Chapters CHAPTER 1: AZEKAHH
For the fourth night in a row, I walked out of the local bar. I smelled like beer, and looked like Celestia herself wrecked havoc on my soul. I live in a town not far away from Ponyville. Actually, it’s right between the royal castle and Ponyville.
“Ugh... Pluto sure is a fun planet...”
I have a tendency to... well... say things that don’t make sense. At least when I’m drunk. When I’m sober, which isn’t too often mind you, I try to be sophisticated and smart. But what good does it do? I stay cooped up in my bush all day, and the bar is my second home.
I suddenly had the urge to turn around, and say something to the bar. But I stopped myself. Even though I was drunk, I wasn’t stupid.
Then it happened.
I started walking home. Of course, being in depression, I had a tendancy to drink a lot. This means, I was at the HOLY SHIT level of being drunk. Just as I started to put a shaky hoof in front of the others, I lost my balance and fell. This happens a lot, even when I am sobered up. But this time, I managed to hit somepony on the way down. I knocked him down with me, so I stood up quickly to check on him, but fell down again. I stood still that time, ‘cause I felt a pain that time from hitting my head, but then I realized the other pony was giggling. I moved my head in his direction to see him fine, laying on the grass and watching me.
I then got a good look at him. He was one of the most captivating ponies I had ever seen. He was a magnificent unicorn that had a dusty gray coat, and somewhat dark green eyes. But his most outstanding feature was his mane. It was long, and was a deep jet black. It seemed to glow in the moonlight as it flowed and rippled with the wind. I swear to Luna’s ass, I turned gay for a split second. He then proceeded to amaze me farther by talking. His voice was a fairly young voice, just about as old as me. In fact, I later learned we were the same age.
“A little drunk, are we not?” he humorously and calmly said.
“Uhh... I think so...” Dear Celestia, I can be a douche when drunk.
“Well, I like you. I dunno why, but I like you.”
“Do I take that as a... uh, a compliment, or an insult?”
“Both.” He then gave a mischievously mysterious grin. “What’s your name?”
“Core. It’s a bit strange, but I am just that... A strange pony."
“Well, my name is Azekahh. I’m glad to meet you. By the way, please call me Aze for short.”
I halfheartedly laughed.
"Well that wasn't the BEST laugh. Is something wrong?”
“Well, yeah. It’s a looong story, I wouldn’t want to get into it. Besides, why would you care? No one does...”
Azekahh looked a little shocked. “What? Why not?”
“I dunno... I’m just that type of pony really... I’m not the most likable type. Friendship and having a social life isn’t exactly my thing.”
“Well... You certainly seem like a unique pony, no doubt. But you seem to also be very nice.”
“Mostly cause I’m drunk.”
“Oh. Regardless though... Where do you live?”
“Those bushes over there.”
“Oh! Haha, are you a comedian?”
“No.”
“Wh... Oh.”
There was a long pause after that. He didn’t realize I was homeless. I mean, what did he see in me? I had a ruffled brown coat, a light red mane, and deep brown eyes. All my cutie mark was was a spiral. No, it was impossible. And yet I felt a connection with him... Or was it the alcohol? No. It couldn’t have been. It wore off a little bit.
“Well... You wanna live with me?”
I was completely taken by suprise by this. “Huh?!”
“Well, I have some empty rooms, and I’d be glad to have some company.”
I have no idea what possessed me to ask, or why I did.
“Why?”
“Well, you truthfully seem like a good friend. You just need the chance. And that, my friend, is what i am giving you. So?”
I looked down, and thought. But then I immediately lost balance, so I looked back up. I gave him the best smile I could; a rare occurance in my world. “I’d love to. Where is it?”
“Ponyville.”
"What?! Ponyville? You'd let me live with you there??"
"Gladly."
I was stunned. The mixture of shock and alcohol made me black out instantly...
I awoke some time later. It was day. At least I got a good night’s sleep.
“Hello?” I said, getting nervous.
“HI!!!”
