Ever wondered what it would be like to live in another universe completely different from our own? Well, now one of our kind has to. It was sort of by accident.
His name is Chad Harding. Yeah, not a name that seems to jump at you. He is one of few in the world who has been able to harness only some magical abilities. He works for some scientists who wish to make the world better. But when an experiment that was meant to transport people to other places on earth went wrong, that's where his story begins in Equestria. Follow him as he begins his life in a world of ponies and creatures that were only seen as myth or pure fantasy in his home world. Read as he must learn of the Magic of Friendship and how he will help change Equestria for the better and how Equestria changes him, like literally.
It was a normal spring day in the state of Montana. People were going about their daily lives as were all the Animals. Chad Harding, a former Marine of a special branch for ones who possessed magic, who had cacajun skin, dark brown hair and beard at his chin and silver blue eyes, was watching nature as it performed its necessary routine. The vegetarian was always fantasizing having a life within something like one of the fantasy worlds Hollywood would make up, where people lived in harmony with one another, not be on the brink of war that could end civilization.
He wished he could be a character in one of the children's movies or shows, just to escape the pressures of today's world, and the ever growing trend of mistrust that his people were developing both inside and outside his country. He knew if things didn't get better soon his kind would drive themselves to the brink of annihilation. It was the last thing he wanted and he had found a group of individuals that called themselves Fighters For a Greater Tomorrow (F.F.G.T.). He felt it was a long shot, but thought why not stick to people who followed his line of thinking. He found out they were groups of scientist, engineers, pilots and other do gooders that were even in military, who were trying to better the worlds technology for peaceful purposes rather then warlike purposes.
The President of the United States actually funded them and was with them every step of the way. When the F.F.G.T. found out about Chad they figured his magic along with anyone else they could find with his abilities would be able to help them accomplish their goal. He agreed as long as his magic was never used for violent purposes, and it never was. Today, they were conducting an experiment that could transport anyone to anywhere on the globe, aside from current war zones.
They had gone through many tests and each had been successful with plants, animals, and other objects. It was time to test it on a human. Chad volunteered to be the test run and cast a spell on himself that would regenerate his body should the test fail and make him a pile of dust. Soon Chad went onto the platform and he had his father's old sword with him, should he run into trouble on the other end. The scientists thought his weapon of choice was questionable, but let him go with it.
Soon they set the coordinates and the other settings to their proper places and asked Chad for the go ahead. He gave them the thumbs up and they had pressed the button that would transport him. Little did he know that just before the button had been pressed, two scientists had gotten into a fight sending one of them flying at the controls. When the controls were bumped, the settings had been changed and the button pressed.
Chad felt a sensation go through his body, which he thought was normal. Light flashed before his eyes as he was teleported out of the room. And thus when he did not show up at the point of origin on the other side, the scientists claimed it a failure and conducted no further tests.
Meanwhile in Equestria
Twilight and her friends had just been recognized for their heroic efforts in the battle against Discord. They were spending some time with the Princesses and Twilight's brother, Shining Armor. "Sure is a beautiful day," Twilight says.
"Darn Tootin'. With Discord back where he belongs, nothing could ruin today" Applejack says.
"Quite Right. We thank you all very much for saving Equestria," Luna says.
"It is nice to see all of Equestria in harmony once again," Celestia says.
"Yeah, and you've got to stop being the one to save all of Equestria. It's starting to get embarrassing having you save my rump like this," Shining Armor jokes to Twilight.
"What and miss a day to see the look on the guards faces? Keep dreaming," Twilight says.
Everypony laughs at her comment as they enjoy time in the royal fields, right next to Canterlot Castle. As they walk through the fields, a flash of light appears above them. Right after the flash of light, Chad Harding began to fall, screaming, not expecting to be off the ground. All that went through his mind was 'Oh Snap Gravity WAAAAAAH!'. As soon as Chad hit the ground he started bouncing in summer saults down hill and then rolled while saying, "Da, oof, ah, brbrbrbrbr."
He finally hit a far wall, with some blood lightly trickling from the right of his forehead, as he tried to regain his senses while rubbing his now hurting neck as he quotes Bugs Bunny from the Loony Tunes, "I knew I should have taken that left turn at Albuquerque."
Everypony laughs at his comment, wiping away their initial shock to his presence. Chad finally regains his sight and sees many ponies, brightly colored ponies looking at him with curiosity. He then thinks, 'Is this a dream?' He tries to get up but feels a pain in his right shoulder. 'Nope, definitely not dreaming,' he consludes as he sits against the wall. He then sees himself and notices he now had a more midevil look to himself. The next thought that comes to mind is, 'Where am I and what have I gotten myself into?'
Before he could contemplate further he was surrounded by guards in armor and spears pointed closely to his neck. He gulped as one of the ponies in armor asks, "What are you and how did you get in here?"
Chad was too nervous to speak and was beginning to sweat at the thought of if he moved, his life would end. Shining Armor, then trots up and says to the guards, "Lower your weapons stallions, you're all frightening the poor creature. Sorry about them, they're a little uptight after the defeat of Discord."
"Wh-who in the w-world is D-Discord?" Chad asks, still nervous, but finally feeling comfortable enough to talk after his shock of talking ponies, and from this point he thinks things couldn't get weirder nor surprise him if they did .
Shining Armor's jaw dropped and he asks, "How have you never heard of him? Belay that, what are you exactly?"
"I'm what's known as a human where I come from sir," Shock Wave says in a less nervous tone as the other ponies trot in closer to listen.
"What do the humans name you?" Princess Celestia asks.
"My name is Chad Harding, your majesty. But everyone just Chad" Chad says, noticing the crown upon Celestia's and Luna's heads and answers their following questions still a bit nervously.
"Well Chad, let us be the first to welcome thee to Canterlot in the magical land of Equestria," Luna says.
"Thank you y-your highness," Chad says.
Soon everypony present introduces themselves and Twilight asks, "May I ask where it is you are from?"
"I'm not sure you would believe me if I told you," Chad says.
"We've had odder run ins then this. Can't think of any right now, but," Rainbow Dash says.
"Well, I'm from an alternate world that somehow found a way to transport me here. My home world is a violent place that I'm not sure any of you would like to see. Seems something went wrong with the scientists' experiment and," Chad says before Twilight interrupts.
"Wait they have scientist in your world? Were you one? Can you perform Magic?" Twilight says before Celestia clamps her mouth with magic and says to the purple mare, "Twilight, let the boy speak. You are a boy right?"
"Yes your highness, and to answer her questions, yes there are scientists, no I was not one, and yes I can perform magic, but I'm still learning. To continue, when the test went wrong I ended up here as you see me now," Chad says, seeing that his blue midevil shirt and trousers had been slightly dirtied along with him, as well as his sword.
"May I ask, do you know how to get home?" Shining Armor.
