Tales of the Forgotten: Eternity

Our hearts extend to worlds around as the tales of ours reach beyond.

June 18th, 2027 9:26 A.M.

Ponyville Plains, Equestria

I stood alone on a small hill of the rolling plains that was right outside of Ponyville, the hill that I had first met Twilight on that day so many years ago. The tree that once stood resolute was gone; destroyed during the battle between Tirek and Twilight. There was a certain pang of guilt that plagued my heart that it was gone but I knew it could not be helped.

“It has been so long since that day and yet I still remember it clear as day.” I said aloud to no one in particular. “For the past twelve years, I have calmly called myself a creature of Equus. The anger and disdain that I showed towards humanity dissipated into a yearning to see another human again someday. But, why? Why did I hate humanity so much back then? Was I just a naive fool?”

The world responded to my question with a small gust of wind that slapped my hair against the back of my neck. I laughed quietly, “I suppose that was a yes.”

I looked up to the clear blue sky, today is supposed to be clear until sunset when the pegasi return from Cloudsdale to bring rain to Ponyville. “I wonder how they are doing these days; all of my friends and family.” a feeling of sadness washed over me at the thought. “Please be okay everybody, I don’t want to eventually come home and find you all had drifted apart or had done something bad after my leaving.”

Everyday I would think about my family and friends, the lives that they had constructed after I had left. I would think about the good and the bad scenarios that could have come after. I thought of the times that we spent together in the past and the adventures we could have had. I remember dreaming a few days ago about just sitting in the living room with my shadow covered faces of my family.

The sad part about all of this was that I could no longer remember their faces, it was truly a horrible feeling but after so long without seeing them I guess it couldn’t be helped with my horrible memory. I usually sat there talking to them about my imaginary day at school where I sat in my classes, daydreaming about various things with them all listening attentively. I knew it was only a dream but a part of me always wished it was real, that everything I dreamed in those dreams were real.

I had a yearning to return to Earth, even if it were only for a few hours just so that I could see them again. To tell them how much they mean to me and to apologize for everything bad that I have ever said to or about them. It was a regret that I would have to live with for the rest of my life. I was no longer the only one who would have to live with that regret either as Michael will know the sorrow soon. He’ll come around to realize that he truly misses his family and friends, even the people that he didn’t have an inclination to like in the slightest.

He’ll miss every good and bad thing that happened to him in his life knowing that even though sometimes it hurt, it was what made him into the person he is today.

“I suppose I should stop thinking so much about it, shouldn’t I?” I asked aloud as I turned away from the horizon and back towards Ponyville. I saw a lone cloud sitting above the path towards Ponyville; I immediately knew the culprit of said cloud. I smiled and shook my head as I walked down to the path underneath the cloud.

I grabbed a pebble and chucked it up at the bottom of the cloud where I quickly got an agitated response. “Hey bub what’s the big idea!?” I heard a familiar voice scream down at me.

“There isn’t any big idea behind annoying you Rainbow Dash!” I responded as she poked her head over the cloud. Her eyes went wide before flying down to me.

“Whoa dude, what happened to you?” She asked pointing the the gauze wrappings around my head, legs, arms, chest, and stomach. I hadn’t put my armor on so I was wearing just some casual clothing, a thin silk jacket with no undershirt and silk pants to match. Whenever I wasn’t training or doing something important I wore this light clothing as I felt more at ease instead of going naked as most other creatures living here in Equus.

“Just had a terrible nightmare, that’s all. What are you doing out here napping?” I tried to change the subject.

“I thought I would catch up on some rest, I could be asking you what you’re doing out here.” She pressed. I shook my head and looked back at the horizon.

“Just thinking about some stuff.” I responded solemnly. We fell silent for a few moments before I spoke up again, “Hey, do you know where Michael is?” I asked.

She put a hoof to her chin before she responded, “Isn’t Michael that other human?” she questioned, I nodded in response. “I think I saw him going home with Fluttershy last night after the little meeting we had, why?”

