Chapters "Stupid country." I softly mumbled under my gruff breath. I had the right to, freedom of speech right? No, no... I wouldn't say that. Not in this god-forsaken place.
I stepped through the back alleys of New York during the black of night. The stars were out, though no one could see them because of the light pollution this place radiates.
The only sounds that were heard was the soft footsteps of an empty soul, and let-night traffic. This is called the city that never sleeps, the whole city was lit up at night.
Well, almost. Strangely, in the back alleyways, nothing, absolutely nothing, is lit up. The only things that I could vaguely see was some black cat with glaring yellow eyes and a metal garbage can.
I slowly make my way up to the animal and take a knee in front of it. "Poor little kitty." I say. "Huh, maybe I'm going insane but, would 'ja like to come home with me?" The cat looked up at me, came in closer to me, slowly reaching out its paw, screeched and ran off. I stood up frustrated, "Screw you too then..." Oh and I forgot to mention headlights coming at me.
Headlights... wait... they are getting brighter. "LOOK OUT!" I hear a distinctly deep male voice call out, and instinctively jump out of the way. Also inadvertently into the trash can. Apparently some people have never heard of the word 'lid' before.
An old Chevy Malibu comes screeching through the alley ways and pours into the main road. I feel the urge to flip him off, you know, for almost killing me. I sigh to myself saying, "It's New York get used to it." Ever since I got here, the place screwed me over.
Stepping out of the garbage, I look down at my clothes, which it's really better if I don't describe the disgusting sludge for now. So I dust myself off, getting all the rotten banana peels, wrappers, and.... whatever this blue stuff is... "Better if don't know what this is" I noted to myself.
After making myself semi- presentable, I trudged throughout the alleyways for a little longer, but eventually came across my apartment complex. Which, by the way, wasn't all that bad looking. Old brick structure, some rotten foundations, but upkeep usually finds this stuff out quickly.
Brushing myself off a final time, I Stepped through the glass double-doors, following promptly was the smell of cleaning supplies invading my nose.
The old cleaning maid, Joe Ann, who by the way didn't look a day over 72, was shining the service counter. In my opinion, this place looks more to be like a hotel.
She looked up to see who was at the front door. She smiled at me, with those denture filled mouth of hers. She then proceeded to walk over to me. Besides all of the wrinkles concealing her face, she was in a picture of health. She was the one of three maids left in the building because of her experience, because of cuts to all the workers. That and probably they just wanted to go to a better part of the city. She is the only friend I have in this, God-forsaken place.
"Hello Matthew. Good to see your okay." she said with a rather gleeful tone, taking a look at my clothes..."Oh dear Lord! What happened to your clot-"
I cut her short," I'll be in my room. Or on the roof. Either way I really don't want to be disturbed." There was then a short awkward silence, with her frowning at my clothes. She nodded her frail old head," Oh alright... just make sure you clean up. Promise me okay, dear?
"Alright." I added.
She returned to her smiling demeanor. She gave me a quick hug and went back to work.
I made my way to the elevator, almost slipping as I walk. "Wet floor!" Thanks for telling me now...
I know she means well, but in her old age she's gotten... forgetful. She is, though, my only friend/loved one in my life as of late. She comforted me when my parents died in a house fire. She was there when my sister committed suicide soon after. I haven't told her about my brother being shot yet, but if I did tell her, I know she'd be there as well.
Best not to think of my brother right now...
I hear the trustworthy *Ding* of a not-so-trustworthy elevator, and the metal doors open shakily. Finally... I think to myself after the long wait. Walking into the old elevator, the smell of water damage was in the air. Oh well. I punch in my floor level, eight, right at the top as the doors close behind me. My mind went blank as I feel the elevator go up.
*Ding* The doors open and I walk out. I sigh and walk to my familiar room number, 777. I chuckle to myself. "777 is supposed to be LUCKY," I mumbled to myself. I open my door... to find, my room. Empty as always. I set my backpack on the ground. Look at my watch shows the time to be 9:03pm. I always found time amusing.
I take off my stinky clothes and throw them in the dirty laundry pile. Being only in my underwear, I pick out clothes for tomorrow. Some old Levi's, a plaid Tee, my grandfathers top-hat, socks, Fruit-of-the-Loom undies, and a grey sweatshirt.
I step in the tub. I then turn the cold showerhead knob to the left. I let the hot water run over my body, trying to forget what happened today. I take a bar of soap and start scrubbing. I start singing too, not just because I want to, but because I have a gig at a bar tomorrow. So I practice in the shower, so what? Somebody to Love by Queen.
Yeah... this isn't really helping.
After I'm done taking my lovely shower, I put my Fruit-of-the-Loom on and my bathrobe, I quickly make a cup of tea and proceed to pour two spoonfuls of sugar and 4 sweeteners and mix it with the tea. I put on my pink slippers and open the front door to my apartment.
I walk up the staircase and end up at a door which says ROOFTOP ACCESS. WARNING: RISK OF FALLING. Well no shit...
I feel the gentle breeze of New York slightly raising my reddish-brown hair a bit. I plop myself on a bench that has been worn out over the decades. I watch the New York skyline as the lights of cars below me looks like a colony of ants from here.
"Aaaaaahhhh nothing like a cup of tea to sooth a young mans worries," I say aloud before having a large slurp from the little mug. Then it hit me. I'd never see him again.
My brother...
Being my only family member left, we've mourned the losses in our family together. Ever since my sister committed suicide we visited each other, had a good laugh, go over memories, stuff like that. Even that changed...
It was a Saturday afternoon. I was having a late lunch with my bro. Turkey sandwiches with a side of tea were on the menu that day.
I was sitting in my chair with my tea and my hand. I brought it to my lips and gave a little sip of the sweet liquid.
