The Conversion Bureau: Change of Life

Chapters

A Brand New Day
The Big Horseapple
A Trot Down Memory Lane
Acperience I
Acperience II
Threshold to the Future
Sky-Bound Savior

A Brand New Day

The Conversion Bureau

Change of Life

Part 1: A Brand New Day

“Wait!” He cried out feebly.

His lungs burned, his entire body ached, yet no matter how hard he ran he couldn’t catch up to them.
“Don’t go! Don’t leave me behind! Please!”

Tears stung his eyes as he tried to chase after the retreating forms. He knew all of them, and yet they were as strangers to him. He could recognize them, but he could no longer remember their names.

He had to reach them, before they all disappeared, before they walked out of his life and memory forever.

But his body refused to function correctly; it was like trying to swim through molasses or run through quicksand. And soon, the shadows that he had so desperately called out to, that he had tried to follow, faded from his vision.

Defeated, he fell to his knees and wept. Now there was nobody left; now he was all alone.

‘But you don’t have to be.’

...He knew that.

‘The choice is simple.’

…He knew.

‘Then why is this so difficult for you?’

…that answer escaped him. He knew what he would have to do if he wanted to reach them, it was a simple choice…yet he could not bring himself to make it. He gazed at the yawning chasm of darkness before him. They were all there, beyond the shadows, waiting for him. He could hear them calling his name, reassuring him that he would be safe, that he had the strength within himself to cross the chasm if he truly desired it.

Fear filled him and he had to avert his eyes. He couldn’t. It was impossible. The darkness would swallow him up and he would never escape.

‘The choice is simple’

The ground began to give away under him.

‘You still have time’

He screamed into the abyss as he fell.

‘We’re waiting for you.’

“GOOOOOD MOOORNING NEW YOOORK! This is 106.1 WFM bringing you the latest hits all day EVERY day, and what a BEAUTIFUL morning it is! Partly cloudy with a high of 78, leading into some showers for the early afternoon which should clear up –“

Robert slammed the snooze button of his obnoxious radio alarm. Groaning, he sat up in bed and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. The dream, that Goddamned dream, it was always the same. In the past, he would wake from it screaming, drenched in cold sweat, but after having it every night for the past several months he had grown used to it.

Bleary eyed, he grabbed one of the loose cigarettes that littered his night stand and lit it. He had quit smoking after he graduated from college, but like a lot of things, that had changed. To simply say that a lot had changed however would be a gross understatement. Everything changed after the bureaus opened.

He took a long drag and glanced at the digital clock, 7:30am. He sighed and swung himself out of bed. Keeping the lit cigarette in his mouth, he shambled to the kitchen to make himself some breakfast.

Really, he had no reason to be up so early. He worked from home, or at least he had tried once his media design job in Manhattan had fallen through. He hadn’t been fired, in fact while he was employed at FUTUREMEDIA he was a lead designer in the web development department. No, FUTUREMEDIA had fallen to the same fate that virtually all forms of human industry were now suffering, and that was a lack of employees.

In the first two weeks, roughly fifty thousand people had enrolled into the Brooklyn Conversion Bureau. By the first month, that number had tripled, and ten more facilities were opened across the boroughs. Now, six months later, New York City was home to less than a million people, an eighth of its former population. As the people left, so did the companies, if they didn’t just fall through like his.

He poured himself a bowl of cereal and a glass of OJ and shuffled into the living room; he set his meal down, and paused briefly as his reflection came into view in the far mirror. His short brown hair stuck out at odd angles, his unshaved face framed two dark, sunken brown eyes. He looked like shit, not that he really cared. Stifling a yawn and grinding the butt into the ashtray, he reached for the remote and after turning on the 30” flat panel, flipped to the news.

An attractive red headed anchor came onto the screen; just under her on the scrolling ticker the words “New Population Estimate for NYC falls below 900k” could be seen.

“-bringing the new total of remaining humans in the city to approximately eight hundred and fifty thousand. With me today I have Pat Maitland, leader of New York City’s HLF chapter, to say a few words.”

Robert sighed; he had just about had enough with hearing about this whackjob and his little club.

The HLF, or the Human Liberation Front, was a radical humanist organization that directly opposed the presence of ponies on American soil, and saw the conversion process as abhorrent. Shortly after the first bureaus were established, protests were a common occurrence. People were still ignorant as to their true purpose, and thus were fearful. As the weeks, and eventually months went on, the public became more and more accepting of the facilities and ponykind in general. The protests became less and less frequent until only the most resolute humanists remained. These remaining individuals established the HLF.

Robert wasn’t too fond of them.

Of course this hadn’t always been the case, in fact near the beginning after he had lost his job…among other things to the conversion movement he briefly considered joining the HLF. That was until the reports of violence began to come in. It began when a young man, who had been on his way to a conversion bureau in Missouri, was abducted by a particularly radical sect of the HLF and lynched. Although this had been the most nationally recognized event, it wasn’t the only act of violence committed by the group. However the HLF had some very affluent members in their ranks, members with enough disposable income to legally outmaneuver any direct charges against the organization as a whole.

Robert had decided to look at the situation objectively. Here were the HLF, who spewed hate speech and did everything in their power to make people fear ponies, and conversion even moreso. Then there were the ponies themselves, who promised nothing but peace, happiness, friendship, a new life…and all for free.

Of course he could not fault the HLF entirely, there was a bit of merit in their ideology, specifically their desire to preserve human culture and history, and how they had managed to unite humans across all races and creeds. But like most ideologies things were often lost in translation, and more often than not the message was distorted altogether in a mess of hatred and fear.

Robert debated shutting off the television and just getting on with his breakfast, but decided against it. Hell if he got bored he could at least check out the anchorwoman.

“Pat, last time you were with us you speculated that the city’s human population would stabilize at two million, but this hasn’t been the case, any idea why?”

“Pat” was a short, balding man who looked to be in his mid-forties. Maitland cleared his throat and began to speak.

“The fact of the matter is- well really there are two reasons. First, the quadrupeds have been using very underhanded tactics, specifically targeting families with their campaigns. Why try to convert one human at a time when you can get say, a wife or husband and by extension their spouse and children? Second, despite the Human Liberation Front’s best efforts to reinforce a humanist attitude through demonstrations, PEACEFUL demonstrations I might add, we are getting stonewalled at every turn. Our most recent protest at the Brooklyn Bureau was broken up by law enforcement! It’s completely unconstitutional!” Throughout his rant, Maitland’s face had grown progressively redder and it seemed like he would go on if he wasn’t interrupted by the anchor.

“Before you continue, I would like to welcome another guest speaker in the studio today, one who no doubt wishes to argue those points.”

Robert raised an eyebrow. This was new. Usually when Maitland took to his soap box on television, he did so unopposed.

The broadcast switched to a different camera, the new angle revealing a third individual seated at the table with the anchor and Maitland. The purple unicorn bowed politely to the anchor. “Indeed I do. But first I would like to thank you for having me.” The anchor smiled. Maitland’s expression clearly soured.

Robert’s eyes went wide; maybe this would be worth watching after all.

“Now before you present your rebuttal to Mr. Maitland’s claims, would you be willing to introduce yourself and your purpose here in New York for our viewing audience?”

The unicorn smiled brightly. “Of course! My name is Twilight Sparkle. Me and my five colleagues have been tasked by Princess Celestia to tour the Bureaus around the country and speak about life in Equestria and as a pony. For the next week and a half I will be at the Brooklyn center giving seminars to those undergoing the conversion.”

“I see. Now, your response to Mr. Maitland’s claims?”

“Right. Firstly however, I would like to mention that we find the term ‘quadruped’ to be quite offensive. It is a slur that paints the picture of some unintelligent animal, which we most certainly aren’t. The correct vernacular, Mr. Maitland, is ‘Ponies’ or ‘Ponydom’ or ‘Ponykind’ when referring to our species as a whole. After all, we could just as easily refer to humans as bipedal hairless apes, but we know better.”

Maitland’s face grew even more crimson from either embarrassment or rage, both would have been understandable responses on his part, after being told off so briskly by a three-foot talking pastel hor- er, Pony. Robert couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Now, regarding your first accusation, about our ‘campaigns’ as you put them, I would first like to set the record straight in saying we have hardly deviated from our initial Modus Operandi. From day one we have offered ponification freely to all who would accept.”

“Then how do you explain your organization’s recent advert?” Maitland shot back.

“If you are referring to the commercial that has recently started to air advertising The Bureau’s services, I fail to see how we ‘target’ families as you claimed.”

The camera view changed briefly and centered on the anchor. “To those watching at home, we will be showing the advert in question after this segment, and encourage anyone willing to share their thoughts on the topic either by phone (at this a toll-free number super imposed itself near the news ticker), or by web. But getting back on topic; your response Mr. Maitland?”

“In your ‘commercial’ you tell people that they should discuss conversion with their spouses and families, that they should even stop by the center themselves for ‘counseling’, and through all of this you have bright, happy, even borderline religious iconography and sentiment at play in the background. Do you mean to tell me that this wasn’t a blatantly misleading push to try and convince human parents to convert their children?”

“Mr. Maitland ponification is a very serious decision and we at the bureaus understand that. We are merely suggesting that those who do have families and wish to undergo the process be responsible and think of the well-being of their loved ones first. In the beginning there were a very large number of people who simply severed ties with everyone they knew and signed up for conversion. Such actions painted the bureaus in the light of a cult. Actually, I distinctly remember that your organization ran very strongly on that idea for a while.”

Robert nodded sagely. He remembered the legal battles, how they went all the way to the Supreme Court. The lawyers representing the bureaus filed cases of libel and slander against the HLF, and in almost every instance had won.

“For those wishing to undergo the process who have families, we merely suggest that they come to the bureau and speak to our advisors with their families present, so everything is on the table and they can come to a rational decision. As for the supposedly ‘misleading’ sentiment of the advert, I can assure you nothing is misleading about it. Ask anyone who has undergone the process and they will tell you they are happier than they have ever been. I will admit, the advert is a bit…flashy, that would be the handiwork of my colleague Rarity, whose talents are heavily invested in aesthetics. Oh, and regarding the religious iconography, I assume you mean the Royal emblem. That is simply the sigil of the two sisters, the sovereigns of our nation and the driving force behind our movement.”

“You claim that it is a political watermark, yet aren’t those two sisters the patron deities of your kind? You believe that they, in fact-” Maitland made an exaggerated show of waving a hand in the air. “-raise the sun and moon?”

Maitland, despite being skilled in the ways of political debate, couldn’t fully hide the sneer on his lips.

Twilight, who throughout the debate had been very level headed and diplomatic, allowed only the slightest trace of a glare to enter her features.

“Yes, it is true. Both Celestia and Luna are our sovereigns as well as our Goddesses, and yes they do in fact raise both the sun and moon over Equestria. However since we departed from our homeland we have learned much, including that the laws of nature are fundamentally different outside the boundaries of our nation. And, if I am to correctly guess what you are suggesting, no, humans undergoing the procedure are not required to make any change to their faith that they are not comfortable with.”

“That seems oddly convenient, so am I to assume there are now Christian ponies living in Equestria? Jewish ponies? Islamic?”

At this Twilight’s face softened, and her smile returned.

“Equestrian society, despite being steeped in both myth and magic, is in fact largely secular. An individual’s beliefs are their own, and nopony, not even Celestia herself, has the right to deprive someone of them.”

Maitland’s sneer fell away, and his sour expression returned. Robert however smiled. Although he wouldn’t outright consider himself an atheist, he disagreed with much that the established religions preached. It also left a bad taste in his mouth when the religion card was pulled in any sort of political arena; church and state were supposed to be separate for a reason.
The Anchor used the brief pause to interrupt. “As fascinating as this vein of conversation has been, I do believe you still need to respond to Mr. Maitland’s second accusation Ms. Sparkle, regarding the supposed infringement on his group’s freedom of speech?”

“Of course. The Bureaus all around the United States adhere to all the ordinances and laws regarding peaceful protests and demonstration…so long as they remain peaceful.”

Maitland scoffed. “The HLF’s demonstrations have always been non-violent.”

The anchor intervened. “While it is true that the majority of your protests are non-violent, there have been reported incidents of protestors accosting, even physically assaulting people wishing to enter the bureaus, how do you explain this?”

“Any individuals involved with such activities bear no affiliation with the HLF.” Maitland answered flatly.

“Yet, last week, at your protest of the Brooklyn Bureau a man was pelted with rocks as he tried to enter the building. Those arrested not only claimed to be members of your group but that they even walked beside you to the demonstration site.” Twilight replied coolly.

“There is no evidence linking-“

“Surveillance videos would beg to differ Mr. Maitland.”

The human seemed to lose a bit of his bravado at this, some sweat dripped from his receded hair line.

“And there is the evidence linking the HLF to the attempted bombings of two Bureaus in the south.”

“Are you actually suggesting that-“

Twilight waved a hoof dismissively. “Not at all Mr. Maitland, I am merely responding to your accusation. The bureaus always cooperate fully with law enforcement in regards to protests, so long as the protestors also obey the law while doing so.”
Maitland had lost much of the crimson flush he bore earlier, and appeared very pale.

“I think that is a good spot to wrap up this debate. Mr. Maitland, your closing statement?”

The human took a moment to regain his composure and then spoke.

“We at the HLF support those who choose to remain human, as well as those who are opposed to conversion. We are merely a vessel for those who lack a voice during these dark times, we are not terrorists, and we are not zealots. We will continue to strive for a future worthy of humanity, if anyone wishes to be a part of that future, all they need to do is call upon us.”

“Miss Sparkle?”

Twilight smiled. “We will continue to offer ponification with open hooves to those who are ready to enter a new world, to begin a fresh start. All you need is the courage to take the first step, and you will be welcomed…um, that’s all, thank you.”

The camera view switched back to the red-headed anchorwoman. “Stay tuned for the advert mentioned in today’s debate.” The camera zoomed out and the picture faded to black.

A picturesque image of a beautiful countryside veiled in the darkness of night came into view.

Equestria.

The view panned over the landscape as idyllic flower filled fields, forests of green etched with azure rivers, and white shores could be seen bathed in the orange glow of an approaching sunrise.

Home of ponykind for thousands of years, our lands have known nothing but peace and harmony.

The sky grew brighter as humble hamlets, sprawling towns, and grandiose castles were shown.

Truly, our nation is a utopia, a diamond in a very-

Images of human war and strife flashed in rapid succession across the screen

Very-

Dictators addressed congregations, cities were torn apart in bloody revolution, and forests were slashed and burned.

VERY-

A mushroom cloud exploded over the pacific, staining the sky black with its violent sun-like radiance.

Deep rough.

But you need not live in fear any longer!

The view returned to Equestria, specifically a magnificent castle-city built into the side of a mountain. Behind the city’s ivory pinnacles the sun rose into the sky, illuminating all.

For a new day has begun! Soon, your world shall be healed, and will resemble our fair nation of Equestria.

We know that the majority of humanity is blameless for the state of your world, that you are simply victims of circumstance.

We know this-

A large, imposing building materialized through the previous scene. A banner hung over its entrance with the words ‘CONVERSION BUREAU, ALL WELCOME’ in large purple lettering.

and we are finally ready to help.

Quick, upbeat music began to play as the view switched to the inside of the bureau.

Here at this Bureau, and others like it around the country (and soon the world!), we prepare you for your first steps into this new age.

A family entered the scene from off-screen, and walked together to the welcome window. Smiles plastered firmly to their faces.

In order to adapt, mentally and physically, to the radical changes that the world will soon undergo, humanity must cast off its current form-

The mother disappeared through a set of double doors.

And be reborn

A yellow Pegasus galloped gleefully back out, and she was immediately brought into a group hug by her husband and two children, together they soundlessly laughed and cheered. The music grew louder as the image changed back to Equestria.

All you need is the courage to take the first step.

The yellow Pegasus stood proudly on a hill overlooking a verdant valley, her now earth pony husband and two filly children at her sides.

And your reward will be paradise.

The music and image faded into an imposing emblem of two horned and winged ponies, one white and one midnight blue, chasing each other with the sun and moon across the sky.

Paid for in full by the royal house of Canterlot.

As the advert ended Robert shut off the television. The second part of the commercial had reached out to him in a way that made him uncomfortable. He pulled out another cig from the pack on the table, his breakfast all but forgotten. As he lit it his eyes drifted to a nearby end table, upon which half a dozen pictures lay face down. Reaching out to the largest one, he turned it over and gazed at it longingly.

He, his mother, father, brother, cousin, and best friend Michael were smiling. Robert and Michael were garbed in their graduation vestments, their faces split in broad grins, and their eyes sparkled with an ambition to seize the world for all it was worth. As the first tears fell, Robert was painfully reminded why he kept these pictures face down.

None of the people in them were still human.

He placed the picture back on the end table, and briefly reminisced. His brother had been the first, being the family’s progressive he wanted to be at the forefront of the revolution. After his conversion he disappeared, supposedly moving to Equestria. He only sent one post card, from a place called Ponyville, and then dropped off the face of the earth. Then his cousin entered the program together with his fiancee. They too had vanished without a trace. Next, and most painfully, were his parents. They tried to rationalize their decision with him over the phone, claiming that they wanted to find his brother, and that Robert himself should consider ponification so that they could go together. He had hung up without saying a word. Finally, there was Michael. Robert and Mike were both the last in their respective families to be converted, and throughout the ordeal supported one another. One day, Mike had stopped by, dropping off his impressive record collection, claiming he wouldn’t need it anymore, and then he too had vanished.

All of the people in Robert’s life were gone. He knew what he would have to do if he wanted to see them again, but he couldn’t. How could he just cast off his human form so easily? Didn’t his family understand? Didn’t his friends? How could they have just-

Robert’s train of thought ended abruptly when he remembered a seventh photograph, one that he had received not even a week ago. Reaching under the couch, he retrieved a large envelope and hesitantly pulled out its contents. There was a single picture and a note. Seven smiling ponies were framed in the photo; on the note were six simple words:

Please come home

We are waiting.

Robert placed the picture and note on the table. He wiped his eyes and took a long drag off his smoke.
‘Home.’ He thought. ‘How could they consider that place home. Didn’t our lives before mean anything? How could they have just left it all behind…?’

Still, up until he had received the envelope, he had been certain that his family had forgotten him, left him behind in the crumbling world of humanity. And loath he was to admit it, it had brought him comfort. They were still there, and he was still in their thoughts. Yet they seemed so far away, unreachable across the chasm that was ponification.

He sighed and stamped out his cig. Memories aside, it was time for his morning routine. He looked down at his now soggy cereal and frowned. Draining the orange juice, he placed the bowl and glass in the sink and turned to the large sliding glass door in his living room.

With trepidation he walked up to it and, taking a deep breath, threw aside the blinds revealing a sight that would have left him speechless a year ago.

There, dotting the New York City skyline, were thousands of pegasi, their forms framed in the rising sun.
******************************
New York City:
Population: Approximately 850,000 humans….
9,500,000 ponies and growing every day.

The Big Horseapple

The Conversion Bureau
Change of Life
Part 3: The Big Horseapple

Robert locked the door of his apartment and walked down the hall to the elevator. Most of the doors he passed led into vacant apartments, others were inhabited by ponies. He was the only human left in his building.

He hit the call button and, as he waited for the elevator to arrive, he turned to a nearby window…and started to crack up. Dash was fluttering just outside of it making a multitude of funny faces at him. As the elevator arrived on his floor with a ‘ding’, he pointed down at the Pegasus with a grin. Rainbow nodded and darted out of sight as Robert entered the elevator and hit the button for the lobby.

Central park was a few blocks away from his apartment, so the walk wouldn’t be long. Rainbow always volunteered to fly him wherever they went, but the idea of hanging off of the Pegasus’ front hooves while she flew at speeds that boggled the mind didn’t sit very well with Robert. The elevator descended at its painfully slow pace until it finally reached the lobby. As the doors slid open, Rainbow was already hovering in front of them on her back with her hooves behind her head.

She made an exaggerated display of stifling a yawn. “Man that thing is so slow. I still don’t know why you won’t let me fly you down.”

“Because I’d like to get to the ground floor alive?”

“You really think I would drop you?”

“Of course not. But I don’t think I’m ready to fly that fast outside of an airplane.”

“Psh. You don’t know what you’re missing.” She replied with a grin.

The two friends left the lobby of Robert’s building and walked into the light of the rising sun. As they exited the twelve story brownstone, ponies of every type and color could be seen. Earth ponies and unicorns trotted along the sidewalks, while pegasi flew above. It was a site that, while Robert had grown used to, still managed to seem totally alien.

Rainbow stretched her wings and basked in the morning light. “Ahhhh. What an awesome day.”

Robert however, tugged on the collar of his shirt and wiped his brow. “Says you. It isn’t even summer yet and it’s sweltering. Weather report was totally off this morning.” He turned to Rainbow with a cocked eyebrow. “Would this have anything to do with you not having weather duty today?”

The Pegasus shrugged. “Dunno.”

“Dunno? You mean you really have no idea? I thought this was your field of expertise.”

Rainbow let out an exasperated sigh. “Rob, you know that the city’s weather patrol doesn’t actually control the weather. We can’t. Well, not yet anyway.”

“Yeah. Something about the magic of Equestria not having reached the eastern seaboard yet?”

“Pretty much. All we do is train newfoals who will serve on the real weather patrol when it’s finally needed. Still-“ Rainbow looked up into the sky. “-this is pretty bizarre.”

The two began to make their way down Amsterdam Avenue towards central park. Robert had to admit, it felt very, very odd being the tallest sentient being within probably twenty blocks, but it did have its advantages, for one, actually being able to see over the masses. But this ‘advantage’ also had an unwanted effect; everywhere he went nowadays he was the center of attention, one of the remaining few of a dying race. Heads would turn, stares would linger, and whispers between ponies heard as Robert and Rainbow continued to make their way down the street.

‘Wow. A human!’

‘So rare in the city nowadays.’

‘What’s he waiting for? Is he a part of the HLF?’

‘Don’t stare honey it’s rude.’

‘Isn’t that Rainbow Dash? What is she doing with that human?’

Robert’s shoulders slumped. Rainbow cast glares at the ponies whose gazes lasted longer than a few moments. “Just ignore them Rob.”

“It doesn’t bother me. Really, I’m ok.” Robert lied. He felt like a freak. In this city, where had had been born, raised, schooled, and worked, he felt like a stranger, like his presence was wrong somehow. This wasn’t new, he dealt with it anytime he and Dash went anywhere, but it still shook him to his core.

“They’re all just jealous of your height I bet.” Rainbow said with a grin. “And those.” She added gesturing to Robert’s thumbs with a hoof.

Robert chuckled. “I’m sure they are.”

And just like that Robert’s mood brightened considerably. He could always depend on Dash to lift his spirits. He even felt himself walking straighter, his head raised just a bit higher. ‘Yeah.’ He thought. ‘Let them talk all they want. Why should I give a damn?’

Robert glanced over to the hovering Pegasus with a smile, ‘Thanks’, which she returned, ‘No problem’. At times like this, words weren’t needed to convey trust; their friendship was deeper than that.

‘Mommy, are that pony and human girlfriend and boyfriend?’

The comment, which came from a nearby green filly with a blue mane, caused the two friend’s eyes to go wide and they stopped for a moment. They turned to the little pony, who immediately shrank behind her mother’s legs.

The mother, a blue earth pony with an orange mane and tail, flashed a nervous smile towards the pair.

“I am so sorry. She’s young and- w-well I mean, if you two are then- w-what I mean is-” The flustered mare shook her head and turned to her daughter. “Turquoise, apologize to the nice mare and human.”

“What? They were making kissy-face just now!” The little filly cried defiantly.

“Turquoise.” The mare said sternly. “Now.”

The filly, with downcast eyes, stepped forward and bowed her head. “Sorry.”

Rainbow fluttered down to the filly and smiled. “Hey kid don’t worry about it. We all make mistakes.”

Turquoise nodded solemnly and looked up at the pegasus. She blinked, and then her face broke into a huge smile. “OHMYGOSH YOU’RE RAINBOW DASH! THE BEST YOUNG FLYER OF EQUESTRIA!” The filly cried, bouncing up and down in joy.

Rainbow grinned; she lived for moments like these. “THE one and ONLY!” she replied, striking a pose.

“OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH!” Turquoise screamed, running circles around her mother. “MY FRIENDS WILL NEVER BELIEVE IT! THEY’RE GONNA BE SOOO JEALOUS!!” She stopped suddenly with a look of realization. “Wait…that’s right, they won’t believe it.” Tears began to brim the young pony’s eyes.

Rainbow began to panic. She hated seeing her fans, especially little filly fans, cry. She scratched her mane, trying to think of something to calm the little pony. Then an idea struck her. “I got it!”

Turquoise stopped sniffling and looked up hopefully. Rainbow reached back and plucked a single pastel blue feather from her wing with her teeth. Leaning down, she stuck the feather behind the filly’s ear.

“There. Now ya got something to remember me by and something you can show your friends.”

Turquoise gasped as tears once again filled her eyes, this time from joy rather than grief. “Oh thank you Dash, thank you! I’ll never let it out of my sight!” She jumped up and wrapped her hooves around Rainbow’s neck before darting back to her mother. “Mommy, mommy, how does it look? Do you think Gem and Sprinkle will like it!?”

The mare smiled lovingly and nuzzled her. “I’m sure they’ll love it honey. Now why don’t you go on ahead, your father is waiting.”

“Ok!” Turquoise took one last look of adoration at Dash before running up the block.

The mother watched her daughter for a moment before turning back to Rainbow.

“I can’t thank you enough. She’s been having a hard time adjusting to this city ever since we moved from Fillydelphia.”

Rainbow chuckled sheepishly while rubbing the back of her neck. “Don’t worry about it, always happy to meet a fan.”

The mare smiled and turned to Robert, who until now had been quietly watching the scene with a mixture of amusement and nostalgia as he remembered meeting his childhood idol at Yankee stadium so many years ago.

“Again, I’m sorry about what my daughter said. She still doesn’t understand humans too well. Really most of us Equestrians don’t. When she saw you two together she probably jumped to conclusions.”

Robert waved a hand dismissively. “It’s fine. Personally I thought it was adorable.”

The mare laughed. “Well, I should be going as well.” She turned to leave but stopped and turned back to the human. “I’m sorry I don’t believe I got your name.”

Robert smiled and walked forward, extending a hand. “Robert, Robert Parker. And yours?”

The mare lifted a hoof, which Robert shook. “I’m Sunset Waters, and it was a pleasure meeting both of you.” She turned and trotted up the block a bit before turning back with a smirk. “Oh, and Robert?”

Robert tilted his head at the mare.

“You better treat her right.” And before Robert could even begin to protest, she cantered out of sight after her daughter.
Robert sighed. Did he and Dash really look like a couple? He was getting a bit tired of people and their wild assumptions about their relationship.

Rainbow fluttered back over to Robert giggling. “What a little cutey. Did you see her face after I gave her that feather?” The mare’s departing words had obviously gone right over her head.

Robert smirked. He had almost forgotten Rainbow’s weakness to cuteness.

“Yeah. I keep forgetting that you’re a celebrity.”

At this Rainbow immediately tried to regain her composure. “Well duh. I am awesome.”

Robert smiled. “Yeah.” He said. “You sure are.”

Rainbow blinked and looked away as a slight blush filled her cheeks. “T-that’s new.” She stammered. “Usually you would say something like ‘Yeah, yeah’ or ‘No need to keep reminding me’ or you would just laugh.”

Robert grinned. He almost never saw Rainbow blush. Seeing her like this, it was like seeing a completely different pony. She looked…vulnerable? That was one word Robert could never connect to Rainbow, who prided herself on being tough, unshakeable even.

Robert scratched the back of his head, trying to find the words. “It’s just, when you were with that filly, it reminded me of when I was young.”

The Pegasus cocked her head to the side. “How so?”

Robert gazed up into the sky, a look of nostalgia on his face. “When I was eight, my dad took me to my first ball game at Yankee stadium. They were playing their most hated rivals, The Red Sox. The pitcher for the Yankees threw a no-hitter.”
Rainbow looked nothing short of completely lost. Robert couldn’t help but laugh. “Sorry I forgot you don’t know much about human sports. In baseball the object of the game is to score the most runs. The team at bat has to hit the baseball thrown by the pitcher, then try and run to as many bases as he can. If a player catches the ball before it hits the ground, or a player on base tags the base with the ball, or the runner himself is tagged then he’s out. If the runner reaches home without getting out, he scores a run. A no-hitter is a game where the team pitching doesn’t let the opposing team score a single hit, much less a run. It happens very, very rarely.”

Rainbow seemed a bit more interested now. “Wow, so then what happened?”

“After the game, my dad and I were leaving the stadium, and I saw him; the pitcher. I ran up to him, and just like that little filly, gushed about how cool he was, how my friends would never believe that I met him, and, just like that feather, he gave me something to show them.”

Robert took out his wallet, and pulled out the autographed baseball card that was his most prized possession. “This, right here, is the proof that I met my role model. He could have just taken my compliments and left it at that, or even blown me off completely. But he didn’t, he left me with this. You see Dash, like him, you are a role model, probably to millions of little colts and fillies like the one we met today. You went the extra mile, and gave her something precious.”

Rainbow blinked. “A feather?”

“A memory. One she’ll never forget.” Robert said as he placed the card back in his wallet.

“That’s why I had to agree with you. What you did just now represents a part of who you are. You are awesome Dash. So awesome.”

Rainbow’s blush, which had receded as Robert reminisced, returned in full force. “H-hey come on. It’s not that big a deal really.”

“Oh but it is.” Robert said with a smile. “You’re a big deal. You are, after all, The Best Young Flyer on Earth.”

Rainbow turned to hide her violently blushing face and said something Robert could barely make out.

“Hm?”

“Thank you.”

“Sorry, didn’t catch that.”

“Thank you.”

“I can’t-“

“OH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD I SAID ‘THANK YOU’! WHY ARE WE EVEN HAVING THIS CONVERSATION ON SOME RANDOM SIDEWALK?! CAN WE JUST GET TO THE PARK?!”

It was then that Robert realized that they hadn’t moved since they encountered the mare and filly that started this entire conversation. Ponies all around them were giving them strange looks.

“Oh…right, sorry.” Robert said sheepishly.

The two started walking again (with Rainbow on hoof to avoid being seen by Robert) towards central park.

