Chapters Memories.
Everyone is writing their own little book of memories in their mind.
Me? Well, I stopped around 5 years ago.
I used to have friends, 3 to be exact. We were driving home from a big party when a drunk driver smashed into the car.
I was the only survivor.
All of my friends had been taken away in a swift movement.
Even remembering all the memories I had with them at age 21 is painful. I curse myself often, wondering why I was left to be the only survivor, why I couldn't die along with them. Then I would still be with them at least.
I sit in my room at my parents' house hugging my pillow between my chest and my knees, cursing at myself.
I wish to forget all those memories I had with them. Then I wouldn't be as pained as I am today.
After the accident, I closed myself off from the world. I stopped talking to anyone, only speaking if I were ordering something at a restaurant. If I did speak to anyone, it was usually a complaint and nothing more.
I sigh. Hoping to push these memories out of my mind, I grab my laptop and set it on my lap. I open it to find my brightly colored wallpaper that is full of six ponies.
Yes. It's the main cast from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
I first watched the show a few months ago. Anytime I remembered those memories with my friends, I would simply open my laptop and watch an episode or two of the show.
I had first found the show a few weeks before I chose to watch it myself. An ad had popped up about it and at first I scoffed the idea of watching a show meant for little girls.
However I soon had heard about the “bronies”. I couldn't understand why teenage boys and grown men were so into this show. It's full of oddly colored ponies that can fly and use magic. I had no idea what was so interesting, so I had to watch it myself.
With the first episode ending on a cliffhanger, I had to watch the next episode. I always hate cliffhangers, no matter what sort of entertainment they came from.
After watching the first two episodes though, I was mesmerized. I couldn't believe a show meant for little girls could actually be this good.
I continued watching the show more and more, but kept it all a secret. Not even my parents know of my liking to the show.
I watch the show whenever I'm in distress, which is all the time, in hopes of cheering me up. It always works in making me happier, though I have little time to myself to watch it. Being in college, I am often caught up in my studies. But right now it is currently Summer Break, as since I currently have no plans, I am free to watch the show as much as I want.
The rain patters on my window as I scroll through the episodes, trying to decide which one to watch. The crackling of lighting and the boom of thunder signaled that it wasn't just some rain, but a storm instead. Not that I minded.
I had finally decided on an episode: The Cutie Mark Chronicles.
It had been my favorite episode since I had seen it. I loved seeing how every pony got their cutie marks.
Choosing a favorite story arc from that episode is tough for me. All have proven to be great in their own ways.
If I absolutely had to choose though, I probably would choose Rainbow Dash. I have always enjoyed seeing the Sonic Rainboom.
Despite it being from a cartoon, I have always loved the beauty of one. Seeing one could always put a smile on my face.
The smile quickly rose upon my face. Rainbow Dash has just done what no other pony did before—the Sonic Rainboom. She looked back, smiling at what she had just accomplished. The cutie mark appeared on her flank and Rainbow Dash finished up her story.
I smiled myself before going through the long list of episodes trying to pick another one myself. A bright flash of lightning occurs, and a boom of thunder follows. Unfortunately though, my power decides to go out.
I sigh quite loudly before I pull out my headphones and begin rummaging around in the dark, trying to find something that could provide at least a little light for me till the power snaps back on.
After what seemed like hours, I finally picked up a flashlight. Snapping it on quickly, light quickly flickered, filling up the room, or at least, the spot it was shining on.
I got up and walking toward my door, grabbing the doorknob, twisting it, and venturing on out beyond my room, something I didn't do often.
I figured I might as well do something . I chose to just walk around my house, as not much can be done in a house with no power.
After 30 minutes passed walking around the same place with not even a sign that the power would be coming on again anytime soon, I sighed and decided to open my front door, and just stare out the screen door.
There certainly was a lot of lightning, though most of it seemed to be way off in the distance, a sign that the storm should be ending soon.
