Cherry Bubble (2)

>The sun isn't quite up yet.
>Its first rays are just beginning to peek over the horizon, though.
>Normally you'd stay in bed a little longer, but last night you promised your new housemate, Cherry Bubble, an early start.
>Balloon Pony.  You've seen it and you're still not quite sure you believe it.
>Not that it's a bad thing.  It's... actually pretty cute, in a surreal way.
>Then again, magic hoers land is already rather surreal.
>You roll out of bed, into your custom-Rarity-made slippers.
>Rarity tailored all of your clothes, attributing it to her usual generosity.
>You suspect, however, that at least part of it was for the challenge of designing for something with an unusual shape.
>Whatever, either way you got a wardrobe for an enormous discount; it would have been completely free if you hadn't insisted on paying her something for her effort.
>Anyway, first stage in your grooming process: SSS routine, plus brushing your teeth.
>Another 'invention' of yours is Equestria's only electric shaver; you, or rather your face, never could get used to a blade, so you had this one made.
>Second stage: clothes.
>White button-down shirt, dress pants, red tie, black suit jacket.
>Equestria has a rather cool climate, so this amount of clothing is just fine for you; besides, you're Anon, what else would you wear?
>Navy socks, black dress shoes... tie shoes... and done.
>Time to check on your new housemate...

>It takes you a couple of tries to find which room she's claimed, but you get it on the third.
>Your knock is answered with a muffled, indecipherable reply.
>Aparently you've just woken her up.
>About a minute passes, then the door opens.
>Cherry is floating at about your eye level.
>Somehow, her hollow latex 'mane' has become sleep-matted, just like real hair... cute, if perplexing.
>...No, not perplexing.  Apparently she loses control of it when she sleeps.
>Damn it brain, it's too early for this shit.
"...Morning, sleepyhead."
>Balloon pony yawns.  Still drowsy.
>"Good morning, Anon."
"Sleep well last night?"
>She nods, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Glad to hear it."
>"Mmmh."
>This next question is going to be awkward, but you figure it's worth asking anyway...
"Do you have to... hmm... maintain your hygiene? Brush your teeth, shower, and so on...?"
>She nods again, stifling back another yawn.
"Take a couple of minutes to do that; I think I can polish off the textbook on magic I've been reading."
>You miss TV and the internet, but the lack of ads and malware almost makes up for it.  Almost.
>Also, it helps that you're within walking distance of the library...

>The sun is almost up by the time she's finished.
>You were right about the book; you make a mental note to bring it with you to Twilight's later.
>Balloon pony's mane is fixed now, and it and her 'coat' look a little shinier.
>"Where to, Anon?"
>Sounds a little more alert, too.
"Actually, I was thinking... we could watch the sunrise for a couple of minutes.  Ever done that before?"
>"Nope.  I'd like to though."
>You wonder what she DID do while she lived at the palace...
>You don't ask though; it would probably only upset her again.
>Never mind - the likely answer presents itself as massive amounts of reading.
>Yeah, you answer your own internal questions a lot.
>Still though... you'll have to talk to Princess Celestia about this eventually.
>Probably an addendum to your first report.
>But enough about that...
"C'mon.  My master suite has a balcony."
>Facing east, no less.
>Balloon pony floats up the stairs ahead of you.
>Reminiscent of speedycloud... but bluefast is rudely impatient, while Cherry is naively eager.
>Seeing the world for the first time...
>When everything was this new to you, you were still wetting the bed.
>But... this is different, even more powerful; she knows - presumably - plenty about the outside world, but has never seen or experienced it herself.
>And she's chosen you to show it to her...
>You can't help but feel a little special at that thought.

>Up stairs; to room; through room; on balcony.
>Cherry remains by your side for the rest of the trip; probably because she wasn't sure of the way.
"Hey, Cherry..."
>"Yeah?"
>Without warning, you pull her into a hug.
>Balloon pony squeaks in surprise, but doesn't try to wriggle out of it.
"Celestia told me you're a very special pony.  I agree with her."
>You give her a gentle squeeze to accentuate your sentiment, squishing her out of shape ever so slightly.
>Somehow, her cheeks turn even redder than they already are.
>"O-oh.  Um...  Thanks."
>As you slide onto your lounge chair, you flip her around so she can see the sun.
>The two of you sit there for the next few minutes, saying nothing; no words are really necessary.
>Cherry ooh's though, right as the sun begins to eclipse the horizon.
>Even for you, it's quite a sight.  The thought that Sunbutt is raising it, rather than natural forces, accentuates its magnificence.
...
>At one point, you fiddle with the balloon-neck where her belly button would be.
>She giggles and squirms, telling you to stop; apparently it's ticklish, or at least sensitive.
>Unsurprising, considering its location.
...
>The sun is halfway risen when her tummy growls.
>How does that even - whatever.
>She looks down at it, then up at you, slightly embarassed.
"I'm starting to get hungry myself, so we should probably cut out."

