All Eren and his human could hear was a shrill whoosh rushing through their ears as the light of the beam bled through their eyelids. Their faces were tense and their teeth gnashed together, feeling the strong pull upwards through the beam. Suddenly, the light quickly faded and the whoosh became muted, feeling a hard-landing on their feet.

Eren and the others opened their eyes finding themselves underneath the blue, cloudless sky, surrounded by the rustic, straw-roofed buildings of Ponyville. Eren and the others’ gaze looked down on the many colorful ponies that gathered around them in the town square, staring upon them as if Celestia was standing before them.

The humans, including Levi, were equally amazed by Ponyville and the citizens who inhabited it. The town was immaculate, the grass was vibrant and thriving, and most of the ponies looked quite well-groomed and clean. It was certainly a very different change in scenery from Earth. As Eren and the humans continued to look upon the ponies, Luna stepped forwards from the group, gaining silence and respect from her subjects.

“Ponies of Equestria,” boomed Luna, her voice sounding amplified out, “I present to you the heroes from the planet Earth! They have come to take part of our upcoming Summer Sun Celebration as our guests of honor! I request that you treat these humans with the respect and trust that you would with each other. They have endured a lifetime of hardship and have finally been granted a period of well-deserved relaxation, and wish to spend it here with you. With that said, thank you very much. Enjoy the rest of your day!”

Once Luna began talking, the ponies began to murmur to themselves again, unsure of what these alien creatures would be like. Luna walked around the circle of humans and to Armin.

“I’m sure the ponies will be more than willing to help you find your friends’ homes,” advised Luna quietly. “Have fun.”

Charging her horn, Luna disappeared in a bright flash, leaving the humans alone with the citizens of Ponyville. Before anyone could greet themselves, a mint-green unicorn mare with a jade-green-and-white mane and tail poked through the crowd and made her way to Armin. Her golden eyes matched the color of the gold lyre that her cutie mark consisted of.

“Wow,” she gasped, “it’s such an honor to have you here!”

“Uh…” Armin nervously moaned, “thank you?”

“I’m sorry,” she said, standing on her hind legs and extending her hoof to them. “My name is Lyra Heartstrings, but please just call me Lyra.”

Armin instinctively reached out to Lyra’s hoof and grasped it, giving it a firm shake.

“I’m Armin,” he greeted, “and these are our friends.”

“I see!” she responded, setting back on her four hooves. “Ever since one of you joined the Royal Guard, like, a year ago, I just couldn’t help but become completely fascinated by you humans and what you’re capable of!”

“Well, we’re not all that special…”

“Anyways,” Lyra interrupted, ignoring Armin’s comment, “sorry for coming off as a freak there. If there’s anything you need my help with, just let me know!”

“Actually,” Hanji responded, “we’re looking for where our friends live.”

“Your friends?” she asked curiously. “Who are your friends?”

“Twilight? Do you know her?”

“As in Princess Twilight? Who doesn’t know her? I can show you there if you want! Follow me!”

Lyra began to step forwards, wrapped up in her eagerness to help Equestria’s new guests out. At once, seeing their progress being made, the humans picked up their luggage and began to follow the giddy mare out. The other ponies, still amazed by the humans that had come before them, stayed in place to look at each other with confusion.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Lyra finally lead the humans to the large treehouse further into town. Hanji walked past her friends and dropped her luggage to her side, feeling the bark of the tree, amazed by the house’s structure. The other humans, finding the tree almost equally as impressive, stopped in their tracks.

“How is this possible?” asked Hanji, peering inside one of the windows, revealing the shelves of books inside the walls. “There’s no way a tree this hollowed out could be alive like this! It would be like removing the bones from someone’s body!”

“I’m guessing that trees function differently where you’re from?” asked Lyra.

“Don’t prod any further,” Levi solemnly warned, “that is, unless you want her to cram her useless knowledge into your head.”

“Well,” Lyra spoke, feeling awkward at Levi’s rude remark, “this is the local library, and Twilight’s house. Is this all you needed?”

“Well,” Eren spoke up, “I also want to know where Rainbow Dash lives.”

“That’s fine! Anywhere else?”

“How about Rarity?” asked Sasha.

“Or Pinkie Pie?” wondered Conny.

“And Fluttershy,” Jean mentioned.

“Does Applejack live nearby?” asked Mikasa.

“Well,” Lyra chuckled, “it looks like I’ll be giving you a tour of Ponyville then!”

“Actually,” Hanji mentioned. “I was going to wait for her inside if I may.”

“So am I,” Armin stated.

“If I remember Twilight,” Levi said, “than the squirt should be with her too. Petra and I will stay as well.”

“Petra?” asked Lyra, confused at who Levi referred to. “That reminds me! I never got the rest of your names. Silly me! Who are all of you?”

One after the other, the humans raised their hands and gave their names, making their identities known to Lyra.

“Eren,” he said.

“Mikasa,” she responded.

“Jean.”

“Sasha.”

“Conny.

“Hanji.”

“Petra.”

“Levi.”

The mass amount of names seemed to boggle the unicorn, but her smile soon returned as she resumed her pleasant demeanor.

“Thanks!” she responded. “So, Armin, Hanji, Levi, and Petra, you’re staying here?”

“We don’t mean to be rude,” Petra apologized, “it’s just that we wish to surprise when she arrives home.”

“That’s right! Twilight and all those ponies you mentioned are out at Canterlot right now. Are you sure you don’t want a tour?”

“We don’t mind waiting,” Levi bluntly said.

“That’s fine! I’m sure Spike will still be in there to let you in. I think the rest of us will head off now!”

Lyra trotted down the road, leaving Eren and the others to pick their bags back up and follow her.

“Alright, then,” called Armin with a wave. “Thanks, Lyra!”

