A Compendium of Shorts

We’re running through the city, ponies are screaming. We hear an explosion and grab on to each other. Suddenly, we’re in the air above a forest. Just as fast, we hit the ground. We struggle to our feet, no, I struggle to my feet. He’s a bloody mess. I pick him up and start running. I could hear something chasing me. I run faster, gasping for breath as my eyesight fades to black.

I wake with a start, stiff and sore from sleeping on the cold, hard ground. I seem to always roll off my bed. I pack up my school supplies and trudge to class, stopping by the back of Sugarcube Corner to grab a quick breakfast. Like usual, I'm the first one there. Miss Cheerilee doesn't care if I show up before her, and its not like I have anywhere better to be.

Slowly the rest of the class shows up and we start the lesson. As usual, the CMC and those two rich kids fight over something, I don't really pay attention to it. They all get detention instead of lunch outside. Great, they're stuck in here with me while I finish up my work for the day.

I don’t see why, I think it’s Diamond Tiara, keeps bringing up the fact that Applebloom has no parents. I would think she would be more understanding, since her own mother is missing. Maybe Filthy Rich hasn’t told her, I will have to ask our teacher sometime.

When lunch ends, I pack up my things and head out. Nopony questions why I leave early anymore. They think I live in Canterlot and have additional classes there. Only Miss Cheerilee know where I really go.

I make my way to the Everfree Forest and pause at the edge. I would be so easy to turn around and head back to town. To return to Canterlot and live normally. I sigh and walk forwards. I knew the path by heart, after months of following it. After an hour of steady trotting, I reach the cave.

In the middle of the cave is a glass decanter filled with golden liquid and a black knife. I carefully pick up the decanter and place it in my saddlebag. I leave an empty vial in its place. I pick up the knife and slide it across my left foreleg, letting the blood drip into the vial. I return the knife to its proper place and leave the cave.

Making my way back to the edge of the forest, I meet up with Zecora. We walk in silence to the edge of the Ponyville Park. I hand her the decanter and watch as she starts the trek up to Canterlot. Brother, I am so sorry. I hope you wake up soon.

I walk through the park, following the sound of my favorite melody. Lyra always knew what song to play. Other than Zecora, she was the one pony I trusted. She knew my secret, and I knew hers. On the good days, we made music together, my flute intertwining with her lyre. On the bad days, she held me as I cried.

Today, I just sat back and listened to her play. My life may not have been ideal, but that was okay.

I would be okay.