A Guitar In A Thunderstorm

Chapters

Chapter I: Beginnings
Chapter II: Lights
Chapter III: Memories
Chapter IV: Change
Chapter V: Here I Am
Chapter VI: Love In Another World
Chapter VII: Healing
Chapter VIII: Transcendant
Chapter IX: Revolutions Part 1
Chapter X: Revolutions Part 2
Epilogue

Chapter I: Beginnings

Chapter 1: Beginnings

I smiled to myself as I walked down the main drag of Ponyville, my black sweatshirt clinging to me like a newborn child. I was dressed in that, earth jeans of a light blue color, a grey undershirt and a tribal necklace that hung around my neck. The air was crisp and fresh, which was expected for an early Equestrian Autumn. Today was September the 23rd, the beginning of the Harvest was only a few days away and can say that I was readily looking forward to it, as I had never experienced one personally. As I continued my stroll down the dirt road to my usual coffee shop, I cast my gaze around the surrounding buildings that made up downtown Ponyville. My sharp eyes caught sight of a dentist, a pet care center, the town chiropractor, a spa and the local library off in the distance. Chuckling silently, I continued to saunter towards Sugarcube Corner, my usual coffee shop. I can say for a distinct fact that it was the most interesting designed building I have ever seen. The room was a deep brown with waves of frostings, dotted with gumdrops. The walls were a bright pink with white undertones, with two heart shaped windows in the front of the building. It was the easiest building to spot out of the typical blandness of Ponyville, besides the cloud house of Rainbow Dash sitting off in the distance.

Anyway, let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Jackson Mills. I'm 22 years old, and I'm a human; from Earth living in

Equestria. I arrived here just under two years ago, crash landing on the border of the Everfree Forest. It was quite the interesting couple first days of adjusting to my new life in this strange new world; well with the constant stream of questions and what not. There were three humans in total living in this world; one was stationed in Stalliongrad, the other living in Seaddle. I hadn't met them in person, but had rather exchanged letters with them. It was quite interesting to hear of their experiences in Equestria as well. I can say for certain that I adjusted to Equestrian life quite easily, as it was oddly reflective of Earth. With the help of Pinkie Pie and her friends, I quickly became accustomed to the world, as the town became accustomed to me.

I approached the front door of Sugarcube Corner, pushing the heavy pink wooden door aside with my right hand, keeping my left safely tucked in my front sweatshirt pocket. The first thing that greeted me was the warm smell of freshly baked goods as well as the strong aroma of coffee brewing. I glanced around to see ponies of various colors idly chatting with each other, seemingly oblivious to my presence. It was a pleasant feeling, having the ability to seemingly mesh oneself with the general pony population.

"Hey Jackson! What's up?" an excited female voice called out from the kitchen.

A smile spread across my slightly red tinted cheeks as I instantly recognized that voice. It belonged to Pinkie Pie, Ponyville's premier party pony and one of my closest friends. The pink ball of energy and sugar literally bounced up to me, greeting me by raising herself on her hind legs, and gently throwing her arms around me. When she stood on her hind legs, she was almost as tall as me, which I can say was not unusual. She smelled of jelly beans and coffee, her usual scent. Her cotton candy mane was overflowing and gently poking me in the my left temple while her sapphire blue eyes met mine with a warm, friendly gaze. When I had first arrived in Equestria, Pinkie was one of the first to befriend me, even throwing a sort of welcome party the first night I was here. There I had made a ton of new friends, even meeting Twilight Sparkle and her bunch, among many others. I can safely say by the end of the night that I had made more friends in a few hours than I had in several years back on Earth. She had also helped me get used to the customs of Equestria, as they were oddly reflective of Earth, as well as giving me a tour of the town. She was always so nice with me, I couldn't find a way to pay her back for all that she has done for me.

"Hiya Pink," I replied still smiling. "Just dropping in to see what's up".

She giggled and tossed a stray bit of her mane out of her muzzle.

"The usual I presume?" Her upbeat demeanor was almost toxic, as she always seemed to lighten up any situation. She was the

Element of Laughter after all. I chuckled again as I simply nodded in response.

"Coffee, black, 3 splashes of milk and two sugars please."

She bounced back to the kitchen, her pink mane tossing from here to there as she went. I couldn't help but smile as she went about her work. I sat down in the stool at my usual table, two heart shaped windows being at either of my shoulders giving me a panoramic view of Ponyville. It was always nice to see the town bustling around with life, ponies trotting about going on with their lives. I smiled and fiddled with the necklace that lay around my neck. It was one of few trinkets that had made the trip with me to Equestria, and it had special value to me. Given to me by my grandmother just before she died, I held it in the highest regard of value. My gaze lazily surveyed the town out in behind me, until it came unto two mares, trotting up to the cafe. One, a blue unicorn, eyes connected with mine and instantly broke out into a smile as she darted for the door. The other, a pale lime green unicorn simply shrugged and followed suit.

"Hey Jackson! Fancy seeing you here!" Colgate trilled as she approached me.

Her friend, Lyra had gone off to buy a batch of cupcakes at the counter, leaving the two of us alone. Colgate was a very pretty mare; her pale blue coat matching perfectly with her deep sapphire blue eyes. I suppose she got her nickname "Colgate" from her mane and tail, which were two tone white and blue, resembling toothpaste. She sported an hourglass cutie mark and a slim, athletic body. Minuette, as she liked to be called, which was her real name anyway, was a very outgoing, feisty mare: always one to poke fun at her friends. But in reality, she was very down to earth and honest. I valued our friendship dearly, as she had shown me compassion when I first arrived, aside from the constant poking.

I chuckled and put my hands behind my head, supporting them as I lay back in my chair.

"Well hey there Minuette. I'm just hanging out here before I go for my walk. What are you up to today?" I asked, cracking my neck from left to right as I began to relax. Minuette smiled somewhat impishly, as she sat down on her stool, her red scarf that she was wearing falling gently over her body.

"I was actually about to ask you the same thing!" She replied. "Me and a bunch of the girls are going to a fly-in movie tonight in the Ponyville Square. And uhm.. I-I was wondering if you wanted to go."

Her voice cracked once at the last sentence as a slight pink blush appeared over her muzzle. I had the day off from work at the farm, as the Harvest really didn't heat up until a few more days, so I really didn't have anything planned. I suppose it would be cool to get out and spend some time with my friends. I looked at the pale blue mare as she fidgeted to get comfortable on her stool. I cracked a tiny smile as her eyes met mine.

"Sure, Minuette. I'd love to go!" I replied simply. Almost instantaneously after I gave my response her posture went from tense and nervous to an almost relaxed state. She tried her best to hide it, but I saw her utter a slight sigh of relief as her peripheral vision caught Pinkie Pie and Lyra returning to the table. Pinkie was carrying a tray on her back, which contained the coffee I ordered along with a cupcake for Minuette. Lyra held a brown paper bag in her mouth, full of cupcakes if I had to make an educated guess. The bouncing pink mare smiled as she slid the coffee mug right in front of me with perfect accuracy. Colgate got up to go, following a signal from Lyra. She threw one more glance at me as she began to head for the door.

"8:30, Ponyville Square alright?" she asked simply, tossing her mane out of the way as her magic levitated her scarf around her neck.

"Of course!" I replied. "See you there." With her left hoof raised, she closed her eyes and gave a satisfactory snort before exiting Sugarcube Corner. I grabbed my coffee and took a small sip of the steaming hot liquid. It was the perfect temperature: not hot enough to burn my throat, and not cold enough that I would disapprove. Pinkie always knew just how to make each of her friends happy.

"Hey Pink!" I shouted, grabbing the mare's attention almost instantly. She darted over to my table, blue eyes wide with wonder.

"What's up?"

"Colgate mentioned a movie tonight," I explained taking another sip of coffee. "Are you going as well?"

Pinkie giggled and fluffed her mane out of her eyes again, then gave me a soft punch in my right shoulder. "Oh of course I'm going silly! Me, Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, Sweetie Bell and company, Colgate & Lyra all have this set up! Ohmygosh, I heard you talking to Colgate about it. Sound like a date to me!"

I chuckled as she continued on her tangent, taking another sip of coffee. The warm drink definitely did its job: shaking lose any cobwebs that were lying around.

"I wouldn't call it a date Pink, just an outing with friends," I replied simply. I threw a glance outside to see ponies happily going about their lives, smiling and waving their hooves as other ponies past. I smiled. Since I had arrived here in Equestria, I had found it to be much more laid back and easy going than Earth was. Everyone could take their time through the day, planning what shenanigans would be gotten up to that evening. I for one had participated in these adventures with Twilight and her friends, always having a good laugh or two. Over the last few months, I had formed close bonds with each of Pinkie's friends. It was an amazing feeling to be accepted by others of a different species, yet feel so included. I had grown especially close with Lyra and Colgate, two close friends of Rainbow Dash. We hit it off one day when Dash and I were out for a run. Colgate was the type of mare who was quite feisty, but knew how to remain subdued and calm. That's what I liked about her.

My train of thought was derailed by a gentle hoof on my shoulder. My gaze turned to meet Pinkie's, her gentle blue eyes had a look of slight annoyance in them as she giggled.

"Oh Jackson, you humans can be so dense sometimes. It's too obvious to the rest of us."

I raised an eyebrow at her comment. Colgate and I had indeed become very close, but not as close as she was suggesting. I furrowed my brow, deepening in thought. I always considered her as a friend, but I guess anything was possible. I shook my head as I made for the front door of Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie had disappeared back into the kitchen, hurriedly making sure everypony else was satisfied with their service.

I slipped out of the door, a brisk autumn wind greeting my face as my long brown hair blew around. I zipped my sweatshirt up and began to stroll down the main street of Ponyville. It was only 10 in the morning, but ponies were already bustling around with their lives, happily carrying out their own chores. A chuckle managed to escape my lips as I continued to saunter down into Downtown Ponyville. My gaze slid across a sea of ponies, bustling about.

I shoved my hands into my sweatshirt pockets as a thought entered my mind.

I should probably go to Sweet Apple Acres. Gotta make sure I don’t have any work today.

I continued to muse to myself silently as I changed direction for the outskirts of Ponyville, heading towards the cozy, family farm.

Chapter II: Lights

Chapter 2: Lights

I reached Sweet Apple Acres after roughly 10 minutes of solid walking. Ponyville was a quiet and simple town, and I guess that’s why I loved it. Back on Earth, I lived in the equivalent of Canterlot. But I didn’t love it, rather despised it actually. I’ve always been a country boy per say, loving wide open spaces.

My eyes followed the white picketed fence up to the red barn accompanied by the farmhouse. Sweet Apple Acres was a cozy farm nestled in the southwest corner of Ponyville. I always loved taking walks out here or hanging out with Applejack.

“Hiya Jackson!” a female voice shouted with a cute southern drawl. I turned my head slightly to the right to see a sweating

Applejack trotting towards me. Her blonde mane was a mess from constant hard work. Her hooves were covered in dirt, partly dried.

She was very attractive for a pony, and I’ve been getting used to the fact that there are no human females in Equestria. So I guess I’ll have to get used to mares instead.

“Hey A.J.,” I replied happily. “What’s up?”

The orange earth pony blinked once and uttered a hearty laugh, slapping me on the shoulder.

“Ah was just ‘bought tah ask ya the same thing. Ya aren’t scheduled for work today silly!”

I blinked a couple times, before chuckling to myself and putting a hand behind my head.

“Well shoot, A.J. That’s what I was coming by to check,” I retorted.

The orange mare winked at me and playfully boxed me on the shoulder again.

“Go on, get! Ya’ll aren’t scheduled to work till Monday.”

A ray of sunshine shot through me as my face spread with a smile. I gave the earth pony a nod and set off back towards the town. Letting myself run through my mind, I realized that I didn't have any plans for the rest of the day, afloat like a free leaf with no agenda. With no heading at all, I absentmindedly wandered near the Ponyville school, the fillies and colts out for lunch. It was a nice sight to see, their care free souls bouncing in little balls of energy.

I cracked a slight smiled and shivered as a crisp autumn breeze blew through my long, brown hair. I had grown it out just long enough to fall past my eyebrows when straightened. I had Rarity to thank for that: the fashionista of Ponyville always had a good word for me, always complimenting my appearance. She had been fascinated by human fashion ever since I came here, even using some of my clothes for templates for one of her lines.

My eyes followed one particular filly, an orange pegasus with a purple mane. Why she was trotting around with her friends rather than flying was beyond me, but I'm sure she had a good reason to. A cherry lavender mare that appeared to be their teacher called them back into the classroom, the students glumly filing in single file. Seeing nothing else of interest, I continued my aimless walk around Ponyville. Fancy the fact that I had felt calm in my walks. I suppose it helped me clear my mind and get stuff straight. I glanced at my watch.

12:32PM.

I shrugged and sauntered back towards my home. It might be wise to catch up on some sleep before I meet the girls at the movies tonight.

