Alone in his mansion he sat did the unicorn Land Owner. His days are spent looking at himself in the mirror and drinking a glass of cider, holding it in his telekinesis. Every day after grooming himself to keep his greyish blue coat and white mane in order. Light blue highlights in his mane shimmer in the fireplace's radiant glow. He always stares deep into his orange eyes. It's how it's always been since his parents died in a terrible train accident when they were on business and he was a colt. Since he inherited their estate, he dismissed the staff. Only time ponies go into the mansion is a cleaning staff that comes and tidies up the place.
The maids that come in would think he's either dead or a statue if it wasn't for him breathing, blinking, and the occasional sip he'd take of his cider glass. They sometimes saw him move to the kitchen to refill his glass. They might sometimes try to strike up a conversation with him while they dust the mirror. These conversations never take off. A maid asks a question and he refuses to responds.
For example:
"How have you been doing, sir?"
or:
"It's pretty quiet up here, isn't it?"
After they finish, they collect a bag of bits he leaves by the door and leave. Such as the life of this lonely hermit. He has his food delivered to the estate. The only sign for the deliveryponies that somepony is home is that on a very rare occasion that Land Owner plays the grand piano in the lounge. Other than that, he'll leave a note on the door for his next order and a bag of bits.
He plays the piano is when he falls into a drunken stupor and moves his hooves over any key he thinks sounds good. Believe it or not, he has gotten better at it. Of course though, what music he manages to make is sad and depressing. He focuses on the low pitched keys and rarely the high ones.
He wears a tuxedo even though he almost never goes outside. Once he wakes up, he changes into a new tuxedo, trims his muzzle, and grooms himself.
His diet consists of boiled and steamed vegetables with some biscuits. He eats in a grand dining room in the head of household's chair, once his father's, with its mahogany frame and golden fixtures. From his chair, he has a perfect view of Canterlot on it's mountain. Dinner time is a great time to observe the castle city with the setting sun filling the sky with its lively yellows, reds, and oranges. At the right angle of the sun, the royal purple, marble white, and golden bands of the castle are still visible. He never pays it any mind though. Instead, he'd rather stare at his reflection in his silver platter while he eats.
Day in, day out did Land Owner spend these days alone. He's fairly young by pony standards. His cutie mark is of three dollar signs.
***
All these days have lead to this day. On this evening, Land Owner stands in front of the mirror as usual. The living room's spacious interior includes a couple couches and chairs of luxurious design positioned in front of the fireplace. The mantle is adorned with various decorations such busts of important historical figures. The mantle itself is marble and has carvings of royal guards along the top leading to Princess Celestia raising the sun in the center, which is made of gold. The space above this centerpiece is bare to leave room for hearthwarming dolls, not that Land ever uses it. Above it is a spear that's been carried by his family. The rest of the room is furnished by counters that have vases, potted plant, small picture frames and the like.
Unbenounced to Land, he's not alone. While he stares at his reflection, a small noise draws him from his zone of thought. It's the sound of a heavy object sliding across a surface. In the mirror, he watches as a stone bust slides along from it's place on the mantle of the fireplace. He turned his head to see the bust fall unceremoniously on the floor and shatter.
He sets his cider glass down on a nearby table and trots over to the bust's debris. He observes the pieces, but finds nothing wrong. Then the sound of shattering glass caught his attention. A vase had fallen over off a table. The vase was empty, but it's now made yet another mess. Nothing is around to knock it over. A far off chuckle filled the room.
"Who is that?!" Land Owner bellowed. His throat became immediately sore after so long with doing much little speaking to suddenly make such a loud and powerful tone.
The chuckle continued.
"I'll ask again, who are you and where are you?!" he demanded again. His throat feels as if it's on fire.
In the blink of an eye, the fire in the fireplace went out. Land figured that he was dealing with something not very mundane, a ghost perhaps. He decided to see if the study's library he had contained any books on the subject and see if he can get his hooves on it.
He makes his way through the main hall and goes up the main staircase. On his way, pictures on the walls suddenly fall off and land with loud thuds. Land Owner trotted on. He wasn't scared, just very annoyed. He simply wants to get whatever this thing is out of his estate so he can get on with his quiet life.
