Chapters Chapter 2
My chest was burning my legs ached as if lead weights were glued to my calves and I kept going. I reached the agriculture fields surrounding the campus the abandoned fields are about 5 miles from campus past the hills. My body was desperately trying to stop sweat poured from my body making salt water with the rain. I couldn’t go any further. I fell to my knees and let out a scream “WHY AM I SO WEAK!?! WHY AM I SO WORTHLESS!?!?” The sky appeared to hear me as lightning flashed and thunder roared. I felt so helpless, I had thrown myself at the mercy of the storm and I cared not what it did with me. I began to enjoy the freezing rain. I felt a chill running to my core and the Darkside reminded me that I should let myself freeze after all it’s why you came out here when you think about it. But for some reason I couldn’t stand the cold any longer and survival instinct kicked in. I was afraid. I didn’t want to die and yet I did at the same time. I frantically began to search for shelter as the storm intensified. The ground was becoming slick and sticky thanks to all the smectite clay in the soil. In the distance I noticed a small broken down shack towards the edge of the field I was on. I was protected somewhat from the storm as it was flanked by two immense oak trees. Without thinking I sprinted towards the dilapidated structure. The wind was so intense by this time I could barely keep my eyes open and rain was coming down in sheets soaking my body to it’s very core. The cuts I had given myself earlier caused my shoulders to burn as though they were on fire as I slogged my way through the mud to reach the shack. About half way there my feet felt like rocks and looked down to see my running shoes covered in mud and the bottoms seemed to have adobe bricks built in as the clay caked the treads. I quickly yanked off my shoes and socks forcing my naked feet to endure the freezing mud and ice cold rain.
“Almost there” I said aloud. However, about 20 ft. from the shack my body gave out and I collapsed into the muck that surrounded me. I could barely move as the tempest raged around me. My vision was blurring I knew it was only a matter of time before I just laid there and went to sleep. Darkside ever present was encouraging me to give in.
Unfortunately the storm seemed to intensify as the shack began to creak and groan as though it were in pain. Through a hole in the ceiling I could see the mighty oaks outside begin to sway as they fell to the sheer strength of the gale force winds howling all around us. To my disbelief I heard a loud CRACK and felt the shack shudder with impact. It appeared that a large limb from the tree had fallen off. The shacks corrugated roof began to cave inwards. Horrified by the idea I was about to be crushed I searched for an escape. The front door wasn’t an option as the jagged metal that surrounded it was impossible to avoid and I could barely walk let alone crawl out that way. There was a shuttered window in between the shelves of old farming equipment. Perfect I thought. I attempted to stand. Excruciating pain shot through my body. I quickly returned to the ground face first. I had fallen towards the window and upon closer examination it looked far too small for me to get through. “Damn it” I cursed under my breath. I was on the verge of giving up as exhaustion over took me. I left my head on the ground as the shack groaned again the metal roof caving in dramatically. In about two seconds I would become a blood red stain in this metal death trap. Content with my fate I rolled myself into a sitting position and watched the roof yield further to the oak limb above.
I landed below the ladder that led up to the shack. The ground was shockingly soft as I felt around and realized the floor was finely ground dirt. So soft it was like lying on sand. I took a moment to get my bearings the musty smell of old redwood greeted my nose, the entire space was about as large as a typical living room with a few side doors leading off into what I suspected to be bed and bath rooms. There were a few overturned desks littered with old papers and files. And as I pulled myself up to a sitting position I noticed numerous mounted magnifying glasses and microscopes on shelves lining the room. In addition the ground was littered in what appeared to be broken petri dishes. I felt as though I had fallen into an abandoned laboratory. But what on earth would a place like this be doing under an old farm shack? As intrigued as I was my body was exhausted and before I knew what hit me I leaned back against the wall and passed out.
Author's Note
The second chapter still in human world I know. Ummmm... I am not very good at writing these notes but don't worry...ummm yeah subsequent chapters will be uploaded and again I hope to get some feedback, comments or just general chit chat about this fanfiction Thank a bunch.
Chapter 3
I awoke to the soft patter of rain hitting sheet metal above me. It was still cloudy but still light enough for me to realize it must have been the next day perhaps around 10 am. I shakily got to my feet. A sharp jolt of pain ran through my body as I put my weight on my left foot.
The pain had subsided for the moment I felt as though I could search around for this so called magic mineral. After all I was essentially trapped in this crazed professor’s secret lab and I was in no real hurry to find a way out the Darkside made certain of that. I continued to limp my way around the area and my eyes chance upon seeing a calendar,
This was fascinating to say the least but it had no bearing on my current predicament. Feeling tired from all the reading and the constant throbbing in my head I decided to find a more comfortable place to sleep. Looking around a side door went off down a buttressed hallway. As luck would have it a small bedroom was discovered complete with a king sized bed and a few blankets. Unsure as to how sanitary the area was I decided to just grab a few blankets and sleep on the floor.
"October 23rd 1960, well I have been down here a good two years now. Ever since I chanced upon this mineral while on a geologic survey in Greenland my life took a turn for the worst. I became obsessed with figuring out what this thing is. Why do I feel as though I am not myself when I hold it? Why did I take a knife to my loyal assistant while under its effects? I became a murderer and had nowhere else to go. I disappeared and started my false life as a field hand on the nearby farms. The toil and arduous work was downright spirit shattering but the mineral for whatever reason kept me going. I became a fanatic upon discovering the old shack off the farm I made it into my base of operation and I continued to study this fascinating stone. I suppose it does not matter now the cough has gotten worse blood has come up more than once. I can’t sleep anymore sweating all night thrashing about the only thing that keeps me sane is this stone…my work was for nothing….too tired now…."
The note ended. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for this man. He did nothing wrong and yet the stone almost seemed to in itself kill him. Angrily I said “he didn’t deserve this” as I threw the mineral at the wall. It shattered on impact sending shards everywhere. For a second I thought the stone had explosive properties as the fragments flew out at extreme speeds. Pieces managed to imbed themselves in my skin around my hands and arms. The pain in my foot paled in comparison to this agony. I toppled to the floor in a heap clutching my arms close to my body as they began to burn like fire. Enjoy the pain, relish in it the after all it’s what you deserve Darkside said as I gritted my teeth holding in a scream. Strange sensations over took me I felt as though I was reliving someone else’s memories. I saw a small village with thatched roof houses. Everything was vibrant and cheery, I heard laughter and conversations coming from a small café in what looked like a downtown of sorts. I spotted a large tree which seemed to have been hollowed out to function as a house and gravitated towards it. WHAM!! A cyan colored creature slammed into me and shocked me back to reality. The pain was so intense by this time I barely noticed the shards in my arms begin to glow. My blurred vision could barely make out the spot where the stone shattered but I saw a vibrant teal colored glow engulfing the room.
I couldn’t take the pain anymore as I felt the warm light wrap around me I passed out all the while hearing a voice in the background a faint whisper “Oh my gosh oh my gosh, Pinkie pie are you okay?!”
Chapter 4: The Forest
Chapter 4
Where to begin… well I guess I should say the pain was still present when I awoke. It was dark, the air felt thick as I looked up to see a canopy so dense no sunlight penetrated through. Wait a second how did I end up outside? I felt around with my hands and notice the floor was stone and I was surrounded by three ruined walls in various states of decay. As my eye adjusted to the lack of light making out the silhouette of an ancient archway. To be honest this whole part of my journey is a little fuzzy so bear with me. I pulled myself up off the cold stone and attempted to walk around and once again I was too weak to even shuffle I along. The pain was too much. Darkside came back as well “look at you so weak, so pathetic can’t even push yourself to walk on your mangled foot. You worthless waste of space you should have just let yourself perish in that shack.” I shut my eyes clenched my hands and tried to calm down. Deep breathes… get your bearings. Holding back it in for now I managed to shuffle along the wall using it to support my weight as I made my way to the archway. In the distance I could see a faint glimmer of light through all the trees that surrounded the ruins. Just have to make it there I thought to myself there is no way anyone would find me in these woods…if anyone was looking which they most certainly weren’t. SNAP! What was that?
