep.
“Oh my, that didn’t take very long at all did it?” Rarity asked aloud.
Aloe gave a gentle laugh. “No Miss Rarity it didn’t. He fell asleep as we were brushing out his coat.”
“I hope it wasn’t too much trouble. I mean, I know he needed to relax, but I didn’t think he would fall asleep in the middle of your work.” Fluttershy said in her hesitant manner.
“No trouble at all Miss Shy. We are used to some of our customers being too relaxed.” Lotus said with a rueful smile. More than a few stories rested behind that face Rarity thought.
“Well then I say mission accomplished. Hopefully he can sleep off the rest of his horn-ache.” Rarity said. They continued through the treatment like normal, and were soon ready to leave the spa. Rarity gently placed Soral into the crook of Fluttershy’s back. The colt managed to endear himself to the staff by nuzzling the yellow pegasus’s mane.
“Well now I think that went swimmingly.” Rarity announced, feeling completely refreshed after her visit. “I truly enjoy our visits. I do hope to see you again on Tuesday.” Rarity waited for a response but when she didn’t receive one she looked to where her friend was.
Fluttershy was still walking next to her but her eyes were slightly closed. She also seemed to be humming. Listening to the melody Rarity was able to place it as a lullaby. Now Rarity decided to take a closer look at her friend’s expression. Slowly a smile began to spread on her lips.
“My, my Fluttershy, that visit must have been exactly what you needed.” She began a little louder than she normally would in order to capture her wayward friend’s attention. “You are positively glowing.”
Rarity chuckled as the comment seemed to cause her friend to return to her shy state for a moment. It was obvious what was causing the new behavior of the butter pegasus though. Rarity was certain she would make a fine mother someday.
That old feeling of anxiety managed to creep along Soral’s spine. It was the first day of school, honestly not that big of a deal to him. No he was never worried about making friends or such, that came in time. No, Soral was afraid of saying something foals should not be saying and getting himself and possibly Twilight in trouble. He was very used to his expletives and now here he was in a situation where such words were a big no-no.
The mint unicorn let loose a sigh, he decided he would just have to think a bit harder before speaking.
“What’s wrong Soral, first day jitters?” Twilight asked him having walked the colt to the schoolhouse.
“Not quite...” Soral said hesitantly, not really sure how to explain the issue or even if he should. “It’s official, I’m a kid again.” He thought to himself as he headed to the school. “Please let this go better than my other times at school.” Hopefully he could reign his temper in better than he did at his old schools.
As he entered the main room of schoolhouse he was greeted with the excited chatter of several foals. He look around at all the different faces. He recognized a few, however there were a number of others that were never named in the show.
“Ready to introduce yourself?” Cheerilee asked Soral, surprising him slightly.
Soral took a breath and nodded. Together they walked to the front of the school house.
“Attention everypony.” Miss Cheerilee called out, “Today we have a new friend joining the class. I want you all to welcome Soral.”
“Hello.” Soral chirped out.
“Hello Soral.” The children said in return.
“Now Soral you can take the seat next to Featherweight. Class, today we will be starting on fractions so get out some paper and your pencils.” Cheerilee announced as the unicorn colt made his way to his assigned seat.
“Hi there, I’m Featherweight.” The lanky pegasus colt said as he offered his hoof.
Soral stared at it for a moment before reaching out. “Soral.” He said giving it a firm shake. He then then pulled a few items from his bag before working on the problems Cheerilee was writing.
“So when did you arrive in Ponyville?” Featherweight whispered to him.
“Just recently...” Soral said awkwardly. “Okay, this is starting to remind me too much of middle school.” Soral thought while squirming in his seat. It was easy to get distracted from the lessons Cheerilee was teaching. Having already learned math for one and second... well he wasn’t exactly the best student.
Glancing around the classroom he saw Scootaloo positioned at the front, obviously bored. Sweetie Belle was two seats behind Featherweight. Apple Bloom had the misfortune of being next to Diamond Tiara.
“Soral, do you know the answer to the question on the board?” Miss Cheerilee called.
“Huh?” Soral said snapping his attention to the front of the class. “Crap.” It was a simple problem though, “5 over 8.”
“Very good, but try to focus on the lesson for now.” Miss Cheerilee lightly reprimanded him.
“Yes ma'am.” Soral said sheepishly. “Well that was embarrassing.” The colt thought to himself. He heard the quiet snickers of his classmates as the teacher went back to her lecture.
Soral focused in class until the teacher announced it was time for recess. Heading out the door at a much more subdued pace than the rest of the children. He thought he would be able to avoid the rush but soon found himself swamped once he was out the door.
“When did you get here?”
“Where are you from?”
“Where do you live now?”
“What’s your favorite color?”
“Quiet!” It took soral a moment before he realized that he was the one who shouted. “Wow I haven’t ever had this much attention before. What do I do now?” The staring foals made him surprisingly nervous.
“Okay then in order. I arrived on the Summer Sun Celebration. Where I’m from isn’t important. I currently live with Twilight Sparkle as her apprentice. My favorite color is purple. Is that everything?” Soral rattled off. “There. That should be everything.”
“Do you have a crush on miss Sparkle?” Sweetie Belle asked innocently.
“What?! No! Why would you think that?” Soral responded quickly. “Where the heck did that come from?”
“Well, you said your favorite color is purple, and Miss Twilight is purple.” Apple Bloom said.
“That does not mean I have a crush on my teacher!” Soral yelled while blushing. “God I am going to die of embarrassment because of these brats.” He took a deep breath to calm down before looking back at the foals. Some were shocked by his outburst but a select few were wearing playful grins.
“Soral has a crush~.” Scootaloo proclaimed in a sing-song voice.
“Done!” Soral announced before they could take it any further and marched back into the schoolhouse.
“Awww...” the group of fillies and colts groaned as he denied them their fun.
The unicorn colt stalked into through the classroom over to his desk. He pulled a piece of paper out of the bag and pencil. His sparked with magic as he began to take the writing implement to the blank sheet. “Seems like school here is going to mirror school back home more than I thought.” Soral grouched mentally as he took his first swipes at the paper. It wasn’t long until a basic, but detailed image of a tree came into existence. Little by little he added details to the image. Leaves, grass, a horizon. The picture wouldn’t win any awards but it did help him relax.
“Well, well. Someone has an artistic streak I see.” The voice of Miss Cheerilee shocked him into reality once again. Soral’s magic surged slightly causing his pencil to fly across the room as he jumped in his seat.
“Oh dear, did I surprise you?” Miss Cheerilee said with concern as she look at the colt.
It took a moment for Soral to calm down but he gave her a hesitant shake of the head. “No, you didn’t surprise me. Scared the crap outta me maybe but surprise, no way.” He thought with a bit of sarcasm.
“I’m sorry Soral, I thought you heard me come up next to you. I was going to talk to you about why you decided to avoid your classmates.” She admitted.
The mint furred colt felt his face heat up slightly as he thought back on the teasing. “I, I didn’t want to be teased about something that wasn’t true. So I decided to come inside and draw for recess instead.” Soral explained. “Oh god I sound like a child. That wasn’t even an act. I think I will actually be glad when the day is over and I can go back to the library.”
“Now dear, you shouldn’t let a little teasing get to you. Foals will be foals after all. Maybe you should give them all another chance.” Cheerilee told him with an encouraging smile.
“Tomorrow.” Soral responded quickly, not really wanting to give them the chance to make amends just yet.
“Alright dear, but do try to be friends with the others.” Cheerilee told him. “You might also want to eat your lunch while you have the chance, recess is almost over.”
Soral nodded and realised that he was rather hungry at the moment.
*-*-*
It wasn’t long until the others were called in from recess. They all returned to their seats and took what little time they had to chat among themselves. However whenever one of the crusaders looked in Soral’s direction he made a point to ignore them. It was a little rude, and it was childish, but it honestly was something he never grew out of. He didn’t take pleasure in doing it but it was either the cold shoulder or yelling at them. This method was more likely to work than the other.
“Okay class, we only have an hour left so I will be writing down today’s homework assignment.” Miss Cheerilee announced.
The ample amount of time given surprised him a bit, but made sense at the same time. It would let them work on the assignment in class if they were able, and ask questions of the teacher if confused. The assignment wasn’t anything massive. Just a few number problems and a couple history questions. Soral managed to get it done with time to spare. He folded up the paper and stuffed it into his bag. He looked around the classroom. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle were all doing their work still. However, he noticed that they each seemed... depressed.
“Well don’t I feel like a jerk now.” Soral scolded himself. He would have to try and patch things up after class.
“Well class, it is that time again. I will see all of you tomorrow” Miss Cheerilee announce just before the bell rang. “Remember to do your homework!” She called over the din of foal rushing out of the classroom.
Soral packed up his supplies and trotted to the door. He saw the girls out front waiting to be picked up. Heaving a sigh he decided to try and patch up. He moved closer before sitting in the grass next to them. For a moment, all any of them could do was stare as an uncomfortable silence descended. Finally he worked up the nerve to speak. “Look, I’m-”
“Well howdy there fillies!” Applejacks booming voice cut him off, “and colt.” The farm pony added as an afterthought.
“Hello Applejack.” They called in return, the tension broken by the arrival.
“Well listen up guys and gals. I am here to take you four back to the farm with me. We decided to have a late lunch and you’re invited. I even got permission from your families.” She announce.
“Awesome!” Scootaloo yelled while the other two fillies let out cheers of their own.
“Oh...” Soral said trailing off, “Guess I’ll see you girls tomorrow.” Soral said slowly before turning to leave.
