Hearing the Other Side of the Story
Princess Apple Bloom walked through the halls of Canterlot Castle back towards her chambers. Just as she reached the doors, somepony behind her clears their throat. She turns around and sees a pony holding a scroll. "What is it?" Apple Bloom asks.
The pony says, "I have a message for you from Princess Celestia." He holds out the scroll.
Apple Bloom takes the scroll in her magic, unfurls it, and after reading it says, "Thank you. You are dismissed."
He bows and walks back in the direction he came from. When she is alone once again, Apple Bloom mutters to herself, "Why would my Mom want to see me now? It's late and she hasn't spoken to me since I've been here even though it has been more than a month now. Maybe she finally accepted what Luna did? Guess I'd better go find out."
Though she wishes nothing more than to just be able to go to bed, Princess Apple Bloom makes the long trek across the castle to Princess Celestia's chambers. Thankfully she meets no one who wishes to pull her into some princessy duty or other. Standing before the door to Celestia's rooms, Apple Bloom takes a deep breath, before using her newfound magic to actually knock. The door swings open to reveal a smiling Celestia who whisks Apple Bloom into her bedroom immediately and slams the door shut.
Looking confused, Apple Bloom inquires, "Mom, why have you asked me here? Especially since you haven't spoken to me since I arrived."
Celestia whips around to face Apple Bloom, and retorts angrily, "Don't call me Mom. I don't deserve it. I'm sorry I didn't speak to you. I was afraid you hated me for what I did. Which is why I've asked you here tonight. With Luna not here I want to explain to you why I didn't want you to become a princess. That is, if you care to listen."
"Of course I want to know the reasons behind your actions."
"Sit down then," Celestia says, "This may take a while."
Once Apple Bloom is settled comfortably on the plush rug in the middle of the floor, Celestia begins her tale, "When I spent that night with Ignis, in addition to creating you, we talked. Mostly about our relationship and how it could never work out."
"Why wouldn't it ever be able to work out?" Apple Bloom interjects.
Sitting down upon her bed, Celestia replies, "Since I am and a princess and he was just a mere earth pony stallion from the lower part of Manehattan, the fact that we even had a relationship was enough to caus scandal amongst the nobility. Due to just that fact, we had kept our relationship a secret throughout the entire two years that it existed. If anypony found out that we had a child, it would destroy everything I worked for in forging political relationships with the nobles. They would see such a thing as blasphemy, and possibly even try to overthrow me. For the sake of Equestria I put an end to our relationship."
Apple Bloom gasps, but remains respectfully silent.
Celestia removes her crown, necklace, and shoes before continuing, "No matter what I said to try to convince him otherwise, Ignis took it personally. He...he killed himself that very night by jumping off the highest cliff in Canterlot. My heart was torn to pieces and became even worse the next month when I learned that I was pregnant. I left for two reasons: the obvious one being that I needed to keep my pregnancy a secret, and the second being that I needed to be alone while I tried to deal with the mental pressure of all the decision I had to make regarding your future. I did not even tell Luna of what Ignis had done or of my second reason for leaving."
A single tear rolls down Celestia cheek as she is forced to relive this events in her mind. Seeing her mother's distress, Apple Bloom gets up from the rug and goes to stand by Celestia extending a wing over her back.
Celestia looks up at her daughter and smiles, "Thank you, that means a lot."
Apple Bloom says, "Your welcome, Mom. I'm glad I could help in some small way."
Choosing to ignore the title of 'Mom' this time, Celestia continues her narrative, "Throughout the months I spent in hiding, I came to the conclusion that I had to give you up. It tore a hole in my heart, but I knew it was the best option for all involved. That way the ponies of Equestria would never know the secret Ignis and I had which would preserve their trust in me. Something that was and is vital for me being a good ruler whom they would follow to the end of the world if need be. In doing so, I would protect myself from the heartbreak I would feel very time I saw you and was reminded of Ignis. A decision that was both selfish and selfless I suppose. And lastly, you would not be an immortal alicorn who would eventually become a Princess and leader of Equestria. You would not have to feel the agony of watching everypony whom you grew close to die while you lived on. You would not have to deal with the pressures of eternal politics. And, by making you a normal earth pony and giving you to the Apples, you would be able to live a normal, carefree life. Being immortal is more trouble than it's worth and I wanted you to be free of it. Now, however, the only thing to do is prepare you for the troubles of eternity."
