“If you want man to be happy, give him someone to love. If you do not, give him hope for better future. And if you do not, give him something to do.”
~Andrzej Sapkowski
Prologue
Twilight Sparkle was not having her very best day. Her latest experiment seemed to be going to be delayed again. She was searching for one of priceless gems of sight which her friend, Rarity helped her to find. There was five in first place, and now one was missing.
'Spiiiike!' she yelled.
Suddenly, rainbow blur zoomed into the shed where Twilight was working. A proud pegasus, Rainbow Dash stopped and dropped what she was holding: a purple and green baby dragon which was tightly hugging a gorgeous crystal.
'You were looking for him, or rather for this thing here?' Rainbow Dash asked pointing her hoof at the large jewel. Twilight gave Spike a smirk of a serial murderer.
'I'd rather stick with the gem, thank you.' She said coldly, but little dragon knew she meant something much more scary, like “Get out of here before I gut you”
'You are too stressed, Twi' He said nonchalantly 'You need to chill out'
Then he left in hurry, chased by lavender unicorns sight. After a while of silence, Rainbow Dash spoke.
'It was hard to find you. Applejack told me you should be here'
Twilight put away the gem dropped by Spike
'You know, sometimes I need to work alone, in peace and quiet'
'No, no. It's alright. You know what is next week?'
'I am sorry, but I have not a slightest idea. Would you like to remind me?' Twilight said with sarcasm.
'You are town egghead. I expected you to tell me about at least three things that happen next week. Anyway, I was talking about Fluttershy's birthday.'
'Oh well, now I do remember. Of course it is. But what do I have to do with it? I thought Pinkie was always the one throwing parties and stuff.'
'Actually, she is. But me and Derpy are helping a little.'
'You and who, excuse me?'
'Derpy, you know, the blonde pegasus who ruined town hall'
'Ah, she' Twilight giggled 'Sorry, today I have a little problem with remembering things. Maybe I am really a little bit stressed?'
'Uh, and we need your help with those fireworks which we bought from Zecora. They costed us, well, they costed Rarity pretty sum of bits'
'Yeah, I guess I can help you with it. I just have two questions. Do you really think asking someone like Derpy for help is really a good idea? And don't you think that Fluttershy might be scared of fireworks, too?'
'Trust me on this one' Rainbow replied booping Twilight's nose 'I know what I am doing'
“I hope so” Unicorn thought.
'Now please tell me, Twilight, what are you doing here, on far end of Sweet Apple Acres in a shed?'
'I... I was trying to create stable portal between here and Applejack's house' Twilight said, not sure if her lie was good enough.
'Isn't is a bit, you know, dangerous?'
'Oh, nonononono, It is one hundred percent safe. I found Starswirl's the Bearded manuscript in Canterlot library, and improved its knowledge a little, so...'
'Don't lecture me, Twilight. If it is really safe, I think I believe you. Can I go now?'
'Actually, Rainbow, I could use some help of a pegasus. Could you take care of weather around here? You see, casting this spell has a chance to cause a storm, which could be a teeniest, tiniest bit dangerous.'
'Meh.' Cyan pony was disappointed, but she was not going to leave Twilight hanging. 'I guess I don't have anything better to do right now. You starting now?'
'Just a moment' Unicorn said as her horn started to glow dimly. She set up her accessories and gems.
'Now you can go, Dash'
When colorful pegasus left, Twilight concentrated he will. She knew that it was not a simple spell, and she was going to try it anyway. She focused all her magical power available.
'Here comes nothing' She said to herself.
To be continued.
CHAPTER I
I was walking home, as everyday. I finished my work, and everything I wanted at the moment was some sleep. Fortunately, tomorrow I had a day off, so I could sleep as long as I wished. I lived alone since my girlfriend left me. In addition, my flat, or apartment, or whatever you call it, was located in one of worst districts in the town. I needed to stay unnoticed, taking back streets and dark alleys in order to avoid being mugged. Police never gave a shit about this, so I just stayed alert. Finally, I got to my staircase, ran up to the second floor and opened door. Familiar sight welcomed me. Old, wooden wardrobe on the left, small separate toilet to the right. Farther kitchen, and big living room, and a bedroom too. I hanged my coat on wire hanger in wardrobe and left the anteroom. I left all my things in living room. Old carpet still felt soft under my feet. I did not even look at state my living space was in: wallpapers detaching from walls, paint dirty somewhere, and crushed elsewhere, some light bulbs not working. I just wanted sleep. I just fell onto bed with hope for better tomorrow, and fell asleep.