“Now hold on there.” Applejack said, placing a hoof on the colts shoulder, “You’re commin’ as well. Twilight is waiting for ya at the farm.”
“But...” Soral tried weakly.
“No buts, now get movin.” The farm mare said giving a firm nudge to the colt towards the farm. Sighing, Soral began his trek to Sweet Apple Acres. He wondered just what was going on that everyone was at the farm. The only thing he knew for certain was it the walk there would be awkward.
*-*-*
Applejack watched as the mood of the children drained from energetic to somber. While the girls still had energy bubbling in them they were far more subdued than normal. What stood out to her however, was the colt of the group. He kept his eyes to the ground as he walked down the road. More than that, each time one of the girls look his way they seemed to droop.
Now Applejack certainly did not view herself as the smartest mare out there, but it was obvious that something had happened at the school to cause this. “Everypony hold!” She barked catching all the kids by surprise.
Once they got over their shock they turned to face her. “W-What’s wrong sis?” Apple Bloom asked.
“What’s wrong is this little walk is turnin into a funeral march. Ya’ll mind explainin’ why it is your actin like somepony just lost their best friend?” She questioned them. She winced as it seemed as though the mood that was low before just became as gloomy as a cemetery.
“W-well, you see...” Sweetie Belle started, the fillies all looking uncomfortable.
Soral let out an explosive sigh. “They decided to tease me during recess, I responded by giving them the cold shoulder all afternoon.” He explained in a huff.
Applejack shook her head at the colt. In spite of his mature attitude he was still very much a child. “Well, it seems all of ya’ made mistakes today. Now apologise to each other and we’ll get on our way.”
The kids turned to face each others, Soral rubbing his foreleg with a hoof. The girls were the first to speak.
“Sorry for teasing you Soral.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Yeah, guess we shouldn’t have said you had a rush on Twilight.” Scootaloo admitted.
“Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom scolded.
“Is that what this is all about?” Applejack thought, trying hard to suppress her mirth at the situation. She watched as Soral seemed to glower at the mention of the crush.
“I do NOT have a crush on Twilight. All I said was I liked the color purple.” The colt argued back.
“Ahem.” Applejack mock-coughed in order to get them back on track.
Soral looked at Applejack before turning back to the girls. “[size=small]I’m sorry for ignoring you.” He mumbled so quietly they barely heard it.
“What was that?” Applejack teased the colt.
“I’m sorry for ignoring you girls, okay.” Soral said louder.
“Thats better.” Applejack said before glancing at the road. They weren’t too far from the farm. “Now kiss and make up.” She told all of them with a sly grin.
A chorus of “Eww!” greeted her ears before the foals tore off down the path to the farm. The orange mare no longer bothered trying to stifle her laughter as she raced after them. She watched as they made it around the farm house and heard the yell from the party starting. When she got around the house the girls were plenty excited and already running around. However the guest of honor seemed rather stunned.
“Were you surprised? Huh, were you?” Pinkie Pie asked excited as she was suddenly in front of the poor colt. Soral let out a squeak and darted away from the overwhelming pink mare.
Heaving a sigh, Applejack caught the party pony by the tail before she could give chase. “Hold on there missy.” She said through gritted teeth.
Spitting the tail out she continued. “Pinkie ya’ scared the poor colt half to death.” She chastised. Pinkie seemed to wilt in-front of her. “Have ya’ stopped to think that maybe this is his first party? Ever? Ya’ need to take it a little slower.”
“Awww, I’m sorry Applejack. I didn’t mean too.” Pinkie pie started to tear up. This only lasted a moment before she perked back up. “I’ll go apologize right now.” The pink mare announced before bouncing off.
Applejack just shook her head at the oddities that were her friends. She watched as the pink pony tried to apologise to the colt. Soral however seemed to be using Twilight as a shield between himself and Pinkie. She snorted at the way he was behaving. The colt cold certainly be snarky, even act more than his age, but it seemed he couldn’t deal with other ponies all that well. “Well, we’ll just have to fix that won’t we.” The farm mare thought to herself.
Soral ran down the road with the girls. He wasn’t sure what Applejack was thinking, though he guessed her to be teasing about the whole kiss and make-up thing. That doesn’t mean he wanted to linger behind to bear more of her teasing attitude. Hopefully Suzy wouldn’t find out about this.
As they came around the back of the house they were halted by a loud shout. “Surprise!” The shout did exactly what it was intended, surprised the foals. The four of them locked up at the sight before them.
The girls quickly regained composer seeing it was a part. Soral however was looking around in a confused way. To his knowledge there was no reason for a party to be happening.
Pinkie Pie bounded over the his position excitedly. “Hi Soral! Were you surprised? Huh? Were you?” She asked inching closer with each question. The invasion of privacy unnerved the colt enough that he let out a squeak ran away from the pink mare.
He ran across the grounds, doing his best to dodge the numerous ponies that filled the Apples lawn. A flash of lavender caught his attention and the colt changed course. He failed to kill all of his momentum properly tough and tumbled to a stop next to Twilight.
“Soral?” Twilight asked, surprised by the colt entrance. “Why do you look like you just saw a ghost?” Twilight asked while picking him up off the ground.
“Pinkie.” He said flatly.
“You Called?” Pinkie Pie said appearing from nowhere.
Soral let out a sound somewhere between a squawk and a squeal and moved to hide behind Twilight. The party pony decided to give chase. They circled around Twilight causing to poor mare to become dizzy until she finally had enough.
“Stop!” Shouted the element of magic as she ignited her horn and held both ponies aloft in the air. “Now what is this about?”
“Well I went up to Soral and asked if he was surprised and then he made a sound like a mouse and ran off. I was gonna chase when Applejack chomped down on my tail and said “No Hold on thar’ Sally.” Which is odd because my name is Pinkie, I have never been a Sally and I don’t mph-ph mph mph.” The rest of her explanation became inaudible as Twilight summoned a bit of tape to seal the mares lips shut. Turning to the colt she raised a brow and waited for him to explain.
Soral squirmed under her gaze for a bit before caving, "She scared me okay. I had barely registered the party when suddenly there was a Pinkie less then an inch from my face grinning like a maniac." He exclaimed before he curled in on himself from embarrassment.
Twilight heaved sigh before releasing Soral and Pinkie Pie from her magic. "Soral, go and try to enjoy the party. Pinkie Pie, has anypony ever had a talk with you about personal space?"
The little colt made his getaway while Twilight began lecturing the pink mare. Soral headed for the buffet table and manage to grab a glass of punch while he tried to calm down. He knew it was silly to be scared of Pinkie Pie but she was just so overwhelming. He took a couple of calming breaths in between sips and it wasn't long until he had calmed down.
"Ya okay there sugar cube?" A certain farm pony asked from nearby, her approach masked by by the din of the party. Applejack wisely left a small gap between her and the colt, not wanting to crowd him.
"I am better now." He admitted to her. "It is just..." he trailed off trying to explain.
"I know darlin', but that is just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie. You get used to it eventually." Applejack explained to him. "So, how ya' handlin this shin-dig? Pinkie took a lot of time to set it up ya know."
Soral was quite for a time after she asked that. "I don't know. I mean... It is kinda the first time I have been to a party... for me." He told her. "I was always a little antisocial. I had friends but I didn't have very many. To many peo-ponies and things felt stifling." He tried to explain.
Applejack mulled over the what the colt said for a moment before giving a nod. "S'pose I can understand that." She told him. "Wanna know a secret?" She asked the colt who simply gave her a curious look. "I was in a similar situation at your age."
"Really?" He asked, honestly curious.
"Really. I was staying with my relatives in Manehatten. They were in the social elite and as such would host parties of their own. However their idea of a party was this formal affair, honestly I've had more fun at funerals." She explained. "So there I was, surround by a bunch of snooty ponies who didn't even know what a rooster was and they were all talking about the most inane things you could think of. I hated every moment of it. Felt like I was lying to myself and everyone around me."
"So you hightailed it out of there back to farm." Soral concluded for her.
"You bet your hide I did. Realized that the farm was the only place for me. That's also how I earned my cutie mark." She proudly said, then noticed Soral wrinkling his muzzle in distaste. "What's wrong?" She asked.
"Why do they call it a cutie mark?" he asked flatly.
The farm mare let out a bark of laughter at this. "Not to sure but I have a feeling it was started by a foal sitter somewhere. Your mark let's you know your special talent."
"No it doesn't." Soral stated.
"Beg pardon?" Applejack asked taken aback from the sudden denial.
"You even proved it doesn't with your own story. If your mark represented your special talent then you would have earned it here on the farm since you believe your talent is farming. However that isn't what happened. You only earned your mark after you realized who you were. An Apple." Soral said giving her his thought.
Applejack just stared at the colt in front of her slack jawed. A deep chuckle snapped her out of the shock. "He's got ya there sis." Big mac said with a smirk as he sat down next to them.
"What do ya mean by that." She demand, put out by being told she was wrong about her special talent.
"Your still young so ya might have missed it. Most ponies realize as they get older that the mark has nothing to do with talent." The large red stallion explained. "It ha to do with us."
"Bah, I got no time to figure out all yer phil-o-sophic babble." Applejack huffed and stalked off, leaving a chuckling Big Mac and a confused colt in her wake.
Soral turned to Big Macintosh, confusion still on his face. "Did I do something wrong?" Soral asked still confused as to why the mare stalked off.
Big Mac shook his head in the negative. "Nope. Sis just happens to have a stubborn streak to her. Doesn't like having her views challenged." He explained. "Why don't you go over to where the other foals are and try to make some more friends while your here." Big Mac told the colt while gesturing to where some of the party games were surrounded by fillies and colts.
