It took some time for everything to sink in. I had just made my first real friend; not an animal, but another pony. I quickly realized just how lucky I was to have met Fluttershy in our chance encounter. Thanks to her, I learned that there really are some accepting ponies out there, and she was about to introduce me to even more.

I may have finished the journey to Ponyville, but my journey into friendship was just beginning.

* * * * * * * * * *

“I suppose we should get going, we don’t want to keep Rarity waiting,” Fluttershy said, walking over to the coat hanger to fetch her scarf.

I nodded and joined her by the door, and began my usual ritual of preparation for going outside. I tied back my mane and tail before throwing on my cloak. The yellow mare watched me with a look of pity.

“It’s a shame you have to do all of that...” she commented while slowly putting on her scarf.

“Well... it may be uncomfortable and tedious, but it keeps everypony’s eyes off of me.”

“I understand.  I don’t like lots of ponies looking at me either; it makes me very nervous... Why, just the thought of everypony watching me makes me nervous!” Fluttershy exclaimed softly as a look of fear adorned her face.

“I’m sure everypony is used to seeing you by now, so I don’t think you have to worry about being stared at.” I looked over Fluttershy, admiring her mane and coat as she adjusted her scarf.

Now that I think about it... She would make the perfect model for a very lovely painting. I wonder if she would let me paint her sometime?

I brought a hoof to my chin. “...And if anypony did stare, it’s probably because of how beautiful you are,” I mused slowly.

Fluttershy froze in place, blushing profusely before looking down to the floor.

“T-thank you...” She stammered out. “Y-you know... you’re very...” Fluttershy trailed off into into an inaudible whisper, turning her head away.

I cocked my head sideways, giving her a curious look. “I’m sorry, what was that?” I asked, leaning in closer to her.

“Oh, n-nothing... nevermind...” Fluttershy dismissed, looking back up to me. “A-anyways... shall we?” The yellow pegasus asked, gesturing to the door.

I nodded and followed as she exited the cottage.

The walk to town was peaceful and passed quickly with conversation. Fluttershy told me how winter was almost over, and soon they would have Winter Wrap Up to usher in spring. The idea of spring in such a peaceful little village excited me. It would be my first spring outside Manehattan. To me, this meant a whole new world of colors to paint. I couldn’t wait to see it.

As we approached Ponyville, I quickly became nervous. So many ponies had already seen me, and it ended up very badly. I didn’t want a repeat of earlier. I slowed my pace as I got lost in thought.

What if somepony from before recognizes me; what will they do? What will they say?

“Just take a deep breath, and try to relax,” Fluttershy instructed, looking to me. “Everything will be okay, and you’re going to meet the pony you have been looking for, remember?”

I managed a small smile at her comforting words.“Thank you, Fluttershy.”

She closed her eyes and beamed me a warm smile before looking back to the town ahead.

The town square was just as busy as before. Everypony went about their business, buying and selling produce, trinkets and other handy items.

“This is very different... Manehattan doesn’t have anything like this. Just large stores and the occasional shop,” I informed her, watching the ponies we passed with great interest.

“It’s... nice... but some ponies can be difficult to buy from if you’re not very assertive,” Fluttershy commented, letting out a soft sigh.

“Oh, I didn’t think about that...” My ears fell back at the thought of dealing with the more assertive sellers.

“It’s not that bad, I promise,” Fluttershy reassured me, slowly coming to a stop.

“Well, here we are,” Fluttershy announced, turning to face me before a large, intricately designed building. “This is Carousel Boutique, Rarity’s home and workplace... She’s a very famous designer, you know.”

I tilted my head as I analyzed the building. It really did look just like a large carousel. The shapes and colors were impeccable.

Whoever designed this must be very meticulous to detail... It’s simply, beautiful.

Fluttershy approached the door and gave it a few soft knocks, barely making any sound. We waited for a few minutes before I turned to her.

“Maybe... you should knock again?”

“Okay.” Fluttershy again knocked softly on the door, barely louder than before. Several minutes went by in silence.