"Unfortunately I don't. The machine they were using was a one way transport and with out another one like it I can't go back, plus I don't know what to find to build it in this world, and no magic exists in my world to transport me back, so looks like I'm stuck here for now sir," Chad answers.
"What did thou do exactly, back in thy home world?" Princess Luna inquired.
"I was a Marine, a warrior for my kind your highness," Shock Wave answers.
"A warrior, like our royal guard?" Celestia asks.
"Well sort of, I wasn't at the castle most of the time, I was far from it trying to keep distant threats at bay if you get what I mean your highness," Chad says, thinking it would be better not to tell them his home wasn't ruled by royalty.
After many more hours of explaining his story and getting more comfortable with the situation, Chad finally lets them know why he has a sword, but tells them he will not use it on any of the ponies unless they were to threaten his own life and even hands it to them until Shining Armor tells him to keep it because of it's meaning to his family.
"Well that was quite a story. We do believe thou and we're sure everypony else does too. Why don't we have our guard take thee to our hospital to have a look at that wound on thy head," Luna says.
Chad was confused at first but soon touched the right side of his forehead to see dry blood on his fingers once he pulled his hand away from the sting it left. "That's probably a good idea your highness," Chad says.
Chad soon gets to his feet with some help from the guards as he is led to the hospital wing in the castle. He was amazed by the scenery of this world and wondered what kind of reality he was now a part of. When they get to the hospital, the doctors do what they can for him, bandage is wound and after a few hours of examination and cleaning, he seemed to check out fine. They offer to take his clothes off, but he explains it would be better to at least keep his pants on, so they did not protest he took his shirt off and laid his sword aside as he revealed his military dog tags he had kept on his neck. Seeing that he was alright, he puts his shirt back on, grabs his sword and reattaches it to his belt, and walks out to see that the ponies had been talking about him. "Is something wrong your majesties?" he asks the princesses.
"No, actually, we were talking about what we should do for you since it appears you'll be living in Equestria for the foreseeable future and..... You said you were a warrior?" Celestia asked.
Chad nods. "We were talking to Shining Armor about taking you under his hoof to train you as a royal guard for Equestria, that is if you need training and you wish to do so. I know it sounds all so sudden, but I did a magical scan of you and you show a lot of good magic flowing from you. You seem to have great potential as a protector for Equestria and we hope you accept," Celestia says.
Chad was taken by surprise by this offer and he thinks it over for a while, and not wanting to disappoint the royal ponies, who seemed too nice to reject an offer from, he says, "Well, this is a bit overwhelming your highness, but I do accept. I just ask that you give me some time to settle in and give the rest of the ponies some time to get use to the idea of something like me being around. Plus I need to find a place to stay."
"Well ya'll could stay at my place in Ponyville at the apple farm, Sweet Apple Acres, that is, if it's alright with you your highnesses," Applejack offers.
"I think that's a good idea, Luna how about you?" Celestia asks.
"It's fine with us," Luna says.
"I could put my magic and other skills to good work on an apple farm. Thank you for the suggestion... Applejack right?" Chad asks.
"Eeeyup, ya got it," Applejack says.
"Well as soon as you settle in and the ponies are settled with the idea of you being around we'll send Shining Armor out to speak with you, I hope neither takes long," Celestia says.
"I'm sure it won't, besides, I'm sure, Twilight, I think was her name has more questions to ask me. I thank you and your guard's for your help your majesties," Chad says.
"Happy to help our newest subject of Equestria," Luna says.
Chad laughs nervously as he and the Princesses walk out with Applejack and her friends who were being given a carriage ride home to Ponyville. The Princesses had him join them for the ride and the guards transporting them were told to keep an eye on him should anypony want to cause him harm and they agreed. Chad, Spike and the six element bearers bow to their rulers before climbing into the carriage and taking off to Ponyville, with all six ponies and the dragon asking Chad questions.
"Sister, do you think we should have told him?" Luna asks as they watch the carriage roll off into the setting sun.
"In time little sister, in time," Celestia says as they head back to the castle.
As Chad rode with the bearers Elements of Harmony and the dragon called Spike, he looked out the window of the carriage as conversation strayed away from him and he says to himself, "Guess this is home now. I'd better learn get used to the way they live."
It was early in the morning the next day when the carriage was a few miles outside Ponyville. Chad Harding was still asleep after being asked so many questions about life on his home world. He told them what he could, but didn't realize as the hours passed, more and more of the memories of his home world were beginning to fade. Perhaps there was some magic at work trying to help him eliminate the bad memories of his past.
All he knew for certain now was he was leaving behind a violent world that was on the verge of collapse. If he hadn't known better, he would have said Discord was behind it all. He had also asked them questions about their world and the more they told him the more of his memory was being replaced with their history.
As Celestia's sun rose, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy woke up. Rainbow Dash, Spike and Chad were still in dreamland unaware of the sunrise. The Ponies found it cute the way Chad slept, as if he was a child in their eyes. They knew he had much to learn, but were determined to see him through his journey. Soon Twilight see's that they were close to Ponyville and goes to wake up Chad. "Chad? Chad, wake up," Twilight says as she shakes him.
"Huh, who, wha, what's up?" Chad says, surprised by the sudden awakening.
Twilight chuckles and says, "Were almost in Ponyville, your new home town."
Chad sits up and looks out the window to see the small town he would be staying in. It wasn't much different from the town he grew up in back in his home world, aside from the fact it was populated by ponies rather then humans. He says, "I hope the ponies here don't fear me or anything."
"If Ah know the Princesses, They've probably sent word ta all Equestria by now bout your arrival and told the ponies ta give you a warm welcome. Ah'm sure they'll all be a bit nervous at first, but the ponies here warm up easy. I mean look how fast they accepted Spike. He's a dragon and his kind are a force ta be reckoned with," Applejack says.
"You know it," Spike says as he tries to show off by flexing what little muscle he had.
Chad raised an eyebrow and thought, 'Yeah, maybe the big ones, but Spike, I think he needs to grow a bit before he's a force to be reckoned with'. He then looks at Applejack and says, "Well thanks for raising my spirits a bit, but I think I'll be more nervous to meet them, than they will to meet me. I mean you saw how nervous a wreck I was when I was beginning to talk to all of you."
"Yeah but you warmed up pretty fast ta everypony there after we opened up ta ya a bit," Applejack says.
"Yeah, and nopony's gonna stick a weapon in your face when you talk to them here. Those guards were just wound a little too tight after the encounter with Discord," Rainbow Dash says, who had woken not long after Chad.
"I know, and this Discord guy, well from what you told me that he does here, it sounds like if there is a Discord in my world, he already won and took over," Chad says.
"That bad huh?" Twilight asks.
"Eeeyup," Chad says.
"Hey, your starting ta sound like an Apple member," Applejack says.