Soral looked at the group that was laughing and playing, several of them from the school along with some older looking ponies. "I don't know..." He trailed off. The girls were one thing. He knew a decent amount from their personalities. "I really don't do well in big groups."
Big Macintosh just gave a shrug. "Your choice. No need to rush into something if you're not comfortable with it." he told the colt.
Soral gave Big Mac a look of gratitude before turning back to the glass of punch he held between his hooves. They just sat in silence for a while, Soral wasn't certain but he figured Big Mac wasn't exactly one to mingle in parties much himself. After refilling his cup Soral started wondering what he could do to pass the time. It wasn't long before he had pulled out his school supplies. Finding a blank piece of paper he began sketching.
Big Mac looked interested but otherwise remained silent as the colt worked. Soral was able to enjoy the moment, just focusing on his work for a good few minutes before being interrupted.
"Hey Soral!" Scootaloo called out as she and a few other kids ran up to him. "Why don't you come play." She told him
"Nnnmm." Soral mumbled back not taking his eyes off the paper.
“What are you doing?” She asked moving closer to look at the paper. The image as it was held basic outlines of ponies and furniture at the party. Soral was slowly filling in little details as time past.
“Wow, you good at this.” She said, surprised at his talent.
“Used to be better.” He grunted, “Fell out of practice a while ago.”
Scootaloo gave him a funny look, as if trying to decide how he could have been better. Soral didn’t think she had enough experience with art to actually understand it. She was more of an action pony anyway, a museum trip would probably do her in.
“Neat.” She finally said after a while. “So, you wanna come play?”
Soral, paused his drawing and looked at the filly. Then he looked back to his work and back at the filly. Finally he managed a shrug. “I’ll finish it later.” He said rolling up the drawing and tucking it away. He left his saddlebag next to the table as he followed Scootaloo to the other fillies and colts.
*-*-*
Big mac just continued to stand by stoically, letting the sounds of the party wash over him. It was not the first time that the farm had played host to one of pinkies parties. Nor was it likely to be the last. Most of the folks there gave him a hello as they passed. It was the clipping of of hooves that alerted him that somepony was coming. Looking up he saw Miss Sparkle.
“Hello Big Macintosh.” She greeted, before looking to the herd of foals running across the yard. “So, he finally decided to go play.” She stated.
“Eyup.” Big Mac acknowledged.
“Thats good. I thought he might have just tried to hide through the entire party.” Twilight said.
“Kinda like you tried to do when you first got here.” Big mac said with wry smile.
Twilight gave a sheepish laugh at that. She looked back to the foals and for a time no words passed between them.
“It is odd.” She finally said. “He is so outspoken. He has no problem telling ponies the way he see’s things. However, throw him into a social situation and he seems to go into a shell.”
Again there was quiet.
“Some ponies have problems with self worth.” Big Mac started. “They will hide it though. Normally with anger, or sarcasm,” He turned his head towards a different part of the yard, “or bragging.”
Twilight looked at the stallion in confusion for a moment then turned to see he was staring at Rainbow Dash. “Dash has confidence issues?”
“Eyup.” The red stallion said.
Again, things were quiet. Twilight had a hard time picturing Rainbow Dash being anything but confident in herself.
“You can see it you know. In they way they act, little things.” He started again. “For Rainbow Dash it is denying anything that could be a weakness. For Soral, well…” He paused for a moment, “He seems to avoid being put on the spot.”
“But he called out the girls during the ticket incident. He had no problem scolding five mares that were his senior.” Twilight said, trying to process the information. Social Science was never a very large part of her education.
“He was angry at the time.” Big Mac explained, the weight of experience in his words. Working the market in town allowed you to learn to read ponies rather well. He saw Twilights questioning gaze.
“AJ told us about it. Granny was rather disappointed at her behaviour.” He paused for a moment. “It is easy to overcome an obstacle if you have the right push. That doesn’t mean it isn’t there.”
Twilight sighed explosively. “I don’t get it.”
Big Mac allowed himself a small chuckle. “That is cause you only recently stopped avoiding ponies yourself.”
Miss Sparkle fixed him with a heated look. It faded though as she nodded her head in acceptance. Again the two of them watched the foals stampede across the yard in some game.
*-*-*
The party eventually died down as it the sun began to get lower in the sky. Some ponies helped to clean up the mess while others headed home. Twilight walked away from the festivities. Pinkies parties were tiring, certainly they were fun, but they seemed to pull the energy right out of you.
“Well darling, the party certainly seemed to go well.” Rarity said from beside her.
“Yeah, even given the rocky start it seems someone managed to have too much fun.” Twilight said.
“I can walk on my own.” A voice whined.
“Yeah.” Another agreed.
“Only just, dears, only just.” Rarity said to the children. Soral look like he wanted to glare from his position on Twilight’s back. However he could barely keep his eyes open.
Given the way Sweetie Belle snuggled into Rarity’s mane, her protest seemed rather halfhearted.
The two mares giggled at them as they continued the walk back to Ponyville.
Soral fidgeted from where he sat in the Golden Oaks library. He was trying to read a book to relax but no matter what he tried he couldn't get comfortable. There was something invisible that sent a crawling sensation through him. He let out a loud sigh and moved to a different position.
"Ugh! That's it!" Shouted an irate Twilight Sparkle who marched over to where the colt now cowered. "What the hay is your problem!" She demanded.
"I'm sorry!" He yelped with his hooves up in a warding gesture as he backed away from the mare.
Twilight paused and took a deep breath to calm down. "Okay, let's try this again. What is your problem? You have been moving around the library for the past hour sighing the whole time."
"I... I can't get comfortable." Soral said weekly.
Twilight stared at him. It was the stare someone used when they were given an answer that wasn't good enough. It was the stare she often gave to Pinkie Pie. "You can't get comfortable?"
"I can't help it!" Soral said with frustration. "Everything is too different! I am not in my own body, I am in a place I don't know, surrounded by ponies I don't know, all the little things I was used to before are gone! I have abilities that I have never had before or believed possible! Not only that I constantly feel exposed. Do you know unsettling that is when you have to deal with large groups?" Soral finished his tirade panting for air. He had managed to vent all of that in one breath.
Twilight looked stunned for a moment then thoughtful. After a few moments she seemed to settle on a topic. "You feel exposed?"
Soral winced slightly. "Yeah... Humans tend to wear clothing. Not doing so in public is a taboo."
"That seems rather odd." Twilight stated obviously confused about why any species would want to always wear clothing.
"Not when your race has no fur and being in a room naked with opposite sex generally means you want to, you know..." Soral trailed off with a blush.
"Know what?" Twilight asked with that same confused expression.
"Umm, well, you know where foals come from right?" He asked trying to steer the conversation in a direction that would have Twilight figure it out.
"Foals are a gift from Princess Celestia." Twilight said with a serious face.
Soral just gaped at the mare in question. How could... Does she really... Is it really... Many half formed thought passed through the colts mind as he tried to process what he was just told.
"But if you want clothing then we can go to Carousel Boutique. I am certain Rarity would be happy to make some for you." Twilight stated before tugging him out Soral out the door with her.
*-*-*
The bell chimed signalling that somepony had entered the boutique. Rarity finished a few minor details on a dress before turning to deliver her line.
“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique and magnifique.” She ended her welcome with a small giggle before looking to see who her guests were. “Oh my, Twilight. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Hey Rarity, we’re here on-”
“Twilight doesn’t know where foals come from!” Soral blurted out.
“Oh my…”
“Soral!” Twilight scolded.
“It’s true! You said that foals are a gift from Celestia. How can you not know how foals are made?” Soral asked while looking at her.
“Oh Twilight, you don’t actually believe that old mare’s tale do you?” Rarity asked her friend, concern evident on her face. Soral obviously wasn’t the only one who has suspicions regarding Twilights real world knowledge.
“What? No! I was just telling him that because he is too young to hear such things.” There was silence in the boutique. The a loud groan filled the void.
“Twilight, I- Ugh!” Soral yelled in frustration. “I wouldn’t have brought it up if I didn’t know how it works!” Soral shouted at the mare. Twilights ears laid flat against her head from the sudden hostility.
“Soral dear, don’t you think you are taking this too far? It is just a misunderstanding.” Rarity tried to placate the colt.
Soral looked like he wanted to protest that but visibly restrained himself. The colt took a few calming breaths before he spoke again. “I need to go calm down.” He finally stated before leaving the shop, the bell chiming with his exit.
The two mares stood there in silence for a few moments before one felt comfortable enough to break it. “Twilight…” Rarity started hesitantly, “Could you please explain what just happened.”
“I think I messed up.” Twilight admitted, looking downtrodden.
“Oh Twilight, darling. Come take a seat. I will prepare some tea and we can talk about it.” Rarity said trying to be supportive. She didn’t like seeing one of her friends so depressed.
It was only moments later that Twilight had a steaming cup of jasmine tea in front of her. “Now dear, from the beginning if you would.”
Twilight Sparkle looked at her friend, then let out a sigh. “Soral is not a pony.” She said. Obviously Rarity wasn’t expecting that given the surprise on her face. “He is one now because of magic. Old magic, that even Princess Celestia can’t reverse. She… She explained it to me while he was asleep with his fever.”
“Oh my…” Rarity said slowly. Trying to wrap her mind over the information.
“We didn’t know what he was though, both him and Suzy were something Celestia has never encountered before. When he woke up he and the Princess went to talk. I might have listened in on it.” Twilight fidgeted as she admitted to eavesdropping.
Rarity let out a small chuckle. “Why Twilight, I never thought you would eavesdrop on the Princess of all ponies.”