>You rise, balloon pony rising with you.
"I just thought of something..."
>"What's that?"
"What's to stop you from just floating around the outside and waiting for me?"
>She brings a hoof to her mouth as she ponders this, then glides down to the front door.
>While she takes the outside path, you take the inside, pausing for a moment to pick up the book on magic.
>It's the equivalent of high-school-level, but the vast majority of the earlier books are about how to actually perform magic; you've skipped those, since you can't do any of it yourself anyway.
>So, first stop after Sugarcube: Twilight's.
>Yeah, Sugarcube again.  You're thinking of surprising Ponka by showing up early.
>Then again, it's Ponka, so maybe she'll see it coming.
>When you exit your chateau, balloon pony is fidgeting nervously as she hovers.
>Something's on her mind...
>"Um... Anon...?"
"Cherry?"
>"Would you... um..."
>She starts fiddling with the ribbon on her leg.
>Wait a second...
>You squint as the gears in your head spin away, and you can't help but grin at their conclusion.
"...Aww, you want me to hold your string, don't you?"
>She nods, blushing and fidgeting some more.

"Well... not yet."
>She wilts so much, you'd think someone let her air out.
>"Oh..."
"No, listen..."
>Cherry looks up, still droopy.
"If we spend your first full day here like that, ponies might see you as a balloon first and a pony second.  I don't think you want that."
>She looks away for a second, then shakes her head.
"Hey..."
>You take her hooves in your hands.
"I'll hold it later, I promise.  ...It's too adorable to pass up."
>That gets her to perk up again.
>"Alright, Anon."
"And uh... I'd stick to the ground if I were you."
>"Why?"
"Ponies will ask you how you're able to fly without wings.  A lot.  Do you want to have to answer that question every five minutes?"
>She shrugs.
>"I'm a balloon.  I want to fly.  If they ask, I'll tell them."
>Now you shrug.
"Alright.  But don't say I didn't warn you."
>She grins.
>"I won't."
"...Well, shall we be on our way?"
>"Yeah."

>On the way, you ask her about clouds, since she can fly; no, she can't manipulate them.
>From there, the topic of weather comes up, and you explain to the best of your ability how it worked back on Earth.
>That lecture carries the two of you back to Sugarcube Corner.
>You open the door...
>To an explosion of confetti.
>"HIYA NONNY AND CHERRY!"
"Jesus, Pinkie, don't blow our ears out!"
>"...Too early?"
"Yeah, a bit!"
>Party pony cringes slightly, but her smile remains.
>"Sorry."
>You wave your hand dismissively.
"It's alright.  You're just happy to see us, right?"
>She nods emphatically.
>"Uh-huh!  And I knew you'd come by because you're going to show her around Ponyville, and here you are!"
>...Yep, you were right about her knowing earlier.
>She hops up and wraps herself around you... but apparently it's a pretense, because she whispers:
>"Save Twilight's for last, we're gonna throw a party for her!"
>This changes your plans, but you can still make it work... you just have to whisper something back to Pank first.
"I'm going to leave a book in my booth.  Take it back to Twilight for me."
>You set her down, burying your acknowledgement in a generalized statement:
"Alright Pinkie, I know you're happy to see us, but we'd like to sit down.  We didn't come JUST to chat."
>"Okay!  What do you guys want?"
"Three raspberry scones for me... Cherry?"
>Balloon pony has been rather quiet, but she pipes up when prompted.
>"Same as Anon... but just one, please."
>"Okie dokie lokie!  It'll be out in a minute!"
>With that, she hops off.
>You and Cherry slide into a booth - the same booth as yesterday, to boot.
>"Oh, Anonymous!"
>...You turn to see a pink-and-purple Earth Pony filly sauntering up to you.
"Diamond Tiara. What a... pleasant surprise..."

>She's slightly nicer to you since you essentially work for her father, and thus have a direct line of contact with him; especially since you've used that line before.
>Slightly.
>She's still a snobby, bratty pest.
"Where's Silver Spoon?  I think this is the first time I've seen you two apart."
>"She's finishing a school project for us."
>She squints at Cherry for a moment, taking in the latter's unusual composition... and lack of a cutie mark.
"Diamond Tiara, meet Cherry Bubble, my new housemate.  Cherry, Diamond Tiara, my ah... contractor's daughter."
>Cherry beams; D.T. leers.
>"Where's your cutie mark?"
>"Oh.  I uh... I don't have one."
>"Why not?"
>You suspect you know where this is going...
>"I... um..."
"She... hasn't had a chance to find her special talent yet."
>"Or is it because she's just a balloon pretending to be a pony?"
>Not quite what you'd expected, but still par for the course.

