We parted as a group when we entered Ponyville. I followed Twilight and Spike to the library, when we got there, I set down the sleeping bag Fluttershy had lent me. I grabbed my things, and went down into the basement.

I sighed, and flopped onto the bed. I felt emotionally exhausted, but felt better physically then I'd had in a while. I rolled over to face the window, looking at the ponies passing below. My eyes felt heavy, and soon they slid shut.

(LINE BREAK)

I woke up when it was dark, the night air dimming the brilliant colours outside. I stretched, feeling a little better. I stood, and went upstairs, everything was dark and quiet. Twilight's asleep, then.

I looked around, what can I do until Twilight and the others wake up? The books were an obvious choice, but I wasn't interested in Celestia's lies. I rubbed my eyes, thinking. I should go explore.

I left a note for Twilight, got a piece of parchment, a quill, and an ink pot. I went back downstairs, got my bag, and cloak. I walked out of the library, and breathed in the cool morning air. The sun was not even beginning to rise. I sighed, and looked around. The bright colours were muted, making it far more easy on my eyes, even outside.

I walked around the little plaza, taking note of the different houses. I found a small table, and scribbled the plaza on the parchment, and continued to explore. I stopped a few times, plotting everything on the parchment.

The sun began to come over the far away mountains, and ponies began to rouse, shying away from me cautiously. I ignored all of them, caught up in my exploring. Soon, however, I became helplessly lost.

Most of the streets were still empty, so it would take a while to find someone to help. I swallowed, looking around. At the end of the street was a large shop, that was bright and colourful. I walked toward it, unsure. A sign with a cupcake on it hung into the street. Under the cupcake was written: Sugarcube Corner.

I walked up to the door, and knocked quietly. I could see light coming from under the door. A blue pony with pink hair opened half of the door, "Sorry, dear. We're not open-" She broke off, taking my strange appearance in.

"Err. Hi. My name is Eternity, I live with Twilight. I got lost, do you know where the library is from here?"

"Of course I know where it is, sweetie. It's down the street to my left. When you reach the end of that street, turn right, and you'll be able to see it from there. I'm Mrs. Cake, by the way."

I smiled, "Thank you," She smiled at me, and I walked down the street she had directed me to. I followed her directions, and practically burst into tears when I was in sight of the library. I ran inside, closing the door behind me.

My knees suddenly weakened, and I hobbled to one of the chairs. I lowered myself into it, trying to settle my nerves and to calm myself down. I heard the soft sounds of hoofs on wood, and turned to see Twilight making her way from the bathroom. She smiled brightly, "Hi, where were you this morning?"

"I went out to explore, got lost," I swallowed the lump in my throat, "I haven't been lost like that in a very long time."

Twilight nodded, "I can show you around today, if you want. It probably won't be until later, though. I have to help Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres."

"Sweet Apple Acres?" I asked.

"It's her families' farm. She lives there with her brother, sister, and grandma."

I nodded, "Cool. When are we going?"

"Soon, after breakfast. I'm going to Sugarcube Corner to get something, you want to come?"

"Sure, is Spike coming?"

Twilight nodded, "Yeah. He really likes the Cakes."

"I met Mrs. Cake this morning. She was the one that told me how to get back here."

Twilight smiled, "That's really good. Everypony likes the Cakes. Spike! Are you coming?"

Spike ran down the stairs, small legs pumping, "Yes, Twilight!"

Twilight led us through the semi-crowed streets, with Spike resting on her back. I could feel everyone staring at me, but I swallowed, and ignored them. The bright sun stung my eyes, so I kept my gaze to the ground ahead of me, keeping Twilight in my peripheral vision. We reached Sugarcube corner quickly, and I ducked into the shop.

I inhaled, and realized how hungry I was. The air smelled of baked goods, most of which I had never seen before. I crouched in front of one of the display cases, looking at the large amount of pink frosting on what looked like a muffin, "Twilight, what are these?"

"They're cupcakes."

I nodded slowly, and looked around a little more. Cakes of all sizes lined one wall on a counter, pies behind them. Muffins were in a small basket beside the cash register. I looked around, asking Twilight about one baked good or another.

"Hello, Twilight!" A yellow stallion came trotting out from the back. He paused when he saw me, and he tensed. I smiled weakly, and he unfroze, "You must be Eternity. Honey bun told me all about you. I'm Mr. Cake."

"I'm Eternity."

He nodded, "What would you like, Twilight?"

"Well, I'd like one of your hay bagels. What do you want? I'll pay?"

I blinked, looking around at all the choice, "I don't know... I haven't seen so many of these things before..."

"Do you like sweet things?" Mr. Cake asked.

I chewed my lip, "I don't remember. I really haven't had anything like this in so long..."

Twilight sighed, "Pick three things, and you can try them."

I nodded, and pointed behind the counter, "What are those?"

"That's a cinnamon bun."

"Can I get one of those, a cupcake, and..." I paused, "A croissant?"

He nodded, "Alright. Does Spike want anything?"