My brother was seated next to me, with half of the sandwich stuffed in his mouth. He was always the funny one.
I gave him a weak smile then returned to slowly sipping down the now luke-warm tea. He wrapped his arm around me. "What's got you so down?"
"You know what." We both know of our parents deaths, and our sister's suicide promptly afterward.
"Well..." he pondered his choice of words, "at least you have me right?"
I laughed a bit "Yeah, I guess you're right."
He took his arm off of me and looked to the spinning fan above our heads. "You know, there's always-"
*DING DONG
The doorbell rang. I rolled my eyes and was about to get up, but he insisted he get it as not to bother me. "You're not in the best of moods so I'll get it for ya."
He stood up from his seat and shouted "I got it!" to the person behind the door. Those were his last words. If only I got up instead of him, maybe he'd still be alive. I would also like to mention that the person behind the door was a female cop. Not so sinister? We'll see.
He opened the door, "Ye-" he began. Then I heard two gun shots. My heart stopped.
My brother never owned a gun... so that must mean....
Knocking the table over with the rush of my body, I slung myself forward to the knife cabinet drawer and pulled out a silver steak knife. I ran to the doorway to find a woman in police garments standing over his still body. A smile was plastered over her sick, twisted face. Well, let me say this, it quickly disappeared when she saw an angered an with a knife in his hand.
She squinted her eyes at me, and clicked the trigger to her gun again, this time to me.
No more ammo.
Her eyes went wide dropping it to the floor right there. She then proceeded to run off, I didn't bother to run after her as I ran up behind and held my brother in my arms instead. He had two bullet wounds in his chest. He was already gone...
Two weeks later we were in court.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?"
"Yes your honor."
They ruled me out as a suspect since no DNA on the gun, so that left her...
"Guilty."
I hope you rot-
"Sentence: 10 years with parole."
I stood there dumbfounded. She had fake tears running down her cheek.
"Well then why don't you let all murders go then!" I yelled.
"We made a decision. You will respect it." The judge sneered at me.
"I shall not and will not!" From that day, I had no one to cry on, no one to tell my feelings to. They're all gone. However, one pair eyes looked at me with seething hatred and fury.
One's I'll never forget.
After the court trial I came out defeated. I couldn't believe it. Sure, ten years is a long time... but really.
I remember the next day, I read the morning newspaper. "MAN SPITS PROFANITY AT JUDGE AND JURY. CITY SHOCKED." I also remember throwing it on the pavement.
I think I'm going to do it. I set down my tea. Yes this will solve everything. I get up and scoot towards the edge of the building. No friends, dead family, I can end it all here.
Just as I am making the decision whether to jump or to not to jump, the storm that has been rolling in finally sets off the first few lightning bolts. At least I'll go out with a bang. I take the final steps, and lightning strikes in front of me and I'm blasted back on my feet, to the ground. "HOW IN THE HELL DID I NOT-" I then saw a glowing dark blue orb in front of me.
"Aliens?!" I screeched, as a picture of the crazy hair guy from Ancient Aliens popped into my head. Then silence soon followed, save for the constant beeping of horns below.
I stumbled backwards a few steps. "Well... I'm just going to go if you don't mind me." Making a 180 degree turn, I position myself for a mad dash to the stairwell.
Just about as I am about to high tale it outta there though, I hear a faint crying from the orb. I sigh, and wave my hands in the air. "Not just an alien, and alien BABY, as well?!" I spun around only to find another flash of light awaiting me.
There is a figure sitting there. Curled up into a ball, I can't really see it's true features. My mind told me to get the hell out of there, in yet for some reason curiosity overcame me so I walked over. It's made of fur and... is that crying?
Well, if it's deadly, it will do the job of killing me. I picked it up, and whatever it is silenced itself and recoiled in fear. "Shh. shh shh. Its okay." IT MOST CERTAINLY IS NOT. I'm comforting an ALIEN BABY!
"I guess suicide will have to wait." I mumbled.
I rush to the door to the stairwell, opening and slamming it behind me. The creature jumped a bit, but was silent still. I make my way to my apartment door.
I dig around for my keys in my pocket. Ah, there it is. I open my door and softly close it behind me. I made my way to the couch and set it down. It unraveled itself. Now it was my time to recoil in shock.
For in front of me, was a teary eyed, blue, baby Luna.
Author's Note
My first chapter on FIMFiction :D. It might be a little rushed in some parts, but after I finish a few chapters I'll go back and fix it later.
Please tell the mistakes in this and I'll gladly go and fix them.
Author's Note
Special thanks to Alcatraz for helping to edit my story. Anyway, enjoy the story! :D
Chapter 2 [EDITED]
I...I just didn't think I was sane anymore. Then again, at least she's not an alien.
Luna! The alicorn princess, who rules over Equestria! Well, alongside Celestia. The same pony, who is immortal, and became Nightmare Moon! The same being who raises a moon for Christ's sake!
A Little filly from a children's cartoon show called My Little Pony no less, is in my apartment! As a filly! Haven't watched THAT show in... what was it like two years ago? While I was going over how this was possible in my head, she just... stared at me. With those...marvelous, cartoon eyes of hers. I believe they are to be teal colored. She was on the opposite side of the couch, in again, a tense little ball of fur. I could see the tears coming from her eyes.
"Shhhh, hey it's alright. You're the queen of the night after all."
I then notice that she already has her crescent-moon cutie mark imprinted on her baby blue flank yet. She's not a queen yet though I guess.
"Fwends?" she squeeked.
She started to relax her tense muscles, slowly scooting her way over to me. Still looking at me with those, I-don't-fully-trust-you eyes. She just started whimpering. She was scared. So of course she'll be showing it. "Maybe I can-", then the stench of an unwashed creature invaded my nose.