>Balloon pony's smile falters.
"Christ Diamond Tiara, what's the matter with you?"
>"I'm only here because my daddy wanted to invite you to dinner again."
"Not tonight, I hope."
>"Why would it be tonight, monkey?  It's this weekend."
>You stare at her for a moment, pondering.
"...Tell him that I have to decline.  If he asks why, say that it was because of your attitude.  ...And I'm going to tell him if you won't."
>The pink-coated ball of spite huffs.
>"You'll regret this."
"If I catch you in my house I'll punt you like a hoofball."
>She fleetingly glances at your legs; since you're a typical human, they're about as long as Celestia's, and the width of your pants legs indicates that they're thicker too.
>"You wouldn't."
"Try me."
>She glares at you; you stare back at her.
>"Hey!"
>...You and Rich Bitch both turn to Cherry.
>"What kind of talent does a crown cutie mark indicate anyway?  Being stuck up?"
>...Huh.
>"I know Princess Celestia, the High Princess of Equestria, personally, and she doesn't have a crown on her flank.  So what in Equestria could your cutie mark denote?"
>The filly's mouth opens and closes a few times, but no words come out.
"Well... on that note... Diamond Tiara, you've gone about your business, so feel free to go away."
>"With pleasure."
>And with that, she storms off; but not before muttering something.
>You can't make it out, though, except for the phrase 'only one'.
>Oh well.  You can work it out later if you're bored.

>Cherry stares after Diamond Tiara for a couple of seconds, then down at the table.
"I'm sorry about that."
>"...It's okay."
>The fact that she's looking down at her forehooves says otherwise.
"No it's not.  Diamond Tiara is a horrible excuse for a pony, and I'm sorry you had to cross paths with her."
>"She's right, though, isn't she?  I'm not really a pony at all."
>You reach across the table for her hoof.  This is starting to become a thing with you two...
"Hey.  You're just just as real to me as every other pony in this world."
>She looks up.
>"Really?"
"Really."
>She glances away with a slight grin, and her cheeks turn pink.
>"Thanks, Anon."
>You give her hoof a squeeze, then release it.
"No problem, Cherry."
>She squees.  Seriously, where does that sound come from?
"As for the rest of our day..."
>Brief pause, while you gather your thoughts.
"Okay, the way I see it, I'll take us by Rarity's, then Applejack, then Fluttershy, before heading to Twilight's."
>Balloon pony ticks them off on her hoof... no, the action doesn't make much sense, but that doesn't stop ponies from doing it.
>"What about Rainbow Dash?"
>Aaand that's why she was ticking them off.
"You must have heard quite a few reports."
>She shrugs, smiling.
"Well, the way I figure it, Dash will come to us before the day is finished.  Better to rely on that than try to find her."
>"Ah.  Okay then."
"Also, her house is in the clouds, and I can't fly."
>"...Oh."
>Pank is coming back with the scones, so you place the appropriate coinage on the table.

>"Nonny, was that filly being a meanie-pants to Cherry?"
"She's a meanie-pants to everypony.  Don't worry, it's taken care of."
>"You sure?  I could say - "
"She wouldn't listen.  ...Thanks for the offer though."
>Penko doesn't say anything.  She looks from you to Cherry... settles on Cherry.
"You okay?"
>She turns back to you and opens her mouth; but then closes it again without saying anything.
"Something's on your mind, Pinks.  What's up?"
>"...I'll tell you later, Nonny."
"Huh.  Alright then."
>Wait a minute.  Pinkie, Cherry...
>Pinkie's flank...
>Balloons.
>You think you now know, within a certain margin of error, what's bugging her.
>Her business said and done, Pinkie trots off.  Whatever, you can ask her about it later.

>"What was that about, Anon?"
>You frown as you contemplate how to word your response.
"I'm... extrapolating here, but..."
>After a moment, you decide to simply quote what Pikipa said yesterday.
"Pinkie loves her friends, and she loves balloons.  Now she has a friend who's a balloon."
>Balloon pony perks up, finishing the quote.
>"...And it's the greatest thing ever.  Do you mean, like..."
>She taps the tips her hooves together; you shake your head at this.
"I'm not sure, but... I don't think so.  It's just a... well, in your case, it's a... double dose of sorts.  I think."
>"Oh."
"Yeah...  Like I said, Pinkie loves all her friends, but you... I think you'll have a special place in her heart.  As a friend.  I think."
>"...What about you Anon?"
>...?
"What about me?"
>"Do I have a special place in your heart?"

>For a moment, you simply gape.  Did she really just-
>"I'm sorry, that was kind of a dumb thing to ask, it's just that, I fell into your life out of nowhere, and-"
>She did, but...
>Balloon pony is rambling, and the longer she goes on the worse it'll get.
>You put your finger to her lips to shush her.
"Yeah... yeah you do."
>She sighs, relieved you've saved her from further embarassment.
"Well!  On that note... what do you say we cut out of here?"
>Cherry is confused.  Possibly by the abrupt subject change, possibly by...
>"But we haven't eaten yet."
>Right.
"We'll take them with us.  C'mon."
>You wrap your scones in some napkins and rise.  Balloon pony takes the hint and rises into the air with hers.
"Catch ya later, Pinks!"
>"Bye, Pinkie!"
>"Bye, Nonny and Cherry!"
>You hold the door for Cherry to float through, and with that, you're off for Carousel Boutique.