"Well, I will be living on your farm so I'll pick up the accent sooner or later," Chad says.
"Well, can't argue with that," Applejack says.
"Well, I hope whoever lives with you on the farm won't be to shocked to see me," Chad says.
"I doubt it. Besides, I already had the princesses send a letter via magic, to let them know you're comin," Applejack says.
"Well, that's a relief," Chad says.
"Though you might want ta watch out for my youngest siblin. She and her friends like ta do some crazy things ta earn their cutie marks, and they might ask ya ta help them out, so unless you don't think it's too dangerous, try ta not get caught up in their, what they like ta call crusadin," Applejack warns him.
"Well, I've seen a lot of crazy things back in my home world. Can't think of any right now but, I'll keep that in mind," Chad says.
"Well, um, guys, we're here," Fluttershy says.
They all look out the windows and sure enough, they were in the streets of Ponyville. They soon pulled up to the town hall and Mayor Mare was there to greet them. As they step out she says, "Good morning girls, Spike. Oh, and you must be Chad Harding, the uh, Human, right?"
Some of the ponies stop what their doing when they see Chad and he feels quite nervous with all the ponies staring at him as he says, "Yes that's me ma'am. It's nice to meet you."
"Well, let me be the first to say, welcome to Ponyville. I trust you're going to enjoy your stay here. We will all do the best we can to make you feel welcome here," Mayor Mare says who had explained to most of the ponies in Ponyville of his situation that she had received in Celestia's letter.
"I appreciate that ma'am, thank you," Chad says.
"Well, I can honestly say you are a well mannered young lad," Mayor Mare says.
"Well, I don't want to give anypony the wrong impression on my first day in town Mayor Mare," Chad says nervously again.
"Well, I'm sure that these fine ponies are anxious to show you around. Do feel free to drop by if you ever need anything from me. I won't keep you all waiting," Mayor Mare says as she trots into Town Hall.
Twilight was the first to break the silence as she says, "Well before we have him go to Sweet Apple Acres, what do you think we should show him first girls?"
"Why not Sugar Cube Corner?" Pinkie Pie suggests enthusiastically.
"Well I think We should show him my boutique to find him some new clothes to wear," Rarity says.
"I could show him the animals at my cottage if that's okay," Fluttershy says.
"We should take him to see the Wonderbolts perform in Cloudsdale," Rainbow Dash.
As the four mares argue, Chad looks at Applejack and Twilight and asks, "Not to be rude, but, are they always like this?"
Twilight and Applejack chuckle as Twilight says, "Sometimes, usually happens when they meet somepony new in town. In this case, you."
"I'd hate to see them on a bad day," Chad says, as the three of them watch the mares continue to argue.
Finally the girls come to a decision as Applejack buds in and says, "Alright, that's quite enough girls, now Ah think the most logical explanation is ta get Chad here fitted for some new clothin, then we'll show him ta other parts of town before ya four fight over what he should do first. Ya'll got that?"
The four friends nod and apologize as the lead Chad to Carousel Boutique. Once there, Rarity begins on measuring him fore the right fit. He asks for nothing too fancy, for he didn't want to look like something he wasn't, and Rarity agreed, even though she wanted to make him something of outstanding fashion. Once she had finished his clothing she showed it to him and he says, "Well, I honestly can say I'm impressed. I'll try it on and see how it looks."
He put's on his new attire and walks over to a mirror. He was given a blue t-shirt like his old one, a silver colored light jacket and blue jeans that were a bit lighter then his torn ones, and some comfortable tan boots (kind of military style). He was also given some silver gloves to match his jacket and he says, "I will say this. It looks good on me. Thank you very much Rarity. I promise to find a way to pay you back."
"Oh, don't worry about that, consider it a welcoming gift from Ponyville," Rarity replies.
"Well, once again thank you," Chad says.
"You're very welcome dear," Rarity says.
"Let's be on our way there's still so much of Ponyville to show you before the day is over," Twilight says.
Just then, Chad's stomach rumbles loudly making his cheeks go red with embarrassment. "Maybe we should make that stop to Sugar Cube Corner first. I'm pretty hungry myself and Chad, well, we all know he hasn't had anything to eat since before he sort of...dropped in," Rainbow Dash says making everypony, Spike and Chad laugh.
Soon all of them head to Sugar Cube Corner and say hello to ponies they pass, introducing Chad to them, and it seemed easier then they expected for the ponies to warm up to him, with some asking quick questions about him. He answered what he could and finally they make it to Sugar Cube Corner. Pinkie Pie knocks on the door and the Cakes Open the door to greet all of them. They were a little nervous about greeting Chad, but after a little while of the girls explaining what happened, they warmed up to him.
"So what can we get for all of you today?" Mrs Cake asked.
"Well we would like to see what selections you have Mrs Cake. Chad's gonna need some time to get used to things around here," Twilight says.
"Of course Twilight," Mrs. Cake said.
"Well let me just check on the foals and I'll be right there with you dear," Mr. Cake said to Mrs. Cake.
"Wait, you have little ones here?!" Chad asks in alarm.
"Yes," Mrs Cake says, a bit confused at his reaction.
"Oh dear, I'd better find a place to put this out of their reach," Chad says, gesturing towards his sword.
Mrs. Cake sees the sword and says, "Oh, I know just the place dear, let me take you there so you can have it out of the way."
"Thank you Mrs. Cake. I should have done this before coming in," Chad says as they walk.
"It's no trouble dear, I knew your mind was in the right place when you realized you needed to put away that sword of yours, here we are," Mrs Cake says nervously as she shows him the closet to place it in.
Luckily, it had been foal-proofed to make sure the twins couldn't get into it. Soon they head back to Twilight and the group and look at what they would like to order. Soon everypony selects something and they soon enjoy their meals while swapping conversation while the Cakes place the foals in their play area so they could continue working.
Chad would have kept talking with his new friends when he noticed one of the foals had escaped the play area and was on top of one of the high cabinets. The foal was about to fall and without hesitation, Chad got up from his seat and ran to where the foal was. As the foal began to fall off, Chad was there in the nick of time to save the little pegasus foal from crashing on the floor as Chad catches him and falls onto his back to cushion the foals fall. When the Cakes saw what happened, their jaws dropped as did everypony else's in the room. A creature they barely knew had just saved Pound Cake from serious injury. "Phew, that was a close one there little guy. You almost got hurt," Chad says.
What happens next surprises Chad as Pound Cake jumps up and attempts to hug his neck with his little legs, giggling. All the Ponies see this cute scene and say, "Awwwww."
Mr. and Mrs. Cake trot up to Chad and Mrs. Cake says as she picks up her son, "Thank you so much for saving our son. I hope you can forgive us for being so nervous upon first meeting you. We were just so unsure of you, but you obviously show you don't want to hurt any pony. How can we ever repay you?"