“Maybe... she’s not home?” My ears fell back as I looked to the ground in disappointment.

“That’s weird, she should be expecting—” Before Fluttershy could finish the door flung open and out flew a small white filly with a soft pink and purple mane, crashing into Fluttershy and falling back onto her haunches.

“Ow! …Oh, hey Fluttershy! You looking for my sister?” the young filly asked, getting to her hooves. She glanced over before turning to me.

“Who’s your friend?” the young filly asked, rubbing her chin with a hoof. “…I don’t think I have seen her before?”

Fluttershy turned to me. “Go on... Introduce yourself,” she encouraged me with a smile and a wink.

“O-oh... um, I-I’m... Prism...” I replied shyly.

I felt a bit ridiculous as I forced the words across my lips. I was intimidated and shy over just a small filly of all ponies.

“Nice to meet you, Prism. That’s a very pretty name,” the small unicorn replied enthusiastically. “My name’s Sweetie Belle; Rarity’s my big sister.” Sweetie Bell turned back to Fluttershy.

“I’ll go get her for you.” With that, the filly quickly disappeared back into the carousel home, and returned just as fast as she had left. “She said to come in.” As soon as the filly finished her sentence she zoomed past us and was gone in a flash.

“...Somepony’s in a hurry,” I said, looking over my shoulder in the direction the hyper filly had ran off to.

“She’s probably off to play with the rest of the crusaders. Those girls can be so energetic sometimes...”

“Crusaders?” I asked quizzically, looking back to Fluttershy.

She let out a small laugh. “Two of my friends’ younger sisters and a friend of theirs call themselves The Cutie Mark Crusaders. They do all kinds of things, in hopes of finding their special talent and getting their cutie marks. ...Sometimes dangerous and scary things. Oh, I hope the girls aren’t getting into too much trouble today...” Fluttershy brought a hoof to her muzzle; she looked deep in thought and quite worried.

“I never got along with others when I was a filly, or rather; they didn’t want anything to do with me... But I had my crayons; they were all I needed.”

Fluttershy turned to me with another worried look. “That’s just—”

“Fluttershy, darling, did Sweetie Belle not tell you that you could come inside?” came a proper-sounding voice from the door.

Fluttershy and I both turned to the voice. There stood a unicorn mare that rivaled Fluttershy’s beauty. She had a clean, ivory coat and an elegantly-groomed, curled purple mane. She also wore a large, stylish red pair of... what I guessed must have been reading glasses.

“Oh, hello, Rarity. She did tell us, yes, but I guess we got lost in conversation.”

“We?” the unicorn asked with great interest, raising an eyebrow.

Fluttershy and Rarity both looked to me. I really felt on the spot and very nervous. The pony I came all the way here to see was standing in front of me.

I wonder what she's like? Will she like me? ...What if she doesn’t like me, or thinks I look weird! But, she's Fluttershy’s friend so she can’t be too mean, but what if she is mean! And Fluttershy’s just too nice to mind! Maybe she—

“Ah, how delightful to meet yo—” Rarity cut off into a shrill gasp, looking quite taken aback. “WHAT IS THAT HORRIBLE, WRETCHED THING!?” she hissed, shooting a hoof out pointed directly at me.

At that moment, my whole world came crashing down around me.

Fluttershy’s eyes lit up in horror as she turned back to Rarity. I paused briefly as I absorbed the shock, and then quickly exploded in tears, turning and fleeing in a sorrow-filled panic. Both ponies called out to me, but I didn’t hear them.

She saw right through me! It only took her one look to realize I’m a freak! I hoped that maybe as another artist she would at least give me a chance—but no, she already hates me! Fluttershy was wrong, Rarity is—

I felt my hooves, no, my whole body, slowly lift up off the ground. Still running in place, I looked down to either side of me with a slightly confused expression. I was floating in the air, surrounded in a soft, light blue aura of magic.

I shut my eyes tight and tried to run harder to escape the magic, but it was no use; I was slowly being pulled back to the Boutique. I was turned around to find Fluttershy with an extremely worried look, and Rarity a sheepish, guilty one.

