Parallel's Path

Parallel had still been thinking about everything that has happened to her in the past few days. She has set off on her quest, and already befriended one of the ponies she had been searching for. She had also discovered a hidden talent, and remembered something about her past. She was starting to realize just how much this quest of hers will impact her life. By that night, the train had finally arrived in the city of Las Pegasus. Parallel was nothing short of dazzled by everything she was witnessing. Lights going on all over, all the ponies walking by, all the music playing in the distance. You could say she was overwhelmed. It took her a while to get a grip on herself, and realize that she was alone once again, and needed a place to stay. She had walked around a few blocks before finding a hotel.

Parallel walked into the hotel entrance. She found that nopony else was at the front desk, except for one worker. She walked up to him, and asked,

"Excuse me, sir, what's the rate for one room?"

"Well, normally we charge a rate of 500 bits a night, but you're in luck. Our hotel is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. For this, all first-time guests get one night free." Parallel had never been to a hotel before, so this was the perfect deal for her. Plus, she only had 50 bits on her, so she couldn't possibly afford not to take this opportunity.

"Oh my! Well, I'm out on a journey by myself, and I've never stayed in a hotel before. In fact, up until earlier this week, I'd never even been outside of Ponyville."

"Oh, so you're from Ponyville. One of my old classmates from school lives there. What was his name, uh, Even Mind? No, Fairness? Augh, what was it?"

"Equality?"

"Yes! That's the colt. He sure was amazing, I'll tell you. I remember when he transformed in front of the class during the first week. I don't know if that was some kind of magic, or what, but it sure was incredible."

"Oh, uh, well, he's my father."

"Father? Wow, so he finally decided to have a foal of his own. This is too perfect. Tell you what, kid, I'll talk to my manager, and see if I can get you a friends & family bonus."

"Really? Thanks." The stallion opened the door behind him, and he talked to another pony inside. They were in there for a couple of minutes, before he came out with good news."

"Congrats, kid. Since you came all this way on your own, and you happen to be the daughter of an old friend of mine, my manager has agreed to give you a VIP room on the top floor, for free, for one night." Parallel couldn't help but feel grateful to him for this, and she tried to hold back a delightful scream, as she didn't want to push her luck too far. She calmed herself down, and replied,

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate it."

"There's an elevator on your right, past that hallway. Again, your room is on the top floor. Yours should be room 905." She thanked him for the directions, and walked toward the elevator. She had no idea how it worked. Luckily, another mare was also going to the top floor. As the two got in, the mare pushed the top floor button. Parallel felt kinda disoriented being in an elevator for the first time, with the rising platform really testing her sense of balance. When the door to the top floor opened, she walked out, saw a sign that read "rooms 901-905 on your left", and found her room at the end of the hall.

What she saw inside her room made her feel, quite frankly, spoiled. A bed large enough to support Princess Celestia and Princess Luna together, a large television, which she had now seen for the first time, and a master bathroom, complete with shower and bathtub big enough for four full-grown stallion, and a large desk with books about the city stocked inside. She walked to the desk, after examining everything else in the room, and once again found a pen, paper, and an envelope, all oddly the same kind as she had seen twice before. She was tempted to write to her father again, but she was interrupted by a bellhop, who knocked on her room's door, and said in a gruff, yet hospitable voice,

"Letter for Miss Parallel."

"Oh, I'll get it." the filly replied. As she opened the door, the bellhop looked confused.

"Huh, wasn't expecting a filly to respond. You here alone?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, who am I to judge the age of our guests? Here's your letter. Have a great night."

"Thanks, you too sir." The filly closed the door, and went to the desk so she could read the letter.

"Dear Parallel,

I got your letter. Fantastic news about everything you've been through. Already meeting a new friend, and it turned out to be one of those stallions from the park. I can't believe you also discovered a special talent. Even I had no idea you could do something so amazing. Also, the fact that you discovered something about your past really warmed my heart. Now you're a step closer to finding out just who you are. I'm glad you're still safe. If I know you, you're probably already in the next town by now, and I can't wait to hear about what you learn there. I hope to hear back.