Breathing, gurgling, growling those are the three sounds that greeted my ears as I started crawling towards the edge of the forest. I looked to my left and saw nothing but darkness, I shifted my vision to the right again saw nothing. Then I saw it. Dead ahead was what I could only describe as a wooden dog. It’s snout looked like a freshly cut log leading to its blood chilling yellow eyes. In my eyes If wood could look muscular it would probably look like this creature. It seemed to radiate raw nature almost as if the plants and tree decided to fight back against any possible threats to the wilderness. It growled coming closer those eyes narrowing preparing to lunge and rip open my throat. Whelp at least it will be quick I thought by this point I really just didn’t care what happened to me. The dark side had won. I laid there accepting my fate as the creature neared my wounded body on hidden in the foliage. It was upon me I closed my eyes hoping its bite would be swift and precise my heart was racing, sweat was pouring from my brow dripping everywhere. I waited and waited. Huh? Why am I not dead yet? The wooden monstrosity appeared perplexed by what it saw on the ground. Sniffing me a few times the creature yelped and sprinted off into the forest.
“Ooookay….” I whispered to myself. The Dark side chimed in “hah you’re so weak and disgusting even a ravenous predator doesn’t want to end you. Might as well do it yourself.” “
“SHUT UP!” I screamed as I clutched my head… “Just leave me alone I…”. I desperately wanted to just end it all right there but some part of me willed me to go on. I guess I still didn’t want to die. I restarted my slow crawl towards the edge of the forest. Finally I reached my goal without any strength left I collapsed. As vision faded I noticed a small cottage with little bridge leading up the entrance. And what I saw I can say shocked me beyond belief there was a…pony with a cream colored coat and flowing pink mane and….were those wings? It was tending to a pink pony who appeared to be unconscious on the back of another pony. It looked very worried about the pink pony while the cyan pony carrying her was lowering her head in I could only describe as shame she looked very guilty. My vision was too fuzzy by this point to make anything out on the cyan pony other than that she looked like a rainbow.
Author's Note
So yeah in equestria and what not. So I uploaded these 4 chapters to see what people thought there are plenty more after this but I need to know if people like this or if I should stop. Anyways thanks for any feedback and I apologize for any typos or grammatical errors I did my best to edit but let me know if you see anything incorrect.
Chapter 5: Crisis In the Storm
Chapter 5
Now this next part is not a firsthand account of what happened but rather It was explained to me when I awoke.
Ashamedly rainbow dash hung her head “It was an accident! I swear I was practicing some agility exercises by weaving through the buildings in Ponyville when pinkie appears out of nowhere sprinting towards the library! I never even had a chance to slow down before we collided.”
“Oh dear, you do know how dangerous it is to practice like that in town? Look what happened!” Fluttershy said In a soft but firm voice.
“I know I know I am really sorry” Rainbow Dash apologized desperately looking more ashamed than ever. “Please tell me you can help me patch up Pinkie?”
“No don’t worry about me my body is a lot more resilient since I crash all the time I’ll heal up in no time” RD answered nonchalantly but, her voice filled with concern for the pink mare “Please let’s just focus on Pinkie.”
“Alright, I am going to need some alcohol and disinfectant for these deep gashes on her temple" looking over the unconscious Pinkie. I’ll get some ice from the kitchen to help bring down the swelling could you run and grab the supplies from town?...I mean if it’s not too much trouble?”
“Say no more I am on it!” and just like that RD was gone in a flash.
“You’ll be just fine Pinkie rainbow dash and I will make sure of that” Fluttershy whispered placing the bag of ice on Pinkie’s for head. 10 seconds later Dash returned with the needed medical supplies and got to work with Fluttershy patching up their friend.
Rainbow looked up comforted by Fluttershy’s words “Thanks for that I really want to apologize in person anyway. I’ll be back a bit later to check in still gotta get my own cuts cleaned up and then I have to help prepare tomorrows thunderstorm.” As she shot out the door she gave one last concerned glance at pinkie before leaving.
It was about 5am when Pinkie awoke a bit confused as to how she ended up in Fluttershy’s cottage.
Looking around the floor of Fluttershy’s bedroom she spotted a small teal colored light emanating from under the bed. Curious as to what it was Pinkie quickly reached under and pulled out a strange looking stone her head started throbbing as soon as she held it close.
“Angel!” Fluttershy called. The irritated snow white bunny climbed out of his hole looking angry at having been woken up early. He impatiently tapped his foot and pointed towards the clock.
There was an intense flash of lightning and thunder shook the house. Fluttershy let out a yelp and quickly hid behind her bedroom door.
Fluttershy gave her a quizzical look of surprise “Hey I grew up on a rock farm I know em and I’m proud Pinkie let out a weak giggle
Pinkie was staring up at the ceiling grimacing all the while. “Oh where could it be?” Fluttershy whispered to herself. Boom! A flash of light and a clap of thunder shook the cottage.
“They really outdid themselves with this storm” Fluttershy muttered very frightened. The power went out. While electricity is not usually necessary in most ponies homes Fluttershy requires it to ease the task of taking care of so many different animals requiring many contrasting levels of heat light and water. The room was pitch black the only light came from the sporadic flashes of lightning. Out of the corner of Pinkie’s eye she spotted a faint teal glow coming from under the Fluttershy’s Wardrobe.
“Pinkie’s mane was in the way no wonder I wasn’t able to see this earlier” Fluttershy whispered to herself feeling so guilty.
Chapter 6: Escaping Death
So there I was again, trapped out in a storm broken and bleeding. I wanted to have it all end right there as I laid on the hill in agony. I must have passed out as when I awoke it was dark and the sky was filled with monstrous but magnificent storm clouds. “Maybe the infection from my injuries will kill me…or maybe I’ll starve to death or perhaps I’ll get hypothermia from this storm and freeze to death” I said to myself I was beyond any hope of assistance now and I thought I accepted the fact that this is where I will die. Darkside chimed in “It’s what you deserve… you know it…I know it and the world will be better off this way”. He laughed a cruel and bitter laugh at that. “Good riddance”. I couldn’t accept it. For some reason my body began to crawl I found myself squirming through the mud towards the cottage at the bottom of the hill. Sweat poured from my body the salt stinging all the wounds I had. At the lip of the hill I felt myself roll down mud splashing all over my face. I couldn’t see I could barely breathe. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a cyan pony coming towards me and it did something I never expected. It pulled me out of the mud which it seemed to have a hard time with. The wind was howling the rain falling in sheets as it pulled me to the door of the cottage. I could hardly fathom the idea that this creature or…pony was helping me. Why?! It doesn’t need to care about me. My mind was a mess, drifting in and out of consciousness “Fluttershy!”
The cyan pony called and as I looked I saw a cream colored Pegasus carrying a pink mare on her back.
I don’t think the two of them really even remembered I was there I guess I was caked in mud so I blended in pretty well.
The forcefulness of Fluttershy’s voice shocked Rainbow Dash. Only a few times before had she seen Fluttershy so upset and yet so determined
Author's Note
So....short chapter I know but, to make up for it the next one is pretty long and at least in my opinion it is kind of interesting. I need to edit it a bit more before I publish but It should be up some time today 10/31/2014. Anyway never thought this story would get any likes or favorites at all but I am delighfully surprised. I appreciate and thank anyone for reading this and would love any feedback you want to give.