>While you're walking to fashion horse's, your thoughts turn inward as you absently munch on your pastries.
>Yeah, you told Sunbutt you shouldn't question your feelings, but in this case you just can't help it.
>...Why do you just call her your 'housemate', both verbally and mentally?
>It implies that she's living with you, but that you care little for her beyond that.
>And yet, you like her, and she likes you; for Christ's sake, you two kissed last night - her first kiss, to boot.
>Or does it imply that?
>Is she your 'special somepony'?
>"Hey Anon?"
>Wh-
>Later, brain.
>But-
>LATER, damn it.
"Yeah?"
>Balloon pony is hovering alongside you at your eye level, her hooves dangling idly.
>"What are you thinking about?"
>You turn your head to face her; she's gazing back curiously.
>What was that, Anon?
>Piss off, brain.
"You really want to know?"
>She nods eagerly.
"Us.  I've been thinking about us."
>Oh god dat face.  It's like you told her Christmas - Hearth's Warming - was coming early.
>"Us?"
"Yeah, I was wondering: how exactly would our... relationship... be classifed?  What is it?"
>Hearth's Warming moves back to its proper calendar date, but her smile remains.
>It takes her a while to reply though, and she glances away as she thinks.
>"...Does it matter?  Whether it 'is' this or 'is' that... it IS.  Isn't that what matters?"
>...What.

>That was brilliant; how did you not think of it?
>Here you are, a MENSA-grade smartie pants (if you do say so yourself), and you missed what she saw almost immediately.
>Not that you really thought of her as unintelligent, but still...
>"Are you okay Anon?"
>Cherry's question notifies you that you've stopped in your tracks; she drifts in front of you, concerned.
>"Did I say something wrong?"
>At first, all you can do is gaze into her eyes as you shake your head, smiling.
"...No.  No you didn't."
>You cup her cheek with your free hand as you continue.  She's warm to the touch, in spite of lacking a circulatory system.
"What you said was very, very right."
>...Is it the sun warming her?
>GOD DAMN IT BRAIN NOT NOW.
>For a moment, you two just hold eye contact; then, carefully, you use that hand to steer her in for another kiss.
>She still has that strange, latexy undertone, akin to the taste of a party balloon when you put its neck in your mouth.
>Actually, that shouldn't be surprising.
>After a couple of seconds, you try to pull away, but...
>Balloon pony moves with you, apparently not wanting it to end.
>Maybe she wants another 'air-kiss' like last night.
>A few more seconds, and you gently push her away; she's disappointed, but doesn't protest.
"You're right, Cherry.  You and I are a thing, whatever that thing is.  But uh... that thing has places to go and things to do."
>She shakes her head, trying to dislodge the love-hearts fogging it up.
>"Oh.  R-right."
"Besides, we're in public right now... if that matters to you."
>Cherry glances around, as though she'd forgotten her surroundings.  Hell, maybe she had.
>"...Yeah."
"Well, shall we get moving again?"
>She nods, and you two are back on your way.

>The rest of the trip is spent in relative silence, with you quickly finishing off your breakfast - balloon pony snarfed hers down long ago.
>Every time your eyes meet though, you smile.
>Back on Earth, you'd had a couple of girlfriends, but those relationships never lated long, and they always felt... empty.
>You were never really emotionally invested in them, nor they in you.
>Essentially, you were just going through the motions of life.
>You never bothered trying to date the ponies, either, expecting - fearing? - more of the same.
>But this... this is different.
>Cherry genuinely adores you, and you can't help but find yourself adoring her.
>The wide-eyed wonder with which she takes in the world around her is endearing.
>She's cute as a button, too.  Strange, but it works for her.
>Furthermore, she has a nice - whoops, we're here.

>The bell above the door announces your entrance, and Rarara comes trotting down to greet her 'customers', holding a needle and thread.
>"Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique and magnifique; oh, good morning, Anonymous!"
"Hey, Rarity, how's it going?"
>"I'm doing well, thank you."
>Marshmallow horse shifts her attention.
>"And you must be Cherry Bubble.  Pleased to make your acquaintance."
>Cherry doesn't respond.
>She's staring at the needle like a deer in headlights, her pupils shrunken to dots.
>Shit, you should have seen this coming.
>"...Is something the matter?"
>You open your mouth to say something, but balloon pony beats you to the punch.
>It sounds like it's taking her a monumental effort to spit out each word.
>"Could...you...please...put that...away?"

>Cherry's request forces 2 and 2 together for Rarity; she's aghast, stuffing the offending object into a nearby drawer.
>She's apologizing profusely, but Cherry is still extremely nervous - she's actually dropped out of the air, landing shakily next to you.
>This is bad.  Very bad.  It's damage control time.
"...You know what, Rarity?  I think we're gonna leave."
>"But...  Oh alright then. I'm very sorry about this, though, truly I am."
"Don't worry, it wasn't your fault."
>You kneel down, maneuvering so you're between white horse and red balloon.
"Cherry... hey."
>Breaking her line of sight seems to snap her out of it, causing her to focus in on you.
>The corners of her eyes are wet...
>"Anon?"
"C'mon, let's get out of here."
>You open the door for her, and she bolts.
>As you leave, you take one last look back at Rarity.
>She's gazing back at you, forlorn.