"Can I get a blueberry muffin?"

"Of course, is that all you want, Twilight?"

"Yes please," Twilight pulled out a small coin purse from the saddlebag she had brought.

My cheeks flushed bright red as she counted out some gold, silver, and copper coins. She can't be that poorly off... Can she? Shame built in my chest, "Twilight, you don't have to-"

"I want to, it's not a problem, I've got lots of bits."

I blinked, "Huh? But, don't you have accounts?"

Mr Cake took the money, and put it into the cash register, he started putting everything in small baggies. Twilight looked confused, "What are you talking about?"

"Carrying money is signalling that you are extremely poor. What are bits?"

Twilight's eyes widened and her eyes flashed with understanding, "Bits are the gold coins. Spurs are the silver ones, and buckles are the copper ones. There's four spurs to a bit, and one hundred buckles to a bit."

I blinked, "Okay?"

"There are twenty-five buckles to each spur."

Something clicked, "Oh. A bit is a dollar, a spur is a quarter and a bit is a penny."

Twilight looked confused again, "huh?"

"The old monetary system. Nevermind, forget what I said." I jumped when Mr. Cake suddenly moved around the counter, cleaning some of the glass on the display cases.

I looked, and all the baggies were resting on the counter. Twilight picked her bagel and Spike's muffin from the pile. I picked up my pastries, and followed them back outside. Twilight found a table, a giant mushroom, just outside. I sat down on the chair, and opened the first baggie.

It was a deep brown pastry, covered in a thick white substance. It smelled sweet, and was warm in my hand. I carefully bit into it, and winced at the sweetness. I pulled back, licking the corners of my lips. Spike smiled at me, "Do you like it?"

"I- I dunno. It's so sweet..." I took another bite, the flavours exploded on my tongue, "It has more taste then what I'm used to."

Twilight smiled, and pushed a small square of a papery substance toward me, "Get the frosting off your nose," I blinked, and wiped at the tip of my nose with a finger. Frosting, that's what this white stuff is called. I licked it off my finger. Twilight rolled her eyes, "Why don't you use the napkin I just gave you?"

I picked up the square, and wiped at my nose and mouth. This is a napkin... I was suddenly struck with how little I knew. I swallowed past the nervousness, and enjoyed the rest of the cinnamon bun. The next thing I pulled out of the bag was the cupcake. The pink stuff was sweet, but not as sweet as the frosting on the cinnamon bun.

"That's frosting, too," Spike said, "It's a different kind, though."

I nodded, biting into the cupcake. I finished it, but felt full, fuller then I had been in a long time. Despite my curiosity, I doubted I could eat the croissant. I took a bite, anyway, figuring I could save the rest for later. It was flaky, and crisp, and buttery.

I stowed the rest in my own bag, and followed Twilight out of the city, and into the area around it. The path was well worn. Trees and fencing was on each side, and as we travelled more, the trees became apple trees.

Soon, we approached several buildings. There was a chicken coop, a barn, and a large house. Appleack was talking to a large red stallion. She finished the conversation and walked over, "Hello, y'all!"

"Hi, Applejack!" Spike said.

"Hi, Eternity."

"Hi."

"If y'all are going to help, we'll be done in no time. Err, I don't suppose you can apple buck, can you?"

"Huh?"

"We buck the apples off the trees, it's called apple bucking. I don't suppose you can, with your leg."

I shook my head, "Unlikely. It's throbbing from the walk here, much less bucking a tree."

" 'Sides, you'd have to change into your pony form.. Apple Bloom, what are you doing?"

I turned to find the three young fillies behind me. Apple Bloom was holding a notebook in her mouth, and Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both looked guilty. Scootaloo had a pair of binoculars hanging from her neck, "We want to get our investigative Cutie Mark!"

Applejack blinked, "By investigating what, exactly."

"Her!" Scootaloo pointed to me with a hoof, "Everyone wants to know what's going on."

I felt my cheeks burn, and I looked down at my feet, "Apple Bloom! You apologize right now!"

"I-I'm sorry," Apple Bloom was staring at the ground, looking ashamed.

" 'Sokay..." I murmured.

"Now, get along. I've got to get some of the trees cleared."

Apple Bloom and the others left, and Applejack led us into a small field, that most of the trees had already been picked of all of their fruit. Applejack strategically placed several buckets under a tree, and bucked the trunk. Apples fell into neat piles in the buckets. Twilight began to use her magic to get the apples and put them into the buckets. I used my own magic, and Spike pushed full buckets near each other.

A few hours later, we had four full, larger buckets. They were strapped together for easier carrying. Twilight used magic to get them on her back, and Applejack lifted them using her own strength.

Soon, we made our way back to the farm. Twilight's stomach rumbled, and she smiled, "We worked really hard."

All of a sudden, Spike belched. Green dragon fire lit the air, and I dropped to the ground, covering my head with my arms. Panic and fear flashed through my spine, making my fingers tingle.

"Are you okay, Sugar cube?"