“Cut that out,” Levi said. “You look like a child doing that.”

Armin slowly put his arm down, feeling somewhat deflated over Levi’s order.

“Well,” Hanji asked. “What are we waiting for?”

Walking up to the red door, Hanji gave it three quick knocks.

“Twilight?” shouted Spike from inside, his voice muffled by the wood barriers. “Gosh. You’re home early.”

Hanji, happy to hear Spike’s voice once again, stepped back with Armin, Levi, and Petra, wanting to look presentably together when Spike greeted them at the door. Hearing his small footsteps come closer, the door finally swung open, revealing the small purple dragon Spike to them.

Spike, upon seeing the four familiar humans standing outside, stepped back in shock. Regaining his footing, Spike leaned forwards and attempted to squint, unsure if his eyes were playing tricks on him.

“Levi?” he asked. “Petra? Is that…”

“Hi, Spike!” Petra chirped with a small wave of her right hand.

Hearing and recognizing Petra’s voice, Spike beamed and his eyes opened wide.

“No way!” he shouted, running to Levi and Petra. “I can’t believe you guys are here!”

Spike jumped up towards the two of them, laughing heartily as both Petra and Levi caught him as he attempted to hug both of their waists.

“What are you guys even doing here?” he wondered. “Where are the others?”

“Luna invited us from our world to yours,” Armin explained. “We finished our mission this morning, so we’re spending some time here. The others are out going to their other friends’ homes to see them.”

“Oh,” Spike responded, suddenly noticing Armin and Hanji. “Hey, Armin. Hey, Hanji!”

“Hi, Spike!” replied Hanji. “You wouldn’t mind if we came in while we wait for Twilight, would you?”

“No, of course not! Twilight should be back any minute now. Come on in, guys!”

Spike ran back to the door and held it open wide for his guests. Armin, Levi, Petra, and Hanji walked inside each one giving him a gracious nod. With everyone inside, Spike followed Hanji in and closed the door behind him.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Lyra led the remains of the group to a hill that was lined with a wooden fence, stopping at the foot of the hill and prompting the others to do the same.

“Applejack’s home is over that hill and down the road,” explained Lyra. “It’s a big red barn, so you can’t miss it. Plus, there’s bound to be some there to let you inside.”

“Thank you,” Mikasa bid as she began to step away from the group.

“Hey, Lyra,” Eren mentioned, “how much longer until we reach Rainbow Dash?”

“It will be a while,” Lyra said. “There are a couple of closer stops before we reach Rainbow Dash’s place.”

“Oh…”

“You’ll be fine from here, won’t you Mikasa?”

“Yes,” she responded.

“Then we’ll be off. I’ll see you later, Mikasa!”

With that, Lyra and the remaining humans headed off on their way to the next home. Mikasa walked up the hill, taking brisk steps to beat the slope. Making it to the top, she found another dip and rise in the hills. At the bottom end of the crest, the trees began to show ripe, red apples hanging from the branches.

Mikasa smiled, knowing she was on the right track. Slowing her pace down the hill with her heavy belongings in hand, she gathered in the serenity of the orchard that now surrounded her on nearly all sides but in front of and behind her. Climbing back up the hill, Mikasa noticed that the gates along the path had ended.

Reaching the top, she had finally found a house in the distance, shaped like a large, red barn. Off to its left, there looked to be a chicken coop and several sheds with bundled hay packed next to it. To its right, there was a small field of corn with an orange-colored building made of barrels. As Mikasa made her way down, a faint buzzing could be heard from the right side of the orchard. Mikasa could tell that it was coming her way, leading her to stop to see what it was.

Riding out onto the path on a blue, wooden scooter was an orange pegasus filly with a cropped, purple mane and tail, her wings flapping furiously as they pusher her forwards. Being pulled from behind was a red wagon carrying a yellow earth filly with a red mane and tail, her head adorned with a large, pink bow and a white unicorn filly with a curly lavender-and-pink mane and tail. Neither pony had a cutie mark adorned to their flanks.

Upon seeing Mikasa standing before her, the pegasus filly stopped her scooter and looked up to Mikasa with awe and confusion. The two other fillies looked over from behind the pegasus and saw Mikasa themselves, sporting equally stunned expressions.

“Whoa…” the pegasus filly gasped. “Is… that one of those humans?”

“I’ve never seen one up close before!” the yellow filly responded.

“Hello,” Mikasa spoke, raising her hand in salutation. “I’m Mikasa. I’m a good friend of Applejack’s.”

“Applejack?” the yellow filly responded, hopping out of the wagon and approaching her. “How do you know…”

The filly stopped upon noticing Mikasa’s Stetson, her eyes instantly widening up.

“Wait,” she said. “You’re… Mikasa? The same one Applejack told me about?”

“I suppose that I am,” Mikasa nonchalantly responded with a shrug.

The filly instantly grew a bright smile, turning to her friends.

“Girls!” she told them. “This is that human my sister was telling me about! The one who kicked the butts of all those titan monsters!”

The pegasus and unicorn, now realizing who was standing before them, looked to each other with amazed expressions. Immediately, the two fillies, along with the yellow one, ran towards Mikasa, encircling her, trying to climb up her legs like kittens, and hopping up and down before her. Mikasa herself couldn’t help but be charmed by their childish enthusiasm.

“I’ve always wanted to meet you, Mikasa!” the yellow filly said. “My sister couldn’t stop talking about you when she got back from her trip! I’m Apple Bloom, her sister!”

“I’m Sweetie Belle!” spoke the white unicorn.

“And I’m Scootaloo!” said the orange pegasus. “And we’re…”

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders!” the three of them shouted in united glee.

“Cutie Mark…” wondered Mikasa, “…Crusaders?”

“Yeah!” Scootaloo explained. “We don’t have our cutie marks yet, so we were out to go and try and get them!”