Falling of bed woke me up from a beautiful dream. I did not remember it, though I knew it was beautiful. It felt strange. I did not fall of bed ever before. I closed my eyes trying to imagine ending of my dream. Then I noticed something out of place. Under my back there was no soft carpet. It was solid wood. I opened my eyes and blinked. I was no longer in my bedroom. It seemed like my bed disappeared. Some of my things though were scattered around. Then I saw some jewels on floor that glew dim purple and emited minor sparks. I looked around. My current location was dark shed made of oak wood, or something that reminded of oak. There was doorway leading outside, but the rain was falling there. I stood up and immediately was knocked down by something flying into the shed, or wherever I was, at very high speed. There was no doubt it was living creature. The unlikely thing was that it was blue. It ignored my presence and rushed towards a purple shape which I did not notice before. The blue one touched lavender one with a... hoof.
'Twilight?' It spoke. 'You alright?'
Then sudden realization struck me. It was some sort of equine, although it was clearly talking and it was colorful, pretty much. Rainbow colored mane and tail, cyan body.
I thought I could feel my brain leaking out of my ear. My thought were racing and crashing into each other. At first place, I thought I was still dreaming. I tried to wake up, but it did not have a chance to succeed. I had thousands of ideas what could have just happened, but none seemed probable. Maybe... I died? Or it was some kind of illusion?The cyan horse or whatever it was looked at me.
'What... Who are you?' It spoke.
I tried to get up again. They could speak for sure, so there was some hope someone would explain to me what is going on. Suddenly, rainbow maned equine struck me with her hoof.
'Don't move, you hairless ape!' It shouted. It's voice was rather feminine, so I took as a fact that the thing I was looking at was female. 'You have exactly ten seconds to explain yourself, and two have already passed!'
'Are you trying to scare me?' I replied lacking any better response. I tried to look courageous, but actually I was scared pretty well. I pretty much could ask you the same!' I shouted. 'I am a human! And I thought I was normal, until now. What variation of equine are you?'
'How comes you don't know ME?' She said 'I am the best flayer to ever come out of Cloudsdale! Rain-bow-Dash is my name.'
Well, that made sense. Her multi-coloured mane and tail really maintained the order of a rainbow.
'Hey, Rain-bow-Dash! You care to explain what in the world happened here? I should not be here, how is it possible I am?'
'That you need to ask Twilight. Speaking of who, you need to help her.' Cyan creature pointed her hoof at her lavender acquitance. 'She doesn't seem to be able to get up on her own'
'Give me a sec.' I got up in meantime. 'What is going on out there?'
'Nothing important. Just a massive, magical storm. Deadly. But I, as greatest flayer, can take care of it for you.'
I walked towards equine which Rainbow called “Twilight”. She was bleeding from nose and mouth, but there was nothing serious what I could notice in first place. Also, she was not too big, same size as Rainbow, who standing reached little above my waist. I thought I could lift her.
'Now, when you finally get to go, just follow the path until you reach large wooden building. There somepony will be waiting for you.' Rainbow said and left at extreme speed.
'Pony, eh?' I said to myself. I noticed that one serious thing varied between Rainbow Dash and Twilight. The first had wings, like mythical pegasi, and the other had horn on her forehead. But this was not time for philosophical overthoughts. I lifted purple unicorn from wooden floor and carried her towards the door. She was not too heavy.
Outside it looked at least strangely. Visible distance was very tiny, because of fog. Sometimes at not very large distance light purple lightning struck. And of course rain was falling, wetting everything around to the skin. Muddy path leaded far between two parts of field, orchard of some kind. As I travelled farther, I started to see some of trees which grew here. Apple trees. LOTS of apple trees. Sudden realization struck me: this could be enough to feed entire town of ponies, or even more.