I decided to step outside since it seemed that rain was currently the only issue. I didn't mind getting wet. Even if I did end up sick, it would just give me one more excuse to stay in bed that I could use against my parents when they nag me to go do something.
The lightning was far off, but the rain was still pretty heavy, soaking me completely in a mere minute.
However, what happened next was something I hadn't expected to happen, due to the conditions.
A bolt of lightning struck. And it happened to land right on top of my head.
Pain surged through me and I closed my eyes hoping that my life would end soon.
I feel backwards from the shock, landing in the soaked grass.
I lay there for a few minutes before opening my eyes.
There were two things I noticed when I opened my eyes.
One: There was no longer a storm, just the pale blue sky.
And two: I was surrounded by six familiar brightly colored ponies.
This had to be a dream, right? After all, people don't just get hit by lightning, and then get transported to the world of their favorite show, right? They either die or survive, that's all there is to it.
It definitely had to be a dream or a hallucination. Before I came outside and got that unexpected gift from the dark clouds, my mind was still full of the bright ponies bouncing around.
“Uh, y'all alright sugarcube?” Applejack asked.
I propped myself up with my two front hooves...wait...hooves?
Startled, I looked around, and sure enough, I was in the body of a pony. I had a cream colored coat, and my mane and tail were a bright yellow
Ignoring the orange pony, I pushed the ponies away and peered at myself in a small pond resting only a few feet from where I was.
Looking in, I noticed my bright blue eyes right away. I also noticed how I was just a regular earth pony—no wings or horn.
Great, if I was going to be in a dream like this one, I was hoping I would at least be able to perform magic or fly.
Sighing, I turned back to the six ponies, all of which were staring at me.
“What are you looking at?!” I asked, annoyance clearly shown in my voice.
“Well,” Twilight began. “We saw a bright blueish light in the sky and came to check it out. Then we found you lying here.”
I rolled my eyes. “I don't need your sympathy.”
They looked at me for a little while.
“Are you new here?!” Pinkie asked, breaking the silence and getting a little to close for comfort.
I pushed her away. I ignored her, turned around, and began walking away.
“Hey!”
Rainbow Dash rushed in front of me, blocking my path.
“Move.” I said, my eyes glaring.
“We just came to check if you're okay and this is the way you treat us?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, obviously upset.
“I never asked you to check on me.” I grunted.
She seemed to be at a loss for words. I smirked, glad I could finally get the ponies to shut up.
I walked past her when Applejack shouted “Woah there sugarcube, where are ya going?”
I sighed. These stupid ponies obviously couldn't get it in their heads that I didn't want anything to do with them.
“Anywhere away from you ponies.” I answered, trying to keep from raising my voice.
I turned my head slightly to see Rarity whispering to Fluttershy. Knowing her, she was probably talking about how rude I was.
As soon as she caught me glaring at her, she quickly turned her head away from Fluttershy.
I sighed and turned to begin walking again when Twilight spoke.
“So, if you're new around here, do you live in Ponyville or on the outskirts?”
The question made me realize I had nowhere to stay if by any chance this was real. Oh, who am I kidding? Of course this isn't real.
“That's none of your business.” I answered. I then ran to get away from them. I was tired of their annoying questions.
When I was sure I was far enough away, I began walking.
My mind began racing, asking questions like: “How did this happen?” “Why am I here?” “Is it real?”
I shook my head. Obviously this wasn't real. Traveling to other worlds, let alone to the world of a fictional show isn't possible.
I sat down on a nearby log, questioning what to do next.
I couldn't believe it, but I started to consider the possibility that this really is real. It felt real enough.
Sure, I kept telling myself that it wasn't real, but that was more of a way of trying to get myself out of the world.
I prefer to keep the fictional world and characters on screen. I'd rather not actually be surrounded by brightly colored, happy ponies. Seeing them on screen is enough for me.
“What am I going to do now?” I questioned out loud.
Hearing the snap of a twig cause me to jump and quickly turn around by surprise.