Chapter 7
I awoke feeling sore as all get out. I tried moving my arms and found that they were completely bandaged. I lifted one up only to be greeted by another jolt of pain my vision blurred for a second and I closed my eyes. When the pain subsided I slowly raised my head and found that I was in a hospital. Several heart rate monitors and other
“How did I get here?”
A pleasant mare’s voice answered “you are in the Ponyville General Hospital in the Emergency Care Wing”
“Hello” I said politely attempting to lighten the mood.
“Hello” I heard her shyly squeak out.
Those words struck me like a brick. Another friend? Perhaps it was that pink pony I saw during the storm. If that’s the case then what if I delayed them? What if I slowed them down and that pony’s injuries were severe?
Looking around as Rainbow was consoling Fluttershy I noticed a jar of pens. They were old school metal italic pens. I grabbed one feeling the edge. Not sharp but it’ll work I thought. Without thinking I jammed it into my wrist, the cold metal cutting like a blunt knife through my soft skin and luke warm blood. I let out a scream as I pulled it out for the strike on my other wrist.
Rainbow noticed what I was doing immediately.
My mind was racing
I leaned my back against the door slamming it shut. Thankful to have some silence. To be alone in my pain just like it should be.
The Pony raised her head seeing the pen in my hand. Her eyes widened in terror. I pressed the edge against my neck the cool metal digging into my skin.
I awoke after what felt like an eternity. I looked to the wall the clock showed 3:30am. I looked at my wrist to see that it was completely bandaged. And I was back in my hospital bed. Empty and exactly the same except one small detail there was someone watching me.
“I was to inform Princess Sparkle when you awoke please excuse me.”
“I see….well then, thank you for informing me as to where I am Miss Sparkle, you can ask your questions now if you like.”
“ I’m sorry, but Princess Celestia wanted you kept in the hospital until you were deemed safe, if it was found you were a threat I was asked to keep you magically imprisoned here until you could be transferred somewhere else. Celestia tells me I need to work on my rhetoric.”
Twilight said turning back to face me. I was still somewhat shaken up from the spell. I felt cold and my skin was pale.
I was fed up at this point
“Look just ask your question and leave me be please Princess” I said as politely as I could trying to hide the anger in my voice.
20 minutes later
“So you are from this realm called Earth. That is so fascinating most of the magic I know of only allows teleportation from one area to another. But in your case you managed to get from a completely different world to Equestria. It must be connected to that stone you found in that basement somehow. That’s incredible.”
“Yes I do believe you deserve a chance to show us we can trust you. Therefore as a first gesture of this trust I will have the captain move you out of this isolated room.”
That last detail hit me like a freight train. Perhaps I had experienced the sensations of a certain pink pony walking to the library only to be hit by that cyan blur that could have been Rainbow dash. I felt kind of stupid for not thinking of that earlier.
“Yes that was me” my voice weakening as I struggled to get on my knees.
She seemed to be in much better shape than when I saw her last as she easily trotted us over to an empty bed. This was the first time I really got a good look at her given how high off the ground I was she probably came up to my waist in height. Considering how close my feet were to the ground she was fairly long since they weren’t dragging on the floor. Her mane was rather billowy almost like it was inflated with air and she had what appeared to be a tattoo of three balloons on her flank in different colors. She gave me a halfhearted smile her eyes filled with concern.
Author's Note
Here's the seventh chapter, including people and ponies. I have been uploading chapters that I have written already so the next 4 are already finished. Anyway I got 7 likes on this so far making me a happy camper. Please let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions on how it could be improved.
Chapter 8
Have you ever woken up and had someone staring right at you as soon as you crack your eyes open? Me either but that changed when I opened them up that morning. Two cyan rimmed orbs were looking down at me a few inches from my face. Pinkie was sitting on my legs,
“Yes I did in fact” I answered trying to keep the confusion out of my voice, granted I was still in some pain but that was the best night of sleep I had gotten in a very long time. I noticed the energy Pinkie had. “I am glad to see you are getting better Pinkie I take it your injuries are healing properly?”
Pinkie cocked her head looking perplexed as to what I just said. “It wasn’t your fault I got hurt, it was mine for not avoiding rainbow dash we she was doing her loop de loops and whooshing through town. Besides Fluttershy came through yesterday to check up on me. She felt awful about what she said to you was sorry. She even told me that she would come by later to apologize in person. Plus if none of this had happened I would have never of met you…oh my gosh…then we would have never been friends and I would have one less friend than I could have had.” I felt I had to interrupt her before she got lost in a contemplating multiple friendship scenarios and to tell the truth I had a hard time believing she genuinely thought of me as a friend.
“Oh we could play some board games, or we could throw a mini party with the two us here or we could…..” I lost track of all her suggestions as she started listing off dozens of
Pinkie seemed right as rain she could probably check herself out if she wanted. I wondered why she hadn’t done so already. Not that I didn’t enjoy her company but she didn’t need to be wasting her time in this plain, sterile, well regulated hospital and she shouldn’t of been wasting her time with me. Like I said I am not that interesting.
“I don’t know that much about you” she giggled “I don’t even know your name, but as far as I am concerned you are my friend, you are nice to me and you make me laugh. And if I am wasting time hanging out with someone I like, then that’s alright because like I said you are my friend.” I wanted to believe her, and I think part of me did. Darkside was in my head all the while telling me to ignore what she said. That it wasn’t true, she simply pitied me, that’s why she was kind and continued to stay. For once I mustered the strength to ignore him and with my voice at a whisper uttered “Thanks Pinkie, you have no idea what that means to me”. She beamed “You are very welcome”.
Pinkie spent the next two days with me as I regained my strength, regaling me with stories of what she and her friends did. She made me laugh a few times, I try to keep control of myself and remain stoic, after all no one can hurt you if you don’t react to anything. They can’t judge you at least not negatively. You can turn yourself into an enigma, no one can pinpoint exactly where you belong and as long as you attempt to be kind, generous, and loyal they will be content with that picture even if it’s not really you. That aside I couldn’t help but crack up at some of the jokes she made a few times she even pulled out a set of drums and cymbals to go along with her comedy acts. Where she kept those in a hospital I’ll never know. Although I could have sworn I saw her stashing the set in some weird portal like thing. I decided it was better not to question it.
Soon enough Nurse Redheart gave me the all clear and that I was free to go. Most of my cuts and bruises had healed leaving me with some unseemly scars. While I have always found scars to be a marker of someone who is tough and experienced, it doesn’t really count when you inflict them on yourself. Now the only purpose they serve is a marker of weakness and shame.
Pinkie was ecstatic when she heard this news “Wooo! This means I can finally throw you a welcome to Ponyville party. This party has to be amazing but….” She paused almost looking perplexed.
“ALLLright!” Pinkie rocked to the ceiling bouncing around like she had just won the lottery, but at this point I realized she treated everyday as though she was most optimistic pony in the world. To be honest part of me envied that. To be able to look at everyday knowing only good things could come out of it. I already know my future that is assuming I get to leave this world but…I won’t write it down now. Also assuming that captain Rhyo doesn’t kill me first. Yeah I am not that optimistic.
Author's Note
Rabble Rabble Rabble, Thank you for reading if want comment and tell me what you think
P.S. I apologize for any grammatical errors I do my best to proofread these chapters before uploading but you might catch something I do not see please comment if you do thanks.
Chapter 9: Snow At Sunset
Chapter 8
The first step outside of the hospital, I took a deep breath and exhaled. The air was so clean back on earth I went to school near the coast in California, the air was always crisp and clear but there is really no comparison. It was if I was breathing the spirit of winter, the gale that runs through a frozen meadow as the sun begins to set. I guess in the hospital I never realized what the weather was like outside, the ground was covered in a thick blanket of snow. It was captivating every tree was made of ice and sparkled in the evening sun. and while I looked around at the beauty my body brought me back to reality. It was cold….no it was down right frigid. I brought my arms to my chest and looked down at pinkie who seemed a bit chilled but not nearly as cold as me. She looked up at me with a smile which turned to a frown quite quick.