Way was long and tiring. Twilight's lifeless body slipped from my hands constantly and I tried to keep grip on her. Most importantly, she was still alive, and this is what counted.
Executing herculean efforts I managed to get to the end of muddy path. The storm started to die down. I could see farther already. I noticed another pony standing under wooden roof which was probably meant for wood. This one did not have wings nor horn. I assumed it was a she as well. She was brightly coloured as well: orange coat with blonde mane and tail. Her hair brought fresh hay to ones mind. She was wearing leather cowboy hat, a Stetson. I came nearer.
'Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres' She said with characteristic southern accent. 'Mah name is Applejack.'
She trotted towards the door leading inside large wooden building minded earlier by Rainbow.
'Come on inside' Applejack said.
I did as I was told to, still carrying lavender unicorn.
'Go on' Orange pony hustled me. 'Lay her down on the couch in living room. '
I walked into mentioned lodging. It was warm and cosily inside. Wood happily burned in the fireplace. I placed my live carriage on red couch. Applejack trotted towards me and gave me her hoof. I shook it, assuming it was polite form of greeting.
'Thank you for taking care of my friend.' She said 'Now, who in tarnation are you?'
Her tone was less friendly now.
'Wait, calm down, calm down!' I said 'I am harmless. I am a human, and I have no idea how I got here. I think your unicorn friend scamped something with whatever she was doing, almost killing herself and bringing me here.'
'Fair enough' Orange pony was back to normal attitude.
I noticed another pony in the room. She was sleeping in a rocking chair and looked very, very old. I stood in absolute silence, and so did Applejack. Unexpectingly, Rainbow Dash busted inside. Her coat was slightly charred in one place, but she seemed fine about that.
'What's happening, everypony?' She said.
“Wow” I thought “She IS damn fast. She managed to deliver a message AND take care of storm.”
'Redheart will be here in a moment' Rainbow finished.
'What is Redheart?' I asked.
'Not what' Applejack answered 'But who. She is our town nurse'
Next minute, smaller pony ran into room, followed by one larger than others, undoubtly male. I could know that because she looked other way, had other shape of face. And he did not have feminine attitude.
'Apple Bloom, Big Mac, meet mr. Human' Orange pony introduced me. 'Mr. Human, this is my lil' sister Apple Bloom and my brother Big Macintosh'
'Eeyup' Large red pony said.
'What's up, mr. Human?' Apple Bloom almost shouted happily bouncing towards me. She was light yellow with red mane and tail.
'Good day to you all' I replied.
Apple Bloom jumped up onto my lap. She was much more expressive than a simple “Eeyup”. It was not hard to carry her, as she was smaller and lighter even than Twilight.
'Apple Bloom' Her brother said 'Get off our guest, don't be rude'
'No, no. It is fine' I said 'She can stay, if she wants to'
I don't even know why I said that.
'You are a real human?' Little filly asked.
'Bone and blood', I replied.
'You are not evil are you?' Apple Bloom asked. 'One human from granny's tales was evil'
'No, I think not. I never considered myself evil.'
'Show me your hoof!' foal demanded.
I drew my hand from my pocket and placed it next to Apple Bloom. She watched it, amazed.
'We call them “Hands”' I explained 'And the smaller ones are “fingers”'
She took a good while tickling my hand and checking how do I react with her muzzle and hoof.
'I hope everything is right with Twilight' Applejack said. 'She doesn't seem very well'
I took a closer look on blonde-maned pony. Her eyes caught my eye, as stupid as it sounds it was true. They were clear green, green as a bottom of a bottle of beer. They looked honest to the core, unable to lie even if tried. She truly was concerned, and so was I, even though I did not know why. I didn't know anyone of them before.
It was quiet until nurse Redheart arrived. She knocked on the door soon, and went right in. Definite pony, she was, she went right to the job. She checked on Twilight's life signs, cleaned her face of remains of blood. Then she checked if every bone was in place, and then I don't really know what she did. I am not a doctor. Soon lavender pony regained consciousness.
'Twilight!' Applejack said. 'I am so happy you are all right!'
