It felt like forever, but we finally made it to Ponyville. It was late afternoon, and ponies were still out and about. Lara whispered to me and Zack, “Remember, act natural. Act like you’ve lived here long enough to know almost anypony. Which we should, seeing as we’re two Bronies and a Pegasister.”

I nodded in agreement, smiling calmly as the three of us walked throughout Ponyville without a hitch. Sure there were some ponies that stared, but still there were others that smiled and waved at us, and we were happy to return to them.

Zack suddenly stopped, and said, “Do you two hear something...singing?” Lara and I stopped to listen. It was barely audible, but I swear I heard, “All I really need is a smile, smile smile, from these happy friends of miiiine...”

My eyes went wide with both fear and excitement. Excited because I get to meet my favorite pony in person, and fear because I’d knew that she’d recognize us as newcomers. I saw her bouncing around the corner and coming straight towards us. She stopped in front of us, and I was about to greet her when, “OH. MY. GOSH. I’ve never seen you three here before! Are you new to Ponyville? Because I know just about everypony that lives in Ponyville. Whoa you’re an alicorn! Cool! Are you a prince? This is GREAT! This means I can throw a party for three new ponies at once! That’s gotta be a new record of new ponies, like ever! I’ll need balloons, streamers, sarsaparillas, Pin the Tail on the Pony, and of course Gummy would want to join us...” Zack, Lara, and I just stood there as the pink party pony just rambled on about planning our welcoming party without further intake of oxygen.

“Oh there you are, Pinkie! I’ve been looking everywhere for you and-Oh, are these three ponies new to town?” I turned to see who saved us from the hyperactive pony’s rant, and saw none other than the beautifully radiant and fashionably talented Rarity. She introduced herself, holding out her hoof to shake with us. “I am Rarity. I work at the Carousel Boutique, where I am known to make the finest dresses in all of Equestria.” Zack and Lara stood by me speechless. I decided to speak up. “Tis quite the honor to meet such an esteemed and classy citizen such as yourself, Miss Rarity.” I took her hoof and kissed it, being the chivalrous mate that I am. “Oh, do stop, sir, you make me blush.” She did so upon receiving the compliment.

“Where are my manners? I’ve given this wonderful mare a well-deserved compliment and I haven’t even given my name, nor those of my friends.” I said, smiling at Rarity. She smiled back. Zack stepped forward and introduced himself. “I’m Dusk Star. It is quite an honor to meet you, Rarity.” He shook hooves with her, and was followed by Lara, who said, “And I’m Fire Storm. And may I say that I really love your mane, Rarity. How do you get it styled in such a way?” “Ah, that, my friend is a story that I will share at your welcoming party tonight, which I assume you are attending?” Rarity asked. “Of course!” I replied. “I wouldn’t miss Pinkie Pie’s party for the world!” The aforementioned pony finally stopped listing things for her party, gasped when I said her name, and asked me, “How do you know my name? I haven’t even told it to you yet!”

Zack saved me here by saying, “But of course stories of your amazingly fun parties reach out farther than Ponyville! Your parties are so well known, you shouldn’t be surprised that more and more new ponies keep coming to town!”

Pinkie was about to reply to him when Rarity interrupted, “I’m sorry darlings, but we must be on our way. We do have a party to plan tonight.” She started to walk off into the distance with Pinkie, who enthusiastically waved us good-bye. We were more than happy to return it.

~~~~~~~

Later that day....

“Pinkie, I must say this is one rocking party!” Lara shouted over the music blasting throughout Sugarcube Corner.

The party had been going on for a while, and we were all having a really great time. I was walking around when Rarity approached me again and said, “You never told me your name, kind sir.” “Really?” I responded. “My apologies, my dear friend. My name is Shadow Blitz.”

Rarity looked me up and down. I only realized now that I was taller than her, possibly around Big Mac’s height. “And you are an alicorn? I thought Princesses Luna, Celestia, and Cadence were the only ones in existence!” I wing-shrugged, which I'm gonna have to get used to doing. “Not all things stay uniform for very long, it would seem. One in the fashion industry, such as yourself, should understand, yes?” The ivory coated mare smiled and was about to say something when Zack came out of nowhere, bouncing along after Pinkie Pie. Rarity looked to him in concern. “Will Dusk Star be alright?” She asked. “Don’t worry,” I answered. “He just hasn’t had real sugar in a long time. When he does, he gets a strong sugar rush. The same goes for me, and I wish to abstain from consuming too much sugar, so as not to become as hyper as Pinkie.”

Rarity giggled at my formal speech, and said, “You must be good friends with him, then.” I nodded and responded, “Him and Fire Storm have been my best friends since we were foals.” “And naturally, you were the leader of the group? You take many sudden situations well, like when you were talking with me and Pinkie earlier today.” I was about to give a say something about how Zack was more of a leader, but was interrupted by a certain purple unicorn.

“Hello there Mister um... Shadow Blitz, right?”Twilight asked.  “What can I do for the great, prodigious Twilight Sparkle today?” I asked, being polite. Twlight blushed a little at the comment before continuing. “My friend, Rainbow Dash, would like to race you tomorrow morning. She thinks you might me be a good practice opponent.” I smiled at that. “She chose wisely, then. “I said. “My pegasus friend isn’t big on racing. So tell Ms. Dash that I accept her challenge.” The unicorn nodded and walked away. I turned and saw that Rarity was now talking to Lara.

I was really starting to enjoy staying in Equestria. I wished I could live here forever. FOREVER.

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