“What the hell?!” I then proceeded to fall out of my bed. Where was I? Instantly, a pink pony jumped on top of me, with a huge smile on her face. She had darker pink mane, full of curls, and the cutest eyes you have ever seen. Ever.
“My name is Pinkie Pie! What’s yours?!”
“Wait. You are Pinkie Pie?”
“That’s me!” She then got up and bounded around.
“I’ve heard so many stories of you... You seem to fit the description.”
She stopped bounding almost instantly, and then raced up to me, a huge smile on her face.
“ Wherewherewherewherewherewherewhere?!?!”
“...the bar.”
She then lost a bit of her wide smile. “Oh... why would they talk about me in there? Those places are dumps!”
“Yeah...” Then, a sudden realization came to me. “If you are Pinkie Pie... does that mean I’m in Ponyville?”
“Yeah!! Me and my pal Azekahh brought you here after you passed out! You are in his house now. Apparently, you are staying here too, and this is your room! I layed in bed with you, cause I know you feel lonely!”
“Really? That’s swell.” Throughout the conversation my expression was unchanging; a sad, half-frown and a face that just said 'go die in a hole'. But now I was starting to feel happiness. I can’t even remember the last time I felt that.
“So! You never told me your name! What is it, what is it?!”
“Uh... Core...”
“Really? I’ve never hear that type of name before,” she said with a quizzical look, “but I still love it!”
Then, a voice came from the doorway. “Why hello, Core.”
A smile came to my face; another rare moment. “Azekahh! Is this really your house?”
“Indeed, but THIS is your room.”
I then got to finally look around at it from the floor. It was white, with some very nice furniture in different places. It was a fairly small room, though.
“Like it?” He said.
“Yeah,” I responded, ”it’s really nice. Thank you so much for taking me in, by the way.”
“No problem at all, friend. Pinkie, mind if I have some alone time with Core here?
“Uh huh!” And with that, Pinkie bounded out of the room.
“Now, Core.”
I stopped looking around and faced him.
“Yes?”
“Why don’t you tell me what has happened that seems to have made you miserable.”
“You mean the whole story?”
“Indeed.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure.”
“Well... it started like this...”
Chapter 2: My Adventure Begins
CHAPTER 2: MY ADVENTURE BEGINS
I stood up, and got back into the bed. "My story is fairly long... The beginning shouldn't be explained, because it brings back too many bad memories. But basically, I was framed for breaking into Celestia's castle. Now, I can assure you I didn't do it, Aze. But I don't know who did..."
I started swelling a tear in my eye, but I quickly blinked it out. Too many tears have been shed.
"I believe you. Go on, I get the basis of the beginning."
"OK, good. After that, plus a few court hearings, I managed to get out on bail. But my wife didn't believe me, and she left me. I also lost my fillies, and my home. Ever since then, I lived in that bush. But during the said time I lived there, life was hard. Ponies did learn trust me eventually, as some believed I was framed too. But I managed to never have a friend. See, it was close to the bar because that is where I would drink my problems away without a care in the world. But it ended up making me a worse colt. I eventually started loosing hope in 'friendship,' and finally lost hope all together. See, the reason that I really can't think of any more to tell you is because this is what it was like for the last 4 years. Sooooo... yeah. That's it."
"Thats really what you had to go through? That's horrid..." Azekahh stated.
"You get used to it." I said, making a whatever-looking face.
"Well, I believe it was a great decision to bring you in. After all those horrors you went through. I bet nopony was your friend because they didn't really get to know you."
"And again, I can't that you enough enough for doing that. I am greatful."
"Don't mention it. It is the least I can do. You sound like you need it."
I silently agreed, and he acknowledged he understood with a nod, and then he left the room. Now it was time for me to think. I sat up in bed, something Lyra taught me when she visited the bar I go to. What was I gunna do in Ponyville? I mean, I always wanted to come here. I knew that at some point or another I would meet the Mane 6. I mean, I already met Pinkie, and I couldn't wait to wander around until I bumped into another one of them. What would be better, is if I got to see DJ P0N-3 and Octavia. They were my heroes. I always listened to their radio show, and I've always wanted to met them. Who else would I meet?
