Adventures in Equestria Ep. 2

*The three friends traveled for days, across many different types of terrain and through all kinds of weather, such as sun, rain and even snow. The trip seemed to take ages until they finally reached the outskirts of the Everfree Forest*

Mezmo: Well, this is it, guys... The Everfree Forest. Ponyville should be just beyond these trees.

Nikola: You know, I've heard some horror stories about this place.

Lian: Like what?

Nikola: *looks to Mezmo and Lian* You two do know what an Ursa Major is, right?

Mezmo: Of course we do. It's supposedly a giant bear made up of stars that's said to be bigger than a mountain.

Lian: Oh yes, I remember from when that unicorn magician came to Mareheim one time and kept on bragging about how she used her magic to defeat one.

Mezmo: *looks to Lian* I thought we agreed never to speak of that again.

Lian: *shrugs her shoulders* Sorry.

Nikola: Don't look at me, I've been trying to keep myself distracted so I'd forget that day.

Mezmo: *sighs* You and me both.

Nikola: Speaking of which, Mezmo, that reminds me. Before we left Mareheim, you mentioned something about an evil witch living in the Everfree Forest. What do you know about her?

Mezmo: Not much, just some various rumors.

Lian: Like what?

Mezmo: Well, there are some stories of her cooking ponies in a big cauldron pot. Others say she can put a curse on anyone who comes near her.

Lian: Anything else?

Mezmo: Just that she speaks only in rhyme.

Nikola: Really? Wow, that must be hard to do... especially when rhyming with orange...

Mezmo: Well... let's hope we don't run into her... or anything else that happens to be living in there. *gulps* Let's go.

*The three friends ventured through the Everfree Forest, a dark and mysterious forest just as they had imagined it would be. It's very interior seemed to expand much more ground and with so many paths to take, it seemed to baffle the trio. And having known the stories of monsters and enchanted plants that inhabit the forest, they were ever so cautious and kept a close eye along every tree and bush they passed along the way*

Nikola: You know what, I think you two are reading too much into this whole witch of Everfree thing.

Mezmo: Oh? What makes you say that?

Nikola: It just seems like the classic formula for an old wives tale. Mysterious figure in the woods, eats children, puts curses on victims. The only original thing about it is the speaking in rhymes thing.

Mezmo: This coming from a guy who believes in "moth men".

Nikola: Hey! There is scientific evidence to back up their existence. And they're more closely related to nocturnal birds than moths.

Lian: Then wouldn't that make them "owl" men?

Mezmo: GAH!!!

Lian: What? What is it?

Mezmo: Something just brushed against my leg!!

Nikola: *puts on his night vision goggles to see a raccoon running away from Mezmo* Calm down, it's just a raccoon.

Mezmo: Oh, just a raccoon? JUST a raccoon?! Dude, that thing could've bitten me and given me rabies or something!

Nikola: Well, it didn't. *puts his goggles back up* Anyway, Lian, the reason why they don't call them owl men is because there is already a cryptid referred to as an owl man.

Lian: Whatever you say, Nikola... *sees Mezmo looking nervous* Mezmo, are you alright?

Mezmo: I don't like this place. It's like the farther we go in, the darker it gets. *looks to Nikola* Hey, Nikola, you wouldn't happen to have any spare night vision goggles, would ya?

Nikola: Sorry, Mez, mine are the only ones I brought. Besides, you're a wizard, don't you have a spell that can light our way or something?

Mezmo: Wizard-in-training... But yeah, I do, actually. *takes out his baton* Illuminati Virga.

*Just then, the tip of Mezmo's baton lit up like a lantern which served as a way to see through the dark and misty forest*

Lian: Ah, much better.

Mezmo: Well, that's ONE thing I can do right.

*Mezmo moved his baton around to help him and his friends see, Unbeknownst that the light seemed to attract the attention of a creature in the shadows that followed them while trying not to be seen. As they looked around the path, they noticed a shiny, fleshy mass slither away into some bushes*

Lian: Aahh!!

Mezmo: *eyes widen* W-W-W-What was that?

Nikola: Probably just a snake. Kinda looked like a python, I think.

Lian: *shudders*

Nikola: What's the matter?

Lian: I don't like snakes... Not one bit!

Mezmo: Really?

Nikola: But they're designed to keep the rodent population under control.

Lian: I don't care! I still hate them!

*Suddenly, a pair of yellow eyes darted around in the darkness with a strange yipping sound that seemed to follow the group*

Lian: Did you two hear that?

Nikola: You mean that yipping sound?

Mezmo: I heard it... And I don't like it.

Lian: Where did it come from?