"My my, you haven't washed in a while have you?" She gave me a funny look. I was calm with my voice, "Come now, We'll get you cleaned up!"
I picked her up again and led her into the bathroom. She squirmed a bit, but settled down after about 5 seconds. I set her down on the toilet-top and turned on the warm water nozzle. I then put my hand under the flowing water, just to make sure it wasn't TOO hot. I go back to pick her up, but she is already at the side of the tub. Her eyes wide, curiosity replacing sadness. She had her neck stretched beyond the bowl of the tub looking at the flowing water. I gently pick her up and set her down gently in the warm water. Making sure there's enough water, I turn off the nozzle that was slowly filling the tub, not a moment ago. Luna had a big smile on her face. The first smile I've seen her wear. She was buzzing her, little foal wings with excitement.
She was splashing about the luke-warm water with her horn aglow. Don't know exactly what the glowing horn does, but oh well. Moving on. I picked up a bar of Irish Spring ad started to scrub her down. She looked like she had a soothed expression on her face. That is, until she decided to lick the bar... more like a crunched up disgusted face after that. After I was done washing her, I picked her up and dried her off. She went back to that frightened expression of hers after. Not as frightened, but a little bit cautious.
She looked tired as well. Like EXTREMELY tired after her bed, so I set her to bed in my room there after and proceeded to the couch for the rest of the night. I didn't here much, so I started drifting off into deep thought. How is she here? What will Celestia do when she finds her? IF she finds her. What will happen to me? How will I raise an alicorn princess? How long will I have her for? What would the government do if they found out?
Have I gone completely insane?
***
Meanwhile...
***
"What has happened to my sister?!" a slightly agitated Celestia spoke, while sunken in her thrown. Depression clearly evident on her ancient face.
"All we can confirm at this time, is that while handling the problem, she vanished." Hours after the moon princess' disappearance, Celestia made sure every agency in Equestria would find her sister safe.
A brown stallion was standing there. In front of the ruler of the land. He has been trying to figure out this...whatever it is that has happened. He had a cutie mark of a magnifying glass, and a notepad.
"We cannot pin-point the exact phenomenon in which this event has happened, but all we can conclude is that it had something to do with.... lightning .
Celestia rolled her eyes.
"Is that all the information you have at this point?"
He stumbled a bit. Shocked by her earnest remark. "Y-yes your highness"
A look of grave disappointment and sadness washed over here alabaster face of hers. Even greater than the one that I had mentioned before.
Her eye also gave a slight twitch knowing that they had made no progress whatsoever.
"Very Well. Keep up the search, I will be in my quarters."
"As you wish."
Celestia rose from the thrown and strutted down a side hallway. Maintaining her composure as she walked along. She did though, maintain her distraught look as well. She bumped into a maid as she followed the hallway down. "Evening mistress." The maid caught hold of her distraught demeanor. "Are you alright?"
"Yes yes, quite fine. Now go about your business." The white alicorn said as she was already ten steps off.
At the end of the hallway, were two, moderately large door.With a spark of magic that burst from her horn, she opened them. Walking through them she slams her bedroom doors behind her. She drops herself on the soft mattress. She stretched our all four of her legs and hooves.
She sighs.
"Oh Luna, where could you be."
She opens a near-by window with a glow of her horn. She then looks out unto the night sky, filled with the stars...and the moon. A white, glistening orb in the sky.
"I don't want to lose you another thousand years."
A tear runs down her cheek.
***
Is she going to be angry with me? Am I going to be punished for something I don't know of? Will I have to deal with the heartbreak, like that poor soul from My Little Dashie endured? Is anyone else going to find out?
I got up and headed to the door. Locked it up and threw my keys down on the coffee table. I heaved myself on the bed. I proceeded to take off my two sweaters and use them as blankets on the couch, since the covers were being used by my young companion in my room. I slowly closed my eyes thinking of what to come...
I was drifting...finally some sleep.
I heard the door creep open but I was too tired to care.
As I go out cold, I swear I could feel something warm-
Darkness.
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 4 [EDIT IN PROGRESS]
5 years later.
"Luna, you ready?" I whisper to the sleeping filly who is spread out on my couch. Well, maybe not spread out, more like a puff of blue fur in a ball shape.
She rose her head weakly, and looked at me with half-opened eyes. She rolled her eyes at me, "Five more minutes?" She was shaking and, to top it off, added a huge, raspy cough to the mixture.
I pick her body up into my arms and sit on the couch with her. Struggling to keep her eyes closed, she figits her limbs constantly I lean and whisper into her ear, "Now now, you said that five minutes ago."
She just plainly gave a short sigh in response. Luna then stared at the vanilla painted wall in complete apathy. You could mistake her for being in a trance if she hadn't said nonchalantly, "I don't remember." The filly yawned and rested her head again.
I simply smiled at her and kissed her on the noggin. "Alright, you can sleep. But don't blame me if you wake up." She mumbled something under her breath. "What?" I ask.
Luna opened one eye and gave me a wink, "No pwomises." Oh, her and her sense of humor.
Taking one last look at the place, I intake what was left of my surroundings. Everything packed in the Expedition down in the garage of the apartment, so there's nothing much left. Besides for the couch, but that would make a good house warming gift for whoever buys this piece of small property next. One box, however, was left unopened with a small cyan blanket stuffed inside, and small holes punched in the top.
Carefully, I stand up from my wearing couch, and make my way over to the brown box. I set Luna down into the cardboard and wrap her in the blue cloth. I hear a mumbling from under the covers, "Thank you daddy..."
I've had her for four whole years, so of course she would call me daddy but for some reason this felt... different. "Your welcome sweetie." I slowly close the top compartments and pick up the box, trying not to disturb the bundle of adorableness.
Why exactly am I moving? Have you lived in an apartment building and tried not to have anyone find out you have a filly from My Little Pony living with you as well? Long story short it's difficult.
