Dwindling Light

Chapters

Chapter 1: Of a Worried Mind
Chapter 2: Explanations
Chapter 3: Neverfree
Chapter 4: In a world of Loss...
Chapter 6: ...even when the light...
Chapter 7: ...is at it's brightest.
Chapter 8: Hollow But Not Alone
Chapter 9: What Lies in Store
Epilogue
Sequel Side Story - Tales of the Forgotten: Firefly
Prologue: A Day That Never Comes
Chapter 5: ...nothing seems right...
Sequel - Tales of the Forgotten: Eternity
Announcement!

Chapter 1: Of a Worried Mind

Dwindling Light

Chapter 1 - Of a Worried Mind

Date Unknown, 11:53 A.M.

Outskirts of Ponyville, Equestria

“When I woke up here, I couldn’t feel anything, see anything, hear anything, smell anything, or taste anything. When my senses returned to me fully I found that I had a cramp in my left leg like none I ever felt before. I crawled my way to a tree and decided to get some rest before exploring for some form of civilization. You know the rest from there.” I finished speaking finally, telling Dr. Hooves of the events that took place up to now.

We had stopped under the shade of a large oak tree that was on a hill that overlooked the small peaceful town below us. There was still quite a trek to the town that we had to complete but we decided that we should rest up before continuing. We both sat on the grass as I spoke.

Dr. Hooves held a hoof to his jaw while slowly nodding his head. “Well, that’s certainly a story to tell for years to come.” He said, trying to make it sound happy but ultimately failing to do so as I fell onto my back and rubbed my hands through my hair.

“Having something interesting to tell people is the least of my problems Doctor. Truth be told, my feelings are conflicting in many ways right now and I have no clue how to feel. Sad, angry, happy, scared, depressed, and alone. All of which could explain me right now.” I stated flatly.

I grabbed my dog-tag and held it above my face, running my thumb over the engraved name. The wind was light as it swept over the hilltop causing the grass to flow silently against my face. The sky was void of any clouds and the sun was high in the sky, shining its warm glow down upon the land. Occasionally it would pierce through the cover of the leaves above our heads.

“You would’ve wanted your ashes scattered here, wouldn’t you Zachary?” I said solemnly, forgetting the company I had sitting only a couple feet away. You always did love scenes like these, peaceful and serene. I thought to myself.

“Who’s Zachary?” I was brought out of my thoughts by Dr. Hooves asking me that question. I gave a small smile as I replaced my dog-tag inside of my shirt.

“An old friend.” I replied as I pushed myself to my feet. Steadying myself on the tree as the blood rushed from my head. I shook my head and blinked rapidly as the last of the dizziness rid itself from my body. “We should get going Dr. Hooves, from what I can tell we still have a couple kilometers to go till we reach the edge of Ponyville.”

“That we do Robert, but I’d like to discuss something first.” He stated as he stared at me blankly. I looked at him quizzically but saw that he wouldn’t be going anywhere until he said what he needed to say. A common look that I got from my family, despite my pleas for them to leave me alone.

I sighed as I sat against the tree and let myself fall into a sitting position at its base. “What would you like to discuss sir?” My demeanor and tone turning formal, as if I were going into an interview.

Dr. Hooves stood and made his way over to me and sat in front of me. “Robert, if what you say is true than your kind has not been seen in Equestria for several millennia. Your kind plays part in our myths and legends, while some myths are good there are others that would scare foals to stay in bed at night. You do not look like humans from those myths or legends.” I opened my mouth to protest as he lifted a hoof up to silence me.

“But! I cannot guarantee that somepony might recognize the similarities that you may share. If they do, I do not know how they may act towards you. One, I need you to keep the information about our kind being a show for your kind, and two I want you to stay here while I go get Twilight. Before you say no, think about it.”

“A 6 foot tall creature walking into the town that nopony has ever seen before. Put yourself into our hooves, what would be the first thing to come to your mind?” He asked. I thought it was a rhetorical question so I didn’t answer at first until he gestured his hoof in a circular motion.

“Oh umm, well personally I would be intrigued more than anything and try to figure out everything I could about…it…” The realization struck me like a truck hitting a motorcycle on the freeway.

“Exactly, and I don’t doubt there are some crazy ponies that would like to get their hooves on a specimen like you. So I’d like you to stay here while I go get Twilight. Also I implore you to take off the shirt that depicts Princess Luna as well as the socks you have of...me.” He visibly shuddered at his last words.

I gave a light chuckle at this, I can only imagine how it felt to have an alien creature know about you and not vice versa, let alone have accurate depictions of yourself on their garments. “I will stay here and take care of my clothes Doctor, but one last favor to ask of you please?” I asked with a smile.

“What do you need before I leave?” He replied.

“On your way back could you bring me something to eat? I haven’t eaten since breakfast yesterday, my stomach is starting to eat me from the inside out!” I complained.

“I don’t suppose I can let you starve just yet. What kind of food does your kind eat?”

“We’re omnivores, but please no hay. Anything else right about now would help me.”

His eyes widened after I said I was an omnivore, no doubt the first thought that came to his mind was me eating meat. “Before you get carried away in your imagination and start asking a million questions about my diet, no I have never eaten pony or horse before and I don’t plan to.” I assured him. He sighed.

“Alright, I’ll bring you a few apples. Is that okay?” He regained himself.

“That’s great! Thank you!” I replied enthusiastically as a loud grumble emitted from my stomach. I smiled sheepishly as I rubbed the back of my head.

“I’ll be off then, I will be back in a couple of hours. Until then try to stay put.” He stated as he turned towards the path that lead down the hill and towards the edge of Ponyville and started his long walk. Soon he was but an ant at the bottom of the large hill.

“You did not heed my warning young one, the fault be only yours.” A voice said from behind me. I quickly recognized it as the same voice I heard at the edge of the forest near the high school. I didn’t turn around to face where it came from as I continued to watch Dr. Hooves walk away.

“The fault may be mine to bear but it doesn’t mean that I regret not listening to you. I know the fault is my own and I accept that, but as I told my mother before all went to hell. Nothing fun is ever gained by standing by and just watching as the world passes on by.” I replied.

“But a dangerous path chosen to tread is one that is only filled with dread. You know this now, do you not?” I felt as the entity that contained the voice stood a mere inch behind me now.

I thought about it for a minute. “You say this is a path chosen that is filled with dread? That only implies that it is a path yet undiscovered by many, or very few have chosen to follow. Tell me, if you speak of this path being but one of dread than I must ask is this a path you have tread?” I probed, hoping for an answer that would help me out in some way.

I heard a quiet cough come from behind me. “So then, how do you know this path is one that will keep me misled? Especially if it’s a path you’ve yet to walk.” I finished. I felt the presence behind me fade and saw as small particles floated past my face. The cool wind accompanying the essence as it faded away into the breeze.

I had no inclination to see whom the voice was, or what it was. All I knew was that the voice belonged to something that was either benevolent or malevolent, whichever it may be it shall not cause me to waver.

I turned around to the tree and climbed into it’s highest branches as to get a good view of the land around me. As I pulled myself up to the perch and busted through the cover of the leaves my breath was taken away immediately. The land looked beautiful from the top of the hill already, but this was a whole new beauty.

I was looking towards the way I had come from with Dr. Hooves, staring in awe as I made out the rolling hills that eventually faded into the forest we had come from. At the horizon stood a giant mountain with a pristine castle built into the side of it, I immediately recognized this as Canterlot Castle.

Leading up to the castle I saw a railroad, more precisely I saw the billowing smoke of the train as it hastily made its way up the mountains towards Canterlot, ready to deliver whatever goods or ponies that it may of contained. I could hardly make out the details of the castle, but judging from its size from here I could tell it was a lot bigger than the show had portrayed it to be.

Turning to my left I saw the ever serene city of Cloudsdale. The city was one I’d never be able to see despite its majestic beauty, no doubt just as Earth ponies and Unicorns I was going to be stuck on the ground. I could see the occasional spec flying to and from the city, no doubt they were pegasi ponies.

I turned again and saw the entire Everfree forest splayed out in front of me. The Everfree seemed more like a jungle than an actual forest. The edges of the forest were foreboding as vines hung from the various trees that made up the forest. I couldn’t see that far into the forest as the sunlight was blocked out of it by the canopy of leaves.

“I can see how it’s not natural now.” I affirmed myself as I turned towards Ponyville. Near the center of the town I saw the town Library, more precisely Twilight’s home since she arrived in Ponyville. Not too far off from it was the Town Center where I saw ponies, that from where I see them looked like specs, walking to and fro as they went about their daily lives without a care in the world. The Town Hall was at one edge of the Town Center, a few meters in front of Town Hall stood a large fountain that had a statue of some sort present in its center.

My thoughts slowly drifted back to the image of my home, a gloomy one story house with a single garage on the right side of the house with a small front porch that barely had enough room to fit the bench we put on it. The stairs of the porch leading to the sidewalk that stopped abruptly and turned towards the driveway. In front of the sidewalk stood a lone tree with leaves stripped from its branches due to Fall coming and going with the bitter cold of Winter.

Despite the gloomy appearance of my home, it always made me happy when I would enter its threshold. Knowing I had a roof over my head, food to eat, somewhere safe to sleep, clothes on my back, and a family that loved me despite what others thought of me. I may never get to see that home again…my family…my friends. No one. I knew I was going to die alone.

I made my way down the branches of the tree and stopped in it’s lowest perch and made myself comfortable in it. I reached into my pockets and pulled out what I could from them. In my right pocket I had my cellphone, and my house key. My left pocket I had my knife that Michael had given me, and in my back right pocket I had my wallet containing all my ID’s and what little money I did have.

I laid each of the items on my lap and looked over them. My phone is pretty much useless other than for taking pictures. My wallet has my ID’s and whatnot so that’ll be helpful at least a little. My knife I need to keep out of sight unless I’m in a dire situation. My eyes stopped on the last item, my house key.

Despite it having no use to me now, it still held significant value to me. At least it does now. It may not seem like much but this is a reminder to me that I have a family that loves and cares for me, and now they will be spending the next few weeks mourning over me because I was careless and stupid.

I unhooked the chain necklace that was laced through my dog-tag and friendship bracelet and slipped the key onto the chain. I then hooked it again and placed it back on my neck, holding all three momentos in my right hand tightly.

I returned the knife and wallet back to my pockets while leaving my phone out. I unlocked the phone and went to my music app and scrolled down to Hurt by Johnny Cash and pressed play. The air was permeated by the mix of rustling leaves from the tree I was in and the sound of an acoustic guitar, starting the song.

I sung along with the song as it played, the phone at max volume. Music was my way of coping with problems I couldn’t deal with. It helped soothe my nerves and let me relax, to retreat into the recesses of my mind as I thought.

To lose oneself is not to die, but to give in and give up to that around them.

To let yourself fall means to sacrifice all that you’ve fought for.

To say it is all pointless is to say you’d rather let all fail instead of trying.

I have lost so much in the past day, yet I am still alive.

It means I still have something to keep trying for despite the obstacles before me.

My feelings may get to me, but they will never destroy me again.

I will continue, even if I can never get back.

I’ve always said that you’re never dead until you’re forgotten.

Until the blood in my body runs dry and my body turns to dust.

I will not die, nor will I give up.

I am Robert Kenneth Rucker, and I will NOT be forgotten.

I chanted over and over these same lines in my head like the verses of a song I was trying to learn. Being forgotten was my worst fear over anything else. The second was losing my family or friends, when that happened the first time I lost a friend who meant more to me than life itself and all I could do was sit by and watch it happen.

No one remembered him, only me, Jazmine, and his family remembered who he was. I remember the days after I lost him, I was torn up inside as I replayed the scene in my mind over and over and over again. I had been pushed aside before that bullet went through his forehead and his lifeless body fell to the ground. The person who shot him spent no time waiting and ran for it as fast as he could, they were apprehended and jailed. What happened afterwards I dared not look into.

I sat there in his pool of blood cradling his body in my arms as I cried into his bloodied hair screaming for him to wake up, even though I knew exactly what had happened. I was in 7th grade when it happened. Zachary was my best friend, more precisely my first friend. He was a brother to me and he was taken away from me in a cruel way that broke my mind in many ways.

That day not an hour before he died, he gave me his dog-tag as a gift because his family was moving back to the states in less than a month.

I broke from my thoughts as I realized I was starting to hold the dog-tag too tightly. I looked at the palm of my hand to find that it was bruised badly where the edges of the dog-tag were. Well that’s going to suck. I chuckled at the thought. Physical pain was more welcoming than the thoughts in my mind right about now.

The song that was playing was all too fitting as well. Pain by Three Days Grace. I smiled at the irony. I pressed pause on the music application and looked at the clock on the phone. It simply showed 00:00 A.M. instead of the normal time. What else did I expect.

I heard a loud ZAP below me, causing me to nearly fall out of the tree because of it. I looked towards the source of the sound to find a lavender alicorn along with a certain tan earth pony who was carrying saddlebags with him now.

“Where is this creature you spoke of Dr. Hooves?” Twilight’s voice drifted its way up to my ears. “You had better not be playing a prank on me.” She stated angrily.

“I told it to wait here! I swear! Robert?! Where are you?!” Dr. Hooves shouted trying to find me.

I hung from my legs and watched the two look in the opposite direction of me, silently laughing as Dr. Hooves called out my name. “I don’t have time for this Dr. Hooves, come get me when you have something real to show me.” Twilight stated with a tone of irritation heavy in her voice as she turned around.

She stopped a mere inch from my face. “Hello there.” I said calmly. She jumped backwards almost falling to the ground as she did so. Dr. Hooves spun around and glared at me as I kept dangling from the branch. “What? I didn’t leave the general vicinity Doctor. I was hanging right here from the moment you got here. Your fault for not looking hard enough.” I said with a grin present on my face.

“Get out of the tree Robert, and properly greet the Princess.” He replied angrily. I shrugged my shoulders and let myself drop to the ground, landing on my hands and falling backwards onto my knees then proceeding to stand.

Twilight by this time had regained her composure and stood in front of me. I held a hand out to her, “Hello Princess Twilight Sparkle, my name is Robert Kenneth Rucker. Tis a pleasure to meet you.” I said with a tone of formality. She simply eyed my hand suspiciously. She raised her hoof and placed it in my hand and I grasped it causing her to try and retract her hoof as I shook it and then let it go.

She started to beam happily as she started inspecting me, just as Dr. Hooves had done before but a little more in depth as she lifted my arms and legs up in various directions. I let her do as such with a calm expression, hoping that she wouldn’t go anymore in depth than this. “Extraordinary…” I heard her whisper to herself occasionally.

“Doctor, you said that you found him near the forest correct?” Twilight said as she started to hover in front of me inspecting my face.

“Yes Ma’am, he found me in front of the forest.” I replied before Dr. Hooves had the chance to say anything. Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“So where did you come from?” She asked hesitantly. I sighed and averted my gaze from her.

“Before I answer anything else Princess Twilight, I want you to know I have no reason to lie right now. Whether you believe me or not is up to you. Got it?” I stated wholeheartedly, and honestly I really did have no reason to lie right now. I’m in a land that’s completely foreign to me and I don’t have anything but the clothes on my back and the few personal mementos that mean more to me than anything else.

Twilight nodded her head to tell me she understood. “Where I come from is a place called Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. A state in the country of the United States of America on a planet called Earth.” I answered. Her gaze fell flat.

“Now I know that’s a lie.” Twilight stated, “Now tell me the truth.” She demanded.

“As I said Princess Twilight, I have no reason to lie to you. What I say is true, if you want proof,” I pulled out my wallet and pulled out my Military I.D. and my Drivers License, “here’s the proof.” I said as I held the two cards out to her as she took them in a field of shimmering purple magic.

She looked over them with prying eyes, trying to see if it was no doubt a fake. She turned the cards over at least 11 times before giving them back to me. “Okay I guess you’re not lying, but that doesn’t explain anything about you other than that your birthday is in a few days.” As she said this my eyes widened in surprise.

“In a few days?! That’s impossible! It’s January 25th, 2014! It’s a Saturday!” I protested. Both Dr. Hooves and Twilight looked at me as if I’d gone insane.

“No Mr. Robert, today is July 24th, 2014.” Twilight reassured. I felt my heart fall into the pit of my stomach as I fell to my knees. Half a year…for half a year…I’ve been dead…my…family…my…friends…everyone…I held my head in my hands as I bent over fully.

I felt as the tears started to stain my hands, “No…that can’t be…please tell me you’re joking…please…please…please tell me you’re joking…” I gasped between sobs. I felt a hoof being placed around my shoulder but I knocked it away. “You mean to tell me…I’ve been gone…for half a year?” I didn’t look up to them.

“Robert, we didn’t know.” Dr. Hooves said solemnly. I glared up at him, but quickly it dropped to a saddened look as I realized it really wasn’t his fault.

“I’m sorry…but…half a year, seriously? This is just… impossible…I…I can’t even begin to fathom the idea or the toll it’s taken not only on my family, but my friends as well. Many people don’t realize how much they miss someone until they are really gone.” I was holding my dog-tag again.

I looked up to Twilight and saw that she was looking at the ground. “Princess Twilight,” I started as I stood and made my way over to her and kneeled down in front of her. “ I will not say that the pain I face is worse than yours, as you’re an immortal. Without choice this fate was brought to you, just as this fate was brought to me. I may not have to watch as those around me fade forever as you will, but I know the pain of losing all. This is why I give you my word that all I say is true.” I nodded my head slightly and stood up.

She looked up at me and tried to smile the best she could as I wiped the tears from my face. We regained our composure after a couple of minutes and she proceeded to question me further. About where I was from, what it looked like, what others were like, and lastly how I had gotten here in the first place.

I was about to answer her last question when my stomach let out a loud growl of hunger. “Erm, Doctor, could I get those apples now? I was so caught up in talking that I forgot I was hungry.” I stated. He rolled his eyes as he put his saddlebag in front of me and undid the latch. I was met by a bag full of apples, my mouth was already watering just by looking at them.

I grabbed one and took a bite, letting the perfect mix of sour and sweet juices meet my taste buds. It didn’t take long for me to devour every last apple that was inside of the saddlebags. When I was finished both Twilight and Dr. Hooves were staring at me like I was demented. “What? I was hungry!” I announced.

“Kind of got that from how fast you ate them and how many you ate, can everypony in your world eat that many that fast?” Twilight inquired.

I shrugged my shoulders, “Don’t know, our appetites vary from person to person. Usually I wouldn’t be able to eat that many but I hadn’t eaten since yesterday morning. At least it was yesterday morning to me, to you all it’s 5 months and 29 days.” I replied.

Twilight nodded. “Alright, well back to my other question, how did you get here?” She asked.

“To be honest, it’s a long story Princess. So y’all might want to get comfortable.” I stated as I leaned forward and started telling them of the events that took place the days prior to when I had arrived here in Equestria.

Chapter 2: Explanations

Dwindling Light

Chapter 2 - Explanations

July 24th 2014, 6:22 P.M.

Outskirts of Ponyville, Equestria

Twilight stared at me in silence and nodded her head a few times as she jotted down notes. Halfway through my events she stopped writing, I had no clue why but didn’t ask as I continued. When I was finished the sun was starting to set on the horizon over the forest.

“This can’t be coincidence, but you look nothing like those other creatures.” I heard Twilight say silently. I raised an eyebrow to her silently asking what she meant. “It’s just that in our myths it clearly says your race walked on all fours, just as us, that you had fur that covers your entire body, and you were barely taller than a full grown colt. You have fingers and toes just as the myths state but even your language is explicitly Equestrian!”

I started to laugh as I walked into the sunlight behind her. “Sounds to me like you’ve got our spitting image there, at least over twenty millennia ago that would’ve been more accurate. The race you describe would be primates, or at least it sounds like primates. Even then it would be hard to pinpoint the exact species of primate.” I finished with a cocky smile. For the first time in a long time evolution has helped me out.

Both Twilight and Dr. Hooves were both staring at me in awe. “What?” I asked, starting to get uneasy with their stare.

Twilight shook her head and broke the awkward silence that had fell upon the hill after I asked my question. “It’s just, I didn’t expect that.” She fumbled over her words for a second, eliciting another chuckle from me.

“Princess Twilight, I may not seem smart on the outside but it’s quite the contrary. I love learning, no matter the form it takes on. Books, Plays, Nature, Internet, or even learning by simply observing. Although the theory of evolution is something simple learned in History, and Science classes I never had expected it to come in use since everybody knows about it. Also the language you call Equestrian is English on my world, so it’s not too surprising.” I finished with an elated smile present on my face as facts, that seemed arbitrary at the time of learning them, flooded back to me.

I turned towards the sun as the last hints of it faded over the horizon, leaving the sky tinted a sunset red that faded into a deep bluish purple and eventually into black with the lights of stars casting their white glow dimly against the black depths of space. I turned around to find the first rays of moonlight casting their dim glow o’er the town below that was lit up by the lights of homes and streetlamps.

The moon was a full one. The dim glow only beautified the Equestrian lands even further. The cool night air passed through the leaves of the tree above us causing my smile to grow even wider. “How could it be that one would sleep through the night, especially one as beautiful as this.” I said silently as I continued to marvel at the sight.

Twilight was standing on my left now, and Dr. Hooves on my right. We stood there for a few minutes before Dr. Hooves broke the silence with a drawn out yawn. “It’s late, I should be getting home.” He said as he finished yawning.

I smiled down at him and nodded. “Goodnight Doctor, I hope to be seeing you again soon.” I stated as I held a hand out to him, he placed his hoof in my hand and I shook it firmly before letting it go. He nodded to me and then to Twilight, then proceeded to make his way down the path towards Ponyville.

“I suppose I should be doing the same Robert, it was a pleasure meeting you and I’ll send word to the princesses about your situation tomorrow morning.” She smiled at me and held her hoof out this time. I shook it and then sat against the tree pulling off my sweater to use as a blanket again.

She was still standing there, this time looking at me confused. “What? I’ve no where to go as it stands right now, my homes a universe away, you and the Doctor are the only two I even remotely know here.” I said solemnly as I curled into a ball under my jacket. Always the optimist eh? I thought to myself sarcastically.

“Besides, I was a boy scout a couple years back. I know how to survive properly in the wilderness, if push comes to shove,” I looked over to the everfree forest, “ I can always live in there until I find a way to get back home or not, either way I’ll survive another night out here Princess Twilight. Don’t you worry about me.” I beamed at her, more so trying to reassure myself than her.

When I opened my eyes she was glaring at me. “Don’t even think about going to the Everfree Forest, it’s extremely dangerous in there not to mention scary.” She visibly shuddered at the thought. “I have a guest room back at the library in which you can stay until everything is sorted out.” Her glare changed to a welcoming smile. I shook my head.

“Princess-” I was cut off by her holding a hoof up.

“Please stop calling me Princess, it’s just Twilight, and you don’t have a choice in this.” She stated flatly.

I shook my head again. “Twilight, what if somebody sees me and thinks, ‘oh hey, what’s that! A creature I’ve never seen/studied before?! I must see it!’, that would end badly for me. Mostly because one of two, no, five things would happen. One they would kidnap me and find out everything they could about me, including dissecting me to see how I tick. Two I would probably attack them if they tried to kidnap me and it would put me in a bad position and they would consider me a monster. Three they would just ask me a series of questions and try to be friendly with me, which honestly isn’t a real bad thing but it would bring more trouble as word got around of a friendly never before seen creature.”

“Four it would create mass hysteria among the townsfolk causing them to either attack me for fear of the unknown or cower away from me because I’m unknown. Five they would relate me to the humans in your myths and legends, ultimately causing unneeded stress as word got out of a human among you that speaks fluent ‘Equestrian’. Think about how many reporters would be outside your front door if that was the case.” I finished, finally breathing from my small rant.

