Smokey Arrival

Smokey Arrival
Chapter 2:
Hits like a rock
Written by: Smexy Sombra

Chad let out a groan as he woke up, feeling the stiffness in his bones. Letting out a yawn, he sat up and stretched his arms out. Receiving many snaps, crackles, and pops from his protesting bones, he shook his head to clear up the blurry vision that always came with waking up. After five minutes of yawning, a little more stretching, and finally getting the energy to stand up, he walked out into the open air, shivering slightly at the chilling breeze.

He stretched once more as he looked over the massive forest. With the sun rising over the hills, the morning dew still clinging to the leaves of the many trees that peppered the ground around the mountain, and wind making all the trees dancing in harmony, it was truly a beautiful sight to wake up to.

“Damn... If this is every morning, I may not want to go back home at all...” Chad mumbled to himself as he looked over the amazing sunrise.

“Yes, Celestia sure knows how to make every creature in the world know she is looking out for them.” Sapphire said as she slipped out of the cave and stretched out her talons, not unlike a common house cat. “Did you rest well, Chad the human?”

“Well, as much as I could since I was sleeping on a pile of dirt and rocks.” He said chuckling slightly and rolling his neck, getting a few pops in return. He gingerly rubbed the back of his neck and winced. “Ow...”

“If I may ask, what is your plan?” Sapphire asked looking down at Chad. He just sighed and sat down, still admiring the sunrise.

“Well... I have to find someplace where there are people that can help me. Getting home is a priority, if anything the top of the list.” He said resting his arms on his knees and laying his head on top of his forearms. A loud grumble was heard as Chad let a small blush line his cheeks. “Okay, maybe getting food should be the top priority...”

Sapphire let out a small chuckle and nodded. “That may be a good idea. No journey was ever started on a empty stomach.” She said stretching out her massive wings. “I have been meaning to ask, what does your kind eat?”

“Well... Humans are omnivores, so we pretty much eat anything. With a few exceptions of course, like grass, hay, and flowers.” Chad said leaning his head up to scratch his chin. Sapphire nodded and sat up as her wings folded against her back.

“Your species eats like Griffons. Shouldn’t be too hard to find you food.” Sapphire said looked down at him, making him look up at her with a confused expression.

“I can gather my own food, ya know.” Chad said huffing, making Sapphire chuckling, letting the air around her body vibrate slightly.

“So you want to go back into the place that just tried to end you?” Sapphire asked with a grin and a raised eyebrow. Chad opened his mouth to say something, but quickly found himself closing it and crossing his arms with a huff. “That’s what I thought. I shall return in a moment.”

“Wait wait...” Chad said as he uncrossed his arms and stood up before looking up at Sapphire. “I thought dragons ate gems or something!”

“We do, but that is mostly a nutrient for our scales to keep them lustrous and tough. Can’t have other dragons being stronger or even worse, more attractive than each other can we?” Sapphire said smiling and giggling.

“Wow. Even dragons have a vanity problem...” Chad said facepalming.

“You try finding a mate every one hundred years.” Sapphire huffed as she stood up and stretched her wings. As she took off Chad could only mouth the last of what she said.

“Damn... She must be pent up.” Chad said stretching once more as he watched the sun rise. Letting out a relaxed sigh, he let his hand find it’s way back to his pocket and pulled out his pack of cigarettes. As he pulled one out of the box, he stopped and groaned for a moment before putting it back. “Stupid lighter... Running out of fluid.” He grumbled to himself as he shoved the box back into his pocket and began to pace around the plateau he was stuck on.

“Alright, first: find some food and not die of starvation. Second: find lighter fluid or matches.” He said to himself, making a few mental notes. He patted down his pockets, making sure he still had the lighter when he felt something else. Curious about what else was in his pocket, he reached into his left pocket and pulled out his phone and ear buds. “Well ain’t this a pleasant surprise! Maybe some music will take my mind off the smokes.”

~(-)~

Luna walked down the halls to go find her sister’s chambers. She had seen the fire of a dragon in the mountains of the Everfree last night and normally this wouldn’t be a problem, but with the information that her sister had told her of the magical influx, this could be the sign Celestia was waiting for. Picking up her pace a little bit, she jogged down the hallway until she reached the doors that lead to the outside area just outside the tower that held Celestia’s chambers.

A quick flight up the side of the tower, Luna gently fluttered down onto the balcony of the tower and opened the doors to the bedroom. As she walked in, she found Celestia engrossed in a old tome. Walking up beside her, quietly as she could, and sitting next to her sister, she waited patiently until Celestia closed the book and let out a frustrated sigh.