Your proud father,

Equality"

Happy to hear from her father again, Parallel started feeling tired. She put herself to bed, and saw the remote control on the side table next to her. She assumed this was how the television was turned on, so she pressed the red button, and the television turned on. The local news was being broadcast, and a reporter said,

"Be sure to come to the annual Equestria Surf Classic. Las Pegasus' champion of three years, Island Breeze, will be competing to maintain his title. They say the competition is stiff this year, so he better bring his A-game." The filly felt something special about the name Island Breeze. She spaced out for a few seconds, then turned the television back off, and fell asleep.

The next morning, Parallel woke up to find a ticket to the Equestria Surf Classic on her side table. She still couldn't understand how any of these items suddenly appear whenever it would be convenient. She remembered how Equality said in one of his letters to her about how Midnight's magic leaves objects with a nice smell, so she gave the ticket a sniff. No scent at all. This meant it couldn't be her work. But if it wasn't Midnight, then who? She didn't dwell on this thought too long, though, as she had just received a free ticket to the event where she may meet another one of the stallions from the park. She put on her vest and hat, and left 20 bits as a tip for the bellhop as she exited the room. She still had the apple from back in the White Tail Woods, so she quickly ate that as her breakfast.

When Parallel exited the hotel, a bus pulled up in front of the entrance. the driver said to the filly,

"You seem kinda young to be here out by yourself."

"Yeah, I get that a lot. Anyway, what's the fare for a trip to the Equestria Surf Classic?"

"30 bits for a one-way trip." Luckily, that's just how much Parallel had left on her, so she paid the driver, and took a seat right behind him.

"I have to say, being on a journey around Equestria, I've already seen a lot of amazing wonders that I could never find back home in Ponyville."

"Oh, you're from Ponyville, huh? I was born there, myself. I remember I moved here with my family after... he did his thing."

"He? His thing? Was it a black colt, white mane, blue-green eyes like mine, and kinda young?" The driver looked at her, and said in surprise,

"Whoa. How did you know?"

"Just a hunch." In reality, Parallel knew he was talking about Equality. He didn't even have to say what his 'thing' was, she was smart enough to figure it out.

"Anyway, what are you on a trip around Equestria for?"

"Long story, and I'm not really sure if you'll understand."

"Well, can you give me a short version?"

"I guess. I'm looking for some stallions I saw when I was young. Already met up with one back in the White Tail Woods."

"Wow. That's interesting. You know, I think you're pretty cool, Parallel."

"Oh, well, than-- wait a minute! How did you know my name?"

"Just a hunch. Anyway, we're here. The Equestria Surf Classic." Before the filly got off the bus, she gave the driver a quick look. He looked somewhat familiar, but she couldn't put her hoof on why.

Parallel's ticket said she was to sit in the stands' front row. This meant she'd get to see everything as close as possible. She found her spot, and sat down. The announcer said,

"Well, with only one contestant left in the running, let's recap everything we just witnessed. Our first contestant, newcomer Rocket Boost from Ponyville, gave off a surprisingly good performance, almost receiving a perfect score from our judges." Parallel remembered that name, Rocket Boost. It was one of her friends from the park. "Our second contestant, Melody from the Crystal Empire, dazzled everypony with her majestic, almost dance-like maneuvers, even with her broken wings, also earning a near-perfect score. Finally, our third contestant, Woodwind, also from Ponyville, gave an amazing underdog performance. After almost losing his balance, he quickly got back up and earned himself a high rating." This pony was also familiar. It was the same Woodwind who was with Rocket Boost at the park. "Now, we bring you to our reigning champion, Las Pegasus' own Island Breeze!"