One time, I was slinking down to the lobby early in the morning to say hi and possibly help some of the maids.
When I finally got down, there was nobody there, so I decided to take a lounge on the couch that was situated in the corner of the room.
However, I felt something rather plush warm nuzzle up to my legs.
Just my luck too! The first maid came down for that morning, at that moment , so the rest of the morning carried out by muffling the squirms of a toddler beneath my shirt, thankfully avoiding her gaze.
Did I mention this place doesn't have camera's? I'd be screwed if it did.
Anyway, since my parents put their Washington property in the will for my brother, and since he died, it goes to me. Thank God it's somewhat secluded, being on the outskirts of a relatively medium-sized town.
I fumble to get the golden key set out of my sweat pockets. I make my way over to the door and insert my keys. Hearing the reassuring *click, of the lock I push the door open, close it behind me, and leave.
SCREEEECCCHH went the white stairwell door. I swear I felt I thump in the box. SCREEEECCCHH it goes again as I close it.
The morning sun burst through the windows on the right as I head downward to the lobby. Few clouds were in the sky(to my surprise) as I hear the clicking of my boots on the linoleum staircase.
Luna popped her head out from under the covers. The blue alicorn didn't look sleepy at all now. She looked through the outside mirror. "So, that's New York duwing the day time?"
"Hey... I thought you were asleep."
She responded with a giggle, "I got tired of sleeping!" That sense of humor...
I showed her the skyline of New York the night before. This place may be bitter, but the skyline is still freaking amazing at night. She had her head in my lap as she said, "Ooh! What's that? What's that!? What's that?"
I had given her three plain responses to the three spots where she pointed her small hoof,, "That's the Chrysler building. That's the empire state building. That's the new World Trade Center."
"Those are pwetty names." She responded. Then, the toddler gave a pause, then raised her head. The filly looked at me with confusion clearly evident in her eyes. "New? What happened to the old one?"
My mind went to that day, when I was only a child, I remember seeing the whole thing on the news. The days that followed were just as frightening to some though. I wasn't phased much by the incident but clearly millions were.
Not wanting to tell her that ten thousand people died, I simply said, "That's a story for when you're older."
"Daddy?" She said breaking me from my day dream.
"Mhm!? Yes?!" I said a little too quickly.
"Yeah.. well..." she began, "Its not as cool as the night time." She stared into my eyes. "At night, the lights are pretty, the moon is pretty, and the stars are shining!"
I ruffled her main and retorted back, "Yes, that's true, but it's more dangerous to go out at night time."
She cocked her head to the side, "Why?"
I thought about it for a moment. I really don't know why... eh, cop out, "Because the world works in strange ways my dear. Now go back under the covers, until I say so."
She gave out a long sigh, "Fine." Her head, once more, disappeared under the baby-blue blanket.
I push open the clear, glass door to the refurbished lobby. The lobby attendant was sitting at the counter, tapping his red pen on the hardwood desk. "Apartment 777," I say, walking up to the counter. He looks up at me with tired, worn blue eyes and peers behind the desk. He ruffles through some papers obscured from my view and hands me a single sheet. I sign the paper showing that I'm leaving. "Thank you," I hand him back his pen and paper. Now and I say one last goodbye to my old friend.
She's sitting under the light, on the leather couch. She's wearing a yellow dress with white dots scattered over. She has her glasses on and is sitting with one leg over the other.
Joe takes notice of me walking towards her and she motions for me to come over. I acknowledge this, and sit down on the seat beside her, trying to keep the rustling box as still as possible.
The elder looks into my eyes, as I feel a hand slowly press onto my right shoulder. She said aloud, "You be okay out there, got it?"
The tone of voice made her sound like she was joking, but her eyes said otherwise. So, I happily replied, "Got it."
Joe gives me a warm smile, "I understand why you have to move, and I wish you luck on your life ahead of you," she said with tears in her eyes.
No... you don't know the real reason why I'm leaving. I hate to say it, but even Joe can't know about Luna. You see, I told her that I'd be leaving for Washington for my parents former residence, since NY had too much bad memories. A cop out excuse, yes, but it seemed to work.
I steadied myself back onto my feat and gave her a hug. "Be careful now."
She gave him his embrace back. Joe whispered, "I'll make sure I do."
"Daddy? What was that all about?" Luna asked through the small holes dotting the surface of the cardboard box.
"She... she's just a good friend is all." I replied hesitantly. Good friend is an understatement, but it is a sufficient explanation for the time being.
The top of the box opened as she popped her blue head out once more. The filly was not impressed with our means of transportation.
It was an old, beat up ford expedition with scratched and paint coming off. It was a rusty brown color (not much different then the New York mud puddles), and had some rubber tearing off the steps. Okay, so maybe I don't take care of my vehicle that often, but it's New York, you learn to walk everywhere. In my defense, being in a dank, dark garage doesn't help either.
Besides from the obvious exterior, you can also see how much everything's been packed tightly in the interior. Everything behind the two front seats looked like a brown, cardboard wall. Including the random article of clothing, or any random item for that matter, which are scattered around the vehicle.
The front, however, was pretty clear as far from what I could tell. So, I scratched Luna behind the ears and said, "The front is clear enough. It'll be comfortable sweetie."
As soon as I said that, she jumped out of the box onto the asphalt and slowly crept towards the vehicle. Luna didn't get far though as I simply picked her up and set her in the brown box again. "It's safe! Don't worry!"
Using the other key, which I hardly ever use considering, I press a rubber blue button down and hear the car honk a few times. Luna jumped and fluttered in the air, but I nabbed her and set her gently back in.
I swing the door open and heave the box in with me. The chairs weren't really worn and torn, but they were comfortable at the least. So, I hop on in and set the box on the chair to my right. It feels strange to put a seat belt around a box... but if anyone sees her we'll be screwed.