“Uh…hey, Rob?”

“Yeah?”

“How come you never told me that story before, with the baseball player?”

He smiled. “Because until now, I didn’t have a reason to.”

As the two friends turned a street corner, Central Park came into view.

“Finally! Between that filly and your little reminiscence I didn’t think we’d ever get here.”

Robert gasped as a look of mock-hurt came to his face. “But I thought you liked my little story”

Rainbow glowered at Robert for a moment before turning to cross the street.

“Dash! Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow froze. For a second, Robert thought she was about to explode as she turned to the source of the voice.

“Oh for the love of Celestia what-”

Rainbow gasped when she saw the familiar white unicorn and her trademark styled purple mane.

“RARITY?!?”

Robert was at a loss for words as Rainbow crashed into the newcomer, wrapping her in a hug.

“Oh darling it’s been far too long!”

The two ponies separated for a moment as Rainbow turned to Robert. “Rob, I’d like you to meet Rarity, one of my best friends from Equestria.”

Robert walked forward and took the hoof of the pony with a smile. “Robert Parker. A pleasure.”

“Oh so this is the infamous Robert. She writes about you all the time you know.” Rarity said with a coy smile.

“H-hey c’mon Rarity, not all the time.” Rainbow retorted sheepishly rubbing the back of her neck.

Rarity giggled. “Mhm. Whatever you say Rainbow Dash.”

Robert could feel a warmth rise to his cheeks. Rainbow had never told him that she wrote her friends, much less that she wrote about him.

“OH YEAH!” Rainbow’s outburst brought Robert back to reality. “What are you doing here at central park?”

“Actually I was looking for Twilight Sparkle, apparently there is this cozy little library around here that she’s taken a liking to.”

“Oh well, alright then we won’t keep you. Me and Rob were just going to hang out in the park.”

“Uh-” Robert interjected. “Hey Dash, I know you haven’t seen your friends in a long time. If you want to maybe, I don’t know, catch up with them for a bit I totally understand.”

Rarity shook her head vigorously. “Oh no dear it is quite alright. We are all currently staying at the Brooklyn bureau, and-” A coy smile rose to her lips. “- I wouldn’t want to keep you two from sharing time together.”

Robert was again about to protest when Rarity let out a small gasp. “That’s right!” She turned to Rainbow. “Darling there is something I need to speak to you about, something most urgent.”

Dash blinked and cocked an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“Um…” she turned to Robert with an apologetic grin. He sighed, getting the hint.

“Alright then, I’ll leave you two alone for a bit. When you’re finished Dash lets meet at the entrance to the park.” With that, he turned on his heel and began to stroll down the block parallel to Central Park.

Rainbow was about to call out to Robert’s retreating form when she felt Rarity pull her down a different street.

“Hey! Rarity what’s this about anyway?”

“I’ll explain everything soon dear. Why don’t we talk about it over some lunch? I heard about this lovely little café only two blocks over.”

“Actually me and Rob usually-“

“Nonsense my dear! We haven’t seen each other in such a long time, I insist.”

Rainbow sighed. It was true though, she hadn’t seen any of her equestrian friends in almost half a year and it might be nice to catch up.

The two ponies eventually made it to a small restaurant. Rainbow’s eyes went wide when she read the placard out front; “The Big Horseapple”.

“What the hay?”

“I know Dash. Apparently it was previously a human restaurant, and when the owners got ponified they changed the name to…this little play on words.”

“Don’t they know what that means?”

“I…I don’t think so. But nobody is really complaining, their food is simply to die for.” Rarity said with a smile.

The two ponies nosed their way through the door into the café. The majority of the clientele were ponies, but a few humans could be seen in the darker corners of the room, some with laptops, others watching the mounted flat-screen T.V on the far wall with confusion.

Rainbow and Rarity found a table near the door and sat down. Rarity levitated her menu while Rainbow Dash made do with nosing through her own.

After a few moments a perky teal unicorn with a white mane cantered to their table.

“HI THERE! Welcome to the Horseapple! My name is Diane and I’ll be your waitress today. Can I start you off with something to drink?”

Rainbow blinked at the human name, but realized she was obviously a convert. “I’ll just have some water.”

“Chamomile tea for me please.” Rarity said while still studying her menu.

“Got it, I’ll be right back with that.” Diane cantered out of sight.

As Rarity continued to telekinetically fuss with her menu, Rainbow glanced at the television that most of the humans in the café were watching…

Whenever Robert would walk down the city streets alone, he liked to play little games in his head. One of his favorites was spotting the immigrants out of the masses of converts. As he approached a crosswalk the stop signal began to flash on the other end. The ponies closest to the street immediately stopped out of reflex. These were the converts. Most of the ponies behind them ended up walking right into them, not actually aware of the purpose of a crosswalk. Despite the fact that there almost no cars on the roads anymore, a lot of the ponies just stood there looking around in confusion, unable to reign in their herd instinct. These were the immigrants from equestria.

Robert chuckled as he stepped through the cluttered mass of confused ponies, and joined the converts in walking across the street. He needed something to keep him amused when Dash wasn’t around; this was just one of his ways of staying sane.

After another block of walking, he found it. Between two high rises, a small building stood out from the rest of the surrounding area. It was a quaint two story affair, red brick, with a brown roof and a sign in front that read ‘H.C.P.S Center of Literature.’

The HCPS, or Human Cultural Preservation society, was a non-profit organization devoted to the preservation of humanity’s collective history and culture. Founded shortly after the secondary bureaus were established in the city, the HCPS was everything the HLF could, and should have been. A far cry from the HLF’s xenophobic practices and doctrine, the HCPS welcomed humans and ponies alike into its facilities. They served as hubs for the appreciation and proliferation of human culture, for humans who wanted to remember their race’s accomplishments, and for ponies who wanted to learn more about the species they were welcoming into their own.

Robert ascended the stairs and entered the library. The woman at the front desk smiled.

“Hello again Mr. Parker. Will you be checking anything out, or just browsing?”

“Browsing, I won’t be here for too long.”

With that, Robert walked past the front desk and into the library area. Hundreds of shelves extended to the far walls in rows. Ponies could be seen trotting through the rows, books in their mouths or being levitated by magic in front of them. There were a few humans, some reading quietly at tables or perusing the shelves. The library itself was two stories tall above ground, and three below. Robert’s favorite sections were on the first level though so he hardly ever went to the other floors.

As he reached the fiction section, he took a deep breath and slowly walked down one of the rows. He loved it here, the smell of books always made him at ease. With the loss of his career and the many changes that had occurred in his life, Robert had rediscovered a solace in reading. He ran his fingers across the innumerable spines of the shelved books as he walked, eventually reaching the end of the row which opened up into a reading area with a few chairs, a table, and a television.

Usually this area was empty, but today it had a sole occupant sitting at in of its chairs; a purple unicorn.

Robert froze as he recognized the purple Unicorn from the debate; Twilight Sparkle. The pony, who had been telekinetically flipping the pages of her book, looked up to Robert in surprise.

“Oh! Um, hello.”

Robert tilted his head to the side. “Hi…aren’t you Twilight Sparkle? I saw you on the news.”

A blush rose to Twilight’s cheeks as she looked away with a smile. “Y-you saw that? It really wasn’t anything amazing.”

“I disagree.” Robert said while taking a seat at the table across from Twilight Sparkle. “I think Maitland needed to be put in his place, and the way you handled him throughout that debate was excellent.”

Twilight’s blush deepened. “Thank you…um...” He extended a hand to the bookish pony. “I’m Robert Parker, pleasure to meet you.”

As the two shook…their respective appendages Twilight’s face lit up. “Wait, would you happen to know-”

“Rainbow Dash? Yeah, she’s a really good friend of mine.”

Twilight clopped her hooves together enthusiastically. “Oh wow! Rainbow’s told us all about you in her letters.”

Robert chuckled. “Nothing good I imagine.”

Twilight shook her head. “Nononono, Rainbow always-” Twilight stopped when she saw the grin on Robert’s face. “Oh, I get it.” She giggled awkwardly.

“So, Rainbow and I were actually on our way to central park when we ran into your friend Rarity, and she told us you’ve taken a liking to a nearby library. Would this be the one?”

Twilight nodded. “The HCPS’ massive repository on your species’ literature is incredible; it dwarfs the selection of almost any other library I’ve visited!”

“And how do you like human literature?”

Twilight glanced around at the multitude of shelves. “It’s fascinating. Learning the English alphabet was a bit hard, but it has been very rewarding. I’ve learned so much about your people and their history.”

“Nothing good I imagine.” Robert repeated darkly, testing her.

Twilight’s smile fell slightly. “I will admit most of humanity’s history is full of violence…and atrocities. In fact most of us who first came from Equestria were warned about that, warned that you were savages.”

Robert remained silent, but the look on his face spoke what was on his mind.

Twilight quickly waved a hoof in front of her. “That’s what we were warned about. What I, and almost all of us have learned, is that this is not true.” Twilight’s smile returned in full. “Your race’s history is rich, and has just as many good parts as bad ones. I was enthralled by my readings of the renaissance period, the age of discovery, mankind’s first journey into space and then the moon, the list goes on Robert. Your species has accomplished so much, and while I may not speak for every pony in Equestria, I for one am very happy our two races have finally come together for the future of our world.”

He studied Twilight carefully, her words and smile seemed sincere enough, and she was a good friend of Rainbow Dash. He sighed, and returned Twilight’s smile.

“Thanks Twilight, that means a lot.” For a while the two sat in silence, unsure of what to say. Robert tried to think of something to break the awkward silence. He glanced at the book in front of the unicorn. “What are you reading?”

Twilight levitated the book in front of Robert so he could read the title. “The Lord of the Rings huh? Great choice.”

“I agree!” Twilight chirped happily. “I’ve never been one for fiction, but your race’s works have proven to be amazing reads!”

“If you like Lord of the Rings, you should try Discworld, it’s a pretty good fantasy series.”

Robert and Twilight continued like this for a while, completely lost in conversation. They talked about their favorite books, recommending books to each other, and about literature as a whole. Eventually their conversation was interrupted by the television next to the table humming to life. Robert looked up to see the woman from the front desk, remote in hand.

“I’m sorry you two but I just got a text message from my grandson to turn on the news. Apparently something strange is happening.”

Robert and Twilight turned to the television. It was an emergency broadcast, featuring the same redhead anchor from earlier.

“For those just tuning in, meteorologists are stumped in the face of a strange weather phenomenon taking place across the east coast. Let’s go to Steve for the weather report.”

The camera panned to a man in a blue suit standing in front of a Doppler map.

“Thanks Jamie. Now, earlier, we were expecting these cold fronts here to move in by midday and bring some showers by the afternoon. But, as you can see-” He waved his hand over the line of green hovering near the middle of New Jersey. A time lapse from 5 am to 8 am time showed the lines of green slowly moving towards New York. From 9 am onward however, they came to a halt and advanced no further. “-the fronts have…stopped, and this is not an isolated incident.” The map zoomed out to show the eastern seaboard. “Temperatures as high as eighty degrees are being seen in Maine, and across the east coast all predicted weather patterns for today have failed to occur. Instead every state along the coast is experiencing the same weather; sunny skies and summer-like temperatures.”

Robert was at a loss for words. This explained the unseasonable weather, but something this grandiose, this widespread was beyond comprehension.

“The National Meteorology Coalition is still investigating the matter, but believes that the phenomenon does not pose a threat to safety. We will be updating hourly with any developments we may hear, until then, enjoy the weather!"

“Thanks Steve. Tune in tonight for-” the television went black as the library greeter shut it off. Ponies and humans alike that had gathered throughout the broadcast in the reading area were now dispersing.

“Now that’s just bizarre.” the older woman said while scratching her head. “But if it’s safe, I’m not complaining, my bones just can’t take the rain like they used to.” With that she strolled back to the front desk, leaving Robert and twilight to themselves.
Robert just sat there dumbfounded. Twilight however was still gazing at the television, her expression unreadable.

Rainbow turned away from the flat panel. “Huh. That’s…that’s really weird. What do you think it is Rarity?”

Rarity said nothing as she rested her menu back on the table. Her horn flashed and all sound in the café died. Rainbow’s eyes went wide as she wildly looked around the restaurant. “What the hay? Rarity what was that?”

“A spell taught to me by Twilight. We cannot hear them, and they cannot hear us; to them we simply appear to be whispering.” Rarity said proudly, before regaining her serious tone. “Rainbow dear, I need to talk to you about something.”

Rainbow Dash glanced at her friend warily. “Alright…shoot.”

“Dear…how do you feel about Robert?”

Rainbow blinked. “He’s a really good friend of mine.”

Rarity nodded. “Obviously, and I’m sure you care about his well-being yes?

“Of course! Rarity what’s this about?”

Rarity sighed. “Dash, has Robert appeared to be…sick in these past few weeks?”

Rainbow looked away. “…no, not really.”

Rarity sighed. “You aren’t a very good liar. I’ve only spoken to him for a few minutes, and even I could tell he looked under the weather.”

Rainbow winced. She didn’t want to admit it but Robert had been looking progressively more haggard over the past month; his hair a bit more disheveled his eyes a bit more sunken. He had lost much of the spring in his step, but he had never complained about it so Rainbow never asked.

“Has Robert ever complained about strange dreams? Nightmares?”

Rainbow slumped further. “He…he’s had this recurring dream, says it’s about his family, but he never went into details.”

Rarity nodded. “Dash, why hasn’t Robert undergone ponification?”

Rainbow swallowed hard. She was dreading this question. Rainbow had only brought it up with Robert once, and he had nearly lost it. Ever since, she never brought up the Bureaus or his family again.

“…he has his reasons.”

Rarity sighed. “Rainbow, you need to talk to him about it.”

Rainbow Dash shook her head. “No. He doesn’t like talking about it, last time I did he was so angry-”

“Rainbow…Robert is dying.”

She froze. “W-what the hay are you talking about?!”

Rarity gestured to the flat panel. “Twilight told me about it earlier. Apparently the magical energy from Equestria is spreading, much faster than was anticipated. The east coast has slowly been inundated with it but not at a fast enough rate to cause harm to the humans; that apparently changed roughly a month ago. There have been reports of…erratic behavior in the humans, and unexplainable health problems. At some point either yesterday or early this morning, the amount of magical energy along the eastern seaboard reached a critical level, enough to begin affecting the environment. That is why the weather has changed.”

Rainbow was speechless. She felt sick, she felt angry, and she didn’t know how to react to all of this. She glanced at some of the other humans in the café; some of them were sweating, others were very pale, some had their heads on their tables in apparent discomfort.

“Dash…unless Robert undergoes the process or leaves the city, he is going to die.”

“Why…why weren’t people told sooner Rarity?”

Rarity looked down sadly. “The bureaus didn’t want to panic the remaining human populace. They will probably release the information to the news tomorrow, and urge any remaining humans to either undergo conversion or evacuate New York.”

Rainbow said nothing. Rarity extended a comforting hoof placing it on her shoulder.

“Dash sweetie, we know how much you care for Robert, it sounds like he’s treated you very well, and that you two have come to depend on each other. Any friend of yours is a friend of all of us Rainbow, and we wanted to tell you so you could have the chance to maybe change his mind.”

Rainbow slowly placed a hoof on Rarity’s; she smiled with tears in her eyes.

“Th-thank you Rarity. Really…thank you.”

Rarity smiled.

Robert mulled what he had seen on the television over in his mind. He had heard that the world would eventually change to resemble Equestria, could this be related to that? If so why was it happening now? What would this mean for people still living in the city?

Robert's thoughts were interrupted by a dull throbbing through his skull, and a ringing in his ears. He leaned back and rubbed his eyes, hoping it would pass. This was starting to happen more often the past few days, and he was beginning to think it may be more than a persistent migraine.

Twilight glanced at Robert worriedly. "Robert, are you alright?"

"I’m fine; I’m just a little tired. Plus I didn't have much of a breakfast."

Twilight tilted her head, she didn't look too convinced. "Has this happened before?"

"Occasionally." Robert said while continuing to rub his eyes. The throbbing was getting a bit worse, the ringing a bit louder.

"Has it gotten worse recently?"

Robert stopped rubbing his eyes and stared at Twilight. "...Do you know something Twilight?"

Twilight shifted uncomfortably in her seat, not making eye contact with Robert. “I do. Robert there is something you need to know.”

With that Twilight’s horn began to glow, and a translucent dome appeared over the table they were sitting at and then vanished.

Robert jumped in surprise. He wasn’t a stranger to magic, hell his neighbor did it every day, but this was something totally different. He soon noticed, with shock, that all sound in the library had vanished.

“Twilight…what…what was that?”

“A globe of silence spell; nobody will be able to overhear us.” Twilight said matter-of-factly. “Now, Robert can I ask you a few questions?”

Robert nodded slowly. “Alright.”

Twilight took a deep breath, as if steeling herself, and looked Robert straight in the eye.

“Robert…how do you feel about Rainbow Dash?”

That had come out of left field. “…what?”

“How do you feel about her? You two are friends right?”

“Of course…but what does this have to do with-“

Twilight raised a hoof to silence him. “In time. This needs to come first.”

“…yes me and Rainbow Dash are friends.”

Twilight smiled. “That’s good…but…you know she can’t stay here in New York forever right?”

“Well…I mean, yeah, I knew she would leave New York eventually but not for at least a few months.”

Twilight shook her head. “No Robert, Rainbow has responsibilities, like controlling Ponyville’s weather. Apparently the pony who replaced her is doing a…subpar job. Rainbow will be journeying back to Equestria with us in a week and a half.”
Robert felt his blood run cold. A week and a half? Robert had grown so used to having the Multi-colored pony in his life, the thought of her leaving it…and in such a short amount of time…

Robert ran a hand down his face.

“Robert…are you okay?”

He leaned forward and rested his head in his hands on the table. “Sure.” He said sarcastically. “Just fine…”

Twilight sighed. “You couldn’t have thought-“

“I know.” Robert interrupted. “I knew she would have to leave at some point…I just didn’t think it would be so soon…she just never told me when...”

Twilight smiled sadly. “It sounds like you’ve really come to depend on her. “

“You have no idea…if I hadn’t met her I really don’t know where I would be right now. “

The unicorn nodded. “Robert, it’s the same way for her.”

Robert blinked, and looked up toward the pony.

“In her first few letters, Rainbow always mentioned how much she hated this city and the people in it. We were all worried about her…until she met you. After that happened her letters became much more cheerful…she was herself again. She always mentioned how much fun she has spending time with you, how you helped her to see the city in a new light…how she was able to be happy again.”

Robert felt himself smile, knowing that he had made as much of a positive impact on Rainbow’s life made him feel better.
But, he knew there was something else, so he decided to change the topic.

“Thank you for that Twilight…really thank you…but can you tell me about that weather phenomenon now? What does it have to do with me?”

The unicorn nodded. “Very well, I do owe you that.”

The pony looked Robert in the eye. “Robert have you, and be honest, been feeling ill lately?”

Robert sighed. “A bit, it’s mostly headaches, fatigue, and this ringing in my ears.”

Twilight nodded sagely. “I see, and when did this start?”

“…about a month ago, it’s gotten a bit worse though.”

“Have you been having strange dreams?”

Robert balked. He didn’t feel too inclined to tell her about his recurring nightmare, but if she did know something…

“…Yes…a recurring dream.”

“How often do you have this dream? How long have you had it?”

“Every night for the past several months…but it has gotten a bit more vivid…”

Twilight frowned. “Robert I’m sure you’ve heard how your world will eventually mirror that of Equestria, and how humanity in its current form will not be able to survive the change.”

A chill Ran down Robert’s spine.

“Are…are you saying-”

“I don’t know Robert. There is no way to be sure, but your symptoms sound similar to other cases.”

Twilight nodded towards the television. “What is occurring right now is your world’s environment reacting to the magical energy of Equestria. Apparently, early this morning, the amount of energy here in New York, as well as the entire eastern seaboard, has reached a critical level.”

Twilight gazed at Robert sadly. “If you continue to be exposed to it your mind and body will progressively deteriorate until…” Twilight shook her head.

Robert blankly stared at the pony in front of him. Was she serious? He was going to die? Go insane? Both? He felt the world spin as the painful throb in his head intensified. This was too much, too fast.

“This is insane…” Robert gasped, trying to regain his composure. “First you tell me one of…no…my best friend will be walking out of my life in a little more than a week, and then that if I remain here in the city I have spent my entire life, I am going to eventually die?”

Twilight looked away with tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry Robert. We never wanted it to be this way; we wanted humans to have more time to choose…”

“Can it be stopped?” Twilight shook her head grimly.

“I don’t get it…if the entire world is going to be eventually saturated in this energy what does that mean for people who choose to remain human?”

Twilight wiped her eyes. “Shield cities will be established all over the world. Within them people will be safe from the energy of Equestria. I don’t know the specifics, but apparently the same human/pony joint think tank that came up with the ponification technology has discovered a way to shelter widespread areas from harm.” She smiled at Robert. “I could get a recommendation from the Princess to give you first priority residence as soon as the first one is built. It’s the least I could do for such a good friend of Rainbow Dash.”

Robert leaned back in his chair. The thought of leaving New York didn’t sit very well with him…but he could probably adapt, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

Twilight studied the human’s face. “…Leaving the city isn’t what’s bothering you is it?”

Damn it. Transparent as always.

“…Its Rainbow Dash isn’t it?”

Robert said nothing. Twilight took his silence as a confirmation.

“Robert…there is always conversion.”

Robert felt his jaw involuntarily tighten. His gaze bored into the pony before him; Twilight felt herself shrink slightly under its intensity.

“It really isn’t as bad as the HLF has made it out to be. Think about it Robert, you could remain in the city if you wanted, or you could come to Equestria to stay close to Rainbow Dash.” Twilight took a deep breath. “And I’m sure there are people in your life that have undergone the procedure you would like to see again…am I wrong Robert?”

“…how long?”

Twilight blinked. “What?”

“How long do I have?”

The unicorn scratched the back of her head in thought. “Given the slow development of your physical symptoms and mental degradation…and the fact they will be accelerated now that the Equestrian energy has reached the mainland…roughly two weeks before you would need to be hospitalized…and a few days after that point before death.” She sighed. “Of course that is a very rough calculation, and we do not have much evidence to go on. It appears every human is affected differently; you could succumb to the energy sooner or later than the projected time.”

Robert stood. “Thank you for everything Twilight. It’s been a pleasure.” He turned away from the table, but glanced back at the Unicorn. “I’ll be sure tell Rarity how to find you if I see her.”

As he began to walk towards the exit, he could barely make out Twilight wishing him good luck before he passed through the boundaries of the silence spell and the sounds of the library filled his ears once more.

A Trot Down Memory Lane

The Conversion Bureau

Change of Life

Part 4: A trot down memory lane

Rainbow Dash trotted back towards Amsterdam Avenue after her lunch with Rarity. Her friend had helped put her at ease, and she had resolved to talk to Robert about his condition. Nevertheless she still felt anxious; what if he immediately shot her down? What if he became so outraged he didn’t want to be her friend anymore?

The Pegasus shook her head. “Nah, there’s no way that would happen.” She said to herself chuckling nervously.

Even if that didn’t happen though…what if Robert still refused to be ponified? What if he chose to stay here in the city? What if..

She shook her head even more violently. She would not let that happen. Even if she had to grab him by her teeth and fly him out of New York, she would never let Robert die. Despite her conviction, Rainbow felt a weight in her chest that she couldn’t quite place, and an unease that refused to leave her mind.

She looked up into the clear blue sky; at times like these flying helped clear her head. She would do a few laps around Manhattan and be at central park in ten seconds flat. She crouched low, and with a mighty push of her legs and flap of her wings, was airborne.

Immediately, Rainbow noticed that something was different. Pegasi were beings of the sky, it was in their nature to be able to feel things about the air, the winds, the clouds; and one of the things Rainbow had hated about her new home was how dirty the air in New York was. Now however, the air felt…it felt just like home. It was clean, it ran through her coat and feathers just like it did in Ponyville, it even smelled like back home. For a few blissful moments Rainbow allowed herself to glide into the heavens, not a care in her-

At some point either yesterday or early this morning, the amount of magical energy along the eastern seaboard reached a critical level, enough to begin affecting the environment. That is why the weather has changed.

Rainbow’s eyes snapped open. Of course, the air didn’t feel like home; New York City was technically becoming home, as was the rest of the east coast and soon the entire world. At this revelation, the pegasus’ thoughts immediately returned to her human friend. Flying around the city obviously wasn’t going to make her feel better; she needed to talk to him, to make sure he would be safe.

With a heavy sigh she turned sharply toward the expanse of green below her.

As Robert left the library he dug into his pocket for his smokes. After everything he had just heard he damn well deserved one right about now. Outside, he lit the cancer stick and took a long drag, relishing the numbing sensation of the nicotine across his brain.

He may have left Twilight looking like he had a plan in mind, but in reality he had no idea what to do. In a week and a half Rainbow would be gone; in two he would be dead. The gravity of the situation began to dawn on him as he sat down on a nearby bench.

He had sworn to himself, sworn that he would never get ponified; sworn that he would keep his human form and some semblance of his former life at any cost. Yet now, in the face of ‘any cost’, his oath was beginning to seem very hollow. He could remain human, never see Rainbow again, and either die or flee his home to live in a shield city. Or…the alternative; swallow his pride and relinquish his current form…then he could stay in New York…he could see Rainbow…he could even see his family again…

Could it really be so simple? Could the answer have been before him all this time and he had just been too stubborn to see it? Maybe it wasn’t as bad as it sounded, after all his neighbor claimed to have never felt better after undergoing the process.

And yet…some unexplainable feeling gripped him, a dark wall erected itself between his train of thought and the idea of conversion. It was impossible, he couldn’t do it. The mere idea of becoming a pony was so…so…what? What? What was it? Why couldn’t he fathom the idea? Something was holding him back, preventing him from making such a logical and simple choice. Disgust…no…anger…no, he had made peace with their kind and their goal…what…what was it?

He knew the emotion, he knew the reason, from his dreams, but in the waking world it refused to come to him. He could remember everything from his dream except the one feeling that had completely and utterly filled him as he stared across the chasm, beyond the veil, at the shadows of those who had gone before.

Why?

What was stopping him?

What was the feeling?

Why couldn’t he remember?

Why-

“OW, FUCK!” Robert whipped the cigarette to the ground in anger. He had been sitting on the bench for so long lost in thought that it had burned down to his fingers.

He licked his burned finger absentmindedly as he stood and began to make his way toward central park. He needed to talk to her, to make sure that he was still sane…

Rainbow fluttered down to a bench in front of the entrance of the park. She glanced around, and seeing no sign of Robert, decided to just sit for a while and collect her thoughts.

How was she going to do this? It was no secret that Robert didn’t want to become a pony. So the only other option would be for him to leave New York.

…but that wasn’t enough. She didn’t know why, but the idea of never seeing Robert again made her heart sink to the bottom of her chest. They were friends…but she had grown close to the shaggy human…she didn’t want to lose him in any sense.

The pegasus looked up into the bright afternoon sky. She recognized these buildings, from the night they had met…and like the breeze that flowed through her Rainbow mane, she allowed the memories to come to the surface.

The chilly air nipped at her skin as she rocketed through the twilit sky. It had been another hard day at work and she needed this evening flight to get her head together. She snorted derisively as she took a wide arc around a skyscraper.

The hay did they know? She was the greatest flyer in all of Equestria; she didn’t need to follow their stupid protocols and regulations. Plus, how was she supposed to know that doing loops around the George Washington Bridge was prohibited?

“So lame.” She said to herself through clenched teeth. “Those newfoals are never gonna be good flyers being held back like that.”

It had been two weeks since she came to New York City, and she had hated almost every minute of it. The people were rude, the air was filthy, and these newfoals were just so…green. Everything had to be explained to them; from how to flap their wings to where they were supposed to do their business. It was exhausting dealing with them day in and day out, and today she decided to mix it up a bit by taking the converts to the borough bridges for some more… “advanced” maneuvers. Management hadn’t liked that one bit. This was her second strike; one more and she would be fired.

She dipped low, her hooves skimming the trees planted along the streets. This elicited many gasps and cries from the humans that walked the sidewalks below, much to her satisfaction. She grinned and pumped her wings harder as she streaked towards an office building only to pull up at the last moment before impact, flying vertically parallel to the building’s window-covered face.

“So what if I’m hard on them?”

She flew faster.

“They need a good teacher.”

She climbed higher.

“And I am the best.”

She was nearing the roof of the skyscraper.

“I don’t need anyone or anypony in this stupid city!”

She crested the edge of the roof…and was met by the large lightning rod that rested upon it. In a snap decision she rolled right and narrowly missed colliding with the object.

“Whew.” The pegasus exhaled in relief. It was true what they said in the Junior Speedsters; ‘Never fly angry.’ But Rainbow Dash hadn’t really taken that lesson to heart. Flying always helped clear her head; she may take to the skies angry, but she always landed in good spirits, and tonight was no exception. The near miss with the lightning rod had given her a thrill that helped to push the day’s hardships from her mind.

Weaving into another corridor of buildings, she accelerated and began to climb. Humans in the surrounding skyscrapers could be seen gaping in awe as the Rainbow streak screamed past their windows.

Eventually the pegasus ascended far beyond the tops of the skyscrapers, and was greeted by the site Manhattan’s multitude of buildings, their windows stained by the reflected pinks and golds of the setting sun. If only she could stay up here until she had to return to Equestria, if only she could just fly forever and never return to the ground.

If only she could just meet someone who wasn’t a total lame-o in this Celestia-forsaken-

“WOAH!” Rainbow Dash was taken by surprise as a large gust of wind came off the Hudson and caught her wings. Immediately her flight path was thrown awry and she began to spiral toward the ground. Her vision whirled, her sharp descent painfully obvious as she tried furiously to right herself. Pumping her wings in desperation she managed to pull out of her death-roll and level herself off-

-Just in time to see her own shocked reflection in the sliding glass door before her.

“Oh horseapples.”

The first thing she became aware of was the pain. Pain was good; pain meant she was still alive. The second was that she was laying in hundreds of pieces of broken glass, and under them what felt to be carpet. Slowly opening her eyes, she hazarded a look around. She had crashed into what appeared to be a human living room; a light box in the corner, pictures on the end tables and hanging from the walls, and a coffee table mere inches from her head. Thanking Celestia her momentum had stopped before she could split her skull open on the piece of offending furniture, she shakily rose to her hooves, wincing at the pain that shot through her extremities.

