Dwindling Light

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.***