“But then you came along,” mentioned Sweetie Belle, “and now….”

“Now, what?” asked Mikasa.

“Can we hang out with you?” asked Apple Bloom. “My sister was saying all these great things about you, and now that you’re here, we want to get to know you a little better.”

Mikasa looked up at the expectant, hopeful smiles of the fillies. With the opportunity to wait for Applejack as well as be on good terms with her family, it didn’t take long to decide.

“Of course,” Mikasa said. “I was coming here to wait for Applejack in the first place.”

“Yay!” the three fillies cheered, hugging at Mikasa’s legs.

“Come on!” called Apple Bloom, pulling Mikasa’s leg towards the forest. “We have to show you our club!”

Apple Bloom jumped reached higher up and managed to grab hold of Mikasa’s free left hand with both hooves. As Apple Bloom walked backwards on her back legs, pulling Mikasa’s arm, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stood to their back hooves, pushing on Mikasa’s lower back towards the forest. Humoring them, Mikasa stepped off into the forest, disappearing inside the trees.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Lyra continued to lead Eren, Jean, Conny, and Sasha further into town. Coming up, was an extremely abstract and decorated building. The roof’s shingles were sculpted and colored to look as if they were made from gingerbread, and the edges and tops corners were coated in what looked nearly like frosting. A tower rose from the center of the building, resembling two cupcakes stacked atop each other. Hanging to the side of the bright, pink door was a hanging sign featuring a cupcake on it. The mere sight of it made Sasha look on it in mouth-watered wonder.

“I’m guessing this is Pinkie Pie’s house? Conny asked.

“Yes, sir!” Lyra spoke. “Good guess.”

“What can I say?” he replied with an exaggerated shrugh. “I am a genius, after all.”

Jean rolled his eyes sarcastically, Conny unaware of his reaction.

“You…” Sasha quietly wondered. “You wouldn’t mind if we take a quick stop in, do you?”

“I don’t see why not!” Lyra cheerfully responded.

Sasha shuddered, excited by the paradise she would soon be entering. Lyra pushed the door open with her magic, the top of it hitting a bell that rung loudly.

The look inside the place looked equally as sweet and saccharine. The center parts of the pillars were carved and colored in a swirl of red-and-white like a candy cane. Sitting about on the tables set around the side of the waiting room were wrapped candies and cupcakes of an assortment of colors, the sight of which made Sasha’s hands tremble.

Behind the counter and sweets displays at the back of the room were two mature earth ponies. One was a plump mare who had a light blue coat. Her mane and tail were colored two shades of red, her mane styled as if it were placed on her head by a large piping bag. Her cutie mark consisted of three cupcakes with white frosting grouped together in a downwards triangle. Tied to her was a golden apron with pink, frilly edges.

The other was a lanky stallion with a yellow coat and a short, curly, orange mane and a long, droopy, orange tail, wearing a simple white apron, a white-and-orange striped bow tie, and a white-and-orange baker’s cap. The bridge of his snout was mottled with freckles and his lower jaw protruded out in an underbite. His flank was adorned with three square cakes with white frosting in an upwards triangle.

Hearing the bell ringing, the two ponies looked up to see Lyra and her human caravan with her. While the two ponies looked shocked at the strange creatures in their home, Lyra continued her pleasant smile.

“Why, hello Mr. and Mrs. Cake!” she greeted.

“Ahuh,” Mr. Cake nervously chuckled in a treble voice. “Hello, Lyra! I… see you brought some special guests!”

“Just some humans from Earth. Anyways,” she spoke, motioning to Conny, “this is Conny. He’s a friend of Pinkie Pie’s, and he’s just going to wait here for her to get back from Canterlot.”

“Wait a minute,” Mrs. Cake interrupted in a voice warbly. “Conny? Oh my goodness! It’s finally so good to meet you all!”

As Conny stood nervous and petrified as Mrs. Cake walked around the counter and towards him. Standing before him on her hind legs, she wrapped her arms around Conny’s arms and chest in a tight hug, making Conny’s eyes bulge from their sockets.

“If I had known that Pinkie’s friends from Earth were coming over,” she said, putting the wheezing Conny back down, “I would have made special arrangements.”

“Actually,” Jean spoke up, “our being here was supposed to be a surprise for her… and the rest of her friends.”

“Is it, now? Well, tell you what. You can wait upstairs in Pinkie’s room if you want.”

“That’s kind of you to offer,” Sasha spoke shakily, trying her best to control her appetite, “but we were heading to our other friends’ houses to greet them once they got back.”

“Oh, I see. Conny, Pinkie’s room is the last door at the end of the hall on the top floor. Just try and not wake the foals on the way there.”

“Th- thanks,” Conny said, beginning to walk towards a set of stairs at the left of the building.

“Would you like anything to eat?” asked Mr. Cake.

“I’ll be fine,” Conny said, “but thank you again.”

“No problem.”

“Excuse me…” Sasha whimpered before she swallowed her saliva before it could run over her lips, pointing to several treats on the table. “May I please have one?”

“Why sure! We’d love for our special guests to–”

Sasha had already reached for a cupcake on the table next to her, grabbing it and a couple of wrapped taffies accidentally. Sasha managed to shove everything in her mouth in one massive bite, her animalistic sounds scaring Mr. and Mrs. Cake as well as Lyra. Scaring them further was when Sasha swallowed her treat whole, the mound rushing down her gullet. Sasha coughed and gagged slightly at the pain her stretched maw underwent, but managed to give a weak, but gracious smile to the Cakes.

“Thank you,” she muttered.