>A couple of minutes later, you're sitting on a bench - squatting, really, these things are a little too small for you.
>Cherry is next to you... physically, anyway.
>She's been silent the entire time, staring off into space... still stuck on the needle?
>It wasn't all that close to her, but that may not have mattered in her mind.
"Hey..."
>You wrap your arm around her, and give her a squeeze.  Gently; you're not aiming to squish her out of shape.
"You okay?"
>She just sits there at first, but then she nods.
>"Yeah, I think so."
"Wanna talk about it?"
>"...Not really."
"It's better if you do.  If you're sure though, I won't press it."
>She sighs.
>"No thanks."
>You didn't really expect her to give in, but it was worth a try anyway.  Oh well.
"Alright then."
>Brain, a little help here?
>Oh, now you want my help?
>U cheeki breeki I swear on me mum-
>You recall what she told you yesterday: 'I'm the prototype.  I can grow back.'
>The first bit implies this was an unintended feature.
>If that's the case, she wouldn't, couldn't know that unless...
>She's been...
>Jesus, even in your mind you don't want to say it.
>You know that being filled and stretched is pleasurable to her, so it's quite possible this is the only pain - physical pain - she's ever felt.
>Her life experience devoid of the minor pains of bumps and bruises, she's probably developed an extreme aversion to anything sharp.
>Or has she?  You have knives in your kitchen, and she didn't seem to mind them...
>Maybe it's just pins and needles.  They are, after all, most associated with...
>Ugh.  At any rate, your brain has, as always, proven to be annnoyingly insightful.
"Good talk, Cherry."
>"What?  But I didn't-"
>You squeeze her again.
"Hey.  It's okay, I know."

>She stiffens.
>Well, sort of.  Balloons aren't known for being very stiff.
>"But... how?"
>Hmm.  She's told you about herself, but you haven't returned the favor thus far.
>Maybe you should change that...
>You move to the grass just off the path, sitting cross-legged and motioning for her to sit across from you.
>She touches down lightly - impossibly lightly, you doubt any pegasus could match it - three feet in front of you, on her soft rubber haunches.
>You rest your hands on your knees as you begin your narrative, and you gaze into her emerald green eyes; they gaze back, patiently interested.
"I was a smart kid.  Saw patterns, made deductions, faster than the other kids around me.  Never got sent to a special school or anything, though.  Probably should have, but didn't.  Thought I was better than the other kids around me - never said it though, that would have been stupid.  Eventually, I grew out of that line of thinking - after all, some people get strong, some get tall, some get smart, but all are people.  Trouble is, even if you're not better, you're still different."
>You glance down, and to the side.
"It made me feel kind of... isolated, I suppose.  There was a group in my world for people with high intelligence, but I always got the impression they were full of themselves, so I never joined.  I didn't think 'waaahh, the world doesn't understand me' over it or anything stupid like that, but still, it kinda bothered me at times.  Now that I'm in magical horse land, it hasn't gotten any better, since here I really am one of a kind.  It's pretty lonely, when I think about it."
>You close your eyes as you ponder this.  You haven't actually spoken about this to anypony, until now.
"For the record-"
>You're about to conclude with your simple little deduction, but you feel a light, gentle squeeze around your chest.
>Cherry's wrapped her forelegs around you in a hug.
>"It's okay, Anon."
>She gives you a small smile as you look down at her, looking up at you.
>"I know what it's like to be lonely."

"Yeah.  Yeah you do, don't you."
>Cherry nods against you, then separates, standing on the grass in front of you.
>She's doing better now, but might still be shaken from what happened earlier.
"You sure you're okay?  We could head home if you like."
>She ponders this for a moment, a hoof on her chin, then shakes her head.
>"No Anon.  I can't just stay inside.  I've done enough of that already."
>She was almost crying when she told you about her isolation yesterday.
>Apparently that outweighs her fear of pins & needles.
"Alright then.  I guess we should keep moving."
>As you return to a standing position, balloon pony rises with you.
>Hang on a second...
"Hey Cherry, are you trying to keep yourself at my eye level?"
>She looks away with a bashful little smile, and you think her cheeks flush slightly; but it's hard to tell, since they're so red to begin with.
>Wait, how do they do that if there's no blood in her?
>Whatever, she's turned back to you, still smiling.
>"Yeah.  Your height means I have to fly to do it.  I like that."
>You're not really that tall by human standards, but to a pony - or a balloon pony - you're still a colossus.
"Right.  You're a balloon, and you want to fly."
>"Mhmm."
>...Rarity saw her as a pony, not a balloon.
>Maybe that's actually a bad thing.
>You can change that, and probably cheer her up to boot.
"...You still want me to hold your string?"