I lifted my arms to see Spike and Twilight looking at me like I had grown another head. I swallowed, "Sorry."

Spike unrolled a scroll that had appeared in his hands. He cleared his throat, "Dear Twilight Sparkle. As you know, the Grand Galloping Gala is soon. Enclosed are two tickets. I want you and one of your friends to come."

Spike belched again, I winced, but didn't look away. Amidst the flame, two golden pieces of paper appeared. Spike cleared his throat again, "Please respond as soon as possible, I hope to hear from you soon. From, Princess Celestia."

"The Gala!?" Applejack exclaimed, "Do you know how much money I could earn if I set up a stall? I could replace Bic Mac's saggy old plow, or the saggy old roof! Or even Granny's saggy old hip! Please, take me Twilight!"

"Ugh.." Twilight looked a little confused, trying to keep up with Applejack's fast speech. I slowly climbed to my feet, wincing as my leg twinged.

"Please, Twilight! It would help us so much!"

"Well, o-"

Rainbow Dash suddenly swung down from the trees, "Did I hear about the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Well, yeah-" Twilight said.

"I've always wanted to go! The Wonderbolts are there every year! I could impress them with my awesome moves, and they would let me become a Wonderbolt!"

Twilight's stomach rumbled, "I need to figure out who I'm giving it to. I'm going to decide over lunch." Twilight set the buckets of apples down, and ran down the road, Spike clinging to her mane. I stared after her, mouth hanging open.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were staring at each other. I slipped away, into the woods. The cool forest made me feel more at home then any place I had been to. I found a small path, and followed it. It led me deeper into the woods. I rounded a bend, and came across treehouse.

The treehouse was medium sized, decrepit, and old. The three fillies from earlier, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were there talking. I cleared my throat, and Scootaloo jumped, spinning around.

I smiled, "Hi."

Scootaloo flicked her mane out of her eyes, "What are you doing here?"

"Well, Twilight ran off," I shifted my cloak to reveal my scarred leg, "I would never be able to keep up."

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened, "What happened?"

I hesitated, thinking of a suitable lie, "It was an accident."

"I'm sorry."

I smiled, "It's okay. I've had it for a while, it's not a big deal anymore."

"You wanna stay with us?" Apple Bloom asked, "You could tell us how you got your Cutie Mark!"

"How do you know she even has a Cutie Mark?" Scootaloo butted in, "She's not a pony!"

"Zakora's a zebra, and she has a Cutie Mark!" Sweetie Belle butted in.

"I am a pony, I just have the ability to change my shape!" I exclaimed, their argument grating my nerves.

They turned, staring at me in amazement. Scootaloo recovered first, "Prove it!"

I sighed, and concentrated on the magic that ran through my body. For once, I took my time, slowly following the lines of magic deeply ingrained in my being. I slowly took a hold of it with my mind, and tugged. The flood of magic was instantaneous, turning me into my pony form.

The three fillies stared at me, open mouthed. Scootaloo blinked, "Wow."

I smiled, "Why do you want to hear about my Cutie Mark?"

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom snapped out of their stupor, "We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders! We want to find our special talents, and earn our Cutie Marks!" Apple Bloom exclaimed excitedly.

I blinked, "Really? Why aren't there more of you?"

Sweetie Belle looked down at the ground, "We're the only ones in school without our Cutie Marks."

I nodded, "That's why you want to figure it out."

All three nodded. I sighed, "I don't have my Cutie Mark."

All three gaped at me, "Really?" They all asked in unison.

I nodded, and moved the cloak over to expose my blank flank, "Really."

"Do you want to join?" Sweetie Belle asked excitedly.

"Ugh... Sure?"

All three cheered in joy, "That means you can help us with the treehouse!"

I blinked, "Sure?"

The three fillies beamed at me, "We need to do some chores at the farm first, will you help?" Apple Bloom asked.

I nodded, wondering what exactly I had gotten myself into. I turned back into my human form, and followed them back to the farm. The red stallion Applejack was talking to earlier smiled.

"Hi, Big Mac!" Apple Bloom called, "You doing okay?"

"Eeyup!" Big Mac's voice was deep.

"That's good!"

We walked into the barn, "What are we doing?"

"Moving all these buckets over to the side, over there, and rolling those barrels up near the door. We'll be making cider soon."

We started working, the girls tackling the buckets, leaving me to move the barrels. I carefully used discreet magic to help me roll everything near the door. My leg began to throb with more ferocity, and I took a break. Leaning against the wall, I watched as the three fillies bickered over their work.

I smiled. Maybe I can fit in here after all.

(LINE BREAK)

Author's Note: I'm posting this in honour of Mother's Day, even if it is a day late. Love you, Mom.

I used this chapter to set up the next few. If you guys are rabid fans, I bet you can guess which episodes I'm doing soon. As you can guess, I'm doing several at once, and skipping some. Not all of them are in order, but I'm planning on keeping the general plot base the same.

Please R&R to let me know what you think. PM me or review any questions/comments/etc.

I still don't own MLP.