“That’s why we could get you in easily.” She chuckled as she tapped her horn. I facepalmed as I remembered they could do magic. I’m an idiot. I sighed loudly as I let my hand slide down my face.

“I forget I’m in a land where everything I know more than likely doesn’t apply and that there are new rules that I must adapt to.” Irritated by my own incompetence I stood up and put my jacket back on. Twilight giggled, causing me to turn red from embarrassment. “Hey, when you get sent to another dimension where everything is topsy-turvy, you tell me how you adapt.” I said as I put my hood over my head to cover my face.

“One question though, how did you come up with those theories?” Twilight asked as she placed her saddlebags onto her back and fastened them.

“Reading lots of books and watching lots of television. Not to mention the high school I go to, well went to to be more precise, if you were different they’d outcast ya. Call you an idiot, stupid, or other derogatory terms meant to offend you just because you were different than them. Ignorance and arrogance is a prime export of our worlds youth, I won’t claim that I’m not ignorant or arrogant but I accept it as who I am. I won’t change myself for them. Each of the theories have truth to them and I know you know that.” I replied, irritation heavy in my voice.

Twilight smiled and nodded. “Well, I don’t think they’d try to dissect you or anything like that. Maybe act scared or interested, but never do I think they would foalnap you. There hasn’t been a foalnapping in over a century.” She beamed reassuringly. I found her smile comforting and welcoming. “Enough of that, put your…hand…on my shoulder.” She stated as her horn started to glow.

I complied, placing my hand on her shoulder. Her magic flooded over my body, it was a warm and tingly feeling. My hair stood on edge, eyebrows, hair, mustache, the hair on my arms and legs. This is probably going to sting. I thought to myself as I closed my eyes tightly.

The world around me flashed away in an instant and appeared not a millisecond later, but the pain that surged through my body was enormous. Enough to bring me to my knees, dry heaving as I tried to catch my breath and endure the shock on my body. “F### THAT HURT!” I yelled as I started regaining the rest of my senses.

Twilight was standing over me with a worried expression. “What’s wrong?! Did I do the spell wrong?!” She asked worriedly as she dashed into the kitchen, coming back out with a glass of water. When she returned I greedily snatched it from her magic field and drank it without hesitation.

My throat was dry and a headache plagued me now, my body was recovering from the shock of the spell and by god did it hurt. I expected only a slight shock, not this. I was shaking my head to try and reassure Twilight. “I-It’s f-fine, I just n-never teleported before. We don’t h-have magic where I’m from, but I didn’t expect such an adverse affect on me. You did the spell right from what I can tell, it’s just my body.” I stated through pained breathing as it started to slow down and steady out.

Twilight was still frantic in apologizing so I lifted a hand up and placed it on her head causing her to stop immediately. “Listen Twilight, I’ll be fine. I’ve had worse happen to me. I just need some rest for now.” I smiled to her as I tried to stand up. As soon as I put pressure on my left leg, it gave out causing me to slam my head against the wall. “Ow…” I managed to say as I held my hand to my head where I had hit it.

I tried to move my leg only to find that it wouldn't respond to my commands. Crap, that shock must’ve damaged my nervous system bad for that to happen. “Twilight sorry to ask but I need one more favor, could you help me up to that guest room of yours?” I asked awkwardly. I've never had to have help walking before, at least as far as I can remember, so this was a first for me and it was just as weird as all other firsts of situations.

She nodded fervently as she enveloped me in a field of magic, the slight tingling sensation returning to my body as she did so causing my hair to stand on edge again. She started levitating me up the stairs of the library and towards a door that was located at the end of the hall on the left side. She opened it up and levitated me inside and placed me on the bed.

I smiled at her. “Thank you Ms. Twilight for letting me stay here and helping me up into the room after that.” I said awkwardly as I pushed myself into a sitting position with my back against the backboard of the bed. I pulled out my phone and ear-buds from my pocket and unlocked the phone.

Twilight was standing at the door still. “It’s no problem and I’m sorry for that I didn’t know that it would hurt you.” She stated solemnly. I chuckled.

“There was no way you could’ve known Ms. Twilight, new creatures new rules. Have to learn them somehow.” I joked with her causing her to laugh a little before saying her farewell for the night. I turned my attention back to the phone and looked at the battery percentage in the upper left-hand corner of the phone. 82% battery left, not bad.

I put my headphones in and let my head fall quietly against the backboard as Beautiful Night by Evening Star started playing, lulling me to sleep.

February 22nd 2013, 3:12 P.M.

Camp Pendleton, California

I knew this was coming…I knew that I was going to hurt…I knew that I would never get to see her again…I am nothing but a fool that has wished and wanted it to all be but a lie. Since I knew it was coming, shouldn’t it hurt less than it does? No of course not, it only hurts more that I wasn’t there when she passed away.

My laptop lay a mere 3 inches in front of me bearing that horrid message sent to me by her father and mother, telling me she had finally passed away losing her fight with the cancer she had endured since she was diagnosed in 2012. I lay here crying into my pillow, hoping for the horrid truth to turn its ugly head and for an even worse lie to take it’s place that she was still alive.

I’m so sorry Jazmine, I’m so so so sorry. I should’ve been there for you in your final moments. I always promised I would be there for you when you needed me most, and I failed you. I slammed the laptop shut and continued to mourn her through my ever-flowing tears.

I barely heard the door to my room open up as my sisters face popped into the room. “Hey Bubby I’m-” she stopped as she realized my eyes were stained with tears. She walked over and sat next to me, “What’s wrong Bubby?” she asked concerned. I didn’t reply to her immediately.

“Jazmine…she…she died today…” I choked on the words, still trying to grasp the idea of her dying. “It hurts Alisa…it hurts a lot…I…I should’ve been there for her…I promised her…” I sobbed. I was no stranger to loss of friends, but it never got any easier for me. Hers was more painful for me not because she was an amazing friend, but because I had liked her and she liked me back.

We had for a long time and planned to start going out later this year when I got to North Carolina. We knew each other on Okinawa and we were friends with Zachary, when he died I fell back on her and she helped get me through that rough patch. We teased each other when we were there, but neither of us wanted to admit we liked each other because we didn’t know how the other would react, but despite our efforts to avoid saying as such one day I accidently slipped and I said something I shouldn’t have.

I told her I loved her. I knew in the back of my mind that I should never of said that, mostly because I didn’t know if it was completely true or not. If it was just puppy love of a young and dimwitted teenager just going through the phases of life or if it was true love. What surprised me was that she told me those same words back.

We didn’t want to commit to a relationship though, mostly because we were on opposite sides of the country when it happened. So we decided that if I moved to North Carolina, we would start dating and go from there. When our family got orders there, I was a mixture of emotions mostly happy though. I told her the news the next day and she was elated beyond compare.

A mere two weeks later, she was diagnosed with cancer. We skyped all night that night, she just wanted somebody to be there for her so I did exactly that despite me being states away. From that night on we skyped every night, some nights I wouldn’t get any sleep so that I could soothe her worries. Eventually this was ended when she died.

Her parents sent me an email with their best regards. Even with that I was still broken.

My sister cradled me as I cried into my pillow that she placed on her lap, stroking my head as I did so. Cooing softly that it would be okay, that I’d get through this. I knew I would get through it, just as I had every other death that I endured, but I knew I wouldn’t be okay.

July 25th 2014, 8:02 A.M.

Ponyville, Equestria

As my eyes fluttered open from the grasp of a sleepless night I quickly felt the first rays of sunlight on my chest from the open window to my left. Of course I would have that dream. I thought to myself idly. I removed my earbuds and turned my phone off to conserve the battery I have left on it.

I replaced my jacket onto myself and proceeded to slide to the edge of the bed closest to the window to get a good view of the day. The sky was dotted with a few pegasi as they put some clouds here and there for a partially cloudy day. Luckily they had not noticed me standing in the window watching them with envy.

I stood there for about half an hour before my attention swayed to the pain in my leg. I had regained use of the appendage but the pain that plagued my body last night was present in it while the rest of my body was at ease. It’ll go away if I just keep moving, at least I hope so. I made my way towards the door of the room before looking at the bed that still had my imprint on it’s rustled blankets.

I sighed and shook my head as I let go of the doorknob and walked over to the bed proceeding to fix it to it’s former pristine state. I had opted not to use the blankets or sheets last night due to the warm night and my jacket being able to keep me warm enough. After I finished fixing the bed I made my way towards the door realizing only now that it was almost full foot shorter than me, only reaching the base of my neck.

I waved off the slight irritance and opened the door, crouching while I did so so that I could get through it. I closed the door with a soft click and made my way down the hallway. The smell of tea and oatmeal were made apparent to me as soon as I reached the top of the stairwell. “I await your swift response, your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” I heard Twilight say.

She must be writing that letter to Celestia she promised yesterday. Today was already turning out to be a good day. I slowly made my way to the bottom of the stairwell as I listened to Twilight and another voice speaking back and forth to each other.

“So you mean to tell me you found a human Twilight?” The voice belonged to a certain purple and green drake, Spike.

“Yes and no, I wasn’t the one to find it but I did meet it yesterday after Dr. Hooves came to the library telling me to come see something he couldn’t explain.” Twilight replied with enthusiasm.

“I’m not saying you’re lying or you’re telling the truth Twilight, but what if that things dangerous?” Spike asked cautiously. At this I opened the kitchen door and crouched in behind him as quietly as possible. Twilight saw me but didn’t say anything as she went back to her meal.

“If I was dangerous Ms. Twilight wouldn’t have come home unscathed last night.” I whispered in his ear, causing him to tumble out of his chair and scramble towards Twilight in fear. He held a claw over his chest as he breathed hysterically as Twilight laughed at the sight.

“Good morning Robert, I take it you slept well?” Twilight asked while motioning to an empty seat.

I sat in the seat and immediately regretted the idea as my knees were at chest level as I sat down. I pushed the seat back and chose to sit indian style. “I wish I slept well, nightmares plagued me all last night.” I stated regretfully. Twilight hovered over a cup to me and a teapot then a bowl of oatmeal.

“Here, I know you must be hungry.” Twilight offered.

“Thank you for the tea, but I don’t eat oatmeal Ma’am. I could drink tea all day and night but oatmeal is another story.” I took the teapot and poured it into the cup provided and proceeded to drink it as is. I recognized the taste of the tea as green tea, the bitter but pleasant taste was easily recognizable as I felt my body calm itself with the warm liquid.

“Don’t you want any sugar?” Spike asked as he sat back down, closer to Twilight this time.

I put the cup down and poured myself some more before answering. “I like bitter things such as unsweetened tea and black coffee. As for sugary sweet food and drinks, I’m not much of a fan anymore due to a cavity in my left top molar. Get sugar in that part of my mouth even by accident and my day takes a turn for the worse.” I looked into the steaming green tea below me and breathed the aroma in deeply and letting it out with an elongated breath.

“Is all of your kind weird like that?” Spike asked, causing Twilight to give a resounding thwack of her hoof against the back of his head. I gave a light chuckle.

“What is your name?” I asked as I sipped my tea again. I knew his name already but if I said it I may of needed to explain how I did as Twilight hasn’t said it.

Spike stopped massaging the back of his head. “My name’s Spike, Twilights number 1 assistant.” He beamed with pride at his title.

“A pleasure Spike. My name is Robert. As to if my kind is weird, it differs on many levels. We all have taste buds but they are not all the same. Some like bitter foods and drinks while others could despise it and choose to sweeten them up with sugar or other sweeteners.” I informed the young drake, peaking his curiosity further, as well as Twilights.

I proceeded to answer their questions about humans to the best of my capabilities. Most questions were about what our populace and how we differentiated from one another. Much to my surprise they thought we all looked the same, acted the same, and overall exactly the same. These ‘facts’ stemmed from their myths and legends of humans.

“So, your kind doesn’t wear the same kind of clothing?” Spike asked. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose with my thumb and index finger.

“Were you not listening to anything I just said Spike? It’s both a yes and a no. The attire that we choose to wear isn’t always a unique piece of garment meant explicitly for one person. The rare clothing that is, you have to design it yourself with a creative idea that someone else hadn’t thought of before.” I answered with anger. He was about to speak again when he belched fire, and along with it came a scroll bound by a red ribbon and golden seal that depicted a horseshoe.

I ducked a little as some of the flames made their way to the spot my head was previously but dissipated quickly. Twilight picked the scroll up in a field of magic. “Looks like the Princess got our message.” She stated happily. I stared at her blankly as she proceeded to unfold it and begin reading aloud.

Dear Princess Twilight,

This is indeed quite the predicament. A human in our midst could cause some trouble if not dealt with properly. We shall arrive at noon to take it off your hooves and deal with it properly. If you haven’t already, I request that you sedate the creature and lock him somewhere in your home until we arrive.

Your mentor,

Princess Celestia

I kept staring at Twilight with a flat expression. “You didn’t tell her anything about me did you?” I asked flatly.

Twilights cheeks turned red as she rubbed the back of her head with her hoof. “I-I didn’t think about it at the time.” She gave a sheepish laugh. I face-palmed and let my hand slide down my face, turning towards the clock on the wall to see the time. 11:22 A.M. I only have 38 minutes to live, great.

“When you tell somebody about another sentient race from mythology appearing in your midst that was described as an evil creature of malevolent descent I think it might be a little important to tell them its name and a little about it to allay any fears one may have of it so that it WON’T GET KILLED!” I was a mix of angry and scared now. Scared because I was already dead once, and I didn’t want to die twice. Angry because of Twilight's lack of thought put into her letter.

Twilight shrunk down into her seat. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know this would happen.” She apologized. I shook my head.

“It’s fine I suppose.” I sighed. Calm yourself Robert, everybody makes mistakes. I thought to myself. “Hopefully when she arrives she won’t just blast me on the spot and at least give us the chance to speak.” I said hopefully as I stood up from my sitting position and stretching my back.

Twilight was about to say something before a knocking at the front door stopped her. She looked around worriedly. “We gotta hide you!” She exclaimed as she started pushing me out the door to the central room of the library.

“Twilight, I can just go to the guest room or upstairs whilst you speak with whomever this is. It’s not like they’ll go upstairs right?” I questioned her. She nodded fervently as I walked up the stairs and made my way to the guest bedroom. As I reached the door I heard Twilight open the door.

“Hel- Princess Luna?” Twilight said surprised. Oh crap… “I thought you and Princess Celestia were coming at noon?” Twilight questioned as I heard the clopping of hooves on the wooden floor of the library. “Why do you have the Lunar guard here?” Twilight asked again.

“We were sent ahead of Celestia to make sure the creature were sedated as per her instructions. Where may it be?” She asked as I poked my head around the corner of the stairs.

Standing in the foyer were 4 bat winged pegasi clad in obsidian armor. At the front of the guards was Princess Luna, her ethereal mane and tail flowing behind her as she stood in front of Twilight. She was wearing no armor, other than her normal regal attire that was composed of her crown, horseshoes, and necklace.

“Hold on for one second while I go get him.” Twilight stated as she ran towards the steps stopping at the bottom as she saw me.

“Why are you hesitating Twilight? Might you need escort to gather the creature?” Luna asked.

“Princess Luna, she doesn't need any help gathering me. I’m perfectly capable of walking down a flight of stairs myself.” I said cockily as I started my descent down the stairs, startling the guards and Luna into a fighting position. “Easy there Princess, I’m friendly!” I exclaimed throwing my hands up in front of my face half expecting somepony to hit me.

“Stay bac- Wait a minute, did this creature just speak Equestrian?” One of Luna's guards asked surprised. I chuckled.

“Yes and no, where I come from this is called English. Princess Luna, my name is Robert Kenneth Rucker. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” I stated happily as I knelt down in front of her and bowed slightly, then proceeding to stand up once more. Her horn reached the top of my head so her eyes were right at mouth level.

“Twilight, surely you jested us when you said this creature were human?” Luna asked leaning over to glare at Twilight.

I held a hand in front of her face causing her to look back at me. “Your myths and legends are several millennia old Princess Luna. Albeit, I’m not of this world.” I was about to continue when I felt something heavy hit me over the head.

Chapter 3: Neverfree

July 25th 2014, 12:24 P.M.

Ponyville Library, Equestria

My body shot into an upright sitting position as a fit of coughing overcame me due to the dust that traveled upwards with me. The room was almost pitch black, allowing me to see the vague outlines of the room and its furniture. I felt a pain in the back of my head causing me to bring a hand up and explore the newly found growth, wincing as my fingers barely skimmed its surface. Memories of what had just happened flooded back to me.

I was trying to speak with Luna, yet somebody or something must’ve struck me from behind. Of course that would happen, they told Twilight to sedate me so they forcibly did so. It was the only conclusion I could come to since Twilight and Spike had no reason for aggression towards me, while Luna and her guards had been extremely wary of me. I got to my feet and dusted the thin layer of dust that coated me.

At first I hadn’t noticed any smell to the room, but as my senses fully returned a strong odor of mold was made apparent to me. I scrunched my nose at this and covered it with a single hand. For one I despised the smell, and two the smell always gave me a headache.

I was standing in the middle of the room, to my left was an array of machines I had never seen before as well as to my right. I chose not to touch any of the machines. I looked down to see there were hoofprints in the dust that led up the stairs to a door that no doubt led up to the foyer of the library. From here I could hear the sound of a plethora of voices discussing something, but they were too quiet for me to make anything out really.

Hopefully they don’t attack me again. I thought to myself as I walked up the stairs and stopped in front of the door. There were no longer voices coming from the other side. My heart started beating faster and faster as I reached for the doorknob. As I felt the cold metal in my hand I nearly jumped back down the stairs but realized quickly it was just my nerves getting the better of me.

I grasped the doorknob, turned it, and pushed forward, causing the door to open with a long eerie squeak. The light causing me to shield my eyes as I ducked under the doorway and walked into the foyer. Standing around the table were a mix of pegasi guards wearing both ebony and golden armor. At the far end of the table however stood Luna, Twilight, and lastly Princess Celestia.

The guards were now standing at the ready, taking formation around me awaiting an order to attack. Princess Celestia and Luna were both glaring at me while Twilight gave me a warm and welcoming smile.

“Umm, Hi?” I said as I closed the door and stood with my back against it. The guards clad in golden armor almost seemed to flinch in surprise, while the guards in ebony stood their ground. Celestias glare turned to a slight look of confusion. “Please don’t knock me out again.” I said as I shielded my head and dropped into a ball.

I didn’t want to be knocked out again, mostly because I don’t want to wake up down there again. I also did this to try and show them I was no threat to them, let alone that I would even think of hurting them. I heard the sounds of hooves growing closer and closer, the sound of a dozen hooves moving and then the sound of hooves right in front of me. “Please, don’t hit me again.” I said as I clenched my eyes tightly shut.

I felt a hoof fall lightly on my shoulder, causing me to look up to find Twilight staring down at me with that same friendly smile. “Why would I hit you Robert?” She asked as she took a step back from me. I tried to muster up a smile but ultimately failed to do so.

“I-I don’t k-know. The last thing I remember i-is talking to Princess Luna, trying to explain myself and then feeling something slam into the back of my head.” I replied as I stood with my back still against the wall, holding my hands on my head with the fear of being hit in the back of the head still plaguing me. The guards around the room returned to their previous spots around the table with a look of unease present on each of their faces.

“We apologize for such actions…Robert, but we were told you were to be a human, but it seems we were mistaken.” Luna said, her gaze flat and expressionless now as she said this. Celestia was still confused by the current events.

I was about to respond when Celestia interrupted. “What are you strange creature? We’ve never seen the likes of you before, do you mind telling us?” She spoke slowly to as if I couldn’t understand her, causing me to frown at her.

“Pardon me Princess Celestia, but I am not a child so speaking to me as such is rude, disrespectful, and degrading to me as an individual.” I retorted. “I am a human, through and through. Your mythological references towards my kind are inaccurate as they describe another mammal on my planet that are called monkeys. No doubt you have monkeys in your forests and jungles spread across the globe.”

“But you’re also right in your myths. We evolved from that species and became the first sentient species with the ability of speech, and further thought on our planet. No doubt as Twilight and Dr. Hooves have told me, we are nothing more than myths, legends, monsters in a child's bedtime story to get them to sleep. Portrayed as evil creatures am I correct? Such as the Boogieman, Bloody Mary, Chuckie, Jason Voorhees, Freddie Kreuger, Jeepers Creepers, The Grudge, The Headless Horseman, Frankenstein, Dracula, and many more such people, ghosts, and creatures from our stories.”

“Whereas you think we are all evil, I guarantee you that not all of us are. I have no intention of harm towards you or anybody else. Princess Celestia, I come from a different universe altogether no doubt and I’m scared out of my wits that I may never have the chance to return to my home. I’m six months into the future of the universe I was transported from. All I have ever known and loved is now but a distant dream that I may never be able to return to.”

“How do you think I feel? I feel terrified, broken, lost, and lonely. More so than I have ever in my life. I feel more terrified than you, Luna, and your entire Royal Guard combined multiplied by a million. The only reason I don’t let that show through the facade I’ve kept up till now is because that’s what I’ve done my whole life. Keep everything inside and let it all out in one foul swoop.”

“I keep a strong facade on the outside most of the time so that my friends and family can feel at ease with themselves and not have somebody else to worry about in their lives. If I see somebody hurting, I take them onto my shoulders and carry their weight so they can be happy even if it causes more distress to myself."

As I finished my small rant I struggled for breath, my skin and blood hot as the suns fire, my head light, my body shaking. I scowled deeply at Celestia as all of them looked at me in confusion and surprise. I realized what I had just done and calmed myself down and looked at the floor in embarrassment. "I'm sorry for that outburst, it was uncalled for. It's just... i'm scared Princess Celestia... I may never get to see my family ever again and well..."

I was about to continue but was cut off by Celestia. "I understand, I am sorry for speaking to you so carelessly. I am sure I would be just as scared as you in a situation such as this, we apologize Robert." I looked up at her, a broken smile present on my face while she still held a stern gaze.

“I’d almost guarantee that you’d handle it better.” I replied in a far friendlier tone than before. Luna and Celestia motioned the guards to exit the library. Most of whom bowed slightly in acknowledgment and didn’t question the Princesses as they exited the building. Only a couple of guards were still standing inside of the library.

“Captain Storm and Captain Dawn, you may leave as well.” Princess Celestia said to them. They both kept glaring at me but did as she asked, slowly exiting out the door. When they were finally outside and the door closed I let out a deep breath that I didn’t realize I was holding in.

“That certainly was…weird.” I said with a light chuckle. Celestia returned to her position next to her younger sister and sat down.

“They are wary of you Robert, with all right should they be.” Luna replied coldly. Her voice sent a chill down my spine. Celestia shot a glare at her. “Don’t look down on me as if I’m wrong, we should not trust this creature nor should we trust what it says. It could be lying to us, but you show it trust.” She hissed at Celestia.

“Do not mistake my words for trust Luna, nor should you Robert. Until we know full well what is going on here, you’re going to answer our questions and should we find you’re lying to us we will put you in the Canterlot dungeon for the rest of your days.” Celestia stated in a flat tone. I nodded and stood opposite of her from the table.

“I do not mistake them for trust Princess Celestia, I do recognize them as true concern. Just as a mother's words to her child when they get themselves hurt. I also have no reason to lie to you Princess Celestia, I’ve already had everything taken from me so what would I seek to gain through deceit?” I replied. Celestia nodded slightly while Luna kept glaring.

“First Question, where did you come from?”

“Planet Earth, Continent North America, Country United States of America, State North Carolina, City Camp Lejeune.”