"No need for that ma'am, it's not in me to see little ones get hurt and I forgive you for our first encounter. I'm sure I would have been uncertain of me too, since I'm new to this place. Your hearts were in the right place to be suspicious. You have little ones to protect, and I respect that," Chad says.
"Well we clearly had the wrong ideas go through our heads, and we have never been so happy to be proven wrong. Looks like we'll have to teach Pound Cake a lesson now," Mr. Cake says, looking at his son.
"He's just a foal, he doesn't know any better, that's how we all were at that age," Chad says.
"I guess you're right. He is just a foal, let's get him back to where his sister is," Mrs Cake says.
She soon sets her Son back in the play area with his sister and then fetches Chad's sword and gives it back to him. Chad and his friends wave good bye to the Cakes and Chad hears, "Chad," from the pegasus foal and, "Hawding", from the unicorn foal and he smiles as he and his pony friends take off to the next place the ponies wanted to show him.
It had been a couple of weeks since Chad Harding had arrived in Equestria and had come to live in Ponyville. Word had spread quickly about what he had done for the Cakes, due to Pinkie Pie throwing a party for him to welcome him to their little town and he got blasted at least twice with her party cannon. The ponies all over Equestria had soon gotten used to the idea of a human living in their world, with a little help of the Princesses convincing them he wasn't a danger of course. Chad had gotten used to the idea of walking and talking with ponies, but no matter how hard he tried, he always had a feeling in the back of his head that he was still an outsider. He had begun to help the Apple family out with their daily chores and they had formed a strong bond that would was right up to the status of family bond, even though they had only met him a short time ago. He could still remember the first day he arrived on the farm with Applejack.
Flashback
"Well, it's been a might busy day for ya'll and me. Ah reckon it's time ta hit the hay," Applejack says.
"I won't argue with that," Chad says as a huge yawn escapes his mouth.
Just the the Door opens and they see Big Macintosh standing there as soon as he sees Chad he lunges towards him. "Big Mac, don't," Apple Bloom pleaded.
It was too late. Big Macintosh was already pinning Chad to the ground as he says, "Applejack, run, Ah got the creature."
"Now hold on just an apple pickin minute. Didn't ya'll get the letter Princess Celestia sent ta ya?" Applejack asks.
"Heh heh, oops, sorry sis, Ah forgot to show Macintosh," Apple Bloom says, blushing furiously with embarrassment as everypony and the human look at her.
Applejack face hoof's herself and Big Macintosh looks at Chad as he says, "This is, uh, this is awkward."
Big Macintosh gets off of Chad and Applejack soon explains what happened. After hearing the whole story, Big Macintosh finally says, "Sorry 'bout earlier. Thought you meant ta bring harm ta my little sis."
"Hey, no hard feelings. Was bound to happen to me sooner or later," Chad says, making every pony laugh.
"Well for not bein a pony ya sure are a handsome young fellow," Granny Smith says.
"You're too kind miss Granny," Chad says.
"Oh, feathers on the goat, don't make me blush," Granny Smith says.
The whole group laughs and soon Big Macintosh says, "Well let's show ya'll ta the spare bedroom, hope ya feel right at home here."
"Thank you," Chad says.
They soon bring him to his room he would be staying in and told the Apple Family he would help them out on the farm to pay them back for his time living there. None of them knew what was going to happen in the weeks to come but they knew the could face any surprises.
End of Flashback
He laughed at that thought, but in the last few nights, he had wondered, if he could be teleported to this world, who's to say that this magically advanced society, even though it was a pony society, wasn't able to transport to his world. He knew a good deal of magic and thought maybe there's a spell that could transport him back, if he could find a book about it. Then it clicked, Twilight might know if there is such magic in their world and if not her, then Princess Celestia would.
After he had finished the last of his chores, he told Applejack he was going to head to Twilight's library after he got cleaned up. Applejack told him to be home by dinner, almost acting like she was his mother, but he went along with it and agreed. After Shock Wave got himself cleaned up and put his clothes on, he headed out the door to Twilight's library. Many ponies of the town greet him as he passes by, and he had become friends with all of them, so he is stopped by some of them for a quick chit chat on his way to the library.
When Shock Wave finally made his way to the library he heard some clanging coming from inside. "Oh boy, she's at it again," Chad says to himself, remembering Twilight's friendship report freak out from two days ago.
He then knocked on the door, and Twilight came to open it a few seconds later. "Why hello Chad, what brings you here today?" Twilight asks, quite calmly.
"Twilight, what's all the commotion in there? It sounded like you were freaking out about your friendship report again. Please tell me that's not the case," Chad says, hoping he was right.
Twilight giggles as Spike bolts past both of them and she says, "No, that's not it. Spike was just a little eccentric about his ruby missing. He was saving it for a special occasion. What that was, I don't know. Maybe his birthday that's coming in a week. Good thing I made a check list for that, or I probably would be freaking out just as much."
"You make a check list for just about everything, don't you Twilight?" Chad asks.
Twilight giggles once more, realizing he was right and says, "Enough about me and Spike. What was it you needed to see me for?"
"Well, I know this is an odd question to ask but.... Do you know if there is any books about spells that can teleport you to other worlds or possibly other universes?" Chad asks as he walks in and closes the door.
Twilight hangs her head low and says, "I'm sorry Chad. But there are no such spells."
"Are you sure?" Chad asks, wondering how she was so quick to answer with 'no' instead of 'I don't know'.
"Yes, I even asked the princesses for special permission to find any trace of it in the library at Canterlot. They gave me access to restricted sections and there was no trace of it in any of the books, new or old. I was hoping if I found it, then, if you ever asked to be sent back, we would be able to do so. I'm really sorry Chad," Twilight says.
"Hey, don't worry about it. It's not like I don't like Equestria. I would say it's an upgrade from my home world. I just thought, if any of you ever became curious about visiting my world, I could take you there for a brief time, not that I think it would be a good idea, but I got to admit, you ponies are very persuasive," Chad says as he puts his hand on her shoulder.
"But what about your family back home?" Twilight asks.
Chad sighed and says, "Well truth is, my family died long ago. I was only ten when it happened but it was a heavy hitter for me. I had to take care of myself after they died and that's why I became a warrior, so I could protect others from harm, and and they would not have to go through what I did."
"Oh, Chad I'm so sorry," Twilight says.
"No need to worry. It's been a lot easier to let go of my past since I showed up. Though, I think I may be experiencing some side affects," Chad says.
"What do you mean?" Twilight asks.
"Well the longer I've been here, the more of my memory of my home world seems to fade. I don't think it's a bad thing, for there is some stuff I still remember that I would like to forget. Who knows, in a month, maybe even two weeks time, I'll may barely remember anything of my life in my home world. I'm not trying to raise alarm here, but this might be a way to help me adjust to this new life in your world, and trust me, I'd much rather stay here then go back to my home world," Chad says.