After an hour of more rest, I decided to get up. I looked at the clock; 8:00. Just in time for breakfast. I wandered out of my room, and instantly followed the smell. It smelled... delicious. Was Pinkie cooking me something?
"Azekahh, are you coo- OOF!"
Right then, a grey pony with wall eyes bumped into me while flying around the kitchen as I entered.
"Sowwy! My bad!"
I gasped.
"Derpy?!"
She nodded, then stopped and looked up, as if to wonder whether she was or not, then continued nodding. She was the most adorable thing I had ever seen.
"It's OK, Derps. You didn't mean it."
She smiled, but then frowned. "How do you know my name?"
"Why, I used to hear all about you in the bar! People love you!"
She then gave the biggest smile ever.
"Okay! I made you muffins!"
"Awwww... thank you!" I exclaimed as she handed me a plate of the most delicious damn muffins you have ever seen.
"Well, I gotta go clean my room. See ya!"
"Do you live here?!"
"Yeah! Right next to your room! Bye!"
I was astonished. I get to live with Derpy, with a real great guy named Azekahh. I sat down, and managed to use my back hooves to pinch my front leg. Nope, not a dream. Just then, Aze walked through the door.
"Hia Core! Just got done watering the plants. By the way, I heard you talking while you were resting. You like Octavia and DJ-P0N-3?"
"Yes! Have you heard their music?!"
Then, a familiar female voice piped up behind Aze, somewhere just outside the door.
"You like my music, do you? Always nice to meet a fan." Just then, none other then Octavia walked through the door. She was a grey pony, darker than Derpy, and had beautiful purple eyes.
I. Went. Crazy. "OhmigoshomigoshomigoshomigoshOMIGOSHOMIGOSHOMIGOSH-" I looked at Aze for answers, with a hell of a smile on my face.
Aze laughed and said, "I have many connections."
I then trotted up to Octavia. She seemed pleased with my enthusiasm.
"Wow! It really is you. This... this is amazing."
Octavia then said to me, "Yes, Core dear. He told me about you, and I said that I would love to see you. However, Vinyl is on some errands. She won't be back for... awhile," she then added in a mutter, "she always gets into trouble."
"I am... so humbled to be in your presence."
"Big fan?"
"Yes! I have listened to every one of both your songs, plus, I listen to your radio show all the time!"
"Wow. I'm impressed. Would you like to go to town with me? I was thinking I could get to know you."
Oh, hey, has anyone seen where my depression went?
"Oh sweet Celestia. I dunno... I'm not really the social type..."
"Yes, Azekahh here told me about that too. Come on, it will be fun!"
"Well, why not?"
Then Azekahh added with a smile, "You love me, don't you Core?" Then laughed.
Octavia started walking out of the door. "What are we waiting for?"
"Coming!" I said. Then we left.
Chapter 3: Pinkie's Dilemma
CHAPTER 3: PINKIE'S DILEMMA
Me and Octavia walked out of the house. There was a path in front of it that led over a hill, probably to Ponyville. I stopped for a quick second to get a good look at my new home. It was fairly small. Simply a cottage, with a few rooms, a living room, and a kitchen.
"Alright Octavia. I think I'm calm now. Although, being able to hang out with you is gunna be amazing, I bet."
"And why is that?"
"Because I look up to you! I've always wanted to meet you and Vinyl, but now I get to hang out with OCTAVIA! "
"Yes, I suppose so. Also, I do assure you that you will get to meet Vinyl in her studio."
I suddenly stopped. Something started to worry me. "Why... are you all doing this for me?"
She stopped to, and smiled. "Nopony deserves to not be a part of friendship."
"I've lost hope in that. Friendship doesn't mean a thing to me right now. With the exception of Azekahh..."
"Well, that's why. Nopony should do that. We need to put the spirit of friendship back into you. You need it."
And with that, we continued walking.
We eventually ended up in Ponyville, and we sat at the edge of it.
"So Octavia, how exactly do you plan to 'put friendship back into me'?"
"Eh heh... Well, gosh. I don't think it would be right to tell you right now. It's a suprise."