After packing her in, I set my rump on the brown seating as well. I nab the leather seat belt and strap it around my waist. Then, I stick my silver key in the ignition. "Alright Luna!" I shout, "Here we go!"
She popped her small head out of the box again. "Where?"
I smiled at her, "To a better life."
"Go Luna Go!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. Tree after fallen tree being moved from the road. Water shaking from each piece of foliage as was being removed from the black asphalt. The slowly retreating clouds provided some cover from the afternoon sun as we are left to our own devices. I'm actually a bit shocked that such a short rainstorm caused this much damage.
You see, me and my companion were caught in this specific rainstorm not that long earlier and...
...Well, you get the point.
Myself jumping, and hollering at the top of my lungs for the amazing feat my girl had volunteered to do. Since I can't do much with ton-weighing logs, I give her my full and undivided support. Albeit, still not much.
Luna stood there, her coat soaking with, not rain, but bullets of sweat, with her horn aglow with powerful alicorn magic. Her eyes were like glowing light pearls. With every raspy gasp that escaped her, she shook with a sweat droplet streaming down her the side of her smooth, blue cheek.
I keep telling myself she's an alicorn and can withstand this, but being so young I'm not so sure.
Another *CRASH, is heard as yet another tree is felled just beyond the tree line, shaking the ground doing so. In this mess, some dirt kicked off, leaving little brown flecks in her hair. She didn't seem too bothered by this as her blue aura moved on to the next and final log.
"One... last... log" She slowly muttered out to me, carefully rising the last wooden rod from the road. The water from the recent storm falling like water falls off the series of creases and bumps in the wood. Moss covering the used-to-be north face. The orange evening sun blocked out for a few moments, as the object was thrown off. I hear the reassuring CRASH off to the side knowing that she finished.
Storms in the Appalacian mountains prove to be... difficult to say the least.
The blue ball of fuzz collapsed of exhaustion right smack on her haunches. Her breath and eyes were heavy with the feat she had just performed. Still shaking, she managed to sputter out, "All... done!" before collapsing of exhaustion.
I saunter over and I kneel beside the young princess and gave her a soft nuzzle on the side of her soft blue head. Adding a soft kiss on the forehead for good measure.
"You did great honey." I say touching her nose with my index finger. She, in return, gave a soft smile in return. My hands, begin to wrap around the warm filly as I begin to walk back to our, now temporarily immobile vehicle. Whispering into her ear just barely more audible than the crunch of the dirt, "I guess you could say it's my birthday present."
Her cool smile vanished in seconds. "It.. it's your birthday daddy?"
I tapped her on the snout with the tip of my index finger, "Don't worry about me sweetie. For today, you did something we all should be proud of." Being in my hands, I brought her up to my face and gave her another nuzzle against her worm torso. She giggled as I did so.
"By the way," I said bringing her to eye level with me. "You deserve a special kind of treat."
Her eyes widened to the size of beach balls, "Treat?"
"First of all, since I don't see much problem, we can camp at the side of the road for tonight." My words left my mouth as I pointed to a nearby dirt patch.
"Camping?"
***
Darkness started to fall over us, as the orange evening sun slowly vanished over the forest of lush, emerald green pine trees. As such, the beautiful white orb that was our satellite made its way over the tree line. Tonight was a full moon, so the we were both able to fully enjoy the view.
Of course, our bellies protruded from their usual positions, filled with marshmallows, s'mores, and other typical snacks you would bring on a cross-country trip. You can't have camping without snacks.
In the plastic fold out chair I had pulled along with me on this huge trip, my body steadily held the little one in the folds of my lap. Her warmth was a nice contrast to the cool mountain air.
"I like it daddy." she spoke, with a voice like silk.
"What?"
"The moon... and the stars. They're so pretty." She responded, obviously awed by the fantastical glimmer of stars shining in the night sky. Since we weren't in a city anymore, we were able to see the full beauty of the night sky. So, as the chance was offered we both took the opportunity.
She then proceeded to give a great yawn and rested her head on my right knee. Giving her another warm smile I begin to scratch behind her left ears as she groaned, my little one already had slumber clawing at her essence. Her eyes began to flutter awake and close consistently now, as she lay her fragile body in the cradle of my arms.
"Daddy?" She said weakly up to me. Her breath filled with the stench of sweets.
"Yes?" I said knowing sleep's grip was trying to pull me in as well.
"Happy birthday," she said, and as sleep overtook her, she gave one last sigh and fell into slumber.
I slumped back into the chair, gave a sigh, and scratched her behind her slightly twitching ears. You are so cute.
After a few minutes of snuggling, I hear an almost non-existent snore. I look back at her, to find that she had curled up into that little ball she always slept in, her chest rising and falling slowly.
I lifted her up off of my lap, being careful not to disturb the slumbering filly. I then begin to slowly shuffle through the dirt and asphalt back to the Expedition. Every time I step, being weary of the *CRUNCH of the cold ground beneath my wearing sneakers. To top it all off, she would squirm slightly every time I moved.
After what seemed like ages, although it was only about thirty seconds, I reached the aging vehicle. The cars doors unhinged easily as I creak the metallic door open with my left hand, holding Luna in my right arm. Cringing with the fact that it actually did give off with a loud creaking sound.
After the hard part of the matter was done, I simply set her down on the plush seat, gave her one last kiss, and softly closed the door behind me. I loved snuggling with her, but I had to put her there. Even if I wanted that moment with her to last forever, she still had to be placed in the warmth of the vehicle, or risk freezing to death.
I folded my arms and leaned against the slightly dented back door. I close my eyes and gave a long, drawn out sigh. "Wow" I muttered under my breath. "I must be the luckiest person alive..."