>It takes her a couple of seconds to voice a reply, during which she brings her forehooves to her mouth excitedly.
>"Y-yes, please!"
>Stammering... maybe this is even bigger to her than you thought.
"Leg?"
>She flips into a sitting position in midair, her hooves trembling slightly as she pulls at the thin, golden ribbon.
>Upon closer inspection, the endpoint is tucked under one of the loops, to keep it from unravelling without a knot.
>With a wave of your hand, you shoo her from her clumsy attempts at freeing it.
>Her soft, pliable 'skin' is more giving than regular pony flesh, but also springier, indicating that it's nowhere near 'full'.
>Once the ribbon is freed by your dextrous digits, it unwinds from her leg with ease.
>You undo a couple of loops, leaving the rest in place so it doesn't pile on the ground - there's a good 10 feet of it, judging by the number of coils.
>For a couple of seconds, you stand there, holding the string in your hand.
>But it doesn't feel quite right.
>Aha!  Solution.
"Y'know, actually..."
>"What?"
>She's confused.
"What if I tie it around my wrist?  That way my hand stays free."
>"Oh, okay!"
>Using your dominant hand and your teeth, you fashion a bow knot, but you fumble more than you'd have preferred; it's pretty hard to tie a knot with only one hand.
"There we go."
>...Without delay or warning, she rises as far as the string will allow for, shifting her leg around as it uncoils.

>As she reaches its limit, you feel a slight pull on your wrist; reflexively, you raise your arm to accommodate her.
>She glances back down at you, slightly disappointed - why?
>"You don't have to move your arm for me, Anon.  I..."
>She rubs her forehooves together.
>"I kinda like feeling the tug on my uh... my belly button."
>So that's why.
>You make a mental note to investigate this later.
>Possibly as a form of foreplay.
>At any rate, you can still have SOME fun with her... with... it.
"Oh do you now?  In that case..."
>Without warning, you jerk your arm downward, yanking her along for the ride.
>As inertia carries her a few additional inches, she gives a squeak of surprise, but then she giggles, and emits a soft "Yaaay."
>There's an odd undertone to the way she says it...
>...Contentment.
>You've been thinking of her as a pony, but it occurs to you that she's a balloon too, at least partly, and that floating on a tether like this probably satisfies her in a deep, almost spiritual way.
>Surreally cute; in other words, par for the course for Cherry.

>The trip to Sweet Apple Acres is long, but mostly uneventful.
>The streets are mostly empty, and the few ponies you do cross paths with don't ask questions.
>Then again, they weren't initially curious when you first arrived.
>Every so often, Cherry tugs at the string or hums something, so she's enjoying herself.
>You're not exactly a fan of empty chatter - Pinkie excluded, of course - so this arrangement is just fine with you.
>Your thoughts wander as you walk...
>What should you introduce/explain to Rich next, the telephone or the radio?
>Who's the President now?  Black Jesus, or someone else?
>Is humanity even around now, or did an asteroid hit the planet... or something?
>And other such musings.
>Even before you arrived in Equestria, you kept yourself in decent shape, so this walk has never been too demanding; but three years of life in a much lower technological setting have further dulled its edge to almost nothing.
>Even so, it's still time-consuming.
>Just as its duration begins to grate on you, though, you find yourself outside the Apple's farmhouse.
>Treekicker is out here...
>Along with your contractor.

"Didn't think you'd be here, Rich."
>"Ah, Anon, did my daughter tell you..."
>He trails off as his eyes focus on balloon pony, who's slowly decending to the dirt.
"Oh yeah, Rich, this is Cherry Bubble, my new ah..."
>You frown as the lack of an accurate descriptor halts your speech.
"Well, she's something of mine at any rate."
>"Mhmm!"
>Cherry sounded oddly pleased as she hummed that...
>Whatever, you can ask about it later.  Not now.
>"Howdy, Anon!  Been a while since you hiked all the way out here!"
"Yeah, well..."
>Rich is staring at Cherry...
>Something's up.
"Actually, Applejack, Rich and I have some business to discuss."
>Rich catches on; turning back to Orange Apple, he adds his own bit:
"Fancy technological stuff you probably wouldn't care about.  Unless you want to hear about how an infernal combustion engine works?"
>She grimaces.  The Flim-Flam brothers probably ruined any enthusiasm she may have had for 'contraptions'.
>"Uh, no thanks."
>...Thanks, quasi-boss.
>You tug on the golden ribbon's endpoint, unravelling the slip-knot around your wrist.
"Why don't you show her around while Rich and I talk about the messier points of human technology?"
>"Alright Anon.  Cherry, I can hold that string for you if-"
>"NO!"

>Holy shit.  This girl could give Luna a run for her money when it comes to volume.
>Okay, she's not actually on par with the ROYAL CANTERLOT VOICE; you suspect Alicorn magic is involved in that.
>Still, it's incredibly loud, louder than Pinkie's overenthusiastic greeting earlier.
>Naturally, all eyes turn to balloon pony.  Even she seems stunned by her outburst.
>"I mean... um... I'd rather you didn't.  That's just between me and Anon."
>What do you say after that...?
"...Well, I could help you wrap it back if you like."
>That's what, apparently.  Lackluster, but at least it broke the awkward silence.
>"No, I've got it."
>As she begins the process of re-winding it around her hind leg, you motion to Rich with your head to indicate that the two of you should split off from the girls for a while.