"O...k?"
"It's nothing bad, we wouldn't do anything BAD ."
Alright. Now they were planning a surprise for me. My life is going straight up. Straighter then Celestia's horn. I looked around at all the ponies, and saw Dr. Hooves, Derpy, and Lyra in different spots almost immediately. Just then, Derpy seemed to have seen me too and came flying straight at me.
"Uh... Derpy?!"
But it was too late, she couldn't slow down in time and hit me. For the second time today. But, I was still laughing.
"Sowwy again! Hi Core! Oh, hi Octavia!"
Me and Octavia said 'hi' back to her in perfect unison.
Derpy blushed. Then she went back to grey and said, "You get to meet Octavia? Cool!"
"I know. Meeting you was cool enough, and now I get to hang out with Octavia!"
"It... was cool meeting me?"
"Yeah!"
"Thanks! Well, I gotta get some errands done, see ya!"
Again, in perfect unison, Octavia and I both said 'bye' to her. Once she was gone, Octavia instantly gave me a mischievous look.
I sighed. "No."
"Oh come ON! You two are perfect!"
"No..."
"Yes!"
"No.
"Yes!! I can do this all day," she said with a grin.
"Let's talk about this later, OK?"
"Oh fine. Anyways, anywhere you want to go?"
"I might want to visit Pinkie real quick."
"Have you two met?"
"Oh yeah, she made me jump out of bed by screaming 'HI' at me when I woke up this morning."
"Typical Pinkie. Why not? Let's go!"
So we walked over to visit Pinkie.
However, as soon as we got to Sugercube Corner, we heard frantic talking from inside. We walked in hesitantly, and Mr. Cake, Mrs. Cake, and Pinkie noticed us immediately. They then ran over to us. Pinkie didn't stop, and tackled me to the ground. "YOU HAVE TO HELP US!!! "
I was taken so much by suprise, it took me a second before I responded. "With what?!"
Mrs. Cake then walked closer and started talking. "Somepony stole all the bits out of the tip jar! It may not seem like much, but that tip jar hasn't been emptied in years and it had a LOT of bits in it!"
Then Mr. Cake jumped into the conversation as Pinkie got off of me. "Please! We don't know who did it! He just left, did you see anypony run out of the store on the way here?"
Then I said, "Yeah, it was a mix of red and black. I guess I can try to find them. You in, Octavia?"
"I don't see why not. Let's go!"
With that, we ran out of the store and headed in the direction we saw the mysterious red and black colt go.
Eventually, we got to a more run-down part of Ponyville. It had a bar, a casino, and other stuff.
"Wait," said Octavia, "is that the mysterious mastermind walking into the casino?"
"I think it is! Let's run, before he gets there! We don't want to make a scene."
So we started running. It was a fairly long run to get there. About halfway there, we noticed a very light grey colt running beside us. He was a pegasus, and had outstanding blue hair.
"Hi," he said, with again, a fairly young voice, "whatcha doing?"
Octavia didn't seem at all displeased with him, and said, "Do you see that red and black pony over there? He robbed Sugercube Corner's tip jar! We are trying to get him, can you help?"
"Help?" he said, "Hah! Watch this!"
And with that, he sprinted in the direction of the red and black colt with the fastest legs I have ever seen. The red and black colt saw him, but just before he was tackled to the ground. When Octavia and I got there, the red and black colt was lying on the ground, with a sack full of bits. Beside him, the blue-haired pony was lying on the ground in pain. We got a better chance to look at both of them. The red and black pony, who was an earth pony, had a grey body, along with his cutie mark being an ace. His mane also seemed to have an ace in it. The blue-haired pony was a fairly small, but fast, unicorn with the cutie mark of an arrow pointing forwards. I spoke first.
"What hurts, blue-hair?"
"The name is Nix, and I think I broke my leg. It really hurts... I tackled him and landed in an awkward position."
"We will get someone to help you. Octavia, can you see to that?"
"Yes. I'll get Fluttershy."
I looked up, I guess I'd meet Fluttershy. But then I looked at Nix.
"Can I do something real quick?"