“What could that have been?” Celestia groaned out as she brought a hoof to her head and rubbed her temples.

“I may know sister.” Luna said smiling as Celestia let out a small yelp and leaped into the air. Celestia panted for a moment as her heart tried to beat it’s way out of her chest before somewhat glaring at her sister.

“That is not funny Luna!” Celestia huffed as her breathing and heart had calmed down enough. Luna tiredly giggled as she shook her head.

“You must learn to relax sister.” Luna said smiling up at her older sister before taking on a serious tone. “But that matter aside, I have news about that magical influx. Last night, I spotted the flame of a dragon in the Everfree, more specifically the mountains that reside in them.”

“Really? Are you certain, Luna?” Celestia asked as she righted herself so she was sitting up straight. Luna could only nod as she felt the last of her energy begin to fade. Celestia noticed this and smiled softly as she picked up her sister with her magic and placed her in the big, plush bed that rested in the back of the bedroom. Tucking her sister in, Celestia quietly left the room and flew out the window before gliding down to the courtyard.

Taking in a deep breath of the fresh air, she began to walk towards the library that was not far from the courtyard, seeing how some ponies like to read outside in the fresh air. Trotting quickly but calmly, so she did not alert the guards to her somewhat frantic state of mind, she went straight to the library where Twilight was reading several research journals and other textbooks while a pile of parchment full of notes laid next to her. Hoping not to scare the lavender alicorn as she announced her presence, she lifted a hoof and knocked on the nearest book shelf catching the little alicorn’s attention.

Twilight’s ears perked up and she turned her head before smiling at Celestia. “Oh hello, Celestia! What are you doing here?” Twilight asked as Celestia walked over next to her. “I am just getting a few references and notes for a experiment I was planning on doing later. I am trying to see if I can create those wings I did for Rarity again, only with stronger materials.”

“I am afraid I must ask you to postpone your research, Twilight. I have a request for you and your friends.” Celestia said as she sat down. Twilight stopped writing and put her quill down, looking at Celestia as she turned in her spot to face her.

“Is Discord turning evil again?” Twilight asked, making Celestia only shake her head. “Is Chrysalis attacking again?” Celestia only shook her head again. “Is it Sombr-”

“Twilight dear, it’s none of those old villains. They shall not be coming back anytime soon, if not at all. What I am referring to is that flux of magic I told you about yesterday.” Celestia said as she let out a nervous sigh. “I don’t know who, or possibly what, set off the magic, but Luna told me of a blast of dragon fire in the Everfree. It may most likely be nothing, but to be safe, I want you and your friends to investigate. Hopefully it’s nothing to worry over.”

“I see. Well, I will send my friends letters and we will go find out what happened!” Twilight said confidently as she pulled out five parchments and beginning to write. Celestia gave Twilight a quick nuzzle before she began to walk towards the Library’s exit.

“Thank you Twilight, I am sure it’s nothing, but I just want to be safe.” Celestia said with a small relieved smile.

~(-)~

Sapphire flew back down to the cave and landed with a loud boom. She dropped the pile of fruit she had gathered in the forest for Chad, along with a large carcass of a Manticore that had attempted to attack her, poor bugger didn’t even get closer before getting impaled by her tail, funniest part was it was an unintentional kill. After making sure the food wouldn’t roll off the mountain or get blown away by the high winds, Sapphire looked around the plateau for Chad. Not spotting him, she walked into the cave to look for her new human friend before she saw the human doing some weird, almost awkward, dance.

“... Chad?” Sapphire said as she was beginning to struggle containing the literal roars of laughter that were brewing up inside of her. The human didn’t respond, only continued to do his awkward dancing, which if he had been doing to music, he would have been considered having an upright seizure. Sapphire cleared her throat and raised her voice a bit. “Chad!!”

“AHH!” He yelped as he jumped at least five feet in the air and landed on his ass. Groaning and pulling something from his ears, he looked up and saw Sapphire looking down at him with a large smile and quivering lips. “... How much did you see?”

“Enough to know that you are the worst dancer in Equestrian history!” Sapphire said before beginning to cackle. Chad blushed until he was as red as a cherry as he walked past Sapphire and out into the open air. The dragon continued to cackle and laugh until she was on her side, panting and gasping for breath, and giggling ever so slightly.

“Are you done?” Chad asked in an annoyed and embarrassed manner. Sapphire raised a claw in the air and gave the ‘One second’ Gesture before righting herself up and coming out of the cave.

