uentin awoke near nine o clock next morning. It was Sunday and the skies had a few passing clouds as light shone through the curtains of his room. He'd guess that little duel he had with Shining Armor the day before wore him out more than he thought. Quentin could hardly believe that this was his fourth day in the land of Equestria. The stallion stepped out the morning and let out a yawn, when he heard a southern accented voice spoke behind him.

"Well G'mornin there Quentin!''

Quentin turned around and saw Applejack smiling at him. Today, she had her blonde mane tied and wore her brown Stetson as she usually did but it didn't matter to him. She was already a beautiful pony with or without it.

Quentin smiled,'' Good morning AJ. Back to the old style huh?''

Applejack giggled. "Yeah, I kinda miss this ol' hat. Ya don't mind do ya?'' Applejack gave her friend an uncertain look, but he just smiled and shook his head.

"With or without the hat, you're still a beautiful pony AJ.''

Applejack blushed and looked away. The human too felt shy from what he said and awkwardly averted his eyes. "So, ready to get started for the day?''

The farm pony immediately whipped her head towards Quentin and spoke. "Oh well Quentin. I was just thinkin, that since its Sunday an all an Sunday's are pretty slow days, I thought that ya might use a day off.''

Quentin looked at Applejack and tilted his head forward, cocking an eyebrow. "Seriously?'' he asked, a bit skeptical.

Applejack nodded and smirked. "Yep, after the hard work ya put into the last few days, I think ya deserve it.''

Quentin continued to eye Applejack until he finally spoke, ''Are you sure, I'm more than ready to do some applebucking or barrel pulling.''

Applejack shook her head, ''Nope, I'm yur employer and I said that yur takin the day off.'' Applejack gave him a wink.

Quentin smiled and sighed, ''Well, if my employer said to take a day off, then I have no choice.''

Applejack nodded triumphantly. "Good,'' she said, but then continued with a whisper." Besides, I can't have ya workin on yur big day.''

The earth pony stallion's ear twitch and Quentin looked at Applejack. "Excuse me, what was that?''

Applejack visibly faltered and smiled nervously. "What, er nothin Quen. Jus, thinkin out loud to myself. Well ya better be runnin along now, an enjoy yur day off!'' Applejack gave her friend a tight, nervous smile.

Quentin looked at her suspiciously. "Oooookay?'' he said slowly, not taking his eyes off of her." Well, I'll see you later Applejack.''

He turned to leave and Applejack waved. "Yeah, see ya later Quentin!'' Applejack called. As Quentin walked away, Applejack let out a sigh, "Whew that was a close one. I'd hate ta spill the beans on the plan.''

Quentin walked out of the perimeters of Sweet Apple Acres and towards Ponyville. "That was weird,'' he said to himself, thinking about the awkwardness Applejack displayed." I wonder what Applejack is up to?''

Within minutes, walking through town, ponies opening up their shops, and businesses preparing for the day. Quentin figured he'd go see if Twilight was up and about yet and walked to the library. He walked up to the doors and knocked three times.

"Coming!'' a female voice called from the inside.

In moments, the door opened to reveal his intelligent unicorn friend. Quentin smiled warmly at her, but she returned with a shocked and surprised expression. "Oh Quentin it's you!'' Twilight exclaimed.

The stallion looked around awkwardly, "Um yeah? That's me,'' he answered.

Twilight tried to cover up her outburst with a sheepish laugh. "Of course it's you. After all, you're the only Quentin in Ponyville!'' Twilight gave Quentin a tight smile.

Quentin looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. "Riiiight, well what are you up to today?''

Twilight looked as if she tried to come up with an answer. "Oh me? Well I'm you know, busy with some notes here practicing my magic there, nothing exciting really.''

"Well do you need some company? Maybe I can help you with-'' Quentin began but was cut off by a yawn.

"Twi, what's going on?'' It was Spike, walking groggily towards them whipping the sleep from his eyes. Quentin and Twilight both looked at the dragon and Quentin smiled.

"Hey there Spike, how's it going?''

Almost immediately, Spike shook himself awake and he dashed his way to on top of Twilight's back. "Hey Quentin it's you!'' the little dragon beamed as Twilight gave off an annoyed look.

"That's my name, don't wear it out,'' Quentin smirked.

"Oh man, you must be so excited?!'' Spike suddenly blurted out.

Quentin's face fell blankly and Twilight looked alarmed and worried, quickly looking back and forth from the confused earth pony to Spike.

"Excited...about what?'' Quentin asked, tilting his head ignorantly.

As Spike was about to open his mouth to speak, Twilight glared at him, her horn glowing as she used her magic to magically seal Spike's mouth shut. Spike muffled and ran his claws along his mouth as he tried to speak, but to no avail, it was actually quite humorous to be honest. Quentin looked at the display with his face slightly scrunched. He opened his mouth about to speak, but Twilight cut him off.

"Well it was nice seeing you today Quentin!'' Twilight began with a nervous, giggle. "But I really need to um, figure out the uh...solution to a problem I'm working on. So we'll see you later!''

With that, Twilight practically slammed the door in Quentin's face. He frowned slightly, as intelligent and sharp Twilight may be, she was a terrible liar. "Ok I'll just see what the others are in to,'' Quentin muttered, irritated by Twilight's act.

Twilight peeked out the window and sighed relieved as she saw Quentin walking away. She levitated Spike off her back and undid the spell she cast on his mouth, frowning angrily at him.

"What you do that for?!'' Spike said cantankerously, rubbing his mouth.

"Spike you almost gave out the secret to Quentin. He can't know about it yet!'' Twilight scolded the dragon.

Spike just rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright my bad. I just forgot about it that's all.''

Twilight just shook her head. Quentin walked through town on his way to Sugarcube Corner. As he walked, Quentin could see construction on the buildings and area where the chimera attacked was just about completed. But it was the passing ponies that was boggling his mind. As the human walked passed, he could see them whispering to each other. Quentin walked a by a group of female ponies, one was a pony with a light purple coat, a dark purple mane and a cutie mark of grapes and a strawberry, the other pony had a faint yellow coat with an orange mane and tail and her cutie mark was that of three carrots. The third pony had a light apple greenish grey coat with a mane and tail of cobalt blue with a light fuchsia highlights running down the middle.

The trio where earth ponies, whispering amongst each other. When Quentin stopped and looked at them, they looked at him blankly and then burst out into giggles and walked away with each other. Quentin rolled his eyes and continued onward until he saw the familiar, gingerbread building. He went to the back door and knocked.

"I wonder what Pinkie Pie in into with all her craziness,'' Quentin chuckled to himself.

In moments, the door open and Quentin was greeted by his bubbly pink pony friend. She beamed at the stallion. "Hiya Quentin!'' she greeted excitedly, but then had a look of shock. ''Quentin?!'' she exclaimed.

Quentin shot an agitated look at her, "Uh, yeah?'' he responded." I just wanted to come over to see what you were up to.''

Pinkie slapped her hooves to her mouth and bounced, as if she was trying to keep from losing her lunch. Quentin just looked at her, trying to comprehend what she was doing. She spoke, thought it was slightly inaudible from behind her hooves.

"Sorry Quentin, I can't talk right now. I, I...I need to take Gummy to get some clothes!''

Quentin cocked an eyebrow. "Take Gummy to get clothes?!'' he asked, raising his voice a bit by the strange answer." Since when did-'' he began, but Pinkie cut him off.

"Oh I think I hear Gummy calling me. I gotta go, by Quentin!'' Pinkie said and with that, she slammed the door in Quentin's face.

The human turned stallion stood there and frowned as he turned to walk away. "Alright, this is starting to get pretty damn annoying,'' Quentin grumbled.

It was the same way with his other friends. Rarity said she was busy with an order from a client and couldn't talk, and Fluttershy claimed that her pet rabbit Angel bunny was sick and had to take care of him. Even Rainbow Dash couldn't hang out with Quentin because she claimed to be housesitting for a guy named Harry as 'Harry' went to the beach for vacation. Quentin would've believe them too...if they weren't so awkward and fumbled about their excuses. He found himself walking along a meadow, sulking about the treatment of his friends towards him.

"What is going on with them?'' Quentin asked himself. "They're acting like they don't want to spend time with me. And I know those excuses they gave were bullshit!''

He kicked a rock as Quentin walked, but then had a thought. "Does it has something to do about the other day?''