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7:24PM

That's the time my bedside clock read as I slid out of bed. My hair was ruffled and sticking out of my head at all angles and needed to be taken care of. As I made my way towards the bathroom, I guided my hazy gaze around my room. The walls were a dark blue tone with white blind shades. The bed, quite comfortable was made of silk and cotton sheets matched perfectly with a super comfy comforter and pillow top. It was big enough for me and one other person, or pony I should say. But I haven't had anyone sleep over since I got here.

Reaching the bathroom, I opened the bottom drawer of my cabinets to reveal the glistening iron. It was silver and black, with an electrical outlet to match for power. After a few minutes, it came to life, radiating with heat. As I got myself ready, I shot another glance at the clock.

7:30

Shoot, I mused. Need to hurry. Don't wanna be late. But what was Pinkie saying earlier.... It's all too obvious to the rest of us?

My house was quiet but my mind was racing a mile a minute, abuzz with questions. While I had become accustomed to the customs and social standards in Equestria, I didn't fully understand the underlying stuff: like when a mare marks you to be hers or when a mare thinks you are attractive. Stuff like that. I'm sure it was reflective of Earth, but I suppose I didn't have time for that. Then again, it always nagged at the back of my head.

What would it feel like... to love a pony? It sounds wierd, but I'm not in Earth anymore.

A soft rapping at my door interrupted my train of thought just as I was finishing with my hair. I hastily stashed away the iron and looked myself over before making for the door.

Opening it, I saw a sight that a grin was almost impossible to not respond with. There stood Colgate, her blue eyes gazing up at me. Her body, sleek and silky was much shinier than usual, her mane expertly styled.

Rarity.

She too sported a wide grin, not a toothy one mind you, just happy.

"Hey Jackson," she said as I knelt down to give her a gentle hug. Her fur was soft and velvety. I tried not to make it obvious but, I ran my fingers through her fur gently before we broke the hug. Sweet Celestia, I had never felt anything that soft before that moment.

"Hiya Minuette," I replied, not totally dismissing the intimate moment, but rather keeping it in the back of my mind for safe keeping.

"Ready to get going?" Her voice was soft and gentle, almost motherly in a sense. It was so soothing to hear her speak in that tone,

I couldn't get enough of it.

I nodded in response, motioning for her to follow me as I locked the front door behind me. The evening light was still hanging in the sky, but was accompanied by tiny stars that bounced and twinkled as we walked towards Ponyville Square.

We walked in relative silence, as it was only a short walk. She occasionally poked me jokingly, giggling and she strode along. My

eyes wandered over her slim figure, soaking in every detail.

A soft giggle escaped her lips as my wandering eyes met hers, a huge full blown red blush appearing over my face. I decided to make nothing of the situation and continued walking until she and I were at Ponyville's main square where the move was being held. Lots of ponies had shown up that evening, including everypony Pinkie spoke of. Minuette and I sauntered towards the crowd. The blue mare went over to greet her friends, exchanging little bumps of the hoof or the head. I thought that was absolutely cute as I strode towards the refreshments vendor. Grabbing two drinks and tipping the vendor, I trotted back towards the crowd of ponies, Minuette beckoning me to sit with them.

A slight smile flashed across my face as I saw the blue mare's mane flowing gently in the evening's breeze. The sunset behind us glowed, like the sky was on fire. I saw two pegasi, a colt and a mare chasing each other playfully in the air, circling around the fly in theater. They finally landed, the colt nuzzling the mare. A second glance confirmed my suspicions: they were a couple. The colt was a dark ash color with brilliant shining crimson eyes, his wings fully spread. His mane, a two tone black and white, blew in the breeze gently as the dim purple mare landed next to him. She had a mint green mane accompanying her gentle body, and unusual color combination. I shrugged the image off, and turned my attention back to the screen. The movie was about to start.

______________________________________________________________________________

The light was nearly gone from the sky when I arrived at the field. I loved the night, it always brought me calm.

I glanced around the field, the grass slowly rolling in the night breeze. I knew I was alone but still. I couldn’t shake the feeling that somepony was watching me. But I didn’t care.

I closed my eyes and let my mind slip away. I was wearing a black sweatshirt, black workout shorts and a grey undershirt, so I guess I blended in. But I still couldn’t shake the feeling of somepony watching me. Then I heard a rustle behind me, the sound of a body brushing against the shrubbery. I turned around to see Colgate standing there, looking at me. With a rather confused look on her face I might add.

I turned my head around and stared at the moon as it was rising. I still heard her behind me, and she was walking not towards me, but away from me, with her head turned to her right, watching me closely. I settled back down into the soft grass, closing my eyes again, and fiddled with the pendant that was draped around my neck. It was from Earth; a tribal dagger pendant that had special emotional significance to me. It was gleaming silver with accented black, and a black rubber choker chain to held it around my neck. I loved it, wore it ever day. Not many ponies came to comment on it, but a few did, and they were always awestruck with my explanation.

I tuned my MP3 Player to A Skylit Drive’s “Just Stay”. Amazing song. Weirdly human technology worked here in Equestria. I didn’t think it was possible, but it was.

Just then, I hear another rustling behind me, this time moving towards me. I turned to my right to see Applejack literally bouncing towards me, a look of mixed happiness and concern on her face.

Applejack had always been super nice to me when I arrived.

“Hiya Jackson! What’re ya doin’ out here at this late hour?” Applejack’ voice was cheery and optimistic as always. It brought a smile to my face. I stood up to greet her with a hug.

She was almost as tall as me when she stood on her hind legs.

“Hey Applejack. Just out enjoying the evening,” I replied. “What brings you out here?”

“Well Jackson, we needa talk,” she added with her cute southern drawl. She walked over sitting next to me. I was generally shocked at how her attitude was. Her voice still had bits of happiness in it, but it was overcome by sadness and concern now.

“Ok A.J. What’s up?”

“Well, Colgate just came and got me. Told me you were out here by yerself. Ah reckoned ah’d come see if your ok.”

I chuckled a bit. “Why would Colgate be concerned about me? I thought she doesn’t do mushy crap.”

Applejack responded by a hearty slap on my back. “Jackson, ya may not know this, but she cares for ya. And ah don’t mean as a friend.”

My eyes went wide as I pulled both my headphones out and turned off my music, turning to face her full on.

“W-What??!” I couldn’t form a full sentence, since I was too shocked and confused.

The blonde mare literally belted out laughing, rolling on her back, holding her hat over her face, unable to control her emotions.

Unaware of my stare, she continued for another 30 seconds roughly, before regaining composure.

“Ah swear, ya humans can be dense as a rock sometimes. But ah can’t lie Jackson. Ah’m tellin the truth.”

“Now lookee here. Ah know some ponies can be vicious and even downright cruel, but that’s no reason tah give up love! Ya may be… different, but ah’ve seen how nice you can be! And tuh be honest, ya’ll aren’t that hard on the eyes either,” she said with a friendly wink.

I responded with a heavy blush and looking at the grass between my legs.

“Ok A.J. I’ll bite. Why me, of all the poni..err things in Equestria. Why me?"

Applejack shook her head, and put a hoof on my shoulder, her emerald eyes staring deep into mine. She smiled a little, tilting her head to the left.

“There’s somethin’ special she sees in ya. Jackson, imma be blunt here, but bear with me.”

I nodded.

“Ya don’t try to make yerself stand out in the crowd; ya don’t do flamboyant nonsense to get her attention. And that’s exactly what has.”

“Applejack, I’m just being myself.”

“EXACTLY!!” She almost yelled in my ear. “That’s what ah’m tryin to say! That’s why she’s takin an interest in ya! Yer being yerself.

That’s what makes ya special.”

“I still don’t get it A.J. I think I’d bore her. I can’t fly or do any fancy things. I’m just me…. Boring old me…” I dipped my head between my legs, closing my eyes.

Applejack tapped her chin for a couple minutes, clearly thinking about something.

“By the way partner, what’s with that necklace you keep wearing? Ah think it’s beautiful.” She was commenting on my pendant, which was rare.

I smiled, holding it close to my chest, feeling the cold pewter against my chest.

“It’s a special tribal necklace from my home world. It was given to me by a late loved one...”

Applejack tilted her head to the right, her eyes softening with sympathy. “Does it have a back story?”

I nodded. “It stands for learning from your mistakes and moving forward. It’s uh..,” my voice trailed off as I clutched it again. “It’s precious to me.”

She nodded her head in understanding. “Ah think it accents ya very well. Kinda gives ya an exotic and tribal look,” she said with a grin. I blushed in response.

“All right A.J. I’m gonna head back home. Oh and by the way… thanks for the talk,” I said with a smile. She fidgeted to her hooves, and tipped her hat to me.

“Anythin to help a friend, partner. Good night.”

“Good night.”

We parted ways, me heading towards my home in Ponyville. It was a small place, big enough for me. It had a bedroom, kitchen and all the necessities. I walked along the dirt streets of Ponyville, my eyes shifting to each of the buildings as I passed them. Ponies were out populating the town, enjoying their night life, happily chatting amongst themselves oblivious to my presence. I didn’t even try to avoid them, just walked casually back to my house.

The night felt so comfortable and relaxing that I really didn't want to go to bed. I'd much rather prefer to stay out and enjoy it. But the sad thing was I had nopony to enjoy it with.

Maybe Applejack's right....

I made for my front door, glancing around for no apparent reason, then slid inside the door.

I'm pretty sure I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Chapter III: Memories

I awoke to the sound of a small bird singing at my window sill. The tiny blue and white ball of feathers flew off as soon as I began to stir in my bed, and as I turned onto my back a thin smile spread across my face and closed my eyes. The gentle morning glow was beginning to seep through the hills that surrounded Ponyville, rolling over them like a cloud would jump through the sky. Chuckling, I rose from my bed and sauntered over to the washroom of my apartment, where upon arrival, I made for the shower. The water cascaded over my naked body relieving of so many stresses and challenges over the past couple weeks, but as I put a hand up on one of the walls to steady myself, I let my mind wander.

Of course, I had grown accustomed to living life in Ponyville & Equestria. One could ask me how long it took me to get used to little creatures that were only waist high, yet somehow stronger than me. Well, the simple answer was it took me about three months to finally understand Equestrian culture and the logistics of everyday living.

I closed my eyes and winced as a jolt of pain shot through my chest, shaking me free from my mid-morning daydream. It wasn't unusual for me to experience pains like that; most of the time I simply shrugged it off and went on with the day's events. As a child back on Earth, I was diagnosed with a Valve Heart Murmur, which in laymen's terms means that the valves on my heart don't always work properly and sometimes let excess blood in, causing severe pain. They were rare and uncommon among humans and on Earth, and the medical fields of Equestria were interested in what I had to say about them

Feeling groggy in the morning also wasn't usual. I usually needed a kick or coffee to get me going, but I felt today was an exception.

It was Saturday and I felt as though it should be a time for relaxation and recuperation, as the Harvest was only a couple days away. Sighing a content happy groan, I let my mind wander.

______________________________________________________________________________

I opened my eyes to see a flowing field of yellow and white grass, gentling blowing in an evening summer's breeze. The air was crisp, warm and clear, like after a thunderstorm. No one was around as I walked through the knee tall grass, it gently brushing against my legs. I don't know why, but I felt so at peace while I was here. Nothing bothered me, there wasn't any pain: nothing.

The once cloudless sky began to darken as thunder clouds raced in at an un-Earthly speed. The distant rumble of thunder sounded its arrival. The air began to dampen almost immediately as I felt the heaviness of the rain start to set in. It felt cool and rushed over my body, soaking my clothes and skin. I felt my hair flatten against my head as I continued to mindlessly walk, with no clear destination in sight. I scanned the gloomy landscape to see one lone tombstone, unmarked, standing atop a desolate hill under a bare tree. A chill wind wrapped around my body as I walked past it. All I knew at that moment was, I had never felt so numb.

______________________________________________________________________________

I opened my eyes to be met with a familiar scene; my bathroom. I glanced around seeing that I had somehow sat down in the shower, the hot water still coating my body. I chuckled as I turned off the shower and stepped out.

Oh, sweet memories, I mused as I toweled myself dry.

The picture of that place was so clear in my head I felt I could walk out my front door and be greeted by it. But, it was just a dream.

I was snapped fully awake by a sharp sequence of knocks at my front door accompanied by a purple glow outside. As I strode towards the door, I smiled softly as I was met by Twilight Sparkle. Her ears perked directly towards me as her muzzle grew into a warm smile.

"Good morning Jackson. Sleep well?"

Her voice was soft and caring, almost reminding me of my mother.

"Yes in fact I did Twilight. Thanks for asking," I replied with a warm smile. Princess Twilight Sparkle had been one of the first ponies to welcome me formally to Equestria as well as get me accustomed to their ideals and customs.

"Good. I was just coming by to say hi. We haven't spent any time together lately..." she said as her voice trailed off. Her eyes wandered over me until they met with mine, her big, purple eyes radiating with the morning's soft glow. She was very attractive for a pony, I'll have to admit that. Her sleek figure was accented by her large wings and long flowing purple and pink mane. She stood just over waist height to me, being taller than most of the mares in Ponyville. Others like Big Mac were about shoulder height for me.