She inhaled sharply through her teeth and looked down, dozens of bleeding cuts adorned her chest and forelegs, and she could feel a dozen more on both her back and stomach. She was about to flex her wings for any damage when she suddenly became aware that she wasn’t alone in the room.

“What the FUCK?”

Rainbow whipped her head in the direction of the curse to see a human standing near a hallway. He was roughly six feet tall, brown eyes and hair with a well groomed beard and short haircut. He wore a white t-shirt and grey sweatpants that ended at flip-flops. But the most alarming feature of this human was his face, which was currently twisted in shock and rage. She groaned inwardly. She didn’t need this, not tonight.

“Are you KIDDING ME?”

“Ugh…look I’m sorry dude-”

“Sorry? Sorry?! I just lost my fucking job now I have to replace my goddamned sliding glass door. Do you even know how much those cost? Or do they not have them in ‘horsey-land’?” The human spat while finger quoting ‘horsey-land’.

The pegasus gritted her teeth, partly in pain, partly in shame, but mostly in anger. These humans were all the same, only thinking about themselves, never about anyone or anything else. She took a few shaky steps forward.

“I said I was sorry dude. It was an accident. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go.”

“What?! You break my shit and then leave? I thought you ponies were all about kindness and friendship and all of that horseshit.”

That was it. Rainbow, who had been turning to leave through the broken door whipped around, ready to give this human a piece of her mind.

“LOOK YOU-” She began but gasped as pain, like a lance of fire shot down her side. She fell over as the muscles in her side and flank seized up, assaulting her brain in mind-numbing agony.

The human, who had until a moment ago looked like he was going to throttle the little pony, now wore an expression of mild concern. Through her hazed vision she saw the human’s eyes wander over her body, obviously now seeing the full extent of her injuries.

“Hey…hey are you alright?”

“Fine.” She seethed through gritted teeth. She tried to stand, but her legs gave out from under her as she fell once more.

“You aren’t fine.” The human said while taking a few steps forward. Rainbow immediately tried to stand once more and move away from the human, only to stumble painfully into the wall and slide back down to the floor.

The human advanced further and Rainbow began to quiver. This was it; she had heard the stories about humans, what they were capable of. For a brief moment she thought she was going to die at the hands of this monkey, and over a piece of glass no less. She closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable.

The sound of another sliding glass door opening could be heard outside, and Rainbow felt the human walk past her onto the balcony.

“Hey Rob, everything al- HOLY SHIT what happened to your door?!”

Oh great. This was the last thing she needed. Now everyone would know, know that Rainbow ‘Crash’ blew her Conversion bureau assignment two weeks in. She would be a failure, to her friends, to her princess, to her kind. She felt tears begin to well up in her eyes from the combination of pain and humiliation.

“Uh…some punk-ass threw a rock or something.”

The pegasus’ eyes snapped open. What? He was covering for her?

“Seriously? Kid must have had some arm to hit your door all the way up here.”

“Yeah…anyway I have to get back inside and clean up. I’ll see you tomorrow Mr. Miller.”

“John!”

“Right, hehe, John.”

Footsteps, then the sound of the door closing could be heard as the human, Rob apparently, walked back through the shattered door and looked down at the Rainbow-maned pegasus. Their eyes met, Rob’s deep brown peering deeply into Rainbow’s pained magenta. For a while he seemed to be lost in thought before briskly walking to the hallway and then out of sight.

He was letting her go? It was now or never. Rainbow Dash tried to stand once more, to get outside and escape, but her legs wouldn’t respond, only shooting pain met her feeble attempts to move.

The human came back into the room, a white case with a red cross on the cover in one hand and a bundle of towels in the other. He carefully laid the towels onto the couch and placed the white case onto the table before turning to the pony.

“Looks like you won’t be going anywhere for a while.” Rob said while walking over to Rainbow Dash’s prone form. He knelt down in front of her.

“Can you stand?” She shook her head meekly.

The human gently wrapped his arms around the pony’s body and lifted her into his chest. She struggled weakly as he carried her over to the couch and laid her down on the towels.

“W…what are you doing?” Rainbow asked in a worried tone.

“Cleaning you up. Humans have enough trouble as it is nowadays, can’t have you dying here in my apartment; it wouldn’t look good.”

“I don’t need any help!” she spat defiantly. The human merely shook his head and knelt down in front of the couch, looking over the injured pegasus’ body once more.

“You’ve got at least two, maybe three dozen cuts, and judging by your pain severe bruising. Trust me, you need help.”

Rainbow was about to retort when she noticed that the human’s once white t-shirt now bore large blotches of crimson; her blood. Was she really bleeding that badly?

Rob took one of the towels, which he had apparently dampened and covered in soap, and gently began to clean the cuts on her side as well as her now stained coat. The pony winced as he went about his work, slowly and deliberately washing the wounds and the areas around them.

“…why are you helping me?”

“I told you already.”

“I mean really.”

The human shrugged. “You’re hurt. That’s reason enough.”
Rob gently rolled the pony onto her stomach, careful not to cause her any pain.

“But…what about your door?”

The human glanced at the shattered portal. Shards could be seen strewn all over the carpet as well as the balcony. Cold wind was beginning to blow in from the night, chilling the room. He gave a weary sigh.
“It’s a door. It can be replaced.”

He continued his work, carefully cleaning the wounds on her back. Rainbow felt the damp cloth near the base of her wings, where they connected to her shoulders and felt another surge of anxiety.

“My wings-”

“What?”

“My wings…are they alright?”

She felt the human gently lift each wing and extend it to its full span. “Any pain when I do that?”

She weakly shook her head.

“Then I’m going to guess they are alright. They don’t look injured and seem to still have all their feathers.”

The pony let out a long shuddering sigh of relief. If she had lost her wings…she may as well have died in that crash. Her wings made her who she was, to lose them would be the same as losing her purpose.

Rob slowly rolled the pony onto her other side, cleaning the wounds on the opposite end and, rolling her back onto her stomach, began to clean her forelegs. ‘He’s being very gentle’ Rainbow thought absentmindedly. She had been in flight accidents before, and never had the nurse ponies that treated her been so careful.

Eventually the human finished cleaning the wounds on her forelegs and turned back to the coffee table. He opened up the white case and pulled out some anti-bacterial spray and a bit of gauze. The pony eyed the human medicine warily. “What are you gonna do to me?”

“Relax. I have to disinfect the wounds before I bandage them.” Rob replied while spraying the gauze with the antiseptic. “Now, this is going to sting a bit, so try to bear with it.”

He began to wipe down the cuts and abrasions on the pony’s back, who hissed and kicked her legs weakly. Ponyfeathers that did sting. The pony elicited small gasps of pain and groans as the human methodically went about his work. After carefully cleaning and bandaging her sides and back, he moved onto her forelegs.

“So-” Rob began, trying to spark some conversation. “-I’m going to guess you’re actually a convert?”

“What? What makes you say that?”

“Well the convert pegasi aren’t very good fliers at the start, so-”

Despite her pain, Rainbow was able to shoot the human a glare that could cow a manticore.

“Oh. Alright my bad, so you’re an immigrant…this happen often?”

“No.” The pegasus replied harshly. “I got caught off guard by an updraft. That’s all.”

“Uh-huh.” Rob replied half-listening as he began to bandage the wounds on her legs. “Where you from?”

“What?”

“Where are you from, if you aren’t a convert?”

“Uh…Equestria duh. Or as you said: ‘horsey-land’.”

“Heh…sorry. It’s just been one of those days you know?”

“Tell me about it.”

The two looked at each other and for the first time shared a smile before Rob turned back to the task at hand.

“So…where from in Equestria?”

“Ponyville.”

Immediately Rainbow felt the human stop his ministrations, she glanced up to see that his expression had become hardened.

“Uh…you alright dude?”

“What? Oh…yeah. I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.” Rainbow scoffed. “You got a problem with Ponyville?”

“…no.”

“....If you say so.” The pony replied, apparently unconvinced.

Rob finished working on her forelegs and began to turn her onto her back. Startled; Rainbow Dash shot Robert with a look of annoyance. “The hay you think you’re doin’?”

“You’ve got a lot of cuts on your stomach, I need to treat them.”

The pony stared at Rob for a few long moments before relenting. “Fine. But no funny business or ill buck your head off.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” The human deadpanned.

Rob took the damp soapy cloth, which Rainbow noticed was stained a dark crimson by this point, and repeated the process that he had used on her sides, back and legs. He then turned back to the medical case and retrieved some fresh gauze and bandages. Spraying the new gauze with the antiseptic he turned back to the pony.

“What brings you to New York?” The human asked as he pressed the gauze to the first wound.

Through the fresh haze of stinging pain she felt, Rainbow managed to grunt out an appropriate response.

“None of your beezewax.”

“Har har. No seriously, why? From what I’ve heard your country is supposed to be paradise, why come to this overcrowded and polluted city?”

The pony was silent for a moment before replying. “Because I had to.”

“Had to? Why?”

“It’s my duty, or something.”

“…come again?”

The pegasus sighed in annoyance. “Me and my five friends were sent by our princesses to the human world to oversee the first bureaus and learn about human culture.”

“Wow. Sounds like quite an honor.”

“Pfft. Yeah, real honor. I hate this city.”

The human, who was now half way down her stomach stopped for a moment to frown at the pony.

“Really? How long you been here?”

“Two weeks.”

“Psh. That’s not entirely fair now is it? You can’t see everything New York has to offer in two weeks. It takes a while to feel the soul of this city, its pulse, and once you do I’m sure you’ll change your mind.”

“The people are rude.”

“Only because they have to be. Once you get to know them they are fine people.”

“The air smells.”

“Comes with the fact that it’s a city. We don’t have magic here in the human world, only industry. You’ll get used to it, it gives the city character.”

“There’s nothing fun to do.”

“Oh now that’s just not true. Have you been to Broadway? Central Park? Any one of the hundreds of clubs and restaurants? Again once you’ve been here long enough you’ll see how much fun New York can be.”

“…you love it here don’t you?”

“Kind of obligated to.” Rob said with a chuckle. “I’ve lived here all my life.”

“Seriously?” the pony asked in disbelief.

The human shrugged. “Yeah…is that weird?”

“Not really…but I don’t think I could have grown up here.”

He smiled. “Well when it’s all you know, you don’t really think about anything else. I don’t think I could have grown up in the country, or even the suburbs. I’m a city boy and always will be.”

That made sense. Rainbow had grown up in Cloudsdale, and it took some time to adjust to the terrestrial Ponyville. Maybe…maybe she’d learn to see New York through this human’s eyes…maybe.

The pony decided to change the subject. “You said you lost your job…we’re you a doctor or something?”

The human shook his head. “No…worked with computers. I volunteered at a few animal clinics in college though and managed to pick up a few things.”

“…how’d ya lose your job?”

“The Conversion movement.” Rob replied curtly as he finished patching up her stomach.

“Horseapples.” Rainbow scoffed as she rolled back onto her side. “What do we have to do with that?”

Rob sat back against the coffee table, rubbing his eyes. “A week after the bureaus opened half of our office got ponified. Eventually the higher ups at corporate decided that our branch, as well as the entire company could no longer be feasibly maintained and well…I got sacked…”

“Oh…I’m…sorry I guess?”

Rob snorted. “Not your fault really.” He glanced at the pony, and grabbed the soapy cloth once more.

“What, there’s more?”

…“Yeah, you have a few cuts on your face.” He said as he extended a hand toward her.

Rainbow shrunk back reflexively, but, looking away, relented and allowed the human to cradle her cheek as he began to wipe down the wounds she couldn’t see. For a while the pony said nothing, save the occasional groan of pain. Eventually her magenta eyes fell upon the human, who wore a look of focus, and yet also serenity. Gone completely was the hateful curse spitting being from earlier and in its place was…this man, this plain unassuming man that, despite having every reason not to, was helping her.

Rob placed the bloody cloth back on the towels and reached for the anti-septic covered gauze.
Rainbow winced as he began to carefully disinfect the cuts on her cheeks.

“Don’t worry I’m almost done.”

“I sure hope so.” The pony said through gritted teeth.

As the human finished disinfecting and bandaging her cheeks, he carefully swept her multicolored bangs up to clean her forehead. Rainbow noticed that he was smiling.

“What you smilin’ about?”

He blinked in surprise and chuckled. “Oh, it’s nothing really.”

“Yeah right, what is it?” The pony pushed in an annoyed tone.

Rob shrugged. “I just noticed that you have very pretty eyes.” His smile broke into a grin when he saw the blush that rose to her muzzle.

“W-what you tryin to pull?”

“What? Nothing, it was just an observation that’s all.”

“You hittin’ on me or something?”

“Again, it was just an observation, no need to get bent out of shape.”

“Cuz if you are-“

“Im being serious!” The human said with a smile. “We humans don’t have a very large selection when it comes to eye color.” He explained as he began to bandage her forehead. “We’ve got Brown, blue, green, and variations of those three. You ponies seem to run the entire spectrum, and I just thought that magenta eyes are in fact very beautiful now that I’ve seen them up close.”

The pony looked away, still blushing. “Yeah well…whatever.”

The human chuckled again. “So…you got somebody?”

“What?! Listen here-“

“And done!” the human exclaimed with a triumphant smile.

“R-really?”

“Yep. Isn’t it funny how conversation helps time fly?”

The pegasus blinked as it hit her; the questions, the jokes…he was helping her cope with the pain while he fixed her up and as much as she hated to admit it…it really did make the process go smoother.
Rob sat back against the coffee table. He reached across its surface and picked up a small box and an even smaller plastic device. Opening the box, he pulled out what looked to be a white paper cylinder with a brown end, which he placed in his mouth. He ran his thumb across the top of the plastic object, and to Rainbow’s surprise, a tiny flame erupted from it. The human lit the end of the paper cylinder and seemed to inhale through it; he pulled the lit cylinder from his mouth and exhaled a large plume of smoke toward the ceiling.

“I thought you humans didn’t have magic?”

“Hm? Oh. This?” Rob asked holding up the plastic object. “This is just a lighter. It’s filled with flammable liquid which comes out when you hit this small red button. When you run your finger along this wheel it creates a spark that lights the fluid, making the flame. No magic, just technology.”
“Oh…what…what are you doing exactly?” Rainbow asked as she wrinkled her nose at the smell of the smoke.

“Smoking.” He replied wearily as he threw the small box and lighter back onto the table. “Terrible habit…very unhealthy.”

“Then why do you do it?”

“I’m addicted.”

“Addicted? It smells bad and it’s unhealthy, why would you be addicted?”

He shook his head. “Just been…one of those days.”

“What?”

“Nothing.” The human said as he stood. He glanced toward the door with a frown. “I’ll be right back.” With that the human walked into the hallway and out of sight once more.

Rainbow laid her head down onto the couch cushion, her head was spinning with questions and the dull throbbing from her body. These were humans? This was nothing like she had heard before she came to this city. Humans were mean, savage, and they killed without mercy. Part of the conversion movement’s purpose was to save the humans from themselves, from their own nature. Yet…everything she had just experienced seemed to point to the contrary. She had destroyed a human’s property, inconvenienced him, offenses that humans were known to harm and even kill each-other over. Sure he had been mad, and for good reason, yet rather than hurt her, or even kick her out of his home…he forgave her…treated her wounds…and even let her sleep on this really comfortable-

“How do your muscles feel?”

The question snapped Rainbow out of her dozing thoughts. The human was standing in the room again, and he had placed what appeared to be a large black cushion against the broken door to block the cold air from coming in. The floor had been swept clean of the broken glass…even the bloody towels that she had been resting on had been exchanged for clean sheets, and a pillow under her head. She must have fallen asleep.

“What?”

“Your muscles: they hurt right?”

Rainbow tentatively extended one of her back legs and winced.

Without a word the human reached back into the white case and pulled out a small pouch. Tearing it open he pulled out two small pills and walked over to the pony. He knelt down and gently lifted her head.

“These will help with the pain; they’re sugar coated so you’ll be able to swallow them without water.”
Rainbow nodded wearily and opened her mouth, into which the human popped the two capsules. She swallowed then with a bit of effort as the human lowered her head back down to the pillow.

“Now just rest. We’ll see how you feel in the morning.”

“Alright…”

The human turned to leave.

“Wait!” Rainbow called weakly.

He looked back to the pony.

“…thank you.”

Rob smiled. “Good night.”

As the medication dulled her pain, Rainbow Dash slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes opened slowly as the first rays of sunlight fell upon her face. The first thing she became aware of was the lack of pain. The second was the blanket she didn’t remember falling asleep with. The third was the human sleeping in the recliner next to the couch.

She stood up and stretched; there was still some soreness but she would at least be able to move. She gave her wings a test-flap; they were fine as well. The human let out a loud snore, eliciting a giggle from the pony. Taking the blanket in her teeth, she fluttered into the air and gently laid it on top of the man who showed her so much kindness the night before.

“Thanks.” She whispered into his ear, to which Rob gave only a sleeping mumble in reply.

Trotting over to the large black mattress, she nosed her way through it and the door frame, walking onto the balcony. The crisp morning air felt refreshing and she flared her wings out to feel the breeze against her feathers.

“Hm? Who are you?”

With a start, the pony turned to the neighboring balcony and saw a middle-aged man wearing a brown robe holding a mug of coffee.

The older human’s eyes wandered over the multitude of bandages on the pony, then to the broken door.

“Ah…I’m going to guess you’re the ‘rock’ that flew through Robert’s door?”

Rainbow looked away sheepishly, but felt a prick of anger flare up when she heard the human let out a deep guffaw.

“Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up.” She said as her face tinged red with embarrassment.

“Oh I’m not laughing at you.”

“What?”

The human took a gulp of coffee before answering. “It’s just that he never changes, that Rob.”

The pony tilted her head. “How do you mean?”

“He’s always trying to help people…and apparently ponies.” He walked over to the railing and extended a hand. “Name’s John. John Miller.”

Rainbow tentatively extended a hoof, which the human gripped and gave a quick shake before turning back to the rapidly brightening skyline.

“He’s always been like that. He puts up a cold front, but he’s a real saint when you can get through to him.” He glanced back to the pegasus. “And it looks like you did just that.”

“I didn’t ask him to help me.” Rainbow said.

“Yeah but I’m sure he wouldn’t take no for an answer right?” John took her silence as a confirmation.

“Figured as much.” He said with a sigh. “He really needs to look out for himself more.”

“What do you mean?”

John took another gulp of coffee before continuing. “He’s in a really bad way right now. Just lost his job…”

“Yeah he told me...”

“…and his family.”

“Wait, what?” Rainbow asked in shock. “How did he lose his family?”

“Apparently they all got ponified; Parents, brother, cousin…and his best friend came by yesterday to drop something off before heading to the bureau himself.” He smiled sadly at the pegasus. “He’s all alone now.”

Rainbow was at a loss for words as she glanced back at the mattress. Not only his job but the movement had taken his family too…

For a while the two stood in silence, John gazing out across the city, Rainbow staring at the ground lost in thought.

“Why?”

“What?”

“Why did he help me?” Rainbow asked, peering at the aged human. “If the Conversion movement took so much from him why did he help me?”

John shrugged. “It’s just the way he is.”

Rainbow said nothing as she turned toward the skyline, her expression a mix of confusion but also resolve. “Can you do me a favor?”

“What?”

“Tell Robert that…I’m really grateful for everything…and that I’ll be seeing him soon.”

Without waiting for a response Rainbow Dash took to the skies. As she turned toward Brooklyn, she thought about the Manhattan mailpony position that had just opened.

“Rainbow Dash?”

Hearing her name, Rainbow snapped out of her dream-like reverie to see Robert standing before her.

“Oh! Heya.” She said with a smile.

“Hey…you alright?”

“What? Oh! Yeah hehe, was just thinking about things.”

“Huh…alright, shall we?” Robert answered as he gestured toward the park that lay just ahead.

The pegasus glanced to where Robert was gesturing, then back at him, then back toward the park.

“Right! The park. Yeah.” Rainbow replied with a smile.

Rainbow fluttered off the bench and the two friends made their way into Central Park.

Acperience I

The Conversion Bureau

Change of Life

Part 5: Acperience I

Robert and Rainbow Dash strolled down one of the park’s many paths, glancing about and taking in the scenery. Ponies could be seen everywhere, some rested on blankets, others galloped about, obviously overjoyed that they had an open expanse in which they could run. Robert noticed that there weren’t any humans in sight.

“So, how was your lunch?” Robert asked.

“Hm? OH! Um, it was...awesome, yeah, awesome.”

Robert quirked an eyebrow. “You sure you’re alright?”

“Uh, psh, yeah. I’m always alright, duh” The pony shot back nervously.

“Right...”

The pegasus was obviously distracted, but Robert didn’t push the issue. His own mind was abuzz with his recent encounter with Twilight Sparkle and the revelations that he had been made aware of. He knew he had to tell Rainbow what he learned, but was at a loss as to how best to approach the topic.

As the pair crested a small hill, Robert caught a glimpse of red out of the corner of his eye.

“HEADS UP!”

However the warning came too late as the red blur streaked straight towards Robert’s head. His eyes snapped shut, bracing for the inevitable impact...but it never came. Opening his eyes, he was greeted with a relieving yet extremely comical sight. Rainbow was fluttering at eye level, a red Frisbee hanging out of her mouth. The pony cast a baleful glare in the direction from which the offending disk had been thrown. A navy blue colt with a silver mane and tail stood a few feet away, breathing heavily with a look of embarrassment on his face.

Taking a few more deep breaths, he flashed Robert a sheepish grin. “Sorry bro, my friend has a real sucky throw.”

“Yhhh wll, yw shld be mwr crf-” Rainbow spat the plastic disk to the ground. “Yeah well, you should be more careful dude.” she repeated with disdain. The colt shrunk a bit under her gaze.

“Yeah I know sorry again bro.” The colt mumbled apologetically.

“Hey no harm no foul man.” Robert said while stooping down to grab the disk. With a practiced flick, he sent it sailing over to the colt who caught it in his mouth.

“Thnnks bwo!” The colt called before turning tail and galloping back down the hill towards his friend.

“Seems like a nice kid.” Robert said thoughtfully.

“I guess. Bit of a featherbrain though.” The pegasus replied with a snort.

“Thanks by the way.” The human said with a smile.

Rainbow giggled. “Don’t worry about it. Nothings faster than me, ‘specially not some dumb Frisbee.”

Laughing, the two friends made their way further into the park.

“So, now that we’re here, what do you want to do?” asked the human as they continued walking.

“Um...hm...well...” The pony stopped and scratched her head. “I guess we could find that huuuge oak tree we like to sit under.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Robert replied with a grin.

The ‘huuuge’ oak tree was in fact one of the largest trees within the park. Standing almost one hundred feet tall, it had become their favorite hang-out when the weather started to become a bit more comfortable. Rainbow had found it during one of her fly-overs of the city, and practically begged Robert to go there with her to check it out. She often mentioned that despite how large it was, Equestria had bigger. Making their way through a copse of trees, they saw their destination in the distance; a gargantuan oak crowning a particularly large hill.

“There it is!” Rainbow cried with glee as she shot a few feet into the air. She stared at the tree for a few seconds before turning to Robert with a face full of mischief. “Race ya.” she challenged with a grin.

“Ah...I dunno Rainbow, you’ll beat me for sure.”

“Aw C’MON!” The pony whined. “You could at least try dude.”

“Ehh...” Robert looked around, and his eyes widened they caught glimpse of something else in the distance.

“Hey, why don’t you head on over. I just need to go grab something.”

“Wha-” Rainbow began but Robert had already begun to jog down a different path, toward the distant fence of the park.

“Psh. Fine.” Rainbow sighed dejectedly to no one. With a flap she sailed toward the tree.

Robert reached his destination slightly out of breath. Before him, on the sidewalk parallel to the park’s fence, sat a veritable relic of city life; the last of a dying breed: the rare and elusive hot dog stand.

His stomach roared in approval as he approached the cart. Licking his lips, he eyed the smorgasbord of processed meat and condiments. The cart’s proprietor, who had been ducking behind the cart as Robert approached it, stood up to meet his customer.

“Holy Shit! Alvaro!” Robert exclaimed in surprise.

“Well, if it isn’t Robert.” Alvaro greeted in his thick accent.

Alvaro Reyes. He ran one of the most successful hot dog stands around central park, and Robert had always been a frequent customer.

“I haven’t seen you in forever man! How are things?”

Alvaro flashed one of his trademark smiles, though Robert could tell it was shadowed by fatigue. “Well. Things are well.”

Robert glanced around. In the past this hot dog stand would be crowded with people, especially on such a nice day.

“Ai, so you’ve noticed.” The older man sighed. “Not much business for a hot dog peddler when the entire city’s goin’ vegetarian. Mierda, you’re the first customer I’ve had in almost three days now.”

Robert frowned. “Damn, sorry to hear man.”

“Ey, is’alright. Now what can I get ya?”

“The usual, hold the mustard, and light on the relish.”

As Alvaro went about preparing Robert’s order, he let out another long sigh. “Thinkin’ about just closin’ up for good ya know? Meat’s a dyin’ industry now. Soon its all gonna be bakeries and vegetarian markets.” He handed Robert his order.

“Have you tried veggie dogs?” Robert asked with a grin.

Alvaro let out a guffaw. “Yeah; didn’t go well at all. Something about the texture and taste still being like meat didn’t sit very well with the little horsies.”

Robert frowned. “Shit...I’d really hate to see you go man, your stand was always the best.”

“Muchas gracias mi amigo; that means a lot.” Alvaro leaned forward with his elbows on top of his cart, glancing around at the buildings, and the ponies that milled around them. “You wouldn’t believe the looks I get from them, like I am scum or sometheeng. Yo estoy muy cansado of all of it.”

“Hey, just try to ignore them man, we all have to make a living.”

“Si...but I don’t think I am going to make it here, not anymore.” Alavaro sighed, his smile all but gone. “Hate to say it, but you’re my last customer Robert, here in New York anyways.”

“You’re leaving?”

“Si. Me and a few primos will be making our way west. We’ll settle in each town that hasn’t been hit by the bureaus yet, and then when we reach the west coast, if there isn’t anyone else we can sell to, we’ll just go and get it over with, sabes?”

Robert looked down to the ground. Another one gone. He wondered how many would end up losing their livelihoods before this was finished. Then, a question came to mind.

“Just curious, how come you haven’t already? Underwent conversion I mean.”

Alvaro’s smile returned. “Most likely the same reason you haven’t yet Robert.”

With that, Alvaro folded a few of the flaps on his cart and collapsed the small canopy that hung over it. Taking this as a cue to leave Robert turned back toward the park.

“Take care of yourself Alvaro.” He called back toward the cart.

“Si, eres tu mi amigo! Nos vemos en otra vida!”

‘Another life huh?’ Robert thought to himself as he entered the park once more.

Rainbow sat in the shade of the large tree, looking out across the park. There were ponies everywhere; all of them engaged in some form of recreation or another. Some tossed balls and Frisbees around, others were flying kites, or at least trying to get them airborne in the sputtering breeze.

‘You have to talk to him Rainbow’

The pegasus groaned and rolled onto her back, staring up through the tree’s numerous branches and the sunlight that filtered through them. Why did this have to be so hard? She knew she had to just come out and ask him, that it would be better to just get it over with.

She closed her eyes, feeling the grass beneath her, hearing the rustling of the leaves in the tree. She could feel herself begin to doze off...

“Ahem.”

Her eyes snapped open. Robert was standing over her with a half-eaten hot dog in his hand and a grin on his face. The pegasus leapt to her hooves, her face red. “What took ya so long.”

“Sorry, was catching up with an acquaintance.” Robert replied as he sat. “Hope you don’t mind.” he said as he waved the hot dog. “I haven’t eaten anything all day.”

“No, its fine.” the pony replied as she sat back down. Her nose wrinkled as the smell of the meat reached her nostrils. “Blech. How do you humans eat that stuff?”

Robert grinned, pointing to his canines. “Theesh help.” He said through his teeth before wolfing down another bite. He then slowly extended the hot dog towards the pony, offering her a bite.

Rainbow made an exaggerated show of sticking her tongue out in her best impression of nausea. “Every time I smell that stuff I gag.”

“Yew don’t know what you’re mishing.” Robert said through the last mouthful of his meal.

His hot dog finished, Robert laid back on the grass. The shade of the oak helped to fend off the day’s oppressive sun, and he too soon felt drowsy. Stifling a yawn, he turned to the pegasus. “You’re being really quiet. Are you sure you’re alright?”

Rainbow, who had appeared lost in thought, perked up. “Yeah, I’m fine. Really.” She replied with a strained smile.

Robert sat back up. “I don’t believe you. You know you can talk to me about anything right? Did something happen at lunch?”

Rainbow didn’t answer immediately, instead she looked up at the cloudless sky. She had to say it, this needed to be done. “Actually Rob there’s...there’s something...”

Robert leaned in closer. “Yeah? What is it?”

“Something...something I want to...to...”

“What?”

“To...show you. Yeah! Show you! A new trick I’ve been working on!”

She groaned inwardly. Why did this have to be so hard!

Robert cocked an eyebrow. “You sure?”

“YEAH! See, It isn’t really down pat so I was a bit worried about showing you that’s all.” She replied with a nervous laugh.

Robert seemed unconvinced, but relented. “Alright then, whenever you’re ready.”
“ ‘kay! Trust me, this is gonna blow your socks off!” With that, she shot into the air. Once she was high enough, she released the sigh she had been holding in. Maybe being in the air would help to collect her thoughts.

Robert sat back, his eyes glued to the sky. He watched as the pegasus dipped, spun, and soared high above the hill where he sat. Rainbow’s tricks always fascinated Robert; the way she moved, how fast she was, the death-defying acts, it always blew him away. Watching her like this helped him to forget about the problems in his life; he could just lose himself in her hypnotic aerial performances. With every hairpin turn, every barrel roll, every dive; Robert’s mind drifted, and eventually his imagination placed him up there with her, flying, soaring...living.

Rainbow’s tricks had begun to draw a crowd; dozens of ponies sat at the base of the hill to get a better look at the performance. ‘Oohs’ and ‘Aahs’ could be heard as well as cheers as Rainbow continued to dazzle the crowd with her skill. Eventually, with a final flash (which Robert distinctly remembered was the ‘Buccaneer Blaze’), Rainbow floated back down to the hill. The crowd went nuts as she waved a hoof.