“Next Question, do you have any form of identification?”

“I do.” I reach around to my back pocket and pull out my wallet and proceed to toss it on the table in front of her. She picked the wallet up in a field of yellow magic and levitated out the cards and money inside of the wallet. Once she found what she was looking for she held it in her hoof and inspected it carefully.

She then passed it to Luna who also inspected it and then proceeded to place the cards and money back inside the wallet and levitate it back to me. “I take it that you were a child of a member in a guard of sorts?” Luna asked flatly.

“Yes Princess, that I was.” I replied flatly.

“The United States Marine Corps, what is it?”

“They would be the equal of your Royal guard, but whereas you have a single military force we have multiple consisting of The United States Marine Corps, United States Army, United States Air Force, United States Navy, and the United States Coast Guard.”

“That brings upon more questions than I wished for.”

“Once again, I’ll answer as best I can.”

“How long does your species usually live in years?”

“It varies from country to country for us, but we generalize it to a single century. Most usually don’t reach a century old but do live a nice long life. Although my life ended at Seventeen years of age, when I was transported here.”

“Why is that? Did they not send you here for a reason?”

“I wasn’t sent here Princess, I was brought here against my will. I have no magic, nor does anybody else of my species. How I got here is an inexplicable anomaly that I couldn’t explain to you even if I tried.”

“We will not ask again, why did they send you here?” Luna demanded angrily. I glared and held my position.

“And I will not repeat myself again, the anomaly that brought me here is inexplicable by human standards. All I can tell you about it is that it was a strange anomaly in the universe that appeared on Earth and brought me here. As I’ve said before I have absolutely no reason to lie to you.” I retorted. Both me and Luna were standing only a couple inches from each others face now.

She glared into my eyes, prying into my soul to try and find an answer where there was none. “You can stare into my soul all you wish Princess, but you will only find I’m telling the truth. I can tell you exactly what the anomaly looked like, and what it did to me, but I can’t explain what it was.” I stated flatly as I stood straight up, glaring down at the Princess of the night. Celestia and Twilight stood stoic, watching the scene unfold.

“I knew you were lying! You said you couldn’t-” Luna was cut off by Celestia putting a hoof in front of her face.

“Do you care to elaborate Robert?” Celestia asked quizzically. I nodded slightly.

“As I said before and keep to, I have absolutely no clue what the anomaly was other than what I think it did and what it looked like. What the anomaly looked like was a black orb with a smaller pulsing yellow orb on the inside, the first time I saw it the yellow orb was nothing more than a spec. The second and last time I saw it, the spec seemed to be pulsating and was at least the size of my head. The orb was phantasmal the first time I saw it, when I saw it for the second time it was a solid orb that well stuck to me when I slammed my hand down on it.”

“When I tried pushing myself out with my foot, I got my foot stuck in it. When no one was able to pull me out at all and the orb had already dissolved or transported my arm up to the wrist and foot up to the ankle I placed all my limbs on it to make myself more comfortable. Soon enough all that was poking out was my head.”

“What I think the orb did was slowly displace my atoms across the universe to this planet or to another universe entirely onto this planet. In layman terms, the orb was a cross dimensional teleporter. At least that’s what I personally think happened, and to what it is I can’t be for certain. Like I said, I can’t really explain it. Best bet is to get a team of researchers on it asap to figure out what it was.”

Celestia nodded slowly as she took in this information as did Twilight. “So what I’m getting is that the ‘orb’ you saw was a teleportation spell that sends a specific target across the universe?” Celestia asked.

I shook my head. “I wouldn’t say that Celestia, it would be all too improbable considering our world doesn’t have magic in any way, shape, or form. All ‘magic’ is to humans, including myself, is science that has yet to of been explained properly.” In a way its true. Most people called something magic when they see science that they cannot explain.

Celestia, Twilight, and Luna all looked at me dumbfounded. “What? Why are you looking at me that way?” I asked, starting to become unnerved by their looks. Twilight was the first to regain her consciousness from her stupor.

“No magic?! Not even a little?!” She exclaimed. I shook my head.

“Nope.” I said flatly in response.

“But how do you control the weather? The sun?! The Moon?! Anything?!?!” Twilight continued.

“We let nature take its course. If there should be rain, let there be rain. The Sun is at the center of our solar system and the Earth orbits around it creating our calender year of 365 days. The Moon however revolves around the Earth, creating the moon cycles and tides of the oceans.”

All of them looked at me more dumbfounded than before. “Tis a lie! Tis a horrible lie!” Luna shouted angrily as she slammed her hooves down on the table in front of her.

“Think it a lie all you want Princess Luna, doesn’t change the facts present on my planet.” I tried keeping a straight face saying this but ultimately failed as I broke into a fit of laughter when she looked defeated.

Celestia cleared her throat loudly, causing me to stop my laughing and return to my standing position.

“With that out of the way, onto other questions. Are you a male or female?”

I gave her my best ‘are you kidding me’ face I could muster up. “I’ll let you think about that one for a while Princess. Not that hard to figure out.”

“I’ll presume female.” She gave a joking grin as I shook my head. The grin faded as fast as it came. “Next question, You said that you had family. How many members and who were they?”

“I lived with my current family, my father, my mother and my sister. My brother moved out a few months ago. Five members in my family including me.”

“What were their names?” She probed.

“I’d rather keep that to myself.” I replied.

“Why?”

“Personal reasons.”

“What personal reasons?”

“What do you not get about personal Celestia?”

“Fine, what do you plan to do?” She asked cockily. I opened my mouth to answer but closed it when I found that I had none. What was I going to do?

“He could stay here until we find him proper accommodations?” Twilight interjected. We all gave her puzzled looks. “It would allow you to keep a close eye on him, and allow me to further study him.” She reasoned. Celestia and Luna nodded.

“Well that soun-” I cut her off.

“I will not be staying any longer with you Twilight. I only agreed to staying yesterday because I had no idea of where to go. Once we are done here I will be leaving to the Everfree forest.” I stated.

“No!” Twilight exclaimed slamming a hoof on the table. “You can’t possibly do that!”

“Nor would we allow you to. It is dangerous for anypony to enter that forest alone.” Luna stated with a hint of concern. I raised an eyebrow at this.

“It seems that somebody does care for my well being despite their scowling and seething hatred towards me, but evidently you seem to underestimate me. I am capable of surviving in the wilderness.”

Celestia shook her head and stepped over to me and placed a hoof on my shoulder. “This is the Everfree forest, this is not a normal forest Robert.” She stated with a hint of concern. I shook my head and pushed her hoof off my shoulder.

“Believe me Celestia, I know it’s not a normal forest. Far more than you think.” I replied.

“Will you not consider staying here at least until tomorrow?”

I shook my head. “I will not Princess Celestia. If you have no more questions for me than I will be on my way.” Twilight and Luna were standing in front of the door as I stopped in front of them.

“One last question, why?” They asked in unison.

“Why what?” I replied expressionless.

“Why do you want to face this alone?”

“Because that’s how it’s been my entire life, facing everything alone.”

“But you don’t have to now! We want to help as we can best!”

“The best help you can provide me right now, is to leave me be so I may come to terms with this.” I said solemnly. I reached for my dog-tag quickly finding that it wasn’t around my neck, my eyes immediately going wide in worry. “WHERE IS IT?!” I shouted, causing them to look at me with concern.

“Where’s what?” Luna asked.

“MY DOG-TAG! WHERE IS IT?!”

“Your dog-tag? I believe that belonged to somepony named Zachary, not you.”

I stopped in the midst of my panic and turned towards Luna fully with a scowl. I leaned down, my face only a mere inch away. “It was given to me by him before he died. Now I won’t ask again. Where. Is. It?” I growled.

“How dare you speak to me like this!” Luna shouted in my face, scrunching her face against mine.

We were locked in a heated staring contest before Twilight cleared her throat causing us to turn towards her. She levitated my dog-tag along with the friendship bracelet, and house key in front of me. I gave her a relieved smile as I grabbed the dog-tag out of her magic and placed it around my neck.

“Thank you Twilight.” I said happily. I turned towards Luna, “As for how I spoke to you before Princess Luna, I am sorry but this necklace holds a special place in my heart, mind, and soul. If I lost this, I don’t honestly know what I would do. They’re a constant reminder that I have and had people that care for me.” I held the three items in my right hand.

“I do not forgive you for it, but it does peak my curiosity to why one would speak as such to me. Especially for such a questionable group of objects. May I ask what significance they hold?” Luna probed.

I nodded. “The dog-tag, it belonged to my friend Zachary. He gave it to me shortly before he was killed, he was my best friend so much so that I considered him my brother. The bracelet belonged to my friend Jazmine, she died last year of cancer. The key you see here, it is a new reminder that I have a family that loves me and that I have something to return to if I ever get back. They’re also a reminder of the promises I made and the friendships that meant more to me than anything in the world.”

The room was silent now. So silent you could hear a nail drop. “I’ve never been anything much,” I started again, “ and they’re the ones who showed me that I should have faith even when the darkness seems all consuming and the light seems so far away. I single myself out amongst others because I’m socially inept except when I’m amongst my close group of friends. I feel like I’m constantly going to screw up or do something wrong.”

“I constantly put myself down and say I can’t do anything, that I’ll never amount to anything other than being another face in the crowd. No matter how many people surround me, I always feel alone. I’m stuck in a constant daze, oblivious to the world around me.” The room was still silent when I finished.

I got up from my spot on the table and walked to the door and gripped the handle. I turned around for one last look at the Princesses before me. “I guess all I’m saying is that, I’m not who I used to be and I’d like to be that bright, happy, and bubbly kid I used to be.” The smile I tried keeping had fallen to a mournful expression.

“Robert, at least allow us to accompany you to the forest

I tried to curse but I choked on my words as I fell to the ground in pain. I couldn’t hear anything, but I did see Twilight looking at Luna with worry and she was shouting something at her. Luna and Celestia looked down at me in concern.

When I regained my hearing Luna was profusely apologizing to me. “Princess Luna, i-it’s fine. Y-you couldn’t h-have known. I s-should have t-told you that would happen t-to me.” I stammered as I tried standing on my feet. It felt like there was a ton of rocks on my shoulders when I finally stood up.

“What did you even cast on me if I may ask?” I asked through pained breaths as I gripped my side and leaned against the wall.

“I cast an invisibility spell upon you, so that we may move through the town unnoticed.” Luna pointed out. I looked down at myself to find that I could still see myself.

“Seems it was pointless, it doesn’t seem to have worked.” I replied. Luna chuckled lightly.

“You are only able to be seen by yourself and the caster of such a spell. Celestia and Twilight only know where you are because I am speaking to you directly.” She smirked.

To test this I moved around the edge of the room slowly and behind Celestia and Twilight. I then got between them and went “Boo…” causing them both to jump and look at me, or at least where they thought I was.

They proceeded to glare at Luna who was laughing. “You should have seen that coming.” I stated as I finally felt better and was able to stand straight.

“Oh yes we should have, you’ve no idea how many times she has done that to me.” Celestia said irritatedly. I smirked at Luna who was whistling into the air innocently.

“I suppose we should get going.” I stated as I opened the front door.

“As do I, but are you sure you may be able to survive there?” Twilight asked as we got outside. I stood tall and stretched my arms up to the sky and basked in the warmth of the sunlight. Standing around the library's entrance was a large platoon of mixed pegasi in ebony and golden armor.

I looked down to Twilight, “It’s not like I will be there all the time Twilight. I’ll start building a shelter along the border of the forest, not too far in but far enough so that it’s unseeable by a passerby.” I informed her. She nodded as we made our way through the platoon of guards, Celestia and Luna leading the way.

July 25th 2014, 3:42 P.M.

Everfree ForestBorder, Equestria

We stood at the border, staring into its foreboding beauty that was darkness. “Are you sure you want to do this Robert? It’s not too late to take up the offer to stay at my place until the Princesses find you proper accommodations.” Twilight pointed out. I shook my head.

“I may not want to do this Twilight, but I’d rather be able to roam freely in a creepy forest than be trapped inside of a Library for only who knows how long.” I tried reassuring myself in my head that it would be okay. All I needed to do for tonight is find a cave to set up base camp in. Once I have a base camp I can move from there and start laying base near the border for a home.

“Robert, please take this.” I felt a hoof poke my shoulder and I turned towards whom it belonged to, to find that Celestia was holding a small leather bag in front of me in her magic.

I grasped the bag and eyed it curiously. “What is this?” I asked.

“It contains 10 letters, a quill and inkwell, along with a magical candle. If you need to contact somepony, simply write a letter and put it in the flame of the candle. It will reach the recipient almost instantaneously.” She informed. I gave her a smile and a nod.

“You should be cautious accepting gifts from others, they may turn to be bad.” The voice from earlier made it’s appearance again, coming from behind us.

“Princesses, do you hear that?” I asked to the three standing in front of me, they all shook their heads and looked at me worriedly.

“Hear what?” Twilight asked.

I shook my head. “It’s nothing. I should be on my way, I will write to you tonight when I have found an area to set up base camp.” I smiled and waved as I turned and ran down the path and into the forest.

The only thing lighting my way were a few streaks of light permeating the foliage of the trees above. I looked over my shoulder to see that the princesses had left. I looked back in front of me and decided to turn into a brush, starting to trailblaze my own path. “You’re still there, aren’t you?” I asked aloud.

“That I am, you should be more cautious as to whom you accept help from.” The voice said from above me. I shook my head.

I stopped to catch my breath and pulled out my knife, proceeding to mark a tree with an ‘X’ to mark a way back to the main path. “Yet I should accept the advice of one who knows nothing of the path I tread? Let alone the one who is too scared to show themselves or at least give me their name? I’d be better off accepting advice from a psychopath.” I retorted as I breathed heavily.

“You honestly haven’t figured out who I am yet?” the voice asked.

“Should I of by now?”

“Honestly I’d thought you’d recognize your own consciences voice. Guess I was wrong.”

“So pretty much you’re telling me that you’re the manifestation of my subconscious mind trying to speak to me through giving yourself an outside voice that can only be perceived by me?”

“Pretty much.” My consciences replied. I gave an elongated, agitated sigh.

“So I have literally, gone crazy?” I asked. I waited 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes for a reply but received nothing but the rustling of leaves. “Going to take that as a yes.” I shook my head as I looked around at where I was at. To my left was a small clearing. I entered the clearing, pulling my knife out of my pocket and flicking it open.

As I walked through the clearing I had an uneasy feeling that I was being watched, and the rustling from the wind above didn’t aid in calming my nerves any either. The clearing was also a lot larger than I had first anticipated it to be. It was a long narrow pathway that went on for as far as the eye can see.

This wasn’t a normal path, it had to of been cleared by somebody. At the edges of the clearing stood tree stumps that had long since started to rot, meaning that this area was cleared a long, long time ago. I kept walking along the path until I started hearing the sound of running water.

Might be a good idea to make a makeshift canteen or two and get some water to purify later. I adjusted my path so that I was making headway for the sound of the flowing water. As the sound got louder, the slower I got as well. If there were a rabbit, beaver, or another such animal at the water I wouldn’t want to scare it, or I may be going hungry tonight.

I stopped as a full river came into view, but I made sure to stop just at the right point to see the other side of the river from where I was crouching in the bushes. I looked around to find a bamboo thicket standing tall and thick on the bank. Well this will be much easier than expected. I thought as a grin sneaked its way onto my face.

Although there were no animals on this side of the river, it didn’t dishearten me as I reached the bamboo. Each stalk was easily as thick as my foreleg. I proceeded to use my knife to cut down 4 of the stalks and some nearby vines as to create a strap to carry them. It took me about an hour and a half (in total) to cut each one to the right size to make them into a canteen and to carve out holes into each of them. Then an additional thirty minutes to create plugs for each of them.

Each one was as thick as my foreleg and as long as it as well. They may not be the best, but they will do for now until I can make a gourd or two. Now to fill these. I proceed to walk over to the river, bending down and uncapping each of the canteens and filling each one up with water.

I filled each one up several times and emptied it out several times to clean it out as best I could before filling them up one last time and slinging them across my back with my package from Celestia. Purifying this water will be difficult without any pots, so next thing to do is to find some well rounded rocks and hope that I can carve it out enough. I started walking up the rivers edge, following it up as far as I could go.

At the end of the river there was a large wall of stone with a waterfall flowing down into the river. I clipped my knife into my pocket and proceeded to climb the cliff-face, grabbing at the jutting out edges where I could slowly climb up, testing each edge before pulling myself further upwards.

When I reached the top of the cliff, I laid my canteens and package down on the ground and sat at the edge. The sight that lay before me now was unbelievable to say the least. The sun was only just above the horizon above the thick forest that covered the area for miles around. The cliff I found myself on spread out flat for a while before dipping off behind me further into the forest.

About a mile to the west of me stood the edge of the forest and further beyond that were the barely noticeable rooftops of ponyville. To the east stood a vast expanse of forest that went on until the horizon, except at one point where ruins jutted out of the tree cover. Might be beneficial for me to make shelter there for the night. I thought to myself as I smiled wholeheartedly.

The Everfree forest was foreboding from the outside, but from the inside upon this cliff, it was a serene beauty that very few could appreciate to its full extent. From the shows portrayal, it was an enchanted forest that was unnatural to the citizens of Equestria, but to me it was beauty in its greatest form.

Reveling in its beauty was cut short as I started to notice the sun start descending over the horizon. Should get a move on, I’ll gather a few things for a fire on the way. I thought as I got to my feet and replaced my belongings across my back. I looked over the edge at the river below, it was about a 30 foot drop into it. I shook the thought from my head, getting wet was the last thing I would want right now.

So I made my way down the cliff face again. It didn’t take too long but I couldn’t risk wasting anymore time so I made haste towards the ruins I saw, at least their general direction. Along the way I grabbed some deadwood and dry leaves to make a fire, also making sure to grab two sticks and a vine to light it when the time came. I bundled the supplies together with two vines, making sure it was bound tightly.

After about 45 minutes of walking I had gathered enough sticks, wood, and leaves to sustain my fire through the night, and the last hints of sunlight were fading. Not too far off I could see a spire peaking out of the treetops. I hastened my pace to a full on run to get there as fast as I could.

I came to a skidding halt as I approached the edge of a chasm that separated the ruins and the rest of the forest. No sooner did I look up at the ruins did I recognize where I was, better yet what the ruins were. It was the castle of the two sisters.

Wait a minute, if I’m here then the tree of harmony is… My gaze shifted slowly towards the cave at the end of the chasm that had a soft white light emanating from it. Well that answers that question. I looked to my left, finding a long bridge made of rope and aged wood.

I jogged over to the bridge and started walking across it, finding that it could hold my weight. What did I expect? For me to fall through and to my death? This bridge could hold 6 ponies easily!

I shook the thoughts from my head as I reached the end of the bridge and looked up at the castle in awe. The first thought that came to my mind was of how much larger it looked in person. I felt a presence behind me now. “Seems you’re awestruck at how big it is.”

I ignored him as I walked up the steps to the two large doors that stood in the entryway. Both of which showed their wear over the many years of neglect. I slowly pushed opened the two doors with an eerie squeak that echoed out among the atrium I found myself in. I slowly turned in circles as I walked towards the statue that once held the elements of harmony.

I snapped out of my stupor as I quickly realized that it night now. I pulled up my sleeve slightly and looked at my watch, it showed in bright green numbers that it was 4:12 P.M. Seems that I’ll need to adjust my watch to this worlds time. I thought to myself as I waved off the impertinent task for a more important one.

I placed my canteens and package from Celestia against the statue and placed the bundle of sticks and tinder in front of me. I gathered some broken stones from around the atrium to lay down a fire pit. I placed some of the leaves in the bottom and layered it with 2 medium sized chunks of wood and a small amount of sticks. I proceeded to make a bow from some of the vine I had leftover and then carved out a small dimple in a relatively flat log with my knife.

I then took one of the small rocks that I had collected and placed it on top of the stick I had attached to the bow and placed in the dimple of the plank, placing it over a dry leaf and starting to move the bow back and forth fervently. Soon enough I could see a small amount of smoke coming off of it and glowing red, I took this as my sign to remove the bow and stick and proceed to lightly blow on the coal.

It didn’t take long for me to transfer it to the tinder at the bottom of the fire pit where the flame slowly but surely started to grow. Soon enough I had a nice campfire going. The atrium was a beauty, even in its ruined state. Before I could continue to gape at the structure, the thirst at the back of my throat made itself apparent to me. This place must have an old kitchen, if not I’ll have to take my chances with drinking it from the canteen as is.

“Be sure to come back to check on the fire now and again to make sure it does not burn out.” My consciences spoke to me. I lifted my left hand up and did a nonchalant wave to him as I felt his presence near the proximity of the fire. I walked up the stairs and took a right down the corridor, quickly finding a torch on the wall of the hallway.

I picked it up and ran back to the fire I set up. “Might want to use this.” I said aloud. My consciences snickering at me. Once the torch was alight I made my way back to the corridor. I walked along the corridor for a while before taking a left into another corridor, the walls covered in old paintings and tapestries of long forgotten pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies with the occasional exception of Celestia and what I presumed to be Luna.

The decoration were only slightly worn with a thick layer of dust covering them, along with the occasional cobweb and tear present on them. The castle would have looked ever more breathtaking if it were seen how it was over a thousand years ago. The thoughts were banished when I came to an open door that showed a long-neglected kitchen.

“Sweet!” I exclaimed aloud as I walked inside. The room wasn’t much darker than the rest of the castle and the light from the torch helped slightly. To the left of an old worn down stone furnace laid a stack of firewood. My lucky day. I thought as I placed some of the wood into the furnace and held my torch to it. Lucky for me the wood caught fire fairly easily and soon enough the furnace created enough light to keep almost the entire room enveloped in its glow.

I looked around to find various light fixtures above the counters, each one holding a candle on the inside of it. I took out each candle, lit it, and replaced it into its holder allowing the room to be fully encased in light. Pots and pans hung from fixtures on the wall. I’ll go get my stuff and bring it here.

I looked around quickly for more candles and as luck would have it I found some in a nearby cabinet, chock full of em. I grabbed 10 of them before starting my walk back to the atrium, placing candles where I could and lighting them to create a path back towards the kitchen so I wouldn’t forget how to get there.

When I reached the atrium, my fire was still burning brightly. I quickly gathered my belongings and placed them over my shoulders as well as taking the bundle of firewood I had collected, just in case. I moved around the fire so that it would snuff itself out within the next couple of minutes and proceeded to make my way back to the kitchen.

“You should have been more careful about that fire. One may have seen it.” My consciences appeared again, this time walking beside me. I shook my head.

“The smoke was hardly noticeable and I’d think nobody would really care for an everfree fire. At least this deep into it, they’d probably see it more as a blessing that it started burning.” I chuckled lightly. “Besides, it’s night time, most are probably either asleep, reading, cuddling in bed, or otherwise. They shan't be busy enough to notice the smoke here.”

“But if one does see, it could mean drawing somebody here that shouldn’t.” He replied flatly. I sighed and kept on walking. When I reached the kitchen, it had significantly improved as the fire was now roaring and the candles in the fixtures were burning brightly behind their covers.

“If you were with me earlier, you’d have known that fire was nothing to the one going up that chimney.” I pointed to the chimney of the furnace as I felt the entity that was my consciousness float away from my body and towards the furnace, causing me to shudder as he did so.

I left him to his own devices as I looked for a pot that didn’t have rust on the inside. When I couldn’t find one, I settled with one that had the least amount of rust. At least I’m up to date on my shots. I thought as I started emptying the canteens into the pot and placing them on an inert stove. I grabbed my bundle of firewood and placed some of it on the inside of it before using my torch to set it ablaze.

