The Heart of Pleasure
By Haunter Rayne
Chapter 3 - Charming Connections

Rayne thought to himself as he walked his way through the streets of Ponyville. “Hmm, I'm going to have be to careful while I'm here. I can't let anybody know where I'm from. No, I can't let any’pony’ know. It’s mistakes like that which could get me into trouble.” Looking around he saw all the happy smiles on the faces of ponies just going about their daily lives. “I don't know how or why I'm here but this is too good of an opportunity to risk spoiling. Not even saying I came through the mirror could help me if I get caught. No one in Canterlot High would know me because it's still just another dimension in this same world. Plus I'm not exactly a teenager anymore.” He grimaced a bit and pondered for a moment how age differences might work in this world.

Suddenly a bell rang out drawing his attention once more to the nearby school house. Lots of little foals and fillies came running out happily. “Huh, I guess it's not too late in the day after all. That's good. It's my first day here and I have a lot of work to do. I need to tie up all my potential loose ends to minimize my chances of getting found out.” Rayne looked around at the other buildings seeing a lot of houses but nothing that looked like an information stand or a gift shop where he might be able to buy a map. “I don't think that I am going to be able to do this on my own though. I wonder if I can find somepony to help guide me through the forest to Zecora's?" Suddenly Rayne paused realizing he had started talking to himself out loud. “Huh, is that something that I'm just going to be forced to do now that I'm living here?” He thought very purposefully to himself only.

“Oh I can help you with that!” Came a sudden and high pitched voice which made Rayne’s eyes pop wide with surprise.

“What?! Oh please don't let there be a mind reading pony!” He thought to himself nervously as he slowly turned his head to see who spoke to him.

“Hey mister, you look like you're new in town. If you're looking for Zecora's then I can help guide you there. I visit her all the time!” Offered a small golden filly.

Rayne felt all of his worries relax when he looked over and saw none other than Applejack’s younger sister. “Oh why hello there Applebloom. I'm sorry, you startled me coming up unannounced like that.” He smiled down happy to meet another one of his favorite characters of the show.

Applebloom’s face showed a bit of confusion as she politely said, “Oh, well, I'm sorry. Helping ponies is just kinda something that I like to do. But do we know each other? I don't think I had told you my name yet.”

Rayne’s face suddenly froze into a gentle smile to mask his inside panic. After mentally backhanding himself his mind screamed, “What did I JUST tell myself?! Sure, just tell one of the best investigators in Ponyville that you have all the meta knowledge of their whole world!” Taking a breath he spoke charmingly, “Oh please forgive me. My name is Rayne and no, you don't know me. I traveled here from a place further away than you'd believe. But I once overheard a gryphon telling somepony else about how great the Cutie Mark Crusaders are. Then over time I heard more and more about the awesome deeds you and your two friends have done. You girls are kind of like little hero's to me.”

Suddenly one of the most adorable sounds Rayne had ever heard erupted from the little filly in front of him. “Awwwww, really?! That is really cool and also one of the kindest things I've ever had somepony say to me. Thank you!” Rayne just gave a big smile and nodded in response. But what happened next he was not expecting. “So Rain is a nice name. But if you don't mind me saying so, you don't seem like a weather pony.” Applebloom asked while looking over Rayne’s side curiously.

He just looked at her questioningly and attempted to clarify, “Oh no, it's not like R-A-I-N rain. It's R-A-Y-N-E, Rayne. It's not precipitation related. Where I come from we just have a lot of names which are a romanticized version of other words. I know it might be silly but it's considered fancy where I'm from.”

“Ooohhh I get it.” She said as realization hit her. Rayne smiled and nodded until she continued further saying, “That makes so much more sense now.” Then ended with a big grin.

“Uh, it does?” He asked, not feeling sure of what that last part meant.

“Well of course! I couldn't understand at all what your cutie mark would have to do with rain. But you must be a super, duper, extremely, romantic type of pony with a cutie mark like yours.” She explained as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

Rayne just looked at her with dumbfounded surprise. “M-my whut?” He stammered.

“You're cutie mark silly! Right there on your flank.” She pointed with her hoof.

Rayne rolled his eyes thinking, “Why can I just hear my awesome nerd wife yelling at me, ‘how could you have known that you were in the MLP universe for HOURS and not automatically check your own flank for a cutie mark?!’” Looking back he saw that he did have a mark resting on each side of his hind end. At first glance he thought he saw a blue and green heart adorned over his black fur. However upon closer inspection he was able to make out that it was two unicorn mares facing one another. It was their horns and manes which came together to make the heart shape but that detail was very subtle.

“I've never seen a two colored heart like that before. Ponies must be super romantic where you come from.” Applebloom said, clearly not having noticed the finer detail.

“Well I don't know about all that but I thank you all the same. And you know what? I think I do have need for your help after all, Crusader. I have a problem for which you would be the perfect pony to help me with.” Rayne said humbly, even though he silently thought to himself, “Because you won't ask questions that adults would.”

The little filly leapt forward in excitement. “Really?! You means it? Well not to worry, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are on the case!” She cheered. “Now if you'll hold on I'll just go get my friends and you can tell us all about it!”