"Sure, leave me to suffer in pain," giving a sarcastic look.
"OK, it'll just be a second."
I then proceeded to walk over to the red and black pony. Then I proceeded to kick him.
"Why did you steal those bits?!"
Just as the others did, he had a young voice. "Because!"
"Because WHY?! "
"Because I'm broke, and I... need to gamble."
"You need to? You don't have to."
"Shut up, I have an addiction."
"Well what is your name?"
"Ace. Got it, dipshit?"
"Do you want me to kick you again?" I said with a grim face, "Because you know that first one hurt."
"No. It's just that I've lost my kids, my home, my wife, everything..."
I then gave up the grim expression. "You too?..."
"Whaddaya mean?"
"Well, I lost my family and home too... about 4 years ago... I didn't resort to petty theft though."
The pony then looked right at me. His eyes seemed like they were in a world of hurt. Not from the kick, but from his experiances. "Please don't take me to get arrested! I'll give the money back, and I won't bother you again!"
Right then, Octavia returned along with Fluttershy, and Fluttershy immediatly trotted over to Nix with a cast. "You'll be fine, don't worry... Although there's one problem... My cottage is full."
I then piped in. Looking at the red and black pony, and then the others, I said, "I think I have a solution for all of us..."
CHAPTER 4: GUESTS
"More?"
Azekahh didn't seem mad, nor worried, but he didn't seem happy, either.
"Well, yeah. I mean, one of them is homeless, and the other one needs a place to stay so Fluttershy can nurse his leg."
"Oh, geez. Well... I have just enough rooms, I suppose... Fine. But only if they can act under my rules."
"Which is?" I said.
"No gambling-"
Ace piped in. "Dammit."
Azekahh gave him an interesting look, but continued talking.
"As I was saying, no gambling, no... sexual intercourse, no staying up past midnight. Got it?"
Nix jumped in. "Considering I have a broken leg, and none of us are gay, I don't think any sex is gunna happen."
Fluttershy backed up a tad bit and blushed, but no one seemed to notice.
Then, Octavia decided to be a bitch. "Well, Derpy is taken."
Everypony looked at her with quizzical looks, and she nodded her head towards me. Then everypony looked at me until their brains decided to stop buffering and they got what they were saying.
Immediately, Nix and Ace said "Ooooohhhhhh!" and gave two big, playful grins. As much as those two ponies seemed different, they were at the same time so alike.
Aze facehoofed.
"Luna dammit, Octavia." I said.
She grinned. She owed me for this. Big time.
Then Azekahh continued. "Ace, follow me. I'll show you to your room."
"Sure, I guess."
Then, the living room was only me, Nix, Octavia, and Fluttershy. There was a long pause. Then I broke the silence.
"I haven't used my wings in years. I'm gunna try hovering."
Fluttershy looked at me instantly, and trotted over hurriedly.
"First, let me check them. Just to make sure you can..."
"OK, thanks Fluttershy!"
She let out a little squee. She was nervous, probably because there were a few strangers all around her.
"Now, let me just stretch this... and then this... OK, this wing is ready."
Then she stopped...
"Your cutie mark... what... does it stand for? Not to be nosy or anything..."
My cutie mark was simply nothing but a blue spiral.
"Confusion," I replied. "I've been confused most of my life."
"Oh..." She then proceeded to stretch out the other wing.
"OK... you're good, you can try to fly now... If you want, that is..."
I started unfolding my wings, showing the cutie mark to the world. I usually kept the cutie mark hidden, as I didn't like it. But I felt... comfortable. I felt comfortable with the ponies surrounding me. I started flapping my wings. And then my hooves let the floor fall away.
Then came along Derpy. She flew into the room with a confused and hurried look on her face. Might I say, the living room is fairly small. This meant that she was probably gunna hit me. And she did.
We toppled to the ground, which luckily for us, was carpeted, and not a long fall, and Derpy scrambled up. I stopped her before she hurt herself just trying to fly out the doorway. "What's wrong?"
"I need to deliver this package, quick!"'
"To?"
"19 Everfree Street!"
