15 - Crystal Clear

We were approaching the south shore of the reservoir. The sky matched Applejack's vivid orange coat, with streaks of candy-floss pink lining the clouds. The falling sun cast light over the lake, and it sparkled brightly. The view was beautiful.

It distracted me a little as I tried to walk on three hooves. The four remaining comics in my hoof kept slipping sideways. This just isn't working. Give me my hands back...wait, no. I don't want to go back...

After a few minutes of clumsy attempts to keep the books balanced, with regular help, the entire group stood proud along the beach, a mere few hooves from the water. I laid the comics out on the gritty sand, and summoned the remainder of the Mane Six to my side.

"These are a gift to you. I know I'm the one helping you out, but I can't help but feel grateful for the things you've done for me. I love life like this. Great friends," I winked to Rarity as I scanned across the Six, "ponies that actually make me feel valued, and...yeah! That's it, I guess. It's been a great adventure. I'll try and pick up something for everyone along the way...or perhaps I won't need to?" I looked down to my hooves and up to my hanging fringe. Maybe my presence in Equestria might be enough? How do I decide?... I've gotta think hard about this...

Do not fear change, Game Changer. You may decide alone, but do not let the change stop you.

Luna, is that you?

Yes, young one. Look around you. Do you see judgement? Do you see hatred? Do you?

Yes, Princess. I can still feel some jealousy in Dashie. Somewhere. I just feel like she's still watching us. I mean, Rarity and I.

There is no doubt. But perhaps with a royal lesson, she may learn to change her ways. Are you enjoying the night?

Yes, Princess. It's great. I've never appreciated it more!

Good. Now, I must leave.

Thanks, Luna! That seemed to help clear my mind a little. And, talking of that...

I noticed the letter still in my hoof. Rarity walked towards me, looking deeply into my eyes. "Game Changer?"

"Y-yeah?" I hid the letter shyly behind my back.

"What was that?" She smiled playfully. "...Whose is it?" I took it in my mouth lightly and galloped into the water.

"That's not fair!" I could hear a little laugh escaping her. Her voice lowered, and she said to herself, "Be stronger, Rarity. Do it for the colt." I stopped for a second, throwing her a wink. "It's on." As I turned I heard her hooves entering the water almost silently, so I picked up the pace. We laughed together, scattering refreshing drops of water around us as we played in the water. I stopped and turned to her when the water reached my knees, and I carefully took the letter from my mouth, only to have it drenched by a tackle-hug from the pretty mare. Her sweet aroma filled my snout; not of marshmallows, but like the taste of sweet sugar. Just like it had before, her mane tumbled over my shoulder.

"Good to see you aren't so scared any more," I grinned. "Worried about your mane?"

"Of course not," she smiled. "Unless you are..."

"I don't mind," I smiled. "You look great!"

"Anyway...the letter?" I handed it to her happily. She read it aloud, her eyes watering.

"If it ever gets tough, if you ever go back to Equestria, just remember that I'm still out there. Keep this, remember us. If you don't go back home, I'll say this. I love you. I'm sorry I didn't leave you with a graphic novel, but hopefully I've started a great story you're going to love being the main character of!

Game Changer, or Simon."

"So...what did you think?"

"Oh, Game..." She hugged me tightly, tackling me onto my back. "I'm..." She was speechless.

I think I did OK.

A little later, we came across a campsite. It'd been left open since we had entered this world - I hypothesised that this world is a version of the real world, lacking humans and frozen in time at the exact moment one entered, almost like a backup. All the tents were still up, conveniently. Everypony dashed for a free tent with their best friends at their sides. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had packed their own, in fear of tiring out early.

None of that mattered to me, though. I'd had a lot of fun with Rarity, but I could still feel Dash near me, in fury, alone. She wasn't a mare I wanted as an enemy, but I didn't love her, either. Sat alone on a log, I looked across at the Six. Rarity trotted over to the Princesses, and in her wake was a trail of almost-visible green envy. The source? Rainbow Dash, of course. A clearly audible growl filled the space. "I'm done with this!" she cried out, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Not a single eye missed her outrage.

This world was as dangerous to ponies as the Everfree Forest, and they all knew it. Dash, now a lone ranger, too cocky for her own good, always the bad example...had gone. She'd die. It didn't matter if she was doing it for me. I didn't care. I had to go.