I shook my head, “It’s nothing important, I just want to speak to him. It’s been thirteen long years since I’ve seen him, or another human for that matter.” I reminded her as she nodded.

“Alright well, I’m gonna get back to napping. I’ll see you around, alright?” With that she flew back up onto her cloud. See ya Rainbow Dash I said in my mind before starting to walk down the path with a limp in my step.

It took me an hour and a half to make it to Fluttershy’s cottage. I walked up to the door and knocked three times. “I got it Fluttershy!” I heard Michael say from behind the door as it opened. I stood a good foot taller than him, casting a shadow over him as the sun shone against my back. “Robert…” he whispered.

“I need to speak with you Michael, gather your items and come.” I ordered him and turned around, walking over to the fence and leaning down on it.

“You came here just to demand that Robert?” he said miffed. I shot a glare at him.

“I’m not the same person you knew a year ago Michael, theres a lot I need to tell you. A lot of it you won’t like but you need to hear me out.” I responded as he scoffed at me.

“Say’s the one who decided to stay here instead of coming back to Earth!” he yelled back at me as I sighed and look at the sky.

“You say that as if I had a choice to go back Michael.” I responded to him as I turned around fully. He was looking at me quizzically, “There is no returning to Earth Michael. My ultimate goal of my travels for the past twelve years was to try and find something to return me there. Nothing, not even a clue to a spell or device that could do such a thing. There is no hope of returning to Earth except in memories and dreams, so whatever inane hope you had of such a thing; toss it away.” I explained flatly as he looked at me slightly shocked before he shook his head.

“Are you really just going to give up hope on that Robert?!” he was yelling now.

I glared at him with sorrow filled eyes. “I’ve already given up hope on it a year ago Michael.” I said quietly as he looked at me dumbfounded. “I gave up hope on seeing any of you ever again, I gave up hope on seeing my family, I gave up hope on anything dealing with Earth Michael and the sooner you do the sooner you can move on.” He silently gawked at me for a moment before closing his mouth and going back inside to retrieve his belongings.

I’m sorry Michael, but giving you false hope isn’t something I can do right now. Even if it risks hurting you. I thought solemnly.

It was a few moments before he came back outside. “I’ve got my stuff, you ready?” he asked, I nodded in response and began down the path towards the Everfree Forest. “Umm, Robert that’s-”

“The Everfree Forest, I know. It is where I live and where you will live until your home is constructed, but before we go to my house we are going to the Castle of the Two Sisters.” I stopped in front of the entrance and turned back to him. “I have already established my relationship with the ponies of Equestria as a serene one without conflict. Whether you choose to have that same relationship or not is entirely up to you.”

He nodded his head as I turned and proceeded down the path towards the Castle of the Two Sisters with Michael in tow.

June 18th, 2027 1:02 P.M.

Castle of the Two Sisters, Everfree Forest, Equestria

As I stood there in front of the castle I felt something strange; a foreboding feeling. It felt as if the very air around the castle was trying to force me away from it and yet I couldn’t move myself away from it because the aura was enticing to me. I couldn’t move forwards but I couldn’t turn away either. “Michael.”

“Yeah?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Do you feel that?” I asked as I continued analyzing the castle, trying to find what was causing this feeling.

“Feel what?” he responded with a slight tone of worry.

“Stay close by Michael, keep any weapon you have ready.” I said worriedly as I stood up straight and put the pain in the back of my mind. I was finally able to move forward towards the castle, the feeling growing stronger with each step as I walked closer and closer. When I reached the first step of the stairs leading into the castle every inch of my body was screaming for me to turn and run. The only thing that kept me moving forward was my mind, telling me that I needed to go in.

I walked to the top of the stairs and stopped in front of the two large doors, slowly pushing them open with my staff. Instead of the normal visage of a bright sun beaming down into the atrium as I was used to, there was a wall of darkness covering the entryway. “Michael, back away slowly.” I whispered to him as he continued to look at me with a questioning stare.