???: Leave this place of gloom, or you will face your doom.

Mezmo: *pause, looks to Nikola* Now do you believe me about a witch living in this forest?!

Nikola: Umm... Coincidence.

Mezmo: Coinci- Coincidence?! Are you kidding me?!

Lian: *drops the cart and goes into a martial arts stance* Who's out there?! If this is a trick, I assure you, it isn't funny! Show yourself!

*Just then, something else began to move around the brush. The shiny, fleshy mass from before that seemed to slide around on the ground. Suddenly, a monstrous creature rose up from behind Lian. It was a tall and slender being with bright red eyes with vertical yellow pupils. The creature let out a sharp hiss*

Nikola: *sees the creature and points* Lian, behind you!!

*Lian quickly spun around and delivered a powerful kick that knocked the creature into a tree. Revealed in the light, the creature could clearly seen. It appeared to be humanoid, but with many snake-like features, including shiny yellow scales, reptilian eyes, fangs, and a long snake tail that it had in place of legs*

Lian: *eyes widen* A Naga! Why did it have to be a Naga?!

Nikola: I've heard of those things before! They say they used to be the terrors of the ancient world--

Mezmo: Uh, Nikola, this is all very fascinating, but maybe you could skip the history lesson and get to the part on how to, oh, I don't know, STOP ONE?!!

Nikola: Well, they're reptiles, so the cold should be effective, since reptiles are cold blooded and all.

Mezmo: Cold, got it! Luckily, I happen to know a cold spell! *points his baton at the Naga* Well, here goes... Glacias Airus Mivrange!! *shoots a beam of ice at the Naga*

*The cold spell was just about to hit when the Naga slithered out of the way, only for the tip of its tail to freeze*

Mezmo: Dang it!

Lian: It dodged the spell?

Nikola: Nagas were said to be very clever.

*Just then, the Naga slithered out of the bushes and engaged Lian again, but this time, she was ready and fought the beast with everything she had. Throwing kicks, punches, chops, nearly everything her training had to offer. But the Naga was too quick for her and kept evading her blows*

Lian: Ugh!! Stand still, you slimy, disgusting... Thing!!

Mezmo: Man, what does it take to beat this overgrown sidewinder?

Nikola: I dunno, but it's too fast to fight. I'm not sure if we can even outrun it.

*Just then, a small brown ball flew out of the bushes and landed in-between Lian and the Naga. The ball then burst into a cloud of blue dust that covered up nearly everything in sight*

Mezmo: *covers his mouth and coughs* Now what?

Nikola: *woozily* I don't know, but I'm feeling a little... A little... *passes out onto the ground*

*As the dust settled, the Naga was seen on the ground, coiled up into a sleeping position, as was Lian and Nikola*

Mezmo: A sleeping powder, huh? Well, I guess that's one way to stop a Naga. *goes to Lian and Nikola and shakes them to try and wake them up* Guys... Guys, come on! Wake up! Now's not the time to take a nap!

???: They'll be out for some time. Letting that creature hurt your friends would've been a real crime.

Mezmo: *looks around, pointing his baton to try and find the source of the voice* Okay, witch... I know you're around here somewhere... If you think you can cook my friends and I for dinner... Then you've got another thing coming!

*Just then, a small four legged creature stepped out from the bushes and walked up to Mezmo. It appeared to be a zebra wearing golden bracelets around her ankles and rings around her neck. Her mane was done up in a sharp looking Mohawk and she bore a tribal sun shaped mark on her flank*

Zecora: I am no witch, I am Zecora, resident of the forest of Everfree. Now, just who might you be?

Mezmo: *lowers his baton* A zebra... In this part of the world? *sighs in relief* Well, at least it's not a witch. *clears his throat* Uh, I'm Mezmo, from the kingdom of Mareheim. My friends and I were on our way to Ponyville when that...thing jumped us. *points at the unconscious Naga*

Zecora: Naga attacks can cause quite a wrinkle, but are easily managed with the pollen of the Von Winkle.

Mezmo: Is there any way to wake my friends up? We really need to get going.

Zecora: You can wake them with by washing off the pollen or with smelling salt. But the fact they got too close was their own fault.

Mezmo: THAT I can do. One quick shower, coming up! *points the baton in the air, just over his friends* Nano Precipitus!

*Just then, two small rain clouds appeared over Nikola and Lian and began to pour rain down on top of them. As the rain continued, they both began to stir and awaken*

Lian: *yawns* What happened?

Nikola: *yawns and gets up* I had an interesting dream, gave me inspiration for a new kind of tool I'd like to make. *looks down to see that he is dripping wet* Why am I all wet?