Parallel recognized this unicorn stallion. The sky blue coat, black and navy blue mane, sand-colored eyes. He was also one of the stallions from the park. Her eyes were affixed on the champion, as he went up to the wave, paddled into the ocean, and started riding the waves as if he could fly. His moves were so incredible, Parallel couldn't help screaming in amazement. He was riding through tubes like Rainbow Dash flew through the skies. He was doing backflips on his board like it was nothing. The announcer continued,

"I don't know how in Equestria this stallion can shred these waves the way he does, but I know I could never match him if I devoted my life to it. He's a living legend." As Island Breeze finished his routine, the crowd roared in applause, as the judges gave him an unsurprising perfect score. As he was given his fourth trophy, he came up and said,

"To celebrate my awesome performance, one of you lucky fans will get a chance to come to my home and spend a day with me. If your ticket number is 5926, then congratulations." Everypony in the stands searched for their ticket. They all pulled theirs out. None of them at the number. Then, Parallel, who was still spacing out from the stallion's amazing performance, finally shook out of her trance, and found her ticket. Sure enough, hers had the lucky number. She screamed again, knowing that not only will she get to meet an amazing performer, but it may also be one of the stallions from the park. "It looks like the black filly in the front row will get to meet me later. I've arranged for you to be taken to my home by a private bus. I'll see you there."

Parallel was still in astonishment. She'd get to meet her new idol, and in a one-on-one setting no less. She was feeling hungry again, so she stopped by an apple cart just outside the venue, and the mare working the cart said,

"You're the filly that's gonna meet Island Breeze. I'm so jealous. Here, take some apples, on me." Parallel gladly accepted, especially she had no money left on her anymore. Just then, a small buss pulled up right next to her, and as the door opened, the driver said,

"You're the filly that's gonna meet Island Breeze, right?"

"Uh, yes, sir. Here's my ticket as proof." She handed him the ticket.

"Well, this looks legit to me. Come on in." The filly got in the bus, and sat down behind the driver. As the bus drove off, the mare working the apple cart couldn't help but smile at Parallel, feeling happy for her.

"So, where is Island Breeze's home? You do know where we're going, right?"

"Of course, he gave me directions himself. You see, Island Breeze is a big-time celebrity in Las Pegasus. They say his knack for what he does may come from him being born in the water, or something like that." Parallel found this quite hard to believe, as if anypony was born in the water, they'd likely drown, since most ponies don't even know how to swim at birth. As the bus drove for about 10 minutes, it stopped in front of what appeared to be a small, kinda run down house.

"You sure this is the right place, sir?"

"Hey, if I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have brought you here. It's my duty as a bus driver to take everypony where they need to go."

"Well, alright. If you're sure this is the place, thanks for the ride."

"No problem, kid."

Parallel walked up to the front door, rang the doorbell, and heard hooves clopping towards it. A stallion said,

"Who's there?"

"Um, Mr. Island Breeze, is it?" The responding voice had a beach-bum kind of voice to it.

"Oh, it's you. You must be the filly that won my contest. Come on in." Parallel walked in, feeling skeptical about this, since she expected someone as amazing as him to live in some sort of mansion. "So, can I get you something to eat?"

"Oh, no thanks, I have some apples."

"Oh, that's fine. Everything's tight." Parallel looked at the stallion before her. Sure enough, it was Island Breeze, the now four-time Equestria Surf Classic champion. "Say, where are you from, little filly?"

"I'm from Ponyville, Mr. Island Breeze. My name is Parallel."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Parallel, but there's no need to call me Mr. Island Breeze. I'm just fine with Island Breeze, or even Island of you want. Hold on, did you say Ponyville?"

"Yes, Island Breeze."

"Ahaha I remember that place. Nice and full of nature, with plenty of radical ponies to talk to. It's kind of a paradise. Too bad there's no waves for me to shred there. You know, I was there several years ago. I met these four other stallions that were, like, totally chill." Parallel had not been accustomed to this kind of vocabulary, similar to how Jack Bolt wasn't accustomed to hers. "There was this green earth pony, a golden-yellow unicorn, and two pegasi. They were all totally different, and yet I can't help but feel like we needed to meet up."

Parallel knew at this point that Island Breeze was one of the stallions from the park, just as she had hoped. Wanting to ask some questions, Parallel started,

"I kinda want to know, what were you doing in Ponyville that day, anyway?"