Twilight face flared with a blush. “I was curious.” She tried to defend her actions before muttering, “and the Princess knew about it anyway.” She took a sip of her tea before continuing.
“We found out he was a creature called a human. Their society has no magic, but they have accomplished many things without it.” She sighed, “We also found out that he is older than the foal he currently is. He is actually an adult. I think he is just playing the role of a foal to not confuse everypony.”
“One could only imagine. I dare say he is handling it well, Celestia only knows how I would react in the same situation.” Rarity commented, though she was still trying to wrap her mind around what she has been told.
“The thing is I don’t think he is. He is cranky, irritable and fidgety. He has had a few outbursts already and at those time I can’t help but think of him as a foal. It is how he behaves. I just don’t get it.” Twilight said in frustration.
Rarity looked at her friend for a long moment, weighing what she had been told before she finally spoke. “Well, this is certainly a complicated matter. However, Twilight, you have yet to explain what this outburst was about.”
Twilight blushed a bit. “Oh, right. Well Soral was fidgeting around and sighing all day. It was starting to get on my nerves so I asked what was wrong.”
“Asked, or demanded?” Rarity questioned.
Twilight looked away from her friend. “I… may have yelled.” Rarity “tsked” her friends actions. The librarian felt her ears fold back in further embarrassment.
“Anyway he said that he just couldn’t get comfortable no matter what he did. He claimed to feel exposed. That is actually why we came here, he wanted to see if you would make some outfits for him.”
Rarity’s eyes seemed to light up at the news. “Oh really? Well I don’t actually have much in line for foals except for some winter wear.” She said excitedly, but then frowned. “Twilight, how did you go from talking about clothing to how foals are made?”
“Soral tried to explain why he was so uncomfortable. When I asked why cloths were so important, he started talking about when opposite genders were in the same room without cloths meant something, but then he stopped. Then he asked if I knew how foals were made. I was caught off guard and gave the answer I was given as filly before coming here.” Twilight explained.
“Twilight,” Rarity started giving her friend a look, “I know you’re a bit socially awkward, but can you really not connect the dots?”
Twilight just tilted her head and gave her a confused look.
Rarity sighed. “Twilight, he changed the subject because he was embarrassed. He was trying to tell you that no clothing means they were going to attempt to make foals.” Rarity paused at this. “Now that I think about it that must make him horribly uncomfortable whenever he is around other ponies.”
Twilight looked horrified for a moment before groaning. She lifted a hoof to the bridge of her muzzle. “I am such an idiot.”
“Now, now darling, we all make mistakes. Why don’t you go back to the library and let me handle this for now. I am certain the Soral won’t hold anything against you. It could just be that the change is starting to get to him.” Rarity said, trying to soothe Twilights anxiety.
“I-I don’t know Rarity-” Twilight’s protests were cut off when Rarity placed her hoof over Twilight’s mouth.
“Hush now dear. I have had my own share of experience with breakdowns. It is a hazard of the business. Just leave everything to me.” Rarity told her friend. Twilight nodded and left the shop.
*-*-*
Rarity had left her boutique to find the wayward foal. Or would it be faux-foal? She wasn’t certain but decided that such a detail could wait. It didn’t take her long to find him, as he was sulking beside the fountain in the square.
“Soral.” Rarity called out to him. The foal turned towards her, his gaze held little heat. He turned back to the fountain and sighed.
“Soral, I would like to talk about what happened in the shop.” Rarity explained.
“What’s to explain, I acted like a brat and then lost my temper at being treated like a brat.” Soral grouched.
“Oh?” Rarity questioned. She was thrown slightly by the change. The colt had gone from outraged to self depreciating. “Soral, Twilight explained that you were interested in a few outfits.” She decided to change the subject, “So why don’t you come back to the the boutique and let me get a few measurements.”
Soral turned to her with a pained expression on his face. “I suppose I should apologize to Twilight.”
“She has already left for the library, but yes, I dare say you should.” Rarity affirmed.
Soral looked down at his hooves before giving a slight nod. Rarity guided him back to the Carousel Boutique. Soral remained quiet the entire trip, something that baffled her a bit.
“Now just what is going on with you.” She wondered, “From outspoken to introvert, from angry to depressed.” She had dealt with mood swings before, but normally not from young colts. “Then again you are not a normal colt.” Rarity directed him onto a stage where she would take his measurements.
“Now Darling, what are you looking for in an outfit?” Rarity asked as she took a tape measurer to his side. Soral’s gaze bounced around the shop. This was behavior Rarity was familiar with, the actions of a first timer. Odd considering that from what Twilight said the colt should be versed in the process of getting clothing.
“I, I want something durable.” Soral finally started. “It needs to be a little tough ‘cause I plan on wearing them often. I would like it to be comfortable. I don’t want to feel chafing.”
Rarity had begun taking down notes. She was being profesional though she was curious as to what he would order. Most ponies only went for formal or winter wear.
“I would like it to wrap around my…” He paused before lifting both his hooves and gesturing to his barrel.
“Your barrel?” Rarity offered.
Soral nodded. “I don’t know about having sleeves though.” He said to himself. He drifted into silence for a bit before suddenly adding a final item. “Oh, and a hood. The hood needs to be attached to the outfit.”
“A hood?” Rarity asked, slightly baffled by the idea. Hoods were normally something for cloaks.
“A hood. I like hoodies, they are comfortable, but normally a little to warm for summer.” He became thoughtful after the statement. “Maybe make that a fall outfit instead.” He mumbled.
“Well this is certainly an interesting order.” Rarity said. “But then again since going without cloths is a taboo for you I suppose you would have some interesting choices.”
Soral stiffened at that and Rarity realized she may have been a bit too obvious in her approach. Instead of trying to back out she decided to forge on ahead. “Twilight explained the situation to me dear. All of it.”
“So you know I’m?” Soral didn’t finish the question.
“Something called a human. An adult, but given your actions you act more like a foal.” Rarity chided slightly.
A series of emotions flashed across the colts face, many that Rarity didn’t have words for, until it settled into a slightly angry glare. “Like you or any other so called adult can speak ill of how children behave.” He stated with a heat in his voice. “All that growing up means, is that you know a few more words, have a few more rules, and a little less time. Tell, have your conversations really gone beyond the schoolyard gossip of “Stallion A” has a crush on “Mare B”?”
Rarity was taken aback by the sudden hostility and accusation. soon she reined in her shock and was about to scold the colt for speaking such when she paused. She had promised Twilight that she would help solve the issue at hand. More than anything, these sudden changes of emotion seemed to be the real issue. After a moments thought, she answered his accusation with one of her own.
“That may be true, but is lashing out at those trying to help you a mature thing to do? Was blowing up at poor Twilight something the colt; who scolded all of us on our conduct with the Gala tickets; would do?” She questioned softly, hiding any sense of anger she may have had.
It seemed to work. Soral’s ears flattened as he sank down to his haunches. “I haven’t been controlling myself.” It was barely a whisper but Rarity caught it.
“Now Soral, I am certain that a lapse in judgement doesn’t count as loss of control.” Rarity said to the now devastated colt. She had to admit that this was the most difficult time she had ever had with a client before.
“No.” Soral began, “I haven’t been controlling myself. I’m sorry.”
Rarity looked at the pony in front of her, at how he was now meek an apologetic. She remembered that he was was angry just moments ago, before that he somber and depressed. She took that in with what he has just told her and read between the lines.
“You know about your mood swings, don’t you.” It was statement, not a question. The shaky nod she received in return didn’t really help matters. “Oh dear.”
“I’m sorry.” He whimpered out, there were tears forming, “I’m sorry.”
Rarity quickly scooped the colt up into her hooves. “There, there.” She soothed, “It’s okay, everything’s alright.”
“It’s not.” Soral sobbed. “Everything has been messed up since I got here. My body’s changed. My home is gone. I have no idea how to get back! Even Celestia doesn’t know!” He wailed. Rarity just continued to hold onto the foal, rubbing small circles into his back as he sobbed out his frustration from the past week.
*-*-*
It had taken a few hours and some hot cocoa but Soral eventually calmed down. Not that Rarity thought the breakdown was out of question, certainly she was surprised that it hadn’t happened sooner all things considered.
Now she came to a dilemma. She would not share what Soral had confided in her, but certain things needed to be brought to the attention of her friends. They were all on thin ice with this situation and needed to be ready for another breakdown. Rarity suspected it was a good thing that he was a foal. Handling a full grown stallion who was distraught would be considerably harder.
Soral had fallen asleep not even minutes ago. Rarity wrapped him in a blanket and left him on the her couch. She had considered taking him back to the Twilight’s but decided it would be better to wait until morning. That however didn’t mean that she was not due to visit her friend. She trotted down mainstreet not really paying attention to the ponies around her. So it could be forgiven that she missed somepony calling out to her until they put a hoof on her shoulder.
“Rarity!” Applejack’s voice sounded out with her now broken thoughts.
“Oh! Oh my, Applejack you startled me.” Rarity said after catching herself.
“Sorry sugar cube, I called out to you but your mind was someplace else.” The farm pony told her friend.
“Ah, very true.” she admitted.
“I just wanted to let you know that Sweetie Bell is staying the night with us. I would have told you sooner but I had to run the stand, and I thought you would have been by today.” Applejack informed her.
“Oh no, Sweetie Bell! With everything that has happened today I had completely forgotten about her.” Rarity panicked.
“Don’t worry Rar’s, I took her home with Apple Bloom.” Applejack told her friend.
