EquestriaCraft, Part 6

It's been a year and a half since I last posted something. I've had most of this chapter written for most of that time, figured I should finish it and try to do some more.
No idea if I'll be able to continue it soon or if I'll disappear for a long time again.
This isn't completely proof-read yet, plus I've hardly written anything for over a year so don't be surprised if it blows. I'll delete these lines and post it in the thread when I get around to proofing it.

>There it was. SugerCube Corner.
>During your walk over here, Rainbow Dash told you that it resembled a giant gingerbread house.
>You had no idea what that was, but the structure was certainly unique compared to the rest of the town.
>Without hesitation, you and your companion enter the establishment.
>A little bell hanging above the door dings as you open it and walk through, catching the attention of- her...
>"Hi Anon!" Pinkie Pie greets you as she bounces up and down behind the front counter with a massive smile across her face.
>"Hey Pinkie," Dash joins in before you have a chance to respond, "Anon said he wants some cake, do ya got any?"
>Before you can even blink, Pinkie Pie produces a sizeable white cake and places it on the counter in front of you.
>"Silly Dashie, I always have cake!" she responds, giggling at Rainbow's question, which must have sounded pretty ridiculous to her.
>The cake was smothered in white frosting and other little colored- things...
"Uh, hey Pinkie, what are these things?"
>"What, the sprinkles?"
"Sprinkles?"
>"Anon, you can't seriously tell us you don't know what sprinkles are," Dash says, a hopeless look upon her.
"Sure I can. What the hell are sprinkles?"
>Rainbow Dash plants a hoof into a face. Clearly that was a stupid question, but how could they blame you?
>Pinkie's jaw drops for a moment before coming back to a close as she slowly shifts to a look of anger at you.
>"You don't know what SPRINKLES ARE!?" she shouts in shock.
>Pinkie swiftly bites onto the plate holding the cake and takes it to a nearby table.

>She immediately runs behind you and pushes you over to the booth, shoving you onto one of the seats.
>"You HAVE to try them Anon, you don't know what you're missing!"
"Bu-"
>"Eat them! All of them! Eat the whole cake Anon, it's super duper delicious!"
>Pinkie's front two hooves are latched onto the table as she's bouncing up and down with her back legs, staring directly into your eyes with her own wide open, and again sporting a big smile and look of determination.
>Yep, this pony was definitely insane. But you're getting a cake out of this, and it does look pretty good, definitely more detailed compared to what you're used to.
>Rainbow Dash makes her way over to the table and takes a seat across from you.
>"Hey Pinkie, I really don't think he could eat the 'whole' cake, you're the only pony I know that can do that," Rainbow says, chuckling at her comment.
>"Yeah, well Anon's not a pony now is he?"
"I can totally eat this whole cake."
>"Wha-" Rainbow lifts an eyebrow at you, "No way-"
"Yes way. But I'll share some if you want any."
>"Uh, yeah sure, just one slice is good for me."
>Thankfully it seems to have already been cut into about eight slices, so you let her take one.
>After making sure that was all she wanted, you began devouring the rest of them, one by one, until they were all gone.
>You gotta say, that cake was pretty darn good! So were those sprinkles. They were different, but added a bit of variety to the cake that you weren't used to.
>Rainbow Dash looks at you in dis-belief, while Pinkie continues to smile.
>"See, I KNEW he could eat a whole cake!"
>"Seems like you were right Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow agrees. "Hey Anon, you asked about cake earlier before we ever mentioned it, so that means you can make it in your world right?"
"Yep."
>"How do you do it? Do you just cram stuff into that block furnace thing?"