“Thank you, thank you; You are all too kind!” The pegasus yelled with a smirk.

With the show over, the crowd dispersed; returning to their previous activities. Rainbow turned back and trotted up to Robert. “So, whad’ja think?”

Robert grinned. “Awesome. As usual completely awesome...but...”

Rainbow’s bravado-filled smile faltered slightly. “...but?”

“Well, you said you had something new. Don’t get me wrong, it was amazing, but I’ve seen all that before.”

The pony scratched the back of her head. “Yeah...I, uh...really haven’t been able to work on anything new for a while...”

Robert tilted his head to the side. “Then why did you lie?”

The pegasus swallowed hard, and trotted up next to the human and sat. Taking a few deep breaths she looked at Robert, her face filled with resolve.

“Do you enjoy watching me fly Rob?”

The human blinked, and smiled. “Always. You know that.”

The pony nodded slowly. “Have you ever wanted to fly?”

Robert let out a long sigh, and looked back up into the sky. “I think every human dreams of that. Just the absolute freedom of it, no longer being chained by gravity, just flying among the clouds.” He smiled.
“It is probably one of the greatest fantasies of humans everywhere...myself included.”

The pony nodded slowly again. “Have you...ever wanted to fly with me?”

Robert slowly turned back to the pegasus. “...I...suppose I have...yeah...why are you asking me these things Dash?”

Rainbow closed her eyes. It was now or never. “Rob...why won’t you undergo conversion?”

Wham. The question slammed right into Robert’s chest with the force of a bullet.

“W-why are you asking-”

“Tell me.” Rainbow pleaded, now standing. Her magenta eyes filled with emotion. “Please tell me why.”

Robert ran a hand down his face. “I don’t really want to talk about-”

“TELL ME!” Rainbow screamed as she stamped a hoof.

Robert gazed at the pegasus for a long moment before slowly shaking his head. “I don’t know.”

“That’s not an answer-”

“WELL ITS ALL I’VE GOT ALRIGHT!?” he yelled, standing. “I-I don’t know why Dash! I really don’t! Every time I think about it I just...” He shook his head violently. “I just can’t.”

Rainbow stamped her hoof again in exasperation. “Rob...when I was with Rarity she...she told me something, something about you. I know you’ve been feeling sick Rob, I know about your dreams...Robert you’re-”

“Dying.”

The pegasus froze in shock. “W-what?...You...you knew?”

“When I left you and Rarity, I went to the HCPS library down on Madison. Twilight Sparkle was there. We started talking...then we saw an emergency broadcast on the TV about the weather...and she told me everything.” He brought a hand to his forehead. “Despite everything she told me...I...” He rubbed his eyes. “I can’t...conversion...evacuating...I just can’t.”

Rainbow stood there, her face a mixture of shock...and growing anger. “You can’t? You can’t?! Robert you are going to die. Die! Don’t you even care?! About yourself?! About me?!”

The human snorted. “I don’t really see where you factor into this.”

What? That...that’s not what-

Rainbow shrunk back, a look of hurt on her face. “The hay do you mean I don’t factor into this?!”

Robert turned toward the pony, his face a mask of indifference. “Twilight didn’t just tell me about my condition. She told me that you were going to be leaving, to return to Equestria in a week and a half. Now, tell me, you ask if I care about you, but if you really cared about me why wouldn’t you tell me about that?”

No...No! What is happening?! I-

The pegasus stood there, wide eyed and mouth agape. “Oh...Oh Celestia Rob...I-I-”

“Forgot? Psh. I’m sure you did. I guess it just wasn’t important to tell me right?” Robert’s face was beginning to twist into the hateful visage from the night that they met.

“No! Robert I-”

“Now that all you’re friends are coming back, I guess it must be weird for you to be hanging out with a human right? Better I just go ahead and get converted so it doesn’t ruin your image.”

“NO! Robert that’s not it at all!” Rainbow cried, looking like she was on the verge of tears.

Stop it. Stop it! For God’s sake why is this happening?!

“Save it. You don’t care. You never did. I was just something to keep you amused until your real friends came to sweep you back to your fairy tale of a home.” Robert spat.

STOP IT! MAKE IT STOP! WHY AM I SAYING THESE THINGS?!

“ARE YOU AN IDIOT?!” Rainbow screamed. She was trembling now, trying her hardest not to break down right there. “I don’t want you to die! I...I want you to stay with me Rob!”

It was out. The weight of that last statement hung heavily in the air around the pair on the hill. Rainbow continued to gaze at Robert, almost pleadingly, waiting for his response. Robert peered back into the eyes of the pony, but gone was the warmth in his eyes, gone was the mirth, the kindness; in their place only a fathomless emptiness. Robert turned on his heel and began to walk down the hill. When he reached the base, he glanced back at Rainbow.

“Go home Dash.” he commanded flatly, and with that, he began to make his way across the park, leaving the hurt pegasus standing there in the shade of the oak tree.

Twilight sparkle trotted down Madison avenue, her saddlebags filled to the brim with books, her thoughts still filled with the encounter she had just had. She hoped Robert would reconsider conversion, for both his and Rainbow’s sakes.

So lost was she in her thoughts that, as she turned onto another street, she didn’t even see the pony right in front of her.

-WHAM-

“Ugh...I’m so sorry I-” Twilight gasped when she saw who it was she bumped into. “Rarity!”

Shaking the stars from her vision, the alabaster pony stood shakily to her hooves. “Twilight! I’ve been looking for you!”

“Really? What is it?”

“Apparently we received a correspondence for you at the Bureau, from the Princess!”

Twilight’s eyes widened in shock. “Then there’s no time to lose! Take my hoof, I’ll teleport us there right now.”

Rarity lifted a hoof, but stopped.

“What? What is it?”

“There’s something else. I spoke to Rainbow Dash earlier, at lunch. I told her about Robert.”

“R-Really?! That’s crazy, I just met Robert at the library! I told him about his condition!”

Rarity gasped. “T-they said they were going to the park, Rainbow Dash promised to talk to him about it...”

Twilight swallowed nervously. “Do...do you think she managed to change his mind?”

At that moment, a prismatic streak exploded into the sky from behind a nearby building. It soared over the pair, and for a single second, Twilight and Rarity could see the look of anguish on the pegasus’ face before she rocketed out of sight toward Brooklyn.

“Something tells me...no.”

Why?

Why?!

Why did it turn out like this?

Rainbow Dash streaked through the corridors of skyscrapers, her vision blurred with tears. Nothing had gone right, but she should have seen this coming. She should have approached it more gently, instead of barreling headlong into it just like everything else.

Soon, the large thirty story building that was her destination came into view. Shooting straight up; she made a beeline for a window on the top floor. Nosing it open; she glided through the window into her room. Wonderbolts posters adorned every wall, pictures of her friends sat on her nightstand.

Sullenly, she trotted to her bed and laid down. She just wanted to disappear, everything to disappear. Glancing at the nightstand, she reached for a particularly large photo. Taking it in her hooves, she gazed at it as her vision began to blur once again. It was a photo of her and Robert standing in front of the statue of liberty. Robert had one arm around the pegasus, who had struck a pose the moment the picture had been snapped. They were both smiling.

The picture shook violently in her hooves before falling with a dull thud to the floor. There, in the darkness of her room, Rainbow Dash did something she hadn’t allowed herself since she was a filly.

She cried.

It was late in the afternoon now; the sun had begun its slow descent into the west, illuminating the sky and city with vibrant pinks and golds. It was a beautiful sunset that was reflected upon the waters of the Hudson. Ponies and humans alike all across the city sat in admiration of it. Some with loved ones, others by themselves. Truly, such a magnificent sunset hadn’t been seen by the denizens of New York City in many years. But the beauty of that sky; its color, its radiance...none of them reached the eyes of one human who was slowly making his way toward his apartment.

To him...the world was gray. Everything lacked color, life, meaning...

Why?

Why?!

Why did he say those things? He hadn’t meant any of it, the words had never even crossed his mind, yet his mouth had said them. He didn’t even agree with anything he had said, he never once thought that Rainbow Dash didn’t care.

So why was he walking back to his apartment, alone, in a world so gray?

He reached the door to his building just as the sun had finally dipped below the horizon. Entering the lobby; he saw a few ponies going about their business. A few of them acknowledged him with a smile, or a wave, or a ‘Hello’...but he didn’t even respond. He pushed the call button for his elevator, rubbing his eyes. The pain in his head was coming back, as was the ringing in his ears. He just wanted to get back to his apartment.

The elevator reached the ground floor, and as the doors opened, he thanked the powers that be that it was empty. Slowly, the elevator made its inexorable climb to his floor. He leaned against the wall, his head in his hands. Why had he even gone to meet with Rainbow at the park? It had been urgent...he wanted to talk to her to see if he was still sane...

After what had happened, it was painfully obvious that he wasn’t, not anymore.

The elevator reached his floor as the throbbing in his head elevated into rolling waves of pain. Stumbling, he made his way down the hall to his door. Digging into his pockets; he fumbled for his keys.

“Hey, Rob! How was your date?”

He turned slowly, and saw the brown unicorn in the door frame of the neighboring apartment.

“Shit...Rob are you alright? You look like hell.”

He said nothing as he turned back to his door, finally finding the right key, and opened it.

“R-”

-SLAM-

And then all was quiet, all was still. He stumbled into his living room and looked around. White walls, neutral colored furniture...clean, orderly....lifeless...gray

Gray...everything was so gray...where had the colors gone? Where had the control over his life gone? He took a few unsteady steps before falling to his knees. His head felt as though it would split open, the ringing was shattering the silence. Not just the colors now, but the entirety of his vision began to melt away.

He didn’t care. Not anymore. He just wanted to disappear, for everything to disappear.

He got his wish as he fell forward, never feeling the impact with the ground.

“Wait!” He cried out feebly.

His lungs burned, his entire body ached, yet no matter how hard he ran he couldn’t catch up to them.

“Don’t go! Don’t leave me behind! Please!”

He had to reach them, before they all disappeared, before they walked out of his life and memory forever.

Defeated, he fell to his knees and wept. Now there was nobody left; now he was all alone.

‘You’re not alone.’

The darkness of the void shrank away as a prismatic trail of light streaked overhead. It soared high into the rapidly vanishing shadows before shooting straight down, past him, and towards the chasm.

“No…NO! DON’T GO!!!”

He felt his body suddenly free of its dysfunction and gave chase.

The void grew bright as the rainbow reached the edge of the chasm. He was right on its tail, he was so close.

“PLEASE!!”

The multicolored streak arced high into the air over the abyss, but stopped. It coalesced into a sphere which quickly morphed into a four –legged winged form. It shone with prismatic radiance, the color of the light changing as rapidly as it beat its wings. It turned its head back toward the edge of the chasm.

“Please…” he cried. “I’m…I’m sorry…I’m so sorry…” he fell to his knees. “Don’t leave me too…let me be with you…let me stay with you…please…”

The translucent figure tilted its head at this, it gazed upon him expectantly… It was…waiting for him?

He shakily rose to his feet as the figure turned away and began to slowly fly across the expanse, taking the light it held with it.

He began to run as the darkness started to close back in. He pushed his body to, and beyond, its absolute limits. He barreled toward the edge of the chasm and…

He jumped. He extended his hand before him as he sailed towards the figure of light.

He was so close. Just a bit more.

His momentum began to slow.

Just a little more.

His hand was about to reach the object of his desperation.

He stopped, and the cruel dominion of gravity claimed him, dragging him down into the now pitch black abyss, away from the glowing figure and the world above…

And into the void.

He couldn’t breathe. The shadows were choking him, laughing at him, ridiculing him for his weakness and failure.

Why…why couldn’t he be with her…why couldn’t he soar with her to the other side?

He fell deeper. The shadows began to claw at him, tearing at his skin, biting him. They whispered things that had no meaning but still tore away at his soul.

Why…why was this happening…?

The darkness began to twist and mutate, he could hear something breathing near him. The shadows that assaulted him suddenly dispersed, leaving him floating in the writhing blackness…or was he still falling?

Why couldn’t he wake up?

The nothingness peered at and through him; it studied him, judged him…and found him wanting.
He was drowning; the darkness was flooding his lungs, stealing his breath.

He sank deeper into the void as pieces of himself began to float away. He gazed up through the darkness, high above the luminescent form could still be seen, barely a pinprick of light now. It was no longer alone. Six others now surrounded it, like a small constellation of stars.

Liars. They had told him he could reach the other side. He made the leap…wasn’t it enough? He reached for them, trying to call out to them through the darkness that was choking him but it was futile.

Nobody could help him. Nobody could save him. Not now, not anymore.

And just like that the specks of light, his last hope, vanished.

The darkness had him now, and it gleefully reminded him of that fact by tearing more away from him. Memories began to float away…then pieces of his mind…then his soul…finally his heart, the last thing to remain out of desperation to reach the glowing figures…

Then there was nothing. Only heaviness…an almost peaceful serenity similar to death…
But he still existed. In the darkness he floated, swaying listlessly upon the dark tides of shadows…

‘Not yet.’

The void screamed, and he, now a part of it, screamed as well. Something tore at it, clawed through it, trying to reach him.

The darkness writhed and swelled, then vanished completely as he fell beyond its expanse, into an area beyond thought, beyond time.

Whispers. Voices. They spoke to him through a veil that lacked form and color, words that lacked sound and meaning, names of things that never, and yet had always existed.

They spoke of events that held no place in the pages of history, of people that had never been born yet had helped to shape the very fabric of reality. They spoke of beings so powerful and grandiose that their very existence was impossible.

All the while, shapes without form bearing colors without hue danced in front of his vision. They twisted and contorted, forming eldritch symbols whose purpose was lost, that spoke of things best left forgotten. This was different from the void that tried to erase him.

It was worse.

The whispers were no longer whispers as their volume grew. They began to shout at him, in thousands of octaves in thousands of dead tongues spoken by beings long dead. The symbols glowed in colors indescribable, every pulse of color and light hammered another lifetime’s worth of incomprehensible knowledge into his mind. Reality was beginning to have no meaning as he felt his very existence unraveling into the madness that was this place as he soonbecameawareofconceptsthatwerebeingmademanifestbeforehimthathadneverbeenponderedbeforeevenbytheancientscholarsofoldnopersoncouldevenbegintodescribethatwhichwasbeingpresentedhereinthespacebetweenexistenceandnothingnessasthecocophanyofinsanitycontinuesitsgibberingdroningchorusofidiocyandthestarsthatlaybeyondthewallsoftheuniversecontinuetowheelaboveandbelowtheindividualthathasbeencastbeyondallthingswhonowbythispointrealizesthattheentiretyofahistorythathadneveroccuredwasbeingplayedbeforehimlikeabrokencinemaprojectorandthechorusofmoronscontinuedtodroneonlikeadamagedrecordinanoldtimespeakeasysomewhereinchicagoduringprohibitionwhichwasanotherprodcutofhumanity’sfoolishfearoflackofcontrolofthemselvesandwasmerelyanexcusetoherdthecattlethatwastheinnumerablemassesofsheepthatnolongerthoughtforthemselvesbutinsteadblindlyfollowedwhateverauthorityandsocietytoldthemsuchasnormsandideasthathadtobeagreedwithandadheredtoifoneweretomaintainapresentableimageamongtheirfellowswholikehimwerealsoslavestotheconstructofauthorityputintoplacebygovernmentswhodidnotwan’ttheirpeopletofeelfreelikewindsintheskyorthebirdsthatflewinitorthepegasiortheearthponiesthatranupontheplainsortheunicornsthatpracticedcraftslongforgottenthatwerecondemnedbyreligionsthatpreachedservitudeandsufferingfortherewardofaparadisethatlaybeyonddeathbutwhatifsuchaparadisecouldbereachedwithoutservitudeordeathbutbyasimplechoicetocastoffeverythingthathewasandembraceafutureofhappinesstogetherwiththoseheloved

What was left of his heart was breaking as the revelations crashed against it like stormy seas against a cliff face.

Shewrappedherself,saying,ThouknowestmykingdomagarmentAndhehim;butallhiswrathwasintheirheadofthefirstbornManassehFor,[saidhe],theangelofthewholeearth:andstoodbeforeallthathewastheplacewherewerewithrigor:andthecityofCanaanAdathedaughterofthesevendaysAndMoseswasintheEgyptianspursuedasoneofIshmaelbecausetheirkneadingtroughsbeingmalesbutuntoyourownforyouandBenjaminthatEsauthykindredandhathwithheldthyservantsandthereinthewiseknowthatitstrue

What remained of his soul screamed as the cacophonous din roared into it.

apienCurabitursedmolestiesagittisequusCurabiturnuncFusceullamcorperMaurismagnanequequis enimnuncacturpissedportaetscelerisqueporttitorullamcorperrisusvehiculavitaetortorEquusUtmolestiemollisorciequusSedeubibendumacdictumequusconsectetuerAliquaminloremtortornonfelisMaecenaspretiumdoloquamultricesiaculisPellentesquelaoreetfermentumEquusVivamussempertellusUtbibendumafaucibuorcimolestienullainturpisvitaemassaequusDonecullamcorperligulaplaceratelementumodioetultricesmagnaNulladignissimPhasellusatbibendumaposuererisusMorbirisuseuanteQuisquecondimentumEquusDonecsollicitudinfringillaMorbifacilisisfaucibusorciconvalliseu

The last vestiges of his conscious mind shattered as the madness tore through it unforgivingly.

The last things he saw as he was absorbed into the hive mind of insanity…a rainbow mane…blue wings…magenta eyes filled with tears…

‘I want you to stay with me.’

The world of madness and the void that lay above shattered as he felt himself torn upwards through the fabric of his unconscious mind. Like a rush of ice cold water he was ripped into the waking world, and as he broke the surface of the ocean of dreams, he took a gasp of the air of the waking world

And screamed.

Long and loud, his anguished terrified cry reverberated off the walls of his living room. He was shaking uncontrollably, covered in an icy sweat.

It was so real. Everything had been so real. The things he saw, he learned, he knew them and yet could not remember them.

He couldn’t remember what they had said.

He looked around, his vision was blurred. His head throbbed, his chest was heavy. He clamored to his feet, but the shaking wouldn’t stop. Was he having a seizure?

He recoiled at the shadows that jumped out at him from behind the blurred furniture; they leered at him, threatened him, he needed to get away. His equilibrium was all but gone as he took a few shaky steps only to slam into a wall. His stomach churned and twisted, and with every spasm of his body he could feel acidic bile jumping up his throat into his mouth.

Like a drunk he staggered to the door that he vaguely remembered lead to the bathroom. He wouldn’t make it to the toilet. He flipped the light switch and, after glancing at his blurry reflection, leaned over the sink.

He vomited. Long yellow ropes of bile and the few remnants of what he managed to eat the day before filled the sink as he wretched. It felt like hours before the heaving subsided. He ran the water for a moment, washing it down and wetting a piece of toilet paper which he used to wipe his mouth.

He stood there, head still hung over the sink, his hands gripping the sides of the counter to keep him from just falling over. He was no longer shaking and his vision had begun to finally clear…

“You know it’s better to leave the water running.”

He froze.

“So you don’t clog the drain.”

His head snapped toward the door; no one.

“Try again.”

At this, he noticed something in his peripheral vision…something wasn’t right about his reflection.

“Goood…you’re getting warmer.”

He slowly turned toward the mirror.

“Warmer.”

His reflection was coming into view.

“You’re red hot.”

He gazed fully upon the mirror…and recoiled.

“Bingo.”

The reflection within was not his. In its place was instead a twisted facsimile. Its skin bore a sickly pallor; the veins underneath were as black as death. Its face bore horribly sunken cheeks stained with ink-black tears. It gazed upon him with yellowed pupils surrounded by sclera stained with jaundice. It grinned at him with a yellow snaggletooth smile.

“Heya Bobby.”

Robert felt himself shaking again. “What…what the hell is this? Who are you?”

The doppelganger brought a bony hand bearing long, stained fingernails to its chest. “That hurts Bobby…c’mon, don’t ya recognize me? Don’t you recognize…yourself?”

“No…no you’re not me…this isn’t real.”

“Oh but it is Bobby.” The creature replied. “You aren’t asleep anymore friend…you’re wide awake now…so either this is real…” The smile turned into an evil, toothy grin. “Or you have officially checked out-” It tapped its head. “Up here.”

“I…I’ve gone insane?”

“Well you are having a conversation with yourself in the mirror Bobby, that can’t be healthy now, can it?”

Robert shook his head furiously. “No. No you aren’t me.”

“And why is that so hard to believe?” The doppelganger asked. “I know everything about you Bobby, your dreams, your regrets, your failures…I know all of them.”

“That’s not-”

“I know why it was you always had to avert your gaze from the chasm-” The reflection interrupted. “-and why it is you were finally able to jump.”

“…Rainbow.”

“Yesss.” The mockery grinned. “The little pegasus that you have come to like sooo much…dare I say, something more?”

“You’re wrong.”

“Am I Bobby boy? Am I? I know you. I am you. You can hide nothing from me.” The reflection moved closer. “You hide behind your self-imposed punishment, you carry it like a cross, use it as an excuse to push everyone away from you.”

Robert shook his head. “No.”

“Yesss. The truth is you enjoy suffering. You love playing the martyr, even if it’s for a cause you don’t champion, let alone know.” The doppelganger leaned forward, its face almost pressing against the glass. “The truth is you are afraid. You are a coward Bobby, a child. You fear the responsibility of stepping up and changing your life; you would rather suffer alone, even die, then face the remote possibility of being proven wrong. You fear that all that you have suffered through, all that you have placed upon yourself will be for naught if you take that first step; that everything you had lived through before would have been pointless. And, you know what friend?”

Rob stared at the ghoul as its expression grew even more sinister.

“It is. IT WAS! Your suffering has been pointless! You are not some tragic man living through the end of his race out of some duty to his people. You are not a hero holding out for some hope that things will go back to the way they were. You aren’t even a man too stubborn to let go of his pride. You suffer because you are afraid. You push others away and lie to yourself because you are afraid.” Its yellowed eyes narrowed. “And you pushed away the one person, the one pony, that you remotely cared for, spurned her kindness, made her feel absolutely worthless because…you…are…afraid.”

“NO, NOO!” Robert screamed, clutching his head in his hands. “THAT’S NOT- I DIDN’T-”

“IT IS. YOU DID.” The doppelganger yelled gleefully. “I know! EVERYTHING, I know. And…you want to know why? I mean really, why?”

Robert, shaking, looked back into the mirror.

“I am that which causes you to avert your gaze from the chasm, from the truth.”

He could hear screaming, as if from far away.

“I am that which made you suffer alone in isolation for all these months. I am that which made you say those terrible, terrible things to your one, last companion in this life.” The facsimile continued, its voice becoming shadowed by multiple octaves. The screaming grew louder.

“Can you guess what I am…Bobby boy?”

His head throbbing, his heart pounding, and with tears in his eyes Robert slowly shook his head.

“I am your fear. I am born from everything you despise about yourself. Your hatred, your failures, your fears…all of them helped to create me and, in that way, I am you...I am what you have allowed yourself to become. And…”

The reflection drew even closer.

“Because of that…”

It raised one of its gnarled hands.

“I SHALL RULE YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAYS!”

With this proclamation the reflection, as if it were merely an open window, shot its hand through the mirror and with unnatural strength, wrapped its bony fingers around Robert’s throat.

His hands shot up and wrapped themselves around the wretched thing’s wrist. He thrashed, he struggled, but try as he might, he could not extricate himself from the ghoul’s grasp. The screaming, now sounding as if it was coming from right behind the walls, was deafening in his ears as blinding pain filled his head.

“That’s it-” The doppelganger cackled. “Fight, struggle, resist. It is futile to rail against the inevitable; it is too late now, far too late.”

The edges of Robert’s vision began to darken as his brain was steadily deprived of oxygen. This was it; he was going to die to his fear…his fear…

He was afraid. Now…then…he had always been afraid. Afraid to let go of what he knew and embrace something that could be better, afraid to trust those around him with his problems…afraid to listen to the ones he loved….

‘Dash…I’m…I’m so sorry…’ he thought as oblivion drew ever nearer.

“That’s it Bobby.” The reflection cooed sickeningly as its chokehold grew even tighter. “Just let it go…let it all go…close your eyes…sleep…”

The strength in his arms faded and they fell limp to his sides.

‘Mom…Dad…Sam…I’m sorry…I’m sorry I couldn’t make it home…’

His vision faded completely.

“Just let them go Robert…” The ghoul called into the darkness. “Let them all go…and stay here in the blackness… forever.”

Nothingness consumed him…nothingness and the screaming…his only companions now…nothing was left…nobody was left…not even himself.

And then…a voice.

‘I thought that…maybe…we could all go together Bobby…to where Sam is…me, you and your father…’

The void shrunk back. Like a dark tunnel, a pinprick of light could be seen in the distance.

No…these were memories…

‘I don’t need these anymore man…here…you take them…maybe you’ll get more use out of them since you won’t be getting ponified.’

The light grew as he felt himself moving towards it.

‘Hey Rob, can you do me a favor? I need you to watch my place for the next week. Decided to go and just get it over with you know? Maybe it won’t be so bad. Don’t worry though, I’ll be back; this city’s been my cradle, my home, and it will be my grave.’

The darkness was all but gone as the light filled his vision.

‘Are you an idiot?! I don’t want you to die! I want you to stay with me Rob!’

He wanted to live. He wanted to live and stay with her, to see them all again, he needed to live…to live…he needed to breathe.

The world swirled back into view once more as he took a long shuddering breath and life-giving air filled him. The doppelganger snarled.

“Now? Now of all times you find your fucking balls?”

His right hand clenched itself into a fist.

“You think she’ll take you back? Huh? You think they’ll forgive you? HUH? DO YOU?!”

He drew his fist back.

“THIS CHANGES NOTHING BOBBY! I RULE YOU, I ALWAYS WILL; YOU WILL NEVER BE FREE! YOU’RE A COWARD AND THAT WILL NEVER-“

-CRASH-

The mirror, and the ghoul that lay within it, shattered into a million pieces as Robert smashed it with all of his might. The glass cut and stabbed deeply into his hand, the pain raced up his arm and into his brain.
He gasped and looked down…only to discover that he had in fact been strangling himself with his own left hand.

There was no more screaming…all was silent…all was still…as Robert allowed himself to back into and slide down the wall behind him.

And there on the floor, among the innumerable pieces of the shattered mirror…

Robert cried.

John Miller yawned deeply. The coffee pot on the counter bubbled away, preparing his favorite drink.

“Today we are seeing a huge difference in the forecast from yesterday.” The weatherman on the television droned. “Those cold fronts have apparently decided to finally make their way over to New York, bringing a whole bunch of rain and scattered thunderstorms here…and here. Temperatures will be dipping back into the low 70’s and high 60’s, and a severe storm watch for all boroughs and Nassau County is being issued from four to ten pm.”

The coffee finished percolating as John looked up at the clock on the wall; 7:30 am, Rob would be on the balcony by now.

Levitating the pot and two mugs, he absentmindedly filled each one, adding a bit of sugar and milk, while he watched the television.

“Stay tuned for any changes to the forecast. Diane.”

A different anchorwoman from the day before came into view as the camera switched from the weather map. This one was a bit older than Jamie, but was still fairly attractive.

“Thank you Steven. In other news it appears the weather phenomenon from yesterday has subsided, and across the East Coast the climate has returned to normal, but for how long? Find out in our special report-”

The television flickered off as John brought a hoof down on the power button of the remote. The sliding glass door to his own balcony was bathed in a dim glow before being slid open. Cantering onto the balcony, he gazed out across the skyline; dark patches of clouds were already beginning to move in over the city, and the dank smell of humidity hung heavily in the air. It was going to rain, and soon.

Then, along with the humidity, another smell reached John’s nostrils; cigarette smoke. With a wry grin he turned to his neighbor’s balcony. “Should’ve known you’d be out here already Rob.”

Robert, however, gave no reply. John could see his legs, but the rest of his body was being obstructed by the small dividing wall that partially separated their two balconies. John trotted toward the railing.

“Rob? You alright?”

As John stuck his head over the railing to get a better look, his eyes went wide and it took almost all his willpower not to drop the two mugs he was levitating behind him. Robert was indeed already on his balcony…he sat in his deck chair hunched over, still wearing his clothes from the day before. A cigarette hung loosely in his lips, which were surrounded by a heavy 5’0’clock shadow. His left hand rested on one of the arm rests of the chair, but his right…John’s eyes drifted downward…

The two mugs exploded onto the deck floor, scattering coffee and pieces of porcelain.

Robert’s mangled right hand hung limply at his side. Pieces of mirrored glass stuck out at odd angles and a small pool of dried blood lay underneath. At the sound of the shattering mugs, Robert slowly turned toward the unicorn, gazing at him with empty, almost soulless eyes bloodshot from crying.

“Hello John.” He greeted flatly.

“Rob…Rob what the- Christ! Your hand! Rob what happened?”

Rob lifted the hand, looking at it emotionlessly before letting it fall back at his side. “I had a bad dream.”

“What?! Jesus Robert you need to get to the hospital!”

Robert turned back to the skyline. “What’s the point?” He took a long drag from his cigarette. “It wouldn’t change anything…”

John, at a loss for words, carefully maneuvered over the shattered mugs back into his apartment. Reaching out with his magic, he brought his cell phone to him from across the room. Flipping it open, he was about to dial 911…but something stopped him. Something, deep down, told him Robert didn’t need the hospital right now.

Against his better judgment, he laid the phone down on a nearby table, and instead cantered into his bathroom. Nosing his way into the cabinet under the sink, he retrieved a white case with his teeth. Trotting back onto the balcony, he telekinetically slid a small plastic table on his deck over to the railing and, using it for a boost, clumsily made his way over the small gap onto Robert’s balcony.

He slowly walked to Robert, whose gaze was still locked onto the sky. Placing the case down, he used his magic to open it and levitated antiseptic and bandages out, as well as a pair of tweezers.

At this, Robert looked back to the Unicorn. “What are you doing?”

“Fixing your hand.”

The human shook his head. “What’s the point?” Robert repeated. “It won’t change anything.”

Ignoring him, John nosed his arm onto the unoccupied arm rest, and took stock of the damage. There were deep gashes across his knuckles, and three large pieces of glass were embedded into the backside of the hand.