“You look freezing!” she exclaimed “Yes I am a bit cold I’ll admit but I think I’ll be fine until we get to….” I frowned I didn’t remember where we we’re going. “Idiot” I muttered under my breath.
Pinkie didn't hear me luckily and finished my sentence “ To Lyra’s place. But since it’s late and I don’t want to have you turn into a Popsicle let me run back inside. I am sure the hospital has something warm for you to wear. Be back in a flash.” And just like that she nearly teleported back into the hospital. The sky was growing darker it looked like it might snow tonight and I was grateful pinkie was willing to run back to grab something warmer for me to wear. At the same time I wish she didn’t after all silent suffering was something Darkside wanted me to experience everyday. With that darkside spoke up after being absent for a while, “Don’t accept what she brings you are not worth it and she shouldn't see you for anything more than extra useless baggage” he whispered. I closed my eyes and slowed my breathing attempting to shut him out. I almost didn’t notice when pinkie suddenly reappeared with what a looked like a very worn wool blanket. “I asked nurse redheart if there were any spare blankets around. She seemed sorry but told
“I see so where did that blanket you are holding come from?” I asked raising my eyebrows. After all pinkie doesn't strike me as a thief.
Author's Note
Short Chapter I know but Im uploading the next as I write this comment :) Be sure to comment or simply tell me if you hate it or not.
Chapter 10
Suffice to say that walk was one of the coldest I’ve ever been on. Somehow though, being with Pinkie made up for the fact that I was freezing as the sunset behind the hills surrounding Ponyville. In the distance I could make out a Castle painted crimson and orange as the daylight faded. The turrets I saw shone like beacons and sparkled like several stars as if the day was giving its last gift to this world. Beautiful is one word to describe that sight and yet every time I looked to my right that pink mare looked equally if not more spectacular than that sunset and castle. We walked in relative silence the only sound being the crunch of hoof and foot upon snow. Not surprising considering how late and cold it was we were the only two outside at the time. Most of the houses had thatched roof tops with each road appearing to converge onto a grand central plaza with a breathtaking town hall in the center. We passed through a mostly deserted market place that looked very similar to the farmers markets I knew from earth. A lone shopkeeper was closing up his stall and glanced warily at me. He was mostly a gray earth pony with teal eyes and what appeared to be an image of a molten steel bar on his flank. I did my best to look friendly after all I towered over most of these ponies by a solid three feet. I gave a halfhearted smile knowing I needed to make a good impression. Despite it all the shopkeeper sneered and quickly put up the “closed” sign for his stand and trudged off in the opposite direction. “Oh don’t let him bother you that was just Scrap Iron, he doesn’t come to Ponyville much since he works in the metal industry in Canterlot. He mostly comes here just to sell his really cool junk and stuff.”
We continued are journey to Lyra’s place which took a little longer than I expected. Along the way we past the town library built inside a tree just as the princess explained. Near the tree’s crown I noticed a certain purple alicorn preparing a telescope of sorts on her balcony. Noticing us pass by she waved excitedly and gave a cheerful smile. I found it a little odd after all we had only just met on a formal basis and yet she acknowledged me as a longtime friend. A bit encouraged by this find I waved back. It was nice having someone to wave to even for that brief moment the mere fact somepony remembered me and made an effort to be friendly nearly made tear up as we continued walking. “Heya Sammy you okay?” I had barely noticed Pinkie ease her pace to walk right beside me.
“You look like you have come up with the best idea ever.” I said amusedly as we resumed are walk. “That’s because it is the best idea ever we should totally go to sugar cube corner tomorrow. I can try out the new éclair recipe and you look like you’d be an excellent taste tester.” "Well I'd like nothing better. after all I have yet to taste anything in this world that isn't served as hospital food."
"Oh you haven't had eclairs as good as mine...well if applejack makes them they might be as good." Pinkie lifted a hoof to her chin. "It seems to me that you take Applejack to be a rival, well perhaps I should try her pastries first" I said teasing Pinkie a little. She snapped back to reality "Oh well my Eclairs have a special ingredient in the cream….it’s super special I meet with a super-secret provider!”
“No it’s not your fault….it’s just….” Pinkie’s voice was no louder than a whisper. “It’s just what?” I asked “Well I have great friends here I couldn’t ask for another five ponies plus a dragon that cared about me as me about them. But I can never really act this way around them I mean Twilight with just brush it off and me being silly or something, Rainbow Dash would cut me off and ask me to watch one of her latest tricks, Fluttershy well that goes without saying she would hide inside afraid of what I had made up, Rarity is not the type of pony that is into this kind of thing and Applejack is too busy on the farm and to serious to enjoy this happy silly moment we just had.” I wasn’t sure how to respond I had only just met this pony and well I’m not the kind of guy to butt myself into the personal matters of others. That said we had grown closer during our hospital stay and we’ll darkside had been quiet at the time. “Pinkie I’m sure if you talked to them about this they would listen although I can only speak for Twilight I don’t really know your other friends that well. I can fully understand after all it’s the kind of thing that should happen naturally.” Pinkie gave a sad smile “You’re right, it’s just talking about these kinds of things is not my strength.” “You seem to be doing alright talking with me…Hey look up ahead I see a house is that Lyra’s place” I asked somewhat eager to distract Pinkie from her sudden depressed mood. She looked toward where I had pointed her eyes lit up and her mane reflated “Yep, that’s the place now we can finally figure out how to plan a proper Human and Pony Party.” With that we quickened our pace as the last slivers of crimson gold sunlight faded behind the snow covered hills.
Lyra’s cottage or I guess mansion is the more appropriate descriptor is located just on the outskirts of Ponyville. It was more modern looking by pony standards with a dark green tiled roof. It is three stories tall with several ornate statues decorating a balcony that hung over the main entrance. Windows flanked the large mahogany door and stretched to encompass the entire front wall of the mansion. The mansion’s most striking feature however was the circular gated courtyard that surrounded the mansion. It is blanketed with scuptures of a thousand different species and interspersed with cedar, oak, and cypress trees that were blanketed in snow. The moon was just beginning to rise in the sky giving the entire property an almost ethereal glow. Suffice to say it was beautiful when I first saw it however the odd thing was no lights were on and the blinds had been closed. “Do you think she is home?” I wondered aloud. Without a word Pinkie bounced her way up through the courtyard and crunched through the snow to the massive doors which held four different handles, one obviously designed for ponies and two I couldn’t guess what creatures they were for. The last handle further up on the door was different it was noticeably taller than most ponies could reach and grooved for four fingers and a thumb. It had a silvery polished glow in the moonlight. Pinkie gave the door a firm knock “Lyra you home?!” she called out. There was no answer. “I guess she isn’t I said a bit disappointed that I wouldn’t get to meet her or rather that I was going to lose some of my toes to frostbite if I had to spend another minute in the bone chilling night. “Hmmm I guess Lyra decided to stay at Bon Bon’s tonight, I should of known those two are inseparable just like Scootaloo when she finds Rainbow Dash.” Pinkie shivered as a gale blew through the somewhat protected overhang around the door. “I th-ink that L-Lyra keeps a spare key around here we sh-should look for it b-efore we freeze into popsicles out here” Pinkie stammered her teeth chattering. “Alright let’s look around the balcony first then. With that we got to searching but it didn’t take long to realize that it was far too dark and cold to look for something as small as a key. “Pinkie Pie you keep searching in front I’ll go see if there is another way in around back”. The party pony simply nodded her coat turning a little blue. I looked down at my fingers to see they too were numb and a bit blue. Clutching my blanket close to my body I rounded the corner to see if there was a back door or something. As luck would have it there was an old metal ladder lying on the ground outside."I might be able to reach the balcony with this" I said to myself. I let go of my blanket to pick it up which was a mistake the immediate temperature chilled my body to the core and the metal was so cold it burned the flesh on my hands. I scooped up the blanket and padded my shoulder as I held the ladder against it and made my way back to the front entrance.