Once I had the pot settled, I moved over to where I placed the leather bag that Celestia had given me and opened it. I picked up one of the scrolls, the candle, and the quill and ink, placing the components on a nearby counter and proceeding to write.

        Dear Twilight Sparkle,

        It’s Robert. I just wanted to inform you I have found shelter for the night in a ruined castles kitchen. On my way here I gathered some basic supplies for survival and have marked a path of my own to the castle using large ‘X’s on the trees. Right now I am boiling some water that I gathered from a river not far from here to purify it so that I may ingest it without worry.

        I will probably use these ruins as a base of operations until I finish my hut closer to Ponyville. Starting early tomorrow morning, probably at sunrise, I will start gathering materials and placing them where my hut will be. Do you know of any good places here in the Everfree forest that I could get good building materials? Also do you know of any nearby clay deposits? If so that would be helpful as well, it would let me make proper containers for anything I might gather that is edible.

        Finally, I will also be scrounging for food as well but will try to refrain from eating any animals unless absolutely necessary. I plan to make a schedule for the next few days as well so that you may be able to find me if you need me faster. More information will come tomorrow when it’s finished. I’ll look around the ruins to see if I can find any writing supplies and clothing.

        Anyways respond when you can and thanks!

        Yours truly,

                Robert Kenneth Rucker

After I finished signing my name, I rolled up the scroll and bound it with a red ribbon, proceeding to light the candle and let the scroll burn in its flames, turning it into a wisp of green smoke that exited through the hole in the upper right corner of the room.

After the letter left the room I turned my attention to the water on the stove that was starting to steam, but was not boiling yet. I’ll leave that be for now, it’ll take a while longer before its ready to drink.

My stomach let out a low growl, causing my hand to place itself on my belly. “Might want to find food or you might die.” My consciences yelled from across the room. I rolled my eyes.

“You know we can survive for a few weeks without food. Going hungry is the least of my problems right now.” I replied as I placed another 2 pieces of parchment on the counter.

“Who are you writing to now? Be careful for whom it may be to.” My consciences was now standing over my shoulder. I could feel it leaning on my back, which was kind of creepy considering it is a figment of my imagination.

“Writing to Celestia and Dr. Hooves. If Celestia knows I’m at the ruins of their old castle, she may be able to help us in gathering supplies or she may tell us to get the hell out of here. As for why Dr. Hooves? I guarantee he will want to know what is going on and where to find me as well.” After I finished my consciences let out an elongated sigh and retreated to the other side of the room near the furnace.

With that, I proceeded to copy what I had told Twilight into a letter to Dr. Hooves. Of course changing the wording so that it fit appropriately. Also adding on to see if I could tell the princesses and Twilight about my knowledge. After I sent that letter off I pulled the second sheet over and began writing.

        Dear Princess Celestia,

        It is Robert. I have made shelter for the night in some old ruins that seem to be a castle, deep into the Everfree forest. I have started boiling some water in a kitchen that I found and will start out early tomorrow morning to start collecting supplies to make my hut closer to ponyville but far enough for it to be invisible to the naked eye.

        I wish to ask if you know of any areas around the ruins that may serve a use to me for gathering materials. I will be placing what materials I do find near the place that I plan to start building my hut as well. Tomorrow I will write you again along with Twilight with a schedule of where I plan to be for the next few days so that you may find me quickly if you are to need me.

        It may not be my place to ask this but what do you plan to do? I mean about me? I know that I’m probably a trivial concern compared to other political items that you have to address, but I don’t want to have a false hope of returning home. Whether you can help me return home somehow, or are sure that you will never be able to return me home I would like to know.

        I don’t want to try and believe in something that will never happen because if I do when you or Luna or somebody else tells me it’ll hurt me a lot more than it would if you told me now. I’d rather endure the pain of that knowledge sooner rather than later. I want a chance to establish a life here if I have no chance of returning home. So please tell me and do not sugarcoat it.

        In the meantime, just as at Twilight's Library, any questions of my civilization and who we are as humans I will answer to the full extent that I am able to. I do request though that you show me the same kindness and respect in that aspect.

        Tomorrow during my wanderings I will search around for edible plants, fruits, and vegetables. I will only turn to eating wildlife if push comes to shove as to respect your customs. I will be also using the kitchen in these ruins as a base of operations until my hut is complete. I thank you for your time, ears, consideration, and cooperation Princess Celestia. I await your swift response.

        Yours truly,

                Robert Kenneth Rucker

No sooner did I finish writing the letter did I send it off. The wisp exiting through the same hole in the ceiling as the others. My water was fully boiling now, notifying me that it was ready to start cooling down so that it may be consumed safely. I poured the water into a separate pot to allow it to cool off faster, placing the other pot on the counter across from the stove.

“It would be wise to get some rest, lest you wish to be too tired to work tomorrow.” My consciences said from behind me causing me to jump a little, forgetting that he was there.

“I suppose, but not until the water has cooled off and I have replaced it into the bamboo canteens. I’d rather have the taste of bamboo than the taste of rust.” I replied as I moved around the room, organizing that kitchens utensils into that which is usable and that which is far too rusted to be used at all.

“I have a question for you, since when could you exit my body? Let alone speak to me with a mind of your own? Lastly do you have a name for yourself?” I asked aloud while organizing a cupboard full of tankards and glasses.

I felt my consciences walk over to me and sit on the counter to the left of where I was organizing. “I suppose it started the first time you touched that anomaly as you would call it. As for speaking to you, I’ve been speaking to you all your life but in the form of thoughts, and lastly I do not have a name other than your own as I am you, but the more levelheaded, peaceful, and logical part of your mind.” he replied quickly.

I got up from my crouching position and looked to where my consciences was sitting. I could see a slight blur to where he was, but other than that he had no distinguishable features. “It’d be easier for me to address you if you were to have a name. Also by what you said, does that mean that you have multiple personalities?” I probed.

“For now just call me Zeke, and to the multiple personalities I would say negatory. It seems only I was split from you.” When he finished I felt his presence vanish once again. So Zeke? Weird name I’ll give him that but whatever. I shook the thought from my head as I walked over to the water pot and stuck my finger in.

It was lukewarm now. I brought over the canteens to where the pot was and started pouring water into each one. After that was done I placed the canteens and small leather bag on the counter closest to the furnace. I then layed down my jacket in front of it and laid down. Slowly I drifted off to sleep in the warm glow of the furnaces fire next to me.

July 29th 2008, 2:18 P.M.

Camp Lester, Okinawa, Japan

The day was bright and beautiful today, the sun was out from the previous days of gloom and I was exploring the forest with my best friend. This birthday is one that I will remember for many years to come.

“Hurry up Zachary! The abandoned lot is just over this hill!” I yelled down through the trees far above the ground. I was in my element, nature. The world around me was bright and the forest around only made everything seem so far away. The clean crisp air of the forest was all that I needed to make my life what I wanted.

“I’m coming, I’m coming! Keep your shorts on!” Zachary yelled back up to me. He was far below on the forest floor, taking the harder path. More so because he didn’t have a choice. Even though he was stronger, faster, and more athletic than me he could never climb like I did. No one could.

I jumped from the branch I was on to the tree in front of me and climbed up higher into another perch before jumping to the next perch. “C’mon Zachary! We don’t have all day!” I teased him from above. Not long after a rock soared past me, barely missing my head. “Hey! That was mean!”

“All’s fair when you’re teasing me out of reach!” He yelled back with a barely visible smirk. He reached down to grab another rock, launching my mind into action. Jumping to the next perch to avoid the rock and then down to a set of branches, swinging from each one as fast as my little body could take me. Each swing brought another rock flying towards where I was before they finally stopped and I couldn’t see Zachary any longer.

I decided to sit in the crook of a tree closer to the ground to catch my breath. Where as I had been almost 20 feet above the ground in the trees above, I was now only a couple feet off the ground. When Zachary finally reached me again, I was still panting from the exercise he gave me. I punched him in the arm hard. “You know I’m not made for that!” I exclaimed.

Zachary simply rubbed his arm and laughed. “Made for what? Being a monkey! You’re perfect for the job! You needed that exercise anyways.” He joked. I rolled my eyes.

“I may be able to climb like one but I certainly can’t keep swinging like one.” I stated. Zachary shrugged his shoulders. Zachary was a military child just like I am, but unlike my parents they let him have really long hair. He had brown hair a green eyes. He wore his hair in a ponytail, allowing me to easily pull it if he made me mad, but usually I refrained from doing so because I didn’t want to hurt him.

Today he was wearing a pure white t-shirt with khaki cargo shorts. He carried his pocket knife with him as well, just in case something went wrong. I envied him for that because my parents wouldn’t let me get one at the time. We were the same age but he was far more well built for his age than I was. Where as he looked like a normal 6th grader, I looked like a walking light pole.

“So this abandoned lot, what did you say you wanted to show me in it?” Zachary asked. I was about to respond but found that my voice was drowned out by the eerie cracking as the scene around me started to fall apart. I tried to reach for Zachary helplessly as his face turned into a twisted smile and I fell off the edge of the world and into the darkness.

July 26th 2014, 6:42 A.M.

Castle of the Two Sisters, EverfreeForest

I sprung awake, grasping my pocket knife and flipping it open as fast as I could. I was drenched in sweat and I was already standing, ready to attack anything that might have been there. I heard a small yelp come from the other side of the room. “WHO’S THERE?!” I shouted angrily.

Whatever it was, it was clearly scared of me as it kept on whining. Wait a minute, I know that sound… I thought to myself as I put my knife back in my pocket. I walked around to the edge of the middle counter to find Winona crouching in the corner utterly terrified, looking straight at me. “What in the world?!” I exclaimed.

How did Winona get here?! Why isn’t she with the apples?! Why is she in the EverfreeForest?! My mind was working at a million miles per second as I looked at the terrified animal with great worry in my eyes. “Stop asking question and help her get home!” Zeke yelled at me from behind causing me to whirl around with a fist this time, hitting only air.

After my little scene I slowly walked over to Winona and crouched down in front of her as she continued to cower and was now holding her paws over her eyes. I placed a hand on her head and pet it softly. “It’s okay Winona, I’m not going to hurt you.” I cooed as I continued to pet her, trying to calm her down.

Her fur was soft and silky, the signs of a well groomed animal. She slowly looked up at me, still scared out of her with. “It’s okay Winona, I know you’re scared but I won’t hurt you. I’m sure your owner is worried out of their mind right now.” I gave her a comforting smile as she finally stopped shivering and slowly sat on her haunches. I pat her head.

She still had worry in her eyes but it was immensely less than what it was a couple minutes ago. “Do you want some water Winona? You must be thirsty.” I asked as she wagged her tail slightly. “I’ll take that as a yes. C’mon.” I said as I stood up, towering over the small dog. I walked over to the cabinet that held bowls and took one out and walked over to my canteens, proceeding to pour some of the water into the bowl, presenting it to Winona with a smile.

“Here you go, drink up.” I said as I walked back over to where I had slept the previous night. Much to my surprise, three letters wrapped in a red ribbon were laying next to where I slept. I opened the first one to find it was from Dr. Hooves. It read:

        Dear Robert,

        It is good to hear from you again my friend. I cannot say that it does not worry me that you would choose to live in the Everfree, but the choice is yours to make. I may be able to help you in terms of tools but where to get materials for such a building is unknown to me as I’ve hardly traveled a few meters into the Everfree before turning tail.

        I will place tools near the entrance to the Everfree in a package. It will have your name on it and it may be large so do be cautious when moving it. Also please make sure that nobody sees you doing this. As for telling the princesses I think it would be a good idea, but I’d try to ease them into it so that they do not flip out on you. Celestia may be the most understanding, so I would tell her first.

        Good luck my friend and I hope to see you again soon!

        Signed,

                Dr. Hooves.

“At least now I’ll have some tools to work with other than a knife.” I said happily as I placed the letter into the leather bag nearby. I proceeded to unwrap another one of the letters, this one from Celestia.

        Dear Robert,

        The ruins you find yourself in are the ruins of the Castle of the Two Sisters. It is our previous home from over a thousand years ago. If you wish, you may stay there for as long as you want as long as you promise to help in its restoration with the several other ponies that wish to restore it.

        If you need tools, or materials you may find them throughout the storage rooms in the castle ruins. I cannot guarantee however your safety as the castle is laden with traps. So I do ask for you to be careful. I also cannot guarantee that the tools or materials you find to be in the sights of usability.

        As to returning you to where you have come, I cannot guarantee you will be able to return for now it is best for you to assume that we may not be able to get you home. For this I am truly sorry, but if we find anything that might be able to help do so, I will inform you immediately. Do not despair though, I am sure that my little ponies will accept you with open hooves.

        Animals in the Everfree are larger than what you may be used to, so if you do dare hunt there I ask you take precaution not to get yourself killed. As well there should be a grove nearby with a plentiful amount of berry bushes, if you are not allergic to such berries that is.

        Signed,

                Princess Celestia

My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. “At least she was honest with you like you wanted.” Zeke appeared in front of me, and sat down. I looked up to find nothing but a slight blur to where he was.

“Yeah...but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. Like I said, I’d rather deal with this now.” I said solemnly as I stood up. “I also can’t let that thought get to me. It will only hinder me.” I perked up slightly as I rid the thought from my mind for the time being.

“You still have one final letter Robert.” Zeke pointed out. I picked up the scroll and unwrapped it. “So what’s it say?” Zeke probed as I felt him stand up and walk behind me.

        Dear Robert,

        That’s good news! I know exactly where you are so I will be there tomorrow morning after sunrise. I will be bringing one of my friends with me as well so that we can search together for proper materials. You’re going to need my knowledge of plants and herbs if you don’t want to get poisoned accidentally. My friend is also really strong so she will be able to carry the extra materials you aren’t able to carry.

        Also please, please, please refrain from doing anything to other animals, most of the animals in the Everfree are friends of my dear friend Fluttershy and it would be disastrous if you were to hurt one of them. Thanks for the information about the schedule as well, it’ll help keep us organized and on task!

        Your friend,

                Twilight Sparkle

Hmm, definitely not what I would expect to be called out of everything. Never thought I’d be called a friend by a pony. I thought as I rolled the scroll up and placed it in my bag. I proceeded to put the canteens and small bag over my shoulder and walked over to Winona who was sitting quietly next to her empty bowl.

I knelt down and held out a hand to her allowing her to sniff it. “I’d say its time to help get you back to Applejack, wouldn’t you?” I gave a comforting smile to her as she perked up and let out a happy bark. “Let’s go.” I said as I stood up and blew out each of the candles, leaving the furnaces long dead fire alone. I walked out the door and proceeded to close it as Winona came bounding out and around my legs.

It didn’t take long for us to make it to the atrium of castle ruins. The long dead camp fire sitting still in the middle of the room. When we walked outside the sun was still barely peeking over the horizon. “Looks like we got some time before they arrive, lets get walking.” I said positively as I started walking down the long winding path towards the entrance of the Everfree forest.

It took about an hour to reach the edge of the forest where the trail ended. The sun was just over the horizon now, signaling the start of the day. No doubt Twilight and Applejack were still getting ready to come to the forest. “Lets wait here Winona, it’ll be a while before Applejack arrives.” I stated as I took a seat in the brush of a nearby bush. Winona following suit.

The day was already alive with birds flying overhead and the pegasi in the sky readying for what was going to be another cloudy day. I watched in envy as they flew overhead, free to go where they pleased. The sky and the forest had always beckoned me to their embrace, ever since I was a young child.

Every time I was in the forest, I climbed the trees to the highest point I possibly could. I always sat in the treetops wishing and waiting for the day when I could join the sky and free myself from the ground. Sadly that day will never come, no matter how much I want it.

Whenever I was sad, mad, happy, or pensive, I’d find myself in the treetops. When we moved to Okinawa, we had a single tree in our backyard that overlooked the elementary school below. I’d climb that tree to the very top and sit in its branches, looking out over the school and the rest of the residential area on Camp Foster.

My thoughts faded back to reality when I heard the sound of hooves approaching the pathway. Winona was about to get up when I put my finger to my lips and hushed her. She stayed put as I poked my head just above the edge of the brush. My heart abandoned the fear it had imparted me with.

Walking up the path towards the forest was Twilight, and an orange earth pony. The earth pony wore her hair in a braid along with a brown stetson on her head. Luckily they didn’t see me yet so I kept quiet until they were at least a few feet into the Everfree before whistling to them. “Hey! Over here!” I exclaimed as I waved my arms above my head, causing them both to turn around.

“Morning Twilight! Sorry that I came to wait here but I’m expecting a package of tools from Dr. Hooves later. Also I was going to ask if you could try and find the owner of this here dog.” I pointed down to Winona who happily plodded over to the earth pony, who was gawking at me.

“Morning Robert, but I thought you were going to be at the castle ruins?” Twilight asked. I shook my head.

“I just told you I’m waiting here for a package from Dr. Hooves, didn’t I?” I replied. I looked over to the other mare. “Do you mind introducing us?” I asked. Applejack was still gawking at me.

“Hehe, sorry. Applejack, this is Robert. The human I was telling you about. Robert this is my friend Applejack, Element of Honesty.” Twilight pointed to us accordingly. “Also the dog you found is hers, her name is Winona.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance Ms. Applejack.” I stated pleasently as I held out my hand to her. She was still gawking which unnerved me a little bit.

“Umm, AJ? You okay?” Twilight asked as she waved a hoof in front of her face. Applejack finally regained herself as she shook her head.

“Huh? What? Oh erm, nice tah meet ya’ mighty sorry fer staring at ya like that, jus never seen yer kind before.” Applejack said with a tint of pink appearing on her cheeks from embarrassment.

I shook my head and gave a small chuckle. “It’s no problem at all Ms., I’d more expect you to be scared of me at the mention of me being a human. Especially since we’re monsters from myths and legends of your kind, not to mention creatures meant to scare little foals to stay in bed.” I replied jokingly. Twilight looked a little embarrassed now as well.

“Yea, I was a lil’ taken aback when Twi’ ‘ere told me we were gunna be helpin a human. S’pose I expected a storybook creature. Told me you were mighty kind to ‘er and the princesses though.” She pointed out, pink fading from her cheeks and returning with a pleasant smile.

I rubbed the back of my head. “Calling that kind might of been a little exaggerated, I was less than pleasant in my opinion.” I gave a nervous chuckle. “But I guess I could only be as nice as that because my mind is at war with itself.” I deflated a little at this.

“I suppose that’s because I have lost so much now though, I wrote to Princess Celestia last night asking if I would ever be able to return. The answer was less than pleasant for me, but such is the way of life. Nothing good is ever gained without hardship.” I said solemnly as I sat against the tree behind me.

“Ah’m sorry but did y’all just say ya won’t be able ta return ta where ya came from?” Applejack asked pointedly. Twilight shot her a glare telling her she shouldn’t probe.

“It’s fine Twilight. Really it is.” I stated to make her stop glaring. “I did in fact say I won’t be able to return, at least Princess Celestia told me the chances were extremely slim to none. She told me to assume the worst. So please don’t get mad at Ms. Applejack here for asking. I extend the same hospitality of answering any question truthfully to her as well.” I finished with a slightly happier tone.

“Oh…” They both said in almost perfect unison.

“For now, lets not think upon it. Tis the last thing I want on my mind today as we have a job to do.” I reminded them. They both nodded in agreement.

“S’pose we should get goin then?” Applejack asked. I shook my head.

“I’m waiting here for the tools from Dr. Hooves. If y’all want to start looking for materials be my guest, not much I can do without the proper tools and equipment.” I stated as I held out my arms. “I’m not very strong at all as you can plainly tell. The most I can do is scout by heading up into the treetops and carrying a few items with me. Oh and sorry I didn’t say so earlier, but thanks for coming to help Ms. Applejack.” I smiled at her wholeheartedly.

“Could y’all stop callin me Ms please? Kind of weird fer anypony to call me Ms.” She stated with a slight twitch of her eye. I simply nodded and put my head back against the tree.

“Alright, Applejack it is than. Why don’t y’all sit down and rest for a while. It’ll be a while before he arrives most likely.” I pointed out. In truth it would be a long time before he arrived, the day had only just begun not a couple hours ago. The tools were also probably lowest on his priority list as well.

“What er those bamboo stalks doing strapped round yer back fer?” Applejack asked as she sat down across the path from me and Twilight.

I was about to answer before Twilight interrupted. “I think they’re for nutrition, might have put them there so he could eat them.” I tried to suppress my laugh but ultimately failing as I laughed loudly.

It didn’t take me long to calm down but when I finally did they were both staring at me. “Oh Twilight, how wrong you are. I may be an omnivore but I don’t think bamboo would be very good at all for me. I used some bamboos stalks near a river in the forest to create some makeshift canteens to carry water in.” I proceeded to take one of them off my back and place it in my lap so they could see it clearly.

“What I did was cut the stalk just after a joint on the stalk to make sure that it could hold the water. I then cut out a hole in the stalk and carved some plugs for each one to hold the water in when I filled them up. Of course I purified the water when I arrived at the castle last night using the kitchen. Of course the pots I boiled the water in were rusty so there is still a health risk to drinking them.”

“Y’all may be able to drink water right out of the river, but humans immune system isn’t exactly adept in fighting the impurities that the water has in the wild.” I proceeded to uncap the canteen and drink out of it. Surprisingly the water didn’t taste half bad, more so that I’d prefer it over tap water from a sink.

“But if you’re an omnivore shouldn’t that mean you should be able to eat bamboo?” Twilight asked. I shook my head.

“Just because we can eat something, doesn’t always make it necessarily true that it would one, be good to eat, and two, easy to digest. I’m sure there are plants that you’re not able to digest or eat due to its poisonous properties.” I informed.

“That’s true. There’s still so much to learn about your species.” Twilight drifted off into thought. With a grin creeping its way onto her face.

“Uh-oh.” I heard Applejack mutter from across the way. I looked over to her worried.

“Uh-oh?! Why Uh-oh?!” I asked in panic.

“I think y’all can put er ta’gether.” She stated with a sympathetic smile.

I slowly turned to face Twilight who was now grinning maniacally at me.

“I don’t think I like where this is going.” I said slowly backing away from the lavender mare who was slowly advancing towards me before she pounced at me.

Chapter 4: In a world of Loss...

July 27th 2014, 8:00 A.M.

Castle of the Two Sisters, Equestria

Slowly I came to life as my phones alarm went off only a couple feet away from me. I crawled off of my bed of old sheets and blankets and turned off the alarm. I groaned as I stood up and stretched a little while letting out a loud yawn. Best get to work. I thought silently to myself as I walked to my canteens and took a swig of water from one.

After I set the canteen down I walked over to the counter where I had my writing area setup at and grabbed my schedule.

0800 hours

Wake up, get ready, eat breakfast, grab tools and make way to building site.

0900 hours

Arrive at building site and organize materials. Site is 113 paces north, 48 paces west of entrance to Everfree forest.

0915 hours

Start working on the shack. I will be working here most of the time.

1100 hours

End work. Grab canteens and head towards the river to refill.

1200 hours

Search the surrounding area for food. Fruits, and vegetables ONLY! Only wildlife if in severe need of food. Area searched will be within 100 meters of the River in all directions. Likeliness to find me from 1200 to 1330 is unlikely so please leave any messages at my desk in the castle.

1330 hours

Head to base camp, start working on shack again. I will be here from 1345 to 1600 hours, everyday.

1600 hours

End work. Gather tools and head back to Castle. Will be on the main path towards the castle.

1700 hours

Arrive at castle. Place tools in the kitchen along with any food I find. Boil the water in the canteens. I will be in the kitchen cooking as well from 1715 to 1900. This time includes the boiling of the water and cleaning of food. Feel free to come to dinner if you so wish, but be warned it will be meager for a while.