“Fuck Robert, what did you do to yourself?”

“I punched my bathroom mirror.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s right.”

“…what?”

The human merely shook his head. Sensing this wasn’t going to get him answers, John decided to get on with treatment. He wasn’t a doctor, but he had worked as an EMT for fifteen years in the Bronx. Carefully, he lowered the tweezers to the first piece of glass.

He glanced up at Robert, and for the first time saw just how haunted the young man looked. His eyes were even more sunken than usual, his face was gaunt and pale, and his expression seemed to hover between sorrow, fear, and regret.

“Rob, Rob you with me?” John asked with concern.

The human slowly turned towards the unicorn and gave a weak nod.

“Alright, now…this is going to hurt…a lot.”

Robert merely shrugged.

With a deep breath, John clamped the tweezers around the piece of glass and, with another glance at the young man’s face, pulled it out of his hand.

Robert didn’t even flinch.

John was relieved; it looked a lot worse than it really was. The glass had only dug less than a quarter of an inch into the hand, and if the other two offending pieces came out as easily, he probably wouldn’t need many stitches.

Repeating the process on the other two pieces revealed similar results, and after checking for any lingering shards, John began to disinfect the wounds. He noticed Robert begin to wince ever so slightly as he doused the gashes in antiseptic.

The next part would be tricky; wrapping the wounds. Focusing with all of his might, John began to weave his magic over the roll of bandages, willing them to unravel and wrap themselves correctly over the wounded hand. His eyes were screwed tight as he worked, feeling the progress of his ministrations through his magic. Eventually he opened his eyes, and noted with relief that he had managed to successfully bandage the entirety of Robert’s hand. It would have to do until the young man could get proper treatment.

For a moment, John noticed a strange feeling near his flanks, but dismissed it as there were more pressing matters at hand. He closed the first-aid kit after replacing the antiseptic and unused bandages and looked up at the human.

Robert still bore the same haunted expression from earlier, but a little light had returned to his eyes.
“Thanks.” He said with a small smile.

“No problem…” John levitated the first-aid kit back onto his own balcony and turned back to Robert.

“Now what the hell happened to you Rob?”

The young man shook his head.

“Rob, tell me. Did something happen yesterday while you were out?”

Again, nothing.

“Dammit Robert something happened to you. You look like you haven’t slept or eaten in days, you punched your bathroom mirror for some reason, and what’s this about ‘him’ being right? Who’s ‘him’?”

Robert brought a hand to his face, as if in pain.

“ROBERT-“

“Me.”

“...What?”

“He is me.” Robert said as he leaned down bringing his hands to his head. “John I think I’m losing my mind…”

The unicorn trotted in front of Robert and sat down on his hindquarters, staring at the human intently.

“Tell me. Tell me everything.”

Robert looked up, deep into the blue eyes of the Unicorn before him…and did.

He recounted his dream of madness, how he felt himself slipping away, only to be brought back into the waking world at the last moment. He described the mimic in the mirror, how it was the manifestation of his fears, how it tortured him, tried to kill him…how it was him.

“…and then I punched the mirror and everything stopped.” Robert finished.

John sat there silently, obviously trying to process everything he just heard. Robert stamped out his cigarette and leaned back in the chair. He looked much better, obviously needing to get everything that happened off his chest, but John sensed there was something else.

“That isn’t all of it, is it?”

Robert closed his eyes, obviously struggling to find the words.

“Rob, you’ve come this far, finish it. Tell me.”

For a moment Robert remained still, before reaching into the pack of cigarettes that lay nearby and pulling another out. He lit it, taking a long drag and exhaling the plume of smoke above the unicorn’s head, watching as the humid breeze caught it and dispersed it into the air.

“Yesterday, Rainbow Dash and I decided to head to central park.”

John nodded slowly, urging him to continue.

“We met a unicorn by the name of Rarity, who is one of Rainbow’s friends from Equestria. She invited Rainbow out to a quick lunch to catch up on things, so I decided to head down to the HCPS library while they ate. I met another unicorn, the same one from yesterday’s interview, who coincidentally is also a good friend of Rainbow Dash.”

“Really? She was at the HCPS?”

“Yeah. Apparently she likes human books.” He took another drag. “We got to talking, about how she saw the human world, about the differences in human and pony literature, and then we were interrupted when the librarian turned on the television. There was some sort of weather phenomenon being reported by the weather service.”

“Yeah, I saw that today on the news. They said it passed though.”

“Huh.” Robert looked out into the overcast sky. “So it seems. How odd.”

“What?”

“Twilight got really quiet after we watched the report.” Robert continued. “Started asking me questions about my physical and psychological health…”

John winced. He wasn’t blind; he began to see the changes in Robert before anyone else.

“Apparently my headaches…my dreams…they were related to the phenomenon.”

“How?”

Robert paused, ashing his cigarette and then taking another puff.

“The magic of Equestria has been seeping to the United States over the past several months and apparently the night before yesterday it hit some sort of threshold, because the environment began to react.”

John’s eyes went wide. “So, the phenomenon-“

“-was caused by the levels of magical energy in the atmosphere.” Robert interjected. “But…this brings another problem.”

The unicorn tilted his head. “What problem?”

Robert snorted. “I’m sure you’ve seen that advert for the bureau.”

“More times than I care to recall yeah.”

“Then you know what they keep warning us about…how humanity won’t survive the changes to the world radiating out from the Equestrian continent.”

John felt his mouth go dry. “Wait…wait a goddamn minute Rob, are you saying-“

“I’m dying John.” Robert answered with a strange smile. “In a week and a half I’ll need to be hospitalized…in two I’ll be dead.”

A frozen silence permeated the air of the balcony. John stared disbelievingly at the human before him, who in turned gazed back at him with that strange smile.

“…why the hell are you smiling?” John finally spat, standing. “If- if that’s true shouldn’t you be more concerned? Shouldn’t you be getting things in order? What the hell is there to smile about Rob?!”

Robert arched a brow at the pony before him, as if John’s change in demeanor had only been half-expected, as if he was overreacting.

“Damn it Robert this is serious!” The unicorn exclaimed while stamping a hoof angrily on the porch.
“Shouldn’t you be packing up? Leaving New York?”

Robert shook his head. “I’m not leaving.”

John’s mouth fell open, dumbfounded. “Then…then are you-”

“Look. I know it sounds…weird…but that isn’t what caused all this, I mean it’s a part of it but…there’s more.”

John snorted in aggravation. “Rob-“

“You wanted to hear all of it right?”

The pony’s eyes narrowed before he sat back down. “Fine. Let’s hear it.”

“Right then…” Robert took a deep breath. “After I heard about my ‘situation’, I met back up with Rainbow and we got into the park. At first everything was fine; she did her tricks, I watched, grabbed a dog and just relaxed against that hug oak. She eventually landed; we started talking…then she mentioned my condition. Apparently Rarity also knew, and told Rainbow everything at lunch. Well…one thing led to another…ponification got brought up and…”

“…and?” John asked, eyes wide.

Robert brought his hands to his head once more, this time in shame.

“I lost it John. I started just…saying things, things I didn’t mean, it was like something was…talking through me. I told her she obviously didn’t care about my feelings if she wanted me to do it. I said that she obviously felt weird hanging out with a human now that all of her friends were coming to New York…and when she told me that she was only worried about my wellbeing …I told her to just go home and left, just like that I left her there…Christ John I’m a monster.”

John’s gaze softened as the young man drew shuddering breaths, tears beginning to roll down his cheeks. It was time.

“Do I really have to say it Robert?”

The human lifted his head from his hands, confusion in his bloodshot eyes.

“You love her.”

The human blinked, then violently shook his head. “No-“

“Stop it.” John was standing again. “I’m not going to let you do this to yourself. You need to admit it Robert.”

“But I-…she’s just a friend.” The young man retorted, his eyes darting about in obvious distress.

“Bullshit.” The unicorn stepped closer. “Tell me Rob, why do you wake up in the morning?”

“What?”

“What compels you to get out of your bed? You have no job, your family is gone, you haven’t had any ambition to do anything since you were fired from work. Yet, every day, you manage to get yourself up and face the world…why? And if you say it’s to have a mug of my coffee every morning than I really do think you’ve lost your mind.”

“I…I don’t know.”

“Bullshit Robert!” The pony’s snout was practically in the human’s face. “You have a reason. It brings you your mail every morning, you take it out to lunch every afternoon, and you spend almost all your free time with it.”

“John-”

“Say her name Rob, say it.”

Robert’s shoulder’s slumped in defeat. “Rainbow Dash.”

John took a few steps back and nodded in approval. “That’s right. Robert I may only be your neighbor but even I can tell that pegasus is your everything.”

Robert covered his face with a hand. “But…but even if I…did…its wrong isn’t it?”

The unicorn snorted. “Why, because she’s an animal?”

“What?! No, that’s not what-“

“Look at me Rob. I’ve been your neighbor for three years. Look at me, John Miller, and tell me; do you see an animal?”

Robert peered at the pony for a long minute before shaking his head.

“Exactly, I’m still your neighbor, species shouldn’t matter. Ponies are sentient, free-thinking beings, and are the closest things to humans on this planet. And, in case you haven’t noticed; the definition of humanity has become distorted. The lines between mankind and ponykind are starting to blur so much that they are virtually nonexistent. What is humanity if someone can be human one day, and a completely different species the next? ”

Robert nodded slowly, obviously mulling it over in his head.

“Besides-” John continued with a grin. “-I’ve heard hundreds of stories about this very circumstance. Spouse undergoes conversion, other spouse doesn’t for their own reasons, yet the two remain together happily. Your situation is a little different, but not by much.” His grin became a bit more mischievous. “I’ve even heard that such couples manage to stay…intimate.”

“Ugh okay John you’ve made your point. I don’t want to hear about that.” Robert said while rubbing his eyes.

John chuckled; he could tell the young man’s defiance was steadily crumbling in the face of logic.

“Still…even if it’s…acceptable, what would she possibly see in me? John she’s told me about the adventures she’s gone on, the things she’s done. She’s fought mythical creatures, harnessed some of the most powerful magic ever conceived, she was the first pony to fly faster than the speed of sound…and the craziest part? She doesn’t think any of that is a big deal! Her crowning achievement in life is to one day join the Wonderbolts, the most famous flying team in Equestria, and she’ll get in for sure! In the face of all that, what could she possibly see in an unemployed chain-smoking web designer just barely hanging on?”

John blinked. “Well she’s stuck around this long right? There’s gotta be something she likes about you.”
Robert shook his head despondently. John sighed.

“Alright then, let’s try this. What do you see in her Robert?”

The young man sighed, sitting back in the chair. “Where do I begin? She’s…brave…strong…confident…she doesn’t give a damn what anybody thinks about her, she just faces everything head on with this energy that I can’t even begin to describe. She’s funny, and a real softie once you get to know her. She’s…she’s everything I can’t be and so much more I just-”

“Couldn’t help but fall for her?”

Robert visibly tensed, his eyes locked on brightening morning sky. John could tell something had finally clicked in the head of the human. The young man brought his hands to his eyes, which admittedly looked comical with one of them completely wrapped in bandages.

“Rob, it’s alright man, you have nothing to be ashamed of.”

“It’s not that.” Robert responded thickly. “What do I do now John? After what I said…how can I-”

“Go get her man. Talk to her, apologize, and for God’s sake tell her how you feel.”

“What if she doesn’t feel the same way?”

John nudged the human with a hoof, and Robert removed his hands from his eyes to stare at the Unicorn before him.

“There’s only one way to find out right?” the pony said with a smile.

The young man gazed at his neighbor for a few moments before standing and walking over to the railing of his balcony. He looked out across the city and the distant rumbling of thunder could be heard.

“Look. Go to her, settle this, then come back and we can talk about your-”

“Actually-” The human interrupted, turning back to John. “-I need you to do me a favor.”

The pony tilted his head. “Sure Rob…what is it?”

The skies had opened up minutes earlier, bringing sheets of rain down upon the city. John stood on his balcony, sipping a new mug of coffee as he watched the rain. Leaning just a bit over the railing, he could see a figure garbed in a long dark green poncho with a bag tightly strapped to its back making its way down Amsterdam Avenue, toward Brooklyn.

He smiled, draining the last of his coffee he turned back toward his door, and for the first time noticed something was different about his reflection. There, on his flank, a large red cross could be seen; his brand new cutie mark.

“Well...guess today really is a red letter day.”

Acperience II

The Conversion Bureau

Change of Life

Part 6: Acperience II

“Wooo! New York at last! That flight from Houston took foooreeeveeer!” Pinkie Pie chirped as she bounded along.

“Ah’ll say.” replied an exhausted Applejack.

“Still, catching the Red eye? You could have just taken a later flight.” Twilight remarked.

The three ponies were making their way down the hall on the top floor of the Brooklyn Conversion bureau. This floor was reserved for residential staff, and Rainbow Dash’s room was at the very end. Applejack had spent her assignment in Texas, overseeing the construction of the Houston Bureau and taking in the culture of the Lone Star state. Pinkie Pie however hadn’t remained in one spot for any extended period of time; she had journeyed all across the United States and visited almost every major city in the country. Her final destination just so happened to be Houston, so she and Applejack elected to share a flight to New York.

“Thats what ah said.” sighed the cowpony. “But this one just had to get ‘ere as, what did’ja say, ‘Super speedy weedy deedy possibeely’?”

The bouncing pink earth pony giggled. “Well duh! I couldn’t wait to see our friends!”

“Ah could’ve.” Applejack grumbled. “Maybe another few hours...”

“Well, you guys are here, and that’s all that matters right now.” Twilight said with a strange smile.

Stifling a yawn, Applejack glanced at her unicorn friend. “So, you say she was cryin’?”

Twilight stopped half-way down the hall, her head hanging low. “She wouldn’t leave her room at all yesterday. Rarity and I tried to get her out to at least have some dinner but she refused.”

Pinkie’s permanent grin vanished for a second. “Well that's no good at all is it?” But then it returned in force. “I know! Lets throw her a-” Her trademark suggestion was cut short by Applejack’s hoof.
“Sugarcube there are some things a party can’t solve, and ah think this is one of ‘em.”

Twilight nodded despondently as they continued down the hall. “Seeing you guys will probably brighten her mood though.”

Eventually they reached their destination; a door emblazoned with a rainbow lightning bolt.

Twilight sparkle knocked on the door to Rainbow Dash’s bedroom. “Rainbow, Applejack and Pinkie Pie just came in from their flight and they are dying to see you!” she called through the door.

No response.

“Maybe she ain’t there?” questioned Applejack’s trademark southern drawl from behind.

“Well Dashie doesn’t usually get up this early usually she sleeps in till like ten or eleven or even twelve! Like, this one time, she-” Pinkie’s rant was cut short with a wet squelch, most likely Applejack’s hoof in her mouth.

Twilight raised her hoof to knock again when the door flew open revealing a very groggy, very disheveled blue pegasus.

“Dashie!” Pinkie cried as she darted forward and wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow’s neck. The pegasus chuckled as she wearily returned the hug. “Heya Pinks. How was your trip?”

Twilight and Applejack’s eyes widened at the can of worms Rainbow just opened, and just as Pinkie was taking a huge lungful of air to describe every last detail of her time around the US Applejack quickly wrapped a foreleg around her neck, pulling her away. “There’ll be time for that later Pinkie.”

Rainbow smiled as the cowpony trotted up to her and the two friends shared a neck hug. “Heya Sugarcube, how ya been holdin’ up?”

The pegasus smiled weakly. “Alright, I guess.”

Applejack stepped back and peered into her friend’s eyes. They looked as tired as she felt; bloodshot, with dark bags sagging beneath. It looked like she hadn’t slept a wink.

“Ya sure? Cuz ya look like heck Dash.”

“Yeah well, so do you.”

“Ah was up at midnight ta catch a flight. Whats yer excuse?”

The pegasus shifted in discomfort, her eyes cast down at the floor. “I didn’t really sleep well. That’s all.”

Applejack frowned. “Rainbow, Twilight called me yesterday. She told me the gist of what happened between you an’ Robert but none of us know the whole story.”

The pegasus shot a glare at the purple unicorn, who shrunk away. “I’m sorry Rainbow. Its just you were so upset, I was worried. We all are.”

Rainbow cast a look of disdain at her friends. “Its not important. We had a falling out, its over.” At these words her eyes ever-so-slightly brimmed with tears, which she wiped away quickly with a hoof. “Besides-” she continued. “-its better this way.”

Pinkie tilted her head. “You really mean that Dashie? It sounded like you guys were so close.”

Rainbow shook her head. “Well we aren’t, not anymore. I just want to move on...”

Suddenly a door a little ways down the hall burst open, and an alabaster unicorn, her mane in rollers, came galloping out. She reached the group, breathing heavily. “So sorry I’m late, my mane was just an absolute mess.”

“Rarity!” Pinkie squealed, bounding toward the unicorn intent on wrapping her in a hug. Rarity quickly backpedaled, laughing nervously. “Pinkie dear it is wonderful to see you, but do you think we could hold off on the hugging until my rollers have set?”

Pinkie tilted her head before nodding feverishly. “Okey dokey lokey!”

Applejack nodded to Rarity. “Hey.”

“Applejack! So good to see you as- oh dear you look terrible!”

The earth pony snorted. “Don’t remind me.”

A loud thud brought everypony’s attention back to Rainbow, who had slammed her hoof down. “Okay, seriously, what’s this about?!”

The assembled friends glanced at each other nervously. “Rainbow-” Twilight began. “-we...we want you to tell us what happened yesterday.”

“Its not-”

“It is important.” Twilight pushed. “We have never seen you like this before. Please Rainbow, we’re your friends, you can tell us anything.” The other ponies nodded in agreement.

Rainbow Dash looked to each one of her friends, her magenta eyes peering into their own. After what felt like an eternity she let out a long sigh. Turning back toward her bedroom she beckoned the others to follow her.

Once they were all inside, Twilight shut and locked the door with her magic.

Pinkie bounded up and down on the bed with joy, while Applejack took stock of the room itself. The numerous Wonderbolts posters hardly surprised her, but what caught her eye from the floor did. She leaned down to get a better look but before she could see what it was a blur of blue swept it away. Rainbow Dash clutched the large picture to her chest for a moment before placing it face down on the night table. “That’s private.” she mumbled.

Twilight and Rarity stood near the door, whispering to one-another. Rarity then stepped forward. “So...Dash-”

“Right.” Rainbow sighed, slumping to the floor. As she did, thunder tolled over the city foretelling of an oncoming storm.

“I met him yesterday at 8:30, just like every morning. We sat around and watched the news for a bit, then decided to head to the park. We got caught up in a few things before we actually got there.” Rainbow swallowed as the same icy feeling that had filled her when she was told about Robert’s imminent death weighed heavily in her chest.

“Like what?” Pinkie chirped from the bed.

Rainbow’s eyes shifted toward Twilight sparkle, who shrugged apologetically. “I didn’t tell them about him.”

“Whats all this about Robert?” Applejack asked, perching her stetson on top of a bedpost.

Rainbow screwed her eyes shut, shaking her head.

Rarity cleared her throat and, together with Twilight Sparkle, filled Applejack and Pinkie Pie in on the phenomenon, and its effect on humans. Once they were finished Applejack stood there mouth agape, while Pinkie had ceased her bouncing and now sat legs folded on the bed.

“Land sakes...” the cowpony murmured. “So...so Roberts-”

“Dying.” Rainbow choked. Everypony’s attention was now glued on the shivering blue pegasus.

“We...we got to the park...and started talking...I promised myself I would talk to him about it and maybe convince him to undergo conversion...” She balked. Remembering the whole experience was too much. She began to feel her eyes burn from the tears she was holding. Suddenly, she felt a foreleg around her shoulder. Opening her eyes, she saw that all of her friends were now around her, with Applejack’s hoof draped over her.

“Its alright sugarcube, we’re all here for ya. Keep going.”

Taking a shuddering breath, Rainbow continued. “I...I asked if he liked watching me fly...he said always. I asked if he...maybe wanted to fly himself...he said it was always a fantasy of his. I...I...I asked if he maybe wanted to fly with me...and he said yes! But...but when I asked why he wouldn’t get ponified...he said he didn’t know. So I pushed a little further...and he...he...” She couldn’t, it was too much. Rainbow Dash broke down in Applejack’s arms. “He he just blew up!” She cried in between sobs. “He became a totally different person and...and h-he t-told me I didn’t m-matter, that I didn’t care, that I was only trying to make him get ponified for my own benefit...and when I told him that I...that I wanted him to st-stay with m-me he just...he just-”

Rainbow sobbed into her friend’s shoulder. Everyone stood there in shock, most of all Applejack. She was at a loss for words, seeing her best friend completely fall apart like this was beyond anything she was expecting, and over a human no less!

Rarity was the first to speak. “I...Rainbow I’m so sorry, I didn’t think he would just go off on you like that. He seemed so nice, like a gentleman!”

“Yea well, he obviously ain’t.” Applejack spat. “Of all the nerve. Sayin’ them things even though she was worried ‘bout his wellbein’. Nuts ta him ah say, you don’t need someone like that in yer life Dash.”

Pinkie nodded in agreement. “He sounds like a real grumpity grump meany pants.”

Twilight however seemed to be piecing something together in her head. She leaned down and gently nudged the crying pegasus. “Rainbow, you said that he became a completely different person?”

Rainbow Dash looked up at the unicorn, her eyes bloodshot and full of anguish. She nodded.

“Like someone just flipped a switch? It was instantaneous?”

The pegasus nodded again.

Twilight Sparkle stood back up, her expression that of deep thought. “It couldn’t be.” She whispered. “Its too soon...” She turned away and began to pace around the room. Now everypony’s attention was drawn to the purple unicorn.

“Twilight dear what is it?” Rarity asked.

Rainbow gazed at her bookish friend pleadingly. Did she know something about Robert?

The unicorn stopped and turned back to her friends. “We don’t know much about the onset of the symptoms in humans, only their progression. What we do know is that the illness manifests in two ways; mental instability and physical degeneration. When I was speaking with Robert, he mentioned he had strange dreams, as well as physical pain. He told me that the dreams had been going on for several months so I assumed that they were unrelated. Initially, I believed that meant his symptoms were advancing at a very slow rate and that he had some time before he would need to take action...but...”

“But?” Rainbow asked fearfully.

Twilight frowned. “I may have completely miscalculated the rate at which his mind was deteriorating. In other humans, split personalities began to manifest themselves, followed by crippling hallucinations. Sometimes these other personalities would gain control over the main consciousness of the individual, and as if a switch had been flipped in their head, the change was always instant. A human could be friendly one minute and become a complete sociopath the next. We still don’t know why this happens. We think it may be because the human mind is incompatible with magic, and the emergence of the various psychoses is almost like a defense mechanism, but it ends up having the completely opposite effect and merely drives the poor human to even further depths of insanity.” Twilight concluded.

The other four ponies stared at Twilight blankly. She let out an exasperated sigh.

“Robert is going crazy because of the magic! That is why he said those things!”

Rainbow’s eyes went wide at this. Applejack snorted derisively.

“Sounds like yer just makin’ excuses for his behavior.”

“Its true!” Twilight insisted. “The pattern is the same, its always the same! But for some reason its happening much faster to Robert, and I don’t know why!”

Rainbow was standing now. She flashed over to Twilight, her hooves on the unicorn’s shoulders. “Whats going to happen?! How long does he have?!” She shook her violently. “Tell me!”

Twilight shook her head. “I don’t know Dash! The only way I would be able to find that out is if he was here! I could run some tests and do a psychological evaluation.”

“But Dear-” Rarity interrupted. “-If he were here wouldn’t it simply be easier to ponify him?”

“If ya ask me he don’t deserve it.”

“Applejack!” Rarity gasped.

“Well its true!” the earth pony retorted. “Ah don’t think someone like that should be near Dash, or any one of us for that matter.”

“But Apple-”

“Hes a bad influence! Sure he may have seemed nice, but hes human, whats more hes city folk. Humans are one thing, but city folk can never be trusted, they’d sooner throw ya under a carriage if it meant them gettin’ ahead. How can we be sure this is really cause of some sickness? Maybe he was always like this. Maybe-

“YOU’RE WRONG!”

The scream drew everypony’s eyes to the blue pegasus.

“You’re wrong...he isn’t like that...”

“Rainbow?” Rarity asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Rainbow Dash fluttered over to the nightstand where she had laid the photograph. Taking it in her hooves she gazed at it as she spoke. “Robert isn’t like the other people in this city. He never has been. He’s nice, and friendly, and he isn’t afraid to help people or ponies.” She turned to her friends. “Sure, he has his flaws. He gets down on himself a lot...and he lacks confidence, but that’s never stopped him from always-” She looked back to the photo. “-being there for me.”

Her friends glanced at one another. Was she going where they thought she was going?

Rainbow’s eyes glistened as a smile came to her face. “He always makes me laugh, even if its at his own expense. He cheers me on in everything I do...he believes in me. Every day I’ve spent with him has been...well, awesome.” She laid the photo upright back on the nightstand. “That’s why I believe Twilight Applejack; Robert wouldn’t say those things unless something was very wrong.” Her smile fell. “And something really is wrong, isn’t it Twilight?”

Twilight nodded grimly. “But, there is some good news.”

Rainbow perked up visibly at this.

“Yesterday I recieved a correspondence from the princess. She heard about the plight the humans were facing, and decided to take action. Last night Princess Celestia teleported here in secret and cast a spell. A very powerful spell. Its purpose was to shield all humans as far as four hundred miles inland of the east coast from the effects of the magical energy.”

Everypony gasped. “The princess is here?!” Rarity asked.

“Yes. She is currently resting in an undisclosed location inside of the city.”

“So- so the humans will be alright?! Robert will be alright?!” Rainbow asked, her eyes filled with joy.

Twilight smiled weakly. “Yes...and no. Most of the humans will be alright...but there will be a few who have sustained far too much damage from the energy for the spell to truly benefit them. I...I think Robert may be one of these unfortunate few. His mind and body will no longer be poisoned, but they may have deteriorated beyond the point of no return.”

Rainbow’s short-lived relief was crushed immediately. Her head hung low.

“There’s another problem.” Twilight continued. “The spell won’t last forever. It will last roughly two weeks, that should be enough time to either get all of the remaining humans within the area of the magic’s influence evacuated or ponified.”

“So...its hopeless?” Rainbow asked meekly.

Twilight shook her head. “If we can get Robert here as soon as possible we can get him converted in time before he is lost. Again, I feel his actions yesterday were influenced by his illness; so he may actually be open to the idea.”

“Tch. Yeah, or ya know, he ain’t.”

Rainbow whipped around, her eyes flashing. “Alright AJ. What is your problem?”

“Ah don’t think you should be around someone like that is all.” Applejack replied nonchalantly.

“You’ve never even met him!”

“Ah don’t have ta. The effect hes got on ya is proof enough he’s no good.”

“Effect? The hay is that supposed to mean?!”

“The Rainbow Dash ah know wouldn’t be reduced ta cryin’ all night over anythin’.”

“Well then maybe you don’t know me!” Rainbow Dash retorted hotly, advancing on her friend. “Maybe I’ve changed a bit! You wouldn’t know though would you? You wouldn’t know because you weren’t here!” She turned toward the rest of her friends with tears in her eyes. “None of you were here!!”

“Rainbow-” Twilight began.

“YOU WEREN’T HERE!” The pegasus screamed, causing her friends to withdraw. “Every day. Every day I had to deal with things that I had to face alone! Humans who hated me for what I was, or ponies who only knew me for what I could do, not one person or pony ever tried to know me for who I am!” Tears were flowing freely from her eyes now. “Robert was different, he actually got to know me! He accepts my strengths and my faults as parts of who I am! He was alone, just like me! We were alone until we found each other!!”

She couldn’t stop the tumult of words flowing from her mouth. She didn’t even try; it was all true. Everything that had been building over the least few months was spilling out of her being like somepony had twisted open a faucet.

“But the one thing, the one true thing that makes Robert so awesome is...is that he reminds me of all of you! Everyday I saw pieces of you in him. He helped me to cope with all of you being gone...but now...now-”

Rainbow was cut off by a very peculiar sound. A sound that really had no place there in that raw moment of explosive emotion. Laughter. One by one each pony in the room turned toward the bed. Pinkie Pie, who until that moment had been unusually quiet, was now practically bawling her eyes out in raucous snorting laughter; her legs kicking in every direction.

“What...what is so funny Pinkie?!” Rainbow seethed.

After a few moments the pink pony managed to calm down long enough to speak.

“It sounds like you’re in love Dashie!”

Despite the laughter preceding it, the statement carried no ill-intent or ridicule; it had been a simple, innocent observation.

The room went silent. Everypony turned to the blue pegasus, waiting for a response. Rainbow’s mouth opened and closed mutely, her eyes wide.

“Why do ya look so shocked?” Pinkie chirped as she hopped off the bed. “I don’t really understand everything Twilight was talking about, but Robby sounds real important to you! Real important. So I was thinking, but then I realized you must be in love! Its like soo obvious!”

The blue pegasus continued to stare at her pink friend, mouth agape. Her brain blazed at fever pitch, grasping for something, anything to say in response to Pinkie’s accusation.

She could find none.

A million thoughts were running through her head, but only one truth stood resolute in her heart.

She couldn’t deny it.

Rainbow’s face was soon flushing a violent crimson, her magenta eyes jumping to each of her friend’s faces. Pinkie looked ecstatic, as always. Twilight was staring with a cocked eyebrow. Rarity’s expression was unreadable; hovering somewhere between shock and thoughtfulness. Applejack however...

“Yer kiddin. Yer kiddin right Dash? A human?! Yer kiddin me right?!”

Rainbow cast her eyes to the floor. There was simply nothing to say.

The cowpony’s stare bored into her pegasus friend for a few long agonizing moments before she retrieved her stetson and slammed it back onto her head. “Ah wont accept this...” she spat before storming to, and out of the door.

A chilling silence pervaded the room. Twilight gave Rainbow a strained smile. “I’ll go talk to her.”

“I’ll come too!” Pinkie chirped. The two ponies left to follow Applejack, leaving a blushing Rainbow and a pensive Rarity alone.

For a while neither said a a thing. Rainbow Dash was sitting on the floor still in a state of half-shock over the events that had just occurred, while Rarity’s gaze was still locked on the door.