Quentin remembered that when he and Applejack got back to the farm after visiting Canterlot, from his bed room window he saw Spike running up to Applejack and began talking about something. Curious, Quentin quickly ran downstairs and outside just as they were about to take off somewhere. When the stallion attempted to join them, Applejack insisted that they go alone and for him to stay at the farm. It was a weird, but troubling occurrence. What were they keeping from him? Quentin was so caught up in deep thought that he wasn't paying attention to wear he was going and the deep thinking pony walked faced first into a tree.

"Ow damn it!'' Quentin cursed as he fumbled backward and fell on his haunches.

Quentin rubbed his aching forehead as he continued to grumble and curse under his breath. "Great, first my friends are avoiding me, now I had to walk into a god damn tree!''

He gazed up into the skies and winced as Quentin saw a familiar grey pony zooming high into the air. Derpy flew right above him and looked down and when she saw the brown earth pony, her face lit up and she quickly descended towards him.

"Hi Quentin!'' Derpy greeted happily, hovering just above Quentin, her eyes walled, and carrying a saddlebag filled with mail.

"Hi Derpy,'' Quentin muttered, still sore from waling into the tree.

Derpy's face changed to one of perplexity. "Um Quentin, why are you on the ground?'' Derpy asked, tilting her head.

Quentin sighed. "I walked into a tree and fell back on my rump,'' he grumbled.

Derpy looked really confused now. "Why did you walk into a tree?''

"I didn't do it on purpose!'' Quentin snapped, annoyed.

Derpy hovered back a few inches, a hurt, sad expression on her face. The ill-tempered Quentin gazed at the Pegasus and immediately felt a twinge of guilt. He sighed, ''I'm sorry Derpy, I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just I've been thinking about some things.''

"It's ok Quentin, what were you thinking about?'' Derpy asked, coming closer to him.

Quentin thought for a moment, thinking of the best way to explain it. "It's just that, all of my friends are acting weird today,'' he finally spoke.

Derpy brought a hoof to her chin in thought, her walled eyes suddenly becoming normal for a moment. "Weird, how?'' his pony friend asked.

Quentin shrugged drearily. "I don't know, I went to all of their homes to see if they would want to hang out, they all came up with awkward excuses. They think they had me fooled, but I saw through their lies. It's weird.''

Quentin looked at Derpy who looked as if she was trying to comprehend what he was saying. "So, they're lying to you for some reason?'' Derpy asked.

Quentin nodded.

"Well when somepony does that, it usually means that they don't want to play with you.''

The stallion's heart sank at those words. "They...don't want to spend time with me?'' Quentin repeated softly, devastated.

Derpy nodded uncertainly but when she saw how distraught Quentin was becoming, she tried to cheer him up. "But not those guys. I mean Twilight, Applejack, and the rest they wouldn't do that to anypony espiceally to a nice guy like you!''

Quentin gazed down at the ground, still feeling hurt but the words. Derpy looked at her stallion friend sadly before nuzzling his face softly. "I'm sorry Quentin. Would a muffin cheer you up, I can make you a fresh batch if you want?''

Quentin sighed and shook his head. "No thanks Derpy, I'm not exactly hungry right now,'' he responded glumly.

Derpy continued to look at Quentin sadly when a clock rang sounded from afar. "Oh no, I'm gonna be late for work again!'' Derpy said alarmed. "I'm sorry to have to leave you like this Quentin.''

Quentin shook his head, trying to force a smile. "No you're good Derpy. But thanks for the talk and trying to cheer me up.''

Derpy smiled. "No problem, we are friends after all.''

Quentin smiled faintly back at the pony and nodded. "Yeah, we are.''

Derpy nodded happily, "Well these envelopes aren't gonna mail themselves. Bye Quentin!'' Derpy said, ascending to the sky and flew westward.

Before she could get too far, something didn't feel right and Quentin called her, ''Wait Derpy!''

Derpy halted in the air and turned around. "Yeah Quentin!'' Derpy called back.

"You must be confused, today is Sunday mail doesn't run on Sundays!'' he called.

Derpy blinked blankly. "They don't?''

All Quentin could do was face hoof and shook his head. Derpy flew away and he walked the path back into town.

"Maybe Derpy's right? I mean, they wouldn't just want to stop hanging out with me just like that,'' Quentin tried to convince himself. "Especially Applejack.''

Quentin smiled as he thought of the farm pony. Applejack would be the last one to do that to him. Not the pony that saved Quentin from a pack of vicious Timberwolves. Not the pony that so graciously took in a stranger like him into her home as long as he needed to stay there. Not the pony that charmed him so much to the point where he could hardly speak whenever she says hi. Quentin smiled to himself before finally shaking out of his thought.

"C'mon Quentin, don't start thinking like that. There's no point especially since I'll go home when-'' his train of thought was broken as he saw Twilight tip toing and taking occasional glances around as if she was sneaking somewhere.

Quentin dived behind a nearby tree and peered around it. "Hello and where does Twilight think she's going?'' he asked himself, furrowing his eyebrows a bit.

The stallion watched as the pony proceeded to cautiously make her way to her unknown destination. Quentin frowned at her, "Figure out a solution to a problem my ass,'' he muttered and started to follow Twilight, making sure that he was not spotted.

Quentin followed her past the tent like buildings and to his surprise, Twilight went up to the Carousel Boutique, Rarity's residence. He hid behind a tree as the earth pony observed her knocking on the door. In seconds, Rarity opened the door and began to talk to Twilight in hushed whispers that Quentin couldn't make out what they were saying. Eventually, they nodded at one another and the two left together.

Quentin dashed from behind the tree and started to follow the two unicorns. He followed them past the marketplace, dipping and diving past ponies trying not to lose them. It seems that they were heading west of Ponyville. Twilight and Rarity began to pick up pace and started trotting. Quentin did the same, determine to keep up and to find out what they were hiding. Little did he know that in the skies, Rainbow Dash was watching them from cloud to cloud.

"Aw man!'' Rainbow Dash uttered with a worried look.

She flew at her ridiculous speeds, with a trail of rainbow behind her. Quentin saw her coming and gritted his teeth. "Shoot its Rainbow Dash!'' the human muttered and he hid behind a pair of large hay bales.

He peek over the top and saw Rainbow Dash quickly talking to Twilight and Rarity. Quentin winced at them and suddenly the three turned and looked right at him with alarmed expressions. Almost instantly, the trio started to run a break neck speeds, with Rainbow Dash flying through the air.

"Oh no you don't!'' Quentin frowned and he galloped after them. They ran along familiar white fences in the country part of the town. Twilight took a quick glance over her shoulder and saw Quentin quickly pursuing them.

"Quick, we need to hurry!'' Twilight called to Rainbow Dash and Rarity.

"Go on, I got this!'' Rainbow Dash called.

The two unicorns nodded and proceeded onward as Rainbow Dash reared around and flew towards the galloping stallion. "Man, sorry about this Q,'' Rainbow Dash muttered, as she winced sadly.

Quentin didn't have time to react as she flew and started to fly rapidly around him. "What the-'' was all he could say as Quentin was enveloped by a rainbow tornado.

As quickly as Rainbow Dash flew to him, she flew upward into the sky and saw the tornado spin rapidly, with Quentin inside. The human was lifted from the ground and spun around faster and faster. Soon, the tornado subsided and Quentin fell to the ground. He groggily lifted his head, his eyes rolling around as everything was spinning. The disoriented pony staggered as he tried to get to his feet and lost balanced, falling back onto the ground. Rainbow Dash looked on and sighed with the most regrettable look.

"Sorry Quentin, but it was for your own good.'' Rainbow Dash then zoom towards where Twilight and Rarity was running to.

"Damn that was not fun,'' Quentin said dizzily.

Quentin felt like he was going to vomit, but he held it in. He shook off the dizziness, everything beginning to spin into place. Quentin frowned angrily down the path his three friends ran down.

"Ok, something is DEFINEATLY going on!''

Quentin started down the path. As he ran, he noticed the environment he was chasing his friends through. "Wait a sec, this leads to...Sweet Apple Acres!'' Quentin deduced and sure enough, the charming farm came into view.

Though far, Quentin could make out a purple, white, and rainbow colored specks running into the farmland. He gritted his teeth as he made his way to the farm. Up ahead, Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash quickly made haste to a barn.

"I really am not the sweating type! My mane's getting ruined!'' Rarity complained.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash rolled their eyes. "Well you can fix yourself up when we meet Applejack and the others!'' Twilight retorted.

"There she is!'' Rainbow Dash called, pointing forward.

Distances away was the farm pony in front of a red barn. "Applejack we've got a problem!'' Rainbow Dash called, pointing behind her.