Author's Note
Wow. Thought I'd never make it out of that writer's block...
*clears throat, yes well, that was Chapter 5, and yes, it was short. Yes, it didn't start out as well paced as it seemed in my head.
Anyway, like, favorite, criticize in the comments, it's all welcome here!
HERE'S TO A GOOD CHAPTER 6!
Celestia's wings seemed to glide effortlessly in the cold night air, as she slowly flew towards the Everfree. It was nighttime, and everything seemed to be a bit... quieter. Not that it was night, but without her sister it seemed... empty. The fact that she finally saw her sister for a thousand years, and for her to be taken away just like that again, made her heart snap in two.
The white orb known as the moon shone with absolute majesty. The stars weren't too far behind as they banded across the moonlit sky, twinkling as if in happiness. Together, they created a fantastic art piece, far greater than anything ponies could conjure up.
Celestia took a glance to the little town known as Ponyville. Her face slowly contorted a soft smile as pride filled her heart. She knew where that's where her student made her friends. That's the town where she became a princess. This is the place where they started. This is where they mustered up the little courage they had to fight Nightmare Mo-
No she thought, her smile with her pride reeling behind dissipated immediately. My... sister... Her mind quickly jumped to when she found her finally reformed. Again, she thought, she was taken away from me. Her memories flooded back to her. Growing up, taking care of her... banishment...
She simply shook her head, trying to get the memories out(to no avail), adorned with a massive golden-crown and kept moving, slicing through the night sky effortlessly. I hope she knows how...
"LUNA!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. She was stopped in the middle of the cold asphalt looking on if she was paralyzed. Her eyes were filled to the brim with tears as she looked on to the oncoming tornado. Her baby blue hair flowed with the enormous winds surrounding her.
I told her to run to the car. To safety. I told her to not look back. She did anyway.
The winds were horrible.In all this dust and debris you could barely see anything more than 20 feet away.
It took all of my power to heave my legs against the onslaught of winds, dust, and any other miscellaneous crap that flew our way.
"Daddy..." She muttered out still obviously struck with terror. The tornado was getting closer every second, with winds getting dramatically faster and faster.
With one last push, I'm able to pick up the blue pony off the ground with relative ease. "Gotcha. Let's go. Now." I ran, I ran as fast as my legs, adorned now with a pair of Levi's, could carry me. I didn't even notice my grandfather's hat which I treasured dearly fly off of my head.
The dust is so thick now, that I could barely make out my car which was only two feet in front of me now. Thankfully, I managed to open the metal door and fling me and the toddler in.
Well, in years she is still a toddler. But she learns FAST. She could just flip an entire novel and read it completely before I can have the chance to blink. Few months, and she can already talk, write(sloppily), and... make tornadoes.
You see, earlier today, we managed to make it out to the great plains. So, naturally, I had her do some magic training. It's out in the open, but since no one is here, it makes for great training practice.
We went through basics, her still trying to fly, but failing miserably, and she even tried her hand at levitation, lifting me in the process.
However, after we had our fun, she said she'd try with the weather. I told her that it was too much for a little girl like her but she said she could handle it.
And now look where it got us.
I set her down in the front seat and frantically search for my keys. The tornado came closer and closer every time I fumbled them in my hands.
Finally, getting the admission key, I give a confident smirk, stick it in the admission and-
Nothing.
I twist it again.
Whirring, but that's it.
Shit... I thought.
"Daddy? What are we gonna do?" Luna asked. The poor thing was shaking like she was in a blizzard. With the whirring outside, it's really not that hard to imagine.
"Come here." I said sternly, taking hold of her torso. With a surprised "Eep!" coming from the toddler, I threw us both to the stained carpet of the old van. I positioned her body under mine, to protect from shattering windows, and held her close.
The whirring became louder and louder, and more and more debris came raining down on the car. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a mail box, thrown too close for comfort, inches from the driver's window.
I clutched the writhing body of miss moon, closer to me as the howls and whistles of the wind became so loud, it almost broke my ear drums. I believe we were in the center of it now, the car lurched forward a few meters, then stopped. A few more, then it stopped.
God I feel sick...
It was almost pitch-black. The clouds blocked out almost all the sunlight making it impossible to see more than just a few shadows.
Then, as soon as it came, the winds slowly faded out of hearing range. I looked outside, the tornado was heading off to some other unfortunate place. I sighed, and kneeled back down to the still shaken foal, "Luna, try again when you're older."
Well, I have to give them one thing, at least they survived... It's also funny that they think she in her state could do such a thing. Well, she did, but it was still 75% me...
I'll have to think of something worse next time...
"Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the prettiest of them all?"
"Um...."
"Don't answer that. Now show me my adorable little friends."
The mirror turns light grey, and swirls as if it contained a tiny tornado in the heart of it. When the smoke dissipates, I am greeted with six colorful-
"NOT THOSE FRIENDS, YOU IMBECILE!"
The screen quickly starts swirling with grey clouds again, this time however, focusing on two life forms in a strange vehicle. "I apologize sir. Is that better?"
"Yes, quite. Now zoom in."
"You don't pay me enough..."
"I don't pay you at all my companion." The screen focus more clearly on the intended targets this time.
I look onward as the adorable little duo drive along the beaten highway nearing their destination. The older one of them biped, the youunger, four legged
My elder friend looks particularly tired, with red rings, and bags surrounding his eyes. The little blue one looks the complete opposite, sleeping soundly with the slight sound of snoring surrounding her partially moving body.
How cute.
She's just so adorable when she's not trying to in-case me in granite.
...
Well, moving on.
Now, you may be wondering, "What's a handsome devil such as myself spying on the innocence?" Well, I like this dashing duo and love to watch them get into trouble. Although.... I try to make sure they don't injure themselves in the process, via communicating by dream.