>About a minute later, under a just-barely-adequate-for-your-height apple tree...
"For the record, it's 'internal', not 'infernal'."
>"Shoot, I knew I messed something up."
"Eh, combustion, infernal, it's understandable."
>Just to get the topic out of the way, making your earlier statement true by technicality...
"Do you have a working model yet?  I know you said it probably wouldn't catch on - which I find hard to believe - but still..."
>Your contractor paws at the ground.
>"It's... complicated, Anon.  I actually think it's a great idea, but I don't know if we have the 'fossil fuels' necessary for running more than a few of 'em."
"What about other nations?"
>He cranes his head back as he faces you, unamused.
>"Anon, give me SOME credit.  I'm a businessman, not a politician."
"Fair enough.  But, that didn't actually answer my question."
>"Not yet.  I'm a little uneasy building something if it needs to be test-fired outdoors."
>A little precaution about its emissions.  It's possible they could design adequate ventilation, but it's simpler to just run it outdoors.
"Ah."
>Alright, enough beating around the bush.
"Anyway.  Cherry."
>Filthy cringes, no longer meeting your gaze.
>"Yes... Cherry."
"She didn't recognize you, so I'm guessing you two have never actually met.  On the other hand, you certainly seemed to recognize her, so you've definitely heard of her."
>He glances around, as if seeking a physical route out of the topic.
>Of course, he could always decline to answer, but in this case he doesn't.
>With great hesitation, he answers.
>"Alright... yes.  I know about Cherry Bubble.  ...I financed the project that created her."

>...What.
"Cherry said the company disbanded-"
>"Anon, please, let me explain."
"...Alright, let's hear it."
>"The impression I got was that it was supposed to be something simple; little to no self-awareness, just a construct able to acknowledge its owner.  The first attempt threw way more magic into the process than the subsequent run, and the result was... well..."
"Cherry."
>"Yes."
"And Cherry's more than just a toy."
>Rich contemplates this for a moment... strange, it shouldn't need contemplation.
>"...Well, you're right, she's not JUST a toy."
"What does that mean?"
>He shakes his head, apparently unwilling to answer this one.
>"If she hasn't told you yet, then it's not for me to say.  Anyway, I later found out she was actually pretty close to what they wanted.  A little too strong, a little too smart - way too smart in the memory department - but close to the mark."
>He sighs.
>"Anon, I may be ruthless when it comes to business, but... what they had in mind, being sold to whoever... no.  I told the Princess about it, and she stepped in, nipping the project in the bud."

"I think I've heard it from here.  But before I forget, yeah, your daughter ran into us earlier."
>Rich brightens as the subject shifts away from balloon pony.  Unfortunately for him, it won't do so for long.
>"Ah, did she-?"
"She delivered your invitation, yeah, but she also mouthed off to us."
>He grimaces.
"Called Cherry 'a balloon pretending to be a pony', and called me a monkey.  I told her that because of her attitude, I wouldn't be going."
>"Anon..."
"Talking to you now, I'm not sure.  If I do go though, I'd like to bring Cherry."
>Rich expresses relief that you're still considering.  Maybe he'd already told ponies you'd be there...?
>"Alright, I think I can work her in."
>As you glance back towards the barn, you return the conversation to one of his remarks.
"You said something about a 'subsequent run'... are there more like her?"
>He shakes his head, vehemently.
>"Not like her, Anon.  Not at all like her."
>Huh.  Wonder what that means.
"What about this 'memory' bit?"
>He hesitates.
>"Well... she was supposed to have an initial period where she took in information extremely quickly, so she'd have a decent vocabulary, know what money is, and so on.  Well, that apparently never wore off."
"So you're saying she has an eidetic memory."
>"If that means she remembers everything she sees and hears, then yes."
>...Interesting.  Another thing to ask about later.
"Alright, I guess that's it.  Let's go see what Cherry and AJ are up to."

>You are now Cherry Bubble.
>Yesterday, you were saved from blowing out to the ends of Equestria by Anonymous.
>You were too shaken at first to really think about it, but after you'd calmed down, you found him quite handsome.
>It's funny, not only is he a predator, but he isn't even a quadruped.
>And yet, here you are, smitten with him.
>With his long limbs... the not-quite-fangs in his mouth... the flat, trimmed-back claws on his hands...
>Until yesterday, you hadn't thought hands - the few times you'd heard of them - were anything special.
>But, every time his embrace your hooves, or caress your cheeks...
>Oh Celestia, it's wonderful.
>Hands are definitely better than hooves.
>Then there's the fact that he's wearing all those clothes - what does he look like underneath them?
>He's mysterious, and alluring, and looks just a little bit dangerous - but not threatening.
>"Cherry?  You there?"
>Whoops, looks like Applejack caught you daydreaming.
"Yeah, I'm fine.  Just ah..."
>"Thinkin' about Anon?"
>You turn your head.  She's gazing back knowingly.
"...Yeah."
>"You really like him, don't ya?"
>You nod, your mouth blooming into a small grin.
"Mhm."
>"It's sweet that y'all like each other, but I gotta warn ya, there's somethin'... off about him."