“Oh thank you Applejack. One crisis is enough for my day. I don’t know how well I would handle a distraught Sweetie Bell accusing me of not loving her anymore.” The fashion pony sighed.
“What crisis are you talking about?” Applejack asked, concern evident in her voice.
“It’s Soral, and it is something you and the other girls should know as well, though I am not sure how to explain it just yet. I suspect that Pinkie Pie and Rainbowdash will require a different one than us. I can tell Fluttershy during our tea time visit tomorrow.” Rarity explained.
“What happened?”
“Well in simple terms he broke down. He just now got to sleep after spending most of the day sobbing.” She told Applejack.
“That don’t sound none too good.” The apple mare stated as she walked with her friend towards the library.
“I’m afraid that it was only a matter of time. There are certain things Twilight has been keeping from us at Soral’s behest. I am afraid that this would be more of a detriment at this point.” They arrived at the Golden Oaks Library. Rarity politely knocked on the door.
“Hello, oh Rarity, Applejack. I was afraid that… well.” Twilight trailed off lamely.
“I am sad to say that I don’t exactly come bearing good news, Twilight.” Rarity explained. “However I do believe that we need to bring Applejack up to speed as well.”
The next few minute was spent with Twilights recounting the conversation held between Soral and Celestia, and the information gained from it. Then explaining the events of the morning.
“So ya’ mean to tell me that some critter is hiding as a foal?” Applejack said incredulously, “And that you let them near Apple Bloom after you found out!”
“Not just hiding as one Applejack, he is one at the moment.” Rarity chided. “More than that though these problems you have been having with his attitude were pre-existing Twilight.” Rarity took a sip of tea while she readied herself to explain. “Soral has mood swings. He goes from angry to depressed rather quickly. He knows this. he apparent had to control it before he came here. Sadly the stress is catching up to him.”
“What do you mean Rarity?” Twilight looked to her in confusion.
“Darling, you said it yourself. He was not originally a pony. How would you react? You wake up in a strange place, you don’t remember how you got thier, your body has changed to something it wasn’t?” Rarity asked. Seeing her question begin to take root in her friends she continued, “Not only that you find out that in this new land you are but a child among strangers. Finally, you have no way to get home. I am more surprised that he held out for this long.”
“Well I guess I didn’t consider tha’.” Applejack said.
“I, I didn’t know.” Twilight whimpered. “Oh, the princess would be so disappointed in me.”
“Twilight, it is a simple mistake. No one is going to hold it against you. However I think we should be aware of another possible break down. He is still adjusting to life in Equestria. honestly I am surprised we haven’t had this issue with Suzy as well.” Rarity said while looking down at her tea.
Applejack scowled for a moment. “That mare is a lush. She spends all her time down at Berry’s.”
“She isn’t that bad Applejack.” Twilight defended her housemate.
“You just don’t know their kind Twi. I am telling you tha’ Suz probly has more liquor than blood in her veins.”
“Awww, that’s so *hic* sweet of you.” Lavender limbs draped themselves around Applejacks shoulders. “I didn’t know you cared.” Suzy giggled. Applejack cringed from the smell of alcohol. “Say, why don’ we go find out if tha’s true or not.” The mare slurred. “How bout you and me head upstairs and see if I intoxicate you?”
Applejack quickly bolted across the room, away from the crazy drunken mare. Without the support, suzy soon found herself face down on the floor. “Oww.”
“Well, I will have to say I agree with Applejack’s assessment.” Rarity blandly stated after the display was over.
“That’s mean.” Suzy whined from her position on the floor. “Twilight, your friends aren’t as fun as you.”
Rarity quirked a perfectly plucked brow at this comment before turning to look at her friend. To her surprise Twilights face was lit in a fierce blush and she looked as if she were trying to hide under the table. “Twilight, you didn’t?”
The bookish mare was quiet for a long time, blush growing slightly brighter. “I was curious.” She admitted in a voice so small one would be forgiven for thinking she was Fluttershy.
Rarity gaped at her friend for a long moment before she smoothed her face into a mask of calm acceptance. “Well Twilight, you are a grown mare but do be careful with your… experiments.”
“Well I never tried alcohol before. It was interesting.” Twilight confessed.
“Yep, Twi tried to beat me in drinking after her second glass. She passed out after her fourth.” Suzy laughed from her position on the floor.
“So you didn’t…” Rarity trailed off as she looked at them in shock.
“Didn’t what?” Twilight naively asked.
Applejack groaned. “I think we found part of Soral’s problems right here.”
Rarity let out a sigh. “I suppose that is everything. Twilight, Soral will be staying over at the boutique for tonight. I must go and get some rest myself.” Rarity sighed out, her mane slightly frazzled and bags beginning to appear under her eyes. “Good night, Twilight, Applejack, Suzy.”
With that Rarity left the library and headed back to her home. She felt that tomorrow would come far too soon for her liking. She knew this was likely just the beginning of problems they will face with the new residents of the town.
Morning had come, birds were chirping pleasant song. The air was clear and warm. Sunbeams crawled through the town, exploiting every crack and crevice they find. Spearing through shutters and curtains as the sun rose higher. This was how many inhabitants of Ponyville started their day. When the sun filled a room of Carousel Boutique however, the occupant was already awake. A mint green unicorn colt was laying in a plush bed, in a room that that seemed out of place for one of his gender.
Soral lay staring at the ceiling of the room. His mind a haze as the memories of the previous night stirred inside of his head. He realized that this was not his bed at the library. That he again was waking up to a new and strange ceiling. This cause a feeling of tightness in his chest. “Is it a chest anymore though? No, it’s a barrel.” he asked himself. It was a pointless question, but he knew there were many new terms for his body, the old human ones didn’t quite apply anymore.
Sighing the colt rolled out of the bed and went about returning the sheets and covers to their proper place. Once finished he trotted down stairs. Soral’s mind was a jumble of emotions. He was brought out of his haze when he heard his name.
“Soral?” Rarity was looking at him quizzically from her place at the table. She was dressed in a robe, her mane was wrapped in a towel. He could smell the steam in the air.
“Morning.” He rasped out after a pause. He frowned and rubbed a hoof against his throat. It stung a little to talk.
Rarity frowned as well, it seemed she may have already figured out what was wrong. “Take a seat at the table dear, I’ll make something for your throat.”
With nothing else to do the colt nodded and managed to pull himself into a chair. Sitting in chairs as a pony was awkward, not uncomfortable per-say, but still it didn’t feel exactly right. After a minute or two had passed rarity returned with a steaming cup of what he assumed was tea.
“Drink this, but be careful, it’s hot.” She warned him gently. Soral gave her a grateful look before take a few small sips of the brew. It was a mix a sweet and bitter flavors, but it did soothe his throat.
They sat there for a while each nursing from their cups. The silence was nice, neither was ready for the noise the day would bring. Instead they simply sat as and listened as life became more active little by little. Chirping of birds increased and the occasional clip-clop of hooves could be heard in the distance.
“I’m sorry.”
It was Soral who broke the silence of the morning for the both of them.
“What ever for?”
“Last night. I should have pushed that on you. I was-” He was cut off by a white hoof gently pressing against his muzzle.
“Not another word.” Rarity said kindly, yet firmly. “Soral, you did nothing wrong.”
“But…” The colt tried to protest, confusion flashing across his face.
“Ah-ah-ah.” Rarity interrupted him again, she refused to let him build on this. “Soral, listen to me. You have been thrown into a strange place, away from the support of your family and friends. From what you have told me I am surprised you didn’t break down sooner.”
The colt just looked at her, and that was what Rarity saw at this moment. She did not see the adult that claimed to be in the colts skin. She saw a scared little colt that was completely out of his depth. She leaned forward and pressed the side of her muzzle to his, gently nuzzling him. He stiffened briefly, but slowly returned the gesture. They stayed in this position for an unknown amount of time. Rarity just focused on providing comfort, and she listened as his breathing evened out.
“Thank you.” It was barely a whisper but the fashionista heard it just fine.
“Anytime darling.” Rarity told him. Deciding to lighten the mood she offered a few hopeful words. “Don’t worry dear, I am certain that you will find a way home eventually.”
“I… I’m not sure.” Soral said looking down at his hooves.
“Now dear don’t be so negative. There is always a chance.” She offered.
“I’ll try.” He offered with a weak smile. After a moment he hopped down from his seat. “I guess I should be going.” He said, sounding unsure of the decision.
“Oh no you not.” He looked at her in surprise at the suddenly harsh tone.
“Soral you haven’t even had breakfast yet. You park your rump back in that chair.” Rarity scolded. She was mildly please to see him move to obey her order so quickly. “Now, do you have a preference?”
“Pancakes?” He asked hesitantly.
“Of course. I will be back in a few minutes.” Rarity began humming to herself as she entered the kitchen.
Soral sat alone at the table for a full minuted before muttering to himself, “Mares are scary.”
“I heard that.”
*-*-*
Rarity lead him down the street. He was glad she did too, Ponyville was always shown of as some little podunk town. That wasn’t quite true. Ponyville was actually much larger than anyone would think. Many of the shops were spread out on the main square. This was probably due to it starting as a farming town. There always seemed to be a decent amount of space between the buildings.
The newer residential buildings were more closely packed together but far from congested. It was an odd layout, it became more uniform over time but it was obvious that there was little planning Ponyville’s original layout. This also helped to make things a bit more confusing as there didn’t seem to be any street names.
“I don’t think I will ever get used to this.” Soral sighed out.
“Get used to what?” Rarity asked curiously.
“The town layout. It is confusing. Everything is built off the main square and then branched from there, but you don’t have street signs or markers. Nothing is gridded or ordered. It all seems like it was just first come first serve. how do you navigate this place?” Soral complained.