I smiled warmly and scratched her on her head. "You're right," I replied. "We should hang out more."

Twilight's stance changed slightly to a more relaxed demeanor, crossing her forelegs as her wing spread, then refolded. The purple mare had always acted friendly whenever she was with me, play fighting or wrestling at random. It was all in good fun.

She cleared her throat as her eyes locked onto mine again.

"Anyway, the reason I'm here was to invite you to come to Sugarcube Corner with me. I was just on my way there," she explained with a slight smile, her purple mane blowing gently in the breeze. My mind began to work as I mulled over the possible outcomes. Twilight and I were just friends, and frankly I don't know why my mind went directly to the gutter. I was good friends with all the mares in Ponyville to be honest, each treated me the same. I chuckled and reached for my coat, just inside my door hanging on the coat rack. It was made of medium weight and was perfect for this season. The coat itself was black with blue accents, making for quite the sharp appearance.

As I reappeared in front of the door, Twilight stiffened slightly and gave my figure a look over before flashing me a playful wink. She turned and began to trot down the cobblestone sidewalk, stopping after a while to wait for me, as I closed and locked the front door. The wind was bitter and swift, blowing my long brown hair into my eyes, making me have to push the bangs out of my eyes. I jogged after Twilight as she giggled, still waiting for me. I couldn't help but wear a smile. Ponyville was truly beautiful this time of year. The trees were losing their leaves, coating the dirt roads of the little town with a blanket of color. The picture that lay before my eyes made me gasp under my breath, and stop short.

With my hands in my pockets, I slowly cast my gaze around downtown Ponyville. Ponies were bustling about, chatting and laughing all around. The wind was still chilly and bitter, nipping at my rosy tinted cheeks. My eyes settled on Twilight in front of me, whose big, purple eyes were gazing affectionately back at me, wondering if I was going to follow her.

I laughed to myself for a split second before closing my eyes and smiling.

Oh, sweet memories... I said to myself. It looks just like that time... so many years ago.

I opened my eyes to see Twilight in front of me, with a slightly worried and confused look in her beautiful eyes.

She rested her left hoof on my shoulder as I squatted down to meet her gaze. She immediately saw the starry look in them and smiled.

"It looks like that moment back on Earth... doesn't it Jackson?"

I bit my bottom lip at that comment. She knew of what I thought.

Back on Earth, I was madly in love with a woman named Lily. We met when were 18, started off as friends, and gradually grew into something beautiful. There wasn't a moment that went by that I didn't think about her. We knew each other for 3 years, until that day. It was September, autumn was setting in, and she was at work, on the long shift. She had called me that she was on her way home after a 13 hour day and was wanting to cuddle.

She....never made it home. The driver behind her was drunk and ended up rear ending her and sending her car off a cliff, and into the ocean. Naturally, I was wondering why she wasn't home, until the police came to my door and told me the grave news. I had never felt so much pain in my life. I couldn't leave my house for two days. I couldn't eat, sleep must less hold a job.

Her funeral was the most crippling part. I gave her eulogy in its entirety, through oceans of tears, even kissing her coffin goodbye.

After that, I hadn't felt the same since that day. I suppose I was suffering from a broken heart. But it was the months that followed, my departure from Earth and my arrival into Equestria that were the hardest. I was still suffering from depression and a broken heart when I arrived. Twilight was the first to notice, and took me in for the first few months to help me cope. I relied on her heavily, even crying on her shoulder some nights.

The only thing that I had to remind myself of Lily was a silver pendant necklace she had given me for my birthday, some years ago. To this day, I always wear it. It reminds me of her and her last words to me. I play one song on my guitar every time my mind wanders to her. It was her favorite song, one of bittersweet melody and dark undertones.

The title was simply "When Will You Breathe".

The last words she ever said to me ring in my head to this very day.

"Love is a funny thing. You can't find true love because it doesn't exist. It only exists in lovers who give each other their hearts."

They echo with a resonance that, in the back of my head, made my who I am today. It's very bittersweet to think of the memories I have on Earth.

A gentle hoof on my cheek snapped me out of my day dream, to see that it was Twilight, sympathetically holding her right foreleg to my face, then pulling me in for a hug. I returned it reluctantly, feeling a full pain cruise through my chest. It wasn't from my chest, but from my heart. It ached to see her again, even though I knew I couldn't.

I broke our hug and placed a ginger hand on the necklace that hung around my neck. It's resonance shimmered in the dull, autumn light, filling Twilight's eyes with twinkling stars.

The thought of moving on and loving again had always been in the back of my mind, yet I had never acting on the latter half of that thought. I had moved from the grief and pain of losing her, but I couldn't bring myself to offer my heart, as scarred and battered as it was, to someone new, let alone of a new species and world.

"She would have wanted the best for you, Jackson," Twilight's motherly voice rang as it broke the silence. She turned and positioned herself at my side, beckoning me to walk with her to Sugarcube Corner. It was always taxing on both of us to think on this heavy subject. Princess Celestia & Luna knew of my situation all too well. Luna had been the second and only other pony I had told until Twilight put an intervention on me, a year and a half ago.

I let out a heavy sigh, and straightened myself to my full height, opening my eyes to see the same scene, nothing had changed. It was still as I remembered it back on Earth, so many year ago. The scene that was before me was eerily similar to that moment back on Earth. I suppose that's why I felt like this for the time being.

"Thank you Twilight," I said in a hushed voice as we continued to walk, slowly, to Sugarcube Corner. She didn't respond as we arrived, me opening the door for her. Rather, she simply gave the most loving and understanding look I ever saw. Her mane blew slightly more than before, it bouncing on her head, covering her right eye and blowing across her sleek back. She was definitely beautiful for a pony. Whenever their manes blew, it reminded me of something out of an anime show back on Earth.

I cracked a smile as we entered the sweet smelling building together, a plethora of sweet scents meeting our noses. Pinkie Pie was being herself, literally bouncing around the joint serving ponies their treats. The purple mare at my side poked me in my side, motioning towards a table in the corner, the same one Minuette and I had shared last week.

As we took our seats, I glanced out the window and smiled at the scenery. Pegasi, unicorns and Earth ponies were bustling around, some throwing high hooves and waves at each other. The vendors were going about the day, offering passerby's snacks and trinkets.

Sweet memories... I mused as I scanned the small town's hillside. Celestia's sun was beginning to peek over the distant hills, throwing rays of light every angle. It was amazing to witness, I could only imagine what it would be like to witness Celestia herself raise the sun, or Luna raise the moon. My train of thought was derailed by Pinkie Pie's materialization beside our table, her blue eyes wide with excitement.

"What'll it be today, guys?" she said with a wide grin. Twilight bopped her long time friend on the muzzle playfully for startling her, then shared a good laugh as she ordered a cup of coffee. I ordered my usual coffee, and sat back in my chair as Pinkie bounced off to the kitchen.

Twilight's eyes met mine for a brief second. We didn't say anything, but our thoughts were louder than words. I offered a meek smile in return to her gentle hoof on my shoulder.

I looked out the window again as the sun continued to rise further and further into the sky.

Another day, to change the past days, not of nightmares, but to memories. Sweet memories that will stay with us forever.

Chapter IV: Change

Our coffee arrived right one time, Pinkie giving both of us a friendly smile before departing to take care of other customers. We didn't say much at first, our minds clearly busier than our mouths were allowing us to be. Ponies came and went, some we knew, some were complete strangers to me but not Twilight. Being Celestia's personal protégé and a princess herself, she was bound to be popular. I didn't say much as ponies stopped and talked with Twilight, rather than simply acknowledged when they remarked about me. Everypony in town was used to having me around, since I was the lone human in this part of their world, I was popular too. In a way. My sharp eyesight spotted Minuette walking with Lyra outside of Sugarcube Corner. Her eyes caught mine and responded with a wide smile and a tip of her head.

She and I had been good friends for a while now, just that however. She didn't know much about my past life but she knew enough to understand. We had spent time together sometimes, not rarely and not frequently as our work schedules were intertwined most of the time. Times that I was off, she was working and vice versa. However, on the rare occasion that we did get together, it was always special in my eyes. She and I had really become good friends over the past two years.

Along with countless other ponies, both mares and stallions, I guess you can say that I have quite the life; not to mention that I'm the only human in Ponyville.

I glanced around Sugarcube Corner as I continued to sip on my coffee, the warm liquid giving me pause for thought. I kept bringing myself back to one mare at a rose vendor. She had a two tone deep red mane and what looked like pale yellow fur. I didn't know her name, but wow she was gorgeous. As I continued to watch her, her emerald green eyes met mine for a brief moment, and in that moment something happened. It felt like a thin band of electricity flashed between our lines of sight. I don't know how to explain it, but we broke eye contact a couple seconds later and went about the day like nothing happened. Of course, I knew neither of us thought that.

"Hey Jackson! What's up bud?" an enthusiastic female voice chirped in my left ear. I raised an eyebrow as Rainbow Dash was hovering next to me, wearing a wide smile. She and I had formed a special relationship during my time here, along with most of the other ponies that I knew.

I high hoofed the floating mare as she dropped to her legs and folded her wings to her sides.

"Same ol' stuff Rainbow. What's new with you?" The question caused the cyan pegasus to rise into the sky again, giggling like a schoolyard filly.

"I'm just on my way to judge the Young Fliers Competition in Cloudsdale!"

"Didn't you do that like 5 years ago?"

"Yes, she saved all our lives while winning the competition too", Twilight interjected.

Rainbow blushed. "Aww, it was nothin'". An uproar of laughter erupted from the mares as they remembered that day that helped them bond closer with each other. I wish I could have been there. From the picture Twilight narrated for me, it seemed like quite the adventure. Not to mention the recent ones they had.

I smiled as Rainbow continued to relive her experience, detailing how she maneuvered so quickly, carrying friends to safety and even winning a day with the Wonderbolts, who were basically the Equestrian equivalent to the Blue Angels back home. They were the best fliers I had ever seen. I didn't even think that pegasi could fly that fast.

I snapped out of thought as the group of mares departed from Sugarcube Corner, taking Twilight with her. I said goodbye to her with a simple wave of my left hand, and returned to my coffee. It was still warm and felt good against my slightly chilled hands, my thick coat huddling to me like some newborn filly.

Just then, the bell on the door rang, and the same mare I saw at the rose vendor opened it and walked in. She appeared to be a regular there, as Pinkie Pie high hoofed her with her usual enthusiasm, except this mare hadn't returned it. She simply offered a big smile and nothing more. Her mane was surprisingly well kempt and tidy for being out in the wind for most of the morning. I did not know her name, but as I was studying her figure, I heard a snicker Twilight, as the other ponies had already left for the day's events.

"She's pretty, isn't she," she said simply, sipping on her drink.

She studied me as I turned my attention back to her, my peripheral vision could still see the mare in the corner of my eye. She was chatting with Pinkie Pie, offering the occasional smirk and chuckle every time Pinkie made a joke, compared to the pink mare's toxic giggling. Taking her bag of treats in her mouth, she made for the door after thanking Pinkie. It was then that our eyes met for one brief moment. They were a deep emerald green, shimmering in the tiny cafe's light. She offered me a simple half smile and then exited the building, disappearing into the crowd of ponies that waited outside.

I had never seen such simplistic beauty in my life. Not to rat on Rarity, but this mare didn't overdo or go out of her way everyday to look stunning. The way she walked, held herself up, I don't know. It was just so simple.

"Yeah she is," I replied as I returned my attention to Twilight and my coffee, which had finally reached drinking temperature.

"Who is she?"

Twilight responded with a wide grin and a slight, cute smirk.

"Her name is Roseluck. She runs the rose vendor around Ponyville. Why do you ask?"

I glanced down at my coffee and took a long, shallow sip.

"Just wondering," I said simply. Twilight giggled and fidgeted slightly in her chair. She could tell that I was hiding something, but didn't say anything or push out of kindness. When I was growing up back on Earth, I had always been turned off by the girls and women that tried way too hard to either get noticed or overdress. Again, no offence to Rarity, but I usually always went for the quiet, small town girls. They always had a big heart.

I smiled and took another sip of coffee, the steam rising from it meeting my nostrils and filling them with the strong scent of the beans. I glanced to my left to see the same picture that I had seen not too long ago. The morning fog was still rolling on the ground, announcing its presence with a gloomy yet serene contract against the rising sun. It was a beautiful scene to see, almost indescribable. The fog offered perfect contrast to the sun. I know I'm gushing but it was just beautiful. We finished our breakfast with me picking up the tab as I usually did. I suppose it was the gentlemanly thing to do. As we made for the front door of the little brown and pink building, Celestia's sun came into full view, shooing away the gentle, rolling fog as morning finally broke. We said our farewells for now, exchanging a gentle hug before parting ways, I taking the usual route of my morning stroll and Twilight poofing back to the library. Subconsciously, I wanted to find Roseluck and introduce myself, but at the same time

I wished nothing more than to take my morning stroll as I did every Saturday.