Applejack gazed behind them and she saw her human friend galloping from behind. "Oh no,'' she said under her breath, a fearful look on her face.

"Hurry, hurry, hurry!'' Rarity shrieked.

The two unicorn and the Pegasus made a last sprinting and flying effort past Applejack and into the barn. Applejack looked fearfully Quentin's way as he galloped towards her. She tried to play it cool and smiled nervously as the stallion trotted up to her, a deep frown on his face.

"Well howdy there Quentin? What brings yall to my neck o' the woods?'' Applejack asked awkwardly.

Quentin gave her a stern glare. "Well this IS where I work Applejack,'' he said flatly.

"Oh, yeah right, but I said ya can have the day off,'' Applejack responded, a tight smile on her face.

Quentin ignored the question and got right down to it. "Why did Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity run into the barn?'' he inquired, trying to get a look inside, but Applejack kept blocking his view.

"What? Twilight, Rainbow, an' Rarity didn't come into the barn,'' Applejack said dumbly.

The dreadlocked stallion glared at her, getting annoyed. "Applejack I saw them run straight inside.''

He heard faint whispers inside the barn, and they sounded like Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. Quentin scrunched his face a little. "Is...Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy in there too?''

Quentin tried to get a look, but once again Applejack blocked his view. "Ok, the others are in there I admit,'' Applejack began nervously.

Quentin stared at her. "Well what are you doing in there?''

"Us?! Well we're, uh doin some construction. That's right, need help puttin together the inside of this barn!'' Applejack came up, a nervous, desperate grin.

Quentin frowned at her, clearly not believing her excuse. His frown grew bigger when he heard a loud whisper. "You heard her, she said construction!''

Quentin then heard his friends' futile attempts to sound like work tools. "Well why didn't you ask me if I wanted to help?'' the dark brown equine asked Applejack, not taking his eyes off her.

Applejack struggled to find an answer, until finally she looked at the male with a frustrated glare and stamped her hoof. "Dog gone it Quentin I didn't ask ya cus' I didn't need ya. So would ya stay outta my business and get?!.'' Applejack looked furiously at Quentin, but deep down, she desperately hoped that Quentin would heed her lie.

Quentin continued to glare at h gritted his teeth and shook slightly in anger, but he merely nodded, "Alright, I hear you. Well you do what you need to do. I don't care.'' he muttered, angry but hurt.

Quentin walked glumly out of Sweet Apple Acres. He didn't know where he was going, nor did he care. "First they all lied to me about what they were doing, now they say that they didn't need me?!'' he said angrily to himself.

The stallion was especially hurt by Applejack's comment, the pony that he felt that he was getting especially close to and for her to lie to him and say she didn't need him was a blow to his heart. Quentin walked while in deep, distracting thoughts in his head. He had wandered into a quiet part of the town no ponies about. As the stallion continued to be lost in his quandaries, a loud crashing noise snapped him out of it that was soon followed by a cry.

"Help! Please, somepony help there!''

Quentin looked around in alarm, trying to find the source of the cry. "What? Where did that come from?''

"Help me please! I'm trapped!'' the voice cried out again.

Quentin hastily made his way through the street, trying to follow the sound of the voice. He then went around the corner and into an alley where his eyes were immediately met with a pony trapped under the weight of a fully loaded wagon.

"Please, somepony help!'' he cried out again, trying to free himself from under the pile but to no avail.

"Oh crap! H-Hold on I'll help!'' Quentin called as he galloped down the alley as fast as he could.

He made to the trapped equine and immediately pushed his body against the wagon. Quentin gritted his teeth as he pushed his strong body to try and lift the heavy wagon.

"Just…hold…on…'' the struggling Quentin growled through gritted teeth. The pinned down stallion looked up at Quentin with a distressed gaze.

For the next few moments, Quentin struggled to move the wagon, its size and the weight of the contents on it proving to be quite difficult. However with all the energy he could muster, Quentin was finally able to start lifted the wagon. Inch by inch, the wagon began to lift off the ground until it was high enough for the pony to squeeze from under it.

"C-Can you move now?'' Quentin asked, trying to hold up the heavy load.

"Y-yes I think so-I'm out!'' the once trapped pony cried out, having wiggled himself out from his predicament.

Instantly, Quentin released the wagon and it fell back unto the ground with a brief, loud noise as some of the contents crashed onto the ground. Quentin breathed heavily, trying to catch his breath from the muscle demanding task.

"Whew! That was not a light load!'' Quentin breathed out. He then turned to the pony with a more concerned face. "Are you alright sir?''

Now that the pony was free, Quentin could now see his full appearance. The stallion seemed to be somewhat elderly. He appeared to be an earth pony with a dark grey coat. He had a shoulder length, white, spikey mane with a chin length braid in front of his left ear along with a white chin goatee the tapered down to his chest. Around his body he wore a brown, shaggy cloak with loose sleeves. He also had a pair of very peculiar eyes. His left eye was a pale magenta color while his right was deep cyan.

The freed pony shook his head before reaching for a wooden staff that was taller than he was with the top forming a crescent shaped curve. With the aid of the staff, the pony stood up and to Quentin's surprise, he let out loud, slightly obnoxious sigh.

"Whew-we! Certainly wasn't expecting that this morning!''

Quentin blinked a few times as he stared at the stranger, a bit shocked by his reaction.

The stranger then walked towards his wagon, the sound of his staff tapping the ground as he did so. "I was beginning to think nopony was going to here me.''

Quentin stared at the stranger pony before coming back to his senses. "Um excuse me sir, but are you ok?'' he asked as he advanced slightly forward.

The stranger then suddenly whipped his head towards the young stallion before grinning widely.

"Oh me? Oh sure I'm fit as a fiddle! Believe it or not, this isn't the first time this happened to me.''

"What happened?'' Quentin asked, walking forward.

The stranger chuckled, ''Ah this wagon that's what. This old thing is always losing a wheel. Here's a lesson,'' the stranger then leaned into Quentin as he continued with an informing tone. "Never buy a wagon at such a low price. It's too good to be true.''

Quentin scrunched his face at the somewhat strange advice as he backed away awkwardly. "Yeah, I'll remember that.''

The stranger then smiled as he spoke, ''Yep, no broken bones. No cracked ribs. No scrapes or bruises. Yep everything-MY GOD!'' he suddenly cried out, causing Quentin to jump.

"W-What? What is it? What's wrong?!'' Quentin asked alarmed.

"I have a beard!'' the stranger responded in shock.

There was silence between Quentin and the stranger. Quentin looked at the pony before him before his face fell in a slight, unamused frown. "Seriously?''

The stranger replied, lifting his beard in the center by a hoof. "Remarkable, I swear by Celestia this wasn't here when I woke up today. How do you like that? But you know, I like it!''

The stranger then began to flick the tip of his beard, giving off an amused chuckle as he did so. Quentin frowned at the strange pony, irritated that he made him worried over such a trivial piece of information.

Finally, Quentin spoke rather flatly, ''Uh huh. Look, I'm glad you're ok, I really am. And I hate to be rude, but I'm really not in the mood for this. So if nothing else is wrong, then I hope you have a good one.''

With slight wave, Quentin turned around and made his way out of the ally, the experience he had with his friends earlier making him sulk again. The stranger ceased with his beard playing and looked over his shoulder and saw Quentin leaving. The stranger turned around and looked on, a quizzical look on his face. When Quentin had turned the corner and went out if sight, a smirk came across the stranger's face.

Without knowing how he got there, Quentin found himself in a meadow with a crystal lake. It was quiet and peaceful, a great place to do some thinking. With a troubled heart, Quentin made his way towards the lake, stopped at the edge, and fell back on his haunches. He gazed into his reflection in the rippling water to see an angered, saddened face looking back at them. The human turned stallion then sighed deeply as he hung his head drearily.

Moments of silence as the downtrodden earth pony sat there as he thought of Applejack's and the rest of his friends' treatment towards them. The silence was finally broken when a voice spoke close to him.

"Pretty fun just sitting here…alone.''

Quentin shot opened his eyes and whipped his head to his right to see the same stranger he had helped beforehand, sitting next to him with a casual smile on his face. "Hi there.''

Quentin let out a short cry of shock as he stumbled away from the stranger. "What…how…where did you come from?!'' Quentin exclaimed, surprised by his sudden appearance.

The stranger brought a hoof to his chin as he rolled his eyes in thought, his staff in his other hoof.

"Where did I come from? Well my origins aren't important, but since you asked I'll be happy to tell you. Well I came from a small little village very far from here.''

Quentin frowned in confusion before shaking his head to avoid a possible life's story. "No, no I mean how'd you get here and without me noticing? You didn't make a sound!''