“Why? There’s nothing there?” He said as he put an arm through the entryway. “See? No big deal.” He said as he walked through the entryway as I grabbed his left arm.

“MICHAEL!” I screamed at him as I felt his grip quickly change as he fell downwards, grabbing onto my arm as a lifeline. The darkness slowly creeped up and around my arm, pulling me down towards it as I tried to pull away from it.

“ROBERT!” I heard several voices yell from behind me. I turned around barely in time to see Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy running towards us.

I tried screaming for them to get away as fast as they could but all that came out was the muffled sound of my voice as the darkness started wrapping around my head, fully pulling me in with Michael.

Date Unknown

Location Unknown

The world around us quickly came back to us as we woke up. Michael was lying underneath me, still knocked out from whatever had just happened. I shook my head as the nausea ceased, proceeding to stand up as best I could with the help from my staff. I coughed as a horrible smell that I couldn’t exactly explain, all I knew was that this wasn’t fresh air. My sight slowly came back but the sight before me wasn’t pleasant. No...not again…

In front of me laid a casket, one that contained a human body. My heart started racing as my mind found out what had happened. I kneeled down, averting my eyes from the casket down to Michael who was starting to come to. I started to shake him slightly as he let out a small groan of protest. “You need to wake up Michael, now.” I whispered harshly as his eyes fluttered open and he sat up.

He held a hand to his head, “Ugh, what happened last night? Did you drug me Rob?” he questioned jokingly. I grabbed him underneath his arm and tried to yank him up onto his feet, quickly regretting the decision as I felt the wound on the right side of my stomach open. I clenched my teeth as I felt the blood seep out onto the bandages. Well I know this isn’t a normal dream then.

“Please stand up Michael, there is something you need to see.” I said through clenched teeth as I worked through the pain, trying to put it at the back of my mind. He looked up at me as I held his arm up and nodded his head.

As he stood up I pointed to the casket in front of us without a second word as his eyes widened in surprise. “What the… “ he whispered astonished as he turned to the left to try and find an indication of who died as I blocked his view.

“Michael?!” a voice cried out from behind us. Michaels eyes widened in recognition of the voice, I quickly grabbed his chin and looked him in the eyes.

“Don’t look Michael, it is only a trick.” I said sternly as I made him look at the casket as I turned around to face the creature who had called his name. I walked directly behind Michael and took a defensive position with my staff held out. “Who. Are. You.” I demanded with a tone of anger in my voice.

The creatures in front of me were clearly human in appearance, but for all that I knew this could all be a trick. “What did you do to Michael?!” A lady in the front row screamed as she stood up. I glared down at her.

“Robert, that sounds like my mom. Is it her?” I heard Michael whisper behind me.

“Don’t be fooled by their voice nor appearance Michael they are not your family.” I quickly exclaimed in anger.

A man in the front row stood up and walked up to me with a look of pure anger in his eyes and tried to punch me, his fist went straight through me. I smiled as I realized although they could see us they were unable to touch us. I allowed myself to calm down and take a calmer stance, although not allowing my guard to drop fully.

I felt Michael place his hand on my shoulder as he now looked over the crowd with sorrowful eyes. I shook my head in pity. “Look on Michael, for this is the final sight I saw of Earth during my own funeral those many years ago. The pain, sorrow, and regret that filled the hearts and minds of those who loved me without a second thought. Remember this feeling well Michael, this is the same sorrow that many families in Equus will face if we fail.” I said as I gestured to the crowd of his family and friends.

His mother looked up to him and said, “Michael? Is...is that really you?” she asked solemnly as Michael looked on the verge of tears.

I latched onto Michael’s shoulder, “Whether or not they are real Michael, say what you need.” I told him as he nodded, stepping down to stand in front of his mother.

For just a moment it seemed like he had stopped breathing but he quickly gathered himself and spoke. Strangely enough...he was smiling.

“It’s so nice to see you guys!” He said as he hugged her.