Everyone around smiled. Only Rainbow Dash tried to keep on her poker face, but everyone knew she was relieved too.
Unicorn looked around until she noticed me.
'Gee' She said weakly 'I thought humans were only old ponytale'
I took a while until I understood that she was talking about “tale” not a “tail”. Then I realized another thing. Someone had to call nurse. And it could be only Rainbow Dash. Now I believed she was really fastest flyer.
'As you see,' Nurse spoke, 'She will be all right in no-time. My job here is done. Good-bye!' She left without haste.
When the door closed, Twilight took more comfortable pose.
'Twilight' Applejack said 'Can you walk?'
'Yes, of course. Why couldn't I?'
“Maybe because you almost died” I thought.
'I don't want to pry' I said 'But can any...pony explain what is going on here?'
'Yes.' Unicorn answered 'I do. Walk me home, will you? I will get you in details on the way.'
She stood up and tried to walk. She performed steps with no problem, so without further slowing herself she said proper goodbyes to everyone and left. I looked around. Everyones eyes were on me. I simply said “Goodbye” and tried to leave, but Apple Bloom stepped in my way.
'Wait' She said 'Promise you will come back one day. Granny always told me tales about humans, and other things. I always wanted to meet one like you!'
'Okay, Apple Bloom' I said 'If I will be able to, I will meet you again. I promise.' I don't even know why I gave her such a stupid word. I didn't want to stay here, though I declared I will meet this kid. Thinking about it, I left the room and followed Twilight outside.
'Let me introduce myself' She said when I caught up with her 'My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I am, or I was princess Celestia's personal student.'
I followed her as she trotted towards nearby town.
'You landed here as a side effect of my failed spell' She continued 'I had no intention in bringing you here'
This did not seem exactly true, judging by look on her face, but I accepted it lacking anything better.
'I think I can send you back, but I will have to work on it for a while'
'You think? You mean it is not sure?'
'To be honest, I have no idea'
Rest of the way passed in silence. Soon we arrived at large tree, which was empty inside. It had door and some windows, even a balcony.
'This is where I live' unicorn said 'As of you... I suppose there where you landed, also were some of things that were around you? Perhaps your personal items? You might want to collect them. Primo, they may be useful for you, secundo, it is not nice to throw trash on someones orchard. I suppose you know the way? When you come back, my assistant will be waiting for you.'
She opened door, trotted inside and before I could ask any question closed them behind herself. I had no better idea than actually going to get my things.
The way seemed much shorter than before, maybe because it was no longer raining and instead I could see a beautiful sunset. Not much time passed when I reached my destiny. I looked around the shed. It looked much more friendly now, when no lightnings danced around. My things were scattered inside in mess, which was rather familiar. I never kept my items tidy. I selected a few of them and picked them up: a lighter, my old backpack, a jean jacket and few other, as much as I could carry without being overencumbered. Having nothing more to do here, I turned back and hit the road back to library.
When I finally got there, a surprise was awaiting me, and it was not a nice surprise. Four ponies who had soldiers attitude were waiting for me in front of the tree. When I approached them, they barred my way.
'Human?' One of them asked.
I nodded.
'You are arrested in the name of Her Highness Princess Celestia of Equestria!' The one who was in charge exclaimed 'Come on, dungeons of Canterlot await. And you know, I am sorry for you.'
I could see that resistance was not the best idea. I just submitted.
'Can you at least tell me why am I arrested?'
'We would like to, but we don't know. We just received orders'
I gave this time to sink in. I walked towards nearby stagecoach with barred windows which I was ordered to go to.
'Her Highness Celestia will hear you in ten days' said the capitan of guards and shut the door behind me.
I lost all hope. Now I know that sometimes you are jailed for innocence.
CHAPTER II
It was a week ago when I saw my cell for the first time. Since then, I have not spoken to anyone besides myself. There were no guards, and no other prisoners nearby. It was hopeless, like I was going to stay here forever.
My room was not much of a comfortable living space, even compared to where I lived before. There was no bed, just a stack of hay. No windows, just stone brick walls, cold, stone floor, and ceiling.. And an iron door, solid as hell. The locks and hinges were strong enough to stop an elephant.