Leaning down, Apple Bloom kisses Celestia cheek and says, "It's alright, Mom. I understand now, and I don't blame you for anything. Let's just work on having a normal relationship with each other now that you've told me all this, ok?"
Chuckling ever so slightly, Celestia replies, "I'd like that, Apple Bloom. I'm proud to be your Mom."
"And I'm proud to have you as my mother. Goodnight."
After giving her daughter a quick kiss on the top of her head, Celestia smiles, "Goodnight."
Apple Bloom unwraps her wing from around Celestia and walks out of the bedroom, quietly shutting the door behind her.
Author's Note
Finally got this started! Hope you like it!
Celestia curled her slim, creamy legss around the nape of the handsome stranger's neck; simultaneously drinking in the strong musky- salty scent--- a strange combination yet so intoxicating.
Sweet and bitter--- a perfect combination.
She smirked, continuing to stare into the sea of intense- yet enticing Caribbean blue eyes.
Parting her lips to moisten them with her tongue, a question formed in her hazy mind.
"What's your name?" The dazzling princess questioned curiously, cocking her head to the side, staring into the deep vortex-blue of his eyes as they swayed side to side to the mesmerizing beautiful orchestra that was being played; lost in oblivion to their own world. Even in her slightly intoxicated state, she could detect the emotion in the music. It was so heartfelt, almost heart breaking. It was played elegantly, the notes whispering dark secrets of love that had ended in tragedy. It was a story in another form of art.
The stranger's lips curled up into a smirk. It was then that her purple almost violet, yet innocent looking gaze slowly averted down to the luscious pink of his lips. Sculpted perfectly, their appearance identical to what writer's described, 'Like a Cupid's bow.'
"I'm afraid that's a secret I'll have to keep, darling" She gasped as his calloused hooves unexpectedly tightened slightly around her slim waist; she secretly liked the feel of his hooves around her waist. It's like they molded perfectly well together.
The deep, husky chuckle and sneaky endearment snapped her out of her daze and made her heart skip a beat--- almost like it wanted to jump out of her chest, indicating that he had caught her staring.
A bright crimson blush adorned her pale creamy cheeks. His lips formed into yet another smirk at her innocence.
"You're handsome, you know that?" The dashing stallion chuckled causing the pretty mare to blush even more, the color of her cheeks deepening into a tomato red. Her being drunk made her more daring to voice the thoughts in her mind.
"And you're drunk from champagne" He raised his eyebrows comically with a strange smile on his face. Scrunching her eyebrows in confusion, she pouted.
"These parties are always so boring with all the stupid snotty ponies," she whispered, sighing. If only she hadn't been dragged to the hotel by her only friend. She hated these events with a passion, but she always seemed to still end up here.
In her drunken stupor, she had seemed to forget the argument that had occurred with her over bearing mother; the main cause of her decision to live independently in the first place.
Looking back up, a strange look crossed over the face of the handsome stranger.
He didn't know what had made him want to dance with this mare. He normally went for blonde's--- and passionate nights.
Relationships are what he avoided.
But he couldn't help but be attracted towards her like the pull of a magnet.
Was it her slightly flushed appearance that made her look innocent that intrigued him?
Or was it something else? She seemed like a mystery, just like himself, his libido retorted.
He had to leave before they both made a bad decision.
He couldn't take advantage of her and this wasn't a good idea.
But he couldn't leave a drunken mare alone in this atmosphere. Ponies would snag any opportunity to take advantage of a young mare like herself.
It was too risky.