Mr. and Mrs. Cake attempted the most genuine and accepting smiles they could. Lyra was just far too impressed.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Conny walked down the first upstairs hallway, carefully keeping his case from bumping into the walls. Passing a closed door on the left, giggling could be heard from inside. Curious, Conny placed his things against the opposite side of the wall and leaned over and put his ear to the door. Conny could identify two sets of laughter, making him smirk.

“Looks like they’re already up,” he whispered.

Just then, Conny tried to lean his ear further into the door, only managing to trip over his own foot and fall into the door. The force and his weight forced Conny to fall inside the room, landing on his stomach inside with a hard thud.

The two foals, one a cream-colored pegasus colt with a brown mane and tail, the other a light-yellow unicorn filly with a orange mane and tail with the former tied with a tiny blue bow, looked at the hurt Conny with a feeling of fear on their wooden beds, looking ready to cry. The two of them looked beyond the age of infancy, but had large, beady eyes to them, the colt’s brown and the filly’s blue.

As Conny struggled to get up, a broom, which was leaning against a wardrobe right of the door, landed on Conny with the handle, smacking his head. Conny rolled around, hissing in pain and humiliation as he gripped his head. However, seeing the strange creature before them in pain, the two began to erupt in shrill, but happy laughter.

Conny brushed the broom handle off his back and managed to get to his knees, finally getting to watch the foals’ laughter for himself.

“Baldy’s funny!” the colt guffawed.

“Again!” cheered the filly, clapping her hooves together. “Again!”

Conny, seeing that the foals were already up and looking up for some play, chuckled slightly himself, rubbing the back of his head.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Lyra took Jean, Eren, and Sasha to the southern part of the town, where the rural homes and buildings gave way to large tents of various bright colors. While Jean and Eren casually took in their surroundings, Sasha felt more alive and relaxed than ever, sighing contently.

“This place looks very lovely,” she complimented.

“You bet,” Lyra spoke. “Only one pony who’s fit for this place.”

Passing another large tent, the four of them reached a taller, circular building that was designed much like a merry-go-round, it’s walls blue and its roofs and awnings pink. On the outside of the second floor of the building, two bridled and saddled wooden ponies were held suspended by a pole, much like the ride itself, another one being painted on the large sign above the door.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique,” Lyra introduced, “workplace and home to your friend Rarity.”

“Wow…” Sasha breathed, overtaken by its majesty, walking up to the door. “This is really where Rarity lives?”

“It is. While Rarity’s away, a new apprentice of hers looks after the home. Her younger sister is probably off with her other friends, so don’t expect her. But, this is your stop. Have fun!”

“Oh!” Sasha exclaimed, turning around to already find Lyra, Jean, and Eren bending off to their next destination. “Goodbye, Lyra. Thank you!”

Turning back towards the door, she gave it a hearty four knocks, idly waiting an answer from whoever was inside. Soon enough, the door opened, revealing a cream colored earth mare inside. She had a bobbed mane of two shades of light-blue with a red-and-purple hair clip in the back, and a tail of the same color. She wore a light-purple sailor color with a white border along with a red tie on her neck. Her cutie mark was a floppy purple hat with a large red feather in the side.

The inside looked very much like a dressing studio, complete with dresses hanging on a wheeled rack, a circular platform with three mirrors surrounding the back third, and mannequins that wore unfinished designs, all surrounded by fuchsia-curtained walls. Upon seeing Sasha before, her the pony squeaked loudly and jumped backwards, crashing onto her rump.

“Oh no!” Sasha said, putting her belongings down and walking up to the startled mare, offering her her hand. “I’m very sorry for scaring you!”

“Don’t be,” the pony responded, accepting the help and letting Sasha pull her back to her hooves. “I’ve heard so much about your kind, it’s just that I’ve never seen you so close. What’s your name?”

“Mine?” Sasha asked, feeling a bit on the spot. “I’m… Sasha. Sasha Braus.”

“Sasha?” she responded. “What a lovely name. I’m Coco Pommel, but please just call me Coco. Is it alright if I asked you why you came to Carousel Boutique?”

“No, not at all. My friend Rarity lives here, and I was just coming to wait before she returns to Canterlot.”

“Oh, you know Rarity? I’d love to hear more about that, but why don’t we talk over tea? I’ll brew some right now.”

Sasha smiled, finding Coco’s company extremely pleasant.

“That would be very nice,” she responded. “Thank you.”

Coco walked to a door at the back of the room. Grabbing her luggage from outside and placing it in, Sasha gracefully and calmly followed Coco into the kitchen through the back door.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Continuing along the southern edge of Ponyville, Lyra stopped at a long eastbound path that seemed to lead away from Ponyville.

“What’s this?” asked Eren. “Where will this take me?”

“Rainbow Dash’s home is just east of Ponyville,” Lyra explained. “Just keep looking up, and you’ll find it before long.”

“Uh…” Eren moaned confusedly, unsure of Lyra’s words before shaking him out of his misunderstanding. “Right. Thank you, Lyra.”

“Eren gave a quick wave to Lyra and Jean before turning onto the path and briskly walking down, looking up and out as Lyra had instructed.

“Come on, Jean,” Lyra motioned, “your friend’s house is this way.”

Lyra walked up north, leading Jean to follow her, leaving the excited Eren behind. As Eren continued on the path, as Lyra had promised, two white structures with streaks of rainbow color on the left floated in the sky above the ground off in the distance. Seeing his objective, Eren picked up his pace to a brisk jog, excited to see the odd, but fascinating structure.

With his faster speed, Eren managed to get a better visual. Sitting upon a cloud with streams and cascades literally made from rainbows on both the left and right sides, was a tall, ice-blue tower with a dome top, supported by grand, white pillars. Spouting from the top of the dome was a rainbow that bowed down towards the stream on the left. The streams looked to run off the clouds like waterfalls, but evaporated entirely halfway down. Connected next to it was another cloud, upon it, a small, pantheon-shaped building with a larger dome structure behind it.