Mezmo: Zecora here used a sleeping powder to take down that Naga. Unfortunately, you guys got hit with it too.

Nikola: *raises an eyebrow* The zebra?

Mezmo: Yeah, yeah, I know. Just go with it.

Lian: Did you know that thing was going to attack us?

Zecora: A Naga's favorite treat is human flesh. Especially when it's nice and fresh.

Nikola: Eesh... Good thing you came in to help us... Can we get out of here now?

Lian: *nods* Let's. *grabs the cart and continues moving forward*

Zecora: Your friend of the east seems to have the strength of a beast.

Nikola: That's Lian for you. Don't know how she does it. By the way, how is it so easy for you to rhyme like that?

Zecora: I've never questioned it, my dear boy. But I must admit it does bring me some joy.

Nikola: *shrugs his shoulders* Works for me. *follows after Lian*

Mezmo: Alright, let's get back on the trail. *looks at Zecora* Thanks again, Zecora. Bye! *follows after Nikola*

Zecora: Not a problem, my new friend, let's hope this isn't where our paths end.

*A while later, the three friends had finally gotten out of the Everfree Forest. They were greeted with bright sunlight that hurt their eyes for a moment, since they had gotten used to the dark forest*

Mezmo: *sighs* Good ol' sunlight.

Nikola: *squints his eyes* A little too bright for me.

Lian: I think I see Ponyville. It's right over there. *points to a town in the distance*

*Just on the horizon was a small town with bright and vivid colors, as well as various buildings to catch their attention. The travelers had finally reached their destination... Ponyville*

Mezmo: *smiles* Hey, what do you know! We made it!

Nikola: Wow! It sure is... Colorful.

Lian: But the colors are very well blended. Very aesthetically pleasing.

Mezmo: Well, come on, let's go check it out!

*A little while later, the three friends had entered the bustling town of Ponyville. It was a strange sight for the ponies to see three humans walking around, for some had never seen humans before. The three themselves felt a bit awkward, walking into a place inhabited by talking ponies*

Nikola: I've never felt like such a pariah before...

Lian: They're just not used to humans. It was like that for when my family first moved to Mareheim.

Mezmo: Well, I've never seen ponies that live in houses before... Or for that matter, talk! It's kinda awkward.

Nikola: Maybe if you talked to one of them, you'd feel better.

Mezmo: You think so?

Nikola: Better than just wandering around aimlessly.

Mezmo: Well, I DO need to know where I'll be staying. But which pony do we ask?

Nikola: Well I'm sure we'll find someone... *stops as he suddenly notices something tugging on his arm* What the-?

*Nikola looked down to see his hand being held by a mint green unicorn with a lyre harp on her flank. She seemed to be incredibly fascinated by his hand*

Lyra: Hands...

Nikola: Can I help you?

Lyra: Fingers...

Nikola: Yes, humans have hands, now can I have mine back please?

Lyra: So dexterous...

Lian: Are you okay?

Lyra: *sees Lian and Mezmo* M-M-More hu-- Hu-- *sighs, collapses onto the ground, unconscious*

Mezmo: Well... That was... Unusual.

Nikola: I really hope the rest of them aren't like that.

*Just then, a small pink pony mare was seen walking up to them. She had a curly dark pink mane and a set of three party balloons pictured on her flank*

Lian: Ooh! *points at the pony* There's a pretty one.

Mezmo: Alright, lemme give this one a shot. *approaches the pony and clears his throat* Hello there.

*The pink pony's eyes widened as soon as she saw Mezmo and his friends. She then jumped into the air, gasped for about ten seconds, and quickly zoomed off in the other direction, leaving Mezmo, Lian, and Nikola dumbfounded*

Mezmo: Okay, are all the ponies here just...completely insane, or is it just me?!

*Nikola watched as a brown earth pony stallion with an hourglass on his flanks ran into an alley and suddenly walked out another alley on the opposite side of the street*

Nikola: Something does seem to be off about this town.

Lian: Maybe we should ask someone else? Someone NOT obsessed with hands or runs away when someone says hello?

Mezmo: I'm afraid the next pony we ask might blow up or something.

Nikola: It's better than searching the entire town for just one pony ourselves.

Mezmo: Okay, fine. But I choose the next pony. *looks around* Ah, that one! *points to a purple pony mare with three smiling flowers on her flank*

Lian: The purple one with smiling flowers on her flank?

Mezmo: Yup. Wish me luck. *walks up to the pony and taps her on the shoulder* Um, excuse me, ma'am.

Cheerilee: *turns and sees Mezmo* Hmm?

Mezmo: Sorry to bother you, but my friends and I are new in town and we're trying to find someone.