But he had to leave. Staying was not an option.
Taking his hooves off her slim waist, he stepped back. Ignoring the look of confusion on her face.
Taking her hoof gently into his own, he kissed her ankle gently. His stubble slightly rubbing on the creamy, soft, gentle fur of her feminine hoof; which tickled slightly.
Her hooves were that of a pianist, resembling an artist's hoof that could only make swift elegant movements on a plain canvas; that would be brought to life. As he turned around to walk off alarmed she spoke up.
"Where are you going?" She asked in a timid voice. His reply was only a three letter word that held hope yet executed the estimated possibility.
"See you around." And with those three letter words that he uttered, he disappeared into the crowd. Celestia stood there dazed once again as the crowd swallowed him up.
Yet another pony had left. Again.
The strong, intoxicating bitter smell of coffee wafted in the air, mixing with the expensive acrylics. Tubes of acrylics were scattered, unscrewed and resting on an antique looking, murky colored wooden box. There were obvious stains and a few minor dents. The sunlight streamed in through the translucent windows. A light, comforting breeze entered the room in slow intervals through the crack of the open window. Soft and soothing downbeat music played slowly in the background; it was like her very own bout of natural inspiration. It was like her very own paradise; a safe sanctuary where she could spend countless hours losing herself in her own little haven of a world, uninterrupted--- a utopia.
To her, it was perfect.
Grabbing the freshly made piping hot brew of coffee, Celestia slowly wrapped her magic cautiously around the classic black mug. Bringing the mug close to her lips, she tilted her head back as she took a small warm sip of the comforting bittersweet liquid; the heavenly aroma wafting through her nose just before the beverage slid down her throat, putting her troubled soul to ease.
It was like the perfect equilibrium moment. She averted her gaze to the giant canvas that rested upon a wooden stand. It was no longer a plain white anymore like it had been sold, it had been painted a smoky blue all over. She tilted her head to the side slightly as she inspected the completed painting, resting her hand on the side of her mouth as she focused her attention.
The stars that were visible in the navy blue smoky sky scattered around equally in tiny forms. So light and vibrant like a crystal gleaming, reflecting an enchanting sparkle that creates awe.
It had a hidden secret, a hidden secret that belonged to the owner of the painting.
But didn't all paintings have a hidden story or emotion that was being told by the key brush strokes?
Memories; good and memorable. However, some can be so painful that trigger old wounds to reopen and start bleeding again.
It can be painful, old memories are always painful.
The sky conjured up into different colors. Hues of blue, purple, orange, red and white all clustered together like a painting.
She sat on the balcony, under the night sky. The cold wind picked up, ruffling her mane. With a view of city lights, crowded streets, the dark sky blanketed in stars, she wondered in curiosity at ponies' late night adventures.
She slowly lifted up from the wooden seat, her destination being the edge of the intricate balcony. Clasping the railing with both of her hooves in an iron tight grip, she closed her eyes.
The wind whipped around her silky pastel locks, creating a tangle of knots. The fabric of the shawl covered around her shoulders, dances to the rhythm of waves in reply to the wind.
She closed her eyes, savoring the pleasure of the breeze and uplifting feeling she felt; it was entirely and utterly euphoric. Completely opposite to some aspects of her imperfect life.
It was the simple moments in life that she devoured. The feeling she felt was none other than pleasurable peace.
She always had a dream of travelling since a young age- she also had a passion for 'the arts'. She felt as though it defined her as a pony. It defined her personality and made her into the pony she was-in her point of view. Music. She enjoyed the rhythmic and emotional flourish of music. The way the beat and the tempo varied depending on the theme.
Writing. She loved the freedom writing gave, the way she could freely jot down her thoughts and feelings. It was a way of expressing herself; a way in which no one could know about.
Finally, painting. Painting held a different place in her heart. Each stroke she painted with elegance. Each stroke held a deep meaning that would only be understood by a close observer. Not a pony observing her, but observing the story of a painting.
