I wake up and I prepare for another boring day. Seriously, there’s nothing going on, and I’m just used for manual labor because these ponies can’t design tools they can actually use. I’m told that today I’m going to be working the construction site again. Joy, more pulling things moving things, I’m bored already.

I’m back on the tower, and doing the usual thing. Hammering pegs, lifting things, just being ‘useful’ in general. I’m getting tired of this, mainly because sometimes I have to wait on others to finish what they’re doing first. I just wanna go back to Ponyville and... I dunno, do something not this.

I continue my labor and after a while I just want to get this done so I just end up doing pretty much everyone’s job for them and it actually does go faster.  Seriously, these guys are slow as bricks, dumb as them, and they just keep looking at me like I’m some kind of alien just because I can do their job better than them.

After a bit, I’ve done a whole days work in three hours and I’m feeling a bit more wiped out than usual, but hey, I made progress. The other workers are still looking at me funny and talking amongst themselves. Then I see some guy struggling with a large I-beam... on his back. I sigh and walk up to him.

“Hey, rather than carrying something heavy, why don’t you just let someone better do it?” He turns around and almost hits me with the I-beam. “Come on, I don’t have all day.”

Another worker comes up to me. “Hey, uh... we need a spot welder, do you think you could do that for a bit?” I shrug.

“Sure, where’s the blowtorch?” At this, the worker looks confused. Right, they use magic for all this. I sigh. “Sorry, but I can’t really help you then.”

“But... we thought you could shoot fire.”

“Oh sure, let me just turn my powers back on and help you with your menial-” Suddenly I am on fire. “Woah! When...”

“You’ve been glowing for the last few hours...” I give him a rather peeved look. “We uh, figured you knew and uh... didn’t wanna get in the way.”

“Well then in that case, I’m gonna see you chumps later.” I climb my way down the unfinished structure and am about to leave the construction site when I’m stopped by the guards. “Your sentence is not over yet. You can’t leave.”

“Oh come on, I have my powers back! I’m bored!” The head guard gives me a look and I just return to my tasks. That said, I actually can do some spot-welding, and I am a much greater help in general with my powers back, just as I predicted. Soon the day is done and I made a lot of progress. Apparently, just a few more days of this and I can go home. At least I have something to look forward to.

“So, this is looking to be our last session, Anthony. You’ve got your powers back, and the gym even sent you a second punching bag to keep for yourself. I do hope you’ll stay in touch.” Fluke looks rather sad, giving a wry smile.

“Well let’s see, you guys don’t have phones, e-mail, instant messaging, and as far as I’m aware, not even carrier pigeons. Likelihood of that is probably slim.”

“You could send me letters, like most people.”

“Yeah, I guess. Seriously though, with the way you’ve integrated magic into technology, how come you don’t have telephones yet? Seriously, instant long-distance communication is probably the quickest way to keep tabs on what’s going on in the world.”

“Honestly, the idea has been passed around several times. However, the problem is that whoever starts it would become very rich... and would take away from several high-noble’s trade in dragonfire candles. They’ve rather cornered the market on it, though Nikolta Tesla keeps pushing.”

As in... this world’s version of Nikola Tesla? Damn. Better give some advice. “If this Nikolta guy is anything like I expect; listen to him. Listen to him well.”

“The problem is that he’s certifiably insane. His inventions and spells may work, but the nobles have been sitting on him for nearly a decade now; I only know him because I’m his counselor.”

“Well, sometimes it’s the crazies who have the right ideas. Sometimes, you need a weirdo to get all the sheep out of a rut.”

“... I’m going to assume that phrase makes sense to you. However, there’s really nothing I can do. He’s a brilliant pony, especially for an earth pony, but it’s very difficult for me to help him. However, this meeting is supposed to be about you.”

I grin. “Shouldn’t everything be all about me?”

Fluke laughs. “Ah, no. Unfortunately, there isn’t anyone I know of who is important enough to have everything revolve around them.”

“Eh, if you say so. Anyway, I guess when I get back to Ponyville I’ll hang out there for a while and then move on to finding one of those griffon places to try out. Should be interesting. Especially since I can’t fly.”

“Well, you could always go to Chickago. It’s a fairly large eyrie, and it has ground-access thanks to a well-established pony population. You should be fine.”

“Do you guys have any names that aren’t puns?”

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

I sigh. “Yeah, I know. That’s kinda the problem. Anyway, I guess I’m leaving. Actually, before I go, do you know how I could get a little sit-down with some people in the New York Times? I really would like to give everyone my story rather than have them read a magazine and think I’m boning one of the princesses.”

“Neigh York, but yes. I’ll write a letter; they’ll probably arrive in Ponyville for the exclusive in a week or so. I wish you well, Anthony.”

I nod and we wrap up our session. When I leave the building, I’m escorted to the train station and the guards get off at Canterlot to return to Luna while I stay on for the trip to Ponyville. When I finally get back and I’m off the train, a large projectile and four smaller projectiles slam into my body and knock me to the ground in a big hug. I guess Pinkie and the CMC missed me.