>Huh?
"What do you mean?"
>She faces forward again, squinting.
>"It's nothin' he's said or done, mind... but..."
"But?"
>"You've heard o' Discord, right?"
"He visited me at the palace once."
>That would be unforgettable, even if you did forget things.
"He was annoying, but kind of funny at the same time.  What about him?"
>"Ah'd say he's just flat-out annoyin'.  Anyway, when he attacked Ponyville a few years ago... he went a little funny when he saw Anon.  Acted nervous or scared or somethin'.  Even referred to him as 'Destroyer' once."
>That... is not a nice title.
"'Destroyer'?  Why?"
>Applejack shrugs.
>"Anon swears up an' down he has no idea what Discord was talking about.  Still, isn't it strange how an ancient spirit o' chaos is spooked by an alien monkey?"
"Yeah, that is strange."
>Definitely something to ask him about later.
>Along with many other things, like more about Earth.
>Earth sounds fascinating.  With its planes, highways, skyscrapers...
>Too bad humans are so warlike.
>You just don't get it.  How can the same race that Anon belongs to be so violent?

>You are Anon again.
>You and Cherry have said your goodbyes, and left Sweet Apple Acres.
>"So Anon..."
>Balloon pony is back to floating beside you.
"Yeah Cherry?"
>You turn your head to look at her.  Her forehooves are clasped together, and her hind legs are also crossed.
>She has this sweet, innocent smile on her face.
>Adorable.
>"How DOES an infernal combustion engine work?"
"Internal."
>"Oh.  Well, how does it work?"
>You recall Rich's words about how she takes in information.
>This seems like as good an opportunity to test it as any.
>So you explain it, starting with the composition and origin its fuel.
>As you do, you pay attention to her, to how well she understands it.
>It's... pretty impressive, when you think about it.
>She listens and nods most of the time, asking only a couple of questions.
"Hey Cherry, now that I've explained it... care to play it back to me?"
>"...Why?"
>You realize during her pause that 'play it back' isn't in their lexicon, due to limited movie/music recording technology, but before you can explain she has an answer.
>Her tone says she's confused by the request, but not averse to it.
"Just humor me?  I'll tell you why when you're done."
>She complies.

>It goes from 'impressive' to 'remarkable' as she explains how it works...
>In.
>Perfect.
>Detail.
>This machine is not a simple one, yet she recites its mechanics back to you, and in her own words as opposed to merely parroting yours.
>She concludes the lecture with, "So, why did you ask me to do that?"
"Rich told me you had an eidetic memory.  I wanted to see it for myself."
>Balloon pony averts her eyes and smiles bashfully, rubbing a foreleg with the back of the opposite hoof - they squeak softly when she does so, a weirdly cute effect.
>"Yeah, well..."
"Here I've been tooting my horn about how smart I am, when it's quite possible you're even better than me."
>"I'm not that special..."
"Well, I think you're special."
>...wait.
"Not THAT kind of special."
>"What kind?"
>Right.  Extremely sheltered.
>Or...?
"Come to think of it, I haven't heard it used that way here, but back home 'special' was a euphemism for 'mentally handicapped'."
>"Oh.  Why?"
"It was short for 'special needs', regarding education.  Then it leaked into the public consciousness, and it became an insult.  Or something along those lines."
>"Ah."

>Flutters never quite knew what to make of you.
>Your appearance was alien, but not monstrous, and you spoke English (or Equestrian, as they call it).
>While slightly uneasy about you, she took you in, and you spent your first night here in her cottage.
>On the other hand, the smell of animals was... strong, to say the least, so not long after that you moved into the Library.
>To elaborate on that last bit, in between 'Fluttershy's' and 'Twilight's' you spent a couple of days in Canterlot, while doctors examined you - you were the first human anypony had ever seen, after all.
>Fluttershy, meanwhile, regards you with a mix of her timidity towards other ponies, and her interest in any other (non-dragon) creatures.
>She welcomes visits from you, if not actually looking forward to them.
>Today, you've brought somepony else with you... how will she react to Cherry?
>Speaking of Cherry, she knew you'd left out bluefast when you listed off purplesmart and company...
>And she has an eidetic memory...
>How little has she heard?
>Hell, how few times has she played chess?
>She fought you to a standstill, yet you get the impression that number is low enough to count on your fingers.
>...how much has she read?

>...hold that thought.
>The posterboy for TVTropes' Mix and Match Critter page is in front of Flutterbutter's door, his back turned to you.
>Yellowquiet leans around from behind him.
>"Oh, hello, Anonymous!"
>Discord wheels around on hearing your name, his face briefly expressing shock before settling into anxiety.
>His eyes flick to balloon pony for a moment, but after that they stay trained on you.
>"...I-I should be going.  I'll write you, Fluttershy."
>He cocks back his paw, thumb and middle digit pressed against one another...
>"Discord, wait!"
>"...Yes, Cherry?"
>She's rubbing her forehooves together anxiously, producing more squeaking.
>"Why did you call Anon 'Destroyer'?"
>His eyes flick around nervously as he answers.
>"I call him that because he's a human, Cherry.  They destroy everything, including each other.  They represent a kind of chaos even I don't want."
>With that, he snaps his fingers, and vanishes with a flash.