Cheerilee: Well, I think I might help. Who are you looking for?

Mezmo: Well, she's a unicorn pony. I don't know what she looks like, but I DO know that she's a student of Princess Celestia.

Cheerilee: Oh, you're looking for Twilight Sparkle then! I know where you can find her.

Mezmo: Really, where?

Cheerilee: *points in a direction* She resides in the Library, past the Town Square. You can't miss it, it's a large tree house.

Mezmo: Okay, thanks! Oh, I'm Mezmo, by the way. *extends a hand to Cheerilee*

Cheerilee: *extends a hoof to shake his hand* Nice to meet you, Mezmo. I'm Miss Cheerilee, the local school teacher.

Mezmo: *shakes Cheerilee's hoof* A pleasure, Miss Cheerilee. Well, I gotta go. Thanks again.

Cheerilee: Not a problem! Hope you enjoy your stay here.

Mezmo: *runs back to the others* Guys, I got a lead on where our pony is, come on! *runs off toward the library* To the library!

*The other two followed as quickly as they could. The streets rumbled as Lian pulled the heavy cart at such a velocity, while Nikolai hotfooted with Mezmo*

*A little while later, Mezmo and his friends had arrived at a large tree with green leaves, windows on each spot of the tree, balconies on three different floor levels (one with a telescope), a front door with a candle insignia, and a sign in front with a picture of a book on it. This was the library*

Mezmo: So, this is the library, huh?

Nikola: A rather peculiar spot for it. Seems to have been built into the hollow portions of the tree.

Mezmo: Sure does remind me of home.

Lian: Well, are we just gonna stand around or are we gonna see if she's here? *lets go of the cart, walks up to the door and knocks*

Mezmo: Why are you knocking? It's a library, isn't it?

Lian: Well, we don't to be rude and barge in if she IS home.

Mezmo: Good point.

*The door opened and there in the doorway stood a lavender colored unicorn mare with a moderate sapphire blue, moderate violet, and brilliant rose mane and tail, along with a pix pointed star cutie mark on her flank*

Twilight: Oh, hello. Can I help you?

Mezmo: Are you... Twilight Sparkle?

Twilight: Uhh, yes... What can I do for you?

Mezmo: May I come on?

Twilight: Oh, certainly. *steps off to the side and allows Mezmo to enter* Your friends may come in as well.

Mezmo: Thank you. *walks into the library*

Nikola: *walks in after Mezmo* Yes, thank you, it is hot out today.

Lian: *walks in after Nikola* Most appreciated.

Twilight: So, what are you three here for exactly?

Mezmo: You're not surprised to see three humans enter your library?

Twilight: Well, I've done my research on humans before. Though I've never seen one in real life. What brings you to Ponyville?

Mezmo: Oh, sorry. *clears his throat* I'm Mezmo, Mezmo A. Mandrake. I'm a wizard-in-training from the kingdom of Mareheim. *points to Lian and Nikola* These are my friends, Lian Hu and Nikola Thomason.

Nikola: Hello!

Lian: Greetings.

Twilight: Well, it's nice to meet you all. I WOULD introduce myself, but it seems that you already know who I am.

Mezmo: Yeah, about that. You see, the reason we're here is because... Um, well... It's kinda hard to explain.

Twilight: I'm sure it's not that hard to tell me. I have time.

Mezmo: Well... *presents himself* Say hello to your new apprentice!

Twilight: *bewildered* Wh-WHAT?!?

Nikola: You heard him.

Twilight: I-I don't understand... What exactly do you mean?

Mezmo: Well, my king and queen told me that I am to study under your tutelage in order to become a better wizard.

Twilight: Your king and queen?

Mezmo: Yes, King Nathaniel and Queen Marilyn of Mareheim.

Twilight: I see... But I don't understand why I wasn't told about this sooner... SPIKE!!!

*Just then, a small baby dragon with purple scales and green spikes came walking down the stairs, covering his ears with his hands*

Spike: AUGH!!! Not so loud, Twilight!

Lian: *eyes widen* Ooh, a baby dragon! How cute!

Nikola: Easy, Lian.

Twilight: Spike, how come I didn't get a message from Princess Celestia?

Spike: I don't know, my stomach's been feeling weird all week. *looks over at the Mezmo and his friends* Uh, Twilight... What are those?

Nikola: Homo Sapiens, or humans in laments terms.

Spike: And what are they doing here?

Twilight: Well, they came here from Mareheim, for reasons that I didn't even know about.

Spike: Like what?

Mezmo: Well, I'm her new student.

Spike: *raises an eyebrow* Huh? How come we didn't hear anything-- *burps up a scroll* Ahh... That feels much better.