“PUT ME DOWN!” I wailed, trying to squirm free of the unicorn’s magical grasp.

“S-she didn’t—”

“She called me horrible! Wretched!”

“Darling, I didn’t mean—”

“Please... just... just put me down... please...” I softly cried, curling myself into a ball. There was a long pause before she slowly lowered me to the ground and released me from her magic. Fluttershy quickly darted over to me and cupped me in a hug.

“Shh... there, there. She didn’t mean it like—”

Rarity walked up to me and let out a small cough.

“I meant your attire, dear. Not you,” Rarity assured me. “Even so, that was horribly rude of me. I am oh, so, very sorry. I do apologize for my rudeness.”

I wiped some tears from my eyes before poking my head up from my ball of safety. “R-really...?”

“Why, of course, darling. I would never say such a dreadful thing to another pony. Could you find it in you to forgive me?”

I turned my head to Fluttershy with an unsure expression.

“She really didn’t mean it, honest.  She’s the nicest pony I know,” Fluttershy reassured me with a smile before sitting back to her haunches. “Would you feel better if I introduced you?”

I nodded slowly, sinking my head back down to my hooves. Fluttershy stood up next to me and turned to Rarity.

“Rarity, this is my friend Prism. She’s new to Ponyville; she just got here this morning... so, um...”

Rarity looked to me and raised an eyebrow at me. “Why, color me impressed.  Not even here for a day and already friends with Fluttershy? That is no mean feat, dear.” Rarity rubbed her chin with a hoof, looking off into nowhere. “I haven’t heard anything from Pinkie Pie about a new pony.  Frankly, I’m shocked Pinkie didn’t get to you first, but by the looks of things, I’m glad she didn’t.”

There’s that Pinkie Pie again...

“W-who’s... Pinkie Pie?”

Rarity bit her lower lip with a shifty-eyed, concerned look. “Let’s go inside shall we!” the fashionista answered with a forced smile before scanning our surroundings. “Surely you’re uncomfortable lying in the cold snow like that!”

Before I could answer, Rarity pulled me to my hooves and quickly pushed me and Fluttershy inside, closing the door and locking it behind her. She walked over to a window and looked out for a moment before turning to Fluttershy and me.

“Okay! Who wants some tea then?” she asked somewhat frantically, with a hint of nervousness in her voice.

“I would love some!” I blurted out before quickly flattening my ears and shrinking down sheepishly.

Fluttershy glanced over to me briefly, covering a small laugh. “Yes, I would love some too, please.”

“Wonderful! I just so happened to have made some just before you arrived. Oh, you will absolutely love it; it’s red rose and lavender. I just got it from Canterlot yesterday, and it is simply to die for!” Rarity exclaimed with great enthusiasm. “Right this way, dear.”

Rarity and Fluttershy turned towards, and walked up a set over stairs across the room.

I also began for the stairs before pausing halfway, taking a look around the room. My jaw dropped now that I got a good look at it. It was amazing!  Intricately designed clothing lined racks on either side of the door and along a back wall. Elegant mirrors and tapestries could be found covering the walls on all sides of the room. I found myself stunned by the colorful beauty of the place.

“Prism, darling, are you coming?” Rarity called to me from the bottom of the stairs.

“Y-yes, sorry.” I quickly snapped out of my daze and followed her. …Into yet another amazing room. Rarity’s kitchen was just as neat and fashionable as her boutique below. Cabinets and countertops lined the back wall along with a fancy modern oven.

An oven! Oh, I had always wanted an oven, and are those cabinets cherry? ...Rarity must be rather wealthy to afford all this.

“Do take a seat, and feel free to make yourself more... comfortable.” Rarity’s eye twitched as she looked over my cloak.

I looked back to my cloak then to Fluttershy, and back to Rarity.

“I-I... would rather not...” I answered slowly, taking a seat next to Fluttershy at the table.