Standing there was Twilight Sparkle.
“Uh, hi.” She said.
I'm assuming she didn't want to get caught, at least not that quickly.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, kind of annoyed. But deep down, I also felt a little relief. Maybe this purple unicorn can get me out of her, or at least provide shelter till I can get back to my own world.
“Well, I kind of...followed you.” She said.
No duh. I thought to myself.
I remained quiet, so she continued.
“Do you even have anywhere you can stay?” She asked.
I didn't answer for about 30 seconds. Sighing, I finally answered in a quiet voice.
“No.”
“What was that?”
“No.” I spoke louder, making sure she could hear me this time.
“Well,” she began. “You can stay with me.”
I waited a few moments, trying to decide if I really should or not.
“Fine.” I finally answered her. “But I am only staying until I get a place of my own.”
“Well, of course!” She said, chuckling. “I wouldn't expect you to stay any longer.”
I remained quiet and walked up to her, just staring into her purple eyes.
“Well,” Twilight said. “Shall we get going?”
“That was what I was waiting to do.” I grunted.
Twilight sighed, probably getting real tired of my attitude.
She began walking towards her library, me following in her hoofsteps.
“Well, I don't think I've introduced myself yet. I'm Twilight Sparkle!” she said with a smile.
“Iris.” I said.
“Nice to meet you Iris!” She stops and holds out a hoof for me to shake, the big stupid grin still on her face. I ignore it, just staring at it with an annoyed look on my face.
Finally realizing that we weren't getting anywhere, she started walking back to the library.
It didn't take as long as I had expected to reach the library, maybe a 7-11 minute walk. Upon arriving, Twilight opened the door, letting me step through. It was unexpectedly dark, which was odd. Wasn't Spike usually working the library if Twilight was out?
The lights flickered on and the rest of the 'mane' cast stood in front of me, Pinkie of course, having a big smile on her face.
I should've expected this. I should've known that they were going to do something like this.
“This is Iris!” Twilight said.
“I can introduce myself.” I said, really annoyed.
“M'ah name is Applejack.” the orange pony said.
“I'm Pinkie Pie!” The pink mare said bouncing around.
“Rarity.”
“Rainbow Dash!”
“Um...my name is Fluttershy.” The yellow pony said in her usual quiet voice.
I guess the ponies were expecting me to say something, because after Fluttershy's introduction all of them remained silent.
Finally, I decided to break the silence. “Yeah, I could care less who you all are.” I turned to Twilight. “Can you take me to the room I will be staying at?” I asked more in a demanding voice than I wanted too.
“Are you sure you don't want to stay and have some cake?” Pinkie asked bouncing up to me, holding out a cake with white frosting with pink letters which I couldn't make out since I turned away to quickly.
“I'm sure.” Pinkie looked upset, but I didn't really care at the moment.
Twilight finally said “Well, alright then. Follow me up to your room.”
She turned toward the stairs and trotted up them. I followed her up.
The room she lead me too was a lot nicer than I expected. It had a simple bed, no special designs on the bedspread, but it looked like she kept it pretty clean. It seemed like it was never used before.
She told me how this room was right next to hers, and that if I needed anything to let her know. I quickly shooed her away though.
Finally alone, I plopped down on my bed, resting my head on my pillow.
How did I get myself into this mess?
I was surprised that none of the other ponies had asked about my 'blank flank.' I doubt it's entirely common to come across a pony of my age with no cutie mark, considering it seems everypony gets their cutie mark as a filly.
Despite having an overnight stay, I'm still having trouble accepting that I have really landed in an alternate universe. I know it's true, but I still hold on to a small piece of hope that this is all a dream and I will wake up in a hospital bed anytime now with my parents' worried faces next to me. Or in the after life. I really don't mind either.
But as much trouble as I am having accepting the truth, I know I really am here. I know I'm sitting here with Twilight Sparkle and Spike—the baby dragon who apparently was asleep when I got here—enjoying breakfast. Probably the most awkward one at that.