Eren finally reached the buildings, standing just below the center of them. As he placed his bag and case down on the ground beside him, he then heard the sound of something walking upon the cloud, sounding like something walking on a pile of sheets.

To Eren’s shock and surprise, the head of Gilda the griffon appeared past the edge of the cloud. As the griffon’s eye shrunk to focus on the human standing below her abode, Eren looked up in awe at the fascinating new creature. Sliding herself off, Gilda soared down towards Eren and gently landed in front of him, Eren unable to move due to his shock and reverence.

“Cool,” she spoke with a devious smile, scratching the top of Eren’s head with one of her talons, “a new one of you guys to play with.”

“Hey!” Eren shouted, forcefully slapping her claw away with his hand. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Jeez Louise, kiddo,” she chuckled, waving her hand from the slight sting, “you need to lighten up. I’m gonna take a wild guess here… Eren, right?”

Eren’s shock returned upon the mentioning of his name.

Eren said, “How do you–”

“Rainbow Dash told me about you!” Gilda interrupted. “Couldn’t stop talking about you when we caught up on old times. Being that you’re coming out here to see her, probably, I just put two and two together, ya’ know?”

“Right…”

Gilda cocked her head, feeling Eren’s awkward gaze at her as he continued to study her.

“What?” she asked. “Haven’t you ever seen a griffon before?”

“Is that what you’re called?” Eren asked back.

“Hmm, guess not… Anyways, I’m Gilda,” she introduced, extending her claw to Eren. “Great to finally meet you.”

Eren, feeling more comfortable with this creature and her hospitable nature, grabbed hold of her claw and shook it.

“So,” Gilda wondered as she let go of Eren’s hand, “what do you think you’re going to do while you wait for your friend?”

“Is…” Eren wondered, pointing up to the two homes, “that your house?”

“Mine and Dash’s. Sweet cribs, right?”

“Uh… is there any way I could stay up there and wait?”

“Ooh, yeah, about that. Only those with wings can walk on clouds, and I don’t even see any nubs sticking out the back of your shirt, so… sucks to be you!”

Gilda shot back up into the air and flew up back to her house, laughing hard as she left Eren behind.

“Oy!” he shouted. “Come back!”

By then, Gilda was too far out of earshot or her capacity to care, landing on her cloud and walking back to her house. With a tired sigh, Eren picked up his belongings and walked towards the shady shadow that the clouds created from above.

“Strange…” he muttered under his breath.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Jean walked north from Ponyville without Lyra by his side. Soon, the sights of the town were covered by the trees that had begun to grow more in number as he walked. Coming up ahead was a sight that he couldn’t ignore or mistake. Past a small, natural bridge that passed over a creek was a small cottage with a tall grass-laden roof. Hanging abundantly from branches from the nearby trees and the cottage as well were birdhouses of sizes and colors.

“This must be her,” Jean concluded.

As Jean walked onto the bridge and towards the house, many of the birds poked their heads out from the holes to spy on the strange creature coming towards Fluttershy’s cabin from their safe distance. Jean set his stuff down upon reaching the door and knocked on it gently.

“Hello?” Jean asked. “Is anyone home?”

The door opened, but from Jean’s angle, no one appeared to be there. Looking down for the answerer of the door all he could see was a white rabbit holding the door open, looking up at Jean with wide eyes.

“What the…” Jean wondered.

The rabbit shrieked, his fur standing on end. The rabbit then slammed the door, nearly knocking Jean back. As Jean went to push the door in, he heard the sound of a lock clicking inside. Jean pulled at the handle, only for the door to not budge.

“Hey!” Jean shouted, pounding at the door. “Let me in! I’m a friend of Fluttershy’s! Come on, open the door!”

As Jean continued to bang away, the birds, as well as some squirrels, chipmunks, and ferrets in the creek, all hid in whatever safe haven they could, frightened by Jean’s seemingly hostile behavior. Jean, realizing he was fighting a losing battle, turned around and slid down the door, sitting on the ground. Jean buried his face into his palm, embarrassed about being locked out by a bunny.

“You, human from wherever you roam,” called a deeper, female accent, “what are you doing at Fluttershy’s home?”

Jean looked up to see a zebra pony on the other side of the bridge to Fluttershy’s cottage. Her mane was styled in a Mohawk, and her neck, ears, and left forearm were adorned in gold rings. Upon her flank was a sun-like symbol, its center a large spiral and the rays being small triangles. The pony looked quite cross with him, which Jean instantly realized.

“Please, listen,” Jean requested, standing up. “I’m a good friend of Fluttershy’s and I was just coming to surprise her when she got back home from Canterlot.”

The zebra looked upon Jean with intense scrutiny, walking across the bridge and to Jean, who looked nervous with his approach. Standing to her hind legs, she pinned Jean’s shoulders to the cottage wall with her front hooves, moving her head closer to his.

“For me, the portal of truth and lies,” she chanted, “is found in the luminance of one’s eyes, so speak up, you creature most queer. What exactly is your purpose here?”

Jean began to freeze up with the pressure mounting him, but managed to speak his case.

“My name is Jean Kirschtein,” Jean explained. “A year ago, Fluttershy and her friends came to my world during a war to help us when our backs were against the wall. We became good friends, and now, Princess Celestia invited me and my friends here to Equestria and to reunite with them. Is that good enough, you crazy horse?”

Zecora squinted into Jean’s eyes, making Jean frightful once again, feeling as if he had put his foot in his mouth. However, Zecora slid off his vest and backed away.

“My sincerest apologies, Jean,” she spoke. “I think my rationality was gone. Now that you say it, I’ve heard your story. A tale from Twilight of humanity’s glory. Now I believe you, every word. Forgive me for being so absurd. I am Zecora of the Everfree. Won’t you please shake hooves with me?”