Luckily, the guard who brought me here did not get the idea of searching my pockets and backpack. Well, I don't really know if really luckily. I had two spare T-shirts, a swiss knife, a lighter and a small book, the Bible. None of them were useful at the moment.
“Great” I thought, “I am going to die here. Soon.”
Food here was awful in addition to not enough. Once a day hooded pony brought me a plate of green pap. I did not want to know what exactly it was. At first, I did not even touch it, but later I had no choice.
Suddenly, I heard sound of hooves hitting stone. Someone was trotting along the corridor. It was not feeding time yet, so I was sure something was actually happening. The hoofsteps could tell that two creatures walked towards, nearer and nearer. In my direction, or I hoped so.
Soon I was proven right. I heard sounds of locks moved and door opened wide. There really were two ponies, a guard and one who was wearing a hood, but I recognized it could be only Twilight by the colour of her hooves which I could see in dim light of torch in the corridor. Incognito equine was pushed into my cell by guard and door closed again.
'He...hello, mr. Human' Twilight said taking off her headgear, 'They allowed me for a visit, as you see. Are you all right?'
'No, Twilight, I am not all right. Not at all. I don't even know what for I have been locked up here.'
'It is hard to explain, even though I want to. To be honest, nopony is alright now. Times changed.'
She showed me neckleace she was wearing.
'Dwimeryte neckleace' she explained, 'It blocks every magical ability on wearer. It is magical anti-conductor. Now every unicorn in whole Equestria has to wear something made of it, besides Princesses’ own servants.'
Twilight's eyes said that she could burst into tears any second now.
'Even I am no longer her student... She... She fired me...' She sobbed, 'Her own sister is blocked too. Celestia overthrew government, fired the elders. It was on good way to democracy, and now it is only despotism.'
'For your information, I am being held in jail! I can not do a single thing, even if I wanted to! And you know why am I here? Because you kidnapped me with your damn, freaky spell!'
'That is why I came here. Because I feel guilty. It is not your fault you are here. But listen closely, because time is running out. Humans are very capable in magic. You can control massive power flowing through our world. There probably was no such power in your world, but I believe you can invent a way to perform magic here. Just try, please. You have to.'
Twilight looked like she have gone mad. I did not believe a single word, it sounded like meaningless gibberish to me. I did not take magic for an option.
'You might also want to know that before you arrived, Princess Luna disappeared. She is sister to Celestia. I know where she is, and that Celestia locked her up. You can redeem her, you will just need to go deeper.'
Guard opened the door and pulled Twilight outside.
'I have faith in you' She shouted from outside.
I did not know what to think about it. I was certain that I was not magician. I could not cast spells. I could not cast spells. It was just pointless. Hope which have risen in my soul when I heard the sound of hooves in the corridor now faded away as I listened to them walking back. I was left alone once again.
Time passed hour by hour, and I was just thinking what could Twilight Sparkle mean. At first I tried to tell myself that she was plainly crazy and honestly hoped that mentioned princess will hear me in promised time. Maybe I could get myself out of this trouble? But time still passed and drew all my hopes away. I was starting to get sleepy, so I just hopped onto hay gathered on a pile, took most comfortable position possible and closed my eyes.
At first I could not fall asleep. But I was getting more and more tired, and I drifted to sleep at last.
I had a weird dream. First I have seen a pony coming to light from shadow. It was Twilight.
'I have faith in you.' She said.
Then shadows were lighted my raising moon and everyone I have met yet appeared.
'And so do we.' They said together.
Then everything blacked out. Suddenly I saw a male unicorn who looked rather old. He had small beard and gray mane.
'My name is Stardust.' He said, 'Believe me or not, but you are our only hope. I am sure you can perform most complicated magic, but you do not believe it yet. I contacted you by telepathy, but I can't keep this up for long, it can be tracked. Now, trust me. Only thing you need to do is believe in your abilities. Without that, all is lost. Have faith.'
With this word his image faded away, and other took its place. A dark blue pony locked in dark room. It had both wings and horn. It was sitting on floor, and tear was running down its face. Then, I saw large hall with iron bars all around. Hundreds of ponies were locked there, without hope to ever see sunlight. It was dimly lighted by torches. Then it disappeared.
