Simon's Story

“Wake up Mr. Simon”

What?

“Mr. Simon please wake up, we are already two minutes behind schedule.”

Schedule? What schedule?

“MR.SIMON!” The voice shouted a little more forcefully.

“I’m up, I’m up.”

“Good. Now Mr. Simon, we may begin. Please stand up and walk to the door.” The voice enjoined.

Simon got up off the floor and took quick noticed of the room he was in. It was small with white walls and a single mirror. The floor was blazoned with books that covered everything from the theory of levitation to the art of transmutation. Simon could not actually see any speakers or origin point from where the voice was coming from.

“Where am I exactly?” Simon asked.

“Don’t you know Mr. Simon?”

“Uh, no actually I don’t.”

“Well I am sorry to say there is no time to debrief you on your current endeavors as we are already fifteen minutes behind schedule. All you need to know is that behind that door lies Ponyville.”

“Ponyville?” What’s that?”

“Ugh. Mr. Simon, Ponyville is the place where you will start your mission. It is the place where you will meat a variety of ponies ranging from the common earth pony to the esteemed unicorn. Now please leave so that the mission may begin.” The voice pleaded.

Simon walked over to where the mirror hung on the wall. Judging by the horn on his head he was a unicorn who had a white coat with a black mane. This realization did not bring him any closer to understanding who he really was.

“Mr. Simon my patience is wearing thin. Either step out of this room or I shall force you to leave.” The Voice warned.

“Oh yea? How are you going to make me leave? You’re not even in the same room as me. Also, you do realize that the amount of time since I woke up to the time this conversation started you could have told me what the hell you want.”

“Well…I…I…GET OUT!” The voice shrieked.

The room that Simon was standing in started to dissolve around him, until it eventually disappeared. All around Simon was an empty void. I’m dreaming, Simon thought, I’ll close my eyes and when I open them I’ll be home. Simon shut his eyes, counted to ten and then opened them up. He was standing in the center of a town that had a few street vendors and about a hundred closely knit homes. Some pony was starting at him from across the street. She was pink, energetic, and was able to move across the street with such speed; Simon didn’t even have enough time to say hi.

“Hi there! My names Pinkie Pie, what’s yours?”

“Um…”

“Um? Well nice to meet you Um, and let me be the first to welcome you to Ponyville!”

“Thank you, and my names not Um it’s actually-“ The clock in the center of town struck twelve as Simon was about to finish.

“No time to talk now Um, I’ve got work to do, but hey if you need some one to talk to why not try my friend Applejack! She loves to make new friends and she lives just up the road here, or is it down the road? I can never tell the difference between the two. Either way that road will take you to Applejack.” Pinkie Pie rushed as she ran off to some shop named Sugar Cube Corner.

“Uhh, thank you, I think.” Simon replied confused about what had just happened. With no where to go and no pony to talk to Simon decided to head off to meat this Applejack, praying that she was a bit more stable than the filly he had just met.

Upon arriving at the gate to a giant farm field, that had what he could only guess to be a million apple trees, Simon thought that he should start out with the introduction this time, just to be safe.

“Hello…Applejack? Some pony named Pinkie Pie told me to come and see you.” When Simon was finished an orange pony with a blond mane raced down a hill at an incredible pace, chasing what he could only make out as a barrel of apples. Believing that this pony might need his help, Simon ran up the hill.

As he charged up the hill, Simon’s head started hurt and he stopped halfway. It was a memory of him in some kind of classroom. The class was big and took place in what he could only imagine as some sort of prestigious preschool.

“All right class, today’s lecture is that in levitation.” The teacher at the front of the class began.

“In order to levitate an object on must first put all their focus on said object, and then command their magic to do what they want.” The teacher explained as she was levitating three barrels and two students.

“Would any other pony like to try?” The teacher asked. What she received was a mix of I don’t knows and no way in Celestias.

“Very well I suppose I’ll just pick…how about you Simon? Please walk to the front of the class room and levitate this apple.”

                As Simon rose from his seat he could feel fear rising up inside of him. He had practiced levitation about a hundred times at his house. Still, the fear of all his classmates watching and judging him was enough to make any six-year-old race home to his parents. As he approached the apple, Simon remembered something that he had heard from…some pony. The saying was that as long as you try you never truly fail. This saying filled him up with confidence and he put all his focus on the apple. At first nothing happened, and he could just feel the judgment that was crashing down on him from his other classmates. Simon knew how it would start, first would come the laughter that the teacher would try to control and fail to contain. Then the class would shun Simon for the rest of the year, and maybe the rest of his life. All this was racing through his head as he attempted to lift the apple once more. Stupid apple, Simon thought as sweat poured down his face, you will rise or I will destroy you. All that built up fear and anger finally transformed into something constructive, and he was able to raise the apple all the way up to the ceiling. The class applauded and the teacher even gave him a gold star.

“Help!”

