A Burden to Bear

Darkness was around me, inside me. Swirling, dreaming, pulsing darkness. Void, devoid of stars, of light, of time. There were no ending, and, thus, no beginning. There was nothing, just a big black something, which was part of surrounding darkness, and, at the same time, not. At the very same moment, as I became a witness to its glory, he, or, maybe, it, came into existence, and I found myself staring in the human-sized giant eye with a vertical pupil. Then, as I stood there, trembling, HE spoke, laughing. I don’t remember words, and I’m not sure, if I want to. Thus, my dream ended, I awoke on cold sweat, and scream was dying in my throat. Giant cold serpent, whose name was… Ebon Dragon, if roughly translates to our language. Being, that I don’t want to meet ever again. Even if I had to.
And thus, I awakened. Bright white light slashed across my opened eyes, and they almost burned… but it was only a moment. A miserable moment, before I, once, had fallen on something plush and soft. Where I am exactly? Was a dungeon a dream just likes that and I was still lying in my bed… no. My bed was, as I remember, a lot harder, as I adjusted myself to that kind of hardiness. Old habits die hard, and it was something like a habit, since time of my childhood… doesn’t matter now, I presume. And then, as I lay down upon that plushy surface, temporarily blinded, and then the voice came. It was kind of weak, trembling… and kind. Kind, calming, soothing, just like a healing balm carefully applied to the wound. She, and, I’m sure, that it was ‘she’, asked me, as if not sure of my ability to understand and communicate verbally with her:
-H-how are you feeling?
Her voice. Funny thing, though it was just barely louder than a whisper, I heard it all right. Maybe it’s because of absence of noise from the street? But, if so, then where am I? Still, there was a question in need of answer. A little sarcastic, maybe, but answer nonetheless.
-Like I’ve been run over by a truck, but I’m alright, I guess.
The reply, though, was not the one I’ve been expecting:
-Um… what the ‘truck’ is?
-It’s a… - I found myself at loss of words. – It’s a machine, a transport device.
-Oh. You mean, like a carriage?
-Kinda. More sophisticated, but, yeah. So… can I ask you a question?
-Um… sure, i-if you want to.
-How can I call you? I mean, by name, if it isn’t rude.
Just before she answered, I knew exactly what she wanted to say. Life is a funny thing sometimes.
-Oh… the name’s… Fluttershy.
You’ve gotta be kidding me. I opened one of my eyes, slowly, carefully, to gain a view of surroundings. Nope, she wasn’t kidding. I stared at the timid yellow pegasus… or was it pegasi? Anyway, she was one of so called mane six, from the show. Fascinating… and beautiful to boot. Very, very beautiful…
She shied under my stare, and struggled not hide behind something, well, at least it was my impression. Thus, I averted my gaze and mumbled, slowly, and, I hope, coherently:
-I’m sorry.
-But… um… for what?
-For scaring you, I suppose.
-Oh, silly, you didn’t scare her at all! Well, perhaps a teeny weeny little bit, and made her shy a LOT!
That was… uh… how can I call event that was unexpected from certain point of view, but was expected something like… unconsciously? Anyway, all hail Pinkie Pie! Hooray, hooray, hooray!
-Hi, Pinkie. - I chuckled. - How are you?
-Fine, tha... - pink pony interrupted herself in the middle of word - Heeey, how do you know my mane?
-Your what, now? - I asked, unsure of what I heard. - Maybe it’s... name?
-Nah-uh! You didn’t even see me! How do you know what color my mane is?
And just how should I answer that? Um, wait a second, just a sec... she read my thoughts or what? No, guess it’s just Pinkie, random as usual. How should I...
-Maybe I saw you in my dreams? - I felt smile crept upon my lips. - Or in some kind of show?
-Oh! - exclaimed party pony - You’re one of THOSE!
Those?
-Um, Pinkie... - once again spoke pegasus.
-Yes, Fluttershy?
-Please, be quiet, he need rest.
-Oh, sure! - easily agreed earth pony, undoubtedly bouncing around(my eyes were still closed,so I could only guess). - But when he get better I throw him a...
-...party. - I think I began foreshadowing her.
-Yes! And there will be...
-...cupcakes...
-Cupcakes! And...
-...muffins. And punch. - this was getting ridiculous, but I continued nonetheless. - And ‘Pin the tail on the pony’... am I right?
-Wow! Dead you read a script too?