1900 hours

Clean dishes and make way to the library. I will be reading through Equestrian history, mythology, anatomy, and otherwise as to educate myself. If I am to stay here I will need at least some knowledge of your culture and history as to fit in with the general populace. I will be here every night from 1915 to 2200.

2200 hours

Put in bookmark for whatever I’m reading. Proceed to head towards the kitchen and go to sleep for the day.

This schedule will repeat until my cabin is complete. If there are any concerns, as I said you’re more than welcome to contact me immediately.

Robert K Rucker

I had three other copies ready to send as well, so I lit the candle and sent them off to their respective receivers. One to the Princess, one to Twilight, and lastly one to Dr. Hooves.

“Time to get this show on the road Zeke. We’ve got a long day ahead of us.” I stated into the open air as he faded into his shadow form in front of me.

“You know, it’s not nearly as fun spooking you now that you can sense where I’m at.” Zeke said flatly. I shrugged my shoulders and grabbed my canteens and tools. “What’s for breakfast?” he asked as I gave him a blank stare before walking out of the kitchen and down the hall to the atrium.

As I reached the atrium stairs I heard the sound of a certain dragon sending off a scroll. “Auroram forte Spike!” I exclaimed as I jumped off the railing, falling a few feet to the ground below. The small drake seemed to be recovering from a small heart attack while Twilight giggled a little. “Auroram forte to you as well Twilight.” I said with a slight nod of my head.

“It seems you’re punctual as your schedule said.” Twilight replied with a smile. I nodded and looked down at my wristwatch, 8:09 A.M.

“Sorry Twilight, but unless you plan to walk and talk I fear I must take my leave of you. It’s 8:09 and I wish to make haste to the building site so that I may have some time to search for food.” I gave her a quick nod and made my way past her as I heard her start walking behind me. “Hope you can keep up Princess.” I stated eagerly before I secured my tools and canteens one last time.

“What are you-” Her voice was drowned out as I put in my headphones and put on Diamond Eyes by Shinedown, blasting at full volume as I steadied myself on the thick branch and breathed in slowly, calming my body as the world seemed to slow down. I am the shadow, and the smoke in your eyes, I am the ghost that hides in the night.

I opened my eyes and ran down the branch and jumped off throwing my arms up above my head, grabbing onto the branch as I swung between the trees before pulling myself up and climbing further up a tree, jumping into the next one landing in the crook where the tree split into two. I didn’t stay for long as I held my arms out to my side and slowly let myself fall forwards, grabbing onto another branch and swinging myself up onto a branch and started to jump from branch to branch.

As I started to see the base off in the distance, I felt the branch I just jumped on buckle underneath me. CRAP! I quickly braced myself for impact with the ground, bending my knees slightly as I hit the ground going into a roll on my right shoulder before popping back up and climbing up the nearest tree as if nothing had happened.

After a few minutes of flying through the trees I arrived at the spot I planned to make my cabin at. I sat down next to the large pile of lumber we had retrieved the previous day and opened one of my canteens, sipping the water as I caught my breath. I saw Twilight and Spike running down the path as I took my earphones out.

“Hey there Twilight, Spike, what kept ya?” I asked through my heavy breathing. Twilight held a hoof up as she tried catching her breath enough to get a word in. “Want some water?” I offered them one of my unopened canteens as I felt a slight shock run through my arm as Twilight levitated it out of my grasp. I winced a little at the shock but didn’t let it phase me more than it needed to.

“Sorry, keep forgetting.” Twilight said sheepishly before she took a swig of the water in the canteen.

I waved my hand in dismissal. “It’s fine Twilight, it hurts yeah but its nothing I can’t handle. As long as the spell isn’t cast directly on me it seems to give only a slight shock.”

“Anyways, are you okay Robert? I saw you fall back there after the branch broke.”

“Yeah I’m fine, didn’t do much other than startle me a bit.” Silence fell over us as we regained our breath. I looked down at my watch, 8:18 A.M. Nice timing, I thought to myself as I stood up, cracking my back as I did so.

“Best look around for some food, I’m starving.” I stated as my stomach growled in agreement. I looked back to Twilight as she was still sitting next to the timber pile. “I’ll be back in a little bit, if you can could you get a spot setup for a campfire, after that start cutting some of the wood for firewood.” I asked as they gave a nod in understanding.

I turned and started walking into the forest, looking for any fruits or vegetables that may be around. It didn’t take me long to find a blackberry bush. The bush had plentiful blackberries ready for the picking, so I proceeded to start packing them into the satchel I had been given by Dr. Hooves.

When I decided that I finally had enough, I started my trek back to the camp. Listening as Twilights and Spikes voice along with a new voice that was familiar yet foreign to me. I stopped at the treeline of the clearing we had placed the materials for the cabin to see whom it was.

Twilight was standing across from a cyan pegasus that had a long rainbow mane and tail, while Spike and Applejack stood off to the side talking to each other loud enough only for them to hear. Although Twilights conversation wasn’t as subtle.

“Can’t you at least give him a chance?!” Twilight exclaimed. The cyan pegasus shook her head before responding.

“Twi, I just don’t think it’s a good idea trusting a creature that di-” I stepped out from the bushes.

“A creature that did what? Be a myth in your culture for the worse even though the idea your mythology has of my species is centuries old and completely arbitrary?” I said flatly as the pegasus shot a few feet forward and turned to glare at me.

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance mi amice. I don’t suppose I could offer thou some baccis?” I opened up the satchel bag that I had packed full of blackberries and showed it to her with a smile. Twilight raised an eyebrow to me while the cyan pegasus continued to glare at me.

I put the satchel on the ground and walked up to her and held a hand out. “Salve, ego sum Robert. Quis enim es tu?” Twilight was looking at me dumbfounded now while the pegasi was looking at me confused and no longer glaring.

“Errr, Twilight?” She said.

“Yes?”

“Did that thing just go from fluent Equestrian to a completely different language?”

“I’m just as surprised as you are.”

I rolled my eyes. “Greetings, I’m Robert. Who are you?” I asked as I continued to hold my hand out. The pegasus hesitantly put her fore hoof in my hand and I shook it much to her surprise.

“The name’s Rainbow Dash, the fastest flyer in all of Equestria and future Wonderbolt!” She exclaimed loudly causing me to cover my ears. I shook my head from the ache I had gotten and gave her a weak smile.

“Quite a bold statement Ms. Dash, to say you’re the fastest flyer in all of Equestria.” I stated as she gave me a flat look.

“Oh please, there’s not a pegasus within a thousand miles of here that could beat me in a race!” She boasted while I laughed.

“So that means you’re the fastest pegasus, not the fastest flyer.” I pointed out as she flew in front of me and glared.

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” She demanded as I shook my head.

“You did just state there wasn’t a pegasus that could beat you in a race. Don’t forget to take into account the other sentient aviary species present in your world. Primary examples being the Dragons, Gryphons, and Changelings. All of whom are races that are capable of further thought and retain the ability of flight. So with that, it means there could be a few or many outside of the pegasus race that have far faster flyers than you. Oh and I forgot to say Alicorns as well.”

“I may not be from your world Ms. Dash, but that does not mean I am ill educated. If you have anymore bold statements you’d like me to shoot down at a whim, I’d be glad to. If not then don’t make them around me. Those who are arrogant and cocky are the first to die because they believe so highly in their own abilities that they overestimate what they can do.”

When I finished, Dash was fuming over with anger while Twilight just looked worriedly between the two of us while Applejack burst into a fit of laughter. I looked back to see Rainbow Dash flying away and shrugged my shoulders. “Oh well, can’t get along with everybody.”

“Robert! We needed her!” Twilight exclaimed slightly angry.

“What for? Transporting materials recklessly? Speeding through the building process just to save time?” I asked.

“Well yes but-” I cut her off again.

“I pass on that Twilight. I’d rather have the cabin slowly built so that it’s sturdy and WON’T fall in on me while I’m sleeping. Speed is good sometimes but this is not one of those times.” I pointed out. She opened her mouth to protest but couldn’t find any words to do so.

“Looks like he knows what he’s talkin ‘bout Twi, he read her like an open book.” Applejack stated as Twilight rolled her eyes and I smiled at her.

July 27th 2014, 8:16 P.M.

Castle of the Two Sisters, Grand Library, Equestria

The rest of the day went by rather slow afterwards, we laid the outline of the house along with getting logs ready for stacking tomorrow. It was a long process but in the end it will all be worth it especially since I’ll be able to say that it is my house and that I had a hand in building it from the ground up.

Not much was said between us though except for asking for tools or for help. Honestly we made further progress than I thought we would and I’m happy for that.

When I got back to the Castle I cleaned what food I had gotten and boiled new batches of water. I suppose one of these days I should go to the river and wash up at least a little bit, I’m starting to smell like somebody tossed me into the sewer and I climbed out into a hot summer day.

After I cleaned my food and boiled the water I made my way here to the Grand Library of the castle. Nothing of great interest so I decided to brush up on Equestrian mythology so I can see exactly how our species is represented through it. It was not a pretty read but let me tell you, I can see why they said I wasn’t human after all and why they’re afraid of our species.

Luckily for me these humans were exactly what I thought they were and I’d be able to clarify any questions that might pop up easier.

After I read over a few myths I decided to make my way over to the history section of the Library, carrying my torch with me so I could have at least some light. “HEY ROBERT!” My heart skipped a few beats at the sound of Zeke screaming in my ear. I turned around to hit him but my arm went through the shadow that was him.

“Please don’t do that again Zeke, you nearly gave me a heart attack!” I said as I turned my attention back to the books surrounding me.

“Oh please, if I wanted to give you one I already would have. Anyways I think there might be something you want to check out.” He stated. I turned to see where he was pointing. My heart nearly stopped as my eyes fell upon what he was pointing to.

Floating there was the orb again. This time is was pure yellow with a pulsating black orb in the middle. “Oh heck no, I’m not touching that thing again!” I nearly yelled as I backed into a wall while I saw Zeke roll his head.

“Don’t be such a baby! It could be your way back home.” He tried reassuring me. I shook my head fervently.

“Or it could be a portal to ANOTHER world Zeke. I’m not taking any chances.” I argued as I tried to calm my mind. It’s okay Robert, it can’t do anything if you don’t touch it. Just keep looking for an interesting history book and maybe it will go away.

It took a few minutes but I finally got myself back under control and started to look for a book again, allowing myself an occasional glance over at the orb.

After a couple minutes of searching I found a book called, “The Discordian War”. As I went to pick it up, the book shocked me and sent me flying back into the shelf behind me and knocking me out.

Date Unknown

Location Unknown

My sense returned to me slowly as I heard the sounds of mourning coming from somewhere nearby. I must go. I thought to myself as I forced myself upright against the tree I was under before I stood on my feet. Ugh, what in the heck happened.

I shook my head free of the last strands of dizziness and took in the world around me. I was standing underneath a large oak tree, the day was pleasant almost as a summer day, but the pleasantness was drowned out by the dreariness of what stood before me. An ocean of tombstones that went on forever until it hit the road.

It didn’t take long for the sight to click in my mind. I’m back! I nearly exclaimed the thought in glee until I heard a preacher giving final rites to a poor soul who had passed away. I stayed silent as I approached the funeral taking place. I may of never known you but goodbye mi amice. May you forever rest in peace.

I walked to the back of the funeral seating to get a better view, only to have my heart sink into my stomach and my veins run cold. True this was a funeral and it was never a pretty sight in the least, but this one was far worse. It wasn’t the preacher who was speaking that terrified me, but what was around him and on the casket.

Looking back at me was a portrait of myself.

Chapter 6: ...even when the light...

March 23rd 2014, 1:38 P.M.

Location Unknown

Here I sit, hollow and alone. Devoid of thought and feeling. Lack of light in my soul and mind. Everything ripped away from me in an instant.

I tried standing up but my legs gave out as soon as I put any weight on them and fell to the ground, feeling nothing. I waited a couple minutes and tried again. With effort I was able to stand on my feet and stumble forwards towards the coffin.

“This was your fate all along.” Zeke's voice echoed through my head. “Open it Robert.” I let my hands rise underneath the lid but stopped as it cracked open. “See what your fate was Robert.” He pushed. With one final movement the coffin swung open.

I felt nothing for what I saw. “Now you know the truth.” Laying there in a black tuxedo was myself.

I stood there simply staring at my body, nothing came to me. No sadness, no anger, no hatred. Nothing. “Now you see why they’ve given up on you.”

I reached out and laid my hand on my bodies heart. “ego velle revertetur ad tu unum die. Quod cum facio, ego velle faciet pacem cum eis. (I will return to you one day. When I do that, then I will be willing to make peace with them.)” I lifted my hand from his heart to mine and turned it as if locking something. “I swear this on my honor.”

I closed the lid to the coffin and turned around towards the funeral members. All of whom were still listening to the preacher. Michael had received the necklace from me and I clenched mine. Briefly I saw a bright yellow light come from his clenched hand that seemed to surprise the both of us as mine flashed as well. I looked down to my necklace finding that I now had a wolf pendant present on it, confusing me. I shook it off as my emptiness returned to me.

I turned and started walking down the path, further into the graveyard and away from the sad scene. I heard something start walking behind me, I ignored it as it was probably someone walking among the gravestones to find a loved one. “Wait Robert.” a feminine voice said as my body froze up.

I turned around to see Luna standing in front of me with a sorrowful expression. She flinched as she saw my face, no doubt it was broken. I looked at her with soulless eyes that lost all light that they had not even an hour ago. I mouthed something but no words came out as I put my hood up and started walking again.

“Robert, we are sorry.” Luna said as she continued to follow me. I shook my head. “Those words you spoke, were they true?” I turned to her and tried to give a smile but when I couldn’t I decided to answer.

“Anything I speak or write rings true to what I feel Princess Luna.” I said emotionless.

“We thought you-”

“What you think and who I am are two polar opposites Luna.” I stated coldly as I turned and started walking again.

“Sorry. We did not mean to offend you.” She stated.

I shook my head. “I am as well. It’s just…” I stopped as my leg gave out but I was quickly steadied by Luna as she stood next to me with a worried expression. “Thank you.”

“All my life, I dedicated my time to making everybody happy. To giving everybody a reason to keep being happy even in situations like this. I know I’m not dead because I am alive in Equestria, what’s more is that you’re here as well proving without a doubt I’m alive.” I explained.

I stopped underneath a tree and sat down on the bench, Luna sitting next to the bench. “That language you spoke, what was it?” she asked.

“It was Latin, a long dead language of our world. I don’t know much Latin, only some phrases and other bits and pieces.” I pointed out.

“Sounds much like old Equestrian.” She stated as I let out a small laugh.

“I wouldn’t doubt that considering modern Equestrian is modern English here.”

“I do want to ask you something.” I looked over to her with a blank stare and raised my eyebrow. “Were those your final thoughts?” She asked.

“Both yes, and no. My final thoughts before I ‘died’ were of never seeing my family ever again. I always thought that when my time came, I would die happy but I can now see that I was wrong. The fact I’ll never be able to tell them about my secrets in person hurts because when they read them. I don’t think they will see me as their son or brother anymore.”

“All they will see me as is a liar, a monster, a demon. There’s a lot that they will read but nothing that they will understand.” I let the air sit between us for a while, waiting for a response but getting none. “I’m sorry Luna.”

“Tis alright Robert, I know exactly how you feel.”

“I know you do, but far better know this loneliness. Care to tell me where that loneliness comes from?” I turned towards her when I asked this, her flinching at the question.

She nodded her head. “Regret, loneliness, sadness, anger. All emotions I wallowed in while trapped in my own body.” She stopped and sighed before continuing. “I was known as Nightmare Moon. I was jealous of my sisters day and all the ponies that relished in its glow and slept during the night when the world was cast in the beautiful glow of my moon and starry night sky. It eventually led me to my prison within Nightmare Moon, swearing to bring upon an eternal night.”

“To defend the fair ponies of Equestria my sister, Celestia, locked us away on the moon for a thousand years. We were trapped within two prisons. We returned a few years ago, bringing with us an eternal night and trapping Celestia within the sun. Twas short lived as Twilight and her friends found the elements of Harmony and freed me from my prison inside the Nightmare and subsequently freeing Celestia from the sun.”

She visibly shook as she finished. I reached over and gave her a hug, feeling her tense up as I did so. When I pulled away she gave me a smile. “I must admit, hearing that from your point of view is sad.” I said without thinking.

“What do you mean by that?” She asked. I shook my head.

“I read the many tales, fables, myths, and legends of Equestria in a few of the books present in the library as well as Twilight's library that she lent me. I read about the mare in the moon,Nightmare Moon, as well.” I stated as I stood up.

“Sadly, that legend is a true one.” Luna said flattening her ears against her head and looking towards the ground. I walked over and placed a hand on her head and ruffled through her ethereal mane as she looked at me slightly annoyed.

I gave a small laugh. “Sorry Princess, used to doing that to people to comfort them slightly. I want you to know that even if everybody doesn’t see the beauty of your night, that I am far more alive at night and revel in the moments I get to bask in the glow of the moon. As long as I’m in Equestria know you have somebody standing by your side, even if we don’t get along at times.” I gave her a happy smile before turning around and walking down the path.

The gate at the end of the pathway turned into a blinding white light, causing me to shield my eyes. “This portal will return you back to consciousness Robert, and to what it may be worth I am sorry.” I heard Luna call from behind me. I turned and gave her a slight bow before walking through the blinding portal.

No matter the darkness I face, I will always find a light in a forever expanding abyss.

Chapter 7: ...is at it's brightest.

July 28th 2014, 5:23 A.M.

Castle of the Two Sisters, Grand Library, Equestria

Cold...why am I so cold? All I could think of was the cold that covered my body as my eyes fluttered open from the realm of dreams. My body felt like there was a ton of bricks covering my body making it so that I couldn’t even sit up. I tried to speak but found my voice was lost lacing my mind with more fear.

I waited for a couple of minutes before finally being able to speak as my body got warmer. “Help…” I whispered, my throat burning with the heat of the sun. I tried to speak again but the pain was too great.

As my body warmed up I felt as if the weight had been lifted from my body, at least slightly lifted that is. I struggled to prop myself up against the bookcase and mouthed “help...me…” one last time before I fell back into darkness as my body shut down.

August 2nd 2014, 12:32 P.M.

Location Unknown

Heart Beat stabilizing…

...brain waves increasing…

...Sir can you hear me?

That voice…who…whose voice is that… I asked myself.

Sir! Can you hear me?

I managed to feel make myself nod despite the pain shooting through my body that made any movement nearly impossible. I tried opening my mouth but closed it without a sound as I clenched my jaw in pain.

Heart rate increasing fast!

My brain and heart were working fast as I worried for what was happening to myself, my brain trying to figure out what it was and my heart beating faster as adrenaline pumped through my body. My eyes shot open finally as I screamed at the top of my lungs as the pain surged through my body again as I realized I was being held in a telekinetic field from one of the doctors.

“STOP! PLEASE STOP! NO MORE! PLEASE NO MORE!” I screamed as I felt the grip loosen and dissipate as I fell flat onto the bed breathing heavily. I heard the clopping of hooves running down the hall and into the room I was in. The first face I saw was that of Twilights, shortly followed by Princess Celestia and Luna.

I managed to give them a weak smile through my breathing as the pain slowly died down in my body as well as the adrenaline leaving me extremely weak. “What happened Nurse Redheart?” I heard Twilight ask as the Nurse shook her head in complete confusion.

“I-I don’t know! We were trying to hold him down with magic to sedate him before he flipped out screaming for us to stop!” She exclaimed. I shook my head hoping they would notice but nobody saw. Twilight sighed and smiled at her.

“It’s okay Nurse Redheart, it wasn’t your fault. Creatures such as him cannot come into contact with magic or it causes them great amounts of pain. We’re sorry for not informing you before.” Twilight responded. Redheart nodded her head in acknowledgment. “I would ask you and your colleagues to please exit the room while we speak with him.” She proceeded to ask. Redheart bowed and motioned for the other doctors and nurses to follow her out of the room.

As soon as the door shut the three princesses stood on each side of the bed I was lying on as I finally regained a steady breathing rate. “How…how long have I been out?” I managed to stammer out with some effort.

“Five days it seems.” Luna answered promptly as she smiled at me, weird. I gave a small nod.

“What happened to me?”

“While you were ‘dreaming’ it seems as though your body shut down. Completely. When you ‘awoke’ your body came back to life so to speak, what did you feel when you woke up?” Luna explained and asked.

I shook my head. “I felt cold. Cold like pure darkness flowing through my body, cold like space, cold like the dark side of the moon. My throat felt like the sun was placed inside of it and a pain unlike any other when I tried moving. My body was as heavy as a tank. When I finally was able to prop myself up against a bookcase, I blacked out. I tried saying ‘help me’ in the vain hope that somebody would hear me but I couldn’t say it above anything but a whisper. Next thing I know, I’m waking up to my body being shocked like a bolt of lightning had hit me.”

I looked down at my hands folded on my stomach and closed my eyes as I thought about the ‘dream’ I had. My world had crumbled into nothing before my very eyes and I couldn’t do anything but stand idly by and watch it happen. I felt a lone tear escape my eye but kept my eyes closed.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

“His ‘dream’ was anything but that Twilight Sparkle. We would ask you to refrain from questioning him currently.” Luna responded as I looked up at them void of anything but sadness.

“When am I to be released?” I asked flatly.

Celestia who had kept silent the whole time finally broke her silence. “You will be released within the day, but for now I ask you to rest.” She said with the same emotionless face that had been present on her face the day we met. I didn’t want to argue so I simply nodded in agreement. “Twilight Sparkle will be outside if you need anything. Princess Luna and I have some business to attend to back in Canterlot so we must take our leave.” She stated as she turned and left the room, followed by Twilight leaving me and Luna alone for a bit.

Luna looked at me solemnly as I gave her a weak smile that was returned before she turned and left the room, closing the door behind her.

August 2nd 2014, 3:02 P.M.

Ponyville Hospital, Equestria

I had been released from the hospital and was now standing out front of the hospital looking up at the afternoon sky, holding a certain memento in my right hand. Not on my neck but clenched within my fist.

“I promise to make things right one day. Whether I have to die trying is all up to my decisions here. I could choose to mourn and I could choose to break down and lose what little I have left but what good would that do me? Nothing.” I started speaking to no one in particular.

“Your memories shall live forever within me but those memories will not hinder me, but push me forward. Let it not be the light of the day that guides my soul but the shroud of the nights dim glow light my path. Through the night may I obtain peace and through the day obtain strength.” I finished by placing my necklace around my neck with the new addition weighing heavily down on it. A heavy iron wolf pendant with two small ruby eyes. I shifted my crutches underneath my arms to make myself more comfortable.

The crutches weren’t for anything more than my leg because it seems that it finally gave out when I was using the restroom earlier and snapped like a twig while getting out of bed. So now I had a cast covering my foot and lower left leg, luckily for me it wasn’t that bad. Doctors said it would take about 6 weeks to heal. Always wondered how it felt to be slowed down by a broken leg and now I know firsthand.

“Robert? What was that little speech about?” I heard Twilight ask from beside me as I snapped out of my thoughts. I looked down at her and shook my head.

“I’ll tell you on the way to the castle.” Twilight shook her head vigorously.

“No! You’re not staying by yourself with a broken leg.” She argued. I still wasn’t in the mood to argue so I nodded in agreement.

“You’re right, but where should I stay then Twilight? I’m not going to let this leg keep me from working on the cabin so I want to stay as close to it as possible.”