Nikola: *recoils in disgust* Eww...

Twilight: *lifts up the scroll with her magic and reads it* It's from the princess... From last week! How come we didn't get it sooner?

Mezmo: Indigestion, maybe? Look, Twilight, you have to teach me magic, otherwise... I can't go home.

Twilight: What?

Mezmo: Yeah. You see, back home, I'm sort of a bumbler. Sometimes, I can't get my magic right and that causes trouble... Lots of trouble. My king sent me here so that I could become a better wizard under your tutelage, and I can't come home until I am.

Twilight: And this was all the Princess Celestia's idea... I don't know about this. I never thought about teaching anyone magic, I'm still a student myself. Plus, this is just so sudden, I don't know what to do.

Mezmo: Neither do I, but I don't want to never see my home or friends again. I traveled hundreds of miles, through rain, sleet and snow, climbed mountains, and was almost killed by a man-eating Naga in the Everfree Forest, just to find you! Please, Twilight... You're my only hope.

Twilight: *sighs* Well... I suppose I can try.

Mezmo: Really?

Twilight: I'll do everything I can to teach you all you need to know.

Mezmo: *hugs Twilight happily* Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Twilight: Alright, alright! *pries off Mezmo with her magic* Now, how about I give you a tour of your new home?

Mezmo: That'd be great! *looks back at his friends* How 'bout it, guys?

Nikola: Oh yeah, sure!

Lian: Of course!

Twilight: Alright then, follow me.

*Later on, Mezmo and his friends had exited the library with Twilight and began exploring the whole of Ponyville. Their first stop was Sweet Apple Acres apple orchard where Twilight not only hoped to meet up with her friend, Applejack, but also to pick up some apples for her and her new friends*

Mezmo: *reads a sign* Sweet Apple Acres. Hmm... Seems like a nice place.

Lian: Look at all of the apple trees!

Twilight: This is my friend Applejack's farm. She and her family have been working the land here for generations. They're the best apple farmers around.

Nikola: Is that a fact?

Mezmo: Well, only one way to find out. *takes an apple from an apple barrel and takes a bite* WOW!!! You weren't kidding, Twi! This is delicious!!

???: Y'all planning on paying for that?

Mezmo: *looks behind him* Hmmph?!

*There, behind Mezmo, stood an orange pony mare with a blond mane and tail, freckles, and a brown cowboy hat. Her flank bared a cutie mark of three red apples*

Applejack: I said, y'all planning on paying for that apple?

Mezmo: *eyes widen* Oh! Uh...

Twilight: It's alright, Applejack, he's with me.

Applejack: Really? *examines Mezmo* And you are...?

Mezmo: *swallows the bits of apple that he had in his mouth* I'm Mezmo, I just arrived this morning. *points to Lian and Nikola* And these are my friends, Lian and Nikola.

Applejack: Alright, it's nice to meet y'all. To be honest, I've never met a human before, let alone three.

Nikola: Well, I've never met a pony that could talk before, let alone a whole town full. So, I guess we're even.

Lian: As for that apple my friend ate... *reaches into a small pouch a pulls out a coin with a square shaped hole in the middle* I hope this covers it.

Applejack: *eyes widen* Land sakes! Is this...real gold?

Lian: Yes, I am from a noble family, we are quite wealthy.

Applejack: *smiles* Well, this should cover it nicely. Much obliged, ma'am.

Lian: *smiles* You are quite welcome.

Mezmo: I've got to say, Applejack, your family's apples taste way better than the ones back home.

Applejack: Well that's years of tradition and the Apple Family's special brand of farming.

Twilight: Well, it was nice seeing you, Applejack, but I've got to show Mezmo and his friends the rest of Ponyville.

Mezmo: Nice meeting you, Applejack. See ya later.

Applejack: Nice meeting y'all, too. Don't be strangers now.

*A little while later, Twilight, Mezmo and his friends arrived at a small building that looked like it was made out of gingerbread, peppermint, muffins, and white frosting. This was Sugercube Corner, the local confectionery*

Twilight: This is Sugarcube Corner. Here, you can get all kinds of baked goods. It's also a nice little hangout for me and my friends.

Nikola: Looks like the house straight out of Hansel and Gretel.

Lian: Well, it IS a bakery.

Nikola: True, and I do feel like some red velvet cake right about now.

Mezmo: I could go for some doughnuts, myself.

Twilight: Then let's go inside and see what Mr. and Mrs. Cake made today.