While Rarity’s home was simply stunning, it didn’t have the same comforting aura as Fluttershy’s cottage, and I found Rarity a bit... intimidating. I turned back to the yellow pony and shrank down in my seat; Rarity also looked to her. Fluttershy gave Rarity a look that seemed to have meant something, judging by the fashionista’s reaction.

“Oh... okay, well that’s fine too. Do as you like, darling,” Rarity replied, turning to a teapot on her kitchen countertop. With her magic, she poured three cups of tea and took a seat at the table across from us. She cleared her throat before looking over to us.

“So, about Pinkie Pie. Pinkie’s, uh... energetic, to say the least. She’s also friends with everypony in town. She knows everypony, and I do mean everypony,” the ivory unicorn answered reluctantly. “Whenever somepony new moves into town, she throws them a welcome party and invites everypony in town.”

My expression slowly crept into horror at her words. “Celestia, no!” I cupped my head with my hooves. “No-no-no-no! I don’t want a welcome party; I don’t even like parties! And everypony in town would be there? By Luna’s moon, no!”

Rarity slowly took a sip of her tea, before looking up to me. “I had a feeling you might not like the idea. You didn’t exactly strike me as the social butterfly, as ‘twere,” she said before turning to Fluttershy. “We simply must find Pinkie Pie before she finds Prism.”

Fluttershy nodded, taking a drink of her tea before pausing. “...I don’t think I have ever had this before,” Fluttershy commented, examining her tea.

“As I said, simply marvelous, is it not?”

“Oh yes, it’s wonderful,” Fluttershy replied before taking another sip.

Rarity turned to me expectantly. I looked down to my tea. it wasn’t like me to ever take my time beginning my tea, but I was quite nervous in the fashionista’s presence. I slowly picked up my cup with both hooves and took a sip. The warm sensation of the lovely tea flooded me over as I let out a small, relaxed sigh. Rarity gave me an odd look as my eyes met with hers.

“Oh, um, it’s fantastic, I love it. Lavender is one of my favorites, and the red rose accents it well.” I took another drink, though reluctantly; Rarity was watching me with great interest.

“Great! I’m very glad you like it. I had quite a bit ordered so I will have it for some time. You’re very welcome to join me anytime you like, darling.” Rarity quickly made a pouty face. “Other than Fluttershy here, the rest of the girls don’t really appreciate a good cup of tea,” she complained, taking another drink of her tea.

“The girls?” I asked.

“She means the rest of our friends.” Fluttershy commented.

“Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash,” Rarity continued.

Rainbow Dash...

I thought back to my brief encounter with the rainbow-maned pony earlier this morning. It was a shot in the dark, but I had to ask.

“So, um, this Rainbow Dash... She wouldn’t be a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane... would she?” I asked sheepishly with a forced smile. Both mares looked to me curiously.

“Oh? So you’ve met Rainbow Dash then?” Rarity asked, looking at me expectantly.

I sank down into my chair as my ears fell back. “Not... exactly...” I answered reluctantly. “I sort of... yelled, at her.” The girls looked on in surprise.

“Goodness, dear, whatever happened?” Rarity asked, setting down her empty teacup.

I sat up in my seat and cleared my throat. “It’s a long story, but...”

I went on to explain my brief encounter with ‘Rainbow Dash’, and what had transpired. I saw it inevitable that I would have to tell Rarity, along with the rest of her friends about me eventually. I decided to inform Rarity about my albinism and how it affected my meeting with Rainbow Dash and what happened in town shortly after.

“...And, well... that’s why I ran off when you yelled, and why I have been so reluctant to take off my cloak... I wasn’t sure what you would think...” I concluded slowly, sinking back down in my seat as I looked up to Rarity.

Her expression was frozen, slack jawed in surprise. Her glasses had all but fallen off her face. She eventually shook herself out of the daze and slowly took off the reading glasses.

“I-I... I don’t know what to say!” Rarity covered a gasp as a look of realization sat in. “I said those horrible things about your cloak, and you thought that I...” The fashionista quickly shot up out of her seat. “Oh my stars, darling! I am, SO, SORRY!”  She quickly trotted across the kitchen, before turning back and trotting up to me.