“Practice, Darling.” Rarity chuckled “Though I do believe the mayor is getting around to adding those things. I know we have Main Street, White Tail Road, and the Iron Way.” Rarity said pointing out each road.
“I can understand the first two, but Iron Way?” Soral asked her.
“That is where you will find the construction shops, the smithy, the farrier's shop, things like that. Many of the buildings there are made more with stone and metal do to the use of fire in their creations.” Rarity explained.
Soral hummed an affirmative noise to the explanation. “So they are trying to plan out the city now. Well, I know my way to the school now, and Sweet Apple Acres, and the library…” he trailed off as he considered other routes and places he knew at this point.
“Thats a good start. Though the only real way to figure it out is to explore the town.” Rarity said. Her eyes drifted to one of the market vendors. “Oh my!” She gasped and trotted off.
Curious, Soral followed her to the stand and was soon treated to a haggling match like none other. Then again he had never seen people/ponies haggling before so this was a new experience for him.
“Now Darling those prices are just outrageous! I will give you thirty and not a bit more.” Rarity tossed her mane.
“These are Saddle Arabian silks lady, thirty Bits wouldn’t even cover the cost of transport. I will take no less than seventy for them.” The stallion running the stall returned.
As the debate continued to escalate Soral’s eyes drifted over all of the stallions wares. There were a few bolts of cloth, some nicknacks, what looked to be spices and a book.
“Umm, how much for the book?” Soral asked as his eyes fell on a pale blue cover. The book was weathered and the pages yellow with age. It was clothbound and held shut with a strip of red fabric.
“That old thing, fifteen bits.” The merchant said offhandedly before focusing on Rarity again.
Soral nodded summoned his money. It was a simple spell, and he was happy Twilight thought to teach it to him, otherwise he had no idea on how to have access to his funds without making it obvious.
“Now Soral you’re not really going to pay full price for that ratty book are you?” Rarity questioned him.
“Mhm.” Soral hummed while counting out the bits in question. “May I see the book first?” Soral asked the stallion, who shrugged and handed over the old tomb. Soral lifted it with his magic magic and undid the wrapping. Quickly browsing through the pages. He saw diagrams, number, and symbols he didn’t really comprehend. All and all it looked like an old spell book, something Twilight would devour.
“Thank you.” Soral stated before handing over the money needed. He levitated the book above him. He would have to keep it held like that until he got to the library too. Rarity soon managed to get her deal and tied the bolts to her back with a bit of magic and some twine. She was wearing saddle bags with a few extra pockets.
“Well dear, I hope you don’t mind a quick detour so I can drop these off do you?” She asked him. Soral responded with a simple shake of his head. “Splendid.”
They turned to head back to the boutique. Along the way Soral noticed that most ponies seemed to have items on them to carry stuff. Yes it made sense but he was just a little surprised in the range of items they had.
“It’s interesting you know, the amount of things ponies have to use tools.” Soral commented allowed.
“Well we wouldn’t have gotten very far if we didn’t.” Rarity responded. “Most of the clothing I started off with, were items with pockets. That and winter wear.”
“And I forgot my bag back at the library.” Soral grumbled.
They continued along for a bit in silence. “Soral, do you mind explaining why you bought that book?” Rarity questioned the colt.
“I wanted to get a gift for Twilight, to apologize with.” Soral said after a bit.
“Oh my. “Rarity cooed at that information. “Normally it goes the other way around as far as foals are concerned.”
“Well as you already know I am not a common foal.” Soral returned. “Twilight was hurt because of me, the least I can do is give a proper apology. The book looks like it is someones journal, an old one at that. I am certain Twilight will enjoy it…” He trailed off.
“You sound unsure.” Rarity said.
“I can’t read it. In that much it should be a puzzle for her but other than that I just don’t know.” Soral sighed. Then he froze feeling his magic wavering for a moment.
“Are we almost back yet?” He grunted as he readjusted his field around the book.
“Yep we’re back at the Boutique now. You do know all you had to do was ask and I would have tied a hold onto the book for you.” Rarity commented while holding the door open for the colt.
“Yeah, but I need the practice.” He replied as he set the book onto a table. “Though if you have anything to wrap it with to make it look a bit more like a present…”
“I have just the thing.” Rarity told him.
*-*-*
Soral stood outside of the library. It felt like the door was looming over him, but he just shoved it to the back of his mind as nerves.
“Thats twenty-five spells! Wow Twilight, thats amazing.” Spike was singing praises to the mare as he checked something off on a blackboard.
“Oh Spike, it is not that big a…” Twilight trailed off as she caught sight of Soral standing in the doorway. “Soral. Oh, umm, are you doing better?” She asked hesitantly.
Soral felt his throat tighten up. Normally apologizing wasn’t this hard, then again he had never felt particularly guilty in the time when had. He managed to nod in answer to her question at least.
“Oh… Well good.” Twilight smiled weakly.
Not a fan of awkward silences, Soral stepped further into the library and floated the present over to Twilight.
“Oh, what’s this?” Twilight asked while taking hold of it with her own magic.
“It’s an “I’m sorry.” gift.” Soral said slowly. “So… I’m sorry for the way I acted yesterday.” He lowered his eyes to the floor after he finished. Soral waited nervously for her response, and flinched slightly when he felt a her nuzzle him.
“Oh Soral, you didn’t have to do that.” She told the colt.
“Well, I felt I did.” He said. Then he took notice of the rooms other residents, or more specifically what was on his face.
“Why does spike have a dead caterpillar on his nose?” Soral asked.
Twilight seemed to find the comment funny and struggled to hold in her laughter. Meanwhile spike just looked indignant.
“It’s a mustache! It is a sign of manliness!” he protested.
Soral just gave him a flat look. “It looks fake. Furthermore, it makes you look like a dork.”
“Alright boys, thats enough. Spike I know you’re attached to it but it has got to go.” Twilight said lighting her horn with magic.
“No!” Spike cried out, but with an anticlimactic poof the fuzzy caterpillar was removed from his face. “Awe, I wanted to show off to Rarity.”
“Sorry Romeo.” Twilight giggled as she opened the present. “Oh a book! Let’s see what this is about…” Twilight trailed off as she scanned the pages. “Hmm, ancient equestrian. It will take me a while to translate this.”
“Twilight, we were supposed to go to the market today remember?” Spike said with a frown on his face.
“Oh right. I guess I will just have to look at it later.” The mare said as the levitated the book to the lecturn. “Okay you two, let’s get ready.”
Soral nodded and retrieved his saddle bags. He turned back to them to find Spike had some sort of rucksack and Twilight had her bags in place. “What are we shopping for?”
“Well I need ink, quills, parchment,” she began ticking off various study supplies that she had burned through.
“Ah-hem.” Spike coughed grabbing her attention.
“Oh, we are low on food, and should buy that first.” She quickly amended with a light blush coming to her cheeks.
“Better.” Spike grumbled. It sounded as though this was an old argument.
“Okay then.” Soral acknowledge and they made their way out the library. As they walked, Spike tried to regale Soral with how magically talented Twilight was.
“Twenty-five tricks and counting. You’re probably the most magical unicorn in Equestria, Twilight.” Spike announced.
“I have some doubts about that.” Soral remarked.
“What!?” Spike seemed appalled that I would ruin his image of Twilight.
“Depending on what they do in life any unicorn is likely to develop a whole slew of tricks to accomplish the job at hand. Not only that, since it isn’t very likely you have met every unicorn in Equestria, you are making an uninformed claim.” The colt said calmly.
“He’s right Spike. Starswirl the Bearded made hundreds of spells. Clover the Clever and many other unicorns in history made numerous spells as well. I am still learning.” Twilight told the young dragon.
“But… It is still impressive.” Spike finished, not having a good retort.
“Gangway!” A new voice shouted. They turned to see a pair of colts charging straight for them. Soral shoved Spike out of their path and watched as the pair galloped passed.
“Wonder what that was all about?” Soral muttered.
“Let’s go see.” Spike said running after the pair.
Soral and Twilight looked at each other for a moment, and the mint green colt just gave a shrug in response. They both turned to follow after.
There was a crowd inside the town square, they were surrounding a wagon with a curtain on it’s side. Soral groaned internally as he knew what was coming.
“Come one! Come all! Be amazed by the Great and Powerful Trixie!”
The Great and Powerful -Hey let's do something else-
Mixed Drinks 12: The Great and Powerful -Hey let’s do something else-
Soral was enjoying the show surprisingly enough. While Trixie came off as a bit arrogant she was very good at her craft. The crowd of ponies were dazzled by the pyrotechnics and Trixie never slowed down her wordplay once during the display. There was however one thing wrong with the show at the moment. Not so much something wrong on Trixie’s part, but within the audience itself.
“My, my, my! Such boasting.” Rarity tsked at the display.
“Of course, she is a show mare after all.” Soral defended the mare.
“Well that is no excuse for showing off like a filly who just got new ribbons.” Applejack scowled.
“It’s not wrong to show off your special talent is it?’ Twilight asked, a worried expression on her face.
Applejack looked like she wanted to say something but Soral cut her of with a loud snort. “If it was then nopony would ever do anything because they would be showing off.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Applejack question, while glaring at the colt.
“Think about it. You always boast that you have the best apples in all of Equestria. Rainbow dash boasts that she is the fastest flyer in the world.” Soral stated while jabbing a hoof at the cyan pegasus.
“Yeah, I know I’m awesome.” Rainbow dash said, puffing up like overly proud bird.
“Let’s not forget Rarity though.” Soral said.
