Chapter 1
I'd like to think I know what love is, but I can't really say. I think I've been in love, but its never been true. I've spent so much time alone that its difficult for me to form relationships, and even harder to maintain them.
I've been burned by so many mares that I'm not even sure that I want to be with one for an extended period of time. I mean, who would if they'd just been constantly hurt by ponies they thought loved them?
But aside from the soul crushing loneliness,my life isn't all that bad.
I've got an apartment in Ponyville with furniture that's all paid for, a decent paying job as a lawyer for property sales and civil court cases, and enough bits in the bank to last me the rest of my natural life in a luxurious manner.
So in all honesty, I have nothing to complain about. But I have nopony to share it with, and in reality, that's all I want.
But I haven't even told you my name. I'm Ab Initio, but most people just call me Initio.
Today has been going pretty slowly, I've just sort of been pony watching from my office's street window. Seeing all of the happy ponies and loving couples trot by the office, so many of them without a care in the world. I wish my life could be that simple. Heck, I'd just like to have some pony to talk to about my day,maybe have some pony I could see and care for when I got home. Maybe a made that might care about me, not even necessarily love me just-
I was snapped out of my self loathing daydream by a ring at the door of my law office.
"Hello? Is this the office of Ab Initio?" A beautiful lavender unicorn mare asked
"Uh wha. Oh, yes! How may help you today ma'am?" I replied, feeling stupid by my stuttering response.
She chuckled a little, "I was wondering if you had any of your law books for sale, I need to do some studying for a case that I'm going to be on a jury for."
'Study? To be on a jury?' I thought,
"I might have something of the sort in the back. Give me just a moment."
I figured she must be the new librarian that moved to town, OK, not new, I think she's been here for about a year or so.
I opened the door that led to the back room where I kept case files and other miscellaneous items. The furthest wall had a book case where I kept the books I had from law school. After about five minutes of searching, I found a book on basic law, one that I remembered having a section on jury duty, which was a test I remember passing without a problem.
I gripped it in a telekinetic sheath of magic and returned to the front office, only to find the lavender mare still waiting patiently, looking at an article I had framed about a land settlement in Appaloosa, and in this case it was pre-decided that the land would be shared, a fairly uncommon time to call in a lawyer, but the two parties, the buffalo and the settler ponies of the town, wanted it on the record that they would forever share the land.
"Ma'am, I have something that might include a section on jury duty." I said
"Oh, thank you, how much will that be?" She asked, looking at me with her big, beautiful ,dark purple eyes.
"You're the town librarian, right?"
She nodded
"Call it a donation to the town of Ponyville then."
"Oh,my, thank you so much. And my name is Twilight Sparkle. I haven't seen you around much Mr Initio, but I'd sure like to see you again. Have a good day." And just like that she was gone, chances are I would never see her again.
But that would be fine, nothing I'm not used to. Nice, pretty mares that pop in, and just as suddenly leave. Not to say that I enjoy meeting some pony once and then never seeing them again, it's a pain that I deal with constantly.
" I need a drink. " I said, walking over to the cabinet where I kept my assorted liquor and wine bottles. I pulled out a bottle of Spitfire whiskey and poured myself a glass, straight , no ice , and to the brim. I slumped over my desk, realizing that I am way too used to being alone. I drank the glass in a single gulp and slammed it back on the table, the alcohol burning in my throat and chest.
"Fuck it, I'm not drinking alone tonight. "I said, getting up from my desk and trotting out the door, locking it behind me.
" What's yer drink tonight mate?" The bartender said in his Emerald Island accent.
"I'll take some of that Mac's Hard Cider if you've got it. " I said, slumping over the bar.
"One pint o cider comin' right up. Say, what's got ye down boyo?" He asked inquisitively, "Lady troubles?"
"More of the lack of a lady. " the pint glass next to me was filled nearly to the rim, I took a sip of the sweet drink.
"Well there's plenty o' ladies that're single 'round here. And a handsome buck like yerself shan't be drinkin alone, maybe one o me customers'l suit ye."
I scanned the bar, none of them were as beautiful as that one mare today.
Then suddenly, Celestia smiled in my direction as that same lavender mare waltzed into the bar with some of her friends. I pointed my horn in her direction and asked the bartender, "You know her?"
"Oh aye, that's Miss Twilight Sparkle. Fine lass she is. An' far as I know, she ain't got a coltfriend."
'This could be my chance to talk to her again. '
"Thanks for the drink pal, how much do I owe you?"
"Ah, call it a house special, free fer ye t'day. Hope y'have the best o luck persuin that fine, fair lady."