Back to the present- she smiled wistfully at the view from her balcony. It was beautiful, the way ponies conversed and seemed to be free in the moment. She yearned for something, and now it was unattainable.
Author's Note
This will make sense later on, I promise! And I'm sorry for how long it took to get this finished.
It was a chilly dawn. The ominous-looking sky wasn't tired yet of unleashing droplets of rain, it held no sign of yielding. Citizens from the big, old city were kept safe in their houses, enveloped even by comfy blankets. All of them were completely oblivious of the lone figure of a poor 11-year-old filly, who’s seemingly the only one left to feel the heavy droplets as she crumpled down to the cold, filthy ground in the middle of nowhere. It was her birthday, she remembered. But excluding herself, no one else did.
A tear streaked down from her remarkable orange orbs.
Her whole body was in pain; she rolled over and clutched a hoof to her stomach, shuddering. She then let out a small whimper at her mistake and coughed out some of her red life, moving never really helped. Moreover, she was also starving. She was starving on her very own birthday, how pathetic. She could have laughed at herself sarcastically if she had enough energy to do so. Hence she did it inwardly. It didn’t matter, she was always starving anyway. Although she also knew, from deep down her very core, that this was the last time she would ever crave for food again.
Because she was dying.
~ xXx ~
Her gaze rose heavenwards with another pang from her aching stomach, the same ache she’s been enduring all those months after her sister died. Except that it’s much more excruciating nowadays. So much excruciating that she believed only death could take it away.
This forsaken child often longed for death, or at least in some points of her life, she had dreamt on what life after her demise would be. Her sister taught her before she died that her spirit would drift into a beautiful place called heaven, where she would bask in bliss forever. No more hunger, no more suffering. No more pain.
And now, now that she’s finally dying too, she suddenly feared the thought. Only good ponies go there. There’s an alternative place for wicked ponies, she reminisced on what her sister had said. Hell, isn’t it? And after she attempted on stealing bread from an old hag, she doubted if she could ever step into the gates of the heaven. Her big sister would eventually kick her out, and out of disappointment send her down to Hell where she belonged, where her soul would perish and rot for eternity. She had never done such a bad deed before in her life; she was just in great despair. In fact, she was once a good filly, her sister would always tell her. That time, she wasn’t thinking straight. She only realized it by the moment the old hag yelled at her, ordering her to give the food back. But she ran nevertheless, blind by temptation and naiveté. Unfortunately on her way, she had unconsciously dropped the bread, another yet folly move. Now she isn’t just hideous physically.
After all, what kind of angel would like to make friends with a monster like her? Her sister said that angels don’t mind physical appearance, but sometimes it was hard to believe. Especially when you were cast aside by the people around you, even by those whom you call relatives.
Another tear escaped her eyes.
Her father. Her sister told her that her father was a kind stallion. Misunderstood by the law, they sent him to jail long before she was even born. But truth is, he was one of those ponies who did not care about her. Because if he cared, she would not be alone right now, she wouldn’t have to kneel down and beg for food all the time. She wouldn’t have to steal. She wouldn’t be starving. She wouldn’t feel this empty.
And most of all, she won’t be dying at this moment, in such a hapless, vulnerable age.
The drips of tears she’s been trying to obscure finally broke loose, as if the venting of emotion itself, symbolized her own surrender.
She wept in self-pity. All she ever wanted was a companion, a friend; somepony who would love her, make her feel alive again and somepony who would notice right now that these raindrops aren’t the only thing that’s currently dripping down her face.
God, was that hard to give?
“Apple Bloom.”
And there it was, she heard it. At first she thought it was only her subconscious, the tiny lingering hope in her mind that perhaps, God has for once granted her dying wish-a friend. But she immediately dismissed the idea. Everything for her was bleak; hope would only make her sulkier than she already is, if that’s even possible with her current mindset.