“Yes...” She paused for a small giggle. “Yes, I am quite done.”

“Thank you.” Chad said sighing a little bit. “Also I have to ask... What is that massive cat-scorpion-bat thing?”

“You have never seen a Manticore?” Sapphire asked as she crawled out of the cave and laid down onto the plateau to look at the Manticore.

“Nooo... From a place far away remember?” Chad said rolling his eyes.

“No need to be rude you know.” Sapphire said snorting quietly.

“You just laughed at me for at least fifteen minutes, I have the right to be a little mean.” Chad said grumpily. It was Sapphire’s turn to roll her eyes this time before she picked up the Manticore in her jaws. “What are you doi-”

He was interrupted by the loud sound of crunching, bones snapping, and meat tearing. He only could blink in astonishment as a large cat paw fell down in front of him, soon followed by a large scorpion tail. As he was about to say something, a long snake like tongue whipped out and grabbed the tail before getting sucked back up by Sapphire. After Sapphire was done she licked her chops and looked down at Chad before giving a smile, albeit a bloodied tooth smile.

“... That... Was kinda nasty.” Chad said clenching his eyes shut and taking a deep breath to avoid dry heaving. Sapphire just gave him a unamused look before tapping the ground in front of him to get his attention. Opening one eye, he saw her pointing to the pile of fruit. Taking only a moment for his mouth to water from the sight of food, he dashed over and grabbed the nearest fruit and took a massive bite out of it. recoiling from the sour flavor, he found himself eating something that looked like a orange, only it was pink. Shrugging, and not thinking clearly thanks to his hunger, he scarfed the fruit down before sighing at the wonderful feeling of finally having something in his stomach. Taking another fruit he sat down and carefully began to eat this one.

“Wow. You certainly were hungry.” Sapphire said raising an eyebrow at him as he scarfed down the fruit. After he was done demolishing the pile of fruit, leaving only cores and husks of food. “I have to ask, why were you dancing so strangely? Is it some ritual among your kind?”

“Heh, no. I was just listening to some music and with nothing else to do, I danced. Or flailed and thrashed about like a fish out of water.” Chad said shrugging as Sapphire looked at him with a confused expression.

“But... There were no minstrels or musical players around. What music were you dancing too?” Sapphire asked curiously. Chad just wiped his fruit juice covered hands off on his pants, and rubbed them in the dirt to get the sticky feeling off, before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his Phone.

“I used this little thing!” He exclaimed happily. “I don’t know about the residents here, but Humans are very technologically advanced creatures.”

“So wait, that-” Sapphire pointed a massive claw at the little, thin, black box in Chad’s hand. “Can play musical tunes?”

“Yup!” Chad said happily. Sapphire just scoffed and shook her head. “What, you don’t believe me?”

“Of course not! That is such a ridiculous idea!” Sapphire said waving a claw in the air. “No thing that small could possibly hold any music! It’s not even the proper shape of a vinyl!”

Chad just rolled his eyes and looked up at her. “It doesn’t use Vinyls. It is all digitally and electronically sent through a computer and transferred into my phone for storage.” He explained. “Come on, lay your head down and I’ll play a song!”

Sapphire scoffed again and laid her head on the ground letting Chad walk over. Scrolling through various genres of music, he leaned against her neck for a moment as he searched for a good song to play.

“What kind of music do you like?” Chad asked as he looked Sapphire.

“Instrumental stringed instruments are pretty nice.” Sapphire said smiling slightly.

“I see... Well I only have one song like that, but I think you’ll like it.” Chad said as he sorted through his music. He stopped and tapped the device before setting it to max volume for Sapphire to hear. He rested the device on his leg as he sat down to not let his muscles stiff from not moving too long.

Sapphire somewhat flinched at the sudden noise, completely unprepared for the sudden, and somehow loud, assault of stringed instruments. The almost hypnotic way that the music went from rapid and fast to calm and gentle. The flute occasionally joining in before being overpowered by main stringed instruments. She raised her head to look around them, to see if Chad was using magic, but only saw him with his eyes closed and the little thin box blaring out the orchestra’s music. Laying her head down, she simply opted for listening to the entrancing music. As it all ended, Sapphire raised her head only to show how her jaw could not stay in place.

“Told ya we humans were technologically advanced.” Chad said with a smug and shiteating grin.

“Th-that shouldn’t even be possible...” Sapphire said unsure whether to believe what she had heard or not.