Script? Come on... well, what did I expect? It WAS Pinkie after all. After bidding farewell, pink pony left, then and only then I dare to open my eyes, sincerely hoping that they’re already accommodated to the currently bright light. Is it me, or light isn’t so bright now? Just evening, I guess. Well, at least now I got my opportunity to take a sight of building in which I currently reside in. If you’ve seen the show, you recognise the sight almost immediately. House was nice and simple, with infinite nests, small animal houses, etc, etc, etc. Strangely enough, I didn’t see even one of the inhabitants, well, except for one and only. White rabbit curled under the blanket and burrowed me with uneasy gaze. Was he scared? Angel? Scared? No, don’t think so. What else? Stairway to second floor and, if I remember it right, Fluttershy bedroom. Pegasi itself sitting quietly on the couch, and only when I tried to get up, I became aware of one thing. My clothes were gone. Like, I mean, totally gone, without a trace. There were more than enough blankets, but still... Feeling embarrassed, I asked, smiling shyly:
-Um... sorry to disturb you, but where can I find my... things?
-Oh. - Fluttershy shied away and her reply was barely audible. - Rarity took them. They need cleaning and she was fascinated by the quality of material.
Embarrassed? Forget it. NOW I was embarrassed for sure.
-Really doubt it, but thanks... oh, wait! When can I get them back?
-They should be already cleaned... I guess I can fetch them for you. Is this fine with you?
-Yeah, thanks... Max. That’s my name. Didn’t introduce myself yet, sorry. And thanks... for help.
-It’s nothing, really. I’ll be back as soon as I can.
With that phrase on her lips, she left the house. I hope it won’t take long for her to return, not that I have anything against blankets, it’s just... I mean... I don’t know. What do you feel if your first meeting with the favorite shy pegasi pony was while you were only in your underwear, even if covered by multitude of blankets? A mixture of emotions stirred in me right now, but nothing, that I could name, even if I want to.
Time stand still.
I heard the ticking of clock, sure, but it was just... that. Some time to think, to reflect on events of the past day. So, I was in basement, then there were this light, and then I woke up in the magical land of Equestria. Right? Right... or not? Maybe I’m just lying out there somewhere, bleeding, and whole this world around me is nothing more than a vision of a dying mind? Even if it is, it’s probably a whole lot better, than something Harry Mason experienced, that’s for sure. Cancelling out the thought of remembering defining characteristics of Harry’s journey(I don’t want to go into some kind of ‘Silent Ponyville’ after all), I just laid here and tried to think of something. Why I was here, for example? What should I do now? Is there any way to go back home? Should I really go back? Why this is happening to me, not to someone else? I’m not big fan of the show, and...
The door creaked, and a pair of beautiful mares stepped into the house. One of them, of course, was Fluttershy, and then there was a unicorn with pure white fur and delicate purple mane. Rarity... she was even more gorgeous than in the show. No wonder, that Spike... hey, that’s my clothes! Focus of my thoughts changed as I crawled out of bed, seeing, that my bed, was, in fact, composed of two or three mattresses stuck together. Well, no wonder, considering that the height of the average pony was something like a metre or so, but... ah, don’t care. Another problem was, that I was almost naked and standing before a pair of females. Not that was a really problem, but... uh... they were equines and not even one of them wasn't my girlfriend(as that would be really really strange, or, rather, weird). I harrumphed and asked, as politely as I could.
-Good evening, miss Fluttershy, miss Rarity. If I can take my clothes back, I’d be glad to do so and greet you properly.
Unicorn simply nodded, and my things, surrounded by telekinesis field slowly flown into my hands. Whew, that’s a LOT better! Wearing familiar equipment was akin to gift from the Heaven, and I felt a little more confident, not to mention, that I felt a lot less nervous. You know, psychological thing. Light-green pants, black socks and boots, white shirt, and white-green jacket with so much pockets, that sometimes I even forgot how much exactly did I had in there. When the process of dressing was finished, I knelt before Rarity, lightly lifting her forehoof and kissing it. Her fur smelled like mix of forest herbs with the strong hint of strawberry and mint. Perfect. Simply perfect.
-It’ pleasure to meet you, miss Rarity.
-Oh, my dear! - she was shocked. Pleasantly, I hope. - I didn’t expect our new guest to be such a gentlecolt! Its pleasure to meet you too, mister... um...
-It’s simply Max, miss.
-Well, mister Max, - fashionista smiled warmly. - I’m glad to see that you’re in good health. I’m sorry for any inconvenience that I may brought you, but your clothes simply needed to be cleaned properly.
-I understand, lady. Could any of you suggest what could I do now? Not that I’m unfamiliar with the local geography and customs, it’s just... all of sudden.
-Um... you should talk to Twilight... - answered Fluttershy. - I mean, i-if you want to.
-This is your house, am I right?
-Yes, why?
-I guess I should help you clean this mess up... - slight nod to the bed, that was, undoubtedly, was made just for me. - dear ladies, where could I stay for a time being? I don’t want to bother any of you, and such...
Pegasi and unicorn glanced at each other and a little sense of unease, for a second, crept over me. There were something, that was already said. Some hint, that I’m...
‘Oh! You’re one of THOSE!’
Right, party pony, Pinkie Pie. And neither Fluttershy nor Rarity wasn’t surprised at the sight of me. Maybe Fluttershy grown accustomed to various creatures, even not pleasant to look at, but Rarity... I guess there are some secrets out there. Secrets, that, in my opinion, I should not dig into. At least, for now.