“This must be addressed at once!” the fashionista declared. “Come with me, darling.”

“W-what...? Wait—”

Rarity pulled me out of my seat, and dragged me along to another room just past the kitchen. Unlike the rest of her home, this room was... a mess.  Cloth, ribbon and gemstones of all kinds and colors were strewn from wall to wall. It looked as if a hurricane blew through the place.

“Wait here, dear,” Rarity instructed as she walked into the middle of the room and started levitating miscellaneous cloths and fabrics. She sorted through different colors, examining them closely.

“No... No... No... Ech! Definitely no!” the fashionista continued to shuffle through fabrics as Fluttershy quietly entered the room.

I turned to the yellow pony nervously “W-What is she doing...?” I asked nervously

“She must have an idea.  Don’t worry,” Fluttershy answered, turning to me. “Once she gets her mind set on something, she has to do it.”

“How about this?” Rarity asked herself, levitating a large lime-green sheet of fabric next to me. She put a hoof to her chin and tilted her head in thought. “Hmm... Green is not your color, dear.” She haphazardly tossed the fabric aside before bringing a large sheet of midnight-blue fabric to me.

“Hmm, yes... Yes! This will do fantastically! Now to...” Rarity looked back and forth between Fluttershy and me with analytical scans. The two of us looked to each other confused, then stared blankly back at her. “The two of you seem to be about the same size...”

She levitated the large piece of fabric to an empty ponnequin and began to shape the cloth with many measurements and snips of scissors. It only took a few moments for her to present the finished product. I was awestruck at the speed and accuracy of Rarity’s handiwork.  I very quickly saw why she was famous; she was extremely talented.

“Do try this on, Dear.” Rarity levitated a new, beautiful midnight-blue cloak before me. I paused for a moment before turning back to Fluttershy with a concerned look.

“Go on, you’ll be fine,” Fluttershy encouraged me warmly with a soft smile.

“Okay...” I slowly pulled off my cloak and laid it on the ground next to me.

Rarity’s eyes lit up. “Oh my... whatever happened to you, darling?!” Rarity exclaimed, examining my bandages before turning to Fluttershy with a concerned look. “Is it bad?”

Fluttershy shrank down a little, sheepishly smiling back. “It’s... not as bad as it looks. She had me really worried at first though. I thought she may have been seriously injured and needed to go to the hospital.”

I covered a small laugh at the comment. The two mares looked back to me confused.

“You reminded me a lot of Mother, right then. She would always worry so much at every little cut or scratch I had as a filly.” I looked back to my coat. “My mane and coat will do that though; they makes every injury look much worse than it really is.”

Rarity walked up to me and stretched a foreleg out next to mine. “Dare I say, you're a far higher contrast of white than even myself,” she commented, comparing our coats side by side.

“It’s not something I am proud of...” I said, slowly looking down to the floor.

Rarity turned to me, looking quite surprised. “Why ever not, Darling? Your pure shade of white is absolutely gorgeous!” Rarity exclaimed. Examining me, her eyes fell on my hair ties. “Oh, but these simply must go!” she declared, removing the ties with her magic. I gave my mane and tail a few shakes, letting them fall freely.

“That is much better. Such fabulous hair should not be hindered by such restraints,” Rarity stated as she circled me, inspecting me closely. “Darling, your coat and mane are simply magnificent! You are quite the natural beauty.”

Rarity thinks I’m beautiful...?

“T-thank you, but... I’m not nearly as beautiful as the two of you...” I blushed faintly and looked away.

Fluttershy’s face turned a faint shade of red, while Rarity sat to her haunches and covered her muzzle with a foreleg.

Rarity waved her other forehoof at me dismissively. “Oh stop, you flatter me!” Rarity looked back up to the cloak she had been levitating this whole time. “Oh, yes!” Rarity quickly wrapped the cloak around me, causing me to jump slightly in surprise. She then brought a large stand up mirror before me.

I moved about, adjusting myself while looking in the mirror. The cloak was a perfect fit. I turned my head, closely examining it. Not only was it comfortable, it looked far nicer than my old brown one.