I explain I’m tired and that I’ll chat with them tomorrow. Right now, I just wanna rest. I walk into the library and Twilight gives me a quick ‘welcome back’ before returning to her book. I walk up to my room and lay down on my bed. It really is good to be back. Just gonna sleep...

When I get up the sun is rising, but still morning. Unless she changed her habits, Twilight should still be asleep, which means I have some time to prepare.

“Twiliiiiiight...” No response. “Oh Twiiiiiiiliiiiiight.” She grunts.

Perfect, on to the fun part. I give her a classic, good ol’ bitch-slap across the face. “Wake up!”

That got her attention. “Ow! Hey! What- Augh!” Now that she’s awake, she realizes she’s tied up in some rope attached to the ceiling of the library. “What the hay Anthony!? What’s going on, why am I upside-down? Why did you slap me?”

Just the response I wanted. “Wellllll...” I grin evilly. “That was because you’re a heavy sleeper.”

“What? But-”

I give her another slap. “This is for turning me into a pony.”

*slap* “This is because you kicked me in the nuts that one time.”

*slap* “This is because your science is crappy.”

*slap* “This is because you’re purple.”

*slap* “This is because you’re a little bitch.”

*slap* “This is because I feel like it.”

*slap* “This is because you’re making funny noises.”

*slap* “This is because I like slapping things with this hand.”

*slap* “This is because I find this mildly arousing.”

*slap* “This is because I find it funny.”

*slap* “This is because you’re bruising, wimp!”

*slap* “This is because I wanna see how long I can keep it up.”

*slap* “This is because your face is squishy.”

*slap* “This is because you can’t dodge it.”

*slap* “This is because nobody came to my dance recital!”

*slap* “This is for all the furry midgets in the world.”

*slap* “This is because I’m running out of excuses.”

*slap* “This is because I’m not bored yet.”

*slap* “This is because I’m a dick.”

*slap* “This. Is. Spar-taaa!”

*slap* “This is because nobody’s stopping me.”

*slap* “This is for Jesus.”

*slap* “This is because I’m starting to get bored.”

*slap* “This is because the game I’m referencing isn’t on Steam.”

I keep going, but eventually I get tired so I untie Twilight. She drops to the ground badly bruised and crying quietly. I feel a little bad, but she did break the agreement of no spells on me without telling me first. And she turned me into a pony!

She looks up at me like a kicked puppy and... I actually feel kinda bad. But she deserves it! Well, maybe I went a little far... but she’d done plenty of stuff before the forced transformation. I move to lift her up, and she flinches away from me but I grab her before she can actually retreat. Once I’m holding her, I take her back to her room and put her in her bed. “I consider us even for now. I’d advise that you be a good student and learn your lesson.”

The dazed and beaten Twilight just nods and pulls the covers over her head. My work here is done.

Well, I have nothing else to do, so I head over to Sugarcube Corner. When I get there, I feel like having a different kind of treat than I usually get. Pinkie Pie is talking to some ponies and hands them their orders. When she’s done with that, she comes over to me. “Hiya Anthony, it’s been a little quiet around here while you were gone! You here for a snack or do you wanna chat for a bit? Today’s kinda slow.”

“I’ll have a snow cone.”

“A what?”

“You’ve... never heard of snow cones before?”

“Nope, there’s usually not much to do with snow besides play in it. Well, sometimes ponies eat it but it’s not-”

“It’s not real snow. Would you like me to make one for you?”

Pinkie’s eyes go wide and she gasps. “That would be super-duper! Come on, the kitchen is this way!” She drags me to the back and she pulls out a notepad. “So what do we need?”

I think for a bit. “Hmmm... for just basics... ice cubes. That’s a good start.”

Pinkie walks to a large fridge and pulls out a small bag of ice. “Will this do?”

“Sure, now a blender. We need to chop up the ice.”

With a quick “Gotcha!” Pinkie pulls out a blender from a cabinet and hands me the bag of ice. I pour the ice in and use the blender to grind it up until the ice is just a flurry of small, hard,  ice crystals. I get the ‘snow’ out with an ice cream scoop and mash it together into a hard-packed ball. Putting it in a cup, I continue with the next ingredient.

“Now we need some fruit syrup.”

“What kind of fruit?”

“Hmmmm... you got any lemons? Wait, this is a baker-”

“Here you go!” She’s holding up a bunch of lemons and a lemon squeezer.

“Thanks.” I just stop questioning her, for the sake of my sanity. I squeeze all the juice I can out of the lemons and once I have half a pitcherful, it’s time to make it into syrup... somehow.

Pinkie and I think for a bit, and she gets an idea. “How about we add a buncha sugar? The lemon is kinda sour, so it wouldn’t be too sweet and the sugar will make it thick.”