My mind flashed as I remembered something that hadn't been done yet. My monthly doctor's appointment was this morning, and glancing at Ponyville Square's clock, I was almost going to be late. Changing pace to a hasty jog, I trotted up the cobblestone avenue on the way to the Hospital. It was only a short walk from my apartment, bang in the middle of the town. I shuddered as a cold burst of pain ran through my chest again. Knowing the source of it, I shook my head and continued walking; slower this time.

I should really tell the nurse and Doc about this, I mused as I flitted my eyes to random buildings.

Upon arriving at the large, white building I chuckled as I pushed the double doors open, the crisp air greeting me.

"Oh! Good Morning Jackson. Here for your appointment?" a female voice called out. Looking up I instantly nodded to see who the owner of that voice was. Flitter sat at the consultants desk at the end of the short entrance way. She wore a big, warm smile as I sauntered up to the desk.

"Hiya Flit. Yes I am," I replied. Flitter's long, mint green mane was neatly styled into a pony tail as to keep it out of the way. She gave me a warm smile and glanced down at the large notebook that lay in front of her. She flipped through a couple pages until her hoof stopped on my name.

"I'll let them know you're here. Go ahead and take a seat," she said.

Simply nodding my head in response, I made for the somewhat uncomfortable chairs that were in the entrance way. I threw a look out of the windows on the large, mostly glass doors and I twiddled my thumbs.

A short time later, Nurse Redheart walked into the entrance way and called my name. Getting up slowly, I followed her down the hospital's wing, passing rooms of assorted patients with different injuries. One caught my eye: a white Pegasus mare with a fiery red mane and tail, a heart as her cutie mark. Stopping, I gazed at the figure; her eyes were closed and she seemed to be at peace. A heart monitor beeped in a tune, which was the only sound besides the Nurse's hooves approaching me that filled the desolate hospital.

The white medical mare gave me a sideways look and motioned for me to follow her, which I agreed to.

That Pegasus.... I mused as I entered the room where the Nurse sat me down on a table.

Something is so familiar about her...

Redheart went through her basic medical look-over, checking my reflexes, mouth health, joint health and so on. She was aware of my heart condition, and was careful to keep a watchful eye on me. After she took my pulse she asked me if I had any chest pain or discomfort lately, which I took a minute before responding to.

Closing my eyes and nodding my head once, she gave me a grave look, tight lipped and put her stethoscope down on the examining table.

"Stay put. I'm going to get the Doctor."

I nodded again. Laying back on the table I felt the pillow touch my head and my body relax.

A short time later, Nurse Redheart reappeared with a deep brown coated stallion at her side. Doctor Roman had been my doctor since I had arrived in Equestria and had always taken good care of me.

As Nurse Redheart told him what I told her, he stiffened and gave a grave, yet somber look. I knew what would happen next. I simply relaxed my body as the Doctor's horn came to life and began to scan my body, then focusing on my chest where my heart was.

The blue aura of energy stayed there for a good five minutes before the doctor's horn faded and lowered his head. His eyes were closed as his head swiveled from side to side, signaling that something was indeed wrong. He left the room without another word.

He returned roughly 15 minutes later, with a very worried looking Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie at his sides. Apparently they had been notified of the situation, which I was still unknowing of.

"Jackson, I've been your doctor for a long time now and I think I know you pretty well," his deep voice sounded as Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle walked towards me.

I felt a pit in my stomach form as the doctor continued to gaze at me.

"I don't know quite how to say this, so I'll just come straight out with it."

"Your condition has worsened. To the point where we can't repair the damage. I'm sorry Jackson, but there is no known treatment for this in Equestria. I give you two years to live."

The silence that followed was almost deafening. Feeling like I had gotten slammed with a wagon full of bricks to the stomach, I swallowed nervously, not saying another word.

To be honest, I felt heavy and unresponsive. I didn't even know that the Doctor and Nurse had left, along with Pinkie & Twilight. I felt darkness creeping in as I finally gave in.

I drew my knees to my chest and buried my face into them. I sobbed for what seemed like hours, or minutes. I'll never know.

Finally after I was finished, I walked to the entrance of my room. Glancing out of it and peering down the hallway, nopony was there.

I put my hands into my pockets as I made my way slowly towards the entrance where Flitter was. Hearing me, she turned her head only to see my somber and depressed look. She gave a quizzical look, but decided not to say anything as I continued out of the entrance hall to the door.

I stopped at the door, placing my hand on the cool glass. As I looked outside, ponies were going about their own lives, until I saw her. Roseluck stood at her vendor, down the street and across from the hospital. Once the customer had gone from her stand, her gaze lazily wandered across everything until it came to me, her expression unchanged, except for a small smile that spread across her muzzle. Her gentle green eyes smiled in themselves as I pushed open the glass door of the hospital. Meeting her gaze, I offered a meek smile in return as I turned down the street and decided to go home. Out of the corner of my left eye, I saw her turn her head to the left, furrowing her brow in the process.

She left my outer vision as I continued down the street, with again, no clear destination in mind.

Ten minutes later, I found myself in Ponyville Square, with ponies everywhere going about their day, until I saw Twilight. She was standing at fountain talking to the mayor, appearing to have just wrapped up some business. She did a double take as her eyes met me. Widening instantly, she slowly trotted over to me, again, pure silence reigning for a short moment.

I bent down to my knees and simply, with no exchange of words, wrapped her in a tight, yet gentle hug. Neither of us said anything for a good long while, until we broke our hug, the purple mare placing a gentle hoof on my right shoulder, with watery eyes. She offered a weak smile as we continued to stand in silence.

"Jackson I...I-I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry..." she said quietly, her front hooves crossed.

A sharp, cold wind blew between us as we continued to stand in moderate silence. The wing was strong enough to blow my hair into my face, which I held to the left with my hand.

"This was bound to happen sooner or later, Twilight," I said in a small voice.

"It's time to make a few changes," I added as I straightened to my full height catching the mare off guard.

Her expression brightened at my words and joined me at my side.

She said nothing, but simply nodded as we walked together towards the Golden Oaks Library.

We said nothing on our journey, but I could tell that each of our minds were working.

Love is eternal. It's amazing what such a simple word can mean and do to a couple. It can build them up, make them strong, or completely destroy a life. Do not reject it even though it may be painful, as love will always find a way, even in the darkest of times. Change is it's ally.

Change.

That simple word had so much meaning now; and I planned to act upon it.

Chapter V: Here I Am

I arrived back at my house after parting ways with Twilight, my body still heavy from the news I had received. I wasn't surprised to be honest, I was aware that I had this condition for a while now, ever since I was 12 or so. But hearing it from two different sources in two different worlds sure puts a load on you.

My front door swung open to welcome me back, its silent and unanimated embrace helping me to feel slightly better. I walked slowly into the small, single story building and cast my gaze around. Nothing had changed; everything was right where I had left it, and I was glad for that. Even though I had received news that I was slowly dying, I was still able to smile. Back on Earth, the doctors said that this condition was fixable by performing a heart transplant, replacing the biological one with an artificial one. Not knowing much about Equestrian technology, I couldn't hinder a guess as to if they were able to do the same procedure here. But I could safely assume that with the ability to heal broken wings overnight and regenerate horns, it might be possible.

A soft yet firm knock at the door interrupted by thoughts, and as I walked towards the door to answer said knock, I spotted my guitar lying in its usual spot; up against my bookshelf in the corner. I smiled at the old, wooden design but continued walking towards the door, my minds track set.

Upon opening the heavy, wooden door I saw Minuette standing there in the doorway, gazing up at me with her big, blue eyes. I could see that she had somehow heard the news about what had transpired, and her smile definitely complimented that nicely.

"Hey Jackson. I hear what happened..." she said as her voice trailed off, scratching her left foreleg.

"I thought I would come by to see if you're ok..?" Her voice clearly stated that she was concerned, and I could understand her for that. I smiled, and squatted down on my knees so that I was eye level with her. I felt a gentle breeze of wind blow between us, but paid no attention.

I welcomed her gentle hug next, wrapping my arms around her slim figure. Her fur was the softest thing I have ever felt in my life, almost with a silky texture to it. I stroked her back a couple times before the hug ended, our eyes meeting for a brief moment as I rose to welcome her into the house. I saw something flash in her eyes that I had only seen once or twice before.

"Well, I really do have to thank you for coming by Minuette. I don't really quite know how to handle this," I replied, strolling towards my favorite chair, the blue mare hopping up on it and sitting next to me.

"I guess I really don't know what to do next," I continued, relaxing as I continued to elaborate on my past and everything. Minuette had both ears tuned directly on me, her sleek blue figure stretched out on the sofa. She offered the occasional nod but did nothing more than that until I had finished.

"Well, in my honest opinion Jackson, I think you should do something about it," she said in her sweet, almost angelic voice. "I think you should live everyday like it's your last, make new friends, remember old ones, and maybe even find that special mare...." she cooed as her voice again trailed off at those last words.

Special mare. Long had I not believed in love, feeling lost and betrayed when Lily had died. But that was many years ago, and I found it kind of silly that I let it govern my life. Yes, anyone who suffers a loss; it will alter your life. But you can either choose to let it control you, or you can mourn and grieve for a while, and move on.

"I'm sure that's what she would want for you, Jackson," she added. Knowing exactly who she was talking about, I smiled slightly and took a deep breath.

"Yeah you're right," I replied, stroking her back gently. She always enjoyed this, but she had to explain that it wasn't a sign of love really, but comfort and trust between friends. I felt her body relax as she scooted closer to me, laying her head next to my side and curling up, wrapping her tail around her body. I found it odd that she was acting his way, but came to the conclusion that it was nothing unusual.

We sat in silence for a while then, continuing to stroke her soft coat. I felt her side rise and fall gently as she stretched her forelegs out over the edge of the sofa. I didn't know how to feel right in that moment.

The room was filled with silence only accompanied by the soft tapping of a beginning rainstorm. Minuette stirred as I stretched my back a little, relaxing myself and letting my eyes slide shut. The last thing I saw the blue mare at my side shifting slightly.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

I stirred awake as I felt something shift at my side again. At first, what it was puzzled me, my mind still fuzzy from waking up.

Realizing that the blue mare was simply fidgeting in her sleep, I smiled at how cute she was acting. Nestled against my leg, head curled up between her forelegs, I thought that was pretty cute. Her body rose and fell with the gentleness of her breathing.

I gently put my hand on her side, causing an almost instantaneous reaction of her wiggling closer to me, probably to take advantage of my body heat or something. Rainbow and Twilight had offered me tips on how to spot the differences between intimacy and friends, but at the time, I hadn't had time to sit and listen. Tomorrow was Monday, meaning I had work; so I suppose after work I could go by and talk to them. It might be helpful in future, who knows. Applejack had walked me through the basics, like how a mare selects her mate, what to watch for and stuff like that (to be honest, I had forgotten most of that stuff).

Turning my attention outdoors, I noticed that it had begun to rain. Rainbow had told me last week that she was planning a storm for this coming week, as the town's crops needed it. I had always found it peaceful and calming when it rained. There's a saying back on Earth ''some people just get wet in the rain. Other's feel it." I guess I'm one of those few lucky people who actually love the rain.

I found it funny. Here I am in a completely different world, sitting on my couch with a beautiful mare sleeping next to me, and an impending decision that would affect the rest of my life. With the news of my heart condition confirmed, it put a choke hold on my daily activities. The doctor had ordered no extensive strenuous activities, try to limit exposure to hot weather among other things.

Thinking back, I had been through so much in my lifetime. Not to call the pity party on myself, but I just thought back and looked myself over, making sure not to disturb Minuette. Part of me didn't understand why she (if she felt something special about me) would choose me out of everything in this world. But the other part half way understood why. Applejack's words still rang in my ears.

That's why she likes you! Ya'll are bein' yerself! Don't let go of that... ever!

A small clap of thunder shook me away from my train of thought, though I managed to hold onto it.

I guess I'm living proof of a theory that I had come up with years ago.

"A soul will never change its tune, no matter how much it has been scarred, broken or beaten. The true test of yourself isn't the fact that you will be brought to your knees in your lifetime. The true test is knowing how to recover and move forward," I whispered to myself, the pitter-patter of raindrops slightly drowning my words out.

Those words mystified me through my teen years and into my early 20's, only until life handed me the lesson book, per say. Now, I fully understand what that meant. I have had my heart, mind and body broken on several occasions, yet here I am, scarred yes, but I'm still me.

The clouds in the sky began to turn a deep grey, and I just remembered that I had left a window open. Carefully sliding away from the sleeping blue mare on my couch, a tip-toed over to the ajar window and slid it closed without making a sound. Thank Celestia that the window didn't creek.

As I walked silently back towards the sofa, my eyes slid over Minuette's sleek figure. She was, I have to say, flawless. Her fur was the literally the softest thing I have ever felt, her mane and tail were surprisingly well kept and brushed.