Zecora extended her hoof out to the massively confused Jean. He even found his handshake with her loose and awkward due to his lack of focus.

“Why are you talking like that?” asked Jean.

“Talking like what?” Zecora asked. “The way I rhyme? It’s just how I speak; every time.”

Jean’s eye twitched, unsure how or why she could speak that way to him.

“I… wha– Never mind,” he relented. “I’m not sure what you’re doing here, but I’m glad that you are.”

“Whatever do you mean?” What happened to you? I’ll lend you my time and see what I can do.”

The other animals, seeing Zecora comfortably talk to Jean, peeked their heads out to watch, becoming less frightened of him.

“I wanted to wait inside for Fluttershy,” Jean said, “but this white rabbit locked me out.”

“Ah, yes, Angel, Fluttershy’s bunny,” hissed Zecora. “His treatment of you is far from funny. I can get him out and let you through, but I will require assistance from you.”

“Huh? And what’s that?”

Zecora gave Jean a confident, sly smirk.
________________________________________________________________________________________

At the sparsely populated Ponyville train station, a train had pulled in from the south, wheezing to a stop, each of the passenger cars lined up perfectly at the station. The doors began to open, and out of the second car came Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy. Each of them were very close to each other as they tried to finalize their conversation before they broke away.

“How much longer until you are done with the dresses?” asked Twilight to Rarity.

“I suppose with a few extra hours of experimentation,” Rarity said, “I should have them ready later this afternoon.”

“So we should come by after dinner?” asked Applejack.

“How about this? We’ll all meet at Au Clopin for dinner. My treat of course.”

“Rarity,” spoke Fluttershy, “you don’t need to do that. We’re more than capable of paying our own way.”

“Fluttershy, if these dresses perform well at the Summer Sun Celebration ball, I’ll have more than enough bits to pay for your meals at the café for a week!”

“Well, if you’re really up to it,” Applejack said.

“I am, I will. Now please, let’s get home and freshen up.”

“Way ahead of you, Rarity!” Rainbow Dash called as she flew up and out east. Fluttershy took off north for her home while the other ponies stepped out of the station platform and split off for their homes.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Twilight was happy approaching her door. With a long tiring trip in Canterlot, all she was in for was a nice, long nap to recharge herself. As she put her hoof to the door to push it open, she heard the sound of laughter inside, not just from Spike, but from several other voices as well. Twilight, slightly unsure, pushed her door open and stepped inside the library, finding it empty.

“Spike?” shouted Twilight. “Who’s up there with you?”

“It’s Twilight,” called Armin’s voice from upstairs.

Twilight gasped at the sound of Armin’s voice, recognizing it instantly. While she couldn’t believe it at first, she heard several footsteps quickly descend the stairs at the back of the room. Sure enough, Twilight saw with both widening eyes and smile as Armin, Hanji, and Petra poured into the room from the stairs, standing before her. With a flare of her wings and a bright, happy gasp, Twilight finally saw that her eyes weren’t deceiving her.

“Armin!” she cried out. “Hanji!”

Twilight galloped straight for Armin and Hanji, each of their eyes wet and their smiles equally wide as Twilight jumped into both of their embraces, viciously nuzzling her body onto them as the both held her tight, her wings wrapping both of them in an equally tight hug. Petra giggled at their loving reunion as Levi and Spike nonchalantly came down the stairs.

“You guys!” Twilight panted, settling down and giving her friends space. “What are you guys doing here? Is the mission done already?”

“Yeah,” Armin answered. “Luna then came and took us all to Equestria to attend the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“That sounds wonderful! Are the others here too?”

“Yes,” Hanji answered. “They’re going and surprising their other friends at their homes like we did for you.”

“Well, I’m glad you did, because I want nothing more than to celebrate the Summer Sun Celebration with all of my friends.”

Armin and Hanji smiled, glad to still be thought of so by Twilight She then pushed past them and up towards the stairs.

“Come on!” she called, stopping and turning around. “I want to hear all about your travels!”

As Twilight went up the stairs, Armin and Hanji gave each other a nod before they followed her up. Petra, Levi, and Spike retired upstairs as well, hoping to add more to their discussion.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Applejack trotted up over the last hill to her home, she could hear the faint giggling of three fillies inside the orchard.

“Hm,” pondered Applejack. “Strange. I could have sworn they would have been off crusadin’ by now.”

Applejack turned into the field of trees, following the merry laughter of her sister and two friends. Coming into view was a small, orange treehouse perched on one of the larger trees in the orchard, the tree growing up through the center of it. Two green ramps elevated from the ground to it. As he passed through the clearing, she found Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo playing with a female human, her back to Applejack.

Applejack watched as Scootaloo charged at the human and jumped into her waist, toppling her over and landing on her stomach. The three fillies laughed while the human, whose face was now visible to Applejack, smiled contently at their energy.

As Scootaloo jumped off Mikasa, the latter turned to see Applejack standing there, completely blown away that the friend she hadn’t seen in a year was now right in front of her. Mikasa herself managed to stand to her knees and stare into Applejack’s moistening gaze.

“Mikasa?” asked Applejack. “Is that really you?”

Mikasa smiled and gave her a single nod, chuckling slightly now that they were together again.

“Mikasa!” Applejack shouted, charging at her friend with tears flying off her eyes.

Mikasa threw her arms open to embrace Applejack, only to plow into her and knock her to her back. Regardless, Mikasa and Applejack managed to get a grip on each other as they both pulled themselves closer to each other in a friendly hug, each one laughing. Applejack then stood over her former partner held her hoof out for her.

“Sorry ‘bout that,” Applejack apologized as Mikasa grabbed hold of her hoof and pulled herself to her feet. “Guess I don’t know my own strength.”