Hey, I see that skeptical look on your face, yes I actually do CARE for the ponies. Not much besides Fluttershy, but some amounts of caring are in the back of my old brain cells.
A small smile graces the driver's face. His red lips showing slightly with a little 5 o clock shadow barely concealing it. He is an excited person that's for sure.
But of course he's excited! He's about to get a new residence! Who wouldn't be excited for that? Let's see here....
Three bedroom... two bath... OOH POOL. This will surely go well for him.
They only have a few more minutes to go before reaching their final destination, so no more nightmare moon problems I hope.
Well.... I can't really drop in on their world without using a special potion, so watching them is entirely pointless, to an extent. I can contact them in dreams... so I suppose that is a plus.
Anyway, I have to leave. Royal business.
I swear every time Celestia's gone she leaves me to do her chores.
With a snap of my claw, the image turns off, and I am left to my own devices. However, Mr. Mirror is not.
"Um, sir? You might want to-"
"Not now I have chores to do! They should be fine for awhile!"
Leaving the room, I can swear that the mirror cursed under his breath.
Two shadowy figures lined among the treeline.
"Target approaching?"
"Affirmative."
The fresh mountain air, landed softly on our faces. The scent of wildflowers filled the air as the muddy dirt squished beneath our feet and hooves. Luna, my wonderful daughter, looked around at the beautiful sight. Every detail catching her eye as she walked tiredly, huffing as she went along.
We were about to have a new home. We could start everything over again. I could start over again.
"How much longer daddy?"
"About another mile up this trail." She groaned. She didn't like parking this far from our house, but she still didn't use her wings often, and the property won't allow access to cars on the road from where we were, so I decided we could use the exercise then. Yes, there WAS a road to the actual building, but that was a far-away backroad.
At one point in the three mile walk, her legs gave out and I had the pleasure of carrying her.
Yay.
After a series of stirring and mixing, the potion was done. It gave off a greenish hue and looked somewhat slimy, with bubbles forming out of the top.
Zecora wasted no time sealing one in a bottle for the sun goddess. No one wanted to get on her bad side.
"Drink this potion for her, and you will see from the eyes of your sister!"
Grabbing the vile with her magic, she unscrewed the cork that separated her and her sister.
She drank.
The whole room lit up in eerie white flash of fog. Zecora was thrown off of her hooves and thrown into the side of a wall. Which hurt without saying.
Celestia found herself in a dark grey room, with stone walls, floor, and ceiling with only a bed and what she could only make out as a toilet.
It's so dark. So cold. It hurts, my body hurts so much.
Celestia yelled for her, "LUNA! Your sister's here, are you alright?!" However, no words came out. Only the breath of air she carried along came out of her mouth.
Luna is frightened, so frightened. The elder one said anxiously, searching her sibling's emotions. How is she so much younger? Where in Tarturus is she? How- wait, what's that?
A strange bipedal creature lay still in the middle of the cold, stone floor. Luna was crouched over whoever it was, with tears running freely from her eyes.
"Daddy? Please, stay alive daddy. Please, DON'T DIE!"
"KEEP IT DOWN IN THERE YOU FREAK!"
Someone.... someone... please.... help...
"There's our new house Luna. Do you like i-"
"Like it? I LOVE it!" Luna squealed in delight, jumping from my grasp and landing on her hooves. "This will be so much fun! You and me and- woah." She said, stumbling on her petite legs.
I picked her up again with my arms. "Legs fall asleep?" I ask.
She nods.
I chuckle lightheartedly at her antics, while she gave me a pout in retort. "Do you want me to carry you inside as well?"
She nods.
With Luna in one hand, I begun to pull out the jingling keys out of my pocket. There was a rustling behind me, but I was so caught up in the moment I didn't bother checking.
I insert my keys into the keyhole and right when I begin to twist, a sudden *CRACK bursts through the air. Everything went black, as complete pain filled my senses.
A thump is heard and realize it's my own body hitting the ground.
Before I go completely unconscious I see two figures above me.
Strange. One looks familiar, I thought before darkness sucked me into it's clutches.
"Daddy? Daddy?! DADDY- MPHMMH!"
"Target acquired sir.
Author's Note
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. The new house in which the two of us now live in is pretty nice, save for the few amount of cobwebs that has collected over the years. The electricity still works wonders, and the paint hasn't chipped that much.
I begin to carry the obviously drowsy blue filly to the soft cushiony bed in the room we labeled "Luna's quarters." The room was probably the most clean of all, and didn't have a cobweb in sight. It also has a soft-blue coat of paint the same exact color as my daughter, which made suiting her obvious in my opinion.
Besides being in ship-shape, the room was also fairly close to my bedroom as well, which was a plus. If she had any problems, she could just come straight to my room if anything came up.
She gave out a great big yawn in my arms and glanced upward at me with those abnormally large teal eyes of hers. Her lips formed a warm-loving smile, and those teal eyes finally closed. Promptly followed a pretty blue head collapsing onto my left palm. Not one to miss an opportunity, stroked her messy blue mane as I came up to the entrance of her "quarters".
Not the most grand of entrances, a simple oak door with a gold-painted doorknob. Yet, if you were tell someone the most amazing thing in the world was right behind it, they would scoff.
And they would be so, so wrong.
After a moment of twisting the golden knob, the door opened with a *click coming from its latch. It opened with a slight push from my arm giving me chance to advance into the small little room.
Everything was silent. Dead silent. Aside from the soft breathing of a child, and light footsteps across a brown rug. Maybe it's a side-effect to living in the "Big Apple" for all your life, but it just seems... creepy. Call me what you will, but you would agree if you were in my situation.