"To be real, I don't even remember. I guess I just wanted to have a change of scenery for once. Living here in Las Pegasus is sweet and all, but it kinda stresses me out, too. I can't stand being stressed, especially with all my surfing and stuff. It really hurts my performances when I can't just chill out."

"That reminds me, Island, how long have you been surfing?"

"Uh, I think about ten years, maybe. I don't know. It's been so long, I can't even remember."

"What got you into surfing, anyway?"

"That, I can answer for you, Parallel. You see, ever since I was a colt, I've loved the water. My mom would always take me to the ocean so I could play in the water. It was an awesome part of my life. My dad is a marine biologist, so he taught me a lot about ocean life, and how important it is to Equestria. I guess you can say there's water in my blood. Surfing was just an outlet for me to channel my love of the ocean into something fun. I guess it was when I started surfing that I got my cutie mark." His cutie mark was, in fact, a dolphin and a wave.

"So, if you've been surfing for about ten years, and you've only been a champion for four years now, what propelled you into continuing?"

"I guess I just though it was meant to be. Don't really have a particular reason. I try not to think too hard about certain things, because then I overthink things and get stressed out. Aside from surfing, I live by a personal code that you gotta keep yourself calm and collected if you want to enjoy life." As new of a philosophy this was to Parallel, she understood what he meant. She had always had that pent up energy since the day Equality adopted her, and she never thought about just trying to not let it get to her.

"How do you stay so calm, anyway? Is it hard?"

"Well, it can be. Whenever I go out surfing, I always get this nagging feeling that if I mess up, it could end up really lame for me. I just do some deep breathing, close my eyes, and try to send my energy flow through the area around me. It's how I keep myself chill when I need to do my best."

"Well, Island, do you think maybe you could show me what it's like to surf? I've never done it before, but I'm always open to trying new things."

"That's cool with me. In fact, there really isn't much to do here in my house, plus I haven't shredded any victory waves yet, so why not? See that closet right behind you?"

"Oh, yeah."

"There's a few small boards from when I was still a colt. If you want, I can take one of them with us, and we can go down to this private surf spot I know about."

"That sounds great."

Island Breeze opened the door, and showed her three small boards. One of them, a black and blue one, really appealed to her, so she decided on that one. Island then used his magic to levitate the board, as they walked outside. Parallel saw the board he used in the competition laying against the house's wall. As he laid the small board down, he used his magic to bring his next to him.

"You ready to go?"

"I'm ready." The stallion then used his magic to create a force field around the two ponies and their boards, and they then teleported to a distant private beach. As the filly marveled at his magic, she said, "Wow, where are we? And how did you find this place?"

"I can't tell you that. It's, like, totally a secret."

"Oh, I understand."

"You still want to learn how to surf?"

"Of course I do. After all, how often is it that you get to learn from the best?" Flattered by her response, the stallion said,

"Well, I don't know if I'm the best, but I appreciate it. Anyway, take your board, and get into the water." Parallel grabbed the small board, and walked into the water. She was surprised by how cold the water was, so she quickly jumped back. Island Breeze chuckled as he remarked, "What was that? It's like you've never been in the ocean before."

"Actually, I haven't. Remember, I'm from Ponyville."

"Oh yeah, sorry, I forgot. Anyway, just go back and keep your hooves in the water for a bit. You'll get used to it." Parallel went back in the water, with the board still in her hoof. She stood there, tempted to jump back out again, but remembered what the stallion said about keeping calm. Surely enough, she soon felt nothing. "Good, now place the board in the water, and stand on it." She did just that, and, as if she had been doing this for years, she maintained her balance perfectly. "Nice, you're getting good at this already. Can you paddle out?"

"Paddle out?"

"Oh, just use your hooves to swim through the water, while laying on the board." Again, she did just that. and continued to look like she had been doing this for years. Now yelling so she could hear him, Island Breeze said, "That's good, now just stand up and try to catch that wave coming up." She stood up, feeling a bit wobbly, but still composed, and as the wave came to her, she suddenly spaced out for half a second, then quickly pivoted the board, and returned back to Island Breeze.

"Wow, I did it! I rode my first wave!"