Upon reaching the front I didn’t see Pinkie. “Pinkie you still here?” I called out as the wind was picking up and a steady stream of snow began to fall. I heard no reply, “PINKIE WHERE ARE YOU?!” I yelled out again beginning to panic. I frantically scanned the courtyard searching for any bright pink spot hidden among the statues. It was in vain the snow was creating whiteout conditions. Without a second thought I dropped the ladder by the door and ran out calling out her name trying to make myself heard above the howl of the wind. I searched for what felt like hours desperately hoping to hear anything from the only Mare that had ever showed me genuine kindness and compassion. I was about ready to collapse in the snow right then and there when I called one last time and I didn’t hear anything rather I saw a slight movement of a pink head half buried in the snow. I bolted over to Pinkie who was stone cold and shivering in my arms as I pulled her out from the ice and snow. Her lips were blue along with the ends of her legs. I lifted her up and held her body against my chest with her head on my shoulder and began trudging my way to the mansion entrance.
I laid her on the sofa in what appeared to be a living room which had a few unburned logs in a fire place. I looked around to see that a few matches were sitting on the mantle along with some newspaper. Wadding up the paper and shoving it into the fireplace and I quickly struck a match and watched as the flames roared to life. The room was definitely warmer but Pinkie was borderline hypothermic or at least that is what I feared. I scrounged around the house looking through closets and cupboards for any warm material or clothing. I came upon a linen closet and grabbed several blankets. I raced back over to her and wrapped her up in a cocoon of sorts. It seemed I had done as much as I could for this pony but she was still shivering and her lips still blue. I removed my shirt and climbed on to the sofa shimmied my way under the blankets and pressed my body against hers. She was freezing cold and as I laid there frightened out of my mind I hoped to….something….. anything that everything would be alright when we woke up.
Author's Note
Lyra's Place huh? I wonder what type of intrigue our human will find there? Anyway sorry about these late uploads so to make up for it I put these 3 chapters up on the same day. Any who if you like be sure to comment or tell me what you dislike plz and again thanks for reading.
Chapter 12. A Disturbing Story
Chapter 12
Let me start off by saying that there are some perks to being tall especially when it comes to bookshelves. Walking around the mansion I began to notice just the large amount of stuff covering everything. Knick knacks were everywhere ranging from small figuring to full size stone carvings of instruments. One instrument in particular seemed to interest the owner of this mansion being and that being the Lyre it was littered around the house in various forms from the instrument itself to sheet music titled “Melodies of Spring for the Lyre”. It was odd but at the same time it was refreshing to be in a place where you could see the devotion of one pony to the arts.
On the wall I noticed a frame holding what looked like a certification it read “Rewarded to Miss Lyra Heartstrings for her ground breaking research in the fields of Centaur Anatomy and Music based Spellcraft.” It was from the Canterlot Mage and Sorcerer College of Anomalous Creatures”.
Our search lasted several hours but it proved fruitless. Most of the literature and books we found focused on music and history. With titles like The History of Equestria , Nobles and Dukes of Early Equestrian Society, Ancient Economics nothing about humans and most certainly nothing about parties.
“Nope, nada, zilch, nothing, negative…” Pinkie called back sliding her hoof across the spines of several books lining a very antiquated bookshelf. In fact it looked a great deal older than most of the other pieces of furniture in the study. Cobwebs lined many of the shelves and a thick layer of dust covered many of the books. The shelves themselves looked about ready to come tumbling down and some were noticeably disintegrating into wood chips and saw dust. Perhaps the most striking thing about it was that it was built into the wall itself. I walked over to Pinkie as she began climbing up a ladder to scan higher shelves. Instinctively I held it steady for her, having to help my father with many a home improvement project taught me not to take chances when climbing up high on an old ladder.
The cover was leather with gold inlaid on the spine.
“Looks like someone has been writing in this” I said pointing out the lack of dust. “The shapes too are like a human’s don’t you think?” I asked Pinkie. She took it from my hands and examined it carefully
“Yep, I betcha there’s load of stuff in here about humans if only we could unlock it…” She tossed it in her hooves a few times.
“Hmmm…” Pinkie appeared lost in thought. “We could a wait for Lyra to come home but the snowstorm doesn’t look like it’s gonna let up anytime soon… hmmmm…” She continued to toss book and then “Schrrrck” I heard the book tear as it hit the floor the front cover now lazily hung off the side attached only by the locket now.“Bipedals and Ponies: A Culmination of the History of Equestria, Human Kind and my Memoirs by Celest Keys.”
My story begins in the Everfree when I was not but a Foal. The world seemed so grand and so wild and I was always seeking places to explore and adventure in. Wait…how foolish of me here I am writing a memoir and I have said nothing about my appearance. I am an old mare at the time of writing this with a light green coat a maroon mane and perhaps most importantly I am a unicorn. I reside in the village of Solid Stone and seek to understand the connections Equestria has with other realms, and if not for recent events regarding the Royal sisters I perhaps would be closer to understanding these connections. Alas it is not meant to be but I feel it is necessary to record what I have learned so that some may continue my quest if they so desire.
As a young Filly it is easy to see the allure the Everfree forest presented, even back then it was a wild and untamed place although much smaller in size than what it is today. There were always rumors of fugitives running to escape the law in that forbidden place only to come out insane and half-starved or perhaps more mercifully not at all. Being filly I knew better than to go very deep as many a monster would love to lazily snack on a slow young foal-… I paused and realized that Pinkie and I had made our way over to sofa together once again. She rested her head on my shoulder gently breathing in and out. “Why did you stop Sammy? Keep it going please!” Pinkie said excitedly. I stared at her for a second then smiled somehow I didn’t expect this mare to enjoy books this much but I guess I was wrong like I am about so many other things.
In fact many although rare foals and ponies alike would go missing just for skirting the edge of that foreboding forest. When I look back on it now I was either incredibly brave or exceptionally stupid but it did get me my cutie mark so maybe I’m a combination of both. One evening I meant to venture to the Royal Sisters castle which isn’t that difficult of a trek but I wanted to forge a shortcut through the forest. My village was on a primary trade route between The Royal Castle and the rather small city of Doge. Goods traveled to and fro and everywhich way in my village. The primary means of getting to the castle was by boat since the road was often stalked by monsters and black Wyverns that dwelt in the Everfree. The road followed a convoluted and cumbersome path and in my mind I felt as though a shortcut was necessary since I saw an old musty map that detailed the terrain. The rode meanders it constructed in such a way as to avoid the denser parts of the forest where the particular dangerous creatures make their homes making the journey long and arduous. My mindset and a machete in my saddlebags I sought to cut my way through these thickets and create a wonderful path for all in the village. Man was I stupid….anyway to make a long story short I was lucky.
I was around halfway along the road when I came to the first thicket I meant to hack and slash my way through. The vines twisted around my machete like snakes the canopy quickly extinguished any daylight as I quickly lit my horn the trees seemed to inch toward me as if they would envelope me in their roots silencing this adventurer trying to bring order to that chaotic forest. Delving further into the abyss the sounds of nature were both horrifying and beautiful. The song of the Maroow Jays were wonderful a treat for the ears while the gaseous hisses of blatterbugs threatened to make me sick. Nonetheless I continued forward my body gashed and scraped by the razor sharp leaves of the Camzer Vines. I paused to drink from my canteen wiping the sweat and dirt accumulating on my hands and face. Oddly enough the Forest for all of its terrors and vicious creatures the thicket I was in was rather calm and almost relaxing the calls of manticores and cockatrices only faintly echoed off the trees surrounding me. That peace was shattered when I heard a scream. A bloodcurdling-…
I turned my head to see Pinkie’s eyes wide with fear and worry. She was still staring intently at the pages I was reading.