“Me! I hardly boast about my talents dear.” Rarity defended.
“No, you don’t. However you are supplying them. For what is fashion at it’s core if not somepony boasting about their looks or their money. Even though I know you want to just make ponies feel pretty, that doesn’t change the fact the there are ponies out there who will try to use them to put others down about their looks, or boast about their wealth.” The colt explained.
The fashionista frowned at the cynical outlook. “Soral, you really shouldn’t have such a poor view of other ponies.”
Soral gave a blank look for a few seconds before stating. “Diamond Tiara.”
Rarity coughed into her hoof. “Of course there are exceptions.”
“Besides, everypony knows Twilight is the most magical unicorn in Equestria.” Spike stated, oblivious to the worried look Twilight sent his way.
Their attention was back to the stage where Trixie began bragging about her accomplishments, some of which didn’t hold weight with any of the six friends. “Okay, now this is blatant boasting.”
“See, I told ya’ the mare was no good.” Applejack said with a nod.
“That doesn’t change the fact that she is a show mare. After all, do you see her getting a job anywhere in town? Do you see any house that belongs to her? She has a wagon, and chances are all her possession are in it.” Soral shot back at Applejack, who backed away a bit from the heat in his voice. “The act you see now is effectively her job. This is how she earns her bits. However, you just want to do everything you can to stomp it out right now, don’t you.”
“Now hold on there sugarcube, I ain’t about to take away somepony’s livelihood.” Applejack said taking offense to Soral’s statement.
“Then why are you so against her show? It is a magic show, you are just supposed to sit back and enjoy the flare, maybe toss the performer a few bits if you really liked it and go home. If there is something you don’t like about the show then there is nothing keeping you here to watch it.” Soral said firmly.
“Soral, don’t you think you’re being a little mean?” Twilight asked, looking concerned at the building argument.
“Words hurt.” Soral said flatly, meeting Twilight’s eyes. “Words hurt more than you can imagine. Especially for a performer, where everypony who thinks they know better is going to say their opinion at the top of their lungs. I have seen performers who were just starting to get big, just starting to gain more notice, quit just because somepony in the audience decided to say the most hurtful thing they could.” Soral took a deep breath to calm down. “I am just mad that everypony who doesn’t like a show decides to take it out on the performer rather then just leave. So if I have the chance to stop it from happening then sorry if I sound rude but I am gonna stop it from happening.”
The the silence between them was deafening, broken only by the fanfare of the show but even that seemed muted.
“I’m sorry.” Applejack said after a while. “You’re right, if I don’t like the show then I don’t have to stay here and watch it. So I’m sorry for ruining the show for ya.” The farm pony was sincere in her apology.
Soral’s expression softened and he let out a sigh. “Sorry for telling you off like that.”
“Okay, enough of this gloomy attitude. Why don’t we all head down to sugar cube corner. My treat.” Rarity broke in. There were mumbles of agreement all around and the group left the show together.
*-*-*
Soral stared at the sugary treat that was sitting in front of him. It seems that the argument back at the show was water under the bridge. It seemed strange that they were able to shove it aside so quickly, but he couldn’t really complain.
He lifted the cupcake up with his magic and took a bite. It was good, the flavors all seemed right. “This is good.”
“Of course, I made it with love silly.” Pinkie Pie said as she bounced out of the kitchen towards the group. “Oh, and sugar, can’t forget that.”
“Well, ya did a good job of it.” Applejack told her.
“Mmm, sapphires.” Spike mumbled as he munch on a cupcake filled with precious stones. “You guys oughta try one, they’re great.”
“Spike, sapphires would shred the inside of our mouths. Remember the last time you try to share one of your treats.” Twilight told him.
Spike blushed and looked away sheepishly. “Celestia managed to fix your teeth after it though.” He mumbled.
Rainbow Dash started snickering at that. “Gee egghead, I would have thought you wouldn’t need to learn that from experience.” The pegasus prodded at the unicorn.
“Pony Joe was testing a new recipe for Spike, I took one without thinking.” Twilight mumbled.
That got a laugh from a few other ponies in the group. Soral didn’t say anything, he just sat there and enjoyed the atmosphere. The friends continued to chat. It was a far cry from what originally happened in this episode and an improvement as far as he was concerned. Pinkie Pie was being over exuberant in the telling of some joke. Twilight laughed, her eyes closed and hunched over the table. Rarity was sharing some event from when Sweetie Bell’s past, and Applejack reciprocated with tales from Appleblooms. Rainbow Dash, much like Spike, was far more interested in the food than the other events at the table.
He felt warm and content. It was odd, he never felt like this before. Then again it was a long time since he had friends he could meet physically back in his old world. Sure he had those he made online, and they worked together on several things. But distance ruined what gatherings could have been. They had to resort to online programs to get together, and it wasn’t bad, just would have been more fun in person. So Soral sat there, more than happy to be quiet and just listen to what was being said.
“So I go down stairs and there is the little wooden case sitting on the floor. Next to it is Sweetie Bell covered in bits of tape, shredded paper, and tangled in ribbons. The poor dear was in tears and when she saw me it just got worse. She started balling and saying sorry over and over again. The box was a gift she was going to give to me, and she wanted to do everything on her own and it ended in a disaster. it took me a while to get her to calm down, and even longer to get the tape out of her mane without hurting her.” Rarity’s voice was fond as she spoke of the memory.
The orange farm pony chuckled. “Heh, reminds me of a time when Applebloom wanted to surprise us all with breakfast. She managed to make a plate of decent dumplings, but the entire kitchen was covered in flour and bits of batter. She was ecstatic when we said they were good, even if she had to spend the rest of the morning cleaning up the mess. Granny also had to make us a brunch because breakfast was on the light side of what our normal fare is.”
“So me and Suzy were at Berry’s bar the other day. Suzy was having something called a Long Island tea or something like that. I was having juice because it was still day time. This stallion a few seats down though had, had a few too many and started making rude comments. Well me and Suzy decide to play a little prank on him. So Suzy turns to him and goes “Miss, can you please settle down.” and that got the stallion to go silent. He then started to defend himself stating he was a stallion and we shouldn’t get that wrong, well for the next few minute me, Berry, Suzy, and a few of the other bar goers are calling him Miss, and ma’am and lady. The poor stallion was completely confused by the change and soon left. Once he was gone everyone in the bar started laughing.” a pink ball of energy extolled.
“Pink’s you are evil, you know that?” Rainbow Dash told her as she broke down into laughter.
“It was Suzy’s idea, she called it a psycho-what-it attack.” Pinkie Pie defended.
Twilight was shaking with laughter from the story. “Pinkie, I, I can’t believe you did that.” the princess’s student said through guffaws. “It’s psy-psycho-psychological.” Twilight managed to explained before she collapsed back into calmer snickers.
Soral looked at each member of the group and felt something he hadn’t in a long time. It was a part of his creativity that he indulged more in high school. His eyes slipped close and he began to think of a rhyme.
Gathered at a table bright,
Flames of laughter flicker light.
Stories passed, memory and voice,
Allow these friend to rejoice.
Even though the sun is low,
The friends gathered simply know;
That their fire shall be bright,
Like a star through the night.
Poetry was an odd thing. Soral has always been fond of the Nursery rhyme system of poems. They are simple to create, fun to say, and convey their meaning quite well. Sadly, his poems always tend to revolve around moments that he experienced and he doesn't feel they convey well to other people.
“Soral, that was lovely.” Rarity commented.
The little colts eyes snapped open, and the first thing he noticed was everyone at the table looking at him. Crimson began to glow through the fur on his muzzle. “I, I said that out loud?” he squeaked out. The question was rhetorical at this point as he already had the answer. He was more surprised over it than anything.
“Sure did sugarcube. I gotta say it was a nice piece.” Applejack chuckled.
“I didn’t know you liked poetry Soral.” Twilight said giving him approving look.
Soral shifted on his seat for a moment. “I like to wait for them to be a bit more polished before I share them.” he told them. Soral was still embarrassed that this aspect slipped out and he didn’t share it on his own.
Rarity got up from her seat and gave him a small nuzzle. “You shouldn’t look so despaired dear. You have a lovely talent, it is nothing to be ashamed about.” she told him. The colt just gave her a small nod.
“This calls for Milkshakes!” Pinkie cried out, arriving at the table with a tray of aforementioned treats. With that things were back to normal, and just like in the poem itself, they continued until it got dark.
“Today we are going to go into some of the more advance theories of magic. Now can you tell me anything you have noticed over time as you have gotten more used to using magic?” Twilight asked. The lavender mare was sitting poised next to a blank blackboard, with a few texts spread about her person. She was looking eagerly at a young mint foal who was sitting on the floor in front of her. He had a chocolate brown mane and tail. Blue eyes shifted from left to right in though. He fidgeted in the hooded vest Rarity had made for him.
“I have noticed that their is a sort of, strain at my forehead. Just behind the horn. I have also noticed that,” At this pause he gave his horn a rap with his hoof, “this has no nerves so the term “Horn-ache” makes even less sense.” Twilight nodded at him but said nothing so the colt continues to search his memories. “Umm… I have also noticed that I can, I don’t know how to say this exactly but, it feels like when I use my magic some times that I am in a lake.”
“Okay, that is pretty far along actually. Each unicorn experiences their magic a little differently. It is almost as unique as cutie marks. Many associate their magic with either an aspect of nature, or something they like. I have met a few who compare their magic to ingredients in cooking to some that view it like formulas in math. Depending on where your talents lie this may change over time.” Twilight explained.