“It’s alright,” Mikasa pardoned. “I have forgotten as well.”

“Girls,” Applejack introduced, turning back to the three fillies, “I’d like you to meet a very good friend of mine: Mikasa Ackerman.”

“We know already,” spoke Apple Bloom. “I mean, we’ve been playing with her for the last hour.”

Applejack chuckled at her absentmindedness and Apple Bloom’s wisely sharp remark.

“Wait!” Applejack exclaimed. “Let me introduce you to the rest of the family, Mikasa. I know they’d love to meet you!”

Mikasa smiled, knowing Applejack would be happy with her acceptance.

“Sure,” she admitted. “I’ll follow you.”

“Come on!” called Applejack, already beginning to walk from the forest. “It’s just down the hill!”

Mikasa ran back to the right edge of the clearing, placing her hat back onto her head and grabbing her luggage, jogging to catch up with Applejack while the three fillies followed her.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Zecora knocked on the door to Fluttershy’s house. As expected, there didn’t seem to be an answer. Zecora’s genuine looking smile didn’t seem to leave her face, however.

“Angel, oh Angel, you rambunctious pet,” she chanted in sing-song, “Do I have a wonderful treat? You bet. If this treat you want me to confide, then all you must do is come outside.”

On cue, Jean who hid on the right side of the house, peeked around and tossed Zecora a carrot, which she caught in her teeth. Looking back at the door, a click came from inside and it slowly creaked open, the suspicious bunny poking his head out.

Seeing the plump carrot in Zecora’s grasp, Angel smiled and began to hop towards her. Zecora dropped the carrot on the ground before her, leading the rabbit to pick it up and chomp on it like there was no tomorrow. As Jean tiptoed around the cottage and towards the door, his case and bag in his left hand, he looked to Zecora and patted his heart with his free palm in respect and thanks. Zecora merely gave him a playful wink.

“Now that I have given you your food,” Zecora spoke, rubbing Angel's ears with her hoof, “you will now learn to not be so rude.”

Angel perked up in confusion, the half-eaten carrot still in his grasp. Turning behind him, he saw as Jean’s foot slipped inside and the door closed. Angel spat bits of carrot out and ran to the door, dropping the rest of the carrot behind. Angel then began pounding on the door, warbling at Jean inside to let him in.

“Such is the punishment that’s deserved of you,” concluded Zecora as she took the path towards Ponyville, “and with that, I bid you, ‘Adieu.’”

Angel couldn’t be bothered to listen as he continued to bang on the door. Inside, Jean looked around the interior, noting its green, wooden floorboards and brown walls. Along with the rugs about the floor and the brick fireplace/stove combo, minus the numerous dog beds and bird houses all about the room, it looked rather cozy. With a triumphant sigh, Jean set his things down and made his way to the green couch at the back of the room.

Approaching the cottage from up in the air, Fluttershy looked down to see Angel continuing to hit the door. Instantly, she gasped in fear and swooped down towards him.

“Oh, goodness!” she sighed, fluttering down and landing. “I didn’t lock you out while I was gone, did I?”

Angel, happy to see his owner there, began to warble at Fluttershy, using his hands and motions to assist in the story.

“What?” she squeaked. “A big, scary monster? And Zecora let him in?”

Angel nodded vigorously.

“That sounds unlike her… Oh, maybe I’ll have one of my other friends do it.”

The half-eaten carrot struck her in the head. Looking down at Angel, he crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently.

“Oh,” she mumbled, “okay. I’ll do it for you…”

Fluttershy slunk up to the house ad began to push the door slowly open. Jean, seeing Fluttershy’s hoof push it open, stood to his feet, almost gasping at the sight. Angel slipped in through the smallest crack he could and began pointing at Jean, showing her the monster.

Fluttershy, seemingly filled with purpose, leapt inside the house, sporting an angry growl on her face. On the way down, she cowered back down, covering her eyes with her arms and falling to her stomach, trembling.

“Please, Mr. Monster,” she begged, “please don’t eat us!”

“Why would I do something like that?” Jean’s voice responded.

Recognizing the voice, all fear within Fluttershy stopped. Looking up, she saw Jean standing in her living room, in the flesh, the happiest toothy smile on his face. Fluttershy breathed in hard, her smile growing wide.

“Jean!” she shouted, galloping towards him.

Jean chuckled in delight as Fluttershy ran closer, jumping into his open arms and letting him hold her tight around her mid back, her face nuzzling into the side of his neck.

“It’s really you!” she cried, her tears beginning to stream down onto the collar of Jean’s shirt. “I missed you so much!”

“Yeah,” Jean choked up, stroking her back between her wings. “Me too.”

Angel stood still, completely dumbfounded with his owner’s complete trust and love for the strange creature. Still petrified, Angel fell over onto his back and fainted.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Pinkie Pie burst inside Sugarcube Corner, a burst of confetti blasting from behind her seemingly out of nowhere.

“Hellooooooo, Cakes!” she called out.

“Why, hello, Pinkie dear,” greeted Mrs. Cake from inside the shop.

“I thought I’d let you know that there’s a guest waiting upstairs for you!” added Mr. Cake.

“A guest?” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “That’s like receiving a letter! Only it’s a pony!”

Pinkie Pie zipped upstairs, the Cakes giving them unsure smiles to each other. On the first floor, Pinkie Pie could hear laughter coming from the foals’ room, making her stop. With a shrug, she walked back to the door and opened it wide.

“Alright,” she spoke, “I guess I can say hi to–”

Pinkie Pie’s words were stopped as she saw Conny sitting on the floor and holding onto the filly while the colt sat on the floor in front of him. Her eyes were wide open and mouth agape. However, it was Conny and the foals who broke the silence.

“Pinkie!” the three shouted in unison.