That ‘friend’ was her sister, and back then, she was happy. She had been contented even though she was ugly and disdained by the whole world. But God had to take her big sister away. Despite the fact that He knows a poor little filly would be left behind. Despite the fact that He knows how much she depended her life upon her sister. Because the One up there, she decided, hated her too. He liked seeing her suffer; he liked consigning her to the pits of oblivion.
“Apple Bloom.”
There it was again. The warmest, soothing voice she had ever heard, calling her.
Apple Bloom shut her eyes closed. It was already too much to bear. If moving only caused her to retch, then what good can delusions do? She forced on shutting her eyelids tighter, determined to never open them again, until she heard it, again, for the third time. Nonetheless, she maintained her forlorn thinking, yearning for a glimpse of death.
But God had other plans.
~ xXx ~
The aching of her stomach was enough evidence to tell her she’s still alive. She cursed indistinctly under her breath, yet, she couldn’t explain the assuasive presence that seemed to near her remaining sense of awareness. Something unnatural was coming to her aid, she surmised. She had thought it out, and by sheer curiosity, opened her orange eyes.
A pair of adorable blue eyes stared at her limp corpse. Maybe this was death; maybe she already kicked the bucket. Because for a moment, her body became numb from any pain. For a moment, she was redeemed from her sorrows. For a moment, she forgot about her impending doom. And despite everything else, she smiled.
She smiled for the first time since her sister died.
But all of it lasted for only a moment. She was alive, she knew. She felt it. It was still dawn, and the rain has abruptly stopped. But the comforting presence she still can’t explain. She tried searching through his eyes, as if it were an open door for answers. Devoid and broken amethyst eyes smoldered with those jovial azure orbs. However, she saw nothing but curiosity, pity, and downright sense of goodness. She squinted from the vibrant sight, whilst it continued to stare back at her, apparently lost too in the depths of her eyes’ chromatic, brooding color, the only part of her that’s truly remarkable.
The colt, her knight in shining armor, was just about her age or possibly 2 years older. He had unearthly sea-kissed eyes which seemed to sway and vibrate radiance; blonde, curly hair and a skeptical expression as he peered at her. Perhaps, bewildered or weirded out by her pathetic excuse for an existence.
“Apple Bloom,” he whispered again, looking at her with the same keen expression. Apple Bloom, the one he’d been calling endlessly, became nettled and a grimace replaced her smiling façade. The ever-so-glistening, endearing, perfect, euphoric, and you name it colt smirked simultaneously, causing a more annoyed-looking Apple Bloom right away. Can’t he see that she was busy trying to die? When will he stop whispering her damn name?
“You have a pretty name,” he uttered unexpectedly.
“Yes I know. I’m ugly,” she slurred, fuming. The blonde bloke seemed to be taken aback for a fleeting second.
“No that’s not what I meant,” he frowned a bit. “Y’know what? You also have a very beautiful soul.”
At this, Apple Bloom raised a brow. “Excuse m-” and then she was cut off when a cough forced its way through her mouth, blood forming down the corners of her lips and chins. ‘Excuse me but what are you talking about?’ She thought to herself. Her body might have turned numb but her vocal cord wasn’t abiding her still. Turns out, the perfect colt wasn’t the perfect doctor after all.
“I’m no doctor,” Perfect colt interrupted, standing up straight and removing his gaze ahead from her for the first time. Apple Bloom was startled. He immediately returned his attention back to her.
“Anyway going back to the topic, I said you have a beautiful soul, which is indeed true ,because you keep on thinking about how evil you are for stealing a piece of cake. Well, that’s wrong but it’s out of necessity. After all that has happened to you, it doesn’t make you evil.”
Apple Bloom was agape.
‘How did you know? And for your information, it’s bread. Not cake.’ She mouthed yet, the voice didn’t come. She had to scowl in indignation.
“Oh that’s fine. Cake sounds a whole lot more appetizing than dull, lousy, boring bread,” the colt stated matter-of-factly. “By the way, I can hear your thoughts,” he then added. “It’s called telepathy.”