“Is it true?” the unicorn asked without turning toward her friend.

“I...I...guess...yeah...” Rainbow replied in a daze. The words felt alien to her; in all the time she knew Robert she never thought that their relationship would become anything more than what she believed it to be. She didn’t know when it happened, or how, or why...but she couldn’t deny that she felt something deeper than friendship for the tall, scruffy human.

Rarity wheeled around to face the pegasus, her face now full of conviction. “Then go to him.”

“Rarity?”

The unicorn cantered up to Rainbow. “Go to him.” she repeated. “Given the circumstances you may never get another chance.”

“But...what about AJ?”

Rarity sighed. “That mare is...she is just very set in her ways dear. She will come around, and even if she doesn’t this is your choice, your life...your love; you can’t let the reservations of another dictate your actions.”

“...what about you?”

The unicorn smiled. “Darling I have spent my entire life waiting for my Prince Charming, I just couldn’t live with myself if I allowed you to let yours slip away.”

Rainbow Dash smiled and wiped her moist eyes. The rumbles of thunder were becoming more frequent now, and the patter of rain could be heard upon the window. Standing, the pegasus rested a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Thanks Rarity...I...I’m going to go and bring him back. I swear.”

Rarity beamed. “I know you will.” Then she wrinkled her nose. “Do be careful in all of that icky rain though.”

Rainbow grinned and fluttered to the window. She undid the latch with her teeth and nosed it open. The room was suddenly filled with humidity of the storm outside. She flared her wings in preparation, but balked for a moment.

“Hmm.”

“What is it Rainbow?”

“There’s something about this storm...”

“What?”

“Huh?! Oh, yeah. Just, ya know, getting a feel for the air. I’m heading out!” Rainbow replied with a quick grin.

Rarity smiled. “Good Luck Rainbow.”

With a jump, and a flap, Rainbow sailed through the window into the stormy sky.

Eight a.m. The morning grind, made all the more loathsome by the storm that raged above. Even after the conversion movement had left its mark (or scar as some would say) upon the city the groggy, frantic drudge of the morning routine hadn’t changed, though its participants certainly had. Gone were the sounds of traffic; beeping horns, revving engines, and the flung curses of disgruntled commuters. In its place; the innumerable clops of hooves upon pavement.

Ponies of all colours and ages milled through the streets. The fallout of the bus service and cab industry, combined with the lack of cars still in use left virtually every street, bridge, and crosswalk of the city clear of traffic. Most of the equines wore umbrella-hats or rain coats, and those without could be seen darting under awnings to avoid the downpour.

One avenue however was different. The ponies were there, just like every other street. They were in the process of commuting to their destinations or getting their foals ready for school...just like every other street. What made this particular avenue unique was the shadowy bipedal figure currently striding down it briskly.

Heads turned and whispers were exchanged as the human waded through the masses. Humans were a rare enough sight as it was, but seeing one so early? The conversion movement had all but destroyed human industry; those that remained were rarely compelled to leave their homes much less have a reason to be out and about in the morning. The human’s appearance certainly did not help matters. It wore a long dark green poncho, its face veiled in shadows cast by the poncho’s hood. Only the dim glow of the lit cigarette hanging from its mouth gave any clue as to its appearance: a face of stubble, dark eyes, and an expression of intense focus. Together with a hand wrapped in bloody bandages it was an intimidating sight, and ponies shied away from the man, giving him wide berth like one would do when seeing a raccoon out in the daytime or a stray dog.

But if the human cared he didn’t show it. His gaze was locked straight ahead toward the entrance to the one last functioning means of public transportation in New York city; the subway. As he reached the staircase to the terminal, the man took one last drag from his cigarette and flicked it into a nearby trash bin. He cast a look straight up into the sky, and then disappeared underground.

***

“So you’re going through with this then?”

Robert threw a few loose shirts into the bag on his bed. “Yeah.”

John let out a long whistle. “Never thought I would see the day.”

The human grunted as he tightened the drawstring of the duffel. “So...how does this usually go?” he asked without turning to his neighbor who stood in the doorway to his bedroom.

“Well, you check in and fill out some forms. Pretty basic stuff, Just medical history, occupation, your short and long term goals.”

Robert scratched his head. “That seems unusual.”

“They say its to help you find a job after you undergo the process.”

“Hrm...guess that makes sense.” the human relented. “So...you check in and then what?” he continued.

“They get you assigned to a room and you attend the orientation. After that you are given a list of seminars to attend during the week you spend there. Its apparently different depending on where you plan on living after you check out; ponies moving to Equestria have to attend seminars pertaining to history and social norms while those who aren’t relocating have to learn about how human society will change with the conversion movement.”

“And then?”

“Well, after your week is up, they call you down to the ponification rooms and...well I think you know.”

“Huh.” Robert replied dumbly. His eyes wandered to his nightstand where his laptop and cell phone rested.

“No go.” John sighed. “Electronics are prohibited.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. Something about fear over HLF insurgency.”

Robert grumbled. He would have liked to at least had his laptop to remain in touch with the outside world. His phone he could care less about; he hadn’t had anyone he needed to call in months. He glanced out of his window; the first drops of rain could be heard hitting the glass. Striding over to his closet he pulled out a long dark green poncho with ‘SECURITY’ emblazoned in yellow on its back; a purchase from a seedy thrift store in the South Bronx. He slipped it on, not bothering to change his clothes.

“Not even gonna freshen up?”

Robert strapped the duffel over his shoulder. “I brushed my teeth. They’ve got showers there right? Besides, I need to get there asap.” He finally turned to the unicorn. “How do I do that?”

John sighed thoughtfully, his eyes on the ceiling. “Well, if you take the subway from Amsterdam, the D-line will take you to the Brooklyn bridge. Head across that, then take the C to Prospect Park. The bureau is just east of there: it was the University Hospital before the movement.”

Robert blinked. “Really?”

“Yeah, something about hospitals having the necessary facilities for the bureaus. Makes sense I suppose; they can house large numbers of people and they are stocked with medical equipment.”

“...oh.” Robert replied softly.

John sighed and trotted up to the human, laying a hoof on his knee. “You gonna be alright?”

Robert took a deep breath. “Yeah...I think so. Thanks for helping me get my head together John.”

The unicorn frowned. “You sure?”

Robert rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m nervous. I don’t know how I’m going to approach this John, how I’m going to fix this. What am I supposed to do?”

“Just like I told you. Go to her and tell her how you feel.”

“Still-”

John’s expression grew stern. “Go to where ponies are. You won’t have to look very long. Its alright to be afraid Robert...because this part won’t be like a fairy tale. Real life doesn’t fit into storybook pages that were written for it...”

Robert was taken aback by the profound statement. “Wow...John that was-” Then it him like a ton of bricks as he brought a hand to his face. “Goddamn it.”

John burst out laughing. “I’m sorry man it was too easy, the poncho just makes it- Oh wait!” He levitated a Yankee cap resting on the nearby dresser onto Robert’s head. “Perfect!”

Robert whipped the hat off his head at John, who jumped away laughing. John’s laughter was infectious however as Robert soon felt himself joining him. The two friends laughed and laughed, a cathartic gesture for Robert in the face of all that had happened over the last day.

Eventually they regained their composure and it was time for Robert to leave. He made his way out of the bedroom, John right behind him, toward the front door of his apartment but stopped in the living room. He took a long look around, at his couch, at the sliding glass door, and the pictures that lay on the end-table. Then he remembered something. He strode over to his couch and reached underneath, retrieving a large manila envelope. Reopening his duffel, he packed it away with care and turned to his neighbor.

“Well...guess I’m off. I don’t have much in the pantry but you’re welcome to anything you find.”

“You’ll be fine.” John reassured. “See you in a week.”

“Yeah...see ya.” and with that, Robert strode out of his home; taking the first steps towards his new life.

***

He descended the first set of stairs into the Amsterdam subway platform. The air was thick with humidity, as it always was in the subway on a rainy day; bright fluorescent lights cast large halos against the mugginess. Reaching the landing he noticed that the row of turnstiles that once separated the ticket offices from the platform had been removed. He pulled out his metro card for a moment before casting it aside and making his way down the remaining stairs.

As he reached the platform he glanced around; no humans, very few ponies. He had heard once that most ponies have an aversion to being underground, so these were probably converts. Walking forward, he took a seat on a nearby bench and rested his bag in his lap. The distant roars of the metro calmed his nerves a bit, it was one of the last sounds of his old life, of the time before.

He shook his head. He couldn’t be thinking like that, not now. He had resolved to leave the time before behind and embrace the future.

The future...

He sighed, and began to think about what he would be facing in his immediate future. A blue pegasus with a prismatic mane came into his mind’s eye.

‘How am I going to do this?’ he thought.

‘Dash, I’m so sorry about-’

‘Forget it. You’re just a dweeb anyway.’

‘Dash I love-’

‘Ew! What makes you think I’d even wanna date a human?’

‘I want to stay with you!’

‘Well I don’t wanna stay with you, not anymore. Just leave me alone!’

He groaned as his head fell into his hands. It was no use, he would just have to put all his cards on the table when he met her and hope it turned out for the best. It was an old habit of his; when he knew he would be facing a tough decision or a heated argument he would play out both sides of the exchange in his mind. Sometimes he would be pleasantly surprised at the actual outcome, and other times crushingly disappointed. He could only pray that his meeting with Rainbow Dash would be of the former.

He was drawn out of his thoughts by the telltale roar of the incoming D-line. Gathering up his bag, he approached the gap as the train slowed and eventually stopped at the platform.

The elevator car reached the lobby of the bureau, its doors releasing its only passenger.

She couldn’t believe it. She couldn’t even fathom it. Her best friend had fallen in love with a human, and a city human no less. She had already been hurt once, didn’t she know better?

The orange earth pony’s thoughts raged as she made her way into the lobby; a sparkling, clean area meant to mirror the conversion movement’s intentions and vision, a place to put incoming humans’ minds at ease. The elevators lay beyond the security check-in that lead all the way to the building’s doors in an area whose floors were of the most pristine marble, that had large green plants in almost every corner and pieces of art on every wall. The shape of the lobby funneled to the receiving desk; a dark lacquered wood piece. But there was a dissonance in the otherwise pleasing aesthetics of the lobby. It came in the form no less then a dozen security cameras covering every square inch of the lobby and the security check-in as well as the five inch bulletproof glass that protected whoever was manning the receiving desk.

Applejack clopped wearily through the deserted lobby. She was tired, she was aggravated, but most of all she was hungry. She hadn’t had a bite to eat since yesterday afternoon and it was making her already poor mood even worse. She resolved to grab some breakfast and maybe catch a few hours of sleep before-

“Applejack!”

The cowpony groaned inwardly. Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie caught up to Applejack and began walking on either side of her.

“Yeah?”

“Don’t you think that was just a bit...harsh?” the unicorn asked haltingly. Applejack sighed.

“Ah don’t feel like talkin’ bout it right now.”

“But Rainbow Dash is your best friend AJ! She needs you, all of us, right now more than ever!” Pinkie exclaimed.

They turned a corner into another corridor, which led to the cafeteria. Applejack stopped and turned back toward her friends.

“Ah don’t like it. Ah don’t understand it neither. Why a human?”

“Why not? Before yesterday it sounded like he really makes her happy! Isn’t that what matters?” Pinkie chirped.

“I have to agree with Pinkie. Rainbow seemed much happier having Robert in her life while she was here in New York.”

“Ah can’t believe you two are alright with this.” Applejack huffed.

“Well I will be the first to admit that I’m a bit surprised, but I don’t see the harm in it. Besides, pony-human couples aren’t unheard of-”

“Yeah, between tha converted ponies and humans; and ah don’t know if you’ve noticed but they ain’t looked too kindly upon. This is Dash Twi, our Dash. Are ya really alright with her facin’ that sorta persecution’?”

Twilight didn’t answer.

“And furdermore, Ah still think this Rob is no good. She deserves better Twi. She shouldn’t haf’ta settle for the first human ta show’er a bit of kindness, specially one that’s so unstable. Tell me ah’m wrong Twilight.”

Twilight shook her head. “I don’t know Applejack. Its true that inter-species relations are heavily demonized in human media, and maybe there are better people or ponies out there for Rainbow, but she chose him and its her decision.”

Applejack’s gaze bored into the purple unicorn for a few long seconds before she turned tail and began to make her way down the hall. “Where are you going?” Pinkie called to her.

She looked back. “Look, ah know you never seem ta get tired, ever, but ah’m plum exhausted and starvin. This is a lot ta take in, and ah don’t think ah’m in the right mind to be dealin’ wit’ it right now. Ah’m just gonna grab somethin’ ta eat and a few hours rest, maybe then ah’ll be a bit more...agreeable.”

With that, the cowpony turned and made her way to the cafeteria, leaving a concerned Twilight and crestfallen Pinkie Pie behind in silence.

He must have zoned out on the subway, because the next thing he knew Robert was already halfway across The Brooklyn Bridge with yet another cigarette screwed in between his lips. Hundreds of ponies were hoofing their way across either heading to or from Brooklyn. Seeing anything other than bumper to bumper traffic on this bridge would have been a completely alien sight months ago. The inter-borough bridges which had for so long carried millions of vehicles across the Hudson now served as glorified foot- hoof bridges.

The rain had temporarily abated, and Robert removed his hood. He stopped for a moment and peered across the water. That was when he noticed something rather odd. It was no secret that the Hudson River was befouled and polluted, and had been for decades due to human industry. The river’s murky brownish-green hue had been proof enough of that. Yet, even under the dark stormy sky, the river which had for so long seemed to mirror humanity’s impact upon the natural world now seemed to glow with a clear azure shine. Its usual murkiness now replaced with a clarity one could only see in places like the Caribbean.

He glanced around, none of the passing ponies seemed to notice or care. This also seemed unusual. The majority of these ponies were converts, so such an unbelievable phenomenon should have at least turned a few heads. He turned back toward the river-

“...what the fuck?” he whispered breathlessly as his cigarette fell out of his mouth.

The river had returned to its normal state, leaving no sign or trace of its changed appearance. A loud boom of thunder overhead sent a few ponies on the bridge skittering as a fresh downpour of rain fell from the sky. Robert flipped his hood back on and continued his trek, now at a much brisker pace.

“Woah!”

Rainbow Dash hadn’t been prepared for the ear-splitting crack of thunder that surged down from the upper atmosphere. She quickly righted her course with a roll, momentarily glimpsing the expanse of the Hudson beneath her, and continued her flight toward Manhattan.

Her coat was quickly becoming drenched from the storm but she didn’t care. She needed to get to Robert, and fast. A determination burned in her heart, the likes of which she hadn’t felt since the night she and her friends faced Nightmare Moon. Had the weather been a bit more amicable she would have even tried a Sonic Rainboom, but the storm threw too many unwanted variables into the mix for her to feel comfortable attempting such a complex maneuver. The rain and wind were already impeding her enough as it was, trying something like that could be extremely dangerous.

“Ugh, why did this have to happen now!” she yelled into the sky in exasperation. She gritted her teeth in frustration as the rain continuously obscured her vision; she was kicking herself now for forgetting her flight goggles.

As an updraft hit her wings, the same uncertainty that she had felt before taking flight gripped her. Immediately the sensitive pin feathers in her wings began to flood her brain with information about the storm.

Winds heading east at roughly twenty miles per hour, with gusts of up to thirty miles per hour. Cloud to ground lightning almost nonexistent. A quarter of an inch of rain per hour at the current rate of precipitation. This storm...it felt so-

Structured. This storm had been built.

“...What the hay is going on?”

She surged forward, tightening her frame to minimize wind resistance. She had to hurry. She had to reach him.

Robert had finally made it to Brooklyn.

He didn’t need any maps or directions from here; he knew Brooklyn like the back of his hand. Which made sense as he had lived here virtually his whole life, only moving to Manhattan after graduating from Fordham.

It would be two blocks of walking to get to the subway then another two after reaching prospect park to reach the bureau. His pace slowed a bit as he took in the sights of his old neighborhood. Everything had changed. Being the first borough to see a conversion bureau, the changes that now permeated the city had radiated out from it. Old delicatessens and markets that he remembered visiting for years were either boarded up or had been changed into more pony friendly establishments like bakeries and candy shops.

With the absence of construction crews capable of handling the needs of up-keeping the various buildings, sidewalks and roads, many of them had fallen into disrepair. Not so extreme as to warrant them hazardous and thus mark them for demolition, but their condition had certainly deteriorated. In other parts of the borough nature had begun to reclaim the concrete jungle with vegetation becoming overgrown in some places and trees being left to damage roads and sidewalks even further with their roots.

Robert couldn’t help but notice how his old neighborhood now reflected himself; the old was being swept aside to make way for the new but it still managed to linger. He wondered if after everything was said and done if any part of the city itself would be recognizable to those who had lived in the world before, if any part of himself would be recognizable to the being he was going to become.

So lost was he in his thoughts that he had already reached the subway entrance without realizing it. He took a few steps towards it but a store across the street caught his eye. ‘High-Fliers’ glowed in neon lettering through the gloom of the rain, and pony mannequins wearing flight suits and goggles were on display in the windows. Before he could stop himself, he felt himself crossing the street and entering the establishment.

It appeared to be a sporting-goods store aimed directly at pegasi. Flight suits hung on wracks near the back of the store, while glass cases containing various eye-ware and other flight-assisting tools lined the walls. Posters featuring the Wonderbolts and other flight teams that had earned recognition were pinned above the cases.

An older pegasus stallion with a grey coat and white mane looked up from behind the counter.

“Good Morning, welcome to-” he began with a smile but stopped when he noticed the species of his would-be customer. “Oh...um, pardon me but are you maybe looking for a different store?”

Robert stared at the pony as he removed his hood. “No.”

“Oh, alright. I- Sorry its just we never get humans in here. How can I help you?”

Robert slowly walked forward, scrutinizing the contents of the cases. Goggles of every size, color, and function were on display. Clip-on altimeters and airspeed indicators lay in separate cases, as well as in astronomically separate price ranges. He turned back toward the goggle case.

“Ah, find something you like?” the pegasus asked. “Maybe for a ponified friend of yours?”

Robert turned around and faced the proprietor.

“Yeah, you could say that.”

Robert’s brownstone came into view as she sailed past a skyscraper.

“Finally!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

She dipped low and shot like a missile toward his balcony, flaring her wings on the approach and landing softly. He wasn’t outside; that wasn’t a good sign. She shook the excess water off her coat and trotted slowly up to the sliding glass door and attempted to peer inside. The blinds were drawn shut.

She took a deep breath. She could do this. She had to do this. She tentatively raised a quivering hoof to the glass...a few seconds passed...then a minute...then five...

“ARGH!”

She groaned in exasperation and began to pace back and forth in front of the door. She had been in such a rush to get to Robert that she hadn’t even thought of what to say. How was she going to convince him to come with her to the bureau? What if he shot her down again? What if Applejack was-

She mentally slapped herself. She hadn’t come this far just to lose faith in the human that she...loved. That’s right; she loved him. She hadn’t come to convince him, she had come to save him.

She took another deep breath and raised her hoof, then let a few knocks fall upon the glass.

“Rob?” She called.

No answer.

She knocked again. “Robert? Its Rainbow, I need to talk to you.”

Nothing.

She knocked harder. “Rob! I know you’re in there! Come out and talk to me you dweeb!”

She grit her teeth in frustration and knocked hard enough to rattle the entire door-frame. “ROB!”

The scream reverberated through the glass into the dark apartment, and was left unanswered. She took to the air, ready to check his bedroom and kitchen windows when she heard the neighboring sliding glass door open and the clop of hooves onto wood.

“Well, well. Fancy seeing you here again.”

Rainbow turned toward to the neighboring balcony to see the brown unicorn levitate a cup of coffee to his lips. He glanced at her.

“I assume you’re here for Robert?”

“Yeah...but he won’t answer.” Rainbow replied crestfallen. She landed on John’s balcony.

John sighed. “Rob...hes a mess right now.”

The pegasus’ eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“Where do I begin...he told me about what happened between you two yesterday-” At this Rainbow shifted uncomfortably. “-and apparently it did a number on him. Had the craziest goddamn dream I’ve ever heard. Hallucinated some sort of monster in his mirror and nearly broke his hand...said he felt like he was going crazy...”

Rainbow tensed. It was just like Twilight had said. “I need to see him.” She took a step toward John. “Now.”

“You can’t.” John replied flatly.

“And why the hay not!” Rainbow spat.

“He isn’t here.”

Rainbow froze. “...what?”

“Yeah. Packed a duffel and left here about 45 minutes ago.”

Rainbow felt the bottom drop out of her stomach. It couldn’t be. It couldn't be. He wouldn’t just leave, there was no way.

John gazed at the pegasus while taking another long gulp of coffee. “You seem surprised. You knew what was happening to him, if he didn’t do something he would have died. You should be happy.”

Rainbow’s legs fell out from under her as her eyes began to burn from tears. “No...no I- it- it isn’t enough...just...just him leaving isn’t enough...I....”

John quirked an eyebrow. “Hmm?”

Rainbow shook her head as she brought her hooves to her eyes. She had been too late, he was gone.
She took a few shuddering breaths. “Where did he go?” she asked hoarsely.

John sighed as he looked up into the stormy skies. “Last I saw he was making his way to Brooklyn-”

Wait.

“-asked me to watch his place for the next week-”

She slowly removed her hooves from her bloodshot eyes and peered at John.

“-also told me I’m welcome to whatever I may like in his apartment. Something about there only being a one in three chance of him having any use for it when he got back.”

Rainbow slowly stood, her gaze never leaving the brown unicorn. John drained the last of the coffee from his mug and turned to the pegasus with a grin.

“...He-”

“Yep.”

“He’s really-”

“Uh huh.”

“Y-You’re not joshing me right? Cuz if you are I’ll-”

“Word of God.” John replied as his grin grew.

“...ohmygoshhmygoshhmygoshhmygoshhmygoshhmygoshOHMYGOSH!” Rainbow exclaimed as her face broke into a wide grin. Her heart was doing back-flips in her chest in sheer joy.

John laughed. “Ya know, you can catch him if you hur-”

He never got to finish his sentence as the rainbow-maned pegasus blasted off into the rainy skies. He watched her rainbow trail disappear behind a far skyscraper.

“Yeah...they’ll be just fine.”

Twilight trotted dejectedly to the security desk. She hoped that maybe Applejack was just in shock over what had happened and that she and Rainbow Dash would reconcile; she hated watching her friends fight. She reached the small door that lead into the enclosed area behind the desk and undid the latch with her magic. As she stepped inside she was momentarily surprised to see Pinkie Pie already manning the station.

“Oh! Hey Pinkie, where did you go?”

“I got a bite to eat, then decided to watch the security cameras!” The pink earth pony chirped. She could never stay in a bad mood for long, that Pinkie.

Twilight yawned and took a place next to Pinkie. “The bureau doesn’t open for another two hours, so there probably wont be anyone to watch.”

“Says you! I’ve been watching the ponies on the sidewalk and its hilarious! They are all so stuffy and grumpy in the morning. You’d think after becoming ponies they’d be a bit more chipper!”

Twilight shrugged. “Just city life I guess, Canterlot was the same way. I mean, not as technologically advanced but the mindset. Everypony just sort of-”

The unicorn blinked.

“Twilight?”

Reaching out with her magic, she adjusted the position of one of the cameras through the control console. The view on the screen shifted upwards slightly and a shadowy humanoid figure came into view. It was standing across the street, staring up at the bureau.

“Who is that?” Twilight whispered.

“I dunno but its...creepy.”

The two ponies jumped as the door opened, revealing Rarity sans hair curlers. “There you two are.” She hissed. Squeezing her way in the alabaster unicorn addressed her friends in a hushed tone. “What happened with Applejack?”

Twilight sighed. “Shes refusing to accept it, and I don’t think she’ll be changing her mind anytime soon.”

“How’s Dashie?” asked the pink earth pony.

“She left.”

“What?!” Twilight and Pinkie cried in unison.

“Not so loud!” Rarity chided. “But yes, she left to try and bring Robert here, to be converted.”

“And you let her go?!” Twilight asked incredulously.

“But of course! Its none of our business to try and stop her from pursuing love. Twilight dear I thought you of all ponies would-”

“Its not that!” Twilight hissed. “There’s a storm outside! Its not safe for her to fly right now. Plus Princess Celestia said that they would officially announce the existence of the phenomenon within the hour on national television! There could be a human backlash, and if Rainbow is out there when it happens-” She shook her head. “Besides, right now Applejack-”

“What about me?”

The three ponies behind the desk jumped and wheeled toward the door. A still very fatigued Applejack stood right outside with a scrutinizing glare.

“Oh! Oh, um nothing darling its nothing, nothing at all!” Rarity replied nervously.

“...uh huh.” The cowpony deadpanned, obviously unconvinced. “What in tarnation are ya’ll doin in here anyways?”

Applejack squeezed behind the desk, now making the space that could comfortably fit two ponies very crowded.

“We- we were um...” Twilight began. Her eyes darted up to the security monitor. “Ah! Right, that human! Its been standing there watching the building for a while we were just a bit concerned...”

Applejack squinted at the screen and let out a snort. “Ah’ll take care of this.” With that she turned and left the small room, making her way toward the doors of the bureau.

“Be careful!” Twilight called after her. She let out a long sigh of relief.

Rarity glanced at the monitor. “My...that is a bit unnerving, why is it just standing there like that?”

“Lets take a closer look!” Pinkie sang as she reached out and slowly began to turn a nob on the console. The picture on the monitor began to zoom in on the figure’s face.

“Its a man.” Twilight pointed out. The picture zoomed in further.

“He...looks familiar.” Rarity noticed haltingly.

The picture zoomed in further still...and the two unicorns gasped.

The subway ride had been uneventful, and no other strange hallucinations had occurred during his trek to his destination. Here he stood, before the building that had caused him so much fear, so much grief; The Brooklyn conversion bureau.

The bureaus of New York city hadn’t seen the same ‘sea of cars’ phenomenon that other areas had. Instead, the transportation department began to assign parking garages to house the vehicles that had been left behind. Eventually every parking structure and lot within Brooklyn and the majority of those in the other boroughs were filled to capacity with abandoned vehicles, their entrances sealed with chains and security personnel. Thus, the area around the building was clear.

‘Wow...they certainly made some...additions’ Robert thought to himself.

He remembered the bureau, but not in its current state. Back when it was the university hospital, it had had only been fifteen stories tops. Now it stood at roughly thirty, making the building appear even more imposing. The bureau, and hospital before it, was actually split into two separate buildings connected at the base by the first floor.

‘Still...its ironic isn’t it?’

It was ironic. So god damned ironic that it belonged in a bad novel or a crappy drama. This building was significant to Robert in more ways than one. It was in this very building twenty-four years ago that he had been born kicking and screaming into the world. How ironic that his human life should end within the same building it began.

That's right, his human life would be ending, he would be finally undergoing the conversion that he had for so long avoided, for so long despised. The revelation hit him like a freight train and he felt his legs turn to lead. The world swayed around him, and despite standing perfectly still the vertigo caused his stomach to do flips. He grit his teeth, fighting back the nausea. He hadn’t come this far to give up. Taking a deep breath, he made his way across the rain-slick street toward the bureau.

As he made his way up the stairs leading toward the door, he felt his legs become even heavier. Fighting the urge to turn and run, to give up, he took each step one by one, each one becoming more difficult than the last. He kept his goal firmly in his mind, the image of his sky-bound savior burned in his mind’s eye lending him the will to keep climbing. Finally, he made it to the top, the doors were right before him...as well as a pony. A pony wearing a cowboy hat.

What.

“Woah there sugarcube.” The cowpony warned. “Bureau ain’t open fer another few hours, come on back then.”

...What.

“...the hay’s wrong wit’chu? Ah said we’re closed, come back later!”

Robert shook himself out of his daze. Sure now that this wasn’t another hallucination he cleared his throat. “Pardon me, but I’m actually here to see someone- somepony.”

The orange mare glared. “Maybe you ain’t hearin’ me-”

“Shes a member of the staff.” Robert interjected. “She’s a pegasus. Her name is Rainbow Dash.”

The pony stiffened. “...and just how do ya know Dash?!”

Robert immediately noticed how the pony used ‘Dash’ when referring to Rainbow. She was obviously close to her...but how? “Shes a...friend of mine. Please, I need to speak with her; its important.”

The pony’ eyes narrowed. “She ain’t in no state to be talkin’ wit a human. So why dont’cha just Come. Back. Later.”

That was not a request. Robert felt his resolve waver in the face of the pony’s stubbornness and the reminder of just what put Rainbow in such a state. Despite this, he held his ground.

“No. I need to talk to her. Now.”

The pony grit her teeth and took a few steps forward. “And just what is so darn important that ya need ta bother her?!”

“I came to apologize...among other things.” Robert replied coolly.

“Apologize? Just why would’ja need ta-” The pony’s eyes widened. “Wait a consarn minute.”

At the same time Robert began to piece a few things together in his own mind. Cowboy hat, southern accent, freckles...

“Are you Robert?!”

Applejack. A tough, stubborn pony who was fiercely protective of her friends. Robert swallowed hard, this was going to be rough.

“Yes, and I came here to apologize to Rainbow for the way I acted yesterday. Please, you need to let me see-”

Robert didn’t have time to finish his sentence as the earth pony reared up and came down with a thunderous slam, the resulting shockwave sent him tumbling backwards and almost down the stairs. He fell with a wet ‘thud’ onto the stone top-step, his duffel becoming unfastened and rolling down the stairs. Applejack advanced upon him.

“Do you even know what shes been like?!”

“Wait, please-”

“Shes fallen ta pieces over tha things ya said!” She advanced further.

“Let me just-”

“Just what? Ya think you can just smooth all this over wit an apology? You city folk are all tha same!”

She was standing over him now. A blinding flash of lightning etched his retinas and outlined her figure against the dark sky. “All hat and no cattle.” she hissed, eyes narrowed.

Robert gasped as Applejack brought a hoof down on his shoulder. The blow wasn’t hard enough to injure him, but she was exerting an amount of force that betrayed her diminutive body.

“Twilight says yer sick or somethin’. That yer goin crazy or some noise. Personally, ah think shes right. Ah think you’ve been sick long before we ever came to yer world. What other reason could there be?”

Robert grit his teeth as the pony put more force behind her hoof, it was starting to become painful.