“No no keep going I want to hear the rest” she replied confidently although her voice wavered a bit.
“Alright Alright-A bloodcurdling scream that seemed to be emanating from the edge of the thicket. “HELP SOMEPONY HELP ME PLEASE!” I quickened my pace slicing through the branches and plants. I have to reach them I can’t let them die were the only words running through my head. I heard a screech followed by the sound of teeth gnashing and bone crunching. I could no longer hear the screams of the pony I only saw a pair of black leathery wings erupt above the forest where it the creature soared through the sky at an astonishing pace. A sense of desperation took over my body. My horn ached with the magical strain I was putting on it breaking through the limbs of so many trees. Sweat poured from every orifice stinging the bloody cuts like a thousand angry venomous hornets.
At last I broke through thicket with the only a shattered caravan wagon to greet me. The red sun at dusk gave the whole spectacle such an eerie feel. I carefully walked toward the remains of the wagon fairly. A pool of blood was forming and seeping underneath the wagon and the smell of fresh meat beginning to attract flies was overwhelming. I fought the urge to vomit as I rounded the wagon to see the mangled remains of the driver. From what I could tell it was a Pegasus stallion with a light gray coat. He was wearing a black suit of armor that shined as if it were made out of pure crystal. Gritting my teeth I walked forward trying to avoid the intestines mixing with the dirt road under hoof. A swarm of black horse flies had already settled on devouring this Pony their pincers making sure to grab every last morsel of flesh. Upon closer examination of the shimmering black armor I saw the dreaded emblem a sideways red tear drop with a jet black scythe inlaid surrounded by gold inlaid fractures and cracks.
The emblem of the Crystal Empire…Sombra’s Emblem. The stallion wore flexible leather armor over his wings around his neck the shredded bridle for the wagon lay. A silver and black pike laid at his side dripping with black blood. A blood even the flies didn’t seem interested in. It was very strange to see a soldier so well equipped caught by surprise even in the Everfree especially if he managed to injure his assailant as most just run off if the prey is too dangerous… which ponies aren’t most of the time. Lowering I took a closer look at the pike I knew little about military weapons in Equestria but it was common knowledge that soldiers in militaries around the world kept their identification tags in a specialized compartment in whatever weapon they so wish. Mission orders and intel were also rumored to be hidden inside these compartments with a magical failsafe built in that is meant to self-destruct upon the death or capture of the owner. Okay so maybe I know more about the military than most ponies but I’ll get to that later. Tapping on the pike I discovered the hollowed out section near the bottom of the shaft and unscrewed the black metal cylinder. So many questions a dead soldier well equipped to handle the forest is dead, his weapon did not self-destruct and a mysterious creature with black wings flies off without a trace somehow?
Emptying the contents the soldiers dog tags fall out: Corporal Jasper Rhyo and a note as well. It detailed his last words if his mission were to fail along with a sketch of himself a mare and a young colt at their feet. He was smiling. Apparently he was defecting to the Equestrian Royal Army and as a token of good faith he was bringing along a certain newly discovered communication system that would prove invaluable to whichever side possessed it. I was so wrapped up in thought I barely noticed the smell anymore. . I glanced sadly at the dead soldier he didn’t deserve a death like that no one does. I looked around the mangled remains of the wagon see if this item the note spoke of was still around virtually all of the crates and barrels the wagon held were burned to ashes intermixed with some sparkling rock dust. If this item was so important I felt obligated to find it and deliver it myself to the princesses. I dug move hooves into the ash piles hoping to find something anything at all really. I removed my hoof after the digging through the last pile I could see sighing. I was ready to give up when I looked at my hoof to see it was bleeding and what followed was almost indescribable.
My whole body started shuddering, sweat poured and emotions coursed through my entire body growing in intensity like a boiling pot of oil overflowing it’s cauldron burning my insides. I felt it all happiness at its peak, unfathomable sorrow, unimaginable grief, and then rage. This uncontrollable fury coursed through my veins, I had the sudden urge to lash out at anything in my field of view. I wasn’t in control and a monster entered my mind, my head turned to the soldier on the ground. Without a second thought my magic flared grasping the machete and pike and…I….I…mutilated the body. I hacked and slashed through the skin of that dead soldier red blood and intestines filled my vision, the insects of the Everfree flocked to the fresh meat I created. I dove head first in driving my teeth into the entrails thrashing in guts and gnashing my teeth swallowing hunks of flesh whole…..I need to stop writing this it’s….. too hard…I must…for my research. I will spare any further detail suffice to say I passed out and awoke covered in the entrails of that soldier my mane sopping wet with blood. Hysterical would be an understatement I had no idea what entity overtook my senses. I looked over to the now unrecognizable corpse, I swallowed tasting blood, I ran my tongue along my teeth to discover chunks of flesh were still nestled in my mouth. I immediately retched right there on the spot. The air hung thick with the stench of vomit, blood and rotting flesh. The smell seemed to knock me out of my hysterical daze and gave me the chance to feel the searing pain coursing through my hooves. I looked down to see and almost enchanting teal glow emanating from the wound with pulses of agony flowing through as the light brightened and waned. I remember thinking what in Equestria is creating that glow? Was this the new communicating device the Princesses were so interested in? Being a Pegasus of both adventure and science I thought it best to take a sample and analyze it back in town, assuming I could make it back in my condition. I winced pulling a teal shard from my fore hoof…..
“EEP! Grosss!” Pinkie exclaimed. “I mean umm, you can stop reading for now Sammy this is a little too- Intense for me.” She was shivering and her face was a little less pink and a little greener.
I couldn’t help but feel guilty “I’m sorry Pinkie I didn’t realize this would be so-so- graphic in my world I guess we humans just get used to hearing, or reading about this sort of thing, kind of sad now that I think about it.”
“No no it’s fine besides I wanted you to keep reading after all the more I think about it the more that crystal seems like the one that gave me such an icky lumpy bumpy on my head. It even gave off the same colored light” She gave a weak giggled “Hehe that rhymed”.
Pinkie gave a large nervous smile “YES!- I mean yes that sounds amazing let’s get out of Lyra’s creepy ghost house…. I mean mansion!” In the blink of an eye she wrapped me up in the quilt we discovered earlier and tossed the hospital blanket over my shoulder. She bundled herself up as well and bounced like a cricket over to the front door. I collected the diary from the sofa and eyed the coat rack by the door. A deep brown satchel bag-or a purse whatever you want to call it was hanging from a hook.
Pinkie giggled “Don’t worry Sammy I am absolutely positive that Lyra is going to just LOOOVE you!”
With that we headed out the door leaving the mysterious mansion and its secrets alone for the time being. The Sun just barely broke through the storm clouds creating breathtaking shafts of light shimmering off the canopy of the Everfree giving it an emerald glow. I remember thinking as the mansion faded away and Ponyville came into view, this place is beautiful but, damn it is exhausting.
Chapter 13: Sanctuary Well...Sort...Of
Chapter 13
The Ponyville library, a rather normal looking structure aside from the fact it was built inside a still growing oak tree. The upper canopy drooped under the weight of the snow piled on top and the branches still held a few green and brown leaves despite it being the winter season. Icicles clung like fingers to the underside of the observatory
platform holding a telescope that should probably be brought inside.
“But you still let some storms through.” I pointed out.