Wow... She really does have a good eye, and it’s a perfect fit!

“It’s perfect!” I exclaimed, turning to Rarity, but quickly sank down in disappointment. “But... I’m afraid I can’t afford it...”

She raised an eyebrow at me. “Afford it? Darling, it’s yours! Think of it as an apology for earlier.”

I went to say something, but Rarity quickly raised a hoof and hushed me before any words came.

“Ah-ah! ...It’s yours, I will hear nothing more of it!” she exclaimed, bringing her hoof down, and falling into a stubborn stance.

“W-wow... just, wow! Thank you so much, Rarity!” I spun around examining the cloak in the mirror, making an impromptu seductive look to myself.  

Fluttershy slowly walked up to Rarity and extended a hoof to her. “Um, Rarity? Is there... anything you think you could do, about that?” Fluttershy asked, gesturing back to my bandages.

Rarity brought a hoof to her chin as she examined them. “Well... I’m not nearly as good at healing magic as Twilight, and I only know one spell...” she mused. “But... I suppose it can’t hurt to try?” She turned to Fluttershy and shrugged.

“Um... I don’t know...” I said, slowly backing up a little.

“It’s just a small, simple healing spell, darling. It’s foal-proof,” Rarity assured me, dismissing my concern with a wave of her hoof. “Unfortunately, it’s only intended for small cuts and bruises. I can’t promise it will heal it, but I think it can at least remove your need for the bandages.”

“I-Is... it safe?” I asked reluctantly, sinking to the floor.

“Oh-ho-ho, Darling~!” Rarity laughed, covering her muzzle with a foreleg. “Why, I use this spell all the time~! What could possibly go wrong?”

Her horn lit up with a soft, light blue glow. The same glow slowly covered my forehead where my cut was. I felt a tingling sensation in my forehead... but I felt something else, something deep down inside me stirring.

“Um, Rarity, I don’t think this is such a good—”

The stirring sensation quickly surged forward and I felt a sharp pain drive up my chest, along my neck, and to my forehead where Rarity’s spell was in effect. I let out a sharp yelp as I winced in pain.

“Rarity, STOP!” Fluttershy cried out uncharacteristically.

Rarity frantically stopped her spell at the pegasus's thundering demand. My forehead was stinging, throbbing. A burning sensation covered the whole of it. Fluttershy let out and covered a sharp gasp as she pointed her other forehoof to my forehead. I turned and looked to the mirror. The sight sent a chill down my spine. A gushing red was quickly covering the clean white bandages.

Blood...

Fluttershy quickly turned to Rarity, wide eyed. “What did you do?!” Fluttershy cried out bewilderedly, before quickly flying over to me.

“I-I... I don’t know!” Rarity stammered. “I just cast the spell like I have every other time!”

I was too stunned to say anything; to do anything. I just stood there, staring into the mirror as the last traces of white in the bandages were engulfed by the sea of crimson.

“We need to get her to the hospital right away!” Fluttershy declared, hoisting me onto her back without hesitation. “Rarity, help me!”

There was another stirring inside me, but this one felt familiar...

“Wait...” I whispered softly.

Fluttershy looked up to me perplexed.

The burning pain suddenly stopped, and was replaced by a cool, soothing sensation. I felt magic run through my forehead, my magic, though only for an instant. The sensation was over as soon as it began. Something felt... different... my curiosity was piqued. I slowly slid off Fluttershy and walked back to the mirror.

“Prism! What in Equestria you doing?! We have to get you to the hospital, right now!” Rarity exclaimed, rushing up to me.

I held out a hoof to her. “Wait...” I breathed softly.

Rarity stopped just before me. Both mares looked at me confused and with great worry. I reached up and slowly began to unravel my bandages.

“No, don’t!” The yellow pony leapt at me and grabbed my foreleg, but not before I unraveled the last wrap. Fluttershy paused, slack-jawed and slowly fell back to her haunches.

“What is it, Darling?” Rarity trotted up to Fluttershy and turned to me. “Oh my...” she covered her muzzle with a hoof.