The weird, cloak wearing pony responded with a bright smile. "Well of course I didn't make a sound. It would be rude to disturb one's train of thought.''

Quentin frowned in irritation, not the very least amused by his explanation. "Well I appreciate the consideration, but like I said before I'm not in the mood for any hijinks. I just want to be alone right now.''

The brown earth pony then stood up and began to walk away from the stranger, annoyance now added to his list of emotions at the present moment. The stranger just smiled at him calmly before started trotting after him.

"That's ok, I don't mind walking. Besides walking is good for you. There's never a bad time to give your body a little cardio workout!'' the stranger said jovially as he came closer to Quentin.

Quentin peered over his shoulder and upon seeing the stranger, he rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Creepy old goat!'' Quentin muttered under his breath. Normally he wouldn't be so disrespectful, but right now his spirits wasn't in the brightest state and such happy-go-lucky displays like the one's this strange equine was display was really testing his patience.

"Would you quit following me?!'' Quentin said a bit aggressively.

"I'm not following you, you're simply walking in front of me,'' the stranger responded with a cheery tone.

Quentin rolled his eyes at the response and continued walking. As he walked, the stranger behind him then began to repeat a phrase over and over again in a tune only he knew. ''Usted es un idiota.'

Quentin couldn't understand what he was saying or what it meant, but every time the annoying character kept saying it, he would get louder and louder, and more boisterous. As the phrase kept being repeated over and over again, Quentin became increasingly more pugnacious as he gritted his teeth and his anger and annoyance bubbling wore with each second.

"Oh my god for the love of….'' Quentin snarled before speaking loudly. "What do you want me with?!''

Suddenly the stranger quickly made his way to Quentin's side as he put a foreleg around his shoulder. "Well I just wanted to tell you something important that's all,'' he smirked.

Quentin was eager to listen, especially it would get the rambunctious, elderly stallion to leave him alone. Quentin then gave a deep sight and leaned in to hear what the stranger had to say. The stranger looked around to see if no one was around before coming close to his aider and answered.

"Alright I'll tell you, it's a secret.'' The stranger then proceeded to sing that ridiculous phrase he sung a moment ago, beginning to dance enthusiastically as he did so. ''Usted es un idiota!''

Quentin widened his eyes briefly in in shock before groaning in an angered, frustrated tone.

"Ah enough already! What does that even mean anyway?!''

The stranger stopped his singing and dancing before looking at Quentin with sly smile. "It means you are a jackass.''

Quentin just stared at the stranger with a taken aback expression, his mouth ajar but the elder pony just laughed heartily.

"I think you're confused,'' Quentin muttered darkly before turning around and walking away.

The stranger then ceased his laughing and leaned on his staff, a rather seriously look on his face with a cocked eyebrow. "I may be confused, but at least I'm not a jackass. Tell me, haven't your mother ever taught you any manners?''

At those words, Quentin stopped dead in his tracks. He lifted a hoof and gently stroked his pendent hanging around his neck. Quentin looked down as his face changed from an angered, agitated frown to a sorrowful, and ashamed look. He felt a pain in his heart as he gritted his teeth and pinched his eyes shut. The stranger continued to look onto Quentin with a patient, serious gaze as finally Quentin let out a deep sigh and turned around, a truly apologetic look on his face.

"Look, I'm sorry ok. I didn't mean to be so rude and act so dismissively.''

The stranger observed the dreadlocked pony a bit skeptically before giving a short laugh. "Ah forget about it. Plus you apologized, so I gladly accept it!''

Quentin gave the elder a faint smirk as the latter came over to him. "So Quentin tell me, what exactly is making your heart ache so?'' The stranger had a slight, concerned look on his face as he asked Quentin his question.

However, Quentin looked at the stranger in a surprised, perplexed expression. How did this wily, old pony knew who he was? Quentin certainly hasn't met him since being in this world. "Hold on, how you know my name?''

The stranger chuckled, sitting down on his haunches next to the young earth pony.

"Well, somepony who saved the town from a rampaging chimera isn't necessarily a difficult pony to recognize.''

"But that doesn't explain how you knew it was me. I've never seen you in my life,'' Quentin questioned.

"Oh that doesn't matter my boy, what matters is that you're known, which is a good thing. A pony can't truly exists if he isn't acknowledged by his peers!'' The stranger laughed.

Quentin stared at the pony as he drank in his words. As strange and exuberant as the strange may be, Quentin could see some wisdom in his words. After a few moments of thinking, Quentin looked at the stranger and asked suspiciously.

"Ok I'll let you have that one. But you've been tailing me and quite honestly been a nuisance to me. So tell me…who exactly are you?''

The stranger chuckled, sitting his staff down. "Oh my name's not important. I'm not important. I'm just an old earth pony who wishes to converse with another earth pony.''

Quentin furrowed his eyes as he said, ''But didn't you just say a pony can't exists if he's not acknowledged? Besides, I would like to address others properly by their name when talking to them.''

The stranger just stared into the earth stallion's eyes quizzically before smiling calmly. "Hehe I did say that didn't I? Nice to know a young whippersnapper like you was paying attention to what this old goat had to say!''

As he spoke, the stranger ruffled Quentin's mane, causing his dreadlocks to shake. This actually annoyed Quentin greatly, but hearing the stranger's word made him feel guilty about disrespectfully calling him a 'creepy old goat'.

The stranger stopped ruffling Quentin's mane as he continued with a friendly grin.

"Very well then Quentin. The name's Norihc.''

Quentin gave the elder a dumbfounded look. Norihc? That was his name? Even in a place like Equestria that was a rather strange name, the strangest he had encountered so far. Quentin snapped out of his gaze and gave Norihc a faint, inviting smile.

"Well it's nice to meet you Norihc. I don't think I've seen you around Ponyville.''

Norihc stretched as he responded, "I can imagine you wouldn't. Like I said before, I came from a village far away from Ponyville. I just came into town to visit my daughters.''

Quentin's ears perked with curiosity. "You have family here?''

"Oh yes. My daughters moved here long ago to start their own lives. The sweetest, most beautiful children a father like me could ever wish for. They're the only ones who could've put up with a crazy horse like me all their lives!''

Norihc then laughed, just tickled by his remark. Quentin gave warm smirk at the description of his daughters. They sounded just lovely. "Well, I've just recently moved here from Fillydelphia and I've met nothing but kind ponies since. Your daughters sound wonderful to get to know. Have you seen them yet?'' Quentin asked.

Norihc gave a short sigh before answering. "No I haven't. I wanted to surprise them, but they left on a trip of some kind.''

"Oh sorry to hear that Norihc,'' Quentin said, with a sympathetic gaze. ''Where did they go?''

The elderly stallion gave the young human a soft smile. "No idea! Honestly…You could've at least left a note or something to let other ponies know these thing!'' Norihc suddenly shouted to the skies. Quentin jumped a bit as he looked at Norihc with an awkward stare. Norihc then looked at him and said with a pleasant tone.

"But I do love then so very much.''

"Uh-huh,'' Quentin could only respond uncertainly. "So, do you know where they went?''

Norihc shook his head. "Nope, but I've raised good, hardworking girls. I'm sure they left to take care of important business.''

Norihc gazed his heterochromatic eyes up into the blue skies and grinned. "Where ever they are, I'm sure they'll be safe. They have a very close bond, and will protect each other fiercely.''

Norihc then looked at Quentin with a more solemn frown, "But I didn't come here to tell you about my family. I sensed that there's a pain in your heart and since you were so kind enough to help me when I needed it, I would like to help you out now.''

Quentin's face fell sadly, remembering the way his friends treated him earlier. Though he wanted more than anything to be alone, he decided that talking to someone might help ease some of the somber weight from his heart. After much consideration, Quentin went on to tell Norihc about his six friends and their weird behavior earlier that day. He told her how they each came up with stories that preventing them from spending time with the stallion, and how Quentin found out that they were meeting together at Applejack's barn and didn't want him around. As Quentin finished his story, he looked away wearily.

Norihc, who had been listening intently, nodded understandingly, stroking his goatee. "Ah I see. And you feel that you are not wanted?''

Quentin nodded silently.

"And you call these six ponies your friends?'' Norihc asked, raising an eyebrow and looking at Quentin as if to make sure that he was being clear.

Again Quentin nodded and answered sadly. "Yeah.''

Silence was among the two equines. Norihc nodded silently, stroking his goatee. Suddenly Norihc grabbed his wooden staff and hit Quentin hard on the head with a loud smack sound.