"That was gnarly, Parallel! You sure you've never done this before? It took me a month to master that."

"Ehehe, yeah, it's my first time." The filly blushed, as she noticed the sun starting to go down. "Well, I'd imagine we should get back. The sun is setting, and I need to find a place to stay."

"You know, you're already so awesome at this, I think I'll do you a solid and let you stay at my place tonight. I know it's kinda small, but I do have two bedrooms."

"Really? That would be great. Thanks, Island Breeze."

"Hey, after what you just showed me, it would be my honor."

"Wait, before we go, do you think you could give me a demonstration of what you can do?"

"Well, sure. I still haven't shredded my victory lap, so why not?" He used his magic to put the board in the water, and as he got on, paddled out, and saw a large wave coming, he rode toward it, got up the wave, and as the wave brought him back, he did a backflip on his board, and landed right in front of Parallel. "Alright, now we should go back." He brought both boards to him with his magic, and used the same spell to bring himself and Parallel back to his house.

As the two ponies came into his house, Island Breeze noticed Parallel's stomach rumbling.

"You need something to eat?"

"Oh, I still have these apples I can eat." She had left the apples by the door before they left for the beach. "Thanks for asking, though."

"No worries. Anyway, your room should be to the right of my kitchen. There's a soft bed, a desk, and a lamp there. If you need anything else, just let me know."

"Thanks, Island Breeze. You know, this reminds me of when I was with Jack Bolt in the White Tail Woods. He was also nice enough to let me have a room in his home."

"Jack Bolt? Was he a green stallion, blonde mane, kinda muscular, or something like that?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"I remember him from Ponyville. Yeah, he was selling his wood." Parallel couldn't help but space out again. When she came to, she said,

"I really appreciate everything you've done for me. I might seem like some obsessive fanfilly to you, but I'm really glad you're letting me stay here."

"Oh, you're not just some fanfilly to me. We're homies now. You reminded me of what it was like when I caught my first wave, and I can't help but feel like you're special to me."

"Oh, you sure know how to charm the fillies, don't you?"

"Yeah, I get that a lot." The filly was now feeling sleepy, so she walked into her bedroom, put herself to bed, and, before she dozed off, she said,

"It's really amazing what I've done in the past week. Wait until my dad hears about this." Island Breeze, who was watching from his living room, said to himself,

"That filly is really awesome, dude."

The next morning, Parallel awoke, and smelled something good coming from the kitchen. She walked in, and found Island Breeze mashing up some of her apples.

"Good morning, Island. Hey, what are you doing with my apples?"

"Oh, what's up, Parallel? I was just making some breakfast. I saw you had a few apples left over from last night, so I decided to make some daisy-and-applesauce sandwiches. You want one?" She did need something to eat for breakfast, so she accepted.

"Thanks, Island. Hey, I've been meaning to ask you. If somepony like you has such a talent for surfing, why don't you live in a big mansion or something like that?"

"Well, to be honest, I kinda like my small home. It's easy to manage, not much cleaning necessary, and it's got everything I need. I like to keep it simple." The filly started spacing out again, but got out of it when the sandwich was placed before her. She tried a bite of it, and was impressed by how it tasted.

"Mmm, wow, this tastes really good. You're just about as good of a cook as Jack."

"Aw, shoot, I just put this together because it was simple. I'm not much of a cook."

"Well, thanks anyway." the filly said, as she continued to eat.

"It's funny, you remind me of my sister, Sky Breeze."

"Oh, you never told me you have a sister."

"Oh yeah, I forgot. Where is my head lately? Anyway, Sky Breeze is my twin sister. She's a pegasus pony. She lives in Cloudsdale, since she wanted to study to become a Wonderbolt."

"Oh. I wonder why she isn't into the same things as you?"

"I guess everypony has their own reason for living, their own purpose in life. Some live alone, like me, and some get to be united with others." At that moment, Parallel spaced out again, but this time, she froze up like when Jack Bolt described who his family got their cabin from. Her eyes gave off a rainbow glow, and her cutie mark shined a blue light. When she came to, she said,

"Thank you, Island Breeze. What you just said really opened my eyes to something about my past."