“Well we didn’t make it from nothing! We went from the stone age of spears and bows to the technological age of guns and computers!” Chad said smiling happily before frowning. “And I am probably not going to see it again...”

Sapphire shook her head to get her out of her stupor before looking down at Chad, whom had put the little box back into his pocket and was wearing a sullen face. She sighed and leaned her head down before nudging him with her nose.

“Chad...” She began comfortingly. “Don’t mourn what is not yet lost. You have to perk up and not take everything with a grain of salt.”

Chad looked at her massive ruby eyes before shaking his head and giving a single chuckle. Smiling slightly he placed a hand on her nose and patted it, hoping she understood he appreciated what she said.

“Thanks Sapphire. But I have to ask, would you mind taking me to the edge of the forest? I need to find some civilization if I want any chance of returning home.” Chad said as he began to take on a more confident and determined tone, albeit a little bit of wariness. Sapphire tapped her chin with a claw for a moment before smiling and looking back down at him.

“I suppose I could, but I’d rather wait till tomorrow.” She said coyly making Chad raise an eyebrow.

“What, why?” He asked slightly confused.

“Well, I’d like to at least spend this day with my friend.” She said winking at him making Chad stop and roll his eyes before smirking up at her.

“Yeah well, it’s not like I have a choice.” He retorted poking her in the side, making her suddenly jump, kicking dirt up in the air. “Woah! What was that?” Sapphire blushed under her scales, faintly tinting them purple, and looked away. “Wait... You’re ticklish? How? I’d think that scales would protect you from stuff like that.”

“W-well... You see, I was born with a softer underbelly than most dragons, so my belly scales act more like a tougher set of skin than the indestructible hide they should be. That and you are small so your touch is like the tip of a feather.” She said stuttering through some of her speech. After she was done, she looked down to see Chad grinning rather maliciously. It took her a moment before her eyes widened at the realization of what he was probably thinking. “Don’t you even da-”

She was cut off by the horribly familiar feeling of tickling as Chad rubbed his hand across her belly. She let out small whimpers of laughter as she tried to keep herself from exploding into fits of giggles. Sadly, this only made Chad more aggressive in his quest to tickle the large blue dragon.

‘Seems kind of silly now that I am thinking about it...’ He thought to himself as he continued to brush his hand across the large winged reptiles stomach area.

Poor Sapphire was doing her best to not give into the feeling before she couldn’t help herself anymore and began to giggle helplessly. She attempted to roll to get her stomach on the other side, careful not to roll in the direction of Chad so she did not crush him. Soon she realized this was a bad decision on her part as Chad climbed up onto her belly as she rolled onto her back, and grinned wickedly at her from her abdomen. Brushing his fingers across Sapphire’s stomach, she wasn’t able to hold her laughter anymore, letting her laughter boom across the forest below, the birds fleeing the forest at the loud noise.

~(-)~

Twilight and her friends were walking through the forest, thanks to her being a Alicorn, she could teleport even more effortlessly to farther locations now so arriving was no problem for her. Getting everypony ready was the true time consumer. Rarity needed to make sure she had everything that she considered ‘Necessary’, Fluttershy had to be carried, more like dragged, by Applejack into the Everfree while Pinkie Pie was just a problem to get her to listen properly.

“Twilight darling, why are we going to through the forest? Why can’t we simply Teleport there?” Rarity complained as they all trudged through the mud and foliage of the forest.

Twilight sighed and kept moving but turned her head to talk to Rarity. “I am sorry Rarity, but I can’t do a mass Teleportation to a area that possibly has a danger close to it. I just don’t want to risk any of us.” Twilight said as Rarity nodded.

“It’s alright Twilight, I understand.” She said smiling as Twilight only returned the smile. The group continued to trudge through the forest before a loud rumble and what sounded like roars shook the forest, making everything inside of it duck for cover or hide in the shadows, fearful of what was bellowing. Poor Fluttershy nearly had a heart attack, going into a faux state of rigor mortis.

“Girls, we need to pick up the pace, whatever is at that mountain is getting worse.” Twilight said as she picked up Fluttershy in her magic and began to sprint down the pathway straight for the mountain. The roars and bellows continued as they sprinted down the pathway. Strangely enough, the thunderous howls stopped. Everything became serene and silent again. Twilight shifted nervously before she began to run up the hill, apologizing to Fluttershy for taking her up the steep slope. There was no time to waste, seeing as the situation was getting more worrisome by the minute.