"Ow! Geez what was that for?!'' Quentin exclaimed angrily, bringing both hooves to the top of his head.

"For being so dang stupid fool!'' Norihc said, staring unflinching at the young stallion. "Have you lost your mind?!''

Quentin glared at Norihc, rubbing his sore head. "Have I lost my mind?! You're the one that whacked me upside the head like a lunatic!''

Norihc just stared at Quentin firmly before a smile crept on his face and he began to chuckle. Quentin growled under his breath, the fact that the elder stallion hit him on the head out of nowhere and now laughing about it was making him more perturbed again.

"And what exactly is so funny about that?'' Quentin asked flatly, still rubbing the spot on his head he was stricken.

"It's funny because these feelings that you harbor are so meaningless and unnecessary.''

"What?'' Quentin spoke, puzzled by the remark.

"Those feelings that clings so firmly on your heart, shut them out and let them go,'' Norihc responded, planting the end of his staff firmly on the ground.

Quentin let out a short snort as he planted his hooves back on the grass,'' ''Yeah well kinda hard to do when your friends are lying to you.''

Norihc looked upon Quentin with a casual smile as he lazily leaned on his staff.

''Try to understand, young pony boy. For some lies can lead to joy.'' Norihc then froze on the spoke with shocked expression as an epiphany suddenly came to him. "Boy, joy…HA I just made a rhyme! I so didn't mean to do that!''

Norihc then began to laugh at his unintended usage of words, Quentin groaned in irritation. "Man and I thought Pinkie Pie was random,'' he thought before speaking to Norihc with a stern glare." Yeah, but lying and the words 'don't need you' don't exactly mix for me.''

The old, earth pony gave off a short chuckle before shaking his head. "Quentin, you said recently that you've just moved here did you not?''

"Yeah,'' Quentin said, wandering where Norihc was going with this.

"Norihc continued,'' Tell me Quentin after your travels, were your friends always by your side?''

Quentin thought for a moment. He had to admit, that was true. "Yeah, but-'' however Norihc cut in.

"HA that's what I thought. I have a strong sense for these things! And still, you think they care for you not?''

The human turned stallion pondered Norihc's words deeply before answering. "I get what you're saying Norihc, I really do. But being friends means that they don't have to lie to me, they should be able to tell me anything. I guess I'm not close enough to them to be a part of certain things.''

Norihc looked sadly at Quentin, and gave the boy a soft smile. "From what I can tell by the soreness you feel from them, they have been very wonderful friends to you. That being said, recall back to all the days you've known them and try to remember their kind ways. Remember the joy and the laughs that you all shared.''

Quentin just looked at the cloak wearing elder with a confused look before averting his eyes downward as he thought. Norihc was right. Ever since Quentin got to Equestria, his six friends have been nothing but kind to him, especially Applejack. Who would be so generous enough to let someone she didn't know stay with their family. Even if it was a short time, they've had plenty of laughs together, like at Sugarcube Corner and most recently at Canterlot and the stallion gotten to know each of those magnificent ponies' personally. Quentin couldn't help but smile fondly at the memories that flashed through his mind.

Norihc smiled with satisfaction, lifting himself slightly with his staff and spoke, ''So you've remembered your past joys?''

Quentin gazed at Norihc and nodded with a shy smile. "Yeah and your right, we've did have some great times together, even though I've only been here for four days.''

Norihc chuckled at his response. "I'm glad you see that I was right. So I hope I was a good help to knock the foolishness out of you!'' The elder then attempted to hit Quentin over the head with his staff again. However this time Quentin was ready and he was able to duck his head and evade the strike.

The stallion gave Norihc a questionable frown, but the latter just laughed eccentrically.

"Aha! See?! You're not such a fool and a jackass anymore. You've learned huh?!''

Quentin could only let out a chuckle and shook his head. As strange and wily this pony had been to him, it was now that Quentin could see that there was wisdom and understanding behind his eccentric demeanor. Norihc nodded with a playful smile.

"Yes, now I hope you will cast your negative feelings out of sight.''

Quentin shrugged with a sigh, ''I'll try Norihc, but still if I keep remembering the fun I've had with them these last couple days, I'm sure that I will.'' The elder nodded with a satisfied look.

"Wise answer, and heed these words: do not listen with your ears, but listen with your heart for a lie could be the pathway to a glorious truth.''

Quentin smiled gratefully at Norihc. The only thing he could do to respond was to pat him on the back. ''Thanks for your wisdom Norihc. I really needed that. You may be strange and quirky, but your daughters are lucky to have someone like you for a father. I hope I can meet them one day.'' he commented softly.

Norihc smiled gently yet also gratefully for the young stallion's words. "Well thank you for the kind words Quentin. And trust me, you'll meet them one day.'' Norihc ended with a wink.

Quentin smiled with a nod, looking forward to that day where he could finally meet the elder's daughters. "I'm glad to have been able to help. And I appreciate taking time and listening to an old geezer like me,'' Norihc said, as he motioned to begin getting up.

Immediately, Quentin sprang up on his feet and went over to Norihc's side. "Here sir, let me help you.''

The stallion then proceeded to help Norihc to his feet. The elder looked at him surprised by the jester before smiling thankfully.

"Much appreciated Quentin. You're mother had done well at teaching you manners.''

At those words, Quentin's mouth quivered as he bit down on his tongue, his eyes showing a brief sorrow before Quentin quickly replaced it with a gratefully smile. Now fully standing, Norihc began to stretch his body, small cracks heard as he did so.

"Well I think I've bothered you enough for one day. I think it's time for this old timer to hit the old dusty trail!'' Norihc said with that exuberant personality of his.

"You weren't a bother Norihc. I mean at first you were, but I'm really glad to have talked to you. It was very much needed,'' Quentin said with a smile.

Norihc nodded with a pleased smile. Quentin then took out ten bits and handed them to Norihc. The elder looked at the Quentin with a truly bewildered look as the brown stallion spoke.

"Here I want you to have this, you know for helping me out. I know it's not much, but it's the least I can do for your patience and guidance.''

Quentin then took Norihc's free hoof and placed the gold coins in it. Norihc looked onto Quentin, still with a speechless, confused look before looking down at the money in his hoof. Quentin smiled as he gave a short wave.

"Well, I hope you have a good one Norihc, and thanks again.''

Quentin then walked passed Norihc and onward through the park. After a few moments of silence, Norihc's face then formed soft smile, his eyes still on the bits in his hoof and spoke in a void that was devoid of any wiliness and eccentricity and replaced by a more dignified tone.

"It would seem that their wills were right after all. As seen through his eyes, their capacity of tremendous kindness and love is virtually limitless. Such as the true nature of humans. Never forget that Quentin.''

Quentin stopped abruptly in his place as he heard Norihc's words. There was an alarming, perplexed look upon his face as he recalled the elder stallion's comment. "The nature of…humans?'' Quentin uttered under his breath in disbelief. "But…but how could he-?''

Quentin peered over his shoulder only to whip his whole body around to see that Norihc was nowhere to be seen. Quentin looked around the area but the only thing he could see was an empty park. The area was large and clear with very minimal places to hide, so even if the mysterious elder somehow ran away, Quentin would still be able to see him. It was as if Norihc just…disappeared into thin air. Quentin continued to gaze around, trying to make sense of the strange but wise stallion's last words and sudden disappearance.

"Did…did he know who I really was? What I was really was? If so how?'' Quentin pondered, a deep, bewildered frown on his face.

As the young human continued to think about this odd riddle, he remembered how Norihc strangely, but surly helped him when he was in a very distressful period. Eventually, Quentin decided to let the mystery go and looked upward, knowing that despite his strange, wily ways there was a bright goodness and kindness that helped him ease the doubt of his friends he had harbored. Quentin looked upward and gazed around the empty area, that bewildered, thoughtful look never leaving his face. though he would've like to ask the elder what he meant by his statement, the only thing Quentin could do at that moment was leave, with those questioning thoughts lingering unanswered in his mind.

Quentin turned and made his way through the meadow. He thought hard about what the wise elder earth pony said. "Norihc's right. They would never deliberately hurt me like that. Not them, not those wonderful ponies.''

Quentin walked about in thought. He went over to the lake and looked into his reflection once again and smiled slightly. "Who'd ever think that being a stallion would actually be...enjoyable?'' he thought warmly to himself.

A gentle but refreshing breezed blew through the grass and his coat and Quentin closed his eyes as he enjoyed the cool air.