“Oh no, that won't be necessary really.” Rayne interjected quickly. “As you stated earlier, you already said you are more than capable of helping with my problem. You said that you could lead me to Zecora’s. That's all that I really need.” Seeing the startled look on her face Rayne continued, “You see, that is what brought me to Ponyville in the first place. I need her help to brew a very special potion for me. However I am in a bit of a hurry because I need the potion by nightfall. I am new in town and I still have so much to do. I need to find a place to stay, I don't have any friends…” Rayne eventually trailed off while pretending to sound more and more frantic. After ending with gasp and a fake sweat he stated, “So as you can see, I'm kind of in a bind for time. So could you help?”

Applebloom realized her mouth was hanging open from that long winded expression. But after shaking it off she perked right back up. “Why I sure can. Let's get going for you right away!”

Rayne happily nodded as he followed along. As they started to walk an idea came to him which made him chuckle. Not feeling shy to inspire a thrill he suggested, “If you lead the way I'd be happy to race you there!"

Excitement spread quite clearly across Applebloom's face. “Keep up if you can!” She shouted and Rayne did a good job of keeping pace with her to make her feel like she stood a chance. As they ran together into the woods she could not help but think to herself, “This out of town pony is AWESOME!”

-Meanwhile, elsewhere-

“Spike! What is going on?!” Twilight called in a panic as she burst into the main hall of her castle.

“I have no idea! I didn't touch a thing!” Spike said nervously while raising his hands into the air. The throne room beamed alarmingly as the map table of Equestria seemed to be whirling with magic. Different cutie marks seemed to twirl across different areas of the map but they kept changing their positions and wouldn't settle on a location. “What does it mean Twilight?”

Her purple eyes reflected the bright shining of of the map. “I have no idea Spike. I've never seen this happen before. It seems like there is definitely a friendship problem out there but the map seems… confused? It's like it can't settle on where the problem might be.” Twilight said sounding unsure of herself.

“Uh, can a map be confused?” Spike questioned. “Isn't the purpose of a map, to like, keep you from getting confused while you travel?” He asked, blinking as he pointed out the obvious.

“Spike!” Twilight yelled getting frustrated. “Look I don't know what's happening. These markings don't make any sense. It's showing Rarity and I going to the Crystal Empire. But wait, that's showing next to the Empire. It's pointing in the middle of nowhere! Now it's moved and its directing Pinkie and Fluttershy to the changeling village? Errr! And now it's moved again sending Applejack to…. TARTARUS?! This map is possessed!” She screamed.

Stepping closer for a better look Spike suggested, “Maybe there is something big going on but the details of when and where are undecided yet?”

“That's not how the map is supposed to work Spike. It's not a live account of all of the trouble in Equestria, it only shows where there is a major friendship problem and who would be best suited to help handle it.” Twilight explained.

“Huh, then maybe it's just busted.” He suggested but not without getting a disapproving stare from the alicorn. “Do you think you could ask Princess Celestia about it? Or could it be Discord playing around and making mischief again?”

“Hmm I don't think so Spike. Celestia isn't the Princess of Friendship, I am. And I don't think that Discord is responsible for this. Look at the time, he should be having tea with Fluttershy right now. Discord would let the world end before he would miss a tea party with Fluttershy.”

All of a sudden the light shining on the map table went out and the cutie mark indicators disappeared. Spike looked up to Twilight Sparkle astonished, “Does that mean it’s over?”

“It seems unlikely that something which could affect the friendship map like this would just go away on its own. I think something new has made its way to Equestria. Something we haven't seen before. We'll just have to keep a vigilant eye on things for awhile.” The two of them nodded together confidently.

-Back to just outside of Ponyville-

Deep in the forest two figures trotted down a twisted pathway. Through the trees a large cottage came into view. The building itself was formed from a hollowed out tree trunk and smelled of wild herbs which had been collected from all over. Inside its sole inhabitant could be heard toiling over potions and brews until a pair of yellow eyes peered out through an open window. “Ah is that my pupil I see, arriving right on time here in front of me?” Rhymed out a voice from inside. Opening the door a female zebra with a warm smile appeared to greet the approaching hoofsteps. Her white and black fur stretched up into a Mohawk atop her head and she wore several gold rings around her neck.

Although she quickly became alarmed upon seeing a second figure appearing out of the forest behind her friend. “But oh my, what is this? Please tell me young one that something is not amiss. Applebloom you are being followed I hope you are aware. If this dark pony has ill intent then he had best beware!” Zecora stepped out onto her patio instinctively reaching a hoof towards the little filly.

Sensing the tension as Applebloom looked up between her mentor and her new friend she rushed forward shouting, “Oh no, you don't have to worry Zecora. This here is a friendly pony.” She pleaded. The stallion stepped forward out of the shadows and gave an uneasy smile to the zebra. “His name is Rayne and he traveled all the way to Ponyville from a distant land just to meet you Zecora. He says he needs your help.”