"Your past?"

"I guess I never told you, I'm traveling across Equestria, trying to discover who I am, what happened in my past, and, if I can, meet up with the five stallions that I saw in Ponyville Park one day when I was young."

"Sounds righteous, Parallel. Whatever I said to you, I'm glad it started clearing your head. I guess now would be a good time for you to move on to the next town, right?"

"Yes, it is. Thank you for showing me how to surf, and reminding me of something very important to me. Also, thanks for letting me stay here."

"Hey, we're homies now, come back any time. By the way, I found this ticket on the kitchen floor. Is this yours?" It was the ticket for the train she needed. It now had two black marks.

"Yes, I need that."

"You know, I can use my magic to send you to the train station, if you want."

"That would be great." The two shook hooves, and said goodbye, before he used his magic to teleport her to the train station.

Parallel appeared right in front of the train station, and was now set on being able to go to the next town. However, she felt like she had forgotten something. She tried to reach into her vest pocket, and realized that she had left her vest and hat at Island Breeze's house. Suddenly, they appeared in front of her, as if by magic, with a note saying,

"I think you left these at my house. They aren't mine, so I figured you forgot them. --Island Breeze" The filly was relieved. The last thing she'd want to forget is her lucky vest and hat. As she put them on, another object appeared, also as if by magic. Another note came with it.

"Also, these fell out when I sent them to you. Here you are. --Same pony" It was the pen, paper, and envelope from back in the hotel she stayed in. Now Parallel could write to her father about her time in Las Pegasus. The train then pulled up, and Parallel boarded the train. She again went to the luxury cabin, as her ticket allowed her to. She sat at the desk, and started writing,

"Dear Dad,

I've had another incredible experience on my quest. I met up with another stallion from the park that day. His name is Island Breeze, and he was one of the two unicorns. Not only is he a handsome, kind, and charming stallion, but he's also a champion surfer. He uses his surfboard to ride the ocean's waves as if he lived in the ocean. I was surprised that a Las Pegasus celebrity such as him would actually live in a small, run down house, and not some fancy mansion but he did teach me the importance of being patient, by keeping myself calm, being minimal with belongings, and that everypony has their own purpose in life. His is to be a champion surfer, yours is to educate ponies and teach them how to respect one another, and mine, well, mine has yet to be discovered. I did remember another thing from my past, which was that my mother told me that it would be my destiny to bring some ponies together. Not sure what that means, but at least now I have another piece of my memories back. I'm still totally safe, and I'm continuing to have a lot of lucky breaks, even getting to stay my first hotel visit in a VIP room at no charge. I love you, Dad, and I hope you're doing well, too. I'm still going to do on my quest. After all, I've met two of the five stallions already. I'm going to see if I can go for three. I hope to hear from you soon.

--Parallel"

As she placed the letter in the envelope, Midnight appeared again, and offered to send the letter to Equality once again. As usual, the filly accepted. After the letter was sent with Midnight's magic, Parallel asked her,

"You know, my dad told me in one of his letters that whenever you use your magic on something, it gives off a soothing aroma. Is this true?"

"Yes, this is true. I don't even know why it happens, it just does. Everypony I know says that my magic makes thing smell good. I don't know if it's a hereditary trait or what, but it seems to leave everypony happy, so I'm not complaining."

"That's amazing. Anyway, do you know where this train is headed?"

"Actually, no I don't. I was wondering that myself." The conductor then said to the passengers,

"The next train to Canterlot will now depart. Thank you for riding with us."

"Well, there's our answer." the mare said.

"Alright, I guess we're going to Canterlot next. I wonder just how I'll fare in Canterlot? I know it's a very regal, high end place."

"Indeed, it is. You see, I was born in Canterlot. I moved to Ponyville when I was a year old, but I do remember the place faintly."

"Well, I guess I can go there to search for my place in life, and you can go there to be in your place of birth again."

"Sounds like a plan." As the two ponies smiled at each other in agreement, Parallel was getting herself energized for the next destination. However, she hadn't prepared herself for what was about to happen next.