>You can't help but chuckle at her question, but you realize she's actually serious.
"Well no, they go into the crafting table, and out comes the cake."
>"You mean you don't even have to bake it!?" Pinkie asks.
"Bake? Nope. Making it is the easy part though, getting the ingredients can be a pain."
>"What all do you need?"
"Hmm, well I need some wheat, sugar, a chicken egg, and three buckets of milk."
>Pinkie gasps, "Three BUCKETS!?"
"Yeah, it does seem like a bit much. But that's how it is."
>"So how do you get that much milk anyway?" Rainbow asks.
"By milking cows of course. It used to really suck having to do it, but then one day it suddenly became easier. I can't explain it but I wasn't about to complain."
>Pinkie Pie suddenly starts giggling.
"What's so funny?"
>"How can you possibly milk a cow with those square arms?" she asks, still giggling.
>"Please don't say you milk cows by punching them," Rainbow asks in a concerned tone, afraid of what your answer might be.
>Your first response is simply meeting your face with the end of your arm.
"No Rainbow, I don't milk cows by punching them," you respond in a slightly annoyed manner, not yet moving your face from its resting place.
>She laughs at your annoyed response. You just shake your head.
>Pinkie finally stops giggling a moment later.
>"Can you show me how you do it?"
"Sure, I guess."
>"Great! I know JUST the cow for the job!"
>This pony was way too excited about watching you milk a cow. Really, there just isn't anything to it at all.
>She was going to be disappointed, or so you would expect from any normal person; or pony, whatever.
>Pinkie Pie soon brings you and Rainbow Dash outside and tells you to follow her.
>Soon enough, the three of you find yourselves in some kind of pasture that was populated with herds of cattle.
>"Wait here," Pinkie says as she zooms off to one of the groups of cows.

>Moments later, she returns with a single cow following her.
>The cow walks up close to you then turns to the side, looking and smiling at Pinkie Pie.
>"This is Betsy, she volunteered to let you milk her."
>Betsy? That's the most normal name you've heard in this place so far. In fact, you'd be willing to bet that it's the only name you'll hear that isn't completely ridiculous.
>Pinkie Pie is looking on in anticipation, excited for what's to come.
>You look over to Rainbow Dash, and she- well, she's anxious to see it too.
>Thankfully you still had a bucket in your bag from creating the mini-farm, so you take it out and hold it up.
>Unsure if this is going to work anything like how you're used to, you reluctantly move in and hold the bucket under the cows' utters.
>You remain there for a few seconds, and nothing happens.
>This was about what you expected though, so you move on to the next step, anxiety starting to get the better of you.
>After all, this cow is different than the ones in your world, and their, uh- physics work quite a bit different too, or so you have to assume.
>Considering that and how certain things in this world react differently to you than they normally would, it's a little worrying.
>But you're going to do it anyway! Besides, the cow agreed to it, so you can't back out now.
>You slowly move the bucket upward, inching closer to the utters until it's practically touching them.
>When the bucket and utters do touch, all hell breaks loose.
>In a fraction of a second, the cows' utters erupt violently, spilling just enough milk to fill the bucket.
>Having a full bucket of milk in an instant is what you're used to, but it's the split-second effect and reaction from the cow that send you back and down on your ass.
>Simultaneously, three gasps are heard around you.
>You can only come to the obvious conclusion that this isn't normal for them.
>The bucket is full, so you pull it back and stand up.

>Turning around and looking at Pinkie and Rainbow Dash, you can tell they're still trying to comprehend what they just witnessed, but what else is new?
>Meanwhile, Betsy the cow is panting as if she had just run a marathon, clearly winded from the experience.
"That's it," you say, placing the bucket into your bag.
>"Oh my~" you hear from behind you, sounding rather dazed.
"I- wait, what?"
>Was that the cow?
>Upon turning around, you see Betsy slowly staggering away.
>Okay...
>You turn around again and face the ponies.
"Did Betsy just talk?"
>Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow but is interrupted by Pinkie Pie before she can even speak.
>"Anon do you need a job?"
"A... job?"
>"The Cake's and I could always use somebody with your kind of super duper cow milking ability!"
>Is she serious?
>Oh wait, it's Pinkie Pie. Of course she's serious.
"So what, I do stuff for you and get something in return?"
>"Have you never had a job before Anon?" Rainbow asks.
>You just shoot her a blank stare.
>"Heh, of course not. Dumb question," she responds, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof.
>"Well?" Pinkie asks.
"I guess if you ever need the help, sure, but what would I get in return?"
>"Hmm, you probably don't care for money. How about eggs? Or sugar or wheat or buckets or anything else you might need to put things together with!"
>Actually, that could be a nice exchange. You haven't seen any sugar or chickens around here anyway so it couldn't hurt.
>Honestly though, once you get them the first time, you can just grow your own.
>You'd have to keep trying to get different things out of her, but you have a feeling you would only ever be able to get anything that's food-related.
>Even if that's the case, it sounds like a deal you wouldn't want to pass up since you're still getting started here.
"Okay Pinkie Pie, let me know when you need something from me, just know that it probably won't work out as a regular every-day thing."