The cry for assistance finally brought him back to the present. Simon looked at the barrel that was racing down the hillside and did just what his teacher had told him. Just focus on the barrel and…The barrel came to a complete stop as Simon lifted it above his head and set it down next to him. The orange pony finally arrived at the bottom of the hill, exhausted and out of breath.

“Thank you very much kind sir. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t stopped that barrel.”

“It was really no trouble.” Simon said tiredly. That spell took some of his energy away, more than he would care to admit. “If you don’t mind me asking, what did it matter if the barrel had crashed? All that would’ve been damaged are a few apples. Hardly anything to get so worked up about.”

“There aren’t any apples in this here barrel.” She said rather angrily.

The orange pony tipped over the barrel as three young ponies toppled out. One was regular, the other a pegasus, and the third a unicorn just like him.

“Apple Bloom what in the hay did you think ya’ll were doing? You could have been seriously hurt!”

“We thought we could get barrel tumbling cutie marks by…well…tumbling down the side of a hill in a barrel.”

“Well now ya’ll are just lucky Mister…”

“Simon.”

“Mr. Simon was here to save you. Now go to your room and stay there for the rest of the day.”

“All right Applejack I’ll go” Apple Bloom sighed. “See you tomorrow Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle.”

“See you later Apple Bloom.” The two young ponies shouted as they raced off towards town.

Once Apple Bloom was inside, it was just Simon and Applejack. Pinkie Pie had said she could help him, and it wouldn’t be so bad to have at least one friend.

“Umm…Applejack I came here because a pony by the name of Pinkie Pie said you might be able to help me.” Simon began

“Well shoot, ya’ll know Pinkie Pie?” Applejack said excitedly “Any friend of Pinkie Pie’s is a friend of mine. What do you need sugar cube?”

“ I don’t know if you can help me with much, but I guess I’ll start with the basics. First question where am I in the world exactly?”

“Where are you? Why, you’re in Equestria, the land that is ruled by both Celastia and her sister Luna…but I’m guessing you already knew that much.”

“Actually no, thank you”

This response seemed to put Applejack off a little bit, as if she hadn’t known anyone who didn’t know who Luna and Celestia were. Was it really so strange the he didn’t know who the royal family was? I’d better move on before she starts to think I’ve gone crazy.

“Uh, second question, do you know of any pony that might know me? Anyone that might have mentioned my name?” Simon asked hopefully.

“Hmmm…nope sorry, can’t think of any pony mentioning some one named Simon.”

“Oh…that’s okay.” Simon replied disappointedly.

“Simon are you feeling okay? You’re starting to worry me.”

Simon took another look at Applejack’s sympathetic expression and thought about the day’s events. He was dropped into a world he didn’t understand, and was pelted with memories he didn’t remember having. It was enough to drive anybody into frustration. I mean how much can one unicorn take he thought angrily.

“No Applejack I’m not okay. As you’ve probably guessed I don’t know who I am exactly. I don’t know where I’m going, and I don’t know what to do.”

“Well hey now that’s okay. My friends and I will do everything we can to get you back on track. Do you remember how you got here?”

Simon immediately realized that discussing his arrival would probably be best not to share…at least not yet any way.

“Nope, no idea. I just kind of woke up in the middle of town.” Simon lied.

“Well all righty then. We’ll just figure you out in on our own then. First things first we should probably identify your cutie mark first.”

“My what?”

“Your cutie mark. Ya’ll know, that image that you have on your flank.”

Simon turned his head to take a look at what Applejack was talking about. Sure enough there was an image on his flank. It was a broken shield with two swords sticking out of it. I don’t remember getting a tattoo like this Simon thought embarrassed.

“Ahem…I am so sorry you have to see this.” Simon apologized.

“What are you sorry for? Everyone has a cutie mark, see” Applejack assured as she showed off her own.

“Oh…I see.”  Simon said embarrassed once more.

“ Hey now don’t worry about it. Now what I want you to do is close your eyes and attempt to connect with your cutie mark.”

All right, seems easy enough. Simon thought as he closed his eyes. He focused with all his might on his cutie mark. He caught glimpses of images, like of the moon and the sun, but nothing solid. After a few more minutes he gave up and opened his eyes.

“Well what did you see?” Applejack asked.

“Nothing solid, just glimpses of images.”

“Well it’s getting dark now, you should probably head ho-“ Applejack began.

“No it’s fine. I’ll probably stay at one of the local Ins until I find a place.”

“Hold on, you don’t have any money do you? How are you goanna pay?”

“I’ll think of something Applejack don’t worry.”

Applejack bit her bottom lip like she wanted to tell him something, but couldn’t get the words out. At last she asked “Would like to stay in the library? My friend Twilight still lives there but only on the weekends when she visits from the palace.”

“That would be great, thanks.”

Applejack looked very pleased with his response and escorted him to the library. As they traveled back into town Simon once again stared at the massive farm he had just exited from, and stopped. Something about this place seemed familiar to him, almost as if he had been there before.