~(-)~

“You... Are... Evil...” Sapphire panted and huffed as she rolled onto her side, making Chad slide off and onto the dirt. The human just laughed and smiled at her.

“Consider it revenge for tearing up my hoodie.” Chad said chuckling. Sapphire scowled at him before smiling.

“At least you have something to say that no other soul will ever be able to say.” She said giving a giggle, willingly this time. Chad just scrunched up his brow and puckered his lips in confusion before realizing what she was saying and beginning to laugh himself.

“I tickled a dragon... Pffft.” It didn’t take long for him to begin laughing hysterically. This lasted a good ten minutes before he finally stopped and wiped his eyes clear of the tears of joy that had built up in his eyes. Sapphire continued to lay down onto her side, smiling and sighing in content.

“You know... Even though that was a dirty trick.” Sapphire said giving Chad a mock glare, making him chuckle. “That has to be the most fun I have ever had in awhile.”

“Glad I could be of assistance.” Chad said as he walked over and leaned against her stomach, sighing in comfort as he leaned against her warm and soft scales. There was a comfortable silence that surrounded them. The kind of silence that tells you everything will be okay. “It’s nice out here in the wilderness.”

“Yes it is.” Sapphire said before she curled her long neck around to lay her head next to Chad, so that she could look at him. “It makes me wonder why ponies and griffons have not wanted to live out here. The world is just so beautiful in it’s own right.”

“True that.” Chad said smiling as he lifted a hand and ran it through his longish hair, pulling it back so that is did not impair his vision. He rolled his neck, then his shoulders receiving loud and satisfying cracks from both. “Have you ever slept under the stars?” He asked looking up at the blue sky. It was just a little after noon if he had to guess, about an hour or so at most. “I mean when they are actually out.”

“Once, and it was amazing. They shine brightly and give a subtle feeling of comfort that only a mother could outmatch.” Sapphire said as she looked into the sky, observing the lazy and unmanageable clouds drift by and contort their shape. The silence once again reigned over the duo, making the world around them calm and inviting. Nothing could break the tranquility that fell over them.

“Come on girls! This is it!” A voice said as the sound of multiple sets hooves rapidly hitting the stone floor echoed up to the duo. Chad’s eyes snapped open and he shot up to stare at the pathway that lead up to the plateau.

“Other people? This far out?” He questioned as Sapphire’s eyes snapped to the pathway as well.

“Hmm. I don’t think those are the company you are looking for, but they still may be able to help out. Ponies are the friendliest bunch you will ever meet.” Sapphire said before closing her eyes again.

“Wait what do you mean ‘Ponies’? Do you mean small horses? Horses don’t talk!” Chad said looking at Sapphire with a confused expression, only receiving a small snort in response. “You aren’t going to say anything else are you?” Again, only a snort in return. “Load of help you are.”

~(-)~

Twilight and her friends ran up the pathway, hearing a voice at the top. They continued to run up the mountain's pathway before they arrived at the final pathway that reached up to the top of the plateau. Stopping and making sure all of her friends were with her, she gave them a nod as a way of saying ‘Ready?’. Receiving the same in return, she slowly began to trot up the small pathway.

Reaching the top, she stepped onto the flat stone surface to see a terrifying sight. Before her laid a massive blue dragon on it’s side, it’s head curled towards it’s stomach. This wasn’t the part that scared her, it was the creature that stood next to the massive winged creature that induced a state of fear in her.

The creature was like nothing she had ever seen. It stood tall, tall as Celestia, if not a little taller, and was almost completely hairless, using clothing to make up for it, apart from a long, thick, black mane that seemed to drape down it’s head like a curtain of a play, covering all but what was needed. Instead of hooves or paws, this creature had a rubbery and fabric covered foot and five dull looking claws on it’s hands. The most unnerving feature was it’s eyes. They almost seemed to glow the shade of blue they adorned.

She seemed to literally be frozen in fear until she heard it’s voice. “What the fuck is this?” It said in a masculine, almost comforting, tone.

“Twilight! What is i-..” Rainbow Dash began before she landed next to Twilight, letting her jaw drop at the sight she saw. The rest of her friend soon followed up and stood next to her, staring at the creature before them. The tension in the air was so thick, you could practically taste it. Twilight took a gulp before taking a step towards the creature, it only looking at her curiously raising an eyebrow behind it’s mane.

As she got closer, she cleared her throat and began. “H-Hello, strange creature! I am Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria!”

The creature’s jaw dropped for a moment before it shook it’s head rapidly from side to side. “D-.. Did you just talk?” It asked.