She frowned at me as I held my hands up in defeat. “Fine, I won’t work on the cabin.” I responded gruffly, crossing my arms to complete the pouting.

“You’re not going to work on anything until that leg is healed. As for where you’ll be staying, you will be staying with me.” I opened my mouth to protest but was cut off. “I’m not asking you as a friend Robert, I’m demanding that you do as a princess.” She stomped her front right hoof as she emphasized her status. I hung my head in defeat.

“Fine, but don’t expect much out of me. I’ll clean up my own messes but nothing else, alright?” I replied. She was beaming at me and responded with a happy little squee. I shook my head with a slight giggle at the sight. “Thou sure art something beyond comprehension Twilight Sparkle.” I stated as I started following the mare into town getting several disturbed, scared, or flat stares as I followed behind her. I pulled my hood over my head to try and get them to stop staring but of course that didn’t work.

“Are you sure we should just be strolling casually through Ponyville Twilight? I mean with how I am currently, not to mention I’m a human just in case you forgot.” I pointed out, surprising a few ponies around us.

“Me and the princesses know what we are doing. Just trust us okay?” Twilight replied. I didn’t like to admit it but listening to her right now would be the best thing to do given my current condition.

“Okay…” I sighed and kept on moving until I felt a slight tug on my pant leg. I stopped and slowly turned towards where I felt the pull come from. Standing below me was a tan colt with a brown mane styled into a mohawk, he was staring at me in awe. I smiled at him and knelt down best I could to be at his height.

“Hello there little one, what is it you request of me?” I asked followed by a small gasp from the awestruck colt eliciting a giggle from me. I looked over to Twilight who was staring at us and smiled at me. I turned my attention back to the young colt.

“Whoaaaa it can talk!” He exclaimed as I saw a mare rushing over to us. I smiled up at her but as soon as I did that she stopped.

“H-honey get away f-from that creature right now!” She exclaimed worriedly as he continued to gawk at me.

“Hello ma’am, this is your child I presume?” I asked causing her to flinch slightly at my voice. She went to reply but promptly closed her mouth as she kept motioning for her son to come to her before I heard the clopping of hooves coming up behind me, recognizing them as the footsteps of Twilight. The mare bowed to her before Twilight motioned her to stop bowing.

“Princess Twilight be careful that creature is dangerous!” she said as I looked at Twilight and we shared a small laugh.

“Him dangerous? He wouldn't hurt a fly I assure you.” Twilight said in my defense.

“But he said he’s a human! Human’s are-” I held my hand up to stop her but when I went to speak it wasn’t my voice nor was I in control anymore.

“We shall not hear anymore of this bloody nonsense about us humans being cruel creatures whom know nothing but anger and destruction. We feel love and compassion for those we deem worthy just as thee! We defend one another from harm if harm doth come our way! We are loyal and trustworthy just as thou art but it seems thine only thoughts of our race be privy to days of old and not days of now! And just as thou canst lose someone close WE CAN TOO! We have done nothing to thee to deserve thine hatred, but it seems that just as we exist it is a means for thee to express thy disgust for our race. Hast thee learned nothing from those around to not judge or be judged unto thyself?”

“All we do is merely exist in a world we know nothing of and thou art cruel to us for nothing! We wish to show the same compassion unto thee as we have shown unto our kinsmen but thou dost choose to bar us from even the thought of it. We have lost more than what thou could ever dream of losing. We lost everything dear to us. Our friends, our family, our belongings, and what little dreams we did have! We be in enough pain already without the pain of being rejected for merely what stories doth say.”

This voice was not mine and yet it was. Zeke had taken control of my body to speak what had been on my mind that I couldn't bear to say because I had let myself focus on shutting everything painful out and keeping the pain I had recently endured inside. In one foul swoop it had been let out in the middle of the street with at least a dozen ponies watching as I broke down into sobs.

“We only wish to be accepted…to be shown kindness…to be able to laugh again…” Zeke said as the sobs shook our body. He stared up towards the mother who was now looking at us half-scarred and half-saddened from the sight. I felt Twilight wrap her hooves around my neck as I continued to sob as I felt a stinging sensation run through my body followed by everything around me fading to black.

Chapter 8: Hollow But Not Alone

August 3rd 2014, 9:16 A.M.

Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville, Equestria

I lay here staring at the ceiling, thinking, waiting, hoping that some sort of understanding would reveal itself to me. Why had this happened to me of all the people it could have happened to? Did I do something wrong with my life? Did someone have an ill will towards me and make a wish that came true? Was everything I did not held in good intent but an underlying hatred for all? Nothing I thought of made any sense to me but I suppose it was just a way for me to process these events.

“Robert…” I heard Twilight say from the doorway. I didn’t acknowledge her in the slightest as I continued to stare at the ceiling. “...are you okay?” She asked this time. I didn’t look at her but I acknowledged her this time by slightly nodding. She could tell I was lying. “Do you want to talk about it?” She continued. I shook my head and turned to face her.

“Sorry Twilight but not right now.” I replied emotionless before I turned to face the ceiling again. The only response was the clopping of hooves and the door shutting behind her as she left.

“Thou shouldst really speak to someone Robert. Wallowing in pity isn’t going to restore thine cheer nor can it restore thine hope.” Zeke said from beside me. He was laying down on the left side of the bed closest to the wall.

“I know that Zeke but right now I need to figure myself out first before I approach someone and speak with them about this. The only two that I’d be willing to speak with about this is you and Luna because you both saw the dream.”

I felt Zeke’s hand phase through my head, causing me to shiver. Creepy. “If thou only choose to speak with but two who know not how to treat thee, how dost thou expect to improve?” He asked as I shook my head.

“It’s not about improving Zeke. It’s about understanding why it happened. What caused it. Who did this to me. I can cope with dying and the funeral believe me. I just want to know why.” What I said was true, in time I’d be able to fully come to terms with what happened but to be at peace, true peace, I would need to find answers.

“Thou can’t linger upon it for long lest thou dost choose to continue alone.” Zeke replied. Seems he’s adopted my cryptic talk, for lack of a better explanation, all too well. I gave a small chuckle.

“Perhaps Zeke but venturing the dark isn’t something foreign to me. I won’t venture alone because I’ll have you, even if you’re but an extension of my subconscious mind.”

“Thou can’t solely rely on thine own mind for support as we are of the same. Extend the hand thou doth bear to reach out to another physical being for the support we may not give. Travel the dark as thou may but never allow thyself to travel alone as traveling the dark with another is better than traversing the light alone.”

I couldn’t respond because what he said was true. I have been alone for the longest time my friends missing the signs that I wanted them there because I was so stubborn and bullheaded that I pushed them away when they were needed the most. I chose to do everything alone, to bear the burden of my own load not allowing anyone to help me, to cope with everything alone not telling anyone of my pain. Even though I was surrounded by friends and family, I still chose to be alone.

I looked over to speak to Zeke again but he had left in the time I let myself think. I heard a knock on the door. “Come in.” I said. The door opened slightly and Twilight poked her head in.

“I heard you saying stuff like you were replying to somepony. Are you okay?” She asked while raising an eyebrow.

I thought about it for a second. Maybe I should talk to her, even if she can’t help me figure stuff out she’ll at least listen. I shook my head. “I’m not I suppose, as to replying to someone I was.”

She opened the door a little more and entered the room fully. “Where is the pony you were talking to?” She asked charging her horn with a little magic. I laughed and waved my hand.

“You won’t find him Twilight, he’s not exactly a living creature that you can see, feel, or hear. At least you can’t.” I pointed out as she looked at me worriedly, her horns magic dissipating.

“What do you mean?” She probed.

“It’s hard to explain so I’ll put it as best I can. The creature is the manifestation of my subconscious mind, and I know it might sound weird but his name is Zeke. Believe me I didn’t choose it.” I promptly felt a hand, yes a hand, slap me in the back of the head. I turned around and saw Zeke standing on the bed glaring down at me with his arms crossed.

I turned to Twilight who was looking at me a little more confused than before. “He’s here now,” I gestured to him behind me “ and he just slapped me. Long story short, he can hurt me if he so chooses but no-one else.” Twilight came over and knocked me on the head with her hoof.

“HEY! That was mean!” I exclaimed as I massaged my head and heard Zeke laughing from behind me. I elbowed him in the knee. Guess I can hurt him as well now.

“I was just seeing if that would do anything to fix it.” Twilight said as I held a flat expression and stared at her.

“If anything could have fixed it Twilight, it would have by now. He’s been around since before I arrived, at least for a little bit before I arrived. The sphere pretty much brought him to life in a way.” I said gesturing to him. An idea hit me. “Twilight? Are you able to cast a spell to see through others eyes perchance?” I asked a little too excited.

“Yes but magic hurts you and this spell-” I cut her off.

“Just do it, I know the repercussions that it may cause.” I implored her.

“Okay…don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She said as she charged her horn and closed her eyes as I felt a burning sensation in my eyes followed the oh so beloved shock of her magic taking effect. I was facing Zeke already who was just casually waving as I felt Twilight take control and blink a few times before she retreated from my being.

She shook her head fervently as she blinked furiously. “Ow ow ow ow ow.” She repeated over and over.

“Guessing you felt the pain as well?” I asked. When she finally stopped and was still blinking away the pain she nodded.

“Yeah I did, I also saw that thing you were talking about.”

“Hey I’m not a thing! I’m a subconscious manifestation of his!” Zeke quickly retorted speaking through me.

Twilight looked at me confused for a second. “Sorry, Zeke’s able to speak through me now. The outburst the other day wasn’t me, it was him. Yes that’s what I wanted to say but I wasn’t the one saying it.” I tried explaining.

“Well ummm, do you think he’s dangerous?” she asked.

I shook my head. “If he were dangerous I’m sure he would have killed me by now, let alone speak to me like he does. Although if you consider slapping me in the back of the head dangerous then we got a problem on our hands.” I chuckled lightly at my joke.

“We sure do.” Twilight deadpanned.

“Well as I was saying Zeke isn’t dangerous in the slightest to me. In a way he’s the one helping me cope right now but only speaking with him could be detrimental considering he’s literally a part of me. I guess what I’m getting at is that I need someone to talk to about this whole thing.” I stared down at my hands that were clenched together on my lap as I felt the empty portion of the bed next to me depress as Twilight climbed onto it and laid down next to me floating over some papyrus, an inkwell, and a quill.

“Do you mind?” Twilight asked as she nodded to the items. I shook my head.

“I don’t mind, everything has been taken away from me, never to be dreamt of nor seen again in this life. Maybe one day reading back into this might give me some insight to how to deal with my future problems as they do for you at times.” I made my voice low only for her to hear me even though we were the only ones around currently.

I felt a hoof on my lap as she stared up at me with a smile. “Don’t talk like that Robert, who knows one day we might get you back to where you came from.” She said optimistically.

I shook my head as I had every doubt in my mind that would ever happen. “I wish I could share your optimism Twilight but its simply not in my nature as a pessimist.”

“A what?” Twilight asked much to my surprise.

“Someone who habitually sees the worse in everything or assumes the worse before the good that could come.” I explained.

“Oh.” She said slightly downed by it. “You’re not a pessimist, you’re just… hurt. You’ve had wrong done to you and you’re just trying to cope right now.”

“We wish it were that simple Twilight Sparkle for this be how one such as us hath carried ourselves for many moons. Let not our rare cheer deceive thine senses lest thou fall prey to the wall we should build so high in front. We allow our sides to be unguarded so that one may show us the truth. Pray tell us Twilight Sparkle, how wouldst thou cope with the pain that had been wrought upon us? Wouldst thou see thy light of the sun goddess, or wouldst thou hide in the shadows of the moon goddess? We bid thee to tell us.”

Twilight looked taken aback as she wrote everything Zeke had said. “Well um, I don’t really know what you mean by that last part but I can tell you how I’d cope. I’d probably talk with Celestia, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, or Shining Armor.” I slammed my fist into my leg.

“Yet thou speakest as if we could do as thou could and speak so solidly with ones whom we would call our family! Doth thou not know the pain of which hath been wrought?! Our family bid us dead as we lay in a casket headed for the earth to be buried and never seen again by the light of the sun nor by the dim rays of the moon! Our body striped of what once had made us living and but a remnant of what we are now! Thou can’t nearly comprehend the sorrow or pain that we shouldst ever feel as thou hast never known loneliness of thine death! THEY BID US DEAD TWILIGHT SPARKLE! NEVER TO RISE AGAIN! NEVER TO SAY HELLO NOR GOODBYE! NEVER TO Say… never to say we love thee ever again.”

I never seemed to not cry when speaking with someone here. The yelling had done me some good but I doubt it did well for my friendship with Twilight. “I am sorry Twilight but we, Zeke and I, don’t think you could understand our predicament if you even tried.” I stood and grabbed my crutch hobbling to the door.

“Where are you going?” Twilight asked as she set her stuff down and walked up next to me.

“To clear my mind.”

“What do you mean?”

“To speak with someone.”

“To speak with whom?”

I didn’t answer her as I hobbled out of the room and down the steps. I looked back when I reached the front door to see if she would stop me but she didn’t, far as I knew she was still in my room. I lowered my gaze back to the doorknob and pushed opened the door.

August 3rd 2014, 12:34 P.M.

Nightmare Statue, Everfree Forest, Equestria

I stood in front of the statue that had once depicted the goddess of the night, at least how she once was. It was strange to think that at one time Princess Luna had once been a malevolent being bent on throwing Equestria and it’s surrounding countries into a everlasting night. Why had I come here? To speak of course. To whom? To no-one.

To speak was only to let my emotions to take control and not let them try to feel and actually listen. I’d been pushing Twilight away from me and I had yelled at her for what? Wallowing in self misery. I truly am a hollow shell of whom I once was. The purpose of why all this happened wasn’t because I was to be punished. Not because I was the victim of a cruel spell. No. It happened because I had long wallowed in self pity where I had nothing to wallow in.

The world chose to give me a reason to wallow, to feel pain, to be sad, and to resent. I’ve slowly started becoming the sole thing I swore up and down that I would never become because all that was around me now was true gloom through and through.

“At least the answer of why is clear to me now.” I thought aloud. Not particularly to myself as I felt something watching me. “At least I think it is, but you would wish me to think more would you not Luna?” I heard the rustling of leaves and the clopping of hooves behind me. “You really should try sneaking up on the more unsuspecting of prey Princess.” I stated proudly as she stood next to me staring at the statue.

“It is a wonder how thou wouldst detect us but we suppose that going unnoticed isn’t always fun.” She said. She stepped forwards and placed her hoof on the statue before turning to me. “No doubt thou hast read about what had happened over a millenium ago and the more recent history of the Nightmare?” She asked.

I nodded. “I do. Sadly that’s the reason I came here. To further cope and with hopes of contacting you in some odd way.”

“Why wouldst thou seek to contact us?”

“To talk with somebody that would understand right now.” I turned to her to see if she understood. She very well did as she lowered her head.

“Of loss and loneliness we do know that pain thou doth feel as of now. Loss shalt never be easy lest thine heart hath grown dark, forever will the marks remain upon thy heart and soul.” She shook her head. “For a fortnight after we hath returned, we sought to cry over what we had done to harm our dear sister and subjects.” She stared up towards the moon before she continued.

“We thought that all had only chose to revel in the glory of our sisters day and resent the beauty of the night. We had thought wrong and the wrongdoings done by us brought us a fate worse than death. We had ignored our sisters plea to lower the moon and to listen to reason but our mind had failed us and given into resent.”

“Days and years doth not go by in which we wish to take back what we had done. We failed our sister and our subjects that day. How we coped was within ourselves. We confided within none but our sister and even then we still had trouble. Thine feelings art not alone in this world but shared by us and many more.”

“Thou may wallow in pity but know that thou art not alone so long as thine has Twilight standing by thy side. We know she may not understand but at the very least she doth try. Thinking she doth not care for thee is a mistake in it’s own Robert. Of another species thou might be but she knows thine art still alive and hast feelings beyond that of simple expression.” By the time she finished she was no longer down in mood but standing proud and tall in front of me smiling.

“I shall never stop caring for those I lose, never in a million years.” I grabbed my dogtag at this point and was staring at Luna with determination. “They will stay forever in my heart and mind as reminder of what I have promised and who I am as a person. Sometimes I just need that little reminder that everything that has happened is only leading me towards something better. I can’t let this break me down because if I do, then who would I become? I may be hurting but I know my pain is not mine alone to bear.”

“Perhaps there is a greater reason as to why I am here than what I think. I will wallow and weep for those I have lost but I can’t let that take me over. I have to continue forward and continue living for everyone. For myself. I digress Luna. You are someone that can make me see the light when darkness clouds my vision it seems. I may be hollow inside but never am I alone.” I finished as I hugged Luna, feeling her tense up a bit before loosening up. She returned the hug as best she could with her wings.

“Thine family, wouldst thou wish to speak about them in fond memory with us?” She asked.

I thought about it for a second before I nodded. “I’d like that very much.” I responded as I walked over to the nearby bench. Her following me.

“Thou spoke of them in that letter as something great, were they really that much to thee?”

I sighed and looked up to the night sky. “Yeah…they really were, and so much more than family.” I started talking about my family and previous adventures I had with them and my friends. From the time I had first gone adventuring in the woods near my trailer park with my friend David to the time me and my friends went out in a Typhoon on Okinawa to play in the Drainage system.

The night carried on as we laughed and shared our past, present and dreams for the future. The last thing I remember was seeing a streak of white light shooting across the night sky and wishing upon it like a shooting star.

Chapter 9: What Lies in Store

January 1st 2015, 12:00 A.M.

Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville, Equestria

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Those three words rang out across the entirety of ponyville but none louder than in the foyer of the Golden Oaks Library where around two dozen ponies and I had gathered. Many of the ponies were cheering and celebrating the coming of the new year whereas I was smiling happily with a cup of cider held to my chest watching over the happy crowd. My time over these past few months within Equestria were some of the hardest in my life but some of the most enjoyable ones I would ever retain.

Not long after I had broken my leg did I speak with the princesses about revealing myself to the general public. At first the idea was met with objection but soon I had convinced the princesses that it would be the best course of action. That day was both a great burden given and taken away. When I had taken the stand many a pony gasped in fear or astonishment at my presence. The reaction was of mixed origin ranging from pure hatred filling their eyes to some even gawking with a smile splayed cross their face. I was asked many a question when the initial surprise had faded. Many a question I did answer as well.

The months to come would bring hardship to Ponyville, even though I lived in the Everfree Forest. Many ponies would come searching for me to either ask questions for their newspaper back home or to try and well harm me. To this day I still get visitors of wide variety. The ponies in Ponyville came to accept me and moved on with their lives acting as if I was just another pony in town.

During those months I discussed with the princesses about all the knowledge I had of their universe prior to my arrival. To say that the reaction I had received was the expected one would be a lie. They had taken it with an open mind and hardly gave a question. The only one who gave the expected reaction was Twilight, and hers was still something of great amusement. Nobody else does know this information outside of the princesses, Dr. Hooves, Discord, and myself.

I was brought out of my memories by a hoof poking into my hip. I promptly shifted my gaze from the night sky to the orange earth pony standing next to me. “Y’all alright sugarcube?” She asked. I shook my head and looked back at the night sky taking a swig of my cider.

“Some would say so, I would say I’m not.” I said solemnly. This time last year I was celebrating New Years with Red Grape Sparkling Cider in hand at my friends house. One of the few times our family and theirs actually spent time together. I remember my New Years Resolution as well, to write an hour a day everyday. I kept up with that until the incident that brought me here.

When I told them my Resolution they all laughed at me and said I’d never be able to do it. In the end they were right but not because it was my own decision. Seeing them all laughing and having a good time was worth it to me. Just keeping everybody smiling and laughing was what made life and still makes my life worth living.

“I can’t reckon I know what ya mean by that Robert.” Applejack said as she looked at the night sky with me. I gave a small chuckle.

“Just remembering some good times with my family is all. I wonder what they’re doing back in my world tonight, all I can hope for is that they’re not at each others throats.” I laughed at the image in my head. My family was a crazy one.

“Why don’t y’all come over with me and the girls and talk? Get yer mind off things.” She offered. I turned and smiled at her giving her a small nod as I did so. We weaved our way through the crowd with ease as we navigated towards Twilight and the others. They were talking amongst themselves and laughing, generally doing the opposite of what I was recently doing.

When we made it to the area they were at they cleared a spot for me to sit but I politely declined. “I’m good with standing right now but thanks for the offer. How’s everybody doing?” I asked.

Twilight was the first to reply, “I’m doing good what about you Robert? How are you holding up?”

“Doing okay, reminiscing in my memories of last New Years with my family.” I explained. She nodded her head and took a sip of her drink. Fluttershy poked my leg lightly causing me to look down to her before she hid behind her mane. Even though I had spoken to her many a time before she still seemed to be a little afraid of me much to my dismay.

“W-what was your f-family like?” She asked sheepishly. I looked at her with a thoughtful smile and looked up at the roof.

“My family? They were…” I started remembering back to all the good times and the bad times we shared together. “...they were always there for me. Through everything that happened both good and bad I could always count on them to brighten my day even at its darkest. I suppose I took what I had for granite. I had a mother, a stepfather, and two older siblings.”

“A stepfather?” Twilight inquired. I nodded my head in confirmation. “What happened to your biological father?” She continued as my mood darkened slightly and I stared down into the bottom of my cup.

“Let’s just say that what I would like to say about him wouldn’t be quite appropriate Princess Twilight.” I grimaced as the words left my mouth.

“Oh…” Twilight shifted uncomfortably as well with the others of our small group. I sighed and downed the rest of my drink and smiled as I tried to lighten the mood again.

“On a happier note, what is everyone’s New Year’s Resolution?” I asked as I set the mug down and knelt to get on eye level with them. I could tell that I had gotten their minds off the subject as they all smiled.

The group went through what they had made their resolution on and afterwards started talking about other items. I excused myself to leave the party not soon after, needless to say I received several objections by the group. “Sorry but I leave the day after tomorrow. I need to get everything ready so that I can be ready when they retrieve me.”

After that I left out the front door of the Library and shut the door behind me looking up at the night sky with the full moon shining bright. I smiled and started walking in the direction of my home. I walked slowly as I admired what would be the last time I would see the town for quite a long time. I hadn't been walking long before a pair of hooves joined me.

“It’s been a long time, hasn't it Doctor?”

“It sure has Robert, tell me. How long do you plan to be absent from your home?”

“As long as it takes Doctor.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“No I don’t want to do this, but I need to.”

“Why?”

“Because I made a promise to my family and friends.”

“I suppose I can’t make you reconsider, can I?”

“I have chosen my path Doctor, it’s a path that I must tread if i’m ever to make amends.”

“What will you do?”

“What I do best.”

“What’s that?”

“Live without fear of the unknown and continue moving forwards.”

“Then I guess this is goodbye, for now isn’t it?”

“I suppose it is Doctor.” We now stood in silence at the edge of the Everfree forest faced towards each other. I knelt down and hugged the stallion for a final time. “Goodbye friend.”

He returned the embrace. “Goodbye Robert.” He said silently as he left the embrace and turned towards the town and walked slowly. I smiled and turned to face the forest.

This is goodbye for now everybody. Thank you for allowing me to be with you. Even if the time was short it has felt like a lifetime that I have known each and every one of you. When I arrived I was broken and my heart was replaced by a void. I was scared, lost, and hurt yet you showed me compassion. You mended my broken heart without even realizing it. Without all of you I could never have made it this far. You showed me that my world was never a *Dwindling Light.***

Epilogue

Date and Time Unknown

Location Unknown

“Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet now.” A female voice spoke to a hooded creature next to her as they stood at the bow of the ship, staring at the port of the city they were going to land at in a few hours. There was a slight shake of the creatures head.