*The group went inside the confectionary, where many other ponies were seen eating the baked goods that were available such as cakes, cookies, and doughnuts. Over at one of the tables were two ponies in particular. One was a blue Pegasus with a wild, unkempt rainbow mane and tail, along with a rainbow lightning cutie mark on her flank. The other was the same pink earth pony Mezmo and his friends encountered earlier*

Mezmo: Nice place.

Twilight: They do try to keep it clean, despite Pinkie Pie.

Nikola: Who's Pinkie Pie?

Pinkie: *sees Mezmo and his friends* OH!!! *runs over and points at them* Look, Dash! It's those things I was telling you about!!

Mezmo: Hey, you're that crazy pony who freaked out earlier when all I did was say hello!

Pinkie: I've just never seen creatures like you before. What are you? Do you have names? Is it really hard to stand on two legs? Do you like parties?

Mezmo: Uh... In order... We're humans, my name's Mezmo, not really, and yeah!

Lian: You must be Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie: *nods* Mmhmm. My full name is Pinkamena Diane Pie, but everypony just calls me Pinkie Pie, maybe cause it's easier and more fun to say. Say, you're all new in town, aren't ya? That explains Why I've never seen you around before. *gasps* That means you haven't had your welcoming party yet! Don't worry I'll plan one right away! *runs off*

Mezmo: Um... *to Rainbow Dash* How much sugar has she had lately?

Rainbow Dash: Knowing Pinkie Pie, a lot.

Nikola: And you are...?

Rainbow Dash: Rainbow Dash! I know... I'm awesome.

Lian: *sarcastically* Not to mention humble...

Rainbow Dash: That too... Whatever that means.

Mezmo: *extends his hand* Nice to meet you, Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash: Nice to meet ya, too. *shakes Mezmo's hand with her hoof* So, you're humans, huh? I've seen your kind before, but never this close up. Let me guess, you just arrived this morning?

Twilight: Not only that, but he's also here to learn magic from me.

Rainbow Dash: Really? Then you've got the right unicorn for the job!

Twilight: *blushes out of embarrassment* Oh Dash, stop it.

Mezmo: Although, I do know a bit of magic already.

Rainbow Dash: Then why do you need Twilight to give you lessons?

Mezmo: I'll show you... *raises his baton* Ventus Tibia!

*Just then, the wind began to blow all around the building and started to sound like a chorus of pipes, flutes, and whistles. But once again, a sour note was hit and Sugercube Corner was filled with cacophony of high pitch squeals. Every pony in the place covered their ears and screamed in pain*

Rainbow Dash: *covers her ears with her hooves* GAAAHH!!! MAKE IT STOP!!!!

Mezmo: *covering his ears* Thought you'd never ask!! *points his baton at the floor*

*Soon, the loud noises dissipated and every pony in the place uncovered their ears and took a sigh of relief*

Rainbow Dash: Wow... I can see why you need her help.

Twilight: Looks like I have my work cut out for me.

Mezmo: I have other spells that need improving, but I'd rather not show you, unless you wanna be accidentally turned into a newt or something.

Twilight: No thanks. Maybe we should just get on with the tour.

Nikola: Good idea.

Mezmo: Nice meeting you, Rainbow Dash. Oh, and tell Pinkie it was nice meeting her too.

Rainbow Dash: See ya' later, dudes! Enjoy the rest of Ponyville!

*Moments later, Twilight, Mezmo and his friends stood outside a large store, the design of which was reminiscent of a carousal. This was Carousal Boutique, the local dress making shop*

Twilight: This is Carousal Boutique, its a dress shop owned by my friend, Rarity.

Mezmo: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait! Is this the same Rarity that was featured in an article of Clothes Horse Magazine? The same Rarity that designed outfits for Sapphire Shores, the Pony of Pop?

Twilight: *smiles* The one in the same.

Nikola: Lian, aren't you wearing one of her outfits right now?

Lian: Oh yes! In fact, I have many of her outfits back home. They were all commissioned by my mother for me.

Nikola: Well then, let's go meet her.

*The group soon went inside where a white unicorn mare with a curved purple mane and tail along with three diamonds for a cutie mark was seen sewing a new gown with an electric sewing machine*

Twilight: Hey Rarity!

Rarity: Twilight! *stops the machine and walks over to Twilight* How unexpected. What brings you he-- *notices the humans* Who are your new friends? Wait a minute... *examines Lian's dress* Is that one of my designs?

Lian: Oh yes, it is. My mother had it commissioned for me, along with a few others.

Rarity: Ooh, so YOU'RE the daughter of Chi Hu. I must say, your mother is one of my best customers, so very generous.

Lian: She does like to buy gifts for others.

Mezmo: Ahem.