He entered the library. The room is much longer than wide, bearing the semblance of a hallway. All the shelves are lined up across one wall and the other wall lines up chairs and tables.
A number of books flew off the shelves. The dust they had collected filled the air. Land didn't even flinch. After some searching , he found a book titled, Dirige Supernaturalis: Guide To The Supernatural. Certainly the odd one out. The hardcover is wooden and covered in heavy paper. Unlike most of the other books in the library, this one is emitting magic of a long lasting spell to protect it from damage.
The book is suddenly whisked off the shelf, barely flying into his face. Before it got far, Land used his magic to grab it. Try as he might, the book refused to come closer to him and instead, floated in midair wrapped in Land's magic.
"Give it!" he strained over the soreness of his throat.
Since the book still hovered a few feet off the floor, he moved closer to it and grabbed it in his mouth. He yanked it back, then suddenly, the book was released and Land's head snapped backwards, hitting the bookshelf behind him.
With a head throbbing with pain, he holds the book with his magic. He opens up the book and skims through the table of contents. He finds the section on ghosts and spirits, but when he looks at the page number, it reads ten thousand six hundred seventy one. It's a big book, but not that big. The letters and numbers on the page are moving about like they're floating on water.
With a hoarse voice, Land croaks out, "Would you please just let me read? For the love Celestia, just let me read." As he said that, he shaked a bit from anger and annoyance.
To his surprise, the characters correct themselves. A slight grumbling sound came upon his ears. He flipped to the page the section on ghosts. He skimmed through until he found something that seemed relevant.
Ghosts are creatures that love to find houses to haunt. These usually are the houses they die in, but if haven't died in a house or some other building, they tend to hunt the land in general. Sometimes though, they wander miles from the sight of death and settle in what they may think is a suitable haunt. They adore large structures with lots of rooms, for they enjoy manipulating objects and messing with the living. Ghosts can be of all matter of personalities depending on who they were when alive. The only real threat they pose is if they're angry or hostile. In such cases, it's best to either leave the haunt or expel them, for they tend to seek the life energy of the living in hopes to feel life again. This is, of course, not the norm. Ghosts tend to be passive and mind their business so as long as one does not intrude in whatever room they now call their own. Rarely, a ghost can be outright friendly. They tend to be rather playful and will tease the living with their tricks.
Land had enough of that, so he flipped through the book in search of a way to rid himself of this plague.
Expelling a ghost can be a laborious task if one plays it safe. Most would rather use simpler methods if the ghost is passive. Establishing contact with the spirit and simply asking it to leave is a good start. If that fails, one can attempt to reason with the spirit before having to resort to rituals. It's strongly discouraged to attempt contact with a ghost without a trained professional, such as a medium, but if one feels they must, then the best way to gain its attention is with sudden powerful bright flashes of light. Ghosts tend to remain invisible, but a flash of light disorients their essence and deals pain to them as they attempt to adjust themselves to remain invisible. After a few flashes [and if the user isn't then killed by the provoked spirit] the ghost may then communicate with the user.
Land remembered that, in the cellar, from his mother's career in modeling, is lighting equipment. His father was very generous when he funded his mother's passion. Only the best equipment for the time. He can remember watching the lights being worked on and knows that they're simple to work with. He'll get the ghost's attention and demand for it to leave. So he exits the library and makes way to the cellar.
The trip to the cellar is surprisingly quiet and uneventful. The ghost seemed to have buzzed off, at least for now.
The lights are in a corner of the cellar. The photography lights are big and bulky, but they're products of their time. The bulbs are the size of a pony's head and it stands on a tall, slightly rusty tripod. They were made before electricity and are instead powered by magic, the illuminance spell precisely. There's a clamp wired to the bulb that gets put on a unicorn's horn and it directs the spell to the bulb to create light. He remembers that if one put intense amounts of magic into the light, a fuse will disconnect to prevent the bulb from overloading and exploding. When the fuse disconnects, the light will flare and let out a burst of magic and light.