Twilight was a little shocked to hear his explanation, but she was also happy that he was content with staying in their world. "Well, I hope it doesn't change your personality. You're really fun for ponies to be around. It was amazing how fast everypony warmed up to you around here," Twilight says.
"Yeah, just wish I got a break from the media though. They're always so eager to ask a human warrior questions it seems. I sometimes wish I was little again, they rarely ever bug children, and I never had much of a childhood after my folks passed away. Kind of makes me bummed out sometimes, but no worries, I always find ways to occupy my time. Training with my magic is one of those things," Chad says.
"Well I'm glad to hear that, so, is there anything else I can help you with today?" Twilight asks.
"No, not really, I actually need to get back to the farm. I promised Applejack I'd be home in time for dinner," Chad says.
The lavender mare giggles once again and replies, "Applejack seems to care a lot about you. You haven't been here that long and already she treats you as if you were part of the family."
"Yeah, she and the rest of the Apple Family. Their pretty close knit and seems they extended that bondage to me in a sense, if you get what I mean," Chad says.
"I do, and don't worry about it too much. Better to be on their good side rather than their bad side," Twilight says making them both laugh.
"Well, I better get going. The suns starting to get low and I don't want to keep the Apples waiting," Chad says as he heads out the door.
"Okay, oh and Chad, before you go, I thought you should know that Princess Celestia is going to be here two month's time to see how everypony and you have adjusted since her last time seeing you. She said she thinks it may be time, whatever she meant by that, I don't know," Twilight says.
"Okay, thanks Twilight. See ya around," Chad says as he waves and then takes off for the Apple Orchard.
"Bye Chad," Twilight replies as she wave back.
After some long walking/jogging, Chad was just outside the Apple Orchard and could smell dinner cooking. As he got to the door he could hear tiny hooves galloping behind him. It was Apple Bloom and she seemed like she was running from something. He couldn't tell from the distance, but as she got closer he could see what she was running from. What the ponies called 'timber wolves' were running after her. "Help!" He heard her scream. He runs towards her and then grabs the wolves attention by throwing stones he had collected at them. They stop dead in their tracks as they look in his direction and he says, "Come on you big brutes, come and get me."
He then darts towards the the apple trees and the wolves chase him in hot pursuit. He finds a tall enough tree with a low enough branch, and with the wolves closing in on him, he knew he would have little time to act. He soon grabbed the branch and swung up into the tree, and evades the fangs that nearly had him. He climbs to one of the high branches and watches as the wolves try to get their claws on him. While their attention is on him, Apple Bloom made it to the house and told the family of Chad's situation.
He knew these wolves would not get bored fast and had to think of something to make them run away. Then it hits him, if he could focus his magic enough, he could create a fake imitation, or illusion, of what was called a manticore that he recently read and was told about and give the wolves a good fright. Soon he starts to focus and use his magic to create the best illusion he could of a manticore a few yards away from him and the wolves. For a few seconds, the wolves stand there and looking at it, until he made it roar and the wolves jumped in fright, scampering back to the Everfree Forest. Soon he makes the fake manticore disappear and jumps down from the tree, chuckling as the Apple family trots up to him and he says, "Something must have spooked them."
The Apples laugh with him and Apple Bloom says, "Thanks for savin my flank."
"No problem Apple Bloom. Besides, your family would never let me hear the end of it if you had gotten hurt," Chad says.
"Darn tootin," Applejack and Big Macintosh says together.
"Didn't know you had it in ya'll ta make a fake manticore. Ya'll almost had me convinced it was real. Looks like Twi's got some competition," Applejack says.
"Hey now, I'm good, but I'm not that good.... yet," Chad jokes at the last part, making them all laugh.
"Ya'll better stop showin off 'round here or you'll start to make me look bad," Big Macintosh says, giving Chad a light noogie.
"I would never," Chad jokes as he pulls out of the noogie.
"Alright you two, settle down, we had enough excitement for one evenin," Applejack says, starting to sound motherly again.
"Well how about we get some grub? All that running and working worked up my appetite," Chad says.
"I second that," Applejack says, having the appetite of a full grown stallion.
"Were havin tomato soup, apple dumplins and apple fritters tonight," Granny Smith says.
"Sounds good, oh, and lets keep this wolf encounter to ourselves. You know how much the media likes to harass me with questions. This will only give them more to talk about, " Chad says.
"You can count on us Chad," Applejack says.
The rest of the Apple family winks and soon all of them head into the house to get some food in their bellies before resting for the night.
Note: For future reference; I apologize if episodes go out of order with my chapters so just bare with me on it.
The next two weeks flew by as Chad Harding settled into Ponyville more and more, he had his usual run-ins with the local Ponyville Press. When he told them he was out of answers to their questions that's when they usually left him alone. He also learned dragons can be greedy at times when Spike suddenly grew to be taller then the city. In that instance, Chad did think he was a force to be reckoned with, but he didn't tell Spike that to avoid having the dragon go on a rampage again. Today he was just taking a stroll through Ponyville since Applejack told him he was working too hard and needed a break. He had to admit she was right, there was no way he was going to be working today.
Yesterday he had been helping to haul some of the heavier batches of apples, even though Big Macintosh said he was fine doing it on his own. He had told them not long after the timber wolf encounter that he would use his magic only for emergencies, since he respected the way the Apple Family would rather stick to Earth Pony methods, and he didn't want them to think he was trying to out-do them in their daily routine after hearing what happened with the 'Flim Flam brothers'. Plus they had grown on him since he arrived, and he didn't want to ruin his relationship with them. But yesterday, as he was helping to haul in the last few loads, he lifted more then his body could handle after a long day of lifting. He was thrown of balance and didn't have a chance to release the handle, once it dropped it pulled on his arm straining it to a point of a pulled muscle. He had ice put on it, but Applejack, trying to watch out for him told him to rest a few days to help it heal. He wanted to help, but knowing Applejack, she was right and it wasn't a good idea to over work himself.
He just made it past the boutique and was heading for Sugar Cube Corner when hears a filly's voice he did not recognize as they blurt out, "Well, well, well, if it isn't the human."
He turns his around to see a pink filly with a tiara on her head that resembled what they told him was a cutie mark on her flank. She was standing next to a silver fur colored filly that had a silver spoon on her flank. Their cutie marks were dead giveaways of who the two fillies were. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, Apple Bloom's, Scootaloo's, and Sweetie Belle's bullies. "Excuse me, may I help you girls with something?" Chad asks.
"You have no right to talk like that to us, you low life creature," Diamond Tiara states.
"I beg your pardon?" Chad responds, lifting an eyebrow.
"You are not a pony, and you will respect us to a higher degree," Silver Spoon spits out.