“Ah’m gonna let ya in on a little secret pard’ner. Shes too good for ya. She deserves better than some nobody human. What could ya even give her? What do ya even have ta offer her?”

What? What did that even mean? Unless...unless-

“That’s enough, Applejack!” a voiced called through the gloom. Robert looked up to see Twilight, Rarity, and a pink earth pony who he could only assume was Pinkie Pie standing in the entrance to the bureau.

Applejack removed her hoof from his shoulder and whipped around to face her friends. “No it ain’t!” She yelled. “He needs ta understand just what he did ta Dash!”

“Applejack hes here! He came of his own free will! What do you think that means?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Ah wont accept it! Hes no good Twi! Ah don’t know what his angle is but hes up ta somethin’! Hes got ta be!”

“And just what would that be?” Robert asked as he got to his feet. His gaze bored into Applejack. “What could I be up to?” he asked icily.

“W-well...” The cowpony stammered, her green eyes darting about.

“I’ll wait.”

Applejack glared at Robert. “It don’t matter! You’re-”

“You’re right. It doesn’t matter. None of this matters. The only thing that matters to me, right now, is Rainbow Dash.”

“Why you-”

“Now I am going to ask again.” Robert continued. “May I please speak to Rainbow Dash?”

“Yes. You may.”

Robert froze. He slowly turned around, and there fluttering a few feet over the stairs was the pegasus he had been longing to see.

“Dash! How long have you-”

“Long enough.” Rainbow replied. Her gaze drifted to Applejack. For a few long seconds neither said a thing to the other. Applejack looked away in shame.

“Dash-” she mumbled. “Ah, ah was just lookin’ out fer yer wellbein’”

“I never asked you to do that.” Rainbow replied coolly.

“But that’s what friends do!” Applejack cried desperately.

“And I think you’ve done enough.” replied the pegasus looking away.

“Rainbow...”

Rainbow Dash didn’t answer, her eyes were locked elsewhere.

Applejack’s head hung low as she turned and dejectedly made her way back to the doors of the bureau. She cast one more venomous glare at Robert before pushing past Twilight and Rarity back into the building.

Twilight released the breath she had been holding. “Robert I am sorry about that. She-” A white hoof came up and silenced her. “Mmph?!”

Rarity shushed her and nodded toward the human and the pegasus that faced each other on the stairs.

The rain stopped, but the distant rumbles of thunder remained. Robert took a deep breath. This was it, this was what he had been waiting for. It felt like his heart was beating a mile a minute in his throat, but he managed to start.

“Rainbow-”

“Your hand.”

“What?”

“What happened to it? John said you nearly broke it or something.”

“You talked to-” he shook his head. “Its a long story Dash...it happened last night...a lot of things happened last night.” He descended a few steps. “Dash, about yesterday I- I’m sorry. I am so sorry. That...that wasn’t me. I mean, it was a part of me but-” he brought a hand to his face. This was going to be hard. “There’s something wrong with me Dash. I didn’t mean a word of what I said but I couldn’t stop myself from saying it...it was horrible, like being trapped in my own mind...”

Rainbow crossed her forelegs against her chest. “It really hurt me Rob, the things you said...”

“I know. I know Dash and I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve any of that. You...you are the best thing to ever happen to me.”

Rainbow’s ears perked at this and she turned to fully face Robert.

“Applejack is right. I am a nobody Dash. I have nothing to offer someone as amazing as you, and before you entered my life I was even less than a nobody. All of my past goals, achievements, dreams...they are nothing now that the world is going to completely change. The one and only thing about my current life that I can say I am proud of, that gives it purpose, is the fact that I have you in it.”

Rainbow’s face tilted forward slightly, causing her wet prismatic bangs to obscure her eyes. She appeared to be shaking.

“And you do deserve better Rainbow. There are tons of other ponies or even people that could show you so much more. But...but I am willing to change, mentally and physically to be deserving of you. I want to stay with you Rainbow, to be with you, and God willing fly with you too.”

And in that one, clear moment, there was no need for poems or sonnets, no need for grandiose declarations or flowery prose. Just three little words.

“I love you.”

Rainbow inhaled sharply, her entire body seemed to be quivering. A ray of sun broke through a cloud, illuminating the stairs where they stood. Slowly, deliberately, Rainbow Dash looked up to Robert, her magenta eyes were wet with tears and a trembling smile was on her lips. Robert was taken aback; seeing her like this...she was- gone?!

Rainbow disappeared before his eyes as she darted straight up, then came down like a missile towards him. He hardly had any time to react before-

Mackenzie Lewis was having a bad day.

‘Do freelance photography they said, You’ll win a pulitzer they said.’

Jack-offs, all of them. It was his third month as a photographer and he hadn’t been able to land any good shots, which was surprising since the Conversion movement’s effects on human society seemed like such a ripe subject.

His partner Jack Gardener sat across from him at the small table at the cafe across the street from the conversion bureau. He was nursing a small latte while cycling through the images of his own camera.

“This sucks.” Mackenzie spat. “I can’t believe there are no fuckin’ shots to be found. Not a one.” He glanced at Jack’s camera. “What are you lookin’ at?”

“My own work. You should be focusing on yours Mack, that’s why we came here isn’t it? Something about the masses enrolling to get ponified being a ‘Fuckin’ Goldmine?’”

Mack groaned and brought his head down on the table. “Shut it. How was I supposed to know the place wasn’t going to be open for another two hours.” He turned his head over to look back at the entrance to the bureau...and noticed something going on.

“Hey...somethings going on up there near the doors.”

“Hmm?” Jack replied while not looking up from his camera.

Mack squinted, it looked like some sort of altercation but he couldn’t make out what was being said. He bent down and dug his camera out of his bag. He zoomed back in on the doorway, and noticed that a pegasus was now there, fluttering behind the two figures near the stairs, a group of other ponies now stood in the doorway.

Mack lowered his camera. “Hey Jack-”

“Mhmm...” he replied, completely absorbed in his own photos.

“This looks important!”

“Then you should shoot it right?” Jack replied nonchalantly.

Mack raised his camera again. A sunbeam had broken through the storms and illuminated the two figures on the stairs, a human wearing a green rain poncho and a rainbow-maned pegasus. The pegasus suddenly shot straight into the air and came down toward the human. He zoomed in further as she descended, just in time to catch-

“Holy shit!”

*Snap*

“Hm?” Jack looked up at the sounds of the shutter-clicks. “You get something?”

“Ooh yeah, you could say that.”

He turned his camera around to show the image on the small LCD screen. Jack set his own camera down and took Mack’s. He gazed at the picture for a few moments before smiling and giving Mack a thumbs up.

There, on the screen, a perfectly timed shot of the rainbow-maned pegasus locking lips with the human could be seen. The pegasus had her forelegs wrapped around the human’s neck, while the human was cradling her head in his hands. The sunbeam radiated through the pegasus’ mane and flared wings, giving her an almost angelic appearance.

It was a one and a million shot, and they were going to make sure everyone had the honor to appreciate it.

Their lips parted as a cloud obscured the momentary sunlight. Robert didn’t know what to expect from kissing a pony...but it hadn’t felt bad, or weird, or even furry like he thought it would. Their eyes met, both glistening with emotion.

“Me too.” she whispered as she buried her face into his neck.

Robert ran his hands down her back, under her wings and brought her close, holding her against him.

“You’re shivering.” Robert noticed.

“Featherbrain.” came the muffled reply. “I flew through the rain all the way to Manhattan to find you.”

Robert smiled as he gently rubbed her back. His heart was racing, he felt light-headed, but he couldn’t have been happier. For the first time, in a long time, the future seemed as bright as the sun. He knew now, holding the pony he loved, that he was ready to take his true first step into his new life.

Behind the two lovers, Rarity, Pinkie, and Twilight were all in varying degrees of emotion. Rarity’s eyes were wet from happiness, Twilight looked relieved, while Pinkie-

*PFFFFFBBTTHTFFTTT* “IT’S SO BEAUTIFULLL!!!” Pinkie cried while blowing her nose with a comically over-sized handkerchief. She gasped, immediately ending her sobbing as she cast aside the handkerchief. “You know what this calls for?!!?”

“Ahem.” Twilight cleared her throat. “Before that, don’t you think they should get out of the rain? Besides I have much I need to discuss with Robert.”

Pinkie’s exuberance deflated. “Fine. But I’m starting to think I’m not gonna be able to throw a party in New York!”

Robert and Rainbow Dash turned toward the door, and together made their way inside with the others.

Robert couldn’t remember a time where his legs had felt lighter.

Threshold to the Future

The Conversion Bureau

Change of Life

Part 7: Threshold to the Future

The storm continued to rage outside, the flashes of lightning illuminating one of the sky-walks that connected the upper levels of the two bureau buildings. Against the brilliance, a single shadowy figure could be seen. It was a white pegasus with a black mane and a shield for a cutie mark. His stature was tall and proud, his face stoic. He paused briefly to look out across the city, before turning with a snort back towards his destination.

He passed through the double doors into the east building and made his way down the hall. He stopped just outside a door in the very middle and gently knocked.

“Yes?” A soft, lilting reply came from within.

“Its Silver.”

“Come in.”

‘Silver’ gently turned the knob of the door with his hoof and trotted into the room. Immediately after entering, one could see that the dimensions of the room did not match up with how much space rested between the two neighboring doors. The walls stood at least fifty feet apart, while the ceiling (which was adorned with a particularly large print of the royal sigil) was almost twenty feet high. The room was decorated lavishly, vibrant decor adorned the walls while plush body pillows littered the floor. In the corner of the room, a unicorn mare with a green mane and yellow coat was seated in front of a laptop. She was frantically manipulating the keys with her magic, her face scrunched up in concentration. She looked up from the screen towards the door.

“Ah, just a moment please, the Pr-”

Silver glared.

“I-I mean Ms. Corona is just finishing her preparations. She will be with you shortly.”

The stallion nodded and turned away, choosing to remain near the door and face forward while the mare resumed her work on the laptop. The minutes crept by, with only the disjointed clicks of laptop keystrokes to break the silence. Eventually, Silver noticed movement at the far end of the room, and a unicorn mare with a white coat and pink mane stepped into view, seemingly from nowhere. Silver bowed deeply as she approached. The mare stopped a few feet short of Silver, and nodded to him with a warm smile. Silver rose to his hooves.

“I have finished my sweep of the bureau Ms. Corona. There is no suspicious activity to report.”

“Very good.” Corona replied. “Thank you for all of your hard work as always Silver.”

“Its my duty Ma’am.” Silver replied dismissively, yet he stood just a bit taller, a bit prouder. The change was not lost on Corona who giggled softly. The mare behind the laptop cleared her throat softly, calling the attention of the two other ponies.

“I just received a message from the press, their crews will be here within a half hour.”

For a fraction of a second a look of anxiety crossed Corona’s face, but was quickly swept aside by her usual serene expression. “Very good. I will make my way down to the first floor and wait for their arrival.”

“I shall accompany you.” Silver stated taking a few steps toward the unicorn before him.

Corona shook her head. “That won’t be necessary Silver.”

“Ms. Corona-”

“You said yourself there was no suspicious activity, so I should be just fine. Besides-” Corona turned toward the other mare. “-there is something else I need you to do. Something of great importance.”

As if on cue, the room was filled with a strange thrum. The green-maned unicorn’s horn began to glow with a different color, and seemed to be vibrating. She blinked in surprise before closing her eyes and appearing to whisper to herself. The silent conversation continued for almost a minute, with the mare’s face contorting into a variety of emotions before the glow faded and she let out a long breath. She turned to the others.

“There is apparently a human here already, wanting to enroll into the bureau.”

Silver tensed. “The bureau isn’t open for another two hours. Send them away.”

“Its apparently a special case. Twilight Sparkle herself requested that he be allowed entrance.”

“I don’t care.” Silver huffed. “I am currently in charge of security while Ms. Corona is here, and I say-”

“Silver.” The pink maned unicorn interjected. “Grant her request.”

The stallion balked. “But- M’lady-”

“Consider it a matter of great importance.” Corona entreated with a smile.

Silver stood silently for a few moments before sighing. “As you wish.” he acquiesced with a bow. “I will personally oversee his clearance into the building.”

“Thank you Silver. You are dismissed.”

With that the pegasus rose to his hooves, and with a nod to the secretary mare, swiftly exited the room. Corona turned toward the other mare.

“Please inform Twilight Sparkle that her request has been granted. I am off to prepare for the press conference.”

The secretary nodded and her horn began to glow. Corona quietly made her way out of the room, the door closing itself behind her.

“Well?” Rainbow Dash asked nervously, peering at her violet friend.

Twilight opened her eyes as the glow upon her horn receded, and smiled at the pegasus. “They are going to allow Robert in early, but only after hes been cleared by the head of security.”

“Woo Hoo!” Pinkie cheered, hopping almost three feet into the air.

Rainbow sighed in relief. “Thank Celestia...”

Twilight smiled a bit more knowingly than she may have wanted, but Rainbow didn’t seem to notice. Rarity cantered up to Rainbow Dash, her expression positively glowing. “Isn’t that wonderful Rainbow? Robert is going to be alright!”

The pegasus smiled and pulled her other unicorn friend into a neck hug. “Thank you Rarity.” she whispered.

“Of course darling.” She pulled away. “But I only gave you a little push, you were the one who made it happen, and I must say I am very impressed!”

Rainbow Dash quirked an eyebrow. “Impressed? Why?”

“Oh don’t play coy dear.” Rarity replied with a coquettish smile. “That kiss was absolutely breathtaking! It could have been right out of a play!”

Rainbow’s face immediately flushed and she looked down to the floor. “Y-yeah...well...y’know...”

“Oh how romantic!” Rarity swooned. “Two souls, brought together by fate, letting nothing stand in the way of their love! Oh its simply marvelous!”

“Kind of laying on a bit thick there Rarity.” Twilight chided softly.

Rarity pouted at the purple unicorn. “Oh hush. I am allowed a bit of fun before work now aren’t I? Besides, this is a wonderful day for Rainbow! We should be happy for her!”

Hearing the combination of ‘wonderful’, ‘happy’, and ‘day’ Pinkie Pie began to grin widely, almost unnaturally so. Twilight glowered at the pink earth pony. “No Pinkie. No parties. We have a lot of work to do today.”

Pinkie huffed in annoyance. “Well I think Rainbow Dash should be the judge of that.” She turned to the pegasus. “Come on Rainbow don’t you and Robby wanna part-ay?”

Rainbow gave no reply. She was still looking at her hooves, her face bright red and a dopey smile on her lips. Rarity tittered knowingly.

Pinkie hopped in front of Rainbow and leaned in close with a scrutinizing expression. “Uh, helooooo?”

Rainbow glanced up at Pinkie then jumped back in surprise. “Woah! Uh, sorry I was kind of- um thinking. Yeah...”

Pinkie cocked her head to the side. “Well?”

“Well what?”

“The party!” Pinkie cried, throwing her hooves up in exasperation.

“Party? What party?” She looked to her other friends. “There’s a party?”

Twilight and Rarity giggled, which proved to be infectious as soon they were all laughing together just like old times. Pinkie Pie decided it would be best to find Applejack, and the other ponies agreed waving her off as she bounded toward the elevators. It was as Pinkie disappeared from view that Rainbow Dash realized someone was missing.

“Wait...where’s-”

The doors to the building swung open, and the sound of soggy footsteps drew the attention of the ponies in the lobby.

The elevator doors slid open and Silver walked into the hall. If he was going to process this human, he was going to need some assistance. He cantered briskly down the hall to a door near the end and knocked. Three knocks, two knocks, and then three more; the code he had established with his subordinates. The door was briefly lit in a lime green glow and swung open, revealing a large green coated unicorn with a red mane standing at attention.

“Good Morning sir.” The green unicorn greeted with a salute.

“Good Morning.” Silver replied. The unicorn stepped aside allowing Silver into the room. It was a fairly spartan affair, with no decoration to be seen and a pair of bunk-beds bearing neat, neutral colored bedspreads resting in the corner. Another large unicorn, yellow with an orange mane, was already standing at attention next to the beds. The green unicorn telekinetically closed the door to the room before taking his place next to his fellow.

Silver said nothing, and instead took stock of the room. Everything appeared in order, but he had not gotten his position by shirking duty. He ran a hoof over the desk that lay opposite of the beds, and lifting it to his snout he found no dust. The desk itself was empty of any clutter, save for a single bit, which he took into his teeth. He then trotted over to the beds and flipped the coin onto the lower bunk, nodding in approval as it bounced back. He then repeated the test on the higher bunk, which yielded an identical result. He returned the coin to the desk and turned toward his subordinates.

“Good. At ease.” The unicorns relaxed their posture but kept their eyes forward. Silver cleared his throat. “I have just been informed that there is a human requesting early admittance into the bureau. Normally we would turn him away, but both Twilight Sparkle as well as Ms. Corona have decided to allow him entry.”

He allowed the information to sink in as he paced back and forth in front of his charges. “While I trust the judgement of Ms. Corona completely, protocol still needs to be observed. In my years of service I have found that a single lapse in vigilance, even the smallest, can lead to disaster.”

“Permission to speak freely sir?” asked the yellow unicorn.

“Granted.”

“How do we know he is not an HLF insurgent?”

“We don’t. That is why we are going to process him to the fullest extent possible. You two will be tasked with clearing him personally, while I will be running a background check.” He turned to the green unicorn. “You will be searching his belongings.” Then to the yellow unicorn. “And you will be searching his person. When I say searching his person I mean search. I’m talking deep. I don’t want a single inch of him, inside or out, to go unchecked.” The yellow unicorn’s expression soured slightly, but he kept his eyes forward. “Is that understood?”

“Sir yes sir!” the two unicorns chorused, to which Silver merely nodded. If he could, he would do all of this himself. However searching an individual for any potential threats required a finesse that only unicorn magic could accomplish, its why he chose these two in particular out of the rest of his outfit.

“Suit up. I want you ready in two.”

At once, two foot lockers that rested under the beds were coalesced in green and yellow light respectively and swung open. As the unicorns donned their security gear Silver trotted to the door, turned the knob, and exited the room.

That human was going to be in for quite the surprise.

Robert sneezed as he placed the last of his soaked clothes back into his duffel. He had been mere seconds from entering the bureau when he realized that his duffel had fallen down the stairs as a result of his encounter with Applejack. He had told the others to wait inside while he went to gather his things, only to discover that half of his belongings had fallen out onto the rain soaked sidewalk. To make matters worse, he had almost been finished replacing his clothes back into his bag when a gust of wind caught the manila envelope containing the picture and letter from his family and carried it down the street. He thankfully managed to catch it before it could land in a puddle, and placed it in the dryest, or at best the least wet part of the duffel.

Yet despite the dampness of his clothes, Robert’s spirits hadn’t dampened in the slightest. The events that had taken place not even ten minutes ago were still fresh in his mind, and recalling them made his heart swell and warmth fill his chest.

With a dopey grin he shouldered the bag and made his way back up the stairs. He reached the doors and reached for the handle, but hesitated slightly. This was it. By opening these doors, by crossing this threshold, his future would be determined in an instant. For one fleeting, and almost sickening moment, the thought of turning around and never turning back crossed his mind. He shook his head and squashed the idea instantly. It would not win. The fear would not win. He wouldn’t let it. He gazed through the glass doors, and saw Rainbow and her friends laughing. Rainbow Dash...laughing...happy...beautiful.

That was all he needed. With a deep breath he pulled open the doors, crossed the breezeway, and entered the bureau proper. Immediately upon entering however, Robert was confused. Before him lay two sets of conveyor belt x-ray machines, as well as two body scanners. Was this a conversion bureau or an airport? Then it hit him, these were more than likely security precautions against the HLF.

His wet footsteps had drawn the attention of the three ponies in the lobby. Applejack was noticeably absent, as was Pinkie Pie. He felt a pang of unplaceable guilt in his chest, but it dissolved instantly upon seeing Rainbow’s smiling face.

Robert grinned apologetically. “Sorry I took so long, some stuff fell out of my bag...”

“Oh dear!” Rarity gasped. “Are your belongings alright?”

“Eh.” Robert shrugged. “Most of my clothes are soaked, or getting soaked right now.” He sighed. “I don’t suppose you have laundry services here do you?”

Rainbow trotted over to Robert with a grin. “I wouldn’t worry about it dude. They’re gonna let you in, like, right now!”

Robert blinked. “That’s cool and all but I’m still going to need clothes aren’t I?”

Twilight stepped forward. “Actually Robert we were in all likelihood going to try and have you ponified immediately.”

He felt a dagger of ice pierce his heart. Now? As in, right now?

That’s unfair.

It was. He was nowhere near ready! What happened to a week of seminars? Of preparation?

They should understand.

They should. It was too soon. He needed to prepare himself. How could they do this to him right now?!

You should leave.

Yeah, he should! He should just turn around right now and-

He stopped that thought dead in its tracks. No. You aren’t going to win. I’m here. This is happening. Better it happen now than never.

Your courage will fail you.

I’ll be the judge of that. Leave me.

Never...

“Rob?! Rob are you alright?!”

His awareness returned. Rainbow was on her hind legs, her fore-hooves on his chest. She, and the other ponies wore expressions of concern. He shook his head furiously and looked down into Rainbow’s eyes. Those beautiful magenta eyes. He smiled and held her close. “Yeah...yeah I’m ok...”

Twilight trotted to the pair and smiled apologetically at the human. “I know it may seem fast but there is a good reason. We’ll discuss it after you are properly situated.”

He nodded slowly. “Alright...”

Rainbow fell back onto her hooves, but her face still bore a look of worry. “Are you sure you’re okay?

Robert knelt down to be at eye level with her. “Yeah...yeah. Its just, I thought I was going to have a little bit more time to...just soak all this in y’know?”

The pegasus gulped visibly. “You...you aren’t regretting, y’know...this are you?”

Regret? He searched his heart...his mind...he saw the beast leering at him, waiting for its chance to wrest control of the reigns and plunge him into further despair. He searched Rainbow’s face, her concern, the naked fear in her eyes...

He leaned in close and rested his forehead on hers. “Never. I meant what I said Rainbow. Sure its happening...faster than I thought it would, but if anything this is for the best.”

Satisfied with that answer, Rainbow Dash smiled and moved her head to the side, rubbing her cheek against his. “But...” he whispered into her ear. “I am a bit scared.”

“Don’t be.” Rainbow replied softly. “I’ll be with you through all of it, I promise.”

Her words filled his chest with an indescribable warmth, a warmth whose fires chased the monster away. He slowly pulled away and gazed into her eyes, eyes that were filled with love and mirth. He reached out and caressed her cheek softly. Between them a spark was ignited, a connection reached; the moment was too right. They slowly drew closer to one another, their eyes closing, their lips-

“Ahem.”

And just like that the moment shattered. The couple gasped and flinched away from each other as if hit by an electric shock. Everyone present whipped their heads toward the source of the interruption. A large white pegasus stallion flanked on either side by equally large unicorn stallions, one yellow and one green and both wearing kevlar vests, stood a few feet away. The two unicorns glanced at one another behind the pegasus’ back, and Robert felt his cheeks flush.

Rainbow glowered at the pegasus.

“Oh, hon-es-tly!” Rarity whined, stamping her hooves with every syllable. “Silver why must you ruin everything?!”

The middle stallion stepped forward, ignoring the outburst, his grey eyes peering at Robert with an almost uncomfortable intensity. “As you...already know I suppose, my name is Silver. I am currently the head of security for this bureau. I assume you are the early arrival?”

Robert nodded and stood. Silver turned to the unicorn on his left and nodded towards the duffel. The bag was coalesced in a pale green light and lifted away from Robert toward one of the x-ray machines. The green unicorn cantered to the machine and began to telekinetically manipulate its settings, and in a few seconds it thrummed to life.

Silver trotted up to Robert, which gave him a scope as to just how large he actually was. While most ponies only came to at or slightly above hip height, the stallion before him stood almost as tall as his lower chest. His size, in concert with his toned musculature gave him an intimidating presence.

“Before we continue, I will enlighten you regarding a few rules here at the bureau. First, no electronics. Period. This means no cell phones, laptops, mp3 players, tablets, nothing. Do you have anything of the sort on your person or in your bag?”

Robert shook his head, mentally thanking John for the early warning.

“Good. Second, while you are here you will not be permitted to leave the premises. The exception being your decision to drop out of the program.”

“I understand, and I have no intention of leaving.” Out of the corner of his eye he saw Rainbow Dash smile. This wasn’t so bad, he could do this.

“Fine. Third, no alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances or weapons will be permitted within the bureau. If you have any on your person say so now. If they are found in your possession later you will be immediately ejected from the bureau without question.”

Oh. Fuck.

“Do you have any substances or weapons on your person?”

Robert was sweating profusely. “Uh...well...”

Silver glared.“I will say this again. None of the aforementioned items will be permitted in this building. If you have any on your person relinquish them. Now.”

Robert’s eyes darted all over the place before falling on Rainbow. Immediately words of wisdom, heard long ago from his father, dredged themselves up from his memory.

Son, love is a lot of things. That includes compromise. One day you will find the love of your life, and if you want to keep that love, you will need to make compromises. Some will hurt more than others, and others still will seem impossible. Just remember, if that love is strong enough, true enough, you will be able to overcome anything.

He took a few deep breaths into his charred, ash-laden lungs. He could do this. Besides...he was getting ponified immediately, and the process was supposed to cure all human ailments including the heaviest of drug addictions. He could do this. He could do this.

Robert reached into his poncho and pulled out five unopened packs of cigarettes. Twilight and Rarity gasped, Rainbow grinned broadly.

“Good on ya Rob. I knew you could do it.” Robert gave her a weary smile.

The yellow unicorn levitated a small dish from the inactive x-ray machine, the one used to hold wallets and other small personal belongings, over to Robert. With only the slightest hesitation, he dropped the packs into the tray.

Robert sighed. He knew he was better off without them, that they were killing him, but giving up a crutch that helped carry you through the worst of times was still rough. He noticed however that the tray was still hovering in front of him, both Silver and the yellow unicorn staring at him. Robert brought a palm to his forehead and reached into his front pocket, pulling out a half empty pack and added it to the others.

“Is that all?” Silver asked, an eyebrow quirked.

Robert was about to nod before bringing his palm to his face yet again. He whirled around walked over to his bag, which still rested against the x-ray machine. He opened the duffel and dug through its wet contents, pulling out four more packs. At this Rainbow joined the others with an expression of mild shock. “Holy bucking Celestia Rob...”

“Yeah I know...” Robert replied gloomily as he placed them with the others in the now overflowing tray. Silver and the unicorn glanced at one another, before returning their gazes back to Robert.

“You know-” Silver began.”-there have been issues in the past with individuals attempting to smuggle banned substances into the bureaus. They would try to get them past security, sell them to the other bureau residents, then drop out of the program with a nice profit.” His gaze bored into Robert, who frantically waved his hands in front him.

“They were all for me, I swear to God. I’m a pack-and-a-half a day smoker, and I thought I was going to be here for a week.”

Silver blinked. “What do you mean you thought you were going to be here for a week?”

Twilight roused herself from her shock and spoke up. “Um, actually Silver Robert is going to be ponified immediately.”

“What? Why?”

“Well, um, that is...”

Silver stared at the lavender unicorn before a look of understanding crossed his features, followed shortly by disdain. “I see. Very well, but I will need to speak with you at length Lady Sparkle.”

Twilight’s ears folded down and she nodded dejectedly. Robert looked back and forth between the two ponies in confusion. Was she not supposed to tell him about his condition? Silver turned to the yellow unicorn. “Place those aside for now, we will have maintenance incinerate them.” He turned back to Rob.

“Where was I...oh yes; the rules. The three aforementioned guidelines are the most important. Obviously things like violence or gross misconduct will also have you ejected. You will receive a pamphlet detailing more. Now, remove any metal objects from your pockets and place them within this tray.”

Robert found a now empty tray floating before him and he complied placing his wallet and keys into it. He also removed his shoes and belt without being told to do so and placed them on the x-ray’s conveyor belt alongside his bag. The yellow unicorn, levitating a metal detecting wand trotted up to him.

“Please remove your coat and place it on the belt.” Robert complied, removing his poncho and giving it a few shakes to remove the excess water before folding it and placing it next to his shoes. Once that was done, the belt began to move and carry his belongings through the x-ray. The unicorn then began to move the wand over his body. Finding nothing on his person, the unicorn returned the wand to a holster on his vest and led Robert to the body scanner. A few moments later he was on the other side, apparently cleared.

The other ponies, taking a separate path through the checkpoint, met Robert as he was putting on his shoes. Twilight smiled apologetically. “Sorry about all the fuss Robert, but you can never be too careful.”

“Hey its no trouble, humans go through this all the time at airports.”

“Still, it would be nice if it wasn’t necessary.” Twilight sighed.

Robert nodded, and turned to grab his coat and bag, only to find them levitated out of his reach.

“Pardon the inconvenience.” said the green unicorn. “But due to the nature of your enrollment and early arrival, your belongings as well as your person will need to undergo additional searching.”

At this, Robert felt a strange almost electric feeling ripple through his body. Looking down, he was shocked to see his body enveloped in a yellow light. He turned his head and saw the yellow unicorn, his expression impassive. “Remain calm.” he sighed. “You need to be searched further, in private.” To Robert’s horror, he felt his body become rigid and unresponsive. His arms and legs were glued together by the yellow aura, as if they had been bound by rope. His body pivoted on his heels and slid all the way to a door on the other side of the lobby. The door swung open, and with one last horrified glance at Rainbow Dash he was pushed inside. The unicorn followed and shut the door behind him.

Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Twilight Sparkle all stood in shock, unable to speak. Rainbow was the first to snap out of it and in seconds she was in Silver’s face.

“What the BUCK was that about ‘Silver’?!”

Silver’s stoic expression wavered only slightly as he frowned. “Protocol Lady Dash. I assure you he will be unharmed.”

“Protocol my FLANK!” Rainbow snarled. “What possible reason do you have to put him through this?!” She shot a hoof toward the green unicorn, who was magically removing all the contents from Robert’s bag and sorting through them.

“Precaution. Hes being allowed early admittance during a particularly dangerous time. We need to be absolutely sure he isn’t connected to the HLF.”

From across the lobby a muffled yell could be heard. Followed by monotone instructions to remain calm.