He takes the horn clamp and places it on his horn. The light is rather heavy, but fortunately, the clamp only responds to the illuminance spell, not telekinesis, so he can use his magic to carry the light. He takes it out of the cellar only to be met by silence. The specter had seemed to disappeared, but before he went into a fit rage of having to carry the light up the cellar stairs for nothing, a clang came from the kitchen.
Land takes the light to the kitchen's entrance, which is a doorless archway, and peers in. The kitchen is abuzz with activity. Fruits, vegetables, knives, and even steam is going everywhere in such a chaotic display. The ghost hasn't seemed to notice him or simply doesn't care. Gently, he set the light in the archway. He points the light into the center of the storm of food and utensils.
Land casts illuminance and put as much magical energy as he could into it. This instantly trips the fuse. The flash of light blasted out like a beam with loud crackling sound and a small magic shockwave shook the light fixture. The light died out with some magic sparks fading in the bulb. Everything flying in the air stopped and fell to the floor with a shriek of agony. A light blue essence in the kitchen became visible and began to congregate in the center of the room. A pony like shape started to manifest itself.
Land quickly used his magic to pop the fuse back and casts illuminance again. The specter withered and writhed while letting out a surprising mundane scream that sounded rather feminine. Again, Land pops the fuse back and casts the spell.
"Stop it! For the love Celestia, please stop!" it said in a mare's voice.
Land pops the fuse, but doesn't cast.
"I try to be nice to you and you do this to me?!" it continued. It has now formed into a translucent earth pony mare. Her mane and tail ends in curls. Her cutie mark is of three peaches. That's all that can be discerned about her appearance for she has no color outside of different shades of grey with a very faint blue aura surrounding her. Based on the different shades of grey, it would appear that her mane and tail has two colors to them.
"What do you mean nice?" Land said in a low voice to avoid further strain on his underused voicebox.
"I tried have a little fun with you, but you seemed grouchy. You don't look old and you yelled so loudly that I knew you had too much energy to be tired. So, I thought you might just hungry. I came down here to make you something and then you come up and make it feel like I'm on fire!"
"I thought it best for me to get your attention so I may ask you to leave my estate."
"And you couldn't just ask me before?!"
"Well you weren't talking to me, you destroyed a bust and vase, knocked over about a dozen paintings, my library is now a mess, and now I'm going to need to clean up this kitchen. I think it would be best if you leave so I can live in peace."
"I was just having fun! It's not it would be all that hard to clean everything up. Besides, over all the miles I've traveled, this is by far the biggest house I've ever seen. There's so many rooms and things to play with, I don't think I'll ever leave, even if I have to share it with you. Besides, I think you need me."
"What are talking about?"
"I had some time watching you and you need help. You just stand around, looking at yourself in the mirror. It's unhealthy."
"I don't see why you would need to care."
"I'm not sure if you noticed, but I'm dead. I find it rather insulting that my life is over and here you are wasting your life away. You are having trouble speaking right now because you never talk to anypony."
"You lived your way, I'll live mine."
"Well, the point is, I'm not leaving and you can't make me."
Land can see he can't convince her so he takes the clamp off his horn and headed of to the living room.
"Hey, where are you going?" she called to him.
Every now and then, mail will come in. Mostly it's junk and the rest tends to be from the government, usually for taxes. However, every year an address book will be delivered. An address book is an assortment of the mailing addresses throughout Equestria to serve as a phone book for in Equestria, the only way to communicate is through mail. The new one came in last month. Land may have not have heard much about ghosts, except in stories, up until this point (it's hard keeping up the oddities in Equestria), but since it's apparent that ghost are real and knowledge about them exists, then finding a medium or some other professional that can perform the ritual that the supernatural guide mentioned that'll expel his translucent problem.
In the living room, on a table, is where the book sat. Still there from when he got it, right on top of last year's, which is on top of the previous year's and another five. Land never really threw them out for whatever reason. Probably for emergencies like this. He picks up the book with his magic. Skimming through the M's, he finds a number of self proclaimed mediums who have business addresses listed. He pondered on the fact businesses that deal with these supernatural things. Perhaps the ghost has a point, maybe he should think about getting out more often. He'll need to go to the post office in the nearby town to mail the letter anyway.