"I'm sorry, but where in Equestrian law does it state that I am of lower class then a pony?" Chad fires back, crossing his arms.
"It doesn't but you should treat us as we have told you. You don't belong here," Diamond Tiara snaps at him.
"You will only speak when a pony allows you to speak," Silver Spoon adds.
"Really, because I'm pretty sure Celestia stated that I have as much right to live in this world as any pony does, and no where did it say that I was to be kept silent unless asked to speak, so there is no sense to your logic," Chad points out.
"You should be thrown in prison for talking back to us in such a manner," pouts Diamond Tiara.
"Tell me, do your parents know about what you say to others when they aren't around?" Chad questions them, wondering if the parents are as bad as them.
The two fillies froze at his sudden comeback, not sure of how to make him feel down now. This told him that they had been keeping some information about what they did on their own from their parents. "That's what I thought. I think maybe I should pay them a visit to let them know how you've treated me and Apple Bloom and her friends," Chad threatens.
"Our parents don't have any time for you. And those blank flanks have no more right then you to belong here," Diamond Tiara says, trying to avoid punishment.
"Well, I'll have to see when your parents have some free time so I can speak with them about your attitudes. I have sources that can help me do that," Chad states, after hearing Diamond Tiara make fun of Apple Bloom and her friends.
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were at a loss for words. They knew they had to get back at Chad, and soon. "Humph, come on Silver Spoon, let's go, that creature isn't worth our time," Diamond Tiara orders, trying to keep a straight face.
Chad notices Silver Spoon stare back at him, as if she was amazed by him or something. Then she turns around and says with not a lot enthusiasm in her voice, "Yeah, lets go."
Soon the two fillies take off, and Chad treks on towards Sugar Cube Corner. He was just about to open the door when Pinkie Pie bursts out tackling him to the ground. "Hi Chad," she says in a quick manner.
"Ow, Pinkie Pie? How did you even know I was coming in?" Chad asks, surprised at how fast he had been tackled by the mare.
"Pinkie sense, remember?" Pinkie Pie states.
"Oh... yeah..... right," Chad replies, blushing in embarrassment he had forgotten about her Pinkie senses.
"So, whatcha doin?" Pinkie Pie asks.
"Um, well I was on my way into the sweet shop before you knocked me down. I wanted to see if anything new to the selections was added," Chad says.
"Oh, well come on in, we just made a batch of some new Lemon-kiwi cupcakes," Pinkie Pie tells him.
"Wow, going citrus on the cupcakes, sounds tempting. I think I may have one," Chad says.
"Well come on in and try one, my treat," Pinkie Pie says, inviting him in.
"Oh, Pinkie, you don't have to do that. I can pay for it. Applejack did give me an allowance since I've been helping her on the farm," Chad says as they walk in.
"Oh, now it's no trouble dear, it's a free sample sale. If you try one and don't like it, there's no charge, we only charge once you want more," Mrs. Cake says.
"Yes, and Pinkie Pie has actually been begging non-stop that you be the first one to try it," Mr. Cake says.
"Well, I don't see why I shouldn't try it, but I thought somepony else woulda come along to try it," Chad states.
"Oh, we held off releasing the new flavor until we had you try it," Mrs Cake assures him.
Soon Pinkie Pie came in with one and offered it to him. The cupcake looked like a swirl of yellow and green. "Well, Bonn Apatite," Chad jokes as he takes a bite of the cupcake.
As soon as he took the first bite, he wondered how no body had ever made it before and devours the rest. "I take it that you like it," Mr. Cake says.
"Oh, excuse my manners, that was uncalled for," Chad apologizes.
"Oh, don't even worry about it. That's the reaction we like to see when creating a new flavor for our selection of sweets," Mrs. Cake says.
"Well, it was delicious, I never knew Lemon and Kiwi went so well together. Ponyville is sure to love it," Chad exclaims.
"That's what we like to hear," Mr. Cake says.
The Door bell rings as Rainbow Dash and Twilight decide to drop in. "Hey RD, howdy Twilight," Chad says.
"Oh, hello Chad, your starting to sound like the Apple family more and more each day," Twilight states.
"Well, as Big Mac always says, "Eeeyup". So what are you guys up to," Chad asks.
"Well we were gonna make a stop here and then come looking for you, but it looks like we got two in one," Twilight says.
"What did you guys wanna see me for?" Chad asks in curiosity.
"Well, there's this unicorn named Trixie, who claims to be great and powerful, but she's just a loud mouth. But it seems she wants to meet you to prove you don't belong here in Equestria and she's been making a big fuss over it in the news. She also thinks you have no magic abilities and fooled us with just a bunch of light shows, which sounds more like her if you ask me," Rainbow Dash Points out.
"Well, I'm sure I can handle her. I've had worse encounters in my old world. Can't think of any right now, but it's probably something that will blow over after she meets me," Chad says.
"Yeah, probably. Besides, the princess told you to ask for their help if anyone gave you too much trouble. She might not even make it here to prove herself wrong if the princesses get wind of it," Rainbow Dash says.
"Eh, you're probably right. Hey you guys want to try the Cakes' and Pinkie's new cupcake flavor?" Shock Wave asks, changing the subject.
The two mares agree and give the same comment about the cupcakes which start to sell like crazy. Soon the entire group of the Elements of Harmony show up and they all talk about the new things happening in Equestria till about sun down. "Wow nelly, it's that time already? We better hustle back to the farm. Grany's probably startin' supper by now. We'll see ya'll later girls," Applejack says.
"Talk to ya'll tomorrow," Chad says.
Soon Applejack and Chad take off towards the Apple Farm and could already smell Apple cobbler being cooked as they neared the Apple Family home and see the rest of the Apple Family at the table preparing to eat. They sit down with them and Chad tells them how his day went.
It was just another day in Ponyville. Chad Harding had been helping out as much as he could at the farm and around ponyville after he had recovered from his injury a month prior. Something that seemed to be sweeping the town these days was a column in what they called The Foal Free Press that was listed by a notorious Gabby Gums. She seemed to be providing all the latest gossip in the school. Even the Applejack and her friends were getting in on reading it. Chad read a few himself and had laugh once in a while, but always wondered why they were the first to get copies of all the latest ones.
Today he was at Ponyville's local spa with his six pony friends and one dragon friend, after being talked into it. He never thought it was possible, but ponies gave amazing massages. "Oh, this is without a doubt the best hoofacure I've ever had," Rarity stated.
"You said it," Applejack and Chad said as they were messaged.
They were interrupted as Rainbow Dash came galloping in. She just got the latest on Gabby Gums and the girls made their own little chit chats about it. Chad then stepped in. "I've got to agree with Twilight on this one. I mean, Wouldn't you feel a little offended if something that was private about you was suddenly known to the world. I mean, I don't even see how Gabby Gums made it to Canterlot and was able to get stories on the princesses. I mean, listen to this one. "Princess Luna, the mare that keeps to herself"? I may not've been here long, but I know that Princess Luna does not seem like the one to stay away from society, granted, she may be a little behind on the times, from what you described Twilight," Chad said.