I came across her cushiony mattress, adorned with black sheets and the cutest star-desined blanket. I pull back the covers just enough, and I slide Luna on her side so she'd be situated comfortably. Taking the covers I just pulled back, just enough so her head would be popping out, laid them over her.
As a parting gift for the night, I lay one last kiss on her forehead. She squirmed a bit, but I believed she was still asleep.
Yet as soon as I close her door behind me, I swore I heard a mumbled "Daddy?"
I stumbled lazily through the neglected hallway to my room, which again, isn't that far off from Luna's room. I've already traversed this a couple times, but something seemed... off. I turned around to see... nothing. I sighed, and continued back to my door... but I swore I saw something out of the corner of my eye.
Then I reach my bedroom door. It's not much yet. A small cupboard beside my bed, a wooden fan above with a little switch to pull on, and an oak-frame bed with white sheets and dark grey blanket.
After entering and situating myself on my bed, I picked up the book which I laid on the cupboard next to my bed. It's "To Kill A Mockingbird", a REALLY old book.
Before I was able to find the page I was on, however, I was stopped by a cold, nagging feeling at my side. Strange... seeing how the fan that was going on was ABOVE me Like... something-
"DADDY!"
Not thinking at all, I bounded out of my bed and furiously slamming open my bedroom door. Suddenly, I could barely move. It's like my legs were moving through molasses, yet I still trudged, determined to get to my little girl. Step, after every slow step I took to get to her room. The short distance now seems like miles.
Every step I took, more and more darkness surrounded me, but I didn't care. Every slow, agonizing step I lost more and more feeling in my body, but I still didn't care. My foots sounded heavy on the rug floor as I trudged through the thickening black shadows.
Finally reaching the golden doorknob, it opened surprisingly easy and gave way.
However, what met me didn't look as inviting. Two, snake like eyes, piercing through my very essence, and a mouth full of glistening white fangs floated their watching me. It looked at me with a sharp contempt in its eyes. The red tongue, which hid behind the two rows of teeth flicked left and right.
I couldn't see Luna with how thick any of this darkness was. I tried to push on, but I couldn't. I was just... stuck there. I don't know for how long, but when I finally looked back up, it seemed it was enjoying my pain.
Finally, keeping the voice it's been cloaking this whole time, said with venom, "She's mine now."
Her female voice rang through me. It sounded even more cold and heartless than the shadows surrounding. The then shadows completely enveloped me. I couldn't see a thing through all of that.
Then the visions came.
My brother stood in front of me, but his back was turned. He was still... emotionless. In the same exact clothes he wore in his final hours. I walked uneasily towards him, unable to think straight. I tapped him on the shoulder. "B-brother-?"
*BOOM
He slowly turned around, blood gushing from the inner workings of his chest. Small rivers of crimson trickled down his shirt. His eyes were completely blank white. He stared directly into my face, leaned in and whispered into my right ear, "Why didn't you save me? " His body disintegrated right on the spot, covering me with grey ashes of his remains.
The shadows and gases began swirling around me at an increasingly rapid pace, causing a vortex of ash to whisk around me at impossible speeds. You would think it would be cold, like a storm. But no, it got surprisingly warmer the faster it went.
Light began to shimmer through the spinning vortex. Breaking apart the various mixture of gas and ash to finally reveal itself as fire. The fire shot up like a wall, completely trapping me in a circle of heat.
Behind that though, were my parents. They both had signs of extreme grief and agony on their faces. They yelled for the pain to stop.
"HELP US!"
"DEAR GOD HELP US!"
Their bodies took a much more gruesome escape. They slowly melted away before me, leaving nothing but large pools of blood at my feet.
HELP US!
Why didn't you save me?
Why didn't you save me?
DEAR GOD HELP US!
I doubled over clutching my ears and rolling into a ball on the ground's surface. "MAKE IT STOP!" I yelled with the most force my lungs could muster.
"Ha ha ha ha, HA HA HA." Her laughter joined in with the voices that surrounded me, seemingly in every direction.
"Daddy?"
Her voice was barely audible over all the voices that surrounded me. My daughter, the will to keep me going. She was in danger. My body screamed in protest, but I didn't care.
"D-daddy? Im scared..."
All of a sudden, my strength came back to me. I start hacking and slashing through the thick smog of black when I hear, "I COMMAND YOU TO YIELD!" the bitch's voice came from behind.
I turned around to see the face coming straight towards me. Her eyes were slitted, and her fangs seemed even larger than before. Her contempt on her face was gone, replaced with pure hatred. "YIELD!" She yelled again.
I couldn't let her win. I couldn't lose Luna to this... thing. So I took stance, and as she lunged forward with her maw open, I punched her straight in the snout.
The face disappeared, but I knew she'd come back. As she retaliated, I spun back around and tore through the rest of the shadows and black smog. Until I found a teary-eyed little filly in the middle. She looked upward, meeting my eyes.
"Daddy? What are all those voices?"
Quickly, I picked her up and held her as close to my chest as tightly as I could and rocked her back and fourth. "Shh now, everything will be alright." I begin to stroke her main as she cuddled against me, chocking back tears. We both close our eyes, preparing for the worst.
The voices stopped.
I open my eyes to reveal an old van. Next to me was a filly shaking mad on her little front-seat.
"Luna...wake up, it's all right now."
"Daddy?"
"It's alright it was all just a- OOF!"
Luna jumped into my arms crying hysterically. "OH DADDY! There was a mean pony, screaming, crying voices, and you were in it! And...and...and..." I bring her in for the biggest embrace I think we've ever had.
"I love you Luna." Her breathing became more relaxed.
"...I love you too."
Author's Note
WELL THAT TOOK TOO LONG TO MAKE!
But seriously all, thank you. I've been going through some tough times lately and I am thankful for your patience.
Like, comment, favorite, and I'm also opened to dislikes if you state why in the comments section so I may fix them.