I examined my reflection in the mirror. My forehead was... fine. In fact, there was not single a trace of blood on me, only on the bandages on the floor. Where the cut had once been was a smooth, unblemished patch of my clean white coat, as if nothing had ever been there. Both mares paused for a time, stunned. Rarity eventually stirred, slowly looking to Fluttershy.

“Twilight will want to hear about this...”

“Y-yeah...” Fluttershy commented, slowly getting to her hooves.

I flattened my ears and slowly sank down to the floor.

“I-I’m sorry I scared you...” I said slowly, looking away from the two.

“I’m sorry I almost killed you!” Rarity suddenly declared, aghast.

Fluttershy walked around in front of me and brushed a hoof over my forehead. “There’s no scar or anything...” Fluttershy commented, and then slowly lifted my head to face her, looking me in the eyes. “...What was that, Prism?” she asked, worry weighing heavy on her words and expression.

“I-I... I don’t know. I just felt ‘something’ inside of me.” I answered slowly. “At first it hurt, really bad, but then it stopped and I felt it soothe the pain away, and then, nothing.”

Rarity sat to her haunches and sheepishly tapped the tips of her front hooves together. “H-Had I known that would have happen—”

I shook my head and quickly interjected. “There's no way you could have known that would happen, Rarity, and besides...” I poked my forehead with a hoof. “Had you not tried, I would still be wearing those bandages, so don’t worry about it, okay?” I beamed her a smile, which she slowly returned.

“You gave us quite the scare, darling,” Rarity commented. “I really thought that I had seriously injured you.” Rarity paused before turning to Fluttershy with a sly smirk.

“She was really worried, she even yelled at me!” Rarity exaggerated, performing an impromptu covered gasp. “Fluttershy really took action when she thought you had been hurt. That’s our Fluttershy for you; always looking out for the well-being of others.” Rarity beamed her an honest smile.

“Rarity...” Fluttershy blushed profusely, taking a step back from me and looking away, hiding her face behind her mane.

“I’m only teasing, Darling.” Rarity covered a laugh.

I couldn’t help but softly smile at the fashionista’s gentle banter. “Thank you, girls.” I took a step towards Fluttershy and peered around to her face. “...And thank you for worrying about me, but I’m fine now. ...Okay?”

“Okay...” Fluttershy replied softly, managing a faint smile.

I suddenly remembered what the girls had said earlier, about Twilight Sparkle.

I looked back to Rarity. “You mentioned that Twilight Sparkle would want to hear about this...?”

“Twilight has a great interest in all things magic,” Fluttershy slowly answered for her.

I glanced back to the yellow pony before Rarity continued for her.

“She is Princess Celestia’s personal pupil after all,” the fashionista added matter-of-factly.

I turned back to, and gave Rarity a curious look. “...Just who are you ponies?” I asked, clearly confused.

“The girls and I represent the six Elements of Harmony. Myself being the Element of Generosity, of course,” Rarity replied enthusiastically before turning to the yellow pegasus. “Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness; Twilight, the Element of Magic; Applejack, the Element of Honesty; Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter; and Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty,” Rarity firmly concluded, turning back to me.

I paused for a moment and turned to Fluttershy, deep in thought.

That would explain why Fluttershy is so kind, and Rarity so generous... If Twilight Sparkle is anything like these two, she must know a lot about magic.

“...Yes?” Fluttershy asked, tilting her head and meeting my stare with a curious look.

“Oh, I was just thinking... What are the other girls like?”

“I could introduce you to them... that is, if you want me too,” Fluttershy asked softly.

“I... I would like that.”

“I’m sure the rest would love to meet you too,” Fluttershy commented, walking up to a window. “Oh my, It’s gotten so late, has it really been that long?” I joined Fluttershy at the window; the sun had already almost set.

“Wow, it has gotten pretty late,” I added, looking to Fluttershy.

“I guess we missed our spa visit today. I’m sorry, Rarity,” Fluttershy remarked before turning to her.