“Conny!” Pinkie Pie cheered, hopping up in excitement.

Putting the filly down, Conny stood back up and walked up to Pinkie Pie as she came up to him halfway. Standing on her hind legs, she went in for a tight, gripping hug, but Conny managed to get his arms around the pink mare as well, each of them giving each other near-suffocating hugs. The two foals also ran over to her and hugged her legs.

“Oh my gosh!” Pinkie Pie realized. “You’re here from Earth to surprise me, and you two are up to say hi to me! This is like the best surprise I could ever ask for!”

Pinkie Pie squeezed again, the sheer force making Conny let go and give an excruciating grunt.

“Hey,” wheezed Conny, rubbing both Pinkie Pie’s mane and back, “you mind letting me go so I can breathe?”

“Oh, sorry…”

Pinkie Pie relinquished Conny from her grip, allowing him to gasp in vital oxygen. However, Pinkie Pie’s arms were stuck in her ring shape. Waving her arms out back to normal and flexible again, she set them back on the ground.

“My doctor said I have to cut down on my hugs,” she explained. “Making my arms really stiff.”

Conny chuckled heartily, both from Pinkie Pie’s funny gag and his gladness to see her again.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Sitting at a blue-sheeted table next to the large window inside the modest, light-lavender-colored kitchen, Sasha tilted her cup nearly upside down, draining the last of the dark liquid into her mouth, placing it back on the saucer. Sasha then reached for the teapot in between her and Coco, pouring herself another cup.

“That's your third cup,” Coco commented a touch nervously. “You must really like that tea.”

“Are you kidding me?” Sasha asked. “Black tea is a luxury where we come from. That’s certainly one think I love about this world; you seem to have a lot of what we don’t.”

From inside the studio, a bell could be heard as it was hit by the top of the entrance’s door. Sasha and Coco turned to the kitchen entrance, wondering who was coming.

“Coco!” Rarity’s voice sung from the studio. “I’m home!”

“Rarity!” shouted Sasha, sliding her chair out from under the table and running to the door.

Sasha burst through into the studio, the sound shocking Rarity as she darted her body to the kitchen door, seeing Sasha stop upon seeing her. Rarity felt shivers run up her spine as she saw her familiar friend stand before her. Sasha squatted down and clasped her hands over chest, her giddiness and excitement making her weak at the knees.

“Sasha?” Rarity giggled quietly. “Is it really…”

“Aha!” Sasha laughed bursting upwards and running towards Rarity with her arms wide open.

“Sasha!”

Rarity galloped towards Sasha and leapt towards her. Coco came in and saw as Sasha caught Rarity around her back and twirled her around, overjoyed to feel her warmth and soft coat on her. Coco stifled a touched chuckle, watching as both of them snuggled their faces into each other’s.

“Sasha!” Rarity panted. “Whatever are you doing here?”

“We finally finished our mission,” said Sasha. “Celestia then invited us for this celebration of yours and brought us here to surprise you!”

“Well, surprised I am, and I couldn’t be happier to see you! Oh, you have to tell me all about it! Coco, can you brew some tea?”

“I already have,” she responded. “Sasha was just telling me all about her time with you on her world.”

“Oh. Very good then! Sasha, would you please join us in the kitchen?”

“Of course I will, Rarity,” Sasha replied. “Thank you.”

Rarity happily pranced past Sasha and Coco into the kitchen, delighted and excited to hear all about her friend’s adventures over a hot cup of tea. Coco and Sasha briskly walked back into the kitchen, more than happy to share Rarity’s company.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Rainbow Dash’s home came in sight. With a soft, warm bed on her mind, she didn’t even notice Eren as he waited underneath the shade of her and Gilda’s home. Eren, seeing the familiar blue-and-rainbow streak in the sky, chuckled in a quick exhale, running out to make his presence known. As he appeared out, Rainbow Dash’s body disappeared over the surface of the cloud, confusing him.

“Ah!” Rainbow Dash sighed, landing on the plush cloud. “Home sweet home!”

“Yo, Dash!” called Gilda, poking her head out from her front doorway.

“Hey, Gilda!” called Dash. “Did you wake yourself up just to say hi to me?”

“No,” she responded, pointing downwards, “but your friend down there might have.”

“Friend?”

“Oy, Rainbow Dash!” shouted Eren’s voice.

Rainbow Dash’s ears wiggled upon hearing the incredibly familiar and distinctive voice. Wondering if her ears were deceiving her, she leapt to the edge of her cloud and peered downwards. Eren, seeing her eyes meet his, gave a welcoming smile and a cheeky giggle, almost as if chiding her for forgetting him. Rainbow Dash’s eyes grew wide, and with a loud, enthusiastic gasp, she jumped off her cloud and flew about excitedly.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!” she squealed. “EREN!”

Nosediving down, she swooped up and scooped up Eren under her arms, squeezing him tight as she soared back up in the air. Eren, enamored with Rainbow Dash’s energy and warm, soft body against his, threw his arms around her back just below the base of her flapping wings as she hovered high above the ground.

“Oh my gosh, Eren,” Rainbow Dash wept, rubbing her face and wet eyes into his chest, “you have no idea how happy I am to see you!”

“Yeah,” Eren hoarsely sighed, “I missed you too.”

“Hey, Rainbow Dash!” called Gilda as she stepped further outside her house. “You might want to put him back down before you drop him.”

“Huh?”

Eren looked down, to see that he was roughly fifty meters above the ground, making him instinctively squirm in shock.

“Relax, dude,” Rainbow Dash chuckled, keeping her grip tight on him. “Let’s get you down before one of us hurts you.”

Eren snickered as Rainbow Dash fluttered lower to the ground. Gilda watched the two of them with an eager smirk.

“Oh yeah,” she confirmed. “He’s going to be lots of fun.”