“He isn’t!” Rainbow screeched, her rapidly fraying nerves made all the worse by Robert’s scream. “I’ve known him for months! We hang out all the time!”

“Be that as it may, protocol is protocol. Now if you’ll excuse me I have a background check to run.” With that, Silver trotted to the collection tray and took Robert’s wallet into his mouth before cantering toward the security office.

Rainbow was shaking violently, her face red with rage. Rarity trotted over to her and gently patted her on the back. “Calm down love. Calm. Down. Robert will be fine.”

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!!”

“Sir. Please remain calm. It will be over soon.”

“What are you...no. NO. OH GOD JESUS WHY?!”

It took both Twilight and Rarity to magically restrain Rainbow from blasting her way into the room to try and rescue Robert. This went on for roughly a minute longer before the door swung open, revealing a shaking, traumatized Robert and a weary yellow unicorn. The two slowly made there way back to the group, with Robert walking in apparent discomfort.

“Look, if its any consolation man I didn’t want to do that either. Orders are orders.” said the yellow unicorn apologetically.

Robert merely nodded, his expression vacant. Rarity and Twilight released their hold on Rainbow who barrelled into Robert, almost knocking him over.

“Are you alright?! Rob?! Speak to me!” she cried, clutching him desperately.

“Fine.” Robert replied hollowly. “I’m...fine...”

“What happened to you in there?!”

“I...never want to talk about it.”

Rainbow cast a baleful glare at the yellow unicorn who sighed. “I had to do a...thorough search using magic. Silver’s orders.” he glanced at the green unicorn. “Hes clean by the way.”

“Yep, nothing here either.” the other security officer replied, placing Robert’s belongings back into his duffel.

Rainbow glared down the hall. “That Celestia-damned-”

“Rainbow.” Robert interjected. “Really, I’m alright.” He ran a hand through her mane affectionately before placing her on the ground.

The pegasus cast a worried gaze at Robert before sighing. “Are you sure?”

Robert peered off into space. “I could sure use a smoke right now. Lets leave it at that.”

Twilight winced at Robert’s pain. “I retract my previous comment. Sometimes...you can be too careful.”

“Indeed.” Rarity agreed with a nod.

Robert shuffled over to his belongings, and replaced his belt around his waist. He reached for his keys and wallet only to notice that the later was missing. The human turned to the green unicorn, who shrugged. “Silver took it for a background check.”

“Of course he did.” Robert said with a sarcastic chuckle as he ran his fingers through his hair. The human was clearly at wits end, and Rainbow was about to try and comfort him when the clopping of hoof beats announced Silver’s return. Robert’s wallet was still in his teeth, and he had a folder tucked under his left foreleg. He mouth-threw the wallet to the human, who caught it ease and placed it in his back pocket.

Immediately, the green and yellow unicorns stood at attention side by side. “Sir, he has no contraband in his possession.” The yellow unicorn reported.

“Fine.” Silver acknowledged. He turned to Robert. “For all intents and purposes you are clear. I do however have a few questions for you, which will need to be asked in private.”

Rainbow was about to protest when Robert gently laid a hand on her head. “Its alright Dash. I’ll be fine. You guys should head over to the ponification rooms. Ill met you there when this is done.”

“But-” Her protest was cut short by a finger on her lips.

“I’ll be fine.” the human repeated before bending down, with a bit of difficulty, to peck her on the cheek. Rainbow’s face flushed deeply as she turned away. “Alright...” she acquiesced.

“Your belongings will be waiting for you once you undergo the process.” Silver said with a nod towards the yellow unicorn, who levitated Robert’s bag and coat off of a nearby table. He gestured to Robert and the green unicorn to follow him and together they made their way down the hall out of the lobby.

They walked in silence through the building’s many corridors. Robert eventually lost track as they made their way down stair cases, hallways, and passages. Eventually, they reached a solid steel door, which the green unicorn opened. Silver turned to Robert and nodded towards the open room. With a sigh, Robert complied and strode inside.

The room was slate gray, with only a steel table, a chair, and a bright overhanging light being its only furnishings. It was an interrogation room right out of an NYPD precinct.

‘From bad to worse. Perfect.’ Robert thought gloomily as he made his way to the table. Behind him, the door shut with a loud metallic thud as the two ponies took their places across the table from him.

“Please, have a seat.” Silver offered motioning towards the chair.

Robert eyed it hesitantly. “I think I’ll stand.”

“Suit yourself.” Silver replied dismissively as he placed the folder onto the table. “Before we begin, allow me to enlighten you about the situation. Ms. Corona, liaison to Princess Celestia, has decided that you are to be allowed in early. Due to recent HLF activity, we must be absolutely sure that you pose no threat to anyone here at this bureau.” He nodded to the unicorn. “Let me formally introduce you to my subordinate here.” At this, the green unicorn stepped forward. “This is Agent Evergreen. He serves under me as my...information gatherer. You see, his magic specializes in determining truth. I am sure you have heard of a polygraph test?”

Robert nodded.

“Think of this as a much more precise version of that. I will be asking you a series of questions and you will reply truthfully. If you lie, Evergreen will know which means I will know. When that happens, we are going to have problems.”

‘When that happens. Figures.’ Robert thought irritably. He wasn’t going to let this stuck up bastard intimidate him, after all he had nothing to hide. Wait...

“If that’s the case then why the fuck did I have to be searched?! You could have just done this from the beginning to know I wasn’t a security risk!”

“Temper, Mr. Parker.” Silver warned with a smirk. “I pride myself on being thorough. Once this is done you will be free to use the bureau without anymore harassment, barring any revealed information that could refute your previous claim of course.”

Robert merely glowered at the pegasus.

“Well then-” Silver began as he nosed open the folder on the table. “-lets get started.” At this, the green unicorn’s horn glowed to life and the room was briefly filled with a strange ringing. Robert winced and dug a finger into his ear.

“First, let me say that I was surprised to see you didn’t bring your driver’s license.”

“Don’t have one.”

Silver paused and glanced up from the folder on the table. “Is that so? I was under the impression that every human over the age of eighteen possessed one.”

“Well I don’t. Never needed one. Too much of a hassle to drive in the city.”

Silver glanced at the unicorn, who nodded in confirmation. “Very well.” Silver conceded. “Just be grateful you had the presence of mind to bring your social security card and a valid photo I.D.”

“Whatever.”

“Moving on.” Silver continued. “Allow me to verify your personal information, to make sure there aren’t any discrepancies of course.”

“You mean to make sure it isn’t falsified.” Robert spat.

“Yes that too I suppose, but those are your words not mine.” Robert merely glared in response.

Silver cleared his throat and began to read off of the page in front of him. “Robert Alexander Parker, age twenty four, born to Phil and Mary Parker in New York City-” he blinked in surprise. “-in this very building no less! How interesting.” He paused to look up at Robert. “Do you verify this to be true so far?”

“Yes.”

Evergreen confirmed it with a nod.

“Attended PS 114 for high school, and graduated with honors from Fordham University.”

“Yes.”

Again, Evergreen nodded.

“No prior arrests...citations...or fines. My, my Mr. Parker your record is spotless.”

Robert crossed his arms with a shrug. “What can I say? Up until the Conversion movement I led a very uneventful life.”

“Indeed. However most security risks, like HLF insurgents for example, share records almost identical to yours; whether it be through falsified information or just no prior history of civil disorder.”

“So I am a potential threat because I have a clean record?” Robert asked incredulously.

“You seem intelligent enough to understand Mr. Parker. When insurgents, of any dissident faction, need to act abroad it is much more preferable to have an unstained history. It makes them harder to detect, to track or...to route out.” Silver stated calmly, with slightly more emphasis on the last part. Robert merely smirked.

“Sounds like you’re just being paranoid.” he scoffed.

“Perhaps Mr. Parker, perhaps. But as I said before I pride myself on being thorough.” Silver replied placidly. “By the way, would you be willing to confirm the previous part of your record?”

“Of course. I have no prior arrests, citations, or fines.”

There was a pause, and Evergreen nodded in confirmation.

Silver shrugged. “I guess that’s all for your background.” he stated simply as he flipped another page in the folder. “Now...we get to the issue.”

‘Here we go...’ Robert thought wearily.

Silver cracked his neck before fixing Robert with a stolid gaze. “Robert Parker. Do you have any current or prior affiliation with the dissident faction known as the Human Liberation Front?”

“No.”

Evergreen nodded.

“Have you ever engaged in any criminal actions or gross misconduct against a bureau, its staff or inhabitants?”

“No.”

Again Evergreen confirmed it to be true.

“Have you, in the past at anytime, considered joining the Human Liberation Front?”

Robert felt his jaw clench involuntarily. Silver quirked an eyebrow at his hesitation.

“...yes.” Robert admitted bitterly. Evergreen blinked before nodding in confirmation.

Silver’s eyes widened slightly. “Is that so? Care to elaborate as to why?”

Robert sighed. “I was angry. My design firm went under because of the movement, and everyone I knew got ponified and disappeared. I thought the HLF could have helped me to...shit I don’t know. Get revenge? I know that sounds bad, believe me, but I changed my mind immediately when I heard about the violence, the killings.”

Silver nodded slowly and turned to Evergreen. The unicorn’s eyes were closed, he seemed to be scanning every piece of what he had just heard. After a few long seconds his eyes opened and he nodded to his superior. Silver turned back to Robert.

“I commend your honesty Mr. Parker as well as your change of heart, which I assume-” He slid the second page within the folder across the table to Robert. “-is due in no small part to her?”

Robert picked up the paper, which revealed it to be a black and white print out of he and Rainbow Dash walking side by side down a sidewalk.

Robert glared at the pegasus. “How did you get this?”

“Surely you know? Rainbow Dash, as well as her five other compatriots, are national treasures. Heroes who time and time again have saved our world from evils beyond your imagination. However, they are young and lack the maturity such an elevated station demands. Did you really think we would allow them to scatter into your world without any sort of protection? Supervision? We have been watching them Mr. Parker and all they interact with. That includes you.”

Robert grit his teeth. “You never needed my identification for a background check. You probably had one done before.”

“Several actually. None of them revealed anything of actual consequence.” Silver admitted nonchalantly. “Most of what you experienced in the lobby was an act. My apologies.”

Robert felt his teeth grind in anger. In the face of everything he had been through and the revelation that was beginning to dawn on him his rage was starting to boil over. “This was never about the HLF...”

“Yes and no. As I have said before countless times, I pride myself on being thorough. You should be relieved; through the background checks, the surveillance, and this little exchange I can say with absolute certainty that you aren’t-”

Robert brought his fists down onto the table with a thunderous slam. “THAT IS NOT WHAT THIS IS FUCKING ABOUT. JUST COME OUT AND SAY IT!!!” He screamed at the pegasus.

The sudden outburst caused Evergreen to flinch away from the table. Silver however appeared unfazed and didn’t move an inch.

The seconds ticked by in silence. The passage of time stretched unnaturally from the tension in the air. Finally, Silver sighed.

“Very well human. You seem to now understand the purpose of this meeting, so I no longer see the point in deception.” His grey eyes peered coldly into Robert’s enraged brown. “Your relationship with her is inappropriate.”

“Why?!” Robert spat.

“Differing species aside, her destiny is one of glory. She and her friends will go on to do things that you could never hope to accomplish, much less comprehend. You are holding her back.”

“BULLSHIT!” Robert roared. “I came here to be ponified! So the issue of my species is irrelevant! And do you think I don’t know how amazing she is?!” He leaned across the table. “I know she’s incredible, that in comparison I’m pretty much nothing. But, you know what?” He leaned in even closer, his face now inches away from Silver’s, his voice barely above a whisper. “She doesn’t care about that. She accepts me, loves me for who I am and I love her. That will never change. Ever.” With that he drew back from the pegasus, who now bore the slightest trace of a grimace across his muzzle.

The tense silence returned, with the previous exchange still ringing in the air. Evergreen glanced back and forth between the human and his superior as they stared each other down. He had never seen Silver this furious. Sure, to an outsider he appeared to be calm, but to Evergreen who had served under him for years the almost imperceptible snarl on Silver’s lips spoke volumes on his barely controlled anger. The human’s visage was equally intense if not more so. The tension in the room was beginning to become unbearable when Silver suddenly turned to Evergreen.

“Well?”

The unicorn stared blankly at his superior for a moment before realizing what he meant and refocused his magic, scanning the human’s previous words. Finding only truth within them he nodded slowly.

Silver turned back to Robert, and after a few long seconds released the breath he had apparently been holding. His expression returned to its usual impassive state.

“Very well. It would appear I cannot change your mind.”

“You’re damn right.” Robert snarled defiantly.

Silver allowed only the smallest trace of a smirk to enter his features. “You’ve got a fire in you boy, that much I’ll give you. You pass.”

Robert blinked in confusion.

“Really-” Silver continued as he gathered up the folder and placed it under his foreleg. “-I have no right to decide whom she loves. No...I gave that up long ago...”

Now Robert was extremely confused. “What?”

Silver turned to Evergreen. “Escort him to the ponification floor. Afterwards, report to Ms. Corona that Robert Parker has been completely cleared for early admittance. Then I want you to meet back up with Sunburst and prepare for what we spoke about earlier.” Evergreen merely nodded, too confused to give a verbal reply.

Silver turned and made his way to the door, which the dazed unicorn magically opened. He partially exited the room and stopped.

“One more thing Mr. Parker.” the pegasus said without turning around. “I know it was your condition talking...but If you ever hurt my daughter like that again I will stomp your head to a pulp.” With that, Silver exited the room proper and vanished into the dark hallway.

Robert and Evergreen stood motionless, not fully grasping the previous statement. Then, as it sunk in, their eyes widened simultaneously in shock.

Robert slowly fell into the chair he had refused earlier, his previous anger and bravado deflating like a balloon. He turned to the unicorn.

“Did...did you-”

“No.” Evergreen replied, just as shocked as Robert was. “No he- he never spoke about his family. Ever. I honestly thought this was a normal interrogation...”

“Huh.” Robert replied blankly.

Yet again silence reigned in the interrogation room, its occupants too stunned to do much else than process the revelation they just received. Eventually Evergreen turned back to Robert.

“We...we should-”

“Yeah.” Robert replied. “Yeah lets go...”

Robert rose to his feet and cast one last look at the picture on the table before following the green unicorn out of the room.

The hum of the elevator served as fitting background noise to Robert’s thoughts. The ponification floors were halfway up each tower of the bureau and they were currently ascending the east tower, supposedly to where Rainbow and the others were waiting for him.

He replayed his encounter with Silver in the lobby for the countless time, trying to remember Rainbow’s reaction. She had seemed displeased to see him, but that could have been due to the interruption of their...moment. Did she not recognize him? Did she not know who he was? Rainbow never talked much about her parents, only that her father had left when she was small and her mother was forced to raise her alone in Cloudsdale. It was a painful subject so Robert never brought it up.

The ‘ding’ of the elevator signalled their arrival as the doors opened. “The ponification floor.” Evergreen stated matter-of-factly. “The waiting room will be down the hall and to the left.”

“Alright. Thanks.” Robert replied as he exited the elevator.

“Good luck Robert. Something tells me you are going to need it.” Evergreen called through the closing doors.

Robert stood alone in the hall, his head abuzz with what had occurred in the interrogation room. If Silver’s words had been true, then that would mean he had gained the approval of Rainbow’s father...which was good. Yet, knew he was going to have to confront Rainbow about this eventually and that set his nerves on edge. He had no idea how he would even begin to approach such a subject.

Fuck he needed a cigarette. Bad.

At some point during his reflection his legs had carried him right to the door to the waiting room. Upon realizing where he was, what he was about to walk into, all other thoughts were pushed from his mind. He stood motionless before the door, his blood rapidly filling with ice. He could almost see the chasm from his dreams superimposed before him, through this threshold.

This...this was it. This was really it. All he needed to do was open this door and-

Your courage will fail you.

He gasped, clutching at his chest. The icy dagger was twisting deeper into his heart.

You are weak.

Be quiet.

You will break.

Be quiet!

You will never make it to the other side.

Leave me!!

Succumb.

His breath refused to fill his lungs. He could feel his throat begin to close as stars filled his vision.

You’ve got a fire in you boy, that much I’ll give you. You pass.

His vision returned in full as well as his breath. He took several long gulps of air and, bolstering his courage, opened the door and entered the waiting room.

“WHAT THE HAY DO YOU MEAN HE HAS TO WAIT THREE DAYS?!!”

Sky-Bound Savior

The Conversion Bureau
Change of Life
Part 2: Sky Bound Savior

Robert finished shaving and gave himself the once-over in the mirror. He looked a bit more presentable, if only just. Throwing on a t-shirt and jeans, he returned to the living room to prepare the next part of his routine. Against the far wall rested a futon mattress, a throwback to his college days that he didn’t have the heart to get rid of, even if it lacked a frame. Moving the coffee table, he laid the mattress in its place and glanced over at the clock; 8:15.

‘Good, I still have a bit of time before she gets here.’

He grabbed his smokes and slid open the glass door leading to his balcony. The weather report that had woken him earlier was way off. The air was dank with humidity, and combined with the morning sun beating onto the balcony the temperature felt closer to 85 than the high seventies. Lighting up yet another cigarette he took a seat on the plastic lawn chair (the only piece of furniture on the balcony) and gazed out across Manhattan.

Pegasi could be seen as far as Union City. Some seemed to be flying with destinations in mind, and others looped and darted about aimlessly, appearing to just exult in the joy that was flight. Robert had to admit, the ability to fly was a pretty strong draw for the conversion movement. The governor had thrown a fit when the first requests to remove the no-fly zone over the city came in. However, as the number of humans in the city dwindled, so did the opposition to the bill, and he had no choice but to relent.

Robert had begun to slip into his own flight-filled fantasies when he heard the door of his neighbor slide open. A light brown Unicorn with a black mane emerged, two cups of coffee levitating above his head. Stifling a yawn the pony addressed Robert in a sleepy tone.

“Morning Rob.”

“Morning Mr. Miller”

The pony scoffed and levitated a cup over to Robert, who took it with thanks.

“Rob, we’ve been neighbors for three years.”

“Heh, sorry. Morning John”

“That’s better.”

Whenever Robert had spiraled into darkness, and believed everyone he cared for to be gone, he would always be reminded that wasn’t the case when he came out onto his balcony each morning. John Miller had been Robert’s neighbor for as long as Robert had lived in the fifty year old Brownstone, and the two became close friends. They often spent their mornings like this, shooting the shit while enjoying John’s premium home ground blend. It was a tradition that persisted even after John’s ponification.

John maneuvered his floating mug to his lips and took a gulp. “So, did’ja catch Maitland crash and burn in that debate earlier?”

Robert laughed. “Yeah, it was painful.”

“I’ll say. Plus that newcomer was pretty easy on the eyes.”

Robert grinned, it was too easy. “The Unicorn?”

The pony glared. “Smartass. I don’t care if they say your ‘tastes’ change after the conversion, for me sex will always walk on two legs not four.”

Robert chuckled. “Yeah, that red head is a bombshell. What happened to their original guy?”

“Apparently he got ponified and they needed someone new. Fucking miracle that they were able to land someone like that though. Slim pickings these days when it comes to humans.”

“I’ll say.”

The two sat in silence for a while. Drinking their coffee and, in Robert’s case, smoking. John broke the silence when he spied the mattress behind the glass door.

“Oh man. Still?”

Robert drank the last of his coffee and turned to John. “What?”

John tilted his head towards Robert’s door.

“Oh. Yeah. Almost every day.”

John laughed heartily. “You’ve got a thing for her.”

It was Robert’s turn to glare. “She’s a horse.”

“Pony.”

“Whatever. It’s like you said, sex walks on two legs not four. She’s just a friend.” He held out the empty mug to John who levitated it out of his palm with a grin.

“Hey man you never know. They say that it’s different for everyone…maybe your ‘tastes’ will change a lot more quickly than mine.“

At this Robert shifted his gaze back to the pegasi in the sky and shrugged. Immediately he heard the sound of two ceramic mugs shattering on John’s balcony. Robert turned and found the pony staring at him wide-eyed.

“The hell is up with you?”

“The hell is up with YOU? In the past anytime I would even graze the idea of you heading to the bureau you would look like you wanted to strangle me. Now all I get is a shrug? Did something happen?”

Robert shrugged again and returned to looking at the pegasi. “A lot of things I guess.”

“Is it your family?”

Damn. John could always see right through him. Robert refused to confirm John’s assumption though, his pride wouldn’t allow it.

“It’s…a lot of things.”

John stared at Robert for a few long seconds before levitating the shards of the broken mugs into a tiny trash bin on his balcony.

“Look-“ He began. “-Nobody is making you get converted, and nobody is making you stay human. The choice is yours, as well as any reasons you have for making it or not. Whether or not you go through with it, my coffee and I will still be here.”
Robert sighed, and turned to John with a smile. “Thanks man, that means a-“ Robert gasped. “Oh shit, you have the time?”
John glanced back into his own apartment. “Almost half past eight.”

Robert’s head whipped skyward. He could already see the prismatic trail appearing from behind a far skyscraper. He took one last quick drag from his smoke and flicked it off the balcony.

John shook his head and grinned. “Alright lover boy I won’t keep you from your date.” He turned towards his door and stole a quick glance back at Robert. “Tell her I said ‘Hi’” he added with a wink, and then disappeared back into his apartment.
“Har Har.” Robert replied to nobody. He turned to his door and slid it open, then looked back to the trail of refracted light. The cloud of pegasi was already beginning to split in order to accommodate the multi-colored missile streaking towards his building.

Robert had many, many reasons to despise the ponies and their movement. In fact he probably had more reasons than most people still living in the city. Yet for all the reasons he had to be full of hatred, there was only one responsible for the fact that he wasn’t.

And it was hurtling towards his balcony at over a hundred miles an hour.

As the kaleidoscopic blur drew ever closer, Robert could see two pastel blue wings flare out and its speed slow considerably. He held out his open hands expectantly, and as the blur screamed past him four envelopes fell neatly into them. What followed could only be described as a cannonball hitting a pillow as the mattress broke the fall of the supersonic flyer and was slid all the way into the kitchen. Robert walked into his living room just in time to see the rainbow-maned pegasus pop her head out of the crumpled mattress.

“TIME?!” She yelled.

Robert glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. “8:30 on the dot. Nice job!”

“YESSSS!” The pegasus cheered. Dislodging herself from her down-filled prison, she flew to the center of the room and pumped her hooves in victory. “Best flyer of Equestria?! Try best flyer ON EARTH!”

Rainbow Dash. The fastest living thing to ever grace the skies of Equestria and the world beyond. She was currently serving as both a mail-pony and a weather control expert in New York, and had been delivering Robert’s mail for the past three months. The two had met under…less than desirable circumstances, specifically when on the first day of her route Rainbow Dash obliterated his sliding glass door and was injured as a result. A lot happened between that day and the present, and the two now spent the majority of their free time together. Rainbow brought some much needed color into Robert’s life, while Robert alleviated her crushing boredom. However strange their meeting had been, their friendship ran deep.

Robert laughed as Rainbow Dash continued her midair victory dance. “You never get tired of that do you?

“Psh. You’re just jealous. AND a sore loser.”

Robert sighed. A while back, shortly after the door incident, Robert had extended a challenge to Rainbow. If she could get his mail to him by 8:30 in the morning, he would have to buy her lunch after she got off her weather duties. Robert had originally planned the challenge just to spite her for breaking his door, but he had severely underestimated her speed and desire to win. She never lost. Not even once. However over the time they had known each other, the challenge had lost much of its competitive feeling (for Robert at least), and was now just the way the two began their day together.

Robert threw up his hands in resignation. “Yeah, yeah I know. You win yet again Dash. Come on back when you’re done with weather patrol and I’ll-“

“Oh! I actually have the rest of the day off.”

“Really? What about your other stops?”

Rainbow blinked and nosed through the two saddle bags on her sides. “Nope, looks like you’re the last on my route.”

“Huh.” Robert scratched his head. Usually after Rainbow Dash had dropped of his mail, she would have a few more stops and then her weather duties. This worked out almost too well for Rainbow, as she would be done with work by noon; the perfect time for, as she liked to put it, her ‘victory lunch’.

Robert was about to ask why she had the day off but noticed the disarray of his living room. The mattress lay in a heap in his kitchen, some pictures had been knocked off the end-table, and a few chairs had fallen over. Dash noticed Robert looking about with disdain and smiled sheepishly.

“Uh...hehe…my bad”

Robert finished moving the coffee table back to its original place and slumped into his couch. Rainbow hovered over and sat next to him.

“So, what do ya wanna do? We’ve got the whole day.”

“Hrm…no idea.” Robert said as he reached for the remote. The TV hummed to life as the News channel materialized onto the screen. A recap of the earlier debate was being broadcasted, showing highlights of Twilight and Maitland’s exchange. Rainbow Dash’s expression twisted into a scowl.

“Ugh. I HATE that dweeb.”

“You and I both, but you should have seen it Dash. He got bent over the political table earlier and by that Purple Unicorn no less.”

The highlight switched to the part of the debate where Twilight had skillfully shot down Maitland’s attempt at turning the exchange into a holy war. Rainbow began to laugh uncontrollably at seeing Maitland’s beet-red face.

“HAHAAA—OH MAN THAT’S GOOD! Next time I see that egghead I have to congratulate her!”

Robert blinked. “You know Twilight Sparkle?”

Rainbow stopped laughing and turned to Robert with a look that screamed ‘Really?’

Robert thought for a minute, and then brought a palm to his face. “That’s right; she’s one of your friends from Equestria.”

“Uh. Yeah. How could you have forgotten?”

Robert sighed as his expression became sullen. “Sorry, there’s been a lot on my mind.”

Rainbow gasped and lunged at Robert taking his head in her hooves, a look of mock-concern on her very close face. “Oh no! You’re spiraling again! Come back to me Rob; don’t go back to being a wishy-washy dweeb! My heart can’t take it!”

“Dash-”

She began to shake him back and forth as she yelled at the ceiling. “Oh what will I do, what will I do?! My friend is going to become a boring-

“Dash.”

“-uptight”

“Dash!”

“-pitiful”

“DASH.”

“-excuse for a lame-o again and there is nothing I can do! Oh woe is me! Woe is-” Rainbow was cut off as Robert grabbed her hooves. She looked down and saw an expression of extreme annoyance on his face. Rainbow blinked, and then fell back onto the couch laughing. Robert folded his arms with a glare.

“Hehe, sorry man I went a little too far with that one.”

Robert looked a bit dejected. “I’ll say.”

“Oh hey come on” Rainbow said as she jabbed him playfully with a hoof. “You know I hate it when you’re depressed, and nothing gets you out of a funk quicker than getting you riled up!”

Robert sighed, she had him there.

“Plus-” she added as she wiped away a tear from her magenta eyes. “-It’s hilarious!”

Robert shot her a mischievous grin. “Is that so?”

Rainbow froze. “H-hang on, I know that look. What are y-”Her sentence was cut off as Robert pounced on her. Sounds of hysterical laughter filled the apartment as Robert began to tickle her mercilessly.

“HAHAHA- NO ROB, STOP, I CAN’T- HEEHAHA!”

He didn’t let up. “Make fun of me huh? Take this, and that, and this!”

“HAHAHAHA- STOP, STOP PLEAAAEEAAHAHAHA!” Rainbow Dash squealed and squirmed about, her hooves flailing wildly.

Robert grinned. “Surrender and I will!”

“AHAHA OK, OK HEEHAHAA I GIVE, I GIVE!”

The two friends laughed as they wrestled for a bit longer on the couch before finally collapsing, completely out of breath. Robert chuckled heartily as he wiped the tears from his eyes. Rainbow was taking a bit longer to recover, breathing heavily and coughing.

“Jeeze.” Rainbow said between gasps. “I should never have told you that I’m ticklish. Don’t you ever get tired of doing that?”

“Nope.” Robert said with a smirk. “It’s hilarious.”

Rainbow shot him a look, and for a few moments they simply stared at each other…before bursting out into another fit of laughter.

These were Robert’s days with Rainbow Dash. Through all of his pain, loss, and the uncertainty that pervaded his heart, Dash had managed to bring happiness back into Robert’s life. She had stuck with him through these dark times, even if all he could give her was his company and a free lunch, and he had become a better person for it. She had saved him.

Eventually the two calmed down enough to go back to watching the TV, though the anchor was now covering a different story. Robert flipped through the channels, hoping to find something interesting to watch while they figured out what they wanted to do. Eventually he gave up, placing the remote on the table with an exasperated sigh. Most of the major networks had shut down, leaving very little to watch besides the news and public programming.

“Hm. Well I can’t think of anything, and it’s only ten to nine.” Robert said rubbing his eyes. He turned to Rainbow Dash and noticed her staring intently at something near the balcony door. Following her gaze, Robert saw an upturned photo and piece of paper.

He had forgotten to put them back in their envelope.

Before Robert could even move, Rainbow Dash was already in front of the door, the photo and note in her hooves. She tilted her head in confusion as she studied the picture.

“That’s weird. This was taken in Ponyville, but I don’t recognize these ponies.”

Robert said nothing. He kept his eyes locked on the wall, his face devoid of emotion.

“ ‘Please come home. We are waiting’? Robert who are these ponies?”

He remained silent.

“Rob-“

“My family.”

Rainbow looked shocked. “What?”

“They are my family Dash. My parents, my brother, my cousin and his fiancée, and my best friend; they all got ponified and moved to Equestria.” Robert said without looking at the pegasus. “I don’t know who the seventh is.” He added.

Rainbow tried to process what she was hearing. “I thought you didn’t know what happened to them? That they just disappeared?”

“For a while I didn’t. But then you delivered this-“ He found the envelope that had contained the photo and note and held it up to Rainbow Dash “-last week.”

The pony’s mouth hung open as Robert strode over and took the two items from her hooves, replacing them in their envelope which he laid down on the table.

“I…I didn’t even notice the return address Rob. If I had I would have-“

“I know. I know you would have warned me. It’s alright.” Robert sat back down on the couch, his head in his hands. Rainbow fluttered over to him and placed a hoof on his shoulder. For a while the two remained silent. The only sound in the room the ticking of the clock on the wall.

Eventually Rainbow broke the silence by clopping her hooves together in a pony equivalent of someone snapping their fingers. “I got it!”

Robert pulled his head up and turned to the Pegasus.

“Let’s go to the park!”