If Apple Bloom wasn’t already frozen, she could have been more petrified about what she had just heard. Hear? My thoughts? But how?
“Dang, too many questions!” He was holding it back but she knows he grew a bit of impatient.
‘Sorry, forgot about your hearing ability.’
“That’s fine, never mind.” A sigh was heard.
“I can hear you because, well,-” he hesitated.
She opened her mouth to answer, and closed it again, remembering. She just wasn’t used of talking through her mind, or telepathy as told by him. ‘Come on.’
She encouraged. ‘How? Why? What are you?’
“I thought we’re done with the amount of questions thing.”
‘I thought it’s fine and you didn’t mind,’ She snapped, feeling a little smug.
“Never mind then,” he grinned impishly.
‘No, tell me!’
The colt looked down at her beadily. His eyes, she noted, were as blue as the sky.
“You’d have to figure it out yourself,” he smiled. One thing she didn’t realized, was that his smile illuminated the dark place, literally. For as soon as he made the simple gesture, the sun began rising.
Perchance, she didn’t notice it, because she, herself, was mesmerized and calmed when she saw him smile. It wasn’t a smirk, not even a grin, it was a true smile coming from a strangely very beautiful colt. A colt whose features reflect both twinge of innocence and knowledge. Innocence, evidently from his physical age, and knowledge, perhaps, for his experiences unbeknownst to her. Maybe his appearance wasn’t his actual, real age. It didn’t even seem to give him enough justice.
He extended a hoof amiably for her to take, miraculously, she managed to move and take his hoof as she stood limply, amazed by what she had just done.
“Your hooves-” he whispered certainly, “are soft and wonderful. You will be a good artist.”
“I was dying, I thought I was-” Apple Bloom mumbled in shock. She could speak.
“I thought so too,” He interrupted. “I thought that’s the reason why I was sent here.”
She didn’t comprehend what he was telling but he continued.
“But the passing of dawn doesn’t mean your life shall pass too. It’s not the end; it’s the start of something new. Turns out, I was here to teach you some things.”
She was rendered speechless.
“Firstly, you will not die, well, at least not now. Secondly, God heeds your prayers. Don’t ever think again that He will ever abandon you. Thirdly, do not despise your eyes; in fact, they’re unique. As they say, eyes are the windows through one’s soul,” He paused. “It’s true…and just like what I’ve said a while ago, yours is beautiful.”
At this moment, Apple Bloom was sobbing absently. She cannot fathom what was happening before her very eyes. All her life, she had grown to hate every essence of her being, especially her eyes. They were orange, rare and exotic. People would often discuss about how hideous and different it were, that her soul was as monstrous as her eyes. And suddenly, a colt she didn’t even know was saying she was beautiful. That her eyes told him that. His words meant so much.
He stared at her in the eyes. “You just have to believe in Him, Apple Bloom, just like before your sister died. Don’t worry about her; she’s now happy with God. By the way, nice name.” and then he was slightly back to his mischievousness. “It fits you well. Like an Apple tree, fragile and weak even though they appear strong. Yet, you can’t deny the fact that it is beautiful.”
Another smile, and the once gloomy place in darkness was entirely lit up, this time, she already noticed.
“Farewell for now, Apple Bloom...Happy birthday.”
As he disappeared from her sight, a thought struck her. She hasn’t even asked for his name yet. But before she could utter a word, he was gone.
Right after he vanished into thin mist, she felt weaker and weaker until she almost slumped back. But before she could do so, she sensed another presence coming near, she heard footsteps. Looking up wearily, she saw a pair of orange eyes.
“Apple Bloom?”
Without a trifle of memory from her recent found friend, Apple Bloom fell into the arms of her father.
~ xXx ~
The colt was erased from her memory, except for the lessons that was glued to her mind. He was never seen again, not until the right time.
Author's Note
This was WAY easier to write than I thought it would be. I think I just wrote this in about 20 minutes. ANYWAY... hope you enjoyed it.