Rarity: Oh, I'm sorry, I was just so surprised to see one of my more unusual dresses being worn. I never did human outfits before her mother asked me to work with her. Anyway, My name is Rarity.

Mezmo: Mezmo, wizard-in-training, from Mareheim.

Rarity: *eyes widen and gasps* Mareheim?! Really?!

Nikola: You know about Mareheim?

Rarity: Oh, I know a lot about Mareheim! Such a wonderful kingdom! The glamour, the sophistication, the shops, the people! Next to Canterlot, it's the most magnificent city in all of Equestria! *takes a deep breath* So, why are you here in Ponyville?

Mezmo: I' here to train under Twilight in order to be a better wizard. King and Queen's orders.

Rarity: Well, if that's the case, then you couldn't ask for a better teacher.

Twilight: Rarity, I don't need my ego inflated.

Rarity: Oh, but it's true.

Twilight: Maybe.

Mezmo: Do you know if there are any houses for sale around here, Rarity?

Rarity: None that I know of, but I'm sure if you just look around, you'll find one.

Mezmo: Thanks.

Nikola: Come on, I wanna see the rest of this town.

Twilight: Okay, okay, we will.

Rarity: But do come back. *looks at Nikola* I could fix up that vest for you. I'm noticing a lot of... Are those oil stains?

Nikola: Axle grease, actually.

Rarity: I see... Sounds like you're in a very messy line of work.

Mezmo: Nikola here's an inventor.

Rarity: Oh? What have you invented?

Nikola: Well, I've been working on a way for one to be able to use the energy found in lightning in everyday life.

Rarity: That sounds kind of dangerous.

Nikola: Well, sometimes you just have to take risks.

Mezmo: Worked for a lot of other great inventors.

Rarity: Well, good luck with that and try not to get too badly hurt.

Nikola: I make no promises.

Lian: So, where to next on our tour?

Twilight: How about the park? I think Fluttershy said something about getting that family of ducks in the fountain to move to the pond.

Mezmo: Lead the way, then. Nice meeting you, Rarity.

Rarity: Don't be a stranger now. And Lian, I look forward to working for your family again.

Lian: *nods* Likewise.

*Later, the group had arrived at the park where they saw a yellow Pegasus mare with a family of ducks. She had a silky pink mane and tail, along with three pink butterflies for a cutie mark*

Fluttershy: You'll see, the pond will have way more space for you paddle around in. You and your ducklings will be much happier.

Lian: *eyes widen* EEEEEE!!! *runs over and hugs Fluttershy tightly* Oh, you're so adorable!!

Mezmo: *eyes widen* Huh?

Nikola: Oh dear...

*Fluttershy started to cough and wheeze from Lian hugging her too tight*

Twilight: LIAN, STOP!!! YOU'RE HURTING HER!!!

Lian: Huh? *notices Fluttershy choking* Oh my goodness! *lets go of Fluttershy* Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you! *pets Fluttershy's mane* I've just never seen a Pegasus as beautiful as you before.

Fluttershy: Oh... Why... Thank you...

Mezmo: So, is this Fluttershy?

Twilight: That's right. Fluttershy, this is Mezmo, and his friends, Nikola and Lian. They're humans.

Mezmo: *tips his hat* Nice to meet you, Fluttershy.

Fluttershy: Um... Nice to...meet you.

Mezmo: *raises an eyebrow* Are you okay?

Fluttershy: *tries to speak, but only a weak whimper escapes her lips*

Nikola: Must be shy.

Mezmo: Oh.

Fluttershy: *whimpers again*

Mezmo: It's okay. *kneels down and scratches Fluttershy's ear* You don't have to be afraid of me. I know what it's like meeting new people, it's kinda scary. But I bet you and I could be good friends. Of course, I do understand if you want your space.

Fluttershy: *pause* Really? You understand?

Mezmo: Of course.

Fluttershy: O-Okay... I'll try.

Mezmo: That-a girl. *smiles* So, I hear you like animals. Well, I have a cat, myself. Maybe you'd like to see him sometime?

Fluttershy: *smiles* That sounds nice.

Lian: I am very sorry about earlier. I really didn't mean to hurt you. It's just that sometimes... I just lose control.

Nikola: I hear that one guy's still recovering from the last time.

Fluttershy: It's okay. And thank you for calling me beautiful. No one I know has ever called me beautiful... Well, except for my mother.

Lian: *smiles* Aww...

Nikola: So, what's with the water fowl?

Twilight: Fluttershy has a certain way of communicating with animals.

Fluttershy: These ducks tried to make their home in the fountain, so I'm moving them to the pond where they'll have more space.

Nikola: Well, that's thoughtful.