“I wouldn’t dream of it. I’m just wondering how they will react.” The creature responded. The female punched the creature with her fist. The creature hardly reacted. “And that was for?”

The female sighed and shook her head. “It’ll be fine, I mean they are your friends right?” The creature laughed.

“Tis true but it’s been a very long time since I have seen them. They don’t even know where I am right now. When I left I kept it at goodbye.” The creature stated flatly. The female laughed and wrapped her arm around its neck and leaned against it to keep her balance.

“Well that’s not good, you never told me that.”

“Yeah.” The creature said flatly.

The rest of the trip to the port went by silently as the two just enjoyed each others company. When they arrived at the port they quickly retrieved their bags and strapped them on their backs readying themselves for the trek ahead.

“So, how long will it take to walk there?” The female asked.

The creature lowered its head slightly before answering. “The trek ahead of us is at least one full day as I plan to make a stop somewhere before I attend to my old friends.”

“Only two days?” She asked astounded. “I thought it would be a lot longer, well no use standing around twiddling our claws right?” She said as she took out her hiking stick.

The creature gave a chuckle as it started walking down the busy streets with its female companion. Taking only a few turns here and there before finally exiting the city and continuing on their way towards the river that lead further into the country. The next day and a half passed by without event as the two continued their journey until they reached their destination.

The female stretched her arms high and let out a yawn as the creature stopped and placed its bag and staff on the ground. “So this is it, isn’t it?” The female asked. The creature removed its hood allowing its long hair to tumble out onto its back, held in a ponytail at the base of its neck by a crimson metal ring.

“Stay here.” It stated flatly, the female quickly retorted.

“No way! We came all this way I wan-” She was cut off.

“I have to be certain it’s safe and that nobody is here. If somebody is here we will wait at this spot until nightfall.” The creatures tone was deadly as it spoke. She quickly quieted herself and nodded as it disappeared into the forest ahead.

2 Hours Later

“It seems nobodies home, gather your items and let’s head out.” The creature spoke quickly as it appeared seemingly out of thin air in front of the female. She simply did as he said and gathered her items, quickly following it back into the forest.

“Why were you gone for so long?” She asked.

“There was somebody there, I waited to see if they would leave anytime soon. They left an hour after I arrived.” It answered.

She shrugged her shoulders and put her hands behind her head. “Can I ask you something?”

“Fire away.”

“Do...do you ever regret leaving these lands?”

The creature shook its head. “No, I don’t. I may have had friends here but my heart simply did not belong here. Besides, if I never left I never would have met you Faelan.” It turned around and did something she hadn’t seen it do in a long time. It smiled at her. Luckily for her, her scales were a deep scarlet so it couldn’t see her blushing deeply.

“W-w-what are you talking about?!” She demanded to know. It simply laughed and turned around. “Robert tell me what you’re talking about!” She demanded even louder as he jumped into the branches and up into the tree tops trying to escape her.

He climbed to the highest point he could at his current position in the forest, peering out over the forest and off into the distance seeing Canterlot standing majestically on its mountain. Turning to his left he found that a new building had been erected in Ponyville to which he smiled.

We’re back everybody

Sequel Side Story - Tales of the Forgotten: Firefly

Sequel Cannon Side Story

Tales of the Forgotten: Firefly

Prologue: A Day That Never Comes

Dwindling Light

Prologue - A Day That Never Comes

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014 A.D. 7:20 A.M.

North Carolina, U.S.A.

The morning was the same routine as usual, wake up, take a shower, get dressed, then eat. Today was as normal as most any other day, other than the two hour delay that was announced the previous day. What a great way to start the new semester. Was all I could think to myself.

The only idea that made today worse was that we were trying to cram all eight of our classes into an even smaller schedule and still include lunch. I don’t know how other high schools do it around the world but at LHS, we didn’t miss any classes. Even if we are delayed by a couple hours.

The only thing that made my morning brighter while I waited for the time to pass was being able to write. At the start of my school year I started getting into writing, no longer was I just bound by the visual art forms but able to put my stories to word now as well. I usually wrote in a Journal or as weird as it may sound, fan fictions for the TV show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

I first started watching when the show first came out back in October of 2010. I was bored and looking around YouTube for something interesting to watch, and knowing me I was always on the weird side of the website. I started to see these random commentaries about the show, at first I was a little skeptical on watching one of the commentaries but eventually found myself watching the actual first two episodes of the show.

I had actually liked watching them, soon enough I found myself waiting for every Sunday so I could see the next episode in the season. The reason for Sunday was because me and my family were stationed on Okinawa, Japan so I wasn’t able to catch them on TV as much as I would have liked to. I considered myself a Brony for a while but I kept it to myself in fear of what others would think of me for liking a show that was supposedly for little girls.

In the summer of 2011 I had moved to California as it was where my family was stationed. I had stopped caring about what others thought of me shortly before I arrived, mostly because I was tired of hiding who I was from the world. A lesson from my old friend Zachary, he was my best friend from my first day of pre-school up until my 7th grade year.

His death was sudden and shook me to the core and darkened my heart. My Little Pony helped me get through a tough spot in my life honestly, and it still does to this day. I digress though, during my time in California I embraced the fandom openly no longer letting myself be a “closet brony” as some would call it. I found a group of friends at my high school there who enjoyed the show and other stuff that I did as well.

Yet our time together was to be cut short. In the summer of 2013 we had moved again, this time to where I reside currently in North Carolina. My days since I got here were slow, just as they were when I lived here before I moved to Okinawa.

I was brought out of my thoughts and hasty typing by a meow from my cat, Max, who was trying to get my attention, no doubt he wanted food. I took a glance over at the alarm clock sitting on my wolf and art filled desk at the right of my bed to see it was 8:57. I had enough time left to feed him and get my morning coffee.

I closed out of chrome and closed my laptop, leaving it there on my bed along with the mouse pad and mouse. I grabbed my phone from the charger it was on in the closet and plugged in my headphones, placing them around my neck as I strung the cord through my shirt and placed the extra wire around the back of my neck and zipped up my jacket. I unlocked my phone and pressed play on the music widget, the song playing was DotA by Basshunter.

I turned the volume up and continued to the laundry room where the cats food bowl is and scooped some of the cat food into it before making my way to the kitchen. I grabbed my usual coffee cup from the cabinet and placed it next to the coffee maker. The coffee cup was from Okinawa, it had a map of the island on it along with the Japanese symbols for Okinawa, Japan.

I grabbed the creamer from the fridge opened the cap and put a small amount into my coffee before replacing the creamer into the fridge. I took a spoon out of the nearby drawer and stirred it then proceeded to place the lid on the top of the coffee mug.

After I had my coffee settled I took my beanie and gloves out of my pockets, put them on and put my headphones on over the beanie. After I adjusted everything I grabbed my coffee and left out the front door, by this time I had gone through a few songs and was now listening to The Changeling (Twitch Remix) by Twitch.

The walk to school was just as uneventful as every other day with the cold air flowing against my neck. The only difference for today was that it was snowing ever so lightly, hardly enough to even call it snow for a matter of fact. I tried covering my neck because the ‘snow’ started to feel like sand being blown into me while at the beach or in the desert, which if you haven’t felt before is more annoying than anything else.

The school day went by normally, except for the hectic schedule they induced. At least this time they had the common courtesy to take away the first two periods. I went to each class just as bored as ever as the teachers went through what we were going to do this semester, new and old classes alike. It was all just a bore.

Just as I walked to school I walked home. Alone and unaccompanied by anybody, mostly because I was antisocial when it came to walking. I find peace and solitude in walking, it calmed my nerves and relaxed me. Want me to go to a place out in town? I’ll walk more than 80% of the time just because I want to. I prefer walking to any other form of transport bike, train, or car.

The world is calmer and I’m able to relish in it’s beauty as the sun pokes through the leaves above the canopy of trees along the pathway away from the school. Another reason I walk alone to and from school everyday though is because I don’t know many people who do walk to the school. The one kid I do know usually leaves before me to school and after me from school.

Sadly my day chose it wanted to take a weird turn. Now on Okinawa this would’ve been very much expected and I would have thought nothing of it because it became so common it didn’t even get to me anymore. What happened was a shadow out of the corner of my eye started moving. At first I thought it may of been just a squirrel or something and kept on walking.

It didn’t bother me at first as on Okinawa the shadow would leave when I got home, or to my destination. Yet when I reached my front door I could still see it in the corner of my eye, just waiting there not moving in the slightest. This is really starting to bug me. I had thought to myself as I pinched the bridge of my nose in annoyance. I opened my eyes and looked over to where the shadow was.

Just as it had mysteriously appeared that day, it was gone. Without a trace. I looked around and found nothing but the rare kid walking along the street or on the sidewalk across the street. It wasn’t even present in the corner of my eye anymore. “Weird…” I mumbled.

I turned back to face the door, opening the screen door and pulling out the key from my pocket. I put the key in the lock and unlocked it. The rest of my night went by uneventfully.

I did a couple of projects, one for Algebra 2 and one for my new Public Speaking class. The rest of my classes it was either a syllabus that my parents had to sign or work that wasn’t due until friday. Ater I was finished the projects I went to my computer put on some music and pulled out my journal from my backpack along with a black pen.

I wrote in my journal for the rest of the night putting down thoughts and ideas for future art and writing projects I wanted to do. Occasionally sketching an idea with the pen to show a direction I wanted to go with it. When I was finally done writing it was around 10 at night, so I decided I would put my journal up and get some shut eye.

Got into my pajamas and turned off the light and slithered into my bed, slowly drifting off to sleep as thoughts plagued my mind. The endless curse of your greatest ideas coming to you when you want to sleep. Of course.

Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 A.D. 2:40 P.M.

North Carolina, U.S.A.

Another day, another welt on the forehead. Was what I thought to myself as I slowly walked from the school grounds. Today in particular was not one that I enjoyed as my patience was put to the test upon the highest level. Once again I was stuck in the computer class where none of the students knew anything on what we were doing, let alone follow simple instructions.

“For criminy sakes, by the time I’m done with my senior year I’ll have a welt large enough to be a second head.” I said quietly as I rubbed my forehead. The last class I had was my computer class so the welt I had obtained was fresh, where as I normally facepalmed today it was all too necessary to hit my head as hard as I could against the wall in hopes to knock myself out.

Extreme you say? Not even close. One of the girls who is in my class doesn’t know how to use or pretended to not know how to use a mouse today. Even if it’s a joke to her, which I highly doubt it is considering how much of a snob she is, it had forced me to my limits for the day. Luckily for me it was almost the end of the period before it happened.

I was already finished with what we were supposed to do today for the class so I was just minding my own buisness and listening to some music on Luna Radio on the Hoofsounds application for chrome. That’s when she tapped me on the shoulder and started asking me for assistance. “Um, you look like you’re done so could you help me?” she asked.

“Sure” I replied taking off my headphones and placing them on the desk next to the computer's keyboard. I walked over to where she was sitting, “What do you need help with?” I asked flatly as she leaned back in her chair.

“How do you move the arrow thing on the screen?” she asked as she pointed to the mouse pointer. I gave her my best, ‘Are you freaking kidding me?’, look I could muster. “What? I’m not a tech geek like you.” She stated poking my arm with her bony finger. It took every ounce of my being not to break it off and shove it where the sun don’t shine.

“Why don’t you try moving the mouse, that might work.” I said through clenched teeth. It wasn’t so much her insult that angered me, it really wasn’t, what actually got to me was that she had the audacity to ask me for help on such an easy task then proceed to be rude to me. She looked at me quizzically.

“Move the what?” That’s when I facepalmed and slid my hand down the length of my face. Of course I get stuck with another idiot. I thought to myself as I returned to my seat, unwilling to answer her stupid question. She could fail for all I care.

“Hey! I asked you to help me!” She exclaimed, causing half the class to turn towards us. I turned to face her.

“You’re asking for help on such a menial task that is common knowledge. The thought that you could be so dumb that you don’t know how to use a mouse is unbelievable considering this school is based around computers. You will not be getting any help from me.” I retorted angrily. Silence had fallen across the classroom, the air permeated by the light chuckling of other classmates.

After that she didn’t bother anyone again, that was until they had all returned to their work. She got out of her chair and went over to one of my friends to ask for help. They went over to her seat and “helped” her out.

“Oh my god! Thank you!” I heard her exclaim from behind me. I turned around to the noise to find that my friend was sitting in her seat.

“What are you doing?” I asked him. He got up from the seat and let her sit back down in it.

“I helped her out unlike you.” He replied cockily. I rolled my eyes.

“How much?” I asked with a pondering gaze. I crossed my arms, waiting for an answer while he nervously scratched the back of his head.

“I umm…I did her assignment…” He said almost inaudibly. I put my hands to my side, turned towards the wall and ran into it with my head as hard as I could in the hopes I would sustain enough damage to knock me out. Everyones attention was now on me as I staggered backwards from the wall and faced my friend.

I looked up to him trying to contain my anger as I slapped him across the face. “No. Just, No. She needs to learn on her own. I don’t mind if it were answering her idiotic questions, but doing her whole damn assignment. You’re a moron!” I stated angrily as he brought a hand up to massage his now red cheek.

Before he could respond the bell went off to signal the end of the period, and for us the end of the school day. I packed what little belongings I had out and made my way hastily out the front doors of the school building. Leading up to my current time.

Despite me running into the wall, it hardly hurt as much as I would have expected it to. The main pain was the throbbing. Today was a nice day again and I knew it wouldn’t last so when I finally stopped rubbing the welt on my forehead I walked home and put my stuff away. Today I had no work to do around the house or for school so I could do what I wanted.

This was a rare occasion for me to say the least, I actually wanted to go outside. Where was I going to go? Honestly I had no clue and just let my legs take me where they wanted. The shadow in the edge of my vision had appeared again on my way home but I paid it no mind. Mostly because I was too happy to let it scare me.

I walked into the woods near the school and just explored it. Letting my body take me where it wanted to go, not consciously thinking about where I walked. With how I portrayed the world in my mind this was a nice relief, seeing the world through brighter eyes. The gentle breeze flowing through the trees, the birds high above chirping, the ground rustling as a squirrel darted across the ground here and there.

I usually saw the world through a dark gaze that saw only what is wrong. The pain and misery that life brings and the truth that lies beyond the sight of those around me. The world was gray and depressing, hardly a light would shine through into my dark world. In seventeen years of life I’ve seen more than some would like to, but I will not say life is pointless and meaningless.

I’m still young and I have a lot ahead of me. I live day in and day out with grim outlook, letting the world pass me by as I keep myself huddled in the shelter I built around me. Never once peering out to see the world in a better light, allowing only the small cracks of light shine through which I quickly patch with another reason this world is cruel.

Slowly my thoughts got to me and I found that I had stopped in the middle of a clearing in the forest I was wandering in. Still naive as ever, bane of my existence is what this is. I chuckled at the thought. Young and naive.

“I’m always looking for the day to come in which I don’t find something wrong with the world.” I started talking to myself. “Yet without the imperfection, what point would there really be to life? To just stand by and watch it go by as everything you want is given to you? Pfft, fat chance I would even accept that.”

I looked down to my right thigh where I had my knife that was given to me by one of my best friends for my 16th birthday. I made it a habit to carry it with me whenever I go on expeditions as I like to call em, or when I went out in Oceanside and didn’t plan to get back home until after nightfall. To me it was less of a safety measure, but a reassuring nod that I didn’t have to resort to unless the situation was dire.

“If only I were as optimistic and happy as you Michael. If only…” I trailed off as I grasped the knife tightly. I stood there for a few seconds, unmoving. That’s when I saw a movement out of the corner of my eye, no doubt the black orb was still there so I didn’t try to make eye contact with it.

“What are you?” I asked aloud, hoping in some ungodly way the thing would answer me. I stood there in silence, the only sound that traveled the air was the breeze rustling the nearby leaves. “I won’t ask again, what are you?” I demanded this time.

I looked up at it finally, this time however it did not fade from view or move in the slightest. It just hovered there about 4 feet off the ground. I managed to get a good look at its features in the light now, it was a orb yet there was something foreboding about it. The orb was indeed a deep black, but it gave off an almost white glow and in the very middle I could make out a yellow spec that seemed to beat.

My heartbeat rose and my mind started working at a million miles per minute taking in the sight before me. Coming up with various hypotheses as to what it was, but quickly discarded as the ideas of each one were more inane than the last. I circled around the orb to see if there was anything else to it. The first thing I noticed was that no matter what angle I looked at it, the yellow spec that was beating didn’t move an inch, almost like the orb was translucent and the spec was on the very inside of it.

Kinda creepy but kinda cool. I thought as I stopped my circling and put my knife back on my pocket. Despite my better judgement I started to slowly approach the orb, leaves crunching under each step I took. When I was only a few inches from it I lifted my right hand up and placed it on the orb. At least I tried to.

When my hand made contact with the orb it simply went through it like nothing was there in the first place. I brought my hand back up to inspect it, seeing if there were any oddities that I didn’t have before I tried to touch it. There was nothing. So I decided to try and touch it again, and again, and again before giving up after my fourth try.

The orb radiated no heat and it wasn’t cold when my hand was inside of it. The air around it was mysterious and lit up by its white glow. “Well than…I’m just gonna leave now…” I stated aloud as I started to walk away from the orb, slowly turning around to face the woodline at the edge of the clearing.

I took a look over my shoulder to find the orb was still there in the middle of the clearing. At least it’s not following me anymore. I thought as relief washed over me and I continued to make my way out of the woods from where I had come.

Every now and again I made sure to look in the corner of my eye to make sure the orb was actually gone. I still had the nagging suspicion that it wasn’t just something random though. I also don’t think I have any enemies that would go to that extent to watch me, let alone use a pretty obvious item to spy on me.

“Be wary young one for it is not of this world…” A voice whispered in my ears as I walked past the edge of the woodline and back onto the sidewalk near the high school. I spun around to see where the voice had come from to find nothing. “Hello?” I asked into the empty air as if expecting an answer.

I waited for a minute before waving it off as my imagination getting to me. This will definitely make for an interesting journal entry to say the least. With that I made my way home slowly as the sun set over the rooftops of the small houses in the housing area I lived in. The air was bitterly cold now but all I could think about was the orb in the woods.

What is that thing? Where did it come from? Why couldn’t I touch it? What was that voice? Was that all real? All questions that I wanted answered. The only conclusion I could come to is that it was an anomaly in nature because I had never seen anything like it before. I didn’t want to research it because it was probably too rare to ever be photographed, let alone researched.

I stopped at my front door and look behind me in hopes, odd enough that I’m hoping, to see if the orb had followed me and I just didn’t realize it. Those hopes were crushed as all that stood behind me was the large tree in the yard and sidewalk leading up to the stairs of the porch. I stood there for a minute pondering if I should go back and see if it was still there. Fat chance it’d still be there.

I sighed, turned around and opened the door greeted by the familiar scent of my home. Immediately following the scent were two rambunctious puppies, one a yellow labrador retriever and one a miniature pinscher. Both of them knocked me down, working together to get the job done. The lab jumping at me and the min pin trapping himself between my feet, causing me to inevitably fall backwards narrowly missing the wall behind me.

I chuckled a little bit at the sight, it always made my day better when they greeted me like this. “Okay okay I get it y’all missed me.” I said aloud as I pet both of them as they licked my face fervently. I tried pushing them off of me but the lab simply put more pressure so he could continue to lick my face. I quickly gave in to the wet hell they were adamant in giving me.

“Oh hey bubby, where have you been?” My sisters voice reached my ears. I pushed the lab and min pin off, shooing them away as I stood and dusted the fur off of my sweatshirt. I gave her a small smile.

“Just wandering around the woods. Nowhere special.” I replied, she shrugged and went about what she was doing. The rest of the night went by fast considering it consisted of mostly writing and playing some games with my friends.

I climbed into bed and quickly fell asleep.

Wake up…

Who…who’s there?

Please…wake up…

W-what?

Wake up…for the love of god…please…

I-I can’t move…why can’t I move?!

Robbie please wake up you can’t do this!

Steven? Is that you?!

…Come back…you can’t! You just can’t!

Steven, help me I can’t move!

I should have been there…

Steven I-I’m Scared, please help me!

I’m so sorry Robbie.

I can’t see Steven! Please help me!

COME BACK! PLEASE!

Steven please help me! Please! Please! Please! HELP ME!

Friday, January 24th, 2014 A.D. 5:38 A.M.

North Carolina, U.S.A.

“HELP ME!” I screamed as loud as I could, jolting upwards in my bed. I immediately grasped my chest feeling as my heartbeat pounded ferociously against my chest. My breath was fast and shallow and I was drenched from head to toe in sweat. The dogs were barking in the other rooms and my cat had jumped to the safety of my dresser.

I heard loud footsteps running towards my room. My door shot open as my mom darted into the room, ready to attack what had caused me to scream. “What’s wrong?! What’s wrong?!” She demanded as she looked around the room. When she found nothing but me looking terrified out of my wits she sat down on my bed next to me.

Despite me being as old as I was I still had nightmares. These weren’t the normal nightmares of there being a monster under my bed or my closet or getting scared. These nightmares were about either losing those close to me, or having to listen in the darkness as they mourned over me. Yet even these nightmares weren’t my greatest fears, they were up there but they weren’t the number 1.

As my mom sat down on the edge of my bed I hugged her as tight as I could. “It’s okay, it was only a nightmare bubby.” she cooed soothingly. I know it sounds childish but her being there was a great comfort to me, and never will I deny that I love my mother to the ends of the earth. I spent most of my life without a father, so she was the prominent parental figure in my life.

I sat there for a while holding her tightly, not letting a tear drop from my eyes or a single snivel from me. The only sound my slowing heart rate and steadying breaths. “I’m sorry…” I whispered to her as I pulled away from the embrace finally allowing my senses to fully return to me. She gave me a small smile as she got up and left my room, closing the door behind her.

Leaving me in silence as I shook the remnants of the dream from my mind. Why is it always a nightmare… I thought to myself as I put my head into my hands. Taking a few more moments to gather myself. I lifted my head from my hands to stare at the alarm clock in front of me. 5:53…might as well get in the shower now.

Luckily today's Friday. Hopefully some good will come of today. I thought to myself as I opened my dresser drawers and pulled out boxers, pants, and a pair of doctor whooves socks. I then proceeded towards my closet and pulled out my princess Luna nouveau shirt and put it on top of the folded pile of clothes then grabbed my towel and made my way to the bathroom.

After I was done with my shower I went about the rest of my morning as if nothing were wrong. Mostly because this had started becoming a daily occurrence with the reoccurring nightmares. Most of the nightmares though wouldn't have me waking up in a cold sweat while hyperventilating. What made it worse is that my brother had moved out months ago, so it made it harder to bear than normal.

I hope you’re alright Steven. Of course I knew he was alright but I found myself saying that to myself more often than not.

I had finished my normal morning routine with about 20 extra minutes to spare. So I did as I have normally been doing with each dream, I wrote it down in my journal. I know you’re supposed to write it down right after it happens but I choose to wait a while before writing it down. I do it later because my mind works weirdly, I can’t remember what happened just two seconds ago but I can remember something from forever ago in vivid detail.

I looked up from my journal to find that it was time to leave so I closed my journal and placed it in my book-bag, adamant on finishing the log during E.L. this morning. I got my coffee, put my headphones on and played the first song that I saw which was Can’t Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers, then I made my way out the door and started my walk to school for the morning. The morning was calm and the world was covered in a thick fog, a sight that pleased my eyes.

As I made my way through the fog I saw the shadows dancing in the corner of my eye. Hopefully I can see it again today, maybe get some photos of it. I thought to myself as I kept my brisk pace.