“Well duh! We need the water and stuff to live, pegasi make our weather and rain normal so we can avoid big nasty storms, but sometimes on or two might get past us from out
We watched the Pegasi for a while longer. I noticed a multi-colored blur speed towards us at an astonishing rate almost like a fighter jet using it’s after burner. Within a millisecond the pony I now recognized as Rainbow Dash stood in flight goggles and a maroon jump suit. Some frost and ice still clung lto her beautiful rainbow colored mane
I was about to greet her however, she simply strode past me and embraced Pinkie Pie in hug.
Rainbow released Pinkie and rolled her eyes. I got the impression she was annoyed with Twilight to a great degree. “Ugh, don’t get me started on that egg head ever since she met Sam over here she’s been locked away with Spike in the library studying up on this as she put it * something about a new teleporting rock and the discovery of a species that was thought to be myth or ex-ex….” Rainbow sighed exasperated flinging her hooves in the air.
“Extinct?” Pinkie chimed in cheerily
“Yes that! Whatever! The point is she wasn’t very useful when we were looking for you!” she sighed and looked over to me “By the way about, what happened at the hospital….” She looked nervous discussing that incident. “Fluttershy, wanted to apologize for what she said and told me to pass it on if I ran into you. We were still anx-anx….”
“Anxious?” Pinkie helpfully interrupted.
“Yes what Pinkie said, and tired from the day before. Fluttershy especially, she blamed herself for what happened to Pinkie and well now she’s not been the same Pegasus I grew up with in Cloudsdale she’s still nice and everything but as soon as she tends to her animals she holds herself up in that cottage.”
“Maybe it would help if I went and talked to her?” I more asked than declared.
“Oh no! Don’t you go start and blaming yourself for what happened I already got enough of that with Fluttershy. The whole thing was no pony’s…eerrr…or human’s fault!
The door to the library opened suddenly. A frazzled looking purple alicorn wearing a pair of reading glasses rubbed her eyes. “EEP! The human! I have SO much more to ask you!”
“Hiya Twilight!” Pinkie yelled excitedly
“About what?” Pinkie asked quizzically.
Twilight sighed again impatiently “About everything that’s happened these last few days. Now inside the library quick. We have much to discuss.”
I was clutching the quilt around my neck while the now ratty hospital blanket hung over my shoulder. I doubt they would want that blanket back after what it went through. Twilight shook her head
Twilight levitated us inside gently placing laying Pinkie and myself onto a green couch infront of a roaring fire. The whole room smelled of oak and old wood. A musk that I could never forget. The shelves full of tomes and books swallowed the light brown walls spilling over into a second room. Each case reached the ceiling towering over Ponies and humans alike. Stacks of ancient knowledge littered the floor and any open desk space available. A map of what I assumed was Equestria and the lands beyond it was projected as if it were a hologram floating over a strange magical contraption emanating a purplish light. A kitchen laid off to our right and a small bedroom above a short staircase looked over us like an indoor balcony. The entire spectacle gave off a sense of home and safety as if nothing could hurt you inside this immense and powerful Oak tree.
“You didn’t mention to Rainbow our accident at Lyra’s.” I pointed out as Pinkie got comfortable on the couch.
“Neither did you silly.” Pinkie giggled
“Well I didn’t really feel it was place to after all the only pony I really know here is you….” I paused for a moment. Did I really even know this Pink mare, I mean sure we already experienced many shall I say, life and death situations but could I say I knew her as well as a Pegasus like Rainbow Dash or an alicorn like Twilight?
“You were Twilight, when we first met!” Pinkie called.
Twilight sighed shaking her head. She pointed a hoof accusingly at Pinkie. “Well you were an out of control party animal when I met you for the first time.”
“I’m only teasing Twilight” she glanced around nervously “Anyway where are Lyra and Bon Bon…”Pinkie paused then beamed. “Are we playing hide and seek! Are they sneaking around like snakes in the basement??!”
“You sound like Applejack!” Pinkie laughed.
Twilight sighed again losing her composure a little. “Lyra this human is perfectly nice I think you will get along fine with him, please come up! Don’t you want to tell him all that we have discovered?!” She called down looking a little silly yelling at the floorboards.
We waited for an answer, to tell the truth I too was nervous about meeting Lyra considering I defaced an undoubtedly priceless statue in her yard and “borrowed” an ancient diary along with an ornate quilt without permission. I clenched my fists trying to hold a relaxed facial expression. I heard whispering down below though I couldn’t make out what was said. It got heated the pony pair’s voices rising but still just barely out of understandable range.
“I understand if you are upset with me I am a stranger to most of you-“
“Hold on a Second!” a Pink mare interjected.
“Pinkie maybe you should let me explain this-“ I tried to continue.
“Nuh uh, let me Sammy.” Pinkie gave me a look that adamantly dissuaded any argument and turned it towards Twilight and Lyra. Their faces expressed surprise at the sudden change in the party pony’s demeanor.
“When we reached Lyra’s place I couldn’t find the spare key to let us in, so Sammy and I split up to look for the key. The storm was super duper bad by this time I could barely see and when I decided to search the front courtyard I must of collapsed from the cold. I laid out there for a long time before Sammy came around looking for me. I was too weak to call back but somehow he found me. I felt really sleepy and passed out, the next thing I knew we were inside on Lyra’s sofa with a fire going.”
The shocked looks on the faces of the three mares turned to guilty.
She pities you, she doesn’t truly care about you darkside whispered. And yet as I heard this, for the first time I realized that it was for once much more probable that it wasn’t true. Perhaps I can possess some qualities that encourages someone to care about me. At the time I still believed I did not deserve it but, I wasn’t willing to push this care away. I was selfish or at least that is how it felt.
I lowered my eyes. That does sound pretty questionable and suspect.
“But, from Pinkie has said and how you have behaved I think we can say that we trust you.” She said with sincerity
“What about the statue and your mansion?” I asked surprised.
“Oh don’t worry about that I wouldn’t of cared even if it hadn’t been a daring survival scenario, and that old quilt has been gathering dust in my closet for years I’m glad it is giving somepony some much needed warmth.” Lyra said nonchalantly
“Plus there are hundreds of statues in the courtyard and most are just replicas I think I can manage without all of them being in perfect shape”. She gave a gentle smile and looked toward Twilight
“No! I mean that’s alright Twilight! We got it, let us treat you for once you’ve given us so much and helped my research a ton.” Lyra responded quickly. I could tell there was another reason she didn’t want Twilight in the kitchen
Twilight smiled “You know that’s fine. And thank you girls.” Twilight looked over to Pinkie and myself “You two should make yourselves comfortable after hearing what you’ve been through I think a little relaxation is in order”. With that Twilight and the other two mares left to handle the tasks of making dinner and cleaning up the basement leaving pinkie and myself alone in the living room the fire still burning brightly.
“Wait super green? Why would you ever want to turn some pony green?”
“Well duh so they can get out of work and have more fun or you could totally use it as super stealthy camo in the woods!”
“It’s totally super fun and I’m really good at it!” Pinkie gave me a devilish smile “No pony has ever beaten me and I can teach you how to play!”
I nodded my head “Alright Pinkie it sounds like fun just go easy on me I’m not entirely good at these kinds of games.” That was only the partial truth however, most of the time I’ve played monopoly has been when I played against my sister and those games lasted for hours. Most of the time it would be decided when someone got tired of playing and left to sleep or eat food. I guess that’s the problem with playing with only two people or rather a person and a pony in this instance.