"OK... Did you hurt yourself in the crash?"
She tried getting up, and flapping her wings, but quickly started squealed in pain and fell.
"Meh!... Oh, no... I can't make the delivery now..." The expression of sadness on her face was too much.
So I decided to use my wings for something. "I'll make the delivery. Where is 19 Everfree Street?
She looked a bit shocked. "What?? But... I dunno... I don't wanna put the pressure on you..."
"Don't worry, it's my fault for trying to fly in here and getting in your way." I picked up the package carefully.
"Well... OK. It's on the right of Chocolate Gardens."
"Ok. Fluttershy, am I good to go?" She nodded in approval. "OK, cya guys later."
They all said bye, including Derpy, who had a worried expression on her face. With that, I walked outside and started flapping my wings. I started to hover, then I suddenly rocketed into the sky. My speed suprised me quite a lot. I then leveled off and looked down. I could see all of Ponyville, from Rainbow Dash's house to Twilight's library. Or was it not her library? I couldn't remember, I was just too overwhelmed with everything else. Then I thought of something. What if I went to see Twilight later? I've always wanted to meed her, plus I wanted to get some books anyways. But that was for another time. Right now, I had to deliver this package. I turned towards the general direction of Chocolate Gardens and took off, being as careful as I could with the package.
I eventually got to Chocolate Gardens. By that time I was tired, so I had slowed down. I eventually stopped right over Chocolate Gardens, panting. I looked to the right of it to see a lone house. It was a beautiful white house, with flowers everywhere. So I flew just a bit to the right, but apparently I was so tired, I couldn't even feel the tiredness itself. And that of course, was no good. And when I figured that out, I immediately fell.
The instance I woke up, I knew something was wrong. I was in a room, on a bed, with white walls and a few scattered entities of furniture. It reminded me a lot of my room in Azekahh's house. Was everything that had happened recently only been a dream? But then a light pink pony with a smiley face for a cutie mark walked in. She looked as gentle as Fluttershy.
She spoke in a calm, loving tone. "Hi. How are you?"
"Uh... Good... I guess... Who are you?
"My name is Rose."
"Oh... I'm Core... Where am I?"
"19 Everfree Street."
Then I suddenly came to a realization about something. "OH MY CELESTIA! What happened to the package?!"
She chuckled. "Don't worry, it landed in my flowers... They weren't damaged either," she said with a grin.
"Oh... Ok... Good..." I sighed with relief. I was still tired.
"Well, you might want to get to sleep now. You still look exhausted."
"Sure... Good night..."
"Good night..." As she walked out, I noticed that she had a look of... Affection, was it? No, it couldn't be. But as she closed the door with a loving smile and a twinkle in her eye, I started to think otherwise.
INTRODUCTION
Where to start? My name is Core. I am a pegasus. I’m a... well, let’s say I’m a different type of colt. See, I’m not all friendship and love. At least, until I met other ponies. 3 other colts, and a mare. Like me, they aren’t normal ponies. But I can take pride in saying that something clicked in all 5 of us when we met. Something... changed. For the better, mind you. But I can truthfully say that meeting Ace, Azekahh, Nix, and Rose might have been one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
Well, I have to start somewhere. Doesn’t everypony? And don’t say no because that is just plain stupid. But I will start with my story anyways. I guess the logical start of my story has to be a few years back. All in the same month, I lost everything. My wife, my kids, my job, everything. All because I was framed for breaking into the royal palace. That’s when depression set in. It was bad... suicidal almost. Any other pony would have broken down. Not me. Hell, I took it fine. Well, fine considering the circumstances at the time. It goes on like this for a few years. The crumpled suicide notes slowly piling up in the trash can. But, just as my depression was starting to worsen, I met somepony. He was nice. I took an instant liking to him. Anypony would. I’m not homosexual or anything, but really, he is one hell of a good looking pony (not that there’s anything wrong with that). He had a charming voice. His name was Azekahh. Aze for short; But wait... Let’s talk about this in a whole. In fact, I am gunna share my story from my point of view, and I hope everypony out there can realize that friends can make all the difference.