Friday, January 24th, 2014 A.D. 4:44 P.M.

North Carolina, U.S.A.

School had ended more than two hours ago and now I was on the road with my mom, dad, and sister. I hadn't got to see if the orb was back in the clearing today as when I got home it was decided that we would go out as a family for the day. I didn't have any objections to this, but was a little bummed I couldn't see it again.

Although my hopes were still high because I could still see the shadows in the corner of my eye. The part that aggravated me though is that the shadows had grown in the corner of my eye now almost obscuring my peripheral vision entirely. I was looking out the window of the car idly watching as the world flew by in a blur.

“Robbie are you okay?” My sisters voice broke the air of silence I had built between me and everyone else in the car. I turned away from the window to face her with a solemn expression.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking.” I replied warmly as I turned back towards the window.

“About what?” My sister continued probing.

“Nothing.” I said flatly, hoping she would stop asking.

“Tell me!” She demanded, making it evident she wouldn't stop asking.

“Alisa, stop asking. It’s nothing.” I growled through my teeth at my older sibling. She rolled her eyes and went back to messing with her phone. What, am I not allowed to have my own thoughts now? I thought to myself as my eyes found themselves placed on the now barren sky above us.

“That’s odd…” My mumble trailed off. The sky not a few seconds ago was full of cumulus clouds. It didn't make any sense to me. I rubbed my eyes to see if I was just seeing things, yet as I put my eyes on the sky again I found I wasn't. That’s when the car came to an abrupt stop causing me to slam my head into the back of my moms seat.

“Ow! What was that…for…” My voice trailed off as I saw people getting out of their cars ahead of us. “What in the blazes?” I said aloud. My dad who was driving simply shrugged his shoulders and honked his horn. Soon a large crowd of people started appearing around a single open area in the middle of the road.

Being just as curious as the other people in the crowd I got out of the car despite my parents and sisters protests to stay in the car. I ignored them. I tried to look over everyone to see what was going on to find that I couldn't see over everyone as what they were viewing was obscured from my vision by their mass of bodies.

So I did the next best thing and stop on top of our car to get a better view. What I saw there in the middle of the opening made my heart skip a beat, both in fear and happiness. In the middle of the large group was the black orb I had seen in the clearing yesterday, yet what caught my attention was that the yellow spec had grown into a sphere the size of a baseball.

“Watch out!” I shouted as I ran to the edge of my car and hopped to the next, and the next, and the next before I stood over the inner circle of the crowd. A few people behind me had shouted at me for accidentally hitting them. It was your fault I told you to watch out.

I saw no one else was trying to approach the orb, probably too scared out of their wits to even think about it. Some people were taking pictures, some were taking videos, and some were even calling the police. While everyone was preoccupied I jumped down into the clearing and walked up to the orb standing a mere foot away from it.

The area around me fell silent as all eyes were on me and the mysterious orb floating in front of me. I ignored them until a voice broke the air.

I turned around to find my mom at the edge of the circle with a worried expression on her face. “Robert Kenneth! Get away from that thing and get back in the car! It could be dangerous!” She yelled. I shook my head and turned my attention back to the orb.

“You, Dad, and Alisa all keep treating me as if I’m still a kid.” I started turning to face her again. “I’m not. You've protected me my entire life, but I've seen things that no one should have seen anywhere near my age.” I was now facing her and my family fully.

“Yes I know, it could be dangerous but nothing fun is ever gained by standing by and just watching as the world passes on by. Everyone,” I gestured my arm towards everyone in the circle, “ is too afraid to even approach this thing. Why? I don’t know. Why do I think they don’t approach it? Because they’re afraid of the unknown.” I put my arms to my side and stood next to the orb lifting an arm up above it. “Whereas I am not.” I finished by slamming my hand on the orb, expecting it to phase right through it like the day prior.

As I felt the solid thud on the orb my eyes widened in shock. Screw my couch… I thought to myself as I tried to lift my hand off the orb, finding that I couldn't. “ROBERT KENNETH! GET OVER HERE NOW!” My mom yelled. I looked over to see she was almost crying now.

I tried to lift my hand off of the orb again but found my hand sinking deeper into the orb. “Ummm, I kind of can’t.” I said with a tone of worry. I lifted my foot up and placed it on the orb in the effort to pull my hand out. I didn't take into account that the orb liked human appendages. Don’t know why I didn't expect anything less.

The orb had sucked up my entire right hand up to my birthmark on my wrist and my foot. I refrained from trying to remove them by using m other limbs so I waited there calmly as my mother scolded me on why I should listen to her. “Yes mom. Okay mom. Yeah mom. That’s nice mom. I’m hungry mom.” Was the basis of what I replied to her with.

About 3 minutes later news teams, police, firemen, and ambulances were surrounding the area. With me stuck in the middle of everything. My mom and dad were both freaking out as I had put the rest of my appendages on the orb. Mostly it was to shut them up, but it backfired. Majorly. I was now dangling by my hands and feet upside down underneath the orb.

Both my forearms and calves were now fully in the orb. With me inside of it, the orb grew more than twice its previous size. My mom had tried to help me out by pulling me downwards but only made my stomach hurt by doing so. She then tried doing what I did but instead of being sucked into the orb, she fell right through just as I did the day before.

The police asked me some questions, and so did some of the bystanders as they watched the undoubtedly hilarious scene. I could see the headlines already, “Idiot teenager gets stuck in strange orb!”, If I survived this I would either A, never hear the end of it, or B, hopefully die from it. Path B seemed a better choice to me so I wouldn't have to live with the shame of it all.

Although it will make for one heck of a story to tell my grandchildren, “Hey sonny, how would ya like to hear the story about how I got stuck in a strange orb for a day or two?!” I thought jokingly, shaking my head.

I was brought out of my thoughts when I felt a rumbling from the orb as the world around me started shaking violently. “HELP!” I exclaimed as the orb started to engulf my neck, leaving my head the only thing still out of the orb.

“Oh my god!”

“You have to help him!”

“Officer! C’mon you have to do something!”

“Hehehe he’s shaking.”

Cries came from the bystanders around me as the world around me shook violently. Aw crap… this is going to ruin my weekend. I thought to myself as my mom and dad ran over started to try and pull me out by the head. “Ow, ow, ow! Stop!” I yelped in pain.

My mom was crying, what she was saying was incomprehensible and my Dad tried keeping a calm facade. I could see past it though, in his eyes he was torn up that he couldn't do anything. As the orb slowly encroached on my head I built up my courage to speak.

“Mom and dad…I love the both of you dearly…please don’t cry for me. This was my own undoing. Dad, I will miss you I just want to know, even though you are my step dad you have been more of a father to me than my real father could ever wish to be. I love you to death I want you to know this. I may of never been the one to show it to you but you know me. Please protect my mom, Alisa, and Steven. They’re going to need you more than ever now, just like you needed them when Duke died. Mom, please stay strong. It’s going to hurt for a while, but I know you can get through this. You were always there for me when I was a child, heck even to now. Thank you for being my mother, thank you for being my family. I would never choose another family even if I had the chance. Dad, please take mom home. Now. If she sees the ending to this, she will never be able to rid the images from her mind.”

I finished my eyes clenched tightly as I failed at holding back the tears. The sound of my moms kicking and screaming against my dads grasp was drowned out by the silence of the orb as the final part of me was engulfed in the orb. I was gone at last.

Time and Date Unknown

Location Unknown

*THUMP* Was all I heard and felt as I landed face first into something solid. I resisted the urge to say anything though as I couldn't see, hear, taste, or smell anything just yet. A flood of feelings washed over my body though. The first and most apparent one was pain from landing on the still healing welt on my head and a sharp pain shooting through my left leg.

Well this sucks. I thought to myself as I let a wave of nausea and exhaustion wash over me. This day can’t get any worse. I tried grasping something, anything with my hands only to grab a handful of grass. At least I’m not in the middle of the road. I thought hopefully.

It took a couple of minutes for any of my other senses to return to me. The first one was my hearing. I was greeted by the familiar sound of crickets chirping into the night air, causing me to give a happy smile. I had always enjoyed the night mostly because I loved the beauty of the starry night sky. The other sounds that were offered to my ears were the sounds of the trees leaves around me rustling from a slight breeze.

What I found odd was that the world around me wasn’t as cold as I would have expected it to be, especially since it was still winter time. I shook off the thought as my smell and taste buds came back to me. My mouth was full of dirt, so I immediately spit it out and struggled to try and stand up. I found myself falling to my left as my leg protested me using it with a pain that shot through my body like lightning.

Crap! My leg must be broken or it might be a cramp. Either way I’m not going anywhere right now. I thought to myself as my eyesight came back. I rapidly opened and closed my eyes, trying to get them to adjust as the world was a blur. I could make out a nearby treeline to my left and right, underneath me was a dirt path. Even though I could hardly see, I was still thankful that I could.

I crawled my way over to the treeline and sat my back against one of the trees. I hope somebody comes by and helps me out. I thought to myself pitifully. Then again, who would help somebody like me… I gave a small chuckle at the thoughts as I shook my head. The pain in my leg made itself known again causing me to wince.

I ignored the pain as my eyesight slowly started to adjust itself to the night. I could see a treeline and a dirt path in front of me. To my left the path continued past the edge of the forest and into an open valley with rolling hills, the moon just above the horizon of the first hill. To my right the path continued deeper into the forest, eventually becoming so dark that I couldn't see anything in it.

Once I was done taking in my surroundings I looked down to my leg. Visibly it looked completely fine, but that didn't make me any happier considering the pain it was giving me. I rolled up my pant leg as far as I could to see if anything was wrong under the pants and found nothing. My leg was fine causing me to conclude it was just a really bad muscle cramp. At least something is working out in my favor. I thought as I rolled my pant leg back down.

I gave a long drawn out yawn as the previous exhaustion made itself known to me again.“I’ll try and find somebody down the path tomorrow morning, I won’t be going anywhere tonight with how tired I am and this leg giving me trouble.” I stated calmly. No one was around to hear me anyways, so why keep my thoughts to myself?

I unzipped my jacket and took it off. I folded the jacket and placed it behind my head to use as a pillow. The night was nice enough so I didn't really need it, my shirt and pants were both enough to stay warm.

I sat there against the dream for a few minutes trying to think of where I was. From what I could tell I wasn't in North Carolina anymore, how I could tell was because it was way too warm for it right now. The temperature in NC was around 1 degrees Celsius, the temperature here was easily 27 degrees Celsius and up.

I tried to stifle another yawn unsuccessfully. With that I let myself drift off to sleep.

Date Unknown, 7:08 A.M.

Unknown Forest, Unknown

My eyes fluttered open just as the first cracks of sunlight broke over the horizon of the hill beyond the path. I found I was laying on the ground, sprawled out my upper body on the path and my legs on the grass. I pushed myself off the ground and got to my knees stretching as the pain in my back made it apparent that I had slept wrong.

Bleh mornings. I was never a morning person, especially on the weekends let alone not having coffee to wake me up. I sat there glaring at the sun as it rose, despite my hatred for the morning I let the warm rays of the sun embrace my body. I closed my eyes and tilted my head back as it warmed my clothes.

So warm… I thought to myself. The day was nice with few clouds in the sky, and luckily for me the pain in my leg had gone away while I slept. “Might as well be getting a move on. No point in staying here.” I said as I grabbed my jacket and slipped it on as I stood up.

The world around me was peaceful and alive with the sounds of birds singing above me. I started my trek down the path. I looked to and fro as I walked, taking in the beautiful and serene atmosphere in awe. Never in my life had I seen such a nice forest.

The world around just looked better to me, why? I had absolutely no idea but I wasn’t going to be the one to complain. “Think I might move here when I’m out of high school. Live as a hermit in these woods.” I smirked at the thought.

“What the…” I heard a voice say from behind me. I stopped in my tracks.

“Hello, I’m just admiring the scenery don’t mind me.” I said as I kept my eyes on the woods.

“It can talk?!” The voice exclaimed. My face screwed up in confusion, What does he mean IT can talk? I turned around to face whoever was speaking to me. I was about to ask what they had meant by that but I quickly went slack jawed.

To say the least, this was the second time in under a day I was left speechless. The creature stared at me raising its eyebrow in confusion just as I was. The creature wasn't a human or anything that could make any sense to me. It was a pony.

I stood there for what seemed like an hour analyzing him, and him I. He had a light brown mane with a tan coat, his eyes were a light blue and he wore a green tie. I rubbed my eyes making sure I wasn't seeing anything.

“Ummmm… Hi?” I said with a sheepish smile and wave. The pony didn't budge an inch but returned the sheepish smile.

“So you can speak…” He stated almost disappointed. I gave a nod.

“Can you tell me something ummm…actually first, what is your name? If you have one I mean.” I asked. This time instead of just staring out me in confusion his ears perked up and he gave me a warm smile.

“My name is Dr. Hooves, and you?” He stated. I stood there for a second taking in the information. This can’t possibly be… I thought as I shook my head fervently.

“I’m sorry, but did you say Dr. Hooves?” I asked surprised.

“Yes. Why?” He replied. I couldn't possibly tell him the truth. Oh you’re a pony from a TV show I watch back where I’m from! Oh and I’m wearing socks of you! That wouldn't go too well in my favor. First I die and now I’m here. This week will definitely be one for the history books.

“No reason. As for who I am, I am Robert. What I wanted to ask is where exactly am I?” I stated, bowing slightly raising an eyebrow as I did so.

He walked over to me and started circling around me his head moving up and down as he inspected me. “Where are you? That’s kind of a weird question to ask.” He replied finally as he started poking me.

I didn't budge. “Sir, please just answer me. I need to know.” I retorted harshly as he stopped poking my body with his hooves. He returned to his spot in front of me.

“You’re in Ponyville. I don’t know how you don’t know, for someone like you I’d expect you to know.” He said pointing a hoof at me. I smiled and shook my head.

“This can’t be real. This just isn't possible. Not possible at all!” I exclaimed as I threw my hands up into the air and slamming them down on a nearby tree. “This has to be a dream…yeah a dream…I’ll wake up any minute now in my bed. This isn't real!” I started shouting. I felt a hoof poke my side. I looked over to see a very confused pony looking back at me.

“Sorry to disappoint you Robert, this isn't a dream.” He said with a sympathetic smile. I glared back at him.

“Dr. Hooves you have no idea how impossible it is to believe that.” I said angrily through clenched teeth causing him to back up a little.

“Than tell me why it’s impossible.” He said flatly. His face going from a scared look to one of anticipation.

I shook my head. “You’ll never believe me, but if you’re right about this being Equestria……” My voice trailed off as the full realization of what it meant made itself apparent to me. The first thought that came to me is that I may never be able to see any of my family or friends ever again. I quickly grabbed at the dog tag hanging around my neck, holding it firmly in my right hand.

The dog tag wasn't mine, it had belonged to my friend Zachary and was given to me when he died. Wake up…just…wake up…this isn't funny… “JUST WAKE UP!” My thoughts turned into a yell at the end as I put the dog tag to my forehead.

“Are you okay Robert?” Dr. Hooves asked as I let the dog tag drop to my chest with a small thump. My demeanor immediately growing serious and my face going hard.

“Frankly I’m not Dr. Hooves. Either this is a really cruel and messed up dream, or I’m really here and I've lost everything I've ever known. First off I don’t know anything about how I got here, second I more than likely will never see any of my friends or family again, third I have nowhere to go other than deep into the forest.” I stated flatly. The world really was grey now for me, despite the beauty that surrounded me.

I turned as soon as I finished and started walking back down the path I came only to have Dr. Hooves run in front of me. His face was now serious and his stance told me he wouldn't budge.

“Listen, I don’t know what you are or what is going on but the last thing I want is for any pony to be lonely.” His voice changed from angry to a friendly tone at the end. His face grew dark, “I've known loss as well. Maybe not as great as yours as you suggest, but no pony should ever feel that way. I also think I might know some pony who may be able to help you. The Ponyville librarian Tw-” I cut him off.

“Twilight Sparkle, am I correct?” I finished his sentence as straight faced as I could.

“How did you know?” He replied, giving me a quizzical look as he did so.

“As before you wouldn't believe me if I told you, and besides its a really really long story.” I answered as I looked away and put my hands into my sweater pockets.

“Well we have to walk to Ponyville so why not tell me on the way?” He replied. I looked over to him, he was giving me a coaxing smile. I sighed in defeat.

“Alright Dr. Hooves, but don’t say I didn't warn you.” I stated as we started walking down the path towards the hills.

Chapter 5: ...nothing seems right...

March 23rd 2014, 1:09 P.M.

Location Unknown

No… I’m…I’m not dead…why… The world slowed to a stop as my heart and mind fell into the depths of darkness. The world around was bright and sunny on the day of a funeral. My funeral.

“I’M NOT DEAD!” I screamed as loud as I could. No one turned around. I ran to the side of the preacher and kept yelling for them to stop. The preacher never turned to look at me or even heard me for a matter of fact. Everybody else kept mourning.

My mother, father, sister, and brother along with close friends sat in the front row of chairs. Michael and Tommy sat next to one another, for the first time not being at each others throats. My heart sunk even further at the sight.

I tried throwing up but only allowed myself to dry heave. I was screaming for them to hear me for what seemed like days on end but nothing I did got their attention.

“And now the last wills and testaments of the deceased.” The preacher announced as I tried to stop my weeping to hear him.

“Family, Friends, and Relatives. It seems my time has come if you’re hearing this. There’s not much I can say to salve your sadness nor to aid your mourning, I know this far too well. Know that I was happy when my time came and know that I lived a good life. Just as everyone, I had the chance to love and lose, laugh and mourn, be true to myself and to others.”

“The pain of loss can be great and it may never heal. For some it may and you will move on with your lives with not even a thought of who I was. I ask for you to be there for one another to make it through, that none of you take your own lives to try and be with me, that you all remember me and stay true to your path in life. The world is cruel and filled with blight so stand together as one. Unity is what will keep you together, such as perseverance, trust, respect, forgiveness, and peace.”

“Community is something to be embraced and not turned away because you’ve experienced your own pain of loss, as we all feel it differently. No ones loss is greater than another, never think such as it will lead you onto a path that will blame everything including yourself.”

“I pushed many of you away at times and for that I am truly sorry and I hate that I died with regret present in my mind and heart. I made promises to you that I can no longer keep and for that I will never be able to say it enough that I’m sorry.”

“To Michael, one day I know you will truly find your calling and that you will find love. Never doubt yourself for if you ever did, know that I always believed in you. You were like a little brother to me, and I will never be able to thank you enough for showing me the light at times when I needed it the most. Never lose who you are, your kindness and love are qualities to be admired by all. I love you little man, but this is goodbye.”

“To Tommy, I want to thank you for being there during the rough times in California and North Carolina. Michael may have been there in spirit but when I needed someone there to hold and to cry on, I could count on you. You showed me how to laugh again and be happy in the face of all that had come my way. Me and you were one in the same in many aspects, such that I called you my twin. Never lose your smile and make sure that you make everyone happy, they’ll need it to get through this. Love you as well Tommy.”

“To Steven, you were my one and only older brother. Not just by blood but by friendship as well. You showed me the way when my path was at its darkest and helped me through everything. You encouraged me in many ways even though you had your doubts, but your doubts were what made me strong. You may have done a lot of wrong but even still I looked up to you. No one’s perfect and no one ever will be, just remember that. You showed me what it meant to be who I was, that I should never try to be someone I’m not. My time has come and know that I don’t regret anything with you, that every waking moment was worth it seeing you happy.”

“To Alisa, my older sister. Out of everyone in this world, or previously in this world, you always had faith in me. I know we never really got along well at times and we would bicker and argue over inane stuff, but I cherish every single moment. When my heart was broken, you’d be the first one I’d tell. When I messed up, I’d come to you. You were MY older sister, my family. I regret that I never told you how much you meant to me, but maybe you know now. I love you Alisa and please stay strong and keep an eye on mom, she will need you.”

“To Dad. That day you walked into our lives, I expected you to be exactly the same as every other ‘father’ I had. You surprised me and showed me that you truly cared for my mom. You’re more than worthy to be with mom. You were the first REAL father that I had in my life. Your quirkiness is what makes you so dang fun to be around. You were strict when needed, you were the person I needed in my life to achieve greater things. Thank you dad, I owe a lot of what I did in my life to you. Please my mom will need you, never leave her side. I love you and for what it’s worth, I am sorry for anything I ever did to make you mad or otherwise.”

“And last but definitely not least, To Mom. First and foremost I want to say, thank you. Thank you for being my mother, thank you for never giving up on me even in my darkest moments, and thank you for loving me no matter what. It’s true I was a momma’s boy. I am crying as I write this because I know when you hear this that you’ll be of the few mothers who has had their own child die before them. I can never say sorry enough for making you have to go through this.”

“No mother should ever have to bury their child. It’s okay to cry, it’s okay to mourn, it’s okay to be hurt. I wish I could hug you one last time and tell you that I love you. I wish I could spend one more day on earth just to say goodbye. Times will be hard, but I know you can pull through this. I have faith in you. Even now I’m looking over your shoulder and guiding you to something grand. This is goodbye mom, I love you.”

“To any other friends and family that may be present. You are loyal, kind, honest, and generous to of taken the time to attend this funeral. To all of you, know that I never regretted one moment with any of you except the ones where I made you disappointed in me. My time has come and past, such is the way of life. Know that I died with all of you in my mind and that without all of you I’d have been gone a long time ago and never remembered by anyone. Thank you for that.”

“I suppose I should say who gets what of my possessions but I feel that should be said in private. I’ve left another letter with this for those. On the outside is a list of names. Only one thing do I want to give openly, my dog-tag and friendship bracelet. Both of which were given to me by my greatest friends, Zachary and Jazmine. This will have a new addition, a wolf pendant. This necklace goes to Michael.”

“Please take care of it Michael and when your time does come, add to it and pass it to your child or to your younger brother such as I have done. Never forget me everyone. I have left one last story for reading in the chess set on my dresser. It is the story of my life.”

“Goodbye everyone one final time. Fac ut animae quietem in pace semper. Nolite flere super me, quia bene mihi erat cum. Valete.”

Never once in my life did I think I would be hearing that read out loud, especially at my own funeral. I could no longer weep, only stare at the ground with a hollow gaze. Why… the world around me was covered in a haze of black and my body felt hollow. Never have I felt so empty.

Sequel - Tales of the Forgotten: Eternity

Sequel to Dwindling Light

Tales of the Forgotten: Eternity

Announcement!

Greetings everybody,

It's update time again but this time with better news. As shown in the previous chapters, some major stuff has happened during the twelve years between Dwindling Light and Eternity. My first thinking about just alluding to events during those years was kind of annoying not only to some readers but to myself as well, I'm here to say that there is going to be a prequel soon. Tales of the Forgotten: Prelude.

This world has long been a cruel mistress to those who would seek to uncover its secrets. I wish to know those secrets, to know the life of the world, to know the tales of the lives long ago. Learning these secrets come at a high price, but the price is worth the knowledge especially since this is where I will be living for the rest of my life. The lands of Equus are ripe with legend, and I aim to uncover them and maybe one day once my journey is over, I may return to Equestria.

Above is the story description if you're interested, at least the description thus far. Prelude will be coming out on the 15th when Eternity's fourth chapter is uploaded as well. I am currently looking for pre-readers for Prelude, so either comment below or message me if you're interested in that. From now on updates will be on the 15th and 30th of every month with a minimum of 1,500 words to a maximum of 15,000 words. This is so that I can update all three stories that are currently ongoing regularly with more content and details behind them.

Hope you all are enjoying your day thus far! Thanks for your time, ears, consideration, and cooperation!

Signed,

Storm Quill