"Yeah that feel nice. Maybe I'll just sit here for a while,'' Quentin said softly. He sat on his haunches, but it wasn't long until the earth pony laid on his back. Before Quentin knew it, his eyelids became heavier and heavier until he drifted off into sleep.

It only seemed like a few minutes when Quentin was gently tapped. "Quentin, wake up sugarcube,'' a southern accented voice spoke gently.

The sleeping Quentin blinked open his eyes, his vision blurred but came into focus. When his eyes cleared, Quentin found himself looking into the eyes of Applejack. She was smiling fondly at him.

"Howdy there Quentin. Did ya have a good nap?'' Applejack asked.

Quentin yawned and nodded. "Yeah, great. How long was I out?''

Applejack chuckled. "Don't know, but I've been lookin fer ya for almost an hour. Honesty I was getting worried about ya,'' Applejack ended with a slight, regretful frown.

Quentin was able to smile slightly at the farm pony, though he still had some mixed feelings about what happened earlier. "Sorry, I was just doing some thinking when I fell asleep,'' he said, stretching a bit.

Applejack tilted her head curiously. "Really, bout what?''

Quentin thought whether or not he should tell her about how he felt. When he was about to open his mouth, a bell rang out. "Aw shoot!" Applejack exclaimed in alarm.

Quentin widened his eyes. "What, what is it?!''

"We're late. We need to be somewhere, that's why I was lookin fer ya!'' Applejack said, sort of running in place hastily.

Her friend cocked an eyebrow. "Late? Late for what?'' Quentin inquired.

Applejack shook her head. "No time to explain Quentin. Jus' follow me!''

Before the stallion could speak, Applejack reared around and galloped towards town. "Scoot yur boot Quentin!'' Applejack called.

Quentin sighed, ''What could be happening now?'' he said to himself and galloped off behind her.

Together Applejack and Quentin ran through town. They ran past Rarity's place, the spa, and the joke store to their unknown destination. "Applejack! Applejack will you tell me where we're going!" Quentin said in breaths, running beside her.

She flashed him a wink and grinned. "Don't worry Quentin. Ya'll see soon enough!''

She picked up speed and Quentin frowned. Tried to speed up as he called again, ''Applejack for crying out loud, where do we need to be that's so impor-'' he trailed off his sentence and slowed down to a halt when Quentin saw what was in front of him.

They were in the town square, but it looked different than usual. It looked like a fair ground. There were countless balloons hanging everywhere on buildings and flag posts. There were tents with food stands as well as different colored party streamers going from building to building in the area. Hanging high on the town hall was a large banner what Quentin could tell was a picture of him looking triumphant. But what was extraordinary was that the square was packed with ponies. One female pony turned and suddenly called happily.

''Look it's him, he's finally here!''

Soon, all the ponies turned their gaze to the dreadlocked stallion and cheered, stomping their hooves on the ground to make it sound like applause. Quentin looked blankly around, the ponies starting to crowd around him. Some patted his back and others gave him hoof shakes, as Applejack grinned at the human turned stallion.

"Applejack, what's going on?'' Quentin asked a bit dumbly.

That's when Quentin noticed the rest of his friends and Spike walking up to him, joyous smiles on their faces. "Don't you think its obvious Quentin? It's a ceremonial party for you,'' Twilight smiled brightly.

Quentin blinked a few times, confused. "A ceremonial party, for me?'' he asked slowly. His seven friends nodded. "But why? What did I do?''

Applejack walked forward. "Ya remember that chimera that attacked a while back?'' she asked.

Quentin nodded, knowing where this was headed. Applejack continued. "Well-'' she began only to be cut off by an enthusiastic Pinkie Pie.

"Well the mayor and everypony in Ponyville thought it was so cool and heroic how you risked your life and beat that mean ol' scary mean pants. And so MHHH!'' Pinkie said quickly, bouncing around full of energy as ever when Twilight used her magic to zip her mouth shut, giving the pink pony an irritated glare before looking at Quentin.

"And so Mayor Mare came up with the idea to hold a ceremony in your honor and we thought it was a great idea!'' Twilight smiled.

The others voiced their agreement in unison. Quentin looked around at them speechless, before looking down shyly. "Girls...I...this...you really didn't have to,'' the earth pony said softly." It's nothing worth mentioning.''

Rainbow Dash hovered in front of him. "Not worth mention are you serious?! It's totally worth mentioning. I mean it's not every day somepony beats a chimera all by themselves and like SAVE the town!'' Rainbow Dash smirked, putting an arm around her flustered friend.

Fluttershy hovered to Quentin's other side and nuzzled his face and spoke, ''Yes. Last evening Mayor Mare told Twilight of the celebration and after wards we all met up to discuss it in private.''

"Quite, that's when we've planned on coming up with excuses in hopes to dive you off as the preparations got underway. We wouldn't want to spoil the surprise now would we?'' Rarity spoke, giving Quentin that graceful smile of hers.

The seven nodded in agreement. Quentin looked at them, like trying to piece together what he just heard. He then lowered his head with an utmost, shameful frown and the others looked at him with puzzled looks.

"Quentin, what's wrong?'' Twilight asked with concern.

Pinkie managed to unzip her mouth and added, ''Yeah what's the matter? This is your big day and NOPONY is going to be sad when there's a party going on when I'm around!''

Quentin looked up to his friends wearily and spoke, ''It's just...it's just that all this time I thought that you guys didn't want me around anymore. I almost thought that you didn't want to be friends.''

The six ponied looked blankly at each other and back to Quentin. ''What, why in Equestria would you ever think that darling?!'' Rarity gasped.

The rest waited for an answer. "Will it's just that when I tried to spend time with you girls each of you gave excuses to not to. I knew you were lying and I thought that you just wanted to avoid me.''

Quentin felt ashamed now that he learned of their motives for lying to him. He was then surprised by an embrace from Applejack. "We're sorry fer trickin ya like that sugarcube,'' Applejack said softly in my ear. "Trust me, it ached my heart what I had ta say ta ya ta keep from finding out.''

Rainbow Dash spoke, ''Plus why would we ever not want you around. I mean you're the most awesome pony we know! Second to me of course!'' She winked at him.

Quentin smirked lightly at this comment as Rarity walked up to him with a tender smile. "And besides, why would I want to shut you out of my life after giving me this wonderful gift?''

Rarity lifted her left foreleg to show Quentin the ruby diamond he gave her the previous day only this time, it had been made into a beautiful pendant with a silver, white diamond encrusted chain. It really did look stunning on her.

"Wow Rarity, it looks beautiful,'' Quentin said impressed, gazing at the pendant.

Rarity looked at the accessory lovingly. "I just had to show it off to everypony in Ponyville. The most wonderful gift my dear Quentin has given me. I don't think I will ever part with it.''

Quentin was a bit flattered at Rarity's admiration of his gift. Pinkie suddenly appeared behind him and bounced happily on his back. "Yeah I mean, we actually wouldn't want to be friends anymore? Don't be such a silly-filly-billy head!'' Pinkie chimed.

"You're a wonderful person Quentin. We're lucky that you came to Ponyville and even luckier to have you as our friend,'' Fluttershy smiled.

Quentin gazed at the shy Pegasus and Spike spoke up excitedly. "Man Quentin, I want to be just like you when I grow up. A rough and tough guy who's isn't afraid of anything!''

The stallion shook his head with a chuckle, ''Oh no Spike. I'm not rough or tough and I'm definitely not fearless,'' he replied humbly.

"The point is, even though you've only been here for a few days, it feels like we've known you forever. At least, that's what I feel,'' Twilight smiled at him.

Quentin smiled back at her softly, touched by her comment. Applejack spoke,'' Ya see Quentin, we're happy to have you here. An' personally, I want to thank who or whatever brought you here to us.''

Though all of his friends' words melted his heart, Applejack's was the one that got to Quentin the most, and he just wrapped his arms around her. Applejack blushed from the sudden embrace, but then smiled and wrapped her forelegs around the human.

Rainbow Dash trotted up and spoke,'' Make some room AJ, you're not the only one here,'' and she joined in the hug.

One by one, the remainder of his friends gathered and joined in for a group hug. Never have Quentin felt so warm. Never have he felt so...in place. Quentin couldn't help but let a tear or two fall down his face, feeling like the biggest jackass in the world for doubting them in the least, but not anymore. He would never make that mistake again and was happy he was knocked back to his senses…and he had the bump on his head to prove it. The friends' hug was interrupted by a few coughs. They all gazed up to see Mayor Mare smiling at them.

"I don't mean to interrupt this touching moment, but Quentin if you don't mind following me to the stage?''