“I’ve been to a new world...it’s incredible! I dearly wish I could always see you guys too but...I can’t. I’ve always dreamed of seeing a new world and meeting life beyond our own. I’ve found a dream, not to mention Robert. He says that we’ll never be able to return...though he said that before. Don’t worry about us. We’ll both be fine.” In all honesty I expected his smile to fade at any given second but it didn’t...if anything it grew, though with that said he had only been gone a short while. I could only hope he wouldn’t squander his opportunity.

“I don’t know how I’m here with...me over there but I’m fine. I fell into one of those things like Robert did and ended up in the same place. You wouldn’t believe what I’ve seen! Pegasi, hell, even dragons! You name it! Who knows maybe you all could see it too one day. In fact, starting from today, I’m going to create a book full of all the new creatures and cultures and everything else about the world and if I see you guys again I’ll show you all.”

There was almost something remarkable at how diverse everyone’s reactions were. It varied from simply shock to sadness, and from disbelief to excitement.

I walked over to a nearby tree and placed my staff down next to it, leaning into the tree as I watched Michael speak to his family. I saw a person standing up from the crowd, looking at me as she made her way over. Her look was one of suspicion, although I didn’t recognize her a glint in her eye made it look as if she recognized me.

She proceeded to walk over to me faster before stopping in front of me. I looked at her suspiciously, “What do you want foul creature?” I hissed. She was taken aback by my tone towards her.

“I just...you reminded me of someone close to me.” she responded. She went to say something but then closed her mouth.

“If you wish to ask me something, then ask it. You don’t get many chances to ask the dead of what lies beyond.” I joked as she cocked her eyebrow. “I stood in front of my own casket in this same place thirteen years ago, although for this world it may have only been a year ago. I watched in horror as my family and friends listened to my final words in silent tears and broken hearts. The day I lost everything was January 24th, 2014.”

A look of shock spread across her face as she stumbled backwards before running back to the crowd where she was sitting. She said something that I couldn’t hear but from the reactions of the crowd I could tell it was something about me as three people in the crowd stood up looking at me in shock. They quickly exited their rows and rushed over to me. I hastily got into a defensive position.

We had both forgotten that we were unable to harm one another in that instant as the same woman from before stopped in front of the staff as the guy pulled her back. “Don’t come any closer you creatures!” I growled at them.

“Are you...are you Robert?!” The woman from before exclaimed. My eyes widened at the mention of my name but I widened my guard.

“Who the hell are you and why do you know my name?!” I yelled at them. They looked at me with shock at the words I spoke, evidently hurt in ways I couldn’t know at the time.

The guy stepped forward and approached me as I backed away from him, feeling a branch poke into one of my wounds, causing me to wince in pain as I dodged away from it. “Do you not recognize your own family?” He asked cautiously as I glared daggers into him.

I swiped at him with my staff, thinking it would go through him but to my surprise the strike actually hit him. You could hear the staff crack against the side of his head. “HOW DARE YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT CALLING YOURSELF MY FAMILY! I made peace with them years ago when I found my new family!” I yelled in anger as they looked at me with surprise.

“These past twelve years I have scoured Equus in search of a way home to no avail and now you try to play these games with me Grimoire Dusk?! SHOW YOURSELF YOU FUCKING COWARD!” I screamed into the air, frightening the people in front of me. “SHOW YOURSELF!!!” I screamed even louder, my face turning red in pure unadulterated anger.

I slammed my fist into the tree, cracking it where I punched it. There were tears of anger streaming down my face as I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I smacked the hand away and turned towards who did it, it was my mom. She proceeded to hug me as the sudden realization came over me, if this really was Grimoire Dusks doing, I would have been able to dispel it already and take back control.

“Robert...please calm down…” She whispered through tears. I struggled to but eventually I was able to bring my arms up and push her away looking away from her as I shut my eyes tightly.