I was in a dark corridor. I could not find my lighter, so I went forward in darkness. I kept my hand on the wall, and walked slowly following every curve of my guide. All of sudden wall ended. I walked few steps without it. Then everything was lighted by bright white lamp. The large hall where I was made me make a step backwards. It was build as purely white room, but now it had dirt everywhere. Then I realized it was not only dirt. It was blood. On some tables placed around were ponies, lying motionless. They were dead. Some of them had one or two of their limbs replaced by some kind of prosthesis made of shiny metal. I wanted to go back, but then one of equines I took as dead stood up with robotic noise. It walked towards me. I did not know what to do. Thankfully, then familiar guy appeared from nowhere. Stardust stood next to me and the image of blood-stained hall blacked out.
'This is what might happen soon, if you not believe in your own potential.'
Then he disappeared, leaving me alone in darkness. I collapsed onto my knees. I looked around, and nothing was visible. Suddenly, when I looked straight forward I have seen pair of glowing, yellow eyes half a meter from me.
I woke up. I looked around, and nothing has changed in my cell. It was all just a dream. But maybe it was something more? I stood up and shook remains of the hay off my clothes.
“Maybe they really need me?” I thought, “Maybe it was true what I dreamed about?”
I looked towards the peephole in the door. Some light always went in through it. But then, the torch in the corridor died. Now it was only shadow. I felt a tear making its way down my face. I could not imagine how my situation could be worse.
Right then, in despair, I thought that maybe, just maybe I could try to believe that I can perform magic, as Stardust assured me in my dream, and earlier Twilight while she visited me. I straightened my arm before me and concentrated all my thoughts on light. It didn't give any effects. I closed my eyes and tried again, and again. Unexpected, through my eyelids I noticed change. I opened my eyes and I looked at my hand in disbelief. There was small orb of dim light hovering over my palm. I inhaled deeply and disconcentrated. The light I created disappeared. A wave of happiness struck me. If I could do that, I could do anything. I had hope.
Time passed, and I practiced Illumination spell. At first it was hard, but then it got easier and easier. I could light the whole cell without great effort. I did it, because I believed that it was possible. But to get out of there I needed more than just some light. I needed to open the lock, and for that I needed to make things move.
I had faith it was possible, so it came with ease. At first I could move a straw around, concentrating all my willpower on motion. Then, I could do more and more, the Levitation spell became easier and easier. I could affect whole stack of hay, and make it fly around. After another hour of practice I was able to light the room up as well as levitate hay at the same time. It felt like I have done this before, like I was familiar with it. It felt strange.
Now only thing left to do was to open the door and leave. Problem was, I had no idea how to do it. I sat under iron obstacle and put my hands on the lock. I imagined a key which, I thought, would fit the lock. When it failed, I changed the form of key I was trying to use. This failed too, so I tried every key that came in my mind. When I thought of large, medieval key and tried to turn it around, the lock clicked and let go. I realized that I was free. By totally unimaginable means, I was finally free.
'Thank you, Stardust.' I said not minding no one was listening.
'I knew you could do it.' I thought I heard an answer, but it probably was only my imagination.
I pushed the door. Hinges creaked and squeaked. Iron door which kept me inside were now wide open. I left my cell and went few steps left, where I came from. I was sure I can find a way back. Though I stopped. There was a way leading right, into darkness. I did not know where it leaded, though I suspected. Now I knew why Twilight told me where second princess was kept. She knew that I will break out, and she wanted me to save her. Not thinking much about it, I turned around and boldly went into darkness, casting the orb of light. It felt like a duty to me. It was totally unexplainable, but it did.
Darkness welcomed me as I walked farther into the corridor, descending towards the core of Princess Celestia's Dungeon. I had no slightest idea what to expect, what could be down there, but still I walked, unshaken and calm, with faith and hope in my heart.
That would be it for chapter II. If you read that, i have a question to you. I need a proofreader and editor, so if you have some time and speak English well, message me please, and help me with my numerous grammar and punctuation mistakes. Thanks in advance,
~Author