Quentin looked at his friends uncertainly, who smiled and nodded and nudged him to go. Quentin smirked embarrassingly and followed the mayor pony through the crowd and towards the stage. On the way, he saw Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo in the crowd cheering for their newest member. Quentin blushed and waved shyly at them. Quentin and the mayor walked onto the stage and Mayor Mare went up to the podium and looked over the crowed of colorful ponies.

Quentin saw his six friends walk through the crowd towards the front. The ponies then started to chant his name as they stomped their hooves to the ground. The brown earth pony averted his eyes shyly to the ground, not used to so much praise. Mayor Mare raised a hoof to silence them so she could speak.

"Everypony, can I get your attention? Attention please!'' the mayor called. "Yes we are all here in honor of Ponyville's newest resident Quentin, who as we all know helped stopped a terrible chimera that rampaged through our humble town!''

The ponies started to cheer again. Quentin bashfully looked into the crowd and to his friends who were also cheering for him. All he could do was wave sheepishly at them. Mayor Mare smiled and raised her hoof again for silence and turned to Quentin.

"Quentin, on behave of the citizens of Ponyville, and me included, we want to extend our gratitude for your selfless service to our town. Your bravery is admirable and to show our appreciation, I happily present you with this medal of honor, so all of Ponyville will know of the hero that stopped that terrible monster.''

With that, an earth pony walked forward balancing a pillow on his head that had a shining, gold, circular medal with a red ribbon resting on it. The mayor took the medal and carefully placed if over Quentin's head and around his neck. With a shy smile, Quentin hoof shaked the mayor and gazed down at the medal as the ponies erupted with cheer, but the loudest were probably coming from his seven friends. Applejack flashed the stallion a wink and Quentin chuckled to himself.

Mayor Mare tapped him on his shoulder and spoke, ''Quentin, would you mind saying a few words?''

At first Quentin hesitated, but when the ponies cheered for him to give a speech, he agreed and stepped up to the podium. The crowd quiet down as Quentin prepared to speak. He wasn't used to public speaking, so his nerves really got to him and his six friends watched their friend eagerly.

"H-Hi there,'' Quentin began." I don't know what to say. Ever since I came to Ponyville, I've met nothing but wonderful ponies that made me feel right at home,'' he smiled down at his friends who smiled back at him as he continued.

"Everyone says that I'm a hero, but I don't really believe that. I just wanted to make sure the three fillies that were in harm's way would be safe.''

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle grinned at each other at Quentin's words.

"I also believe that I wasn't the only one to show bravery that day. I've witness six incredible ponies fearlessly take on the chimera. To me they've done the real work. To me, they're the real heroes, and I don't feel right if they're not acknowledged and standing up here with me.''

Quentin gazed to his friends who had surprised expressions on their faces as he gestured them to come on stage. The six mares smiled and quickly trotted on stage and stood beside the stallion. The crowd cheered and stomped the ground as Quentin's friends smiled proudly at one another.

"Shoot Quentin, ya didn't have to go on an' mention us. This is your day,'' Applejack said with a grin.

Quentin smiled, ''I just don't feel right taking all the credit. You guys were fighting too. I want all of us to share this moment.''

Oh Quentin, that's so gallant of you,'' Rarity said fondly, nuzzling Quentin.

Rainbow Dash chuckled, ''Well what'd you expect? I've learned by now that Q isn't a glory hound. But, he's still awesome nonetheless,'' she said, hovering over Quentin and giving him a noogie causing him to laugh.

"Yes, if anypony had to come here and became friends with us, I'm glad that pony was you Quentin,'' Twilight smiled and the rest voiced their agreement.

It warmed Quentin's heart knowing how these six, wonderful ponies he's only known for a matter of days were quickly beginning to grow on him. The next few hours were filled with fun, laughter, and merriment. Ponies ate delicious foods, played various games, and chatted happily with one another. Numerous ponies had come to Quentin to congratulate him on a job well done, while other times girl ponies would crowd him to try to talk to him.

It was around three o'clock in the afternoon when Quentin was sitting at a table alone, smiling around at the ponies having fun. He was gazing at the direction of some little fillies and colts playing a game when a voice spoke.

"Having fun Quentin?'' he turned to see Lyra Heartstrings walking towards him with a smile.

Quentin smiled, 'Oh hi there...Lyra was it?''

Lyra nodded. "Yep, though my real name is just Heartstrings, but either one is fine with me. So what's up Quentin, why are you just sitting here by yourself?'' Lyra asked, tilting her head with a confused expression.

"I'm just taking a little break, especially from that last game I played with Rainbow Dash. I swear she's going to kill me one day.'' They both shared a laugh and Lyra spoke.

"Do you mind if I join you?''

"No not at all, pull up a seat, or uh...pull up some hay,'' Quentin chuckled, gesturing her to sit down.

Lyra giggled and took a seat across from him. "So Mr. Hero, how's the celebration going for you so far?'' Lyra asked, putting an elbow on the table and resting her head on a hoof.

"Everything couldn't be better. Never have I ever been to a place where everyone is so kind to each other,'' Quentin answered, smiling at all the happy ponies.

Lyra nodded with a smile, ''That's Ponyville for you. I doubt there's a friendlier place,'' Lyra said, but then forming a slight frown. "Why, have you been to places that aren't like it?''

Quentin thought about her question deeply. His story is that he came here from Fillydelphia to avoid suspicion from him coming from another world, but it was his world that he was thinking about. All the sins, conflict and disasters that made Equestria look like a paradise left an aching feeling in the stallion's heart.

Quentin sighed, "Yeah you can say that. On my travels, I haven't met the most decent peo- I mean ponies.''

Lyra's face turned into that of great concern. "Really, how?'' she said, leaning forward.

Quentin thought for a moment, before getting up and showing her his bare flanks. "Usually because of this,'' he said.

Lyra looked at his flanks before looking to Quentin, ''You don't have a cutie mark?'' she asked, clearly never seeing anything like it.

Quentin shook his head. "No. I can't explain it, but I just never been able to get one. Some of the ponies I've passed on my travels thought I was a weirdo or some freak, so they would shun me, like I didn't even exist.''

Lyra looked at the earth pony with a look of horror as he told his lie. "How could they?!'' she gasped quietly.

Quentin continued, feigning a hurtful expression, ''Don't get me wrong, there were some nice ponies that helped me, but there were more rotten ones than helpful. But despite being hit by rocks, fruit, and vegetables, I managed to brush myself off, and hold my head high, knowing that I'll find a place where I truly belong. A place where others would accept me for who I am.''

Quentin gazed at Lyra, a sorrowful, sympathetic expression on her face and tears forming in her eyes. Without warning, she came over to his side and embraced Quentin in a comforting hug.

"Maybe I laid the story on a little too thick,'' Quentin thought as Lyra hugged him.

"I'm sorry you had to endure such cruelty. You're so strong to carry on the way you did.''

Quentin's face fell sadly as he wrapped his forelegs around her. "Thanks, I just wanted to find a place where I could be happy,'' he whispered back.

Lyra looked at him. "And you should be. Ponyville has no such discrimination. After what you've down for this town, you deserve to be happy.''

Quentin smiled softly at the unicorn's words. "Thanks Lyra, that really means a lot.''

Lyra smiled. "And look at all the friends you've made here. It's obvious they're glad you're here.''

Lyra pointed to all the ponies happily enjoying themselves. Quentin stared blankly around but couldn't help but smile at the six ponies he was beginning to value the most. Twilight and Rarity were caught up in friendly chatter while Fluttershy was happily munching down on a cupcake near them. Pinkie Pie was going around at high speeds making sure everyone was having a good time. The brown earth pony's gaze came upon Applejack and Rainbow Dash at a barrel full of water and apples as they took turns bobbing for apples. Applejack had her head ducked in and came back up, her coat and mane wet and an apple in her mouth, which she ate in one chomp and swallowed. As Rainbow Dash was congratulating Applejack on her success, Applejack's gaze fell upon Quentin and she waved, a soft, lovely smile on her face. Quentin felt his face heat up, but he smiled and waved at her back.

Quentin then shifted his gaze back to Lyra, having found the truth in her words and smiled, ''I guess you're right Lyra.''

Lyra nodded, "I know I'm right. And frankly, I'm glad you're here too, and hopefully forever.''

A dreading thought hit Quentin's mind when she said those words. The awful truth that he would leave eventually and go back to his world struck a nerve in his heart, but Quentin didn't falter. He just smiled, ''Well Lyra, that's what I was planning,'' he lied.