I think for a bit and, not having any better ideas, we decide to do just that. Pinkie pours about four cups of sugar into the pitcher and starts mixing it up. Once it’s fairly thick, I pass Pinkie a small cup with a ‘snowball’ in it and I pour the lemon syrup into it. Pinkie watches curiously as the syrup is absorbed by the ice and mixes together.

“Go ahead.” I say. “Eat the yellow snow!” Pinkie looks at me with an amused “eeeew” face, and swallows the entire snow cone in one gulp.

“That was good!” I make one for myself and it’s a bit sweeter than I expected, but she’s right that it’s good. Pinkie then gets her ‘idea’ face. “We should totally make more of these and serve them! I gotta show the Cakes! Be right back!” In her usual blur, Pinkie rushes out and returns with said bakers in tow.

“Pinkie Pie said you had something to show us... I think?” Mr. Cake looked at me expectantly, as did his wife.

I make two more of the treats and hand them to the Cakes who give my creation a cautious taste test. They look at each other for a bit, and Mrs. Cake speaks up. “And uh... what did you say this is called?”

“A snow cone. It’s literally just crushed ice and thick, sweet fruit juice. I’m surprised you haven’t thought of it.”

“To be honest, so are we... it might be because ice being used as an ingredient and not just to keep things cool is... uncommon.”

“But you like it, don’t you?” Pinkie looks at her landlords hopefully.

“Yes, it’s certainly good but...” Mr. Cake scrunches his face up. “I’m not sure if we’d be able to put this on the menu. Ice is only really easy to get if you live up north or on a mountain, so it’s usually just made into ice cream when ponies get it.”

I shrug. “So make it a promotional stunt. Sugarcube Corner will offer a special dessert ponykind has never seen before. Sure it will be in limited in supply, but I’m sure it’ll get you an increase in customers for a bit.”

Mrs. Cake thinks for a bit. “Hmmm... well they do seem rather easy to make, and we could always use more business... We’ll sell them for this Tuesday only and see how that goes.”

“Also, Pinkie can advertise. Assuming she can get a notification to at least half of Ponyville...”

Pinkie salutes and grins. “You can count on me, Mr. Cake. Leave it to me!”

“Great!” I say. “I’m actually contributing something. Just don’t forget that if you can get other fruits or berries you can use those too. Raspberry is a rather popular flavor for snow cones.”

“But...” Mr. Cake looks at me oddly. “How do we make syrups out of raspberries without it being too sweet? And if we cook it, that could get rid of some of the flavor...”

“Well to be honest, I have no idea how the syrup is made, really. The idea of adding a ton of sugar to lemon juice was just a random guess that worked out.” I shrug. “Guess lemon will have to do for now, unless you can think of a way to make fruit juice thick enough to use. Or you could just use warm honey.”

Mrs. Cake looks at me a little surprised. “Honey... I never thought of that... Your human food is certainly interesting!”

“Eh, I’ll do what I can to expand the pony cookbook. I don’t even understand the whole hay thing anyway, the stuff’s pretty gross.”

“Well, most ponies find it rather delicious.” Mrs. Cake points out. “But I suppose we can agree to disagree. Thank you for letting us use this special treat of yours.”

“No problem.” I make another snow cone and leave the bakery. Returning to the library, I find Twilight reading a book and nursing her cheek. Her fur may have been a sort of light lavender, but that bruise was purple. Guess I did go a bit overboard. Oh well, make-up time.

“Heya Twi. I got something for you.” I hand her the cup and she takes the ball of ice out with her magic. She then presses it against her cheek and sighs, using it as a numbing agent.

“Uh, you’re supposed to eat it. It’s a human dessert.” Twilight rolls her eyes and levitates the ball up to her mouth and licks it. She gets a rather intrigued look on her face.

“You... made this?”

“Yep. It’s a lemon snow cone. The Cakes are gonna make some more and sell ‘em on Tuesday.”

“Interesting. I’ve never seen ice used like this before. It’s so strange. I kinda like it, thanks!”

“No problem. Think of this as my way of saying you’re forgiven.”

“Why though? I mean, I know you didn’t want to be a pony and all, but I thought you’d like it or something. According to Pinkie, your day wasn’t that bad...” She looked up at me sadly.

“Because I like myself the way I am. It’s true that being a pony isn’t nearly as bad as I previously thought, but you still did it against my will. I can’t cast crazy spells for revenge, so I have to do what I can.”

“Yeah, I did agree to not cast spells on you without you knowing what it does and why.”

“And making sure I’m okay with it being cast in the first place.”

Twilight looks at me curiously. “That wasn’t part of the deal, though!”

"I'm altering the deal. Pray I do not alter it further." I say defiantly. “I figured I didn’t have to make that important, but apparently I do. Sure I was mad that I became a pony, but I got used to it and it’s not completely awful. But that doesn’t change the fact that you messed with me in my sleep.”

“O- okay...” She gives me a hopeful look. “F- friends?”

I take her hoof and shake it. “Until you screw up again, sure.”

Next Chapter: Chapter 118 Estimated time remaining: 18 Hours, 16 Minutes