>"Okie Dokey!," she says, smiling. "Well I gotta go back to work, thanks for showing me how you milk cows Anon!"
>Before you even get a chance to respond, she's long-gone.
>That is one unusual creature.
>"So Anon," Rainbow begins, "What now?"
"Hmm? Well I don't know. My home could always use more work, but I have no real plans at the moment. Any ideas?"
>"Actually, there is one thing. You remember Fluttershy?"
"Fluttershy... that's the pony who I accidentally scared off when I first got here right?"
>"Yeah, that's her. I really think you should go and actually meet her. I can't help but think she's avoiding her friends because of you being around."
>Honestly it's not a bad idea. You hope you won't have to personally meet literally every pony in this place, but you don't want any of them to be afraid of you either.
"Sure, might as well get it over with now. But what if she just runs away from me again?"
>"I'll come along with ya, make sure she knows you're cool," Rainbow responds with a prideful smile.
"Alright then, lead the way."
>Rainbow Dash takes the lead and you follow close behind.
>Before long the two of you approach a rather nice looking house, perched on a tiny hill across a little creek.
>"Alright this is it," Rainbow Dash points out, "Just let me talk to her first."
"Whatever you say..."
>Rainbow knocks on the door a few times and waits.
>And waits...
>No answer.
"Maybe she's not home?"
>"Nah, she's probably just out back with some of her animals. Let's go check."
>Rainbow lifts into the air and flutters around the side of the house.
>You casually stroll along and around as well, peering into the windows as you walk.
>Looks like a nice place. and you can't seem to see anybody inside.
>"Hey Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash calls out.
>You think you can hear Fluttershy respond, but it's too quiet.
>It doesn't help that you're still a little distracted by looking through the windows into her house.

>She speaks some more though, and actually sounds rather cheerful.
>"You just have to come meet my new animal friend!" you hear Fluttershy say.
>"Hey, that's just what I was about to say!" Rainbow Dash claims.
>A new animal friend huh? She must really love animals. You'll have to be careful not to skin or shear or... cook... anything around her.
>"Whoa, what is that thing!?" Rainbow asks.
>You finally shift your gaze away from the house over to Fluttershy
>She's standing next to a-
>No.
>Nononononononono!
>That's the only thing going through your mind at the moment.
"HEY!" you scream, "Get away from that thing!"
>Rainbow shoots you a glare, you assume because she thinks you're going to scare her friend.
>But you really don't care right now.
>After all, the creeper is what they should be afraid of!
>"Nice Anon, not really the best way to introduce yourself."
"Sorry Dash, but that creature is incredibly dangerous!"
>"Then why is it befriending Fluttershy?" she asks angrily.
>Still slowly approaching them, you closely watch both Fluttershy and the creeper.
>The pony is smiling at the creeper, and... petting it!?
>But... the creeper is smiling back...
>What in the hell... this world is just full of surprises.
>Either this creeper is just playing a game to lure you in, or maybe... just maybe this Fluttershy is really that good.
>Befriending a creeper... not something you would ever expect to see.
>And honestly, you still don't believe it, so you continue to approach cautiously.
>"Well Anon?" Rainbow begins, "Aren't you gonna introduce yourself now?"
>You glance at her for a moment, and then to Fluttershy, who is now looking at you with a mildly worried expression.
>Now's as good a time as any you suppose.
"Uhh, yeah. Hey Fluttershy, I'm Anonymous. Might as well just call me Anon. I know I look weird and I'm sorry for scaring you the other day."
>She smiles at you and begins to speak.