All the others made their own comments except Applejack at my statement. They then got word that Spike got a story written about him. After the Spa, everyone headed out to go about the day. The next day was a different story. Chad had just finished up his chores at the farm. He petted some of the animal critters the came by, since they were always curious about him, plus, they liked it when he petted their fur. Afterwards he decided to head to Sugarcube Corner where his friends had gathered. As he got into town, he noticed something. Some ponies were seeming to give him a bit of a cold shoulder, by turning tail or shewing their little ones away from him. Then it came. The media saw him, and he made a run for it, knowing that them being in the area was not a good sign at this time. As they chased him, he made a dash around a corner and used hid. He stayed there for a while before he was seen by Twilight. "Chad, come with me," she said.
"Wha-" was all he could usher in before a white light blinded him and engulfed the two of them.
He then felt as if he had been squished into a ball for a moment before it was gone and they were in Sugarcube Corner. He felt dizzy and said, "Woow, warn me next time your gonna do that."
"Sorry, but I couldn't risk the media catching you, I saw you were trying to avoid them. Anyways, you better read this," Twilight said.
Chad took the paper as she hoofed it to him and he read aloud, "Chad Harding, a creature lower then a pony that should be avoided because of his false magic and claims of being a warrior. Okay, who does this Gabby Gums and her editor and chief think they are?"
"That's exactly what I said, minus the editor and chief," Applejack threw in.
"What makes them think that I am some sort of phony who would say this stuff to get attention. You guys know better then anypony that I try to avoid the media as much as I can," Chad said.
"Gabby Gums is spreading lies about everypony. She ruined my life after she made it to Cloudsdale. She is 120% uncool," Rainbow Dash said.
"You are all honestly taking this way out of context, so she tweaks the stories, maybe they deserve, *gasp* I'LL DESTROY HER," Rarity said as she ranted of about how Gabby Gums gained access to her diary.
"Well, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are in the newspaper staff, maybe they know who she is," Twilight said.
"Hold on, let's think about this for a minute. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo all joined the foal free press," Chad said.
"Yes," Fluttershy said.
"And a couple days later, the Gabby Gums column became a big hit all over Ponyville," Chad added.
"Uh huh," Rainbow Dash replied.
"Hold on an apple pickin minute, Chad, yer not implyin that," Applejack said, before Chad cut in.
"That The three of them are Gabby Gums, yes. I mean look at the facts I just gave, plus, Applejack, you and I are always getting a copy before it's released to all of Ponyville, and Rarity, I reckon you do as well from Sweetie Belle," Chad said.
"Well of course," Rarity said.
"And, well, who's looking after Scootaloo?" Chad asks.
The girls all shrug. "Anyways, I hate to admit it, but I do think it may be them," Chad said.
"But, how can they do such a thing?" Twilight said.
"I don't know, but I'm gonna find out. Be right back," Chad said before teleporting himself away.
A little while later he reappeared with the three fillies. Almost immediately the six mares were expressing their anger on the three fillies. "Enough!" Chad yelled after a few moments.
This made Applejack and the other element bearers go quiet. "Now, you three girls, it seems clear to us that the three of you made columns in the Foal Free Press, am I right, Gabby Gums?" He asked.
"H-how did you find out," Sweetie Belle said as they cowered back.
"The printed pages of your betrayal," Rarity vented as the held the paper in front of them.
"Oh that," Scootaloo said.
They were given another lecture and they explained why they did this before Chad asked once again, "Did you girls honestly write this about me?"
He showed them the column and they gasped. "I would never say anythin like that. Ya saved my life, I could never say this about ya," Apple Bloom protested.
"I couldn't even think of something so cold. You're always fun to have over when you come to Rarity's place," Sweetie Belle defended.
"After I met you, I thought you were just as awesome as Rainbow Dash. There's nothing you've done that would ever make me want to say anything like this," Scootaloo said.
"As I suspected. Girls, I think this is more then just Gabby Gums making gossip," Chad said.
"What da ya mean partner?" Applejack asked.
"Apple Bloom, who's the editor and chief of the Foal Free Press?" Chad asked.
"What's that pony got ta do with this Chad?" Applejack retorted.
"Just... go with me on this. I think there is more to it," Chad said.
"Well, it's, it's Diamond Tiara," Apple Bloom sighed.
Chad gave a sigh of his own as he looked at the others. "My suspicions are correct. Diamond Tiara was trying to find a way to get back at me for making her look bad. She thought that everypony should treat me as a lower creature. And she found a way to convince some ponies. To cover her own tracks, she used the Gabby Gums gig to pin the blame on them. I think most of what was put out there recently was thanks to the one and only Diamond Tiara," Shock Wave said.
"Well, she was also telling us if we stopped she would show embarrassing photos of the three of us," Sweetie Belle admitted.
"Wha- she was blackmailing you. Girls, why didn't you tell any of us?" Twilight inquired.
"We... we were afraid to say anything," Scootaloo said.
"Girls, if that Diamond Tiara is giving you trouble, ya'll should ask us for help. We'll have a talk with her Pa and with Miss Cheerilee, get this whole thing straightened out. Meanwhile, ya'll have a final column to put out," Applejack stated.
"Huh?" the CMC asked in confused unison.
The element bearers and Chad told them what they needed to write before they went and wrote it and the element bearers, Spike and Chad soon took off to Filthy Rich's place to talk to him. After he found out what his daughter had done, he was infuriated and said she would not go unpunished for what she had done. Afterwards they went to the School and told Miss Cheerilee about what was happening and she agreed to take action the very next day.
On that very next day, all ponies apologized for their attitudes towards each other and Chad and luckily Celestia was able to find a way to keep the media off of his back after catching wind of what happened. Diamond Tiara was also given more punishment then expected as she was also sentenced to 5 days of community service, away from the presses and the CMC.
As Twilight, Applejack, Chad, and their friends relaxed from correcting a childish mistake, they all wondered how much more time would be spent together as the time for Celestia's visit drew near.
The Apple Family and Chad got to work in the Apple orchard while it was still early morning. They made good progress as well. Chad got a little playful and used his magic to cause and apple or two to fall on Applejack's head. "Ow! What in Tarnation?" She exclaimed. Apple Bloom giggled as she saw the whole thing happen. Chad gave a smirk, and Applejack realized what happened. "Oh, so Ya'll think that's funny huh? How's about some a this?" Applejack said before bucking two apples in Chad's direction.
He ducked and chuckled, "Ya'll missed me."