“Y-yes, I did.” Twilight confirmed making the creature walk from the dragon towards her. She tensed up as it neared her, but relaxed somewhat as it stopped few hooves away.

“Twilight, you said, right?” The creature asked, pointing a finger at her. Twilight gulped and nodded before watching it kneel down and look at her. She fidgeted nervously as the creature practically scanned her with it’s eerie eyes before letting out a tired sigh. “I should have expected something like this...” It said shaking its head.

“Wh-what do you mean?” Twilight asked curiously as she watched the creature stand back up, making her crane her neck.

“If you can’t tell, I am not from around here. In fact, I have no clue where I am. But apparently..” The creature’s voice began to raise. “It has dragons, talking ponies with horns and wings, big fucking cat bat things, and god damned wolves made from fucking wood that try and eat you!!” It angrily kicked a plume of dust into the air and ran it’s claws through it’s mane, letting out a frustrated groan and lowered it’s voice. “Christ, could this get any stranger?” He muttered.

“Are you okay, mister..?” Twilight began taking a ginger step towards the creature.

“The name is Chad, and to be honest... I have no clue what I am right now. I am angry, confused, scared, and homesick. So if you have a word for that, then that’s what I am!” ‘Chad’ said throwing his arms in the air. Twilight looked back at her friends, who just shrugged in confusion.

“Alright, Chad. Can you please calm down? I’d like to ask you something.” Twilight asked taking another step towards him.

“Yeah sure, go ahead!” Chad said in an aggravated tone, putting his hands at his sides and looking down at her, making her shiver at his eyes again.

“Where are you from exactly?” She asked sheepishly, making Chad scoff and then sigh as if he just realized something.

“I am from America. Colorado, Evergreen to be more specific. But I am going to naturally assume you don’t know where that is.” He said only letting Twilight confirm what he said with a shake of her head. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

“May I ask what you are?” Twilight inquired, sitting on her haunches.

“I am a Human.” He said plainly, watching as Twilight’s friends walked over to sit next to her. “But now I have a question to ask you.”

“Alright, go ahead.” Twilight said giving a friendly smile.

“Where am I?” He asked and crossed his arms.

“You are on planet Equus, in Equestria, more specifically, the Everfree Forest.” Twilight said in a proud tone and being as specific as possible. Chad just looked at her a moment, as if he was unsure whether to believe her words or not. He quickly turned on his heels and walked back to the large Dragon before leaning against it’s side and sliding down to sit on the ground, staring off into the distance. “Are you okay?”

She began to walk before, an almost protective, short growl erupted from the large dragon as it’s eyes snapped open to look at the ponies, making them shiver and cower by huddling next to each other. Twilight only could stare at the dragon before it simply laid there staring at them, almost expecting them to make a move before it turned it’s head to look at Chad. As they followed the dragon’s gaze, they found him with his arms hugging his legs and his face buried in his knees.

“Chad?” The large dragon asked, surprising the whole group. “Are you okay?”

“.... This is such bull shit...” Chad muttered out, just loud enough for everyone to hear.

~(-)~

Chad hadn't thought of it until now. He knew he was somewhere else, but he hadn’t thought he would be on a completely different planet. As the realization hit him, he realized he most likely wouldn’t be able to go home. See his mother again. See his old friends. Everything he knew was now gone, thanks to his stupid curiosity.

He let out a mournful sigh and felt tears begin to build up in his vision. At least wanting to keep his dignity, he slowly got up, making sure to keep his face hidden, and began to walk towards the cave. As he entered, he saw Sapphire begin to get up before he turned to her and said.

“Please let me be for right now. I need to think some things over.” He said quietly, hoping his depressing mind set did not seep into his voice. Sapphire stopped moving before nodding and then laying her head back down, letting her gaze snap back to the ponies. He walked into the cave, going as deep as he could and letting the darkness conceal him. Finally reaching the back of the cave, he reached out and felt the wall before leaning against and sliding down to meet the floor.

It didn’t take long for his vision to blur up and the sobs begin to set in. He tried to keep himself quiet, but didn’t try hard as he let the information finally hit him with all it’s might. The only thing he wanted was even less likely to happen now and he couldn’t handle it. Maybe it was just the bluntness he received the information, maybe it was he realized it when he arrived but ignored it. To him, it didn’t matter anymore. The loss of his old life was like a knife wound. It stung like a thousand hellfires, and dug deep into his heart.

“This is just unfair...” He whimpered out as he buried his face into his hands.