“That’s fine, dear, and besides...” Rarity turned to me with an appreciative smile. “Making a wonderful new friend beats any old spa trip, if you ask me.”

“Oh yes, very much so.” Fluttershy nodded before looking to me with a wink.

“So, Darling... If I may ask, where will you be staying?” Rarity asked, looking at me expectantly.

I was afraid this question might come up. I wasn’t quite sure how to tell them how I managed to get here.

“I... um, I don’t know...” I replied, looking down to the floor.

“You don’t know? Whatever do you mean?” Rarity looked at me puzzled.

I grit my teeth nervously. “You see...”

I explained how I had lost my saddlebags in the Everfree Forest in a blizzard a few nights ago, and how what I had on me was all I had with me.

“Oh my stars, Darling!” Rarity gasped. “You mean to tell me that you lost all your belongings?”

I nodded slowly, sinking to the floor.

“You have nothing?” Rarity’s jaw dropped.

I slowly shook my head.

Fluttershy looked at me with great surprise. “Oh my, I didn’t know that...”

“I had a rather... difficult time getting here.” I replied, turning back to the girls. “I hadn’t really thought about what I would do when I got here... or where I would stay.” My ears fell back as I slowly sat down to my haunches.

Fluttershy opened her muzzle as if about to speak, but Rarity quickly stepped forward.

“Well, why didn’t you just say so?” Rarity replied, walking up to me. “You’re welcome to stay here in the guest room until you're on your hooves, darling.”

I looked back to her, wide eyed. “Y-you, you would really let me stay with you?! B-but, you only just met me!” I exclaimed, perplexed by her beyond-generous offer.

Both the girls covered a small laugh.

“Prism, darling, if there’s anything I learned about you today, it’s that you're a good pony,” Rarity commented. “And besides, you came all the way out here to meet me. The very least I can do is accomodate you.”

“B-but—”

“No buts! You will stay here, and that is final,” Rarity stated, raising her snout into the air and turning away. “I’ll go prepare your room.” With that, the fashionista trotted out into the hall.

I turned to Fluttershy with a look of shock. “I-I... I don’t even know what to say...” I felt tears begin to swell in my eyes.

Fluttershy walked over and sat down in front of me. “You don’t have to say anything,” the yellow pegasus assured me with a smile. “Friends help each other in times of need.”

I bit my lower lip as I fought hard to hold back tears, I had done enough crying in front of Fluttershy today.

“All my life I’ve been teased, bullied, avoided... I had gone all these years not finding a single pony that accepted me for who I am...” The tears I had been fighting back quickly won as I began to cry. “I-I've never had somepony I could call a friend before, and in only a day I found not one... but two.” I leapt into Fluttershy and embraced her in a hug.

“I’m scared...” I slowly sobbed, tightening my grip around the yellow pony. “...I really am scared, Fluttershy...”

“Why are you scared? What’s wrong?” Fluttershy asked softly, gently stroking my mane.

I slowly pulled away and rubbed the tears from eyes with my foreleg. I looked Fluttershy in the eyes with fear.

“...I’m scared that this isn’t real... that when I wake up, this will all be gone,” I answered slowly. “Life has been so cruel to me... so why now? Why now does it so suddenly give to me what I had always wanted? C-can... this really be happening?” I felt my lower lip tremble as more tears came.

I jumped slightly in surprise as I felt a pair of hooves wrap around me from behind and hug me tight.

“I assure you, Darling, this is real; we, are real,” Rarity assured me, laying up against my back.

“And when you wake up, this will all still be here,” Fluttershy reassured me. “Tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that.”

“Ponyville isn’t going anywhere, and neither are we,” Rarity stated.

Both mares hugged me tight before breaking away and getting to their hooves.

I paused before slowly turning to face Rarity. “Um, Rarity? ...Can I ask a favor?” I asked slowly, looking to the floor and fidgeting with my tail.

“Anything, Dear,” the fashionista replied, looking at me expectantly.

“...Could I have some more tea?”

Both mares let out a fit of laughter.

“Of course, darling.”