Mezmo: Speaking of which, Fluttershy, do you know if there are any houses for sale around here? I need to find a place to live.

Fluttershy: Well, I heard about a cottage on the north end of town that might be available for rent.

Mezmo: Great, thanks! *looks to Twilight* Twilight, can we go there next?

Twilight: Hmm... I don't see why not. After all, you DO need a place of your own here in Ponyville.

Mezmo: Fantastic!

*A while later, Twilight, Mezmo, Nikola, and Lian were at the cottage Fluttershy told them about, which was available for rent. Twilight was with the landlord out in front while Mezmo was exploring the inside. The landlord was as a large brown stallion with a chestnut colored mane and tail, along with a house for his cutie mark. Just then, Mezmo came back out and looked at the landlord*

Landlord: Well sir, what do you think?

Mezmo: Well, Mr. Shelter, it's big, spacious, has a nice upstairs, and the color's not bad either. I'll take it!!

Mr. Shelter: Wonderful!

Nikola: Congratulations, Mezmo!

Mezmo: So, how much do you charge for rent?

Mr. Shelter: Three hundred and twenty-five bits a month.

Mezmo: *eyes widen* What? That's outrageous!!

Mr. Shelter: Look, for a thousand square feet, it's practically a steal.

Mezmo: I don't have that kind of money on me!

Mr. Shelter: Well you better figure this out, because I'm not budging!

Twilight: Look Mezmo, why not see about getting a job here in Ponyville to help pay for the rent?

Mezmo: But I need the house now! Getting a job will take forever. Unless... *looks sternly at Mr. Shelter as he did a series of hand gestures near his face* Look into my eyes...

Mr. Shelter: Why?

Mezmo: Look!

Mr. Shelter: Alright, fine. *looks into Mezmo's eyes* I don't see what's so special aaabbooo... *eyes widen*

Mezmo: You are now under my control. Mezmo the Magnificent commands you! You will let me stay in your cottage for free until I am able to get a job and pay for the rent. Do you understand?

Mr. Shelter: Yes... I do...

Mezmo: Good. Now, when I snap my fingers, you will come out of your trance. And... Awaken! *snaps his fingers*

Mr. Shelter: *shakes his head* Uh... Pleasure doing business with you... *walks off*

Lian: Shame on you, Mezmo! You promised you wouldn't do that ever again.

Mezmo: I'm sorry, Lian, but I was desperate. But don't worry, he'll be fine. All I did was buy myself some time so I can find a job and be able to pay the rent. Until the spell wares off of Mr. Shelter, I get to live here for free!

Lian: Well, at least promise you'll keep your new place clean and follow the lease agreement.

Mezmo: Of course I will. I'm just glad there weren't any side effects this time.

Twilight: *raises an eyebrow* What kind of side effects exactly?

*Just then, Mr. Shelter was seen with his forelegs tucked in and acting like a chicken as he clucked about and pecked at the ground*

Mezmo: Uh-oh...

Twilight: Oh... THOSE kind of side effects.

*Later that night, Nikola and Lian were getting ready to sleep out in the cart filled with Mezmo's things, while Mezmo was dressed in a pair of navy blue pajamas and a nightcap, getting ready to sleep in Twilight's guest bed*

Twilight: I hope you don't mind using the guest bed tonight. I haven't brought this out since the slumber party I had a while back.

Mezmo: It's no trouble, Twilight. Tomorrow, my friends and I will move all my stuff into my new cottage, I promise. *gets into bed* Anyway, thanks for letting me stay here for the night.

Twilight: Not a problem. Oh, by the way, Pinkie Pie wants to throw you a welcoming party at your new place. Just as a fair warning, if its anything like the one she threw me, its going to be packed.

Mezmo: Thanks for the warning. *blows out the candle on the night table next to him* Goodnight, Twilight.

Twilight: Goodnight. *drifts off to sleep*

*Just then, Salem; Mezmo's cat came walking up and hopped onto Mezmo's lap as he sat up in the guest bed*

Salem: So, weird place so far, huh?

Mezmo: A little, but... Once you're around it's ponies, you get used to it. And this place has some amazing ponies so far, even one that can communicate with animals. But not like you, though.

Salem: Well, if that's the case, I'm sure we'll have a better conversation than the other animals she takes care of.

Mezmo: Just don't say anything yet. You don't wanna scare anyone.

Salem: Alright, alright, but it's only a matter of time before someone finds out.

Mezmo: Yeah. Well, goodnight, buddy.

Salem: G'night, Mezzy.

*Soon enough, Mezmo lay down on the bed and drifted off to sleep with Salem doing the same in his lap*


TO BE CONTINUED...