It was silent. Spike seemed to be observing me, as if I were some kind of threat. I don't know if Twilight told him what I was doing here or where she found me. Either way, having a cartoon character stare at you is uncomfortable.
One question I have is why I appeared as a pony here. From all the fan fictions I've read, humans stay humans when in Equestria, only turning into a pony if a spell is cast upon them.
Well, those are just fan fictions. It's what the fans think would happen.
This new pony body of mine will be needing some getting used to. This morning I was half asleep, and I'd forgotten I was a pony. I stood up on two legs, like a human would do, and ended up toppling over.
That certainly was one hell of a wake up call.
Pain shot through me, waking me up immediately. Twilight rushed in, a worried look on her face. Spike came running too, but he had a look of confusion. He began asking questions such as who I was and why I was there in the library. Twilight explained who I was soon enough though, and used the excuse I was new around here but had nowhere to stay.
I brushed them off though, saying there was no need to worry and I simply just rolled out of bed. There was no way I was going to tell them I had just tried standing up on two legs. They would most likely call me crazy for even attempting such a thing.
Of course, I could always explain I was a human. But they would never believe me. I doubt they even know what a human is.
The only pony I know who may even have the smallest idea of humanity is the background pony we all know and love, Lyra.
Her weird sitting position gave it all away. I guess it's not a weird sitting position, but for ponies it is.
Back to breakfast.
I just want to point out that eating without hands is just downright tough to do.
I know it's probably just due to the fact that I am not used to it, but either way it's tough. Picking up utensils with hooves is a little harder than it looks. I had to work harder than I ever had before to look even a decent amount of normal.
Being surrounded by an animated unicorn and a baby dragon doesn't really help with the whole “looking normal” thing.
Another question I have is why were they all there yesterday, surrounding me when I woke up?
Sure, Twilight said that they saw a blue light and came to check it out, but it would take a little while for them all to gather from their homes and travel to where I happened to be.
Not to mention the fact they were all there. Twilight is the only pony I can think of who would come in such a situation. Maybe Rainbow Dash.
Also, they never questioned me about the blue light. They say they came rushing over, meaning that they were wondering what the strange light was.
It could have been a unicorn that caused it, but they didn't find a unicorn. They found just a regular earth pony.
That means that they were all there before the blue light appeared.
One more thing is the fact that they knew I had no where to stay. I'm pretty sure everyone gets somewhere to reside or at least a friend's house to stay in when moving into a new area.
But they knew that I didn't. I'm sure the 'mane six' would be smart enough to realize that. They probably wouldn't follow me either, due to my rude attitude. Unless they hoped to somehow change my heart, fat chance of that happening.
Questions kept piling into my mind and I kept trying to figure out the answers, but nothing ever made sense.
The only thing I could figure out was the reason they all decided to become my friend, despite my cold heart. Being the kind ponies they all were, the 'mane six' were hoping to change me.
But that won't happen. Nothing can ever make me happy again. I'm sure of that.
I guess I must have been thinking pretty hard. I didn't even notice I had finished my breakfast, and I still continued to use my utensils, picking up nothing and bringing it to my parted lips.
When I finally realized I had finished, Twilight and Spike looked at my with very confused looks on their faces.
Note to self: Never think hard when eating.
I scowled before picking up my plate and bringing it over to the sink, setting it in gently.
I may be rude to the ponies, but I'm not going to break any of their dishes. I don't want to get on Twilight's bad side, especially since she had offered me a place to stay.
Twilight brushed off the fact that I had just been eating nothing and asked for my help in the library. I honestly didn't want to help. But I did anyway. Again, not wanting to get on the bad side of the pony who gave me a place to stay till I get my own.
Although, I am kind of surprised that I'm not on her bad side already, with my attitude and all.
Well, maybe I am on her bad side. Twilight's just too nice to let me out on the streets even though I'm probably one of the coldest ponies around, next to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.