Rayne saw her taking measure of him up and down but noticed her expression quickly softening before him. “I apologize dear pony, I was too quick to judge. I would be happy to help if you can forgive without a grudge.” She offered while holding open her door to invite Rayne and Applebloom inside.

“Hmm.” Rayne thought to himself while smiling politely. “I guess in any universe I give a suspicious vibe. Nah, I won't let one instance get to me. Things will be different here.” He reassured himself attempting to let go of old emotional wounds from his last world. “Come on Rayne, you can do this.” However as he passed over the threshold he could feel the zebra's eyes upon him once more, looking over his cutie mark as he passed. "I guess another loose end will be figuring out what my mark means before ponies start asking me questions about it."

The inside of the cabin there was decorated with tribal styled furniture and painted masks of various shapes hung from the walls. “I am pleased to finally be able to meet you Zecora.” Rayne started off while looking around at the surroundings as he entered. “Oh wow. I know that I have come to you seeking your help... but would it be too pretentious of me to say that I honestly love your home?” Rayne was not unfamiliar with how to believably bend the truth of things. Even though he did have to fake his surprise, he wasn't technically lying when he offered Zecora’s hut it's praise.

Stepping around her cauldron pot Zecora laid down into a sitting chair made of large leaves woven together. Looking up to him with a smile that seemed genuine she replied, “I do not mind at all. Visitors other than Applebloom are quite rare. Usually my decor makes other ponies withdrawal. So the list of those who share my tastes is quite bare.”

Rayne returned the smile allowing some of his own genuine enthusiasm to take hold. “Where I come from artifacts such as these are respected with a sense of awe and beauty. They aren't native to our own land but there are many who study and collect them where possible. The rich cultural value expressed here inspires us and uplifts our spirits.” Rayne wasn't exactly sure how to best explain that African styled masks were novelty items his southern California home but he thought he was making it sound good so far. He walked up to two painted masks appreciating their intricate designs. “Hello… and welcome.” He said as if reading from their faces. But really he was just remembering what Zecora had said from her first episode. “My, what a friendly spirited home you have here.”

The zebra sat there stunned for a moment after listening to Rayne. She lifted herself on almost shaking hooves and walked up to the stallion that she now saw to be quite mysterious. “If any other pony were to say such things I would only believe they jest.” The intense remark almost made Rayne believe he had upset her but then her tone took a much softer note as she continued. “However something inside tells me you are different from the rest.” Rayne couldn't help but like the way she was smiling at him now. “The words you use to describe my home may be quite plain... but I assure you the feelings they give are not the same.”

There was a brief pause as the two looked into each other's eyes until suddenly a squeaky voice piped up breaking their attention from each other. “Oh wow Rayne. It really looks like you gave her a surprise. I ain't never seen anypony get the best of Zecora before. But I don't get it, how'd you do it with just complimenting her on her house? I've told her that I think her stuff looks neat loads of times!”

Both of the adults gave each other an uneasy smile at the face of Applebloom’s ignorance. Zecora leaned down and spoke tenderly to the filly. “Applebloom my dear, I want to have a conversation with Rayne that would make me uncomfortable if you are near. You are an important friend to me and we will get to your lesson soon. Until then, would it upset you if I talked to Rayne without you in the room?”

“Sure thing Zecora, I understand.” Applebloom did a quick run around the hut grabbing a few bottles and some different herbs. “I'll just take a few of these things out onto the porch and get started. Don't worry, I won't listen in or nothing. Big Mac told me all about how sometimes grown up ponies need to have special grown up talk with each other in private.” She smiled wide seeming so proud of herself for how knowledgeable she thought she sounded. The two older ponies waited for Applebloom to make her way outside before returning once more to sharing in each others gaze.

Meanwhile, outside on the porch of Zecora's hut, Applebloom repeated crafting the concoction from her previous lesson with Zecora for practice. As the little filly took her time setting up her chemical experiments she laughed to herself. “Wow, that Rayne sure must be good at telling jokes. He's been making Zecora giggle away in there ever since the moment I walked out the door." But right then Applebloom stopped mid pour of her experiment. "Wait a minute, Applebloom you ought to be ashamed of yourself. You promised you wouldn't listen in. Hmm I'll just move on a little further over here and make sure not to pay no mind until they call me back inside.” With that thought in mind she threw herself into her alchemical practices, paying no further attention to noises coming from the two adult ponies inside.

Author's Notes:

Adapting to a new world is never easy, especially when everyone is forced to inner monologue out loud. I felt that this was just a common theme for Equestria so I'll be keeping it as a challenge for Rayne tk deal with.
Also yes, yes, I really can be that stupid sometimes that I would forget to check for my own cutie mark.
I think it's sweet how naive and oblivious Applebloom in this chapter. But likewise I would remind my readers that Zecora isn't necessarily as young as the mane 6. As such she will be written as being a little more matured than the others in this story. And I hoped you liked her rhymes. It has been a lot of fun working on her lines for this story.

On another note, what could the mysterious activity on the cutie map table mean? I assure you that it will be important to the story but for now it remains a mystery. Guesses from readers are always entertaining if you feel like leaving comment.

And as always, thanks for reading!