“No...I can’t do this...after I’ve finally made peace with you all...after I told my daughter that I would never relapse into that same depression again.” I shook my head as tears welled up behind my eyes again, this time tears of sadness.

I slowly looked up to her as the tears came out as I finally recognized their faces, faces I had long since forgotten now given visage again. I looked over to Michael who was standing next to his parents and brother, still speaking to them. “After thirteen long years of traveling the world, doing things I was always told impossible for the entirety of my life; I finally have my own purpose.”

I looked at each of my family members in their eyes as memories came flooding back. I shook my head, “Whereas you all have only missed me a year, I have missed you thirteen. I have my own family to return to now, a daughter who needs me and now a brother who needs my guidance in this new world.”

“I will be honest, if ever given the chance to return to Earth forever I would turn it down.” I looked at my mom who looked saddened by my words. I lifted her chin up and smiled at her. “I want you to know mom, your granddaughter is an amazing girl.” she smiled at it as she put her hand to mine.

“I’m sure she is honey, she has you as a father after all.” her tears were flowing in full now as I let go of her and walked over to my dad.

“I now realize why you had been so harsh on me when I was young. It wasn’t for arbitrary reasons as to cause hatred to rise in my gut but to harden me for the world after I left your protection. Nowadays I could barely care for your yelling at me, especially after a dragon roared at me. Nothing can beat that earsplitting sound.” I laughed as I tried to hug him only to go through him. I took a step back and concentrated on him, and went in for another hug. This time I felt my arms wrap around him and pat him on the back and him vice-versa.

I pulled away, “ When Alisa or Steven have your grandchildren, you had best tell them about me. I might come back over the divide and haunt ya if you don’t.” I smiled at him as he laughed.

“I will Robbie.” He beamed back at me, trying to hide the tears welling up behind his glasses.

I walked over to Steven and glared at him before punching him in the face. He reeled back and punched me back. We glared at each other for a little longer before laughing. “You sure pack a wallop now Bubby!”

I put a hand to the back of my head and chuckled, “Well after fighting what I’ve had to fight I’d be surprised if I didn’t! I honestly wish I could give you one of the Drakon scales I have.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a yellow-green scale the size of my palm, presenting it to Steven. “Broke my ankle during that fight, it was my fifth to worst fight I had ever been in. My worst fight would have to be when I came across a group of hydra’s, only reason I am still alive after that one is because of your niece. Feisty lil dragon she is.”

“Sound’s like you have had quite the adventure this past year eh?” He asked as I shook my head.

“It’s been thirteen years for me, only a year for you guys.” I told him as he raised his eyebrow a bit as I shook my head and gestured a hand down my body. “In a year I wouldn’t have gotten this tall, have the hair I do now, and I wouldn’t be saying I am 30 years old.” He nodded his head as he accepted it. I pulled him into a hug and whispered, “I probably won’t see y’all again for quite some time or at all before I die. Please take care brother, and goodbye.” I pulled away from him and walked over to my sister.

Before I could say anything she slapped me as hard as she could with tears in her eyes. I smiled at this as I put a hand to my cheek, “I suppose I deserved that.” I joked as she hugged me tight and started bawling.

“We thought you were dead!” she sobbed into my chest as I put a hand on the back of her head and rubbed her puffy hair.

“And I cannot blame you for that Alisa as it has been a year since my death here on Earth. The truth is that you will never see your little brother ever again.” I said as she looked up at me with scared eyes as I looked back down at her with a calm expression. “But I want you to know that he did love you and still continues to do so. Sometimes he would stay awake through the night staring up to the starry sky thinking of you all, hoping you were all okay. That he would dream of the days he spent with each and every one of you.”

“Even though he had lost the image of your faces he still remembered your names and the love you carried for him.” I lifted her chin up. “Remember him and he shall always remember you. Love you Alisa.” I said as I pulled her into a hug as she continued to cry. The rest of my family gathered around me and hugged as tight as they could. I looked over to Michael who was doing the same with his family now.