>"It's okay Anon, I'm sure you didn't mean it. It's nice to meet you!"
>She speaks so softly... Just looking at and listening to her, you imagine she must be the most kind and gentle pony around.
>Maybe it's legit? Maybe she really did befriend this creeper?
>"Now, why were you telling me to get away from my new friend here?" she asks, seemingly upset.
>You can't help but think to yourself how adorable she is.
>It makes you pause for a moment. It's just not a thought you've ever really had before.
>It's completely alien to you. Well, just about everything you've experienced from this world is, but this feels... different.
>Remembering the situation at-hand, you shove this thought to the back of your mind for now.
>Clearing your throat, you begin to answer her question.
"Sorry Fluttershy, but that creature is called a creeper."
>"A creeper? That's a funny name." she giggles.
"Well, it's kinda fitting. I'm sorry if this sounds rude, but in my world, those things are, well... evil."
>"Evil?" Rainbow asks, noticeably confused.
"Pure. Evil." You explain in a serious tone, "They creep up on people, sneak up all silent so you have no idea they're coming. Then once they get close enough, they explode, taking out you and whatever perfectly nice and completely harmless structure you're building."
>Your tone became increasingly aggravated the further that explanation went on.
>Damn creepers... can't let you build anything in peace...
>They deserve no mercy... Not from you, not from anybody. Not even from Fluttershy!
>One way or another, you have to dispatch this thing.
>But with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash here though... it would probably be a bad idea.
>Plus if it's not blowing shit up now, maybe it will stay that way? Maybe something about this world, about these ponies, is actually changing them?
>You still don't buy it, but you'll play along for now.
>"Wait," Rainbow says, "did you say they EXPLODE!?"

"Yes Dash. Like a block of TNT, they just walk up and go boom. One does not simply walk away from that either. It's not fun."
>Rainbow looks a bit worried now, seeing that you are actually completely serious about this.
>"Well, I don't know what creepers you knew in your world, but this one is my friend!" Fluttershy proclaims, petting the creeper once again as it smiles back at her.
>Rainbow gives a nervous chuckle, "Hey, maybe she's right Anon? Besides, if they are what you say they are, wouldn't this one have blown up already?"
>Bah. She does have a point, but you've already thought of that. It SHOULD have blown up long ago.
>So it's come to this. Either the creeper is legitimately different now, or it only sees you in-particular as a threat.
>Either way though, the fact that it isn't blowing up ponies is a big plus.
>If these things suddenly started showing up everywhere and blowing up all over town, they'd have no idea what to do.
>The blame would probably all go on you, and even if it didn't, that's a lot of blood that would still be on your hands.
>Come to think of it, the skeletons down in the caves did shoot at you specifically.
>Sure the ponies were there, and maybe the skeletons didn't care for the collateral, but they were still aiming at YOU.
>Based on this, you'd have to think the creepers might just be the same.
>There's only one way to find out.
>Just hope for the best. Hope that this adorable, animal-loving pony has actually befriended and charmed a creeper.
"Yeah Dash, it probably would have."
>"Then why do you still look so worried about it?"
"I just... you don't understand Dash. If you lived in my world, you would. I have never had any reason to not either run away or completely murder the shit out of these things at first glance."
>Fluttershy gasps, not believing what she just heard.
>Yeah, you didn't really think about that one.

"But... Fluttershy, you look like you know what you're doing, and seem to be remarkably good with animals. So I'll give this one a chance."
>Thankfully she seems to forget what you said before.
>"Thank you, Anon."
>The creeper is still smiling, so you continue to walk up to them.
>Once you get within a few steps, the creeper shifts its gaze over to you.
>You stop for a moment, still uneasy of the whole thing.
>The creeper continues to smile for a moment, but soon the smile instantly turns upside-down.
>Then you hear it.
>The sound you have dreaded since the beginning of time.
>You pretty much called this one. It's really not a surprise.
>What worries you is that Fluttershy is still standing very close to the creeper.
>Unfortunately, it just happens too fast. You made a mistake by trusting this thing, by trusting her...
>Though you still can't help but worry more about her than yourself.
>The explosion is the last thing you see and hear... for now.