I wonder if she gussied herself up just to see me....¸ I mused as I sat back down on the sofa.

Feeling motion on the sofa next to me, the half awake blue mare fiddled to find my body warmth, eventually following with an action I had not expected. She lay her head on my leg, stretching her left foreleg out so it touched my leg just above my knee. Gasping slightly and feeling my heart rate jump a slight amount, I knew this had to be subconscious, for I doubt she would willingly do this.

Smiling to myself, I let my head fall back as darkness crept in on my sight. It felt relaxing to be honest; the rain outside gently hitting the roof of my house, I caught glimpses of pegasi flying here and there, scurrying to get to their homes. My mind kept coming back to the sleeping mare at my side. I had never experienced something like this here, let alone Earth. So this is new for me.

The last thing my vision caught was Minuette, still sleeping at my side, but this time a smile on her face. I didn't know what to make of that, and I fell asleep too fast to come up with an explanation.

Chapter VI: Love In Another World

I woke with the sound of my alarm clock at 7:00AM sharp. Half awake, I practically fell off the couch trying to find it, eventually falling into my bedroom and shutting the damn thing up. I stretched my body which was accompanied with a long yawn, eventually making my way towards the shower. After the events of the last couple days, anyone would need a long shower.

As I stepped into the steaming bathroom, I removed my clothes and let the water run over my body. Just feeling the warm liquid against me was a relief. My mind continued to wander as I cleaned myself off, how I would continue to live my life after this news; how it would affect my friends and myself. I let my eyes fall shut as my body further relaxed inside the soothing shower. I chuckled as I tilted my head towards the shower head, letting the water cascade over my face. It was peaceful to say the least. The only two releases that I had in my new life were my guitar and the shower. Although I liked to take walks at night and dusk, I found more solace in my guitar, as it was a comfort item from home. I do miss my Earth life, however Equestria offered me certain pleasantries that Earth failed to: such as medical care that was far beyond home's, a community rarely targeted by evil, and friends that were plentiful.

Stirring from my daydream, I glanced at the clock that hung in my bathroom and jumping sharply.

7:33AM.

I was due at the farm at 8, and I still had to eat breakfast, not to mention walk there. Turning the shower heads to off, I stepped out of the shower and wrapped myself in a towel. I had lost a considerable amount of weight since I had arrived here, resembling myself as I did when I was in high school, some 5 years ago.

Smiling to myself, I pulled on my work shorts and made for the kitchen, serving myself a bowl of cereal while I drew open the curtains, allowing Celestia's warm light to come through. My mind still continued its aimless coarse around the cosmos, pondering my current life problems. I finished my breakfast and finished getting dressed, and as I made for the door, I spotted a note sitting on the couch.

Hey Jackson, Sorry I left early last night but I have work tomorrow. I really enjoyed last night by the way...

We should do that more often.

Best, Minuette

I chuckled and placed the note on my counter and made for the front door.

Turning around after locking the tumblers in place, I saw Ponyville sprawled before me. Not many ponies were out and about at this time of day, and school didn't start for another hour or so. I began my morning route towards Sweet Apple Acres in a slightly quickened pace, though usually it would take me roughly 20 minutes to get there, I felt that today was an exception. My gaze scanned the ponies that walked and flew around me, paying me no mind except for the casual wave. I have to admit, ponies here are much nicer than humans back home.

"Good morning," a sweet female voice rang out over the grey skies. Turning my head to the left to the origin of the sound, stood Roseluck, that mare I had seen a couple of other times around town. She was walking the opposite way as me without giving any indication of stopping.

"Morning," I replied simply, tipping my hat forward slightly and continuing on my way. I had yet to be late for a day of work.

More buildings of grey and black colors passed shapelessly by me as I walked towards the farm, Ponyville's downtown behind me now. I shoved my hands in my pockets, the damp morning air biting at my exposed skin. Although it was September and still moderately warm, the mornings could be very chilly, so jackets were necessary.

My arrival to Sweet Apple Acres was signaled by the white picket fence that ran the length of the long dirt road that lead towards the farm. As I arrived at the farm I could see its large green meadows still wet from the dew, Celestia's morning sun starting to rise in the sky. Applejack and Big Mac were already out and about working the north field when I arrived at 7:55AM according to my watch.

Giving a nod to Applejack, who acknowledged my presence with the same response, I continued walking to the south field, my work place. I still had half the field to plow and crop, and it was going to be a long day. Working on the farm for as long as I had, I had lost a lot of excess weight and gained it back in muscle, giving my toned, sleek look that I had back in high school. I had never considered myself an attractive person, but seeing what working on the farm has done to me in past years, it certainly boosted my self confidence.

Positioning the plow in front of me, I leaned forward and pushed hard, using my entire body weight to push the heavy metal object forward, at a surprisingly fast rate. Keeping in mind that my doctor had given me specific orders not to overwork myself, I felt as though I was still able to work at the farm, but limit myself greatly. Normally, I would have an entire field plowed in a day; but with this setting me back, I would have to cut that down.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Lunch came faster than I had planned it to. Taking a glance at the sky, I assumed it to be around 11:30 or noon. With my schedule worked out, I was able to take lunch now and still have about an hour and a half left of work. Making sure the farming plow wasn't going anywhere, I jogged up to the farmhouse and my backpack, where upon opening it, sat my lunch. I trotted back down to the south field and sat underneath a giant tree, resting my back against the thick trunk. The sandwich was made of my favorite wheat bread and hayseeds. I had grown accustomed to Equestria's foods in the first couple months of my living here. Through the first year, I had 30 pounds from my original Earth weight.

I looked up at the beautiful blue sky, only interrupted by a couple puffy clouds here and there. Sighing, I took another bite of my sandwich and let my mind wander, which kept coming coming back to last night.

I deeply enjoyed last night, having Colgate snuggling next to me. It almost felt right in a way. I suppose I had a lot of thought to put into it. Colgate was, truthfully, absolutely beautiful in terms of mares around Ponyville. Don't get me wrong; Rainbow and her friends were equally as attractive, but there was something special about Minuette. And I was racking my mind trying to find that hidden reason. Glancing at my watch, I noticed that lunch was over. I took one last look at the golden sun shining in the sky, then trotted back up the farmhouse.

______________________________________________________________________________________

The hours past like flies as I continued to work the south field, making sure to moderate myself as well. Every 30 minutes or so, I would take a 10 minute break, regain my strength and my breath. It was helpful to know that if anything went wrong, Applejack was within eyesight of me. Judging from the sun in the sky, I assumed it to be around 2pm.

Wow, I thought to myself as I brushed a running bead of sweat out of my face.

Time does fly. Scanning the field behind me, I saw that I had completed roughly half to three quarters of it. Doing as Applejack instructed, I unattached myself from the plow and made my way up the dirt road towards the farm house. I was scheduled from 7-2 today, which is a 7 hour day, minus lunch. It was nice to know that I had a steady job to support myself in this new world. As I was nearing the farmhouse, Applejack was trotting up to it as well, dripping with sweat and dirt. Her mane was tangled mess, slightly gleaming from all the hard work of that day. She had probably started earlier than I had, but ended her shift at roughly the same time. I had to keep in mind the fact that the Harvest started this Wednesday, meaning that a lot of farmers and merchants were on their way to Ponyville to see what we had to offer, in terms of product.

"Ya feelin' all right there, bud?" Applejack called out as I gathered up my stuff and finished writing down my punch out.

"Yeah, I guess," I replied. This caused Applejack to stop and give me a weird look.

"Somethin' wrong?" she asked.

Shaking my head once or twice, I chuckled. "Not really. Just a lot on my mind."

"Ah feel ya, partner," she said as she wiped herself down with a towel, taking care of any extra dirt that was left behind. "This here Harvest is gonn' be one to remember!"

Laughing at what the orange earth pony said, I placed a towel over my forehead and sat down against the red barn. The landscape of the Apple family farm was truly beautiful; they had even offered to give me a place to stay. Respectively however, I told them that I had gotten my own place and was grateful for the suggestion.

"So lookee here. Ah've heard tell round town that you and Colgate are together. Care to comment?"

My eyes went wide as I felt a red blush come over my visage.

"Uh-hh why would you say that? We're just friends!" I replied with a high pitched joking tone. The orange mare replied with a fit of laughter and trotting over and sitting next to me.

"Ah've said this once, ah'll say it again. Ya'll humans are dense," she said. Somehow, I came to same conclusion that she did, and shared in her tired laughter. We relaxed against the big red wooden building for 5 minutes more or so, before she broke the silence again.

"Ya'll might wanna get some advice or somethin', cuz round this town, this doesn't happen too often."

"Hmmm? What do you mean, A.J.?"

"What ah mean is a mare selecting her special somepony. 90% of the time round here it's always the colts."

I put a hand to my chin, deep in thought. I suppose that she was right, after all back on Earth, guys did most of the work anyway. Still, all the times that Colgate and I had hung out together, I always labeled those instances as friends. Perhaps there was another meaning to it.

"Now go on, get. Have yerself a good time and ah'll see ya Wednesday."

"All right then A.J. See ya round," I replied as I got up to my feet and began walking back to Ponyville. The crisp autumn air bit at my skin, causing me to shiver and bring my coat in tighter around me. It was nearing October, which meant that Nightmare Night was just around the corner and I was excited for it. Not only that, but the Harvest was also in October; the first week of the month if I remember correctly. I thought back to the list of activities I had promised myself that I needed to get complete today.

With visiting Twilight & Rainbow later in the day, I had nothing planned really. Casting any other thoughts aside, I decided to make the former thought my primary target and began my stroll towards the giant tree.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

“Oh, hello Jackson! I wasn’t expecting you until later today,” the purple alicorn chirped as I knocked at her door. Casually glancing around, I noticed that Spike was not home, tidy as clean as usual. Rainbow Dash was hovering around the Daring Doo books, choosing which one to read. For somepony who was so aggressive and outgoing, she was the last type of pony I would expect to show her sensitive side. The only other time I could think of seeing it. Her right ear twitched as I entered the hollowed out tree, acknowledging my presence with a sly grin and a twitch of her wing.

“What’s up lover boy,” she taunted with a bat at my right shoulder. Her grin got even bigger when I felt a slight blush come over my face.

“Oh come on Twi, I’m just playin’,” Rainbow responded to Twilight’s jab in her stomach. She floated over to the stack of books, placing the Daring Doo book back, and turning her full attention to me.

“We hear you have somepony of interest, Jackson. Is this true?” Twilight asked, with a hint of curiosity in her voice. The monochrome mare next to her nodded her head in agreement, tilting her head to one side, magenta eyes still glued to me, awaiting my response.

Blushing, I fidgeted in my chair. “I guess you could say that,” I replied. I scratched my right arm out of embarrassment, feeling my blush intensify. I heard a snicker arise from the two mares as they giggled on the couch like two schoolyard fillies. Both of them gave me a smile of sympathy as Twilight began to poke.

“Sooo, do you have any questions bud? From the looks of it, you’ve got a few.”

Rainbow was right. I did have a lot of questions, but I didn’t want to bombard them.

“Yeah I do,” I replied. “I guess…how does it work?”

Both mares laughed, both out of laughter but at the same time, out of sympathy. Even though I had been in Equestria for nearly two years, I hadn’t really settled down and found anypony special. Knowing that Equestrian culture and customs were different from Earth’s, and I didn’t have a full grasp on it. I had hoped that Twilight or somepony I knew could help me understand a little bit more.

Twilight gave me a warm smile and stretched her wings.

“From what you’ve told me, it’s a bit different from your world. In Equestria, mares do most of the work. They are the ones who, in a sense, select who they want to be their “special somepony”. Mares often are also responsible for making “the moves” I guess is one way to call it.”

She paused and looked at me again, an eyebrow raised. “Got questions?”

“Yeah,” I replied. “Does sleeping over and “snuggling” on couch trigger as “just friends” or am I missing something?”

Twilight raised her eyebrows while Rainbow let out a little smirk. The two mares gave me a look like I was the stupidest creature in Equestria. Rainbow could hold her laughter in no longer as she burst out laughing on the couch. Immediately receiving a slap from the purple mare, she chucked a bit herself then calmed herself as she looked me in the eyes.

“Aside from a straight up kiss, that’s pretty glaringly obvious, Jackson.”

In that moment, I felt very, very stupid. However, Colgate had told me that it was simply a friendly gesture. But, according to Twilight, I was very wrong.

“Yeah dude. And I’ll tell yah. As a friend? You got yourself a keeper.”

I raised an eyebrow, quizzically. Rainbow chuckled. “Aside from Applejack, Colgate, from what I hear, is one of the most honest, caring mares around here. She’s very picky in her….boyfriends?”

I nodded in response to her half question.

Rainbow was never much of a talker, more of a listener per say.