I allowed myself to fade through them as they continued to hug and walk over to the tree and pick up my staff. When they realized I had left I whistled to get their attention as they grouped together.

I went into a deep bow and held it there for a while. “I do not know the next time in which we may see each other, or if we shall ever see each other ever again.” I stood up straight now with a dead serious look on my face now, “A storm is coming to Equus once more and I do not know if I shall survive nor do I know if Michael shall survive.” They went to object but I shook my head, “I have a family to protect now, just as Dad has a family to protect. Even if she is not my daughter by blood I will see to it that she lives on to see the future of Equus after this storm has passed.”

“I wish for you not to weep nor to rejoice but to keep us in fond memories and remember the love we shared. You knew you could not protect me forever but for the years you had, I thank you. I am sorry for all the harm I have caused and all the sorrow I have reaped for it was not something you should have to bear. Whether you live at peace now that you know I am alive or sulk in misery that you had missed out on seeing me grow up is all your choice.”

“We will miss each and everyone of you dearly but hopefully one day we shall be able to see each other again.” I felt a presence appear behind me, I turned slightly and saw a night sky billowing over my shoulder. “This is goodbye Mom, Dad, Alisa, and Steven. May you find happiness in the days to come.” I said with a sad smile as I faded from view but not from the world.

I looked over to Michael who was oblivious to us as I stood there with Luna at my side. “Was it you?” I asked as she shook her head.

“No, twas not us.”

“What was it then?”

“We do not know but it seems to be friendly to thee humans.” she replied as she smiled at me.

I shook my head, “Even so, I can’t shake the sinking feeling that this was nothing more than a coincidence. You remember this same scene from thirteen years ago correct? I was unable to interact with anyone and none could see me.” I reminded her as she looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Art thou suggesting there be something that wishes to test its spells upon humans?” she asked as I nodded.

“Think about it, if this were just a single spell I wouldn’t have woken up in horrible pain like I did the first time. I doubt I will wake up in the same pain as last time as Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy saw us as we went into the spell. I will get nothing more than the initial pain of the spell but we shall see.” I said as she nodded her head. I whistled at Michael.

“It’s time to go Michael, you won’t be seeing them again for a long time so please make these final words count.” I said to him as he nodded in confirmation.

“We have to go now everyone...I will miss all of you and I won’t forget you guys. This isn’t a final goodbye and I mean it. Don’t feel sorry for me. I love you all dearly but I’m also excited to see the world that lies ahead of me and I want to see it...I need to see it. Farewell for now everyone.” He glanced back at me and I motioned for him to hurry up.

“Would it be weird to ask for a viking funeral?” I wasn’t even sure if that needed a response, nonetheless I heard him casually slip it in as he finished up.

“I hope you can all come see it one day and I hope to see you all in the future. Farewell everyone!” He cast one last look back at everyone with a smile, though only now I noticed the early formation of a few tears. He raced to catch up to me, the signs of sadness gone as quickly as they appeared.

“I’m going on an adventure!” And he was back again. It truly baffled me how he could maintain such high hopes and joy. An enigma in his own right. Sometimes I felt an amount of sadness thinking that he would act just like me one day, others I envied him, though I still could never quite understand him. I’m not even sure if he understood himself at times.

He was brought away from the Earthern realm and back into the realm of Equus as we faded into darkness with a singular light shining from below the three of us. Me and Luna looked at him with a sad expression as his smile faded into a flat expression. “I guess that you wish to travel Michael?” I asked as he nodded his head lightly.

“One day I would but for now we have a long lost evil to deal with don’t we?” he reminded me as I smirked and gave a light chuckle.

“I suppose you’re right, when this is all over explore enough for the two of us alright?” I said as he looked at me a little stunned at my words. “Let’s go home Luna, the world can’t wait forever for us.” I joked as she nodded, proceeding to charge up her horn in a midnight blue glow. I felt the shocking sensation rise throughout my body as her magic reached my body and dispelled us from the dream world.