Lyra's face brightened instantly. "I'm glad to hear that.'' She then leaned forward for another embrace. "I would be hurt if I were to lose anyone of my friends, even if I just met him,'' she said softly.

Quentin frowned sadly at this and was about to open his mouth to speak when she spoke first. "But let's focus on the here and now. This day is supposed to be fun for everypony, so let's keep it that way.''

The stallion thought for a moment and smiled with a nod. After chatting for a few minutes, Lyra spoke to him, leaning in.

''Hey Quentin, can I tell you a secret?''

"Yeah sure Lyra,'' Quentin said rather uncertainly, not knowing what she wanted to tell him.

Lyra looked around to make sure no one was around to listen and gazed at her friend, her yellow eyes twinkling. "The true is, I've read lots of myths and legends about humans.''

Quentin felt a sweat coming on as he swallowed a lump. "H-Humans!?'' he asked nervously.

Lyra nodded with a bright grin. Holy crap, there were actually ponies that read stories about humans. What would she think of them? What would she think of him? These were the questions that were racing in Quentin's mind, fearful of the opinions that Lyra would have towards his race.

"Yeah, I've read about them for years and frankly...I'm fascinated by them!'' Lyra told Quentin proudly.

Quentin stared at her, a loss for words. Was she serious? Lyra was actually intrigued by his kind? "Really Lyra? You're actually fascinated about them?'' Quentin asked in disbelief.

Lyra nodded again, averting her eyes shyly. "Yeah, I mean humans seemed like such an interesting species. They seem capable of doing such wonderful things we ponies can't.''

The dread locked maned stallion listened to his friend, still dumbfounded she would think humans like him were actually intriguing. Lyra leaned in with a smile.

"And between us...I believe humans actually exists.''

Quentin just stared at her, unsure what to think or say. He shifted his gaze to the tabletop. Lyra looked at Quentin with a somewhat embarrassing look. ''Yeah, I've never told anypony about that. They'll probably think I was crazy or I believed in pony tales. I wouldn't blame them, I do sound pretty silly just talking about it.''

Quentin looked at the unicorn to see an uncertain, embarrassed, sad look. He smiled warmly, placing a hoof on hers.

''I don't think its silly Lyra.''

She seemed taken aback by his answer and she blinked. "Y-You don't?!'' she asked, surprised.

Quentin shook his head, ''No I don't. Sometimes, legends have some truth to them. After all, they had to come from somewhere.''

Lyra continued to stare at the understanding pony as Quentin continued. "I'm glad you find humans so wonderful, only a wonderful person can see the wonders in another species.''

Lyra smiled brightly at my comment,'' Quentin...I don't know what to say. I honestly thought you would make fun of me!''

Quentin shook his head with a frown. "I'd never do that. Friends don't make fun of their friends.'' He then gave her a hopeful smile, ''Besides, there are many secrets and mysteries in the world. Who knows, maybe one day...you'll meet a human one day?''

With that Lyra flung her forelegs around Quentin and squealed, ''I would love that so much. And I hope we could be good friends!''

Quentin chuckled, patting her on the back, ''Trust me Lyra, you would be.''

Lyra closed her eyes with a grateful smile on her face as she whispered. "Thank you Quentin...thank you for believing in my dreams. You really are a sweet, wonderful pony.''

"I try to be,'' Quentin whispered back.

After a few moments, the two broke apart and chatted briefly before Lyra spoke, "Well let me find Sweetie Drops, I promised I'd do something together.''

Quentin chuckled at the name. "I guess she's a friend of yours?''

"Yeah, my best friend actually. I would like for you to meet her one day,'' Lyra said with a bright smile.

"I would like that Lyra,'' Quentin responded warmly.

Lyra and Quentin shared another embrace and the unicorn walked away to find her friend. Quentin too decided that he'd been sitting around long enough and walked towards his six pony friends. Rainbow Dash was the first to notice him and she flew to the stallion.

"Hey Quentin! Finally coming back into the fray?'' Rainbow Dash asked, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.

Quentin chuckled, ''I had to take a break, after that last game of hoofball we've played. I swear I thought you were going to kill me.''

Rainbow Dash chuckled sheepishly, ''Sorry Q, I tend to get a bit carried away when playing. I can get a bit competitive sometimes.''

"SOMETIMES?!'' the rest of our friends exclaimed in unison.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and flew her fore hooves in the air. "Alright all the time, gimme a break for Celestia's sake!''

The group of friends all busted out laughing. After the humorous moment, Applejack came up to Quentin.

"So Quentin, it's nice to see ya enjoyin yurself,'' she smiled at him.

The latter nodded. "I am Applejack, and it's even better that I'm enjoying it with all of you girls.''

The six ponies smiled at him. "We're glad too Quentin. I hope we can always have great times like this one,'' Fluttershy smiled in her usual quiet tone.

"I know we will. This is just the start of many great parties and celebrations we'll share with Quentin. I'm so excited I could explode!'' Pinkie Pie said quickly, her body shaking violently with happiness and excitement.

Applejack held her to calm her down. "Simmer down sally. Keep that up, an' ya just might explode.''

Pinkie smiled sheepishly and Twilight spoke, ''Well anyway, how about we find something to do together? It doesn't look like the celebration is going to end anytime soon!''

They all agreed. "C'mon Q, there's this new move that I've GOT to show you!'' Rainbow Dash said enthusiastically, grabbing Quentin by the foreleg and practically dragging him as she flew.

Quentin laughed, ''Alright Rainbow I'm coming!''

Quentin's other friends followed at they made their way through the square. The stallion felt so silly that he ever doubted the friendship of his six, wonderful pony friends. Even though Quentin will leave eventually, what's important is to make each day count and spend as much time as he can with his friends. Whatever the future holds, he prayed that he'll be able to face it with his friends. Throughout the rest of the day, Quentin enjoyed with his six, great friends. Throughout the festivities, he was able to take pictures with various pony friends he have and recently bonded with.

The first one was with Quentin and Lyra. The stallion and unicorn both had a foreleg around each other with their heads close to one another as they bore bright, toothy grins.

The second picture was with him and Big Mac. Though the two were arm wrestling and Big Mac effortlessly beat Quentin with his unnatural strength which resulted in the latter being flown to the right of the table they were at with only Quentin's hind legs visible in the air as Big Mac had a surprised, sheepish look on his face, but the pic was nothing short of humorous.

The third picture had Quentin with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The three, small members sat in front of the stallion with the four of them each making different, comical faces to the camera.

The fourth picture depicted Quentin with the mayor, the gold medal around his neck along with his pendant with the two shaking hooves and smiling.

Derpy was with Quentin in the next one. She was hovering in the air while she had her forelegs wrapped around Quentin's neck as she gave him a tight embrace. Quentin had an amused smile due to the strength of the hug. He had a hoof placed gently on her cheek while Derpy's walled eyes faced the camera. Though the grey Pegasus was sort of a ditz, Quentin was really coming to appreciate and become fond of her.

However, the sixth and last picture was arguably Quentin's favorite. It was him with his six pony friends in a group huddle. Quentin was in the center with Fluttershy on his left with a foreleg resting on one of his with a lovely smile on her face. Applejack was on Quentin's right, a foreleg around him with her head close to his giving that charming wink of hers. Twilight and Rarity were on the ground in poses as if they were posing for a model magazine. Twilight had a foreleg on the back of her head and the other folded while she gave a rather amorous grin. Rarity had a hoof to her chin and her other foreleg on her his as she puckered her lips out with a very, flirtatious gaze as Spike was in between the two on his stomach, his head resting on his claws as he gave a sly smirk. Pinkie Pie, oh Pinkie was just plain funny. She was floating behind the group held by a couple, colorful balloons as she gave a wave and a bright, toothy smile with her tongue sticking out between her teeth. Finally Rainbow Dash was behind Quentin, grinning aggressively at him as she ruffled his mane, causing Quentin to bow his head a bit while he had one eye pinched shut with the other looking at the camera with a sheepish smile.

Though it would take a few days for the pictures to be developed, Quentin already felt that the picture would be one of his most cherished possessions, for a picture with just him and his six, most wonderful friends was the greatest treasure he could possibly possess. Quentin hoped that every day that he was in Equestria would be a joy that will get better and better each, amazing day.

Author's Notes:

For those who are wondering, Norihc's name is supposed to be pronounced /Noor-ik\.

Yeah it's a weird name I know, but the name just popped into my head when I was making the character. Plus he is a bit strange, so I wanted to give him a weird, out the box name. Once again I appreciate all who are reading and following my story and as always reviews and comments are greatly appreciated. Until next time, stay cool!