Whether or not I'm on her bad side, I'm not going to take the chance that she will suddenly decide to throw me out because of how rude I am.
I reluctantly agreed to help out. Twilight gave me the task of sorting through the returned books and putting them back in their correct place. Spike did his usual job of finding the books all the ponies wanted and handing them to Twilight so she could check them out.
Most of the ponies that came in today were requesting a certain book, not returning one, making my job a lot more easier.
I just decided to lay in the same place, even taking a little snooze.
I guess Twilight must have been getting tired of having me around already, even though I didn't talk much. Later, Rarity had come by, asking if I would like to come by and enjoy some tea with her. I was about to decline when Twilight spoke for me.
“Yes! Iris would love too!” She exclaimed before nudging me out the door and slamming it before I could run back in.
I lowered my head and silently cursed her under my breath, knowing that she probably had locked the door to prevent my from going back inside and was watching me through a window 'till I had gone off with Rarity.
Knowing their was no way out of this, I followed Rarity to Carousel Boutique, no conversations sparking along the way.
Now, here I sit, a cup of green tea in front of me. Rarity used her magic to levitate the cup towards her lips and take a sip.
She took some pauses, and got maybe halfway through her cup before I finally decided to take a sip from my cup.
Her eyes lit up, probably happy I finally decided to try her tea.
Surprisingly, they tea was better than I had expected. I didn't know if it was due to the fact I was in a different world, or that I was in a different body and my senses were different because of this new body. Either way, the tea was delicious.
“Do you like it, dear?” She asked.
I gave a silent nod, before taking another sip.
“Oh, that's wonderful! I was worried you might not like it.”
I just continued to nod.
* * *
The tea time continued, Rarity pouring more tea whenever we ran out. Rarity continued talking about random topics, the most common being new outfits she was working on.
The tea kettle ran out but I didn't mind and neither did she. I just listened to her talk, nodding for almost every statement she made.
Rarity began talking about her sister before her face blew up in a worried face mixed with a surprised one. “Oh my, it's time to go pick up Sweetie Bell from school! I can't believe I lost track of time. I guess time does fly when you are enjoying your time though.” She turned toward me. “Would you like to come with me to pick her up?”
I hesitated, debating whether or not I should go with her. I decided to go in the end. I might as well. I doubt Twilight will be letting me back into her home right now, even though I've been gone for a good hour and a half.
The walk to Sweetie Bell's school didn't take that long, about 8-11 minutes. The bell rang just as the school came into view.
The small, white unicorn bounced out of the school house, her friends Applebloom and Scootaloo following at her sides.
It didn't take long for Sweetie Bell to notice Rarity waiting patiently for her sister. She said bye to her friends and ran up to her sister, a big grin on her face.
I couldn't help giving a little smile myself. I loved seeing the fillies, how they were always determined to get their cutie marks and never gave up. The smile didn't last long though. It disappeared just as soon as it appeared.
Sweetie Bell looked over at me and turned back to her sister, questioning who I was. Rarity explained that I was new in Ponyville, and introduced me as Iris.
She introduced herself a big smile on her small figure.
I just gave a silent nod.
* * *
That night, I lay awake in my bed, looking at the stars glistening brightly. The moon shone brightly too. It was a full moon.
The amount of stars in the sky were endless. I saw way more there than I did back on Earth.
I paused, remembering I didn't belong in this world. Earth was where I belonged. I belonged in a body that stood up on two legs, and had two arms, a body that had hands and feet instead of hooves, a body with skin instead of a flank. I belonged in a human body.
I figured tomorrow I would try and tell Twilight the truth about what I really am and where I came from. I don't care whether or not she believes me. I will do everything I can to get her to trust me and help me in my return back to Earth.
I closed my eyes, thinking of ways I could tell Twilight everything without sounding crazy, or at least completely crazy.
I fell asleep before I could think of a way.