How am I going to take this forward, I thought to myself as Rainbow continued to snicker. I thanked Twilight and Rainbow for their advice and headed for the door. The heavy, wooden entrance slid closed behind me, the still crisp autumn wind meeting me. I wrapped my coat tight around my body, catching Rainbow flying out of the tree out of the corner of my eyes. Where she was headed I didn’t know.

However, I had more important things on my mind. I sharply nodded to myself as I strode towards Colgate’s place of work: the town dentistry.

Chapter VII: Healing

The air was crisp and clean as I strolled through Ponyville, my hand shoved once again into my thin black sweatshirt. Although I didn't say a word on my way to Colgate's, but my mind was whizzing at a mile a minute. I had a lot to mull over in the next few days: Colgate, this condition of mine, which I still had to decide on what to do with it, and not to mention the Harvest coming next week.

It was quite a bit to think about, considering that my life hinged on my decision. But my mind, as free as it was running kept coming back to that one mare: Colgate.

There was something special about her. In my 22 years of living, I've never met a girl, or pony, quite like her. Back on Earth, 85% or more of the girls were obsessed with one thing: penis size. They didn't care of the guy that had it was a total tool or not: they just wanted their fix. Here in Equestria however, things were different; well aside from the multicolored ponies and amazingly comfortable seasons. Mares here cared about so much more than just the size of a guy. From what I had seen, that was rare back on Earth.

Minus Lily, I had never had another special somepony in my life. Some called me looser for it, others called me weird.

I brought my mind back to reality and Equestria and away from Earth. Although I do somewhat regret leaving it behind, Equestria had offered me a much more peaceful life. I continued to walk down the road into downtown Ponyville and towards Colgate's place, feeling the dirt crunch beneath my feet as I went. Leaves of various colors were strewn about the tiny town as came with autumn.

This made the scenery of Ponyville even prettier, turning the lush green hills into a spectrum of auburn, orange and yellow. Having arrived at the small shop when she worked, I brushed my long bangs out of my face, which immediately fell back into place, covering my left eye mostly. I had let my hair grow out for the most part, when caught by a wind, would blow around my face.

Placing my hand on the door of Colgate's work place, I slid it open with little resistance and stepped inside. The atmosphere was warm yet cool at the same time; offering a welcoming feeling. I saw the fuzzy blue mare humming a gentle tune to herself as she bounced around her workplace, making sure everything was neat and tidy. Upon hearing the bell jingle as the door slid shut, her ears perked up as she trotted towards the front desk.

"Welcome to Colgate's.. oh Jackson! Hey!" She seemed almost overjoyed to see me which made me smile in turn. She practically beamed as I returned her exclamation with a simple smile, stooping to my knees to welcome her hug. Her fur was still incredibly soft as was her smile complimented perfectly by her eyes; two glowing sapphires in the dying light of a sunset.

"Hi Colgate," I replied as our hug broke, me ascending to my full height. "How have you been?"

She blushed slightly as she fidgeted with some dental equipment, placing it back in its original place in the cupboard.

"Oh, I've been just fine. I've actually been looking for you!" she said with a grin on her face. "I uh.. wanted to thank you for that one night. It was really special to me," she said as her voice trailed off, looking down at her forelegs.

Smiling, I ruffled her mane slightly and chuckled.

"Yeah, I thought it was pretty cool too. We should definitely do that again sometime." Upon hearing that, her expression brightened as her ears perked up, advancing one step forward, getting closer to me. Her muzzle was so close to my face that I could feel her gentle breath on my face. Neither of us said anything but our thoughts were loud and clear. I felt her hoof come up to my face and gently brush it, her expression softening even further. My heart skipped a beat as she pulled away and giggled, not saying another word.

"Well," I said with a chuckle. "What was that for?" She didn't reply at first, her cheeks a deep red, giggling like a schoolyard filly. I could tell that something drove to do that, but I wasn't about to pry.

"Anyway Colgate, I came by to tell you that I'm writing my letter to the princess today."

Her ears perked up once more as she turned to face me again, with a different posture this time. She was far more relaxed than usual.

"I see," she replied. "I wish the best for you Jackson. I really do..." "You mean a lot to me," she added plainly.

I felt my heart stop as those words were said.

You mean a lot to me.

Jeez, I thought to myself silently. It looks like Rainbow and Twi are right...

"You mean a lot to me too, Colgate. Wouldn't know what to do without you. I mean that," I said offering my hand, which she immediately nuzzled in response.

This is what it feels like..

Her blush did not go away but continued to stay, hovering just between her nose and eyes. She continued to draw closer and closer to me, our eyes never straying. A mist grew in her eyes as she gave a smile, the kind of smile that meant that she felt safe and comfortable. My mind clicked as to where this was going almost immediately after seeing her change her posture. Making myself comfortable on the floor, I crossed my legs and sat there. Her gaze was still unwavering as she continued to pad silently towards me. Her fur felt and smelled so amazing it was almost overpowering in a sense.

I felt her hoof come to my left cheek as our noses almost touched. Time seemed to stand still in that very moment. I felt her hot breath against my face as our eyes locked in a gaze that seemed completely separate from time and space.

She smiled one last time and closed her eyes, leaning her head gently to the right. Recognizing the signal with my heart beating my throat, I closed my eyes, openly accepting her.

It felt like nothing else I had ever experienced in my life. Lightning, pain, desire and love all shot through me as our lips finally met. I felt her shudder for a second, then push against me as a long exhale escaped my mouth. I pressed against her as I felt her form fall on my chest, wrapping her hooves around my neck. I embraced her tightly as the kiss continued. I dared not open my eyes, rather I enjoyed every second of that moment. It was simply electric.

Our lips finally parted as she buried her muzzle beneath my chin, her mane gently falling over part of my face. How long we sat there in silent embrace I will never know.

I felt her muzzle rise as she still lay on chest, smiling and burning a deep red blush.

"I love you..." she whispered in my ear. "So much..."

In that moment I didn't know what to say. She backed off from me and sat opposite from me, just within hoof's reach. I felt like I had forgotten how to speak, let alone think anything.

How long... I thought to myself. How many years have I waited for this moment...

Looking Colgate dead in the eyes, I scooted closer to her and placed my hand on her cheek, stroking it with my thumb.

"I love you too Minuette..." I said as I pulled my hand away, letting it fall to her hoof, who welcomed it.

Not wanting to say another word, I caught a hint of fire in her eyes. Before I could react, she pounced, sending me to my back.

"Now you're mine. All mine," she said flirtatiously, leaning in for another kiss, this time on the cheek.

"And you're mine too, my little pony," I said with a wide smile on my face, fighting back tears. She noticed this and brought me close for another tight hug. She knew of my past battles and issues and understood how much trust this was taking for me to do this. However, I felt something burning deep inside my heart, a feeling I have not felt in years.

Breaking our hug, she beckoned me towards the door, that fire still glowing in her eyes. I saw my marefriend in a whole new light now, not just another pony who I was good friends with, but the pony I could trust with anything.

"Cmon lover boy," she said with a playful wink. "Let's head to Sugarcube Corner. My treat?" She was acting an entirely different way around me now that we were officially together. She was more relaxed and playful.

Smiling in response, I got to my feet and followed her out of the little building and down the road to Sugarcube Corner. Feeling her brush against me once or twice, I ruffled her mane in response as I dropped to my knees to offer a kiss, which she greedily accepted. I could tell that she was happy that I decided to do this, and that I trusted her enough for this to happen. Getting back to my feet, I walked next to her, her two tone mane blowing in the breeze, which only added to her beauty.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Roseluck at her usual vendor. She had noticed me and Minuette together, and made eye contact with me once, before returning to a customer. She offered a simple nod with a half smile before disappearing into the back room of her vendor. That same feeling that I felt before was back again as I met Colgate's eyes once more.

It was healing.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

"Ah knew it!! Ah just knew it!" Applejack half shouted as she mowed on a cupcake. Pinkie Pie and Rarity could barely contain their excitement, while Rainbow Dash hovered next to the table, giggling her wings off. Twilight offered a wise, yet "told you" smile.

"Ah knew you two were gonna get together sometime! Ya'll are practically made for each other!" She clapped her hooves together and let out a chuckle as Pinkie Pie snorted in excitement.

"I'll say. You two look sooooooo adorable together!!"

"I'm happy for you two, Jackson," said Fluttershy in her usual timid voice.

"I agree," added Rarity. "You two make quite the cute couple."

"Yup, she's my little pony," I said proudly as Colgate scooted closer to me, munching on her cupcake. I felt her blush as she paused to offer her input, but returned to her cupcake almost immediately. The others giggled as they returned to casual conversation, asking me and Colgate questions now and then, but mostly keeping to themselves, except for Rainbow, who, upon making eye contact with me, gave me the same type of wise nod that Twilight gave me.

The day felt different from others, not just because I had a beautiful pony at my side who loved me, but there was something else there.

Underneath all the love.

The conversations between the mares seemed to drag on for hours, until everypony parted ways towards home. All except for me and Colgate. She asked if she could stay a few nights with me, which of course I didn't mind at all. Who wouldn't want their special somepony to hang out at their house for a few nights?

It was sunset before all of us finally got home, and right away I could tell that we were exhausted. I opened my front door and stepped inside, making sure to leave the door open for the blue mare behind me. She bounced around my room and made herself comfortable on my couch while I sat the desk opposite it. On it was a quill, some ink and a piece of parchment.

"Hey," my marefriend said as she appears behind me and hugs me tightly.

"I love you."

"I love you too," I replied, following with a quick kiss before returning to my desk. I grabbed the quill in my hand and began to write my letter to the princess. The light outside was completely gone, all that illuminated my little house was tiny candle at my desk. taking one last glance behind me at the beautiful mare dozing on my couch, I chuckled and focused on the parchment.

Times are starting to look up, I thought with a smile.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Princess Celestia & Luna,

As of late, I have come to a decision regarding the information you had sent me a couple weeks back. Regarding my condition, I would like to know if treatment if possible here in Equestria, even though this is a condition that only effects humans from my knowledge. When I was first told of this condition, I was not all that surprised as I have been dealing with this since I was a little kid.

Moving on to a less morbid topic, I took Luna's advice and found myself that special somepony that makes me feel special in return. Her name is Minuette. I'm sure you know her. I've started to feel a bit of ''healing'' since this has happened. It was almost immediate in fact. Like the final piece of a puzzle falling into place.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing your response soon.

Sincerely,

Jackson

Chapter VIII: Transcendant

Chapter VIII: Transcendant~1 Month Later~

I lolled in bed as the light from the Sun began to creep into my vision, removing the heavy darkness. I continued to start at my ceiling for an unknown amount of time before finally forcing myself out of the comfy bed. Shuffling to the bathroom, I turned on the light and immediately winced as the near blinding light filled my vision, giving me a full perspective of my morning self. My hair was a mess, parts of it jutting off my head at every imaginable angle, unable to find a shift. I ran some cold water to force the cobwebs out of my head, and turned to look at myself in the mirror. Right as I did that, a dull, yet sharp point of pain went sauntered through my chest, causing me to put my hands on the sink for balance.

I closed my eyes for a moment as I allowed myself to recover, knowing where this pain had come from.

I hope the Princess replies soon, I mused to myself as I continued about my daily chores as quietly as possible. I tip toed towards my front door, glancing back at my bed, smiling. Colgate lay there, quietly sleeping away, tail tucked around her sleek form. I chuckled to myself as my marefriend stirred before rolling over. I guess you could say that I was glad for letting somepony love me again. It had been many years since I had. The blue mare sleeping in my bed was always kind and gentle. We rarely argued and if we did, we made up immediately. Some people say that if a couple doesn't argue, it demonstrates a lack of interest in each other, but I have to disagree.

Wouldn't it be the other way around?

The crisp autumn air met me as I stepped outside, sending a shiver down my spine. Nothing much had changed as I scanned the town I had learned to call my home. Ponyville was so beautiful this time of year: leaves of yellow, red and orange painted the once boring brown main road a pretty multicolor walkway, the trees slowly swayed from side to side in the gentle breeze. I pushed my bangs out of my left eyes with my arm, half smiling to myself.

I went back inside my little house, closing the door gently behind me, as to not wake Colgate, tip toeing again towards the bed.

"Good morning, sleepy head," an unmistakable voice said in the silence of my home. A wide smile broke across my face as I hopped onto the bed, meeting Colgate's gaze with my own.

"Morning cutie," I replied, welcoming her kiss. I stroked her back as she positioned herself more comfortably. Even now, her fur was unbelievably soft.

Blushing slightly, she scanned the room with half awake eyes, coming to rest on the crackling fire. It might sound weird to have a fire going in the morning, but autumns in Equestria were particularly chilly. She sauntered over to the couch in front of the fireplace, smiling warmly and beckoning me to follow her.

