My Little Download: Spreading the Friendship Chapter 8 (Preview)

“Didya hear? Janice turned into this really large pony now too!”

“Really? My, it's hitting close to home now. How are her husband and kids doing?”

“Well, they seem to be doing alright. She's… he's now going by the name Shining Armor or something. He has a lot more energy, so he's able to keep up with the kids better. Jerry is making the best of it. Shining is apparently still as sweet and kind as always.”

“That's good for him, but I dunno. I don't think having a cartoon horse for a mother is healthy for their children. I think…” The gossiping women went on like this next to Vinny. It was an exhausting, familiar conversation that he had heard time and time again.

Of course, he couldn't blame them or anyone for talking about it. The MLP-ified have taken over the world in a way. Everyone talked and thought about it, the rise of the ponies across the globe. No matter where one went, the colorful horses would be around.

Even amongst the small group waiting for the bus with him, there was a pony woman. This one was a particularly goth-looking equine with thick eyeshadow and a long, dark mane that swirled at its end.

Pretty much every conversation Vinny heard those days was pony-focused. Everywhere he went, it was all the same. Family or friends changing, effects on children, governments trying to deal with this new species, and even discussions about the future. How would the world change? Would things be good or bad?

After a while, Vinny was tired. As far as he was concerned, ponies were now a part of life. There was no discussion left to be had. He personally didn't mind or see it as a bad thing.

Two of his friends, a couple, had ended up pony-fied recently. They had turned into Trixe and a male version of Fluttershy, keeping their memories and personalities while also leaning into the characters’ unique quirks. They were still his buddies and that's what mattered.

Vinny looked up from his phone, seeing the bus slowing down its approach. He closed his news app and was about to pocket his phone when he glanced at the home screen. There was MLP-ified, just sitting there as always.

Like many others, the app had mysteriously made its way onto his phone one day and since, he had been very careful to avoid clicking it. Why would he ever want to as well? Unlike some of the people he knew, he was satisfied. He liked himself, his life, and the way things were.

The bus pulled up and opened its doors. People started leaving and others started getting on, Vinny being the last one on. He yawned as he stepped on. One bus ride, and I'll be home. Just wanna relax and-OOF!

He suddenly collided with an anxious blond man who was hurrying off. Vinny huffed, adjusting his orange sunglasses. Even though he wasn't at fault, he still said, “Sorry. My bad!”

The guy didn't seem to acknowledge it, hopping off. Vinny sighed and continued into the bus. Halfway down the center, he realized he was still holding his phone.

He quickly checked and felt a wave of relief wash over him. The home screen was still on, but he hadn't accidentally clicked the app when he was bumped. How many times had that happen to others, he could only wonder.

Making sure to turn the screen off, Vinny walked to the back of the bus, completely empty and looking inviting. He passed the goth pony, busy on her phone, and the two older ladies, still chatting about that family from before. He took his seat at the very end and sat down.

“Oh, but I guess they're not having it worse!”

“Really? …oh! You mean, Darla?”

“Mhm. She's now called Tree Hugger and has been-”