-If you want to. - continued Fluttershy - You can stay here.
-I don’t want to scare your little animal friends, and, besides, there are books in the library that I can read en masse. And... consider that I simply don’t want to embarrass you.
Rarity stifled a laugh, and, as I gazed upon her, just shook her head, as if nothing happened. Well, I hope it really isn’t. So... what now?
-Should I meet with Twilight or with someone else right now? - I asked, unsure of what expect to hear.
-Oh, dear! - exclaimed Rarity, as if suddenly remembered something. - Twi isn’t in the Ponyville right now! As far as I remember, she wanted to meet her parents in Canterlot. She had something like a day off... sorry, mister Max, I should’ve remembered earlier.
-No problems at all, miss Rarity. I just go and see other Elements then, if you don’t mind.
-You heard about the Elements? - asked slightly interested fashionista. - I mean, of course you are, but... what exactly did you hear?
-How about I tell you on the way to Sweet Apple Acres? If it’s ok with you, then lead the way.
-I’m free right now, so why not? If you promise to tell me about fashion in your world too, of course. Fluttershy, dear, are going with us?
-Sorry, but no, - pegasi answered - I got some things to do.
-No problem at all. - I smiled. - Look like I’m guest at your house tonight, if you don’t mind. Then, until we meet again, if I can say so.
Thus, we left. Ponyville basked in the light of setting sun. Funny thing, I don’t even know what to say. I mean, I know, that they got a goddess who do this sun thing, and... damn. Is Princess is the goddess or not? From human point of view she could be classified as the deity, but... uh, no, no philosophical discussions this evening, my head hurts enough even without them. More importantly - I was right, it was evening. Maybe it was mistake, but...
-When Applejack goes to sleep?
-Oh, my... - unicorn nodded. - You’re right, we may be a little bit late. How about go to Carousel Boutique, have a little talk at the cup of tea?
-Fine by me.
And so, we gone. The road was not very long, as if some kind of narrative nature law was set in motion here. You know. Point A, point B and downtime in-between, that kind of narrative, as in storytelling RPG’s. Really liked them a couple years ago. Anyway, we stopped at the door, and, I guess, I should give some more details now. Buildings in Ponyville, was build by ponies, for ponies, sure, and I, being a human, got some tough time going in and out.... curiously feeling myself almost like Winnie-the-Pooh, from famous book. Lucky me, it wasn’t really tough time, felt more like going in and out of something like a tent. Not very pleasant, sure, but will do. World around us was... bright. Bright and full of color, almost vibrant with life and greenery, something, that you or I will never see on Earth. It pains my eyes, sure, but I get used to it little by little, though I didn’t know when, or, even, if I could grow accustomed to it in my lifetime.
Only now I finally got chance to look at the mirror and couldn’t shake off urge to do so. If I’m not mistaken, everything was fine right now. My six feet height, seventy two kgs weight, black hair and amber eyes... no mutations, everything in order... and I’m not a pony. Don’t even know what to think of it.
While I took my time, Rarity already made tea, and we sat at her kitchen, talking... about many different things:
-Why do you use such... uh... pale gamma of colors? - she asked, looking at my clothes. - Fine material, by the way, but, still, I can’t adjust myself to the thought of using leather.
-And you shouldn’t, it’s just difference between our societies, states of mind. It’s alien to you, and let it be that way. And, answering your question... Because I like it. It’s just, you know... I don’t really like wearing something, that look like it screams for attention. I prefer to be a little... stealthy?
-But why?
-Not everyone should be like Rainbow Dash, you know. Of course there are situations, when you should impress and inspire awe, but I’m not like this. I mean, look at me! I prefer simple clothes, practical style, and stay away from fame of any kind. Spotlight? Uh, no, thanks.
-You’re... - she paused, as if searching for the right word. - humble.
-I prefer the word ‘lazy’, actually. Why bother? I look just like I feel myself. I’m not bland or anything, it just suit my style, that’s all.
-I think I understand, - said fashionista, making a sip from the cup. - even if I can’t agree with your opinion, I respect it.
-Thanks. It’s not like you meet that much people who could do the same.
She nodded, as if... don’t know. I guess she had her experiences, that’s all. I felt almost physically, as sun setting upon the horizon, invisible clock continued to tick... but I didn’t bother. After all, I got to Equestria, had my fair share of pleasant talks, what else could I wish? A little more meat in the menu, actually, but that was fine reminder about little imperfections of the perfect world. Our conversation lasted and lasted, until stars appeared in the night sky, then, and only then I thanked Rarity for her hospitality and returned to Fluttershy house, exhausted by events of day before, but feeling more alive, than in last five years... tomorrow’s going to be a big day, I can almost feel it. But for now I should just sleep. Light’s... out.