Applejack gave a smirk and pointed her hoof up. Chad then looked up, just in time to see dozens of apples fall on top of him. He popped his head out and said, "Wow, didn't see that one comin."
Applejack, Apple Bloom and Chad all shared a laugh before finishing their rounds. Just as they made it back to the house, a mail pony arrived and said, "I'm looking for a Mr. Harding."
"That would be me sir," Chad said, Surprised he was getting mail at all.
"A message from Princess Celestia for you sir," the mail pony said.
"Oh, thank you," Chad said as he took the letter.
"What's it say sugarcube," Applejack said.
Chad reads, "Dear Chad Harding. I have sent this letter to inform you that Shining Armor and myself shall be in Ponyville shortly to visit and we have decided it is time for you to start your training. We look forward to seeing you again. We'll be sure to meet you at Sugar Cube Corner, Your royal friend, Princess Celestia. P.S. Princess Luna has decided to make you part of the night guard upon our return to Canterlot."
"Oh nelly. I didn't even realize it was that time already. Time sure has flown. We best get to Sugar Cube Corner so we're not late," Applejack exclaimed.
"Right," Chad agreed.
"Apple Bloom. Tell Granny Smith we'll be at Sugar Cube Corner for a bit. And make sure Big Mac isn't trying to overexert himself again. That brother of ours is one stubborn stallion, just like Pa was," Applejack reminisced.
"You got it big sis," Apple Bloom said as she scampered off to tell Granny, then returned to catch up with Applejack and Chad.
They soon made it to Sugar Cube Corner where Twilight was already there. "I trust you received Princess Celestia's letter?" Twilight asked.
"Haha, nothin gets past you sugarcube," Applejack admitted.
"I'm supposing Shining Armor told you he was visiting today?" Chad Pondered.
"Very perceptive. You'd make a fair detective Chad," Twilight complimented.
"Thank you," Chad replied.
"I have to admit, I haven't known Princess Celestia to run late like this," Twilight said.
No sooner did she say that, the doors to sugar cube corner opened, to reveal the Princess of Day herself. "A princess is never late, my fateful student, everypony else is simply early," Celestia stated.
"Touche' your majesty," Chad said as he bowed with Applejack and Twilight in respect to her.
"Well, we won't be here for too long, and I am glad Twilight, that you didn't try to make this a social gathering, or we would be here til noon tomorrow," Celestia commented.
"I knew this was one of those quick ins and outs, but I will admit, I was trying my best not to let the entire town know, which was more difficult then it sounds," Twilight stated.
"For you Twilight, that's actually pretty believable, no offense," Chad chuckled.
"Well, getting back on subject. I've gotten numerous letters from Twilight about how you've been doing, but tell me, from your personal perspective, how have you been coping here in Equestria since you arrived?" Celestia inquired.
"Well, I'll admit, it's been quite a, shall I say, bumpy carriage ride. I had my great days, my mellow days, and my, not so savy days. But all in all, this place is more then I could hope for. I'd say I am far better off here then with the trials I had to face in my own world. If you were ever wondering if I wanted to go back, should we ever find a way, I'll admit, I'd much rather stay in Equestria. And the Apple family, well, they are some of the best ponies I've ever had the privilege of getting to know. It's no wonder so many ponies love them. Granted there are a few who give them a bit of a sour shoulder, but they are tolerable ponies your majesty," Chad replied.
"That's good to hear. And the food, has it been to your liking?" Celestia dug deeper.
"Well, although the change in my diet felt strange, I was coping. I'll admit, I was a bit hasty to try a daisy daffodil sandwich, but in the end, I liked it. But I shouldn't be one to judge food. I mean, Spike's regular diet is gems. My mother always told me "Don't judge food by it's appearance". And I try to live by those words when trying new things," Chad admitted.
"I see. And I've am sorry for all the times the press wouldn't leave you alone, and I also am trying to track down that mare who's claiming your magic to be false. She appears not to stay in one place too long. But perhaps we should let her find you to let her see what you can do, and if she as "Great and Powerful" as she claims to be," Celestia said.
"Well, she'll be able to find me around Canterlot once we set off. Oh, about that. You don't mind if I say my final goodbyes to everypony here do you, your majesty?" Chad asked politely.
"Of course not Chad. But I do ask that you not make your farewells linger, for we do need to make our way back to Canterlot as soon as we can. I suppose that I could purchase some sweets from Pinkie Pie and the Cakes while we wait for your return," Celestia suggested.
"Thank you, your majesty, I shall be back as soon as I can," Chad bowed before heading out of the store.
Chad made it to all the houses of his and Applejack's closest friends, including the Element bearers, and their farewells ranged from excitement for him by Rainbow Dash, to a flash flood of tears from Rarity. The CMC's emotions were all sorts of mixed up. They were happy, sad, and mad. As most children were. Chad promised that once his training was completed, his first priority would be to make a visit to Ponyville.
With that, Chad made it back to Sugar Cube corner and exclaimed, "Sweet Mother of Mercy."
He saw at least two wagons full of sweets loaded onto them. Shining Armor trotted up to him and whispered, "The Princesses both have a sweet tooth, and very high metabolisms. Trust me, this is normal."
"Copy that," Chad said as he continued to stair at the mountains of sweet filled boxes.
He was soon snapped out of his trance as a pink blur Tackled him, nearly knocking him over. "I'm gonna miss you so much. You're gonna have so much fun, and so many adventures, and I'm sure Shining Armor will be promoting you silly fast. Now get to canterlot and get trained," Pinkie Pie said.
"G-Got it," Chad said, at a loss for words with how she talked so fast.
He then made it to Applejack and gave her a hug. "Be sure to look after our little sister while I'm gone. I have a feeling her shenanigans are gonna get even crazier with her friends," Chad requested.
"Will do, little brother. Now you and Shining play nice now, ya hear, or I'll drag my flank up to Canterlot, and give both Ya'll what for," Applejack playfully threatened.
"Come on AJ. When have I ever tried to get into mischief?" Chad winked.
"Oh, get on goin, before ya'll really make me sappy," Applejack hurried him as she wiped a tear away.
Chad soon climbed aboard the carriage waiting for him, and waved to the three element bearers, til they were no longer in site. Just as they settled down in the carriage, a thundering voice yelled, "DON'T FORGET TO WRIIIIIITE!!!"
The sound was so huge, it nearly blew all the ponies and Chad from from the carriage, as, they held on to whatever they could grab. Celestia was able to catch and reorganize all the sweets she had ordered neatly again, before straightening out her crown. "Seems the Pie family hasn't lost their touch in surprises over the generations. Lemon Meringue Pie was a doosy back in her day," Celestia laughed.
Chad was surprise Celestia took this so well. Then again, she had been living for well over 1000 years, so, he supposed this was nothing new to her. He then relaxed as he tried to get the ringing out of his ears. This was gonna be an interesting stay in Canterlot.