“Hey Applejack. You’re sure no ones ever mentioned me or at the very most seen me?” Simon questioned.

“Nope. Me and my friends keep pretty close tabs on anyone who enters this here town.” Applejack assured him.

“Right…okay then.”

Upon arriving at the museum Simon couldn’t help but stare in aw and wonder. The building was a giant tree! That was an architectural feat if he ever saw one. Applejack must have seen him staring because she started to ask him if he actually wanted to stay there. Yes was all Simon could mutter.

“Ill be back tomorrow with some friends.” Applejack promised as she handed Simon the keys. “We’ll figure things out one way or the other.”

When Applejack left for home Simon checked out his new living arrangements. There was one shelf that was covered in books, which circled the foyer. There was a basement that had a lot of mad scientist like equipment. There was also a folder on the floor marked Subject Pie that had a lot of pictures of balloons and candy inside. Weirdoes, Simon thought as he headed back upstairs. The bedroom on the top floor was less interesting. Containing only two beds, one big and one short, as well as more bookshelves there was not much to look at. On the nightstand next to the bed there was picture of Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and four others Simon didn’t recognize. I’m sure these are the friends Applejack was telling me about Simon thought tiredly.

As he climbed in the bed he gazed at the moon through the window. “Wow it’s really bright tonight.” Simon muttered to himself, as he was about to fall asleep. “It kind of reminds me of that night I went to the galloping gala with my family and we-.” Simon was stopped in midsentence as another memory started to intude his mind once more.

It was the galloping gala, and Simon was younger than he was in his previous memory. He could’ve been…no more than five when he first attended the gala. His parents were excited because they were finally going to meet Celestia. Dad was going to try and cut a business deal of some sort and Mom was going to try and get in good with the other business wives. All they expected Simon to do was sit in the corner and not cause any trouble. Except Simon didn’t appreciate that role for some reason, and decided that it would be more exciting to explore the castle instead.

The castle was big and seemed to go on forever. As he walked around he noticed a set of stairs that appeared to lead to the second floor. Being so young and so brash, Simon eagerly raced up the staircase. After all, young Simon thought what could go wrong? Upon arriving at the top of the stairs Simon saw that he was outside and very high up. In fact he appeared to be in the tallest tower in the castle. Simon looked over the banister and saw more guests arriving, eager to get the chance to meet the princes. Simon was so amazed by how high up he was, that he didn’t immediately noticed the pony who would completely change his life.

“Who are you little one? Shouldn’t you be down stairs with your parents?” Luna kindly asked.

“N-n-no.” Simon stammered.  “All they asked me to do was stay out of their way for the night and not cause trouble.”

“Hmm…I see. They must have noticed your absence by now. You see little one, even when it may seem like your family is ignoring you they still maintain a loving and protective eye. Come now let us go down stares so you may see for your self.”

As Luna escorted down the steps, he couldn’t feel a sense of accomplishment. After all, he had gone to seek adventure and finding a princess doesn’t get more exciting than that. When they arrived at the bottom of the steps, princess Luna had been right. Although they weren’t showing it his parents had been freaking out trying to find him. When they spotted him they hurried over to his location, oblivious to who he was with.

“Oh Simon there you are. Where did you run off to? You had your father and me worried sick.” Scolded his mother.

“Please do not be upset with young Simon here. He merely wandered the grounds searching for a friend.” Luna offered.

“Why thank you princess Luna but I don’t…p-p-princess Luna it is an honor to meet you! Tell me is this castle insured, because I have an amazing deal on roof insurance.” his father offered.

“Yes…well…thank you but no. The castle is quite safe.”

“Luna? What are you doing down here? I thought you were skipping the gala so that you could keep watch over the night.” Celestia asked, surprised when she saw her sister.

“I came down here to escort young Simon to his parents after he found the stairs leading up to the tower.”

“He found the stairs? All on his own? Are you sure he didn’t have any help?”

“Yes sister I am sure, which is why I am offering him a full scholarship to Luna’s school for gifted young unicorns.”

“Yes! Yes, of course he’ll go. Come now Simon lets go home and get you prepared for school! Lets see…we’ll need quills, parchment…” Simon’s mother droned on, creating a list of supplies he would need for school.

When Simon awoke from his memory he felt such a rush of hope. Another clue to figuring out his past! He was somehow connected to Luna. Simon rushed down stairs and searched for any book that discussed Luna. The first book he uncovered was titled Luna: Powers and Magic.

“All right then, lets see who I’m dealing with”

The first chapter discussed who she was, what she did and how she shaped Equestria using her magic. At last Simon found a section that he thought was particularly interesting. According to the book Luna visited the dreams of those in need.

“Well memory loss doesn’t get more needy than anything any other pony could possibly be dealing with at the moment.”

Simon rushed into bed, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Luna. Needless to say, she never showed.