Plopping myself on the couch next to her, I felt a hoof poke at me as I lay down on the comfy furniture to get comfortable. Colgate crawled on my chest, nuzzling my cheek, her sapphire eyes almost glowing in the soft light of the fire. I felt her hooves slowly wrap around my neck as she shifted on my chest, her tail draping over my legs. She rested her head just under my chin as her eyes slid half shut, gazing into the fire. Since I wasn't wearing a shirt, I could feel every movement she made, every breathe she took; even the beating of her heart. Moments passed until I felt her head move, her blue eyes meeting mine in a love filled gaze.

Neither of us said a word.

This is all I have ever wanted.

She kissed me again, our lips meeting sent shivers through her body. This time it was deeper though, as I could feel her pushing against me gently. Mimicking what she was doing, I wrapped my arms around her back, pulling her close. Her lips parted from mine, as her sultry gaze wandered from my eyes. Leaning towards my neck, she gently kissed it, making me shiver. I took a sharp breathe and closed my eyes as she continued to kiss my neck.

Feeling her stop, I opened my eyes to see her smiling warmly, gently attacking me with herself. I let my fingers flow through her mane as our lips locked once again, my hands slowly caressing her body, sliding down her back towards her flanks. As I did, she did not falter, but broke the kiss momentarily to give me a devilish sort of smile.

Her flanks were the softest part of her body by far, at least what I have discovered. I felt something stir in my sweatpants, the mare on top of me almost immediately sensing it too. She moved my hands gently around her lower body. She gave a barely audible moan as I continued to explore my marefriend, panting slightly myself. She leaned forward, kissing me with force, moaning slightly with every movement. I moved my hands to the base of her body, just above her tail, which caused her to right herself and give a hot smile.

She didn't say a word, but moved herself, curling up on my bare chest, her heart beating harder than it was before.

"I love you...so much Jackson..." she said. Her voice was quiet, but the words filled the room. I felt my heart soar as she kissed me one more time, before tucking her head under my chin once again, slowly letting her eyes fall.

"I love you too my little pony. Never forget that," I replied again as I allowed my eyes to fall, darkness taking over.

"Promise me you will never leave," she said.

I froze. I've heard those words once before. But it was so many years ago it hardly mattered now.

I gently stroked her mane while she shifted again.

"I promise," I almost whispered before turning my head towards the fire, and letting my eyes fall.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

She was still asleep on my chest as I began to stir from our mid morning nap. The adorable ball of blue fur had her head tucked neatly under my chin as her body rose and fell with her gentle breathing, tail tucked neatly against the back of her hind legs.

Minuette was a thing of sheer beauty, and to be frank, I was honored to have her as my marefriend. I continued to stare at the ceiling while making sure not to move a muscle. It was white and void of anything interesting except for a few patterns and doodles that my eyes picked out. Feeling her weight against me in such an intimate and caring moment was, in Rainbow Dash's words "Too awesome for words". My ears caught the faint sound of rain hitting my glass windows as I shifted myself slightly so I could see. I dared not move for fear of waking my precious pony, instead I closed my eyes once more and drifted off to sleep.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

A gentle thump on my chest stirred me as I entered the realm of reality. I smiled as Colgate bounced gently on my chest, her warm smile beaming in the last afternoon light.

"Finally you wake up, lover boy. I was getting bored," she said with a playful jab at my left shoulder.

She pulled me in for a kiss before hopping off my chest and strolling off, giggling. I chuckled, stretching and finally picking myself off the bed. By my guess, and casting a glance towards the clock at my bedside, it was around 3pm. I turned my gaze to Colgate, who was happily trotting towards me with a letter in her mouth, with a familiar seal on the back of it. I dropped to my knees, grabbing the letter from her, eyes with anticipation. She literally bounced in place a couple times before walking up to me, putting her forelegs over my left leg, watching as I opened the sealed envelope. My eyes widened as I flew over the neat and elegantly written words as my heart beat faster and faster. What I saw me literally squeal in happiness as Colgate flung herself around me, hugging me tightly. The letter fluttered to the floor as I continued to embrace my beloved marefriend, hearing her gently sobbing into my right shoulder. However, they were tears of joy, happiness and love. Not of sorrow.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Dearest Jackson and Colgate,

I very much appreciate that you took the time to contact us with your decision. Judging from what my younger sister says, you two make a lovely couple and enjoy your night walks quite a bit. It truly means a lot to both of us that you have found happiness in Equestria.

Now then, pertaining to your question and condition, to make the answer short and simple, Yes. We do have the technology and knowledge to mend you of this ailment. It is of great relief that I send you this letter as we are now, because as I understand it you've made quite a few friends, thanks to Pinkie Pie.

Apologies, I'm rambling. Back to the topic. We have scheduled you and your marefriend on an express train to Canterlot this coming weekend where we can conduct the procedure. The crown will be covering the costs and everything, so there is no need to worry about that. My sister, Princess Luna, will personally oversee that your operation.

I look forward to seeing you here in Canterlot.

Best wishes,

Princess Celestia & Princess Luna

_____________________________________________________________________________________

I couldn't contain my excitement any longer. Throwing both my arms around Colgate, I squeezed her tightly against my chest as I felt her tears soak into my shirt. I knew that this would change my life for the better, but then why was I having some hesitation?

The train sped along the tracks at a ludicrous speed, its whistle thundering through the mountains on the way to Canterlot. I sat in my seat with Colgate at my side, Twilight and her other friends also in the same car. They had business to attend to in Canterlot as well and thought it would be nice to tag along and offer support through my operation. The train ride wasn't that long, but it certainly felt long. I didn't do much talking, rather simple listened to the conversations that were going on. Rainbow Dash and Twilight were chatting about flying mechanics, since Twilight had recently gotten her alicorn wings, Applejack and Rarity were arguing about something related to fashion, and Fluttershy simply listened to Pinkie Pie's endless carefree babbling, which bounced topics from cake to climbing mountains to dragons to bubbled, weirdly enough.

As the group burst into laughter at one of Pinkie's remarks, I smiled and shook my head.

Typical Pinkie, I mused as my gaze turned out of the train window, scanning the beautiful Equestrian landscape. I let my mind wander free across the mountains as I slipped deep into thought.

What's next in my future? How will this procedure affect me, and more importantly, everypony else.

My mind swirled with thoughts as the train clacked and steamed along the tracks, making its way to Canterlot. I had a lot to think about in the next coming hours; and to be honest with myself I was a little scared. Knowing that I was in good hooves for the operation was settling enough, and even more reassuring that Princess Luna herself would be overseeing the operation. But I couldn't help but feel some trepidation as the train rolled into Canterlot station finally, screeching to a halt before a huge cloud of steam billowed from the smokestack. Everypony on the train headed their ways, Twilight and her friends heading off towards Princess Celestia's quarters, while Colgate and I waited at the station. Shortly afterwards, Princess Luna arrived with two night guards at her sides.

"Your Highness," I said politely, bowing my head in respect to the real pony in front of me. Giggling she sent off her two guards and trotted over to me.

"Jackson, we are friends. We do not have to be so formal with one another," she said with a smile. Whenever Princess Luna smiled, the entire world seemed a bit brighter.

I stood to my feet and followed Luna as she beckoned me and Colgate to follow her.

"I understand this is a peculiar situation for you, Jackson. That is why I have offered to oversee this procedure myself, so that one of my favorite subjects receives perfect results," she said with a wink.

I chuckled in response; "Thank you for the thought, Luna. Now, what could I expect to happen during this procedure?"

She gave a wise smile as we ascended a flight of stairs towards the medical wing. "It's quite the typical procedure, if I may say so. They are going to put you under, analyzed where the problem is, and fix it. That is, in layman's terms of course," the dark alicorn said as we neared the top of the stairs.

"I see," I replied, giving a satisfactory nod with a firm jaw as we walked down a long hallway.

Luna turned to Colgate, who was trotting happily by my side. "I'm going to have to ask you to wait outside, Colgate. At least for a little while, while we get Jackson here set up and ready to go. You may see him when we are ready."

She nodded in response, pecked me on the cheek before turning around and trotting off. Upon seeing this, Luna chuckled and beckoned me to follow her inside the big double doors.

"She thinks fondly of you, I can tell that you two are meant for each other," she said behind the curtain where I donned my hospital gown. I placed my clothes on a chair behind me before tying the gown around my body.

"Yeah," I replied, "She's amazing."

"Something troubling you, Jackson?"

I paused for a moment. "It's nothing, just a bit nervous," I said as I drew the curtain down, slipping the gown over my right shoulder, covering the tattoo that laid there. Luna's ears and eyes perked as she saw the intricately designed mark disappear from view.

"If I may ask, what is that on your right shoulder?"

"Oh, that's a tattoo. I guess it's the human equivalent of a cutie mark."

The regal mare turned her head to the right slightly, studying the delicate tribal eagle that lay there: colored in black and red, I got it on my 18th birthday when I discovered that I had a talent for machinery.

"You like to fly, Jackson?"

A big smile spread across my face as we walked slowly down the large hallway, many stain glass paintings depicting past events surrounded us.

"It was one of my favorite things to do on Earth, but humans themselves can't fly. We don't have wings," I explained. She nodded in response as we continued to walk down the hallway, the massive paintings depicting Twilight and her friends saving Equestria multiple times. I felt it was an honor to be their close friend.

We entered the medical wing, filled with white washed walls and bustling medical ponies everywhere, who immediately snapped to attention when the Princess and I entered the wing. She relieved them and called the doctor that would be doing the operation over. He was a tall, well build beige unicorn stallion with thick rimmed glasses. I didn't catch his name, but he was very friendly and explained the procedure in depth as they took me to the operating room. He was very reassuring and calm, professional even. Of course, he had to be when one of the Princess's was in the room.

After about 15 minutes of questions from me, they took me deeper into the operating room, where I saw Colgate waiting for me, accompanied by two nurses. As the bed rolled up next to her, she put her hooves on the railing and leaned in for a kiss. She mouthed the words "be safe & I love you" to me before being escorted out by the nurses. The last thing I saw before the white doors swung shut was Colgate meeting up with Twilight and her friends.

"Alright, Jackson. Are you ready?" the doctor said to me, donning his operation attire. He looked very calm and cool, like he had done this dozens of times.

I nodded, glancing one last time at Princess Luna, who gave me an encouraging smile before giving the doctor the green light.

The last thing I remember as the real world started to fade away was the thought of Colgate, laid out on my chest, snuggling by the fire. I guess it's true that love can transcend worlds.

Chapter IX: Revolutions Part 1

Chapter IX: RevolutionsPart I

I awoke in what I thought was my hospital bedroom, but a quick glance around confirmed my thoughts otherwise. While I was in the hospital, yes, everything looked different.

However ever so subtly different, the changes were there.

Everything had an unearthly glow to it, even the sheets on my bed glowed in a way. Moving off the bed and letting my feet hit the floor, it didn't feel cold or warm, in fact the floor felt like nothing. Looking over myself, my body was dressed in white clothing, much like the attire I was given at the hospital, except it too, glowed.

"Hello there," an angelic voice sounded through the hospital halls. Turning towards the source of the heavenly sounding voice, I saw a stock white mare, an alicorn: with a pure black white and mane, gorgeous blue eyes and wings spread wide much like Celestia's. She wore a warm smile with a relaxed, almost welcoming figure. Turning to face this mare head on, I smiled and walked slowly towards her.

"Who are you?" I asked simply. The angelic mare smiled, and lowered her head to where it was level with mine.

"Who I am is not important, young one. What is important, is why you are here," she responded, beckoning me to follow her. Not saying a word, I walked by her side, towards the front of the glowing hospital.

"I have been watching for you for quite some time," she went on. "And I have looked into the past events of your life, where you are now, and what lies in your future. I can see you are quite the troubled soul, young one."

How does she know about me?

The white mare, who folded her wings to her sides chuckled, still beckoning me to follow her.

Raising an eyebrow, I realized that we were now outside the hospital, which rested nicely on top of a cloud bank. Come to see it, everything was clouds, except for the stock white building behind us. We continued to walk in silence for a little while longer, until we came to the edge of the bank, looking down onto what I perceived was Equestria. We descended rather rapidly until we came to the real Ponyville hospital, where we stopped outside.

"Why I have brought you here, outside of life and death, is to see why your life still has purpose, and still does, even after all those years of darkness."

I quizzically raised an eyebrow to the godly mare's question, pondering what she meant. Even though I knew what she meant, I was curious as to how she had attained knowledge about me. Her warm smile was reassuring, even motherly in a way, answering my question silently and without doubt.

"Who are you exactly?" I asked, already having a good idea of who she was inside my head.

She chuckled, her right wing twitching slightly as she readjusted her body position. She sat on the cloud, hooves stretched out in front of her, beckoning me to come with her.

"What do you see," she asked me, still silently telling me to sit next to her. Reluctantly, I obliged, feeling the softness of the cloud gently cushion me. We sat there for a few seconds while the clouds below us parted, revealing a view of Ponyville, particularly the hospital where I was at. The world around us materialized as I found myself among the other ponies, like any other normal day. She was still next to me, an ever so slight warm smile on her muzzle.

"Come," she said simply, motioning me to follow her into the hospital. Something was off though.

