Chapter Three: Ponyville

Departing the library, I was slightly angered by Twilight's actions. She was curious of course, and I couldn't ever remain angry at an adorable purple unicorn, but still, that device had value to me. The ever-bubbly Pinkie Pie took the lead.

"Follow me!" she said as she bounded away in her signature manner. I complied, barely able to comfortably keep pace.

"You mentioned that you were something called a 'brony'. What are bronies like? Are they fun? What do they do?" Pinkie inquired, intrigued.

"Well, bronies do all sorts of things. They create art of Equestria, they write stories about Equestria, they even make music about Equestria. Some bronies don't create anything, and are simply part of the community."

"Neat! What do they draw?"

"Uhmm... lots of things, mostly ponies."

"What do they write about?"

A certain fanfic came to mind, causing me to frown.

"What's wrong?"

"Uh, nothing. They write about a great many things. They cross this universe with others, write adventures with characters old and new. Many things."

"Neat! What's the music like?"

"I haven't ever been one to enjoy music," I said, "but it's largely like other music but it draws from the themes and characters of Equestria. There are many pieces about--and from--you, Fluttershy, and Rarity from what I know. There are also many songs consisting of snippets of your voice and the voices of other ponies."

"Music? About me? Coool!"

I could see, immediately in front of us, Sugarcube Corner. I then realized at the sight of the building of confections that I was starving. It must have been dinnertime by now.

"Sugarcube Corner! I live here, so do Mr. and Mrs. Cake, Pumpkin Cake, and Pound Cake," Pinkie announced.

"Yes, Sugarcube Corner. Say, Pinkie, I haven't eaten since I got here, and I'm kind of hungry." I didn't like asking, but I couldn't lie.

"'Hungry', you say! How about a cupcake?" She pulled a cupcake seemingly out of nowhere. It looked delicious, of course.

"Uh, sure. Thanks." I relieved her of the cupcake and took a bite. Its appearance did not lie; it was rather delicious. My great liking for this place only grew as I stayed, but I really had to find a way home. It might be many bronies' dream to go to Equestria, but it wasn't really one I shared. I was here, yes, and it was nice, but I could not stay. That is, if I could leave. I hoped I could leave.

"Wow, Pinkie. This is good," I complimented, finishing the cupcake.

"Glad you like it!" Pinkie stood pridefully.

"I haven't had a cupcake as a meal before."

"What do you usually eat?"

At this question I thought for a moment. I eat meat. Humans kill other animals to attain sustenance. Does that make us monsters in their eyes? Probably not. Omnivores exist here too.

"We eat many things. Milk, cheese, fruits, breads, vegetables, meats..."

"Meats? Oh, of course! You said that," she said, then her bubbly expression turned to a slightly concerned one.

"What kind of meats?"

"In our world, cows, pigs, chickens and all other animals are... not sentient like they are here. They cannot speak or understand us. It has been for tens of thousands of years that humans have eaten the meat of some of these animals. Clearly that is not acceptable while I remain here. I won't be eating any of Fluttershy's little friends, or any of the citizens of Ponyville." I chuckled. "Even if they are tasty."

Pinkie's typical expression returned. "Okie dokey lokey! Let's go see Rarity!"

"That sounds like a good idea."

After a minute or two we arrived at the Carousel Boutique. It was then apparent to me that Ponyville was really quite small, or, at least, most important areas were close to each other. Pinkie knocked on the door. I heard a sewing machine operating. It stopped and Rarity appeared at the door.

"Why, hello Pinkie-" She stopped mid-sentence as she noticed me.

"Those garments are so... boring! Why would anyone wear such a dreary outfit!?" Rarity said in a very melodramatic fashion.

I was wearing a black fleece sweater with no markings and a pair of black cargo pants, again with no markings. I wore this every day, as it was so practical and comfortable.

"Um, hello Rarity. I'm Zach." I introduced myself, feeling slightly uncomfortable, and perhaps a little compromised.

"Pleased to meet you." She returned the courtesy, still cringing at how ugly my outfit was. Unlike the others, she was not surprised at all that I knew who she was.

"Fashion trends where you come from must be quite different."

"Well, I am from a different universe... With no way home," I said with a matter-of-factness that made me feel rediculous.

"You're joking, right?"

"Unfortunately, no. I'm stuck here for the moment. I do like it here so far, though."

"While you're here maybe I could make you something more... interesting to wear." Rarity didn't want anyone ever to wear such an outfit as mine if she could help it.

"You can if you want, but I don't guarantee I'll like it. If you make me something, make sure it covers as much of my body as this does, please. Oh, and make it simple, I don't like fancy," I specified. Rarity telekinetically produced a measuring tape and a notepad, and took measurements.

I wasn't the most... charismatic person in the world. I was somewhat overweight, and not at all interesting to look at. To wear something that didn't match my uninterestingness would make me uncomfortable and would probably make me look like a clown. Besides, I couldn't possibly help my situation by drawing attention to myself. I already got enough odd looks from the populace as it was.

Rarity went back into her abode, and before shutting the door magically, asking us to come back later.

"That went well!" Pinkie said.

"Where to now?" I asked. The only one of the six I had not met yet was Fluttershy, so what Pinkie said next was no surprise, unlike many things the party pony could have said.

"I wonder what Fluttershy is up to!" She implied our destination and bounced off. I followed.