Her horn ignited with with a magenta glow which then surrounded a piece of chalk. She didn’t even turn to the board as the chalk traced a diagram onto it. It showed a growth chart for ponies, the stages from foal to adult and underneath each once was a shape. The shape stated with a starburst as a foal and gradually evened out into a circle as it got closer to an adult. “This is a basic chart showing magic progression based on age. No matter who the pony is, their magic will stabilize following this pattern.” Twilight began explaining. “Foals, colts, and fillies all have unstable cores. This also tends to be the reason they suffer from magical surges. As they age their magic will begin to settle. This is a natural process and nothing can really speed it up. Even for unicorns, all constant practice does is give them more control. I actually had surges up to a couple years ago.” The lavender mare admitted.
“What can I expect from a magic surge?” Soral asked. His ears flicked back as he looked nervously at her.
“Oh anything can happen really. From age changing spells, to transformation spells, to random teleportation.” Twilight explained cheerily.
“I don’t think I like the sound of that.” Soral muttered while glaring at the floor.
“Oh don’t worry. It is a natural part of growing up as a unicorn. In fact, a foal's first surge is normally celebrated. Maybe we could get Pinkie throw a party for you when you have yours.” Twilight explained, before erasing the diagram.
“Now then, you said you’re magic felt like a cool lake right? That is generally a description given by a unicorn in their teens because they have gotten farther along in using magic. It is interesting that you reached it so quickly-”
“Well, I didn’t have magic before. Granted it took me a while to find it, but it is rather hard not to pay attention to once you do.” Soral said interrupting Twilight.
The mare looked at him in concentration for a moment before answering. “That is true. I suppose there are many new things you have had to get used too. In that case lets start with a higher tier spell. What I am about to demonstrate is a simple animation spell.” With that Twilight sent a small blast of magic at a broom. The broom stood up straight and then began to make a lap around the room, sweep as it went. The downside of this was it just scattered and dust it came across instead of cleaning it.
Soral was staring at the broom intently. His eyes glowing blue. When it stopped he tilted his head to one side. “That was a three part spell.” He stated.
Twilight’s attention was focused on her student. “Very good, what else can you tell me about it?”
“That part of it was similar to the telekinesis we have been using.” Soral said, his face was scrunched up in thought. “I have a hard time telling though. There are indicators for magic but the ones I thought I recognised were swirling around with a few new ones.”
“Fascinating.” Twilight said as she began to scribble down some notes. “How were you able to tell it was a three part spell?”
“Well there was a band the middle that didn’t do anything except get smaller as the broom made the circuit. I think that was the power supply or a timer. Then there was a ribbon of telekinetic magic running up and down the broom making it move. Finally there was this controll box of magic. I don’t know what it was but it was telling the telekinetic part what to do.” Soral described what he saw from when the spell was active.
“Yes!” Twilight cheered while clapping her hooves together. “To think you can dissect a spell to that level of detail just from looking at it. Think of all the research we could do. This would let me figure out so many old spells.” Twilight began to excitedly scribble down notes using a nearby quill. She levitated the paper in front of her to check for errors only for all the ink to fade away.
“What the?” Twilight asked, her ears Slanted back and her eyes scrunched in confusion at the event. That is when the inhabitants of the library heard snickering off to the side and noticed Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie next to an open window. Soral then saw something he never would have suspected. Twilight’s horn ignited and several complex bands of magic swirled around the inkwell. She then transformed it into a blob of water before being hurled at the laughing pair. Both Mares bolted from the window before it it, only for the water to separate into two blobs and streak out of the winder and perform an impossibly sharp turn and fly out of sight.
“What was that?” Soral asked, a bewildered look on his face.
“A transmutation spell, projectile spell, and tracking enchantment. It will keep chasing them until it hits.” Twilight smugly stated, a pleased look on her face.
Soral backed away from the now slightly more scary mare that was his teacher. “Umm, I have something to do today… With Apple Bloom! yeah, so…” He said, his ears flat against his head as he edged closer to the door.
“Wait! We have testing to do still.” Twilight said as she Cantered towards the colt, a gleam in her eye that had the colts hair standing on end. With a startled yelp Soral desired to be anywhere but in the library at that moment. He felt his magic shift on it’s own but he was too focused on getting away from twilight to try and stop it. The room was filled with a bright flash of blue, when the glare cleared Soral was gone.
Twilight blinked the spots out of her eyes and looked at the new scorch mark on the floor. She began to cast several detection spells to figure out what just happend. The results she got had her baffled though. “He teleported? How can he teleport!?” Yelled the baffled mare.
*-*-*
Soral was disoriented as he traveled through the aether. He tried to make sense of what was going on, but soon was forcefully ejected out of the streaming magic into the real world. He tumble head over hooves once, then twice, and came to a stop on a dusty patch of land.
“Owwie.” The little colt whined. He tried to stand on shaky hooves only to stumble to the ground each time he tried to rise. “Unnff…” Soral groaned out as he fell to the ground again.
“Are you okay?” A voice asked. At least he thought that is what the voice asked because it was really soft and he was still kinda dizzy. Looking up he noticed a blob of pink and yellow which reformed into a concerned looking Fluttershy. Soral opened his mouth to respond, before snapping it back shut and shaking his head no.
“Umm… Do you need a lift back into town?” Fluttershy asked? She was suddenly rather close to him. He felt as her hooves moved his head up, then down, then to both sides. It seemed she was checking him over for injuries.
“Y-yes please. Dizzy, tired.” Soral managed to get out. His eyes widened when he felt Fluttershy pressed her muzzle under her side. With a brief feeling of vertigo he fell from the air to land on the timid mare’s back. Soral made a note to stop thinking of Fluttershy as timid.
Fluttershy moved him to where he was positioned between her wings, raising them just a bit to create a firmer hold. After that she turned around and for the first time, Soral notice there was a gaggle of goslings. Well they were ducklings, but you get the idea.
“Alright little ones, let’s go. We need to make it to pond across town now. So stick close.” Fluttershy announced. She was answered with a chorus of chirps. Fluttershy turned around and began humming a simple marching tune that had the ducklings following along right behind her. They wove their way up the road toward Ponyville, passing through White Tail Woods. They would have likely continued on if it weren’t for a specific interruption.
“I can’t believe you got us lost.”
“It’s not my fault!”
Soral and Fluttershy turned to look in the direction the voices came from. The bushes parted and out of the woods came two griffons. The pair looked similar to each other, like mirror images. Looking closer, Soral realised that they were mirror images of each other. They both had black beaks. Their feathers were mostly white with the spotting on the breast. The feathers on the top of their curled over and to the side. Though where on curled and covered the left eye on one, it curled to cover the right eye on the other.
“Yeesh. Here, there is somebody we can ask for directions, happy now?” The griffon on the right snarked at it’s companion. Soral notice that the voice seemed to be a bit feminine.
The griffon on the right gave the other a glare before turning towards us. H It gave a smile before speaking. “Hello there, my name is Gabriel. Would you be kind enough to show us the way to town?”
Fluttershy curled in on herself, but she did keep her back level so Soral didn’t get disturbed. The little mint colt decided to respond for her.
“Town is just up the road. We were just heading there. I have never seen a griffon before, are you two related?” The colt asked the last bit out of curiosity.
“Uh, yes we are. Brother and Sister.” Gabriel explained.
Soral’s eyes slowly widened in surprise before he leveled a hoof at the speaking griffon.. “You’re a boy?!”
“Hey!” Gabriel shouted, glaring at the ponies in front of him. He heard his oh so loving sisters collapse to the ground behind him, laughing.
“So what is your sisters name?” Soral asked, deciding a different question might be a good idea.
“Her name is Gabrielle.” He responded as he glared at his sister.
“Wow, two griffons named after a Christian Archangel.” Soral said aloud. He found it rather odd that he would come across such a thing in equestria. Maybe it was a common griffon name. He looked up to ask more questions only to notice that both griffons were giving him rather odd looks.
“And just how would you know where that name come froms little pony?” The female Gabrielle said as she made her way over.
Soral found that he suddenly wanted to hide inside of Fluttershy’s mane until the giant bird went away. “Umm… lucky guess?”
“How about you spill the beans before a feed you to my Chucky doll.” The griffon said menacingly.
This proved to have an effect as the colt was left staring at the griffon in shock for several moments.
“Well?” Gabrielle asked again.
Soral looked at her, and then tears began to form at the edges of his eyes. He made a few sniffling sounds.
Both griffons looked surprised at this and the girl quickly began trying to fix it. “W-wait. Don’t cry, it was just a joke!” she said holding her claws up in a placating gesture.
“Haku-chan! Anko-chan is being mean to me!” The little cried out. Shortly after that his eyes were completely dried.
However the griffons were now the ones with the stunned expressions. They both raised a claw and pointed at the colt. “Kiddi?” They asked simultaneously.
Soral was about to answer when everyone began to be filled with a sense of dread.
“HOW DARE YOU!” The siblings were now clinging to each other while looking at the fiery eyed pegasus who was now glaring at both of them. “How dare you threaten a little colt like that! you both should feel ashamed of yourselves.” Fluttershy scolded her captive audience. Soral knew he should stop her, he really did, but you try doing anything when Fluttershy is like this and see how far you get.
“Now I want both of you to apologize to him right now!” Fluttershy said, finishing up her scolding.
“But-”
“No buts!” The motherly pegasus cut them off. They sat in silence for a few more seconds before both griffons let out a quiet apology. “There, now if both of you still need to get to town you can follow us.” She told them and then turned and started walking towards Ponyville. The rest of the trip was looked like it was going to be in silence. Not even the ducklings deared to let out a single peep.