Author's Note
Hey people or ponies whichever you prefer, here is chapter 13 edited to the best of my ability I think. . I was happy with how I wrote RD in this section and I was surprised at how much I liked writing her dialogue. The next chapter is almost finished and things get exciting...well at least I think they do I mean it could be garbage to some of you (but I hope it's not
Chapter 1: A Tormented Soul
Chapter 1
Well this is weird. Never once have I attempted to write a story. Actually that is not entirely true but those stories were taken on while I was very young and to be honest they were terrible. Sure I thought they were decent at the time but never once have looked back and said “man, I was definitely a good writer back then”. I would draw most of the time. I love sketching and free handing anything I can see or imagine. Despite what you might think I do not consider myself a very good artist. Mediocre I feel best describes my style and while I still enjoy sketching from time to time the more I look the more inadequate my skills seem I could try my absolute best to convey a meaning through a picture but in the end I always felt it fell short.
So here I am trying to think of some way to put this…. that’s just it I can’t really explain what this is. Perhaps it was a journey filled with self-discovery or maybe an epic filled with acts of heroism and bravery. I don’t know but maybe by putting it out in the open can help enlighten the issue.
Sweltering. That is how I felt both inside and outside. I clenched my hand flexing it to the point my knuckles turned white. The veins popped out a bit and pulsated ever so slightly. I would call this a coping mechanism I use to get through the day. College English was the name of the game, the interesting details pertaining to an ancient epic were flooding out of my professor’s mouth. It helped keep me distracted I barely noticed how tight and uncomfortable my digits had become. That is until I heard my knuckles cracking and quickly unclenched my hand rotating my wrist a bit to get rid of the soreness and brought my attention to the window as I watched numerous students mechanically come and go to and from classes. When I was out there with them I was normally taller than most being at 6ft 3 in with short black hair usually buzz cut. Normally sporting a shaven look despite the fact I could easily grow a beard. I have bad teeth never had braces but, my mouth was never so bad that I needed them desperately. Just a bunch of gaps between each tooth that were somewhat yellowing. I have big lips and big ears not much muscle to speak of except for what resided in my legs which I felt were the strongest part about me seeing as I ran cross country for many years and continued to run not competitively in college. Overall I am unattractive and weak.
I snapped back to reality and quickly explained my answer which seemed to be satisfactory as my English professor decided to move on. My mind drifted back to its main train of thought and the Darkside came out. I always told myself I am weak this is the truth you are worthless. You can try as you might but in the end you will never amount to anything, You tell yourself you can make up for your weakness by giving up everything for someone else but, in the end what do you have to offer that they couldn’t get somewhere else? Where they could get something more than what you could ever possibly offer.
I couldn’t take it I had to leave luckily for me the prof decided we had discussed enough for the day and we left early. I bolted out of the room trying to clear my head. I needed to be completely alone. Clenching my hands I walked out to a deserted lawn in front of the building my English class was in. I laid myself down, the grass was very wet but I really didn't care. I laid there for what felt like hours eyes closed trying to distract myself. Suffice to say it wasn’t working I needed feel pain.
Pain to me was like a personal cure for my stress. If I could push myself to the point of agony I could and would feel better some of the time. Whether this be in athletics or study the latter usually involving a knife of some sort where I would carve lines into my shoulders and lower neck. Places people don’t see. This time however, getting up from the grass I decided as soon as I got back to my apartment I would run. Running was somewhat easy for me so pushing myself usually meant distance wise going very far from campus. I would leave around six pm and return around eight pm each time I was out there I never wanted to comeback. I wanted to simply disappear. And this time I felt certain I would work up the courage to do just that.
I walked back towards my on-campus apartment complex at a brisk pace weaving through the throngs of students enjoying one another’s company.
With new resolve I ran into my building. Upon entering my room I slammed the door. Taking deep breaths trying to calm myself as leaned against the door. Darkside was still there. It continued to say “Sam what are you doing?” do you see how pathetic and weak you look right now. I looked into the mirror built into my small closet. I saw my face how disgusting it was made worse by anguish I was feeling at the time. Not thinking I ripped off my shirt grabbing my Swiss army knife and dug the cold blade into my shoulders. “Harder deeper” the voice urged on as I felt the pain and blood begin to pool on my pale shoulders. I looked to my arm where I saw that the cuts I previously had given myself were healing. I took the knife to them again removing the black scabs and watching as fresh blood and agony spurt from my skin. I was completely aware that what I was doing to myself was wrong and I needed to stop. I threw the knife from my hand and quickly place my running clothes on and walked outside.
I couldn’t have agreed more so I left running at my race pace off campus into the steep twilight covered hills behind the apartments. Rain was beginning to fall.
Author's Note
So this is the start/background for our protagonist if you could of guessed, I know it doesn't really start on the mlp side of things but don't worry it gets into it soon. again I thank you for any feedback as I said there are quite a few chapters after this.
Chapter 11: A Search and A Memoir
Chapter 11
You know the more I write this….memoir I guess….the more I feel like ever since I entered this world I have faced more challenges than any on Earth…regardless let me continue with Lyra’s place. The wind was howling when I awoke and drafts of cold air could be felt dancing throughout the house. The fire I made was still relatively warm with the embers giving off a therapeutic warmth. It was difficult to determine the time given it was still dark outside but the clock that hung over the fireplace read 6:30 am. I groggily swung my legs off the sofa and glanced to wear Pinkie should have been but she wasn’t there. A jolt of panic swept through me. Where could she of gone, she was near hypothermic when I brought her inside.
“Pinkie Pie? You in hear?” I called out as I pulled myself off the sofa and placed my shirt back on. I immediately regretted that decision. Apparently snow melts when brought inside and my shirt was soaked same with my shorts but less so leading to some frigid water sliding down my back. Putting aside the fact that pinkie was missing I realized she was probably exploring the house and her condition was probably not as serious as I thought. With an exasperated sigh I resolved to strip down in the living room to allow my clothes to dry in front of the fireplace. I glanced around the living room grateful for probably the first time that the Party Pony was nowhere in sight. Removing my clothing placing them to dry I searched the cupboards and closets for a blanket to make myself decent. “Not that I am that decent to begin with but no one needs to see me naked that’s for sure” I whispered to myself. I searched and searched and finally stumbled upon a large quilt from a walk-in closet inlaid with gems depicting a night sky with the reverse side mountains in the daylight. It was very intricate and the coolest quilt I had ever seen. I’ve told you that I sketch or free draw from time to time and I spend most that drawing imaginary landscapes and you can imagine why I loved the detail put into that quilt.
“This is gorgeous, and the mountains even have oak trees intricately sewn in….the obsidian stars in that jet black sky shimmer just like a real night sky….”
“You look so silly! Here let me give you this quilt it covers you better than those itty bitty sweaters.” Pinkie said in between giggles. Relieved that Pinkie hadn’t seen me in buff I accepted the quilt from her and wrapped it around my waist as a make shift robe leaving my hairy unsightly chest exposed.
“Oh I’m fine” She replied solemnly.
“You don’t sound fine….” I said quietly
“Neither do you….”
It was around mid-afternoon according to the clock above the fireplace you couldn't tell really since it was still snowing outside making the hour seem much later. My clothes had finally dried and I slipped into a closet to change. When I finished Pinkie was waiting very close I might add to the closet door. I jumped in my skin a little surprised
“Oh really. And I suppose these spirits haunt Lyra’s place just so they can lock ponies in closets where they then trap their victim and perform a ritual to turn the innocent
“Yep! that is totally why I kept my head near the keyhole to make sure no ghost key locked it!” She was blushing much more now.
And with that our investigation of Lyra’s eerie mansion began.
Author's Note
Heya guys just wanted to give a quick update this chapter and the next will be today and the next over the course of next week. Anyway just wanted to thank you all for reading and don't worry I have some awesome Ideas cooked up for this next part. As always thank you for reading and if you ever feel like commenting go right I ahead.
P.S. Happy Holidays little late for Christmas but I hope you all have a relaxing New Year.