She had lost her heavenly glow. As of this moment, she appeared like any other ordinary mare around Ponyville. She didn't wear a crown or jewelry to signify her importance or royalty. She was just an ordinary pony: yet here we both were, apparently outside of life and death.

The hospital doors parted, a cold wind meeting my back as we entered. The lobby was plain white with ivory covered walls, dotted with articles and posters of upcoming events. A slight hum prevailed in the quiet place, other than even a church mouse could be heard scurrying about. My gaze scanned over the ponies that came and went, each wearing a different expression on their face: some of relief and happiness, others of pure dread and grief. However, out of the mass of ponies, I could distinguish a group that I knew too well; my Colgate and her friends, walking back from the wing where I was staying. They didn't see or even acknowledge my presence as they continued on their way, the blue mare I had came to love front and center, with an expression of slight worry on her face. Applejack, Twilight and Rainbow Dash walked with her as they made for the front doors.

"Follow them and listen, young one," the white mare at my side said before disappearing. Doing as she said to, I walked behind the group of ponies, just within earshot.

"I really hope he'll be ok..." a worried Colgate spoke quietly to her three friends. The other ponies looked at her with mixed expressions, Rainbow Dash using her always confident boasting smile.

"Aw lighten up Colgate! He'll be fine! I'm sure of it." Her comment was reassuring with the added nod from Twilight and Applejack, though something troubled me about Twilight's response. It was slightly delayed, as though she was lost in thought. The lavender alicorn always had something on her mind, I knew that for a face, which peaked my curiosity further.

"Ah'm sure of it, sugarcube," an always confident Applejack added, securing her stetson on her head.

"Jackson's a fighter. He'll pull through, ah know it." Twilight didn't respond this time, her gaze following the skyline of the beautiful town that was Ponyville. Rainbow had caught on to Twilight's behavior, and out of Colgate's line of sight gently nudged her in her side.

"I know he is, AJ. I just can't stop thinking about the darker outcomes," Colgate replied. Her tone was dark and serious, catching Applejack off guard. Twilight noticed this too, her right ear twitching to listen.

"I know he'll pull through this, I truly know he will. But I just can't think of what I'll do if he doesn't. I don't wanna loose him."

Finally, Twilight put a hoof on Colgate's left shoulder, accompanied by a gentle smile on her muzzle. Twilight knew all too well the risks on an operation like this.

"I don't know a lot about human biology Minuette, I know Jackson is strong, but in body and mind. I'm sure he understands the risks before he took this offer."

Twilight was right. I had taken into account the risks and benefits of this operation; the benefits clearly outweighing the risks. I knew that deep down inside me, I loved Colgate more than anything. Giving her anything and especially letting her into my broken heart was a huge leap of faith for me. And I'm not sure Colgate fully understand that.

She looked so beautiful in the evening's light, her two tone mane flowing silently in the breeze, her slender body amazingly well taken care of. As I watched them walk into the sunset, I couldn't help a pit in my stomach, feeling as though. I was missing something.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

I returned to the hospital that night after a night of strolling, meeting the goddess mare there like she had instructed me to do. However, this time, the mare wore a grim expression on her muzzle: one of stoic judgment. She silently pointed a hoof towards the room where I was staying, and upon turning to it, I saw a surprising sight: my body, serene and relaxed, bandages covering roughly half of my stomach and right arm. But that wasn't the most striking thing about it wasn't that.

There lay Colgate: nestled close to me, barely visible tears rolling down her cheeks. Seeing her like this tore at me, making me want to shake her and hold her close: but I knew I couldn't. The goddess mare behind me still had the same expression. Blank.

I didn't fully understand. Colgate was crying, but I couldn't tell if I was alive or dead, which made me even more worried.

"Why are you showing me this?" I asked the mare, who in response slowly shook her head.

"I had no other way to explain what has happened."

"No... no that can't be true!! This can't happen!" I dropped to my knees, feeling the tears start to flow, my body racked with the pain of loss. I felt a hoof on my back, but it didn't help. The reality of what had transpired had set in: I was dead, and couldn't do anything about.

I cried. I pulled my legs to my chest and lay there on the floor, feeling an old pain resurface.

So close... but so far away...

Chapter X: Revolutions Part 2

Chapter X: Revolutions

Part II

The pain was crippling. I didn't understand why this had happened to me, but it had. I was staring at myself and my beloved Colgate, grieving the apparent loss of me. I looked so peaceful in this state, but the overpowering grief was just too much. I didn't know what to do. The goddess mare standing in front of me gave sympathetic eyes, but they didn't help.

I would give up anything, EVERYTHING, just to have what I had back...

"Now do you understand, child? Your spirit has been damaged, but not broken. I still see hope in your eyes, but you don't see it yourself. That's why I have shown you this."

Anger and pain ran through me like a fresh stampede. Rushing to my feet, I met the mare's gaze sharply.

"How could this happen?!! I finally let myself open up for once in my life, and you let this happen!!? WHY??!!"

I collapsed to the ground again, a new wave of emotions washing over me like a ton of bricks.

"Jackson, if you would let me explain, I'm sure I can quarrel your unneeded emotions."

Her tone was stern and emotionless, catching me off guard. I gazed into her amber eyes, seeing centuries of wisdom and knowledge.

"What do you mean," I replied. I was skeptical that she had any advice that could make me feel better. Tears still rolled down my face and I got to my feet and walked over to Colgate. She looked so beautiful, even now. I placed my hand on her back, feeling the texture of her of mane made me smile.

"I miss her so much already..."

"And you can see her again."

I froze. All sound and motion seemed to stop when I heard those words from her. I turned, walking slowly towards the goddess mare, now wearing a more soft and compassionate expression.

"What do you mean," I replied.

She closed her eyes and smiled, collecting her thoughts before her horn ignited in a spectrum of color and lights. I looked behind me and saw the world fade, Colgate still laying next to me, nuzzling me gently. At the last possible second, I swear I heard her whimper, but I'm sure my ears were playing tricks on me.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

I felt numb, old emotions surfaced and I couldn't help but cry again. My gentle weeping was only consoled by the mare's soft hoof on my back to show her sympathy. I didn't understand why this had to happen to me: of all people. Not trying to pull the pity card or anything, but it definitely seems karma hates me.

"Have you seen enough, Jackson? Do you now understand?"

Tears still in my eyes and heart beating weakly, I barely managed to lift my head to nod.

"I just don't know... I don't understand..." Before I could say anything else, I felt the world materialize around me. The freedom that I felt in her presence was fading, along with her figure. I remember her face, a single tear streaming down her left cheek, eyes closed and wings folded. I heard cries of alarm and joy, one shrill female voice hailing high over everything else, constantly barking out instructions. My vision, which was originally blurry, materialized as well. Things slowly started to come into focus.

____________________________________________________________________________________

A dull, ache came to my mind, originating from my chest and back. My entire body ached all over actually, not searing pain, but dull pain. When my vision returned to normal, I couldn't move my head, due to the lack of energy, but I caught a glance of Colgate and other ponies as they were rushed out of the room, doctors and nurses descending onto me.

I awoke what seemed to be hours later. The sunset was in full swing and my bandages had been changed, with some new gowns on me. My vision struggled to regain its clarity as I gently shook my head from side to side, trying to reorient myself.

"Hi baby," an all too familiar voice rang out right next to my left ear. Turning my head slightly to the left, what I saw almost brought me to tears.

There stood Colgate and all our friends, smiles of relief upon their faces. Before I could react, Colgate took one step closer to me, and gently placed her left foreleg around my body, burying her head into my chest, finally letting all the emotion go. I don't know how long she cried for, but I held her close.

"Mighty grateful to see you awake, partner."

"Yeah," a timid Rainbow Dash added. "We didn't think you were going to wake up." I was finally able to speak, having gathered energy to do so for about 5 minutes.

"How long was I out?"

"Two months."

A heavy, foreboding silence fell over the room, only broken by Minuette's sobbing, slowly getting quieter. My eyes grew wide, not expecting that answer. I expected, in all honesty, two to three days tops. Not two months.

"We....thought.. I thought I lost you..." Colgate said with a squeaky, emotion filled voice. She hugged me even tighter, being careful not to hurt me.

"I thought I lost you too, babe. I love you..." I said before feeling weak once again. I looked on at my friends that I had made over the past couple years.

I hugged her the best I could, hearing subtle sighs of relief, ponies relaxing and heads hanging. Rainbow Dash seemed to be the most relieved besides Colgate; who still had her head buried in my chest. She climbed up onto the hospital bed next to me and snuggled close to me, feeling her body heat radiate against me.

I had truly love Colgate with all my heart, but I never thought she would be this concerned for me if something like this had happened. Twilight informed me that the operation had been a complete success, except for some side effects that led to a medically induced coma. Apparently, Colgate was completely distraught and had already assumed the worst case scenario, staying close to my side, nuzzling me gently. Feeling her heart and body gently rising and falling is probably the most comforting feeling that I've ever experienced.

She offered me a simple kiss before she snuggled up closer and tucked her head, finally relaxing. And in that moment, I truly felt loved. I could only grateful that whoever I saw in my time away from Earth saw enough hope inside of me that she could let me live.

What lay ahead of me now was a long road to recovery, which I knew was not going to be easy.

A knock at my hospital door interrupted my train of thought and serene silence that had enveloped the room.

A pony that I knew all too well entered the room, causing the entire room to break out into emotional smiles. I closed my eyes as a broad smile spread across my face.

"Hello, Princess."

Epilogue

Princess Luna stood in the doorway or my hospital room, a warm look on her face as she entered. I smiled, laying my head back in relief as she walked to my side, Colgate nuzzled closely. She told me everything I needed and wanted to know: how the operation was a complete success, the medically induced coma, and what to expect in the future, although I already had a pretty good idea of what was ahead. The doctor had prescribed me some painkillers and put me on a strict no heavy lifting order. I'm not bed ridden by any means.

The princess of the night also went into what I saw during my coma. Apparently, Death had pulled from me life, and had me take a look at events from an outside perspective. She did not ask of what I had witnessed, but simply put that I was meant to see it. Having to stay in the hospital for another week while the doctors for another week, I was comfortable with knowing this and frankly I was glad to be alive. The doctor said that the fatality rate of this type of operation was quite high, and it was even higher due to the fact that I was human. I was very fortunate and lucky to have the doctors that I did perform the surgery, in and of it itself the procedure was experimental at best.

Ponies slowly sifted out of my room, Applejack and Pinkie Pie following Twilight as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew off. Applejack wore a proud and slightly sly grin, typical of her usual self. I was content at that moment; Colgate had gotten up to get back to her office, kissing me goodbye before leaving.

In that moment, the room was quiet. Dead silence. When I first came to Equestria, I feared silence like it was the devil incarnate; always keeping music running in the background, or strumming my guitar until I fell asleep. It was a childish fear, I'll admit that, but everyone has something that they fear; whether it be rejection, love itself, the dark or just being alone. Lily had taught me to break myself out of all categories of stereotypes and create my own in order to fulfill your life's dream.

Laying my head back, I let my eyes slowly close, darkness taking me away from the real world, cradling me in solace. I thought back to all I had accomplished, all I had achieved in my short time here in Equestria. I have to say, my life here is significantly, if not worlds better (no pun intended) of my life back home. A slight smile cracked on my lips as darkness finally claimed me, allowing me to wander my own dreamscape once again.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

3 Months Later

_______________________________________________________________________________

Horseshoe Bay looked amazing this time of year, when the chilly winter was fading and we welcomed spring and all its glory. Twilight, myself, Colgate and all our close friends had decided to take this trip, since everyone really needed a rest.

I sat under my umbrella sifting my toes through the warm sand watching the other ponies play. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were engaging a heated game of volleyball, while Twilight sat on the side reading a book, as usual. Fluttershy was off talking to some seagulls, even chuckling at them. Everything was back to normal. After completing my rehabilitation exercises with Luna and the doctors at Ponyville, they had deemed me worthy for everyday activities. I no longer felt any pain in my chest, or shortness of breath.

I felt a soft bump on my back as Rainbow Dash slammed the volleyball into the sand with a thud, cheering joyfully as Applejack remained calm: or at least tried to. Colgate hopped playfully over my back, bouncing happily as she nuzzled my cheek before exchanging a kiss. She was smiling brightly, frolicking on the beach was one of her favorite pass times. Everypony looked so relaxed and joyous I couldn't help but feel myself having the emotions.

Rainbow Dash beckoned everypony to join their volleyball game, which they readily agreed to. Everypony lined up, calling me to join them. As I got to my feet, a gentle gust of wind blew through the beach, swiping my long hair over my eyes.

The late afternoon sun gleamed and bounced off the chain of my necklace, briefly flashing its design on the beach. Still feeling the love and support from it's original owner, I jogged over and joined the game, taking server position on Rainbow's side.

As I took up position, an old Earth phrase passed through my head, causing me to smile and chuckle to myself, old memories glowing in my mind for only a second.

It is foolish to fear what we have yet to see and know.