"Who are you looking for." She apparently followed him. He decides to ignore her. "A friend?" She rants on, "No, you don't seem like the friendly type. Marefriend? Oh who am I kidding? Family? Parents maybe?"
Land visibly twitches at that. He gets the address of a nearby medium [nearby really being a good day long train ride not even considering the time for the letter to arrive even with premium postage] and goes to get a quill and ink. He also grabs a piece of paper. He makes out a letter asking for assistance with the promise of pay.
"Do have a pen pal or something?" She makes herself still present.
He doesn't have any ribbons to tie for a scroll so the post office better have one. He still has on a tuxedo. He goes and grabs the bag of bits he usually leaves for the maids that come every week. He goes to leave, but on a counter by the grand exit, there's a faded, black top hat. He recognises it as his father's who had forgotten it when he left on that fatal day. He puts it on, a good fit.
"Ooo, fancy." Land is reminded that he still has company.
He takes everything he picked up and heads for the door.
"Where are you going now?"
He doesn't answer as he trots outside.
Even though it's been awhile, Land still finds the paths through the woods around the manor is still quite familiar to him. The woods are over grown, but they were always like that. He finds it pleasing that the ghost didn't seem to follow him. He can think in silence once again. He remembers that his parents, when they died, were off to make a deal with a number of farmers to where they could use the land. All of them were fruit orchard framers. They were off to Canterlot with the farmers to sort out the legal work when their train derailed off a trestle while making it's way up Canterlot's mountain. The fatalities were high. Among them were a couple of The Apple Family from Ponyville and a Orange farmer. The accident put The Oranges out of competition with the loss of one the few still working members. There were also a number of smaller, lesser known fruit farmers that he can't quite remember.
Land comes up upon St. Equine, a small village off his estate. Villages tend to form near large estates and grow when farmers rent out land, The Apples more often than not. A prominent example is Ponyville. The Rich Family financially supports the Apples and, through the markets, fuels businesses setting up shop in the village, forming it into a town. St. Equine however, never really grew without investment from The Owner Family. There's hardly thirty buildings in the quaint village, including the town hall, storage, and the post office. It's a little bigger from when he was last here, but not by much.
He trots in and is met by some twenty ponies about the street. The young ones gave him a passing glance as one does with a stranger, but the older of the bunch look like they saw a ghost (too?). They certainly have for most of them must have thought Land was dead after all these years. He goes to the post office and enters.
The office is small and old. It carries the times when the village was founded. The most notable thing about it is the smell of rotting wood.
Inside is an elderly earth stallion. His coat is a dull brown and his mane and beard has grayed. His eyes are almost shut, but the green irises are still visible. Once he hears Land enter, he snaps awake, open his eyes.
"Er uh, what can I do you ya for?" he asks.
"I like to mail a scroll." Land says in his low voice.
"You're gonna need to speak up."
"I need to send a scroll." he says a bit louder.
"Oh I see. I just need to see the stamp." the old stallion said reaching under the counter and taking out a pair of reading glasses.
"Actually, I need a stamp and ribbon."
"Oh, okay." he put on the glasses and reached back under the counter and pulled out a blue ribbon.
"First class mail please." Land said quickly, "It needs to be delivered quickly."
The stallion put the ribbon back and pulled out a green ribbon. "You're not from around are you?"
"Just passing through."
"I see. Hoof me the paper." Land did and the stallion got a good look at him. "Well, now that I think about it, you seem a little familiar. Have we met?"
"No." Land said plainly.
"Hmm. To where are you sending it?"
"To Manehattan."
"That's a distance." The sallion rolled up the paper and wrapped it in the ribbon and pulled out a wax stamp from under the counter. He fumbled a bit as brought out a match and attempted to light a candle on the counter. "Ahh, confound these hooves!"
Land casted fire on the candle's wick to speed things along.
"Thank you kindly."
He poured the melted wax on the ribbon and pressed the stamp on it.
"Alright, I see you writ the address already written on the outside. That'll be twenty bits."
Land pick up the coins out of his bag with his magic and placed them on the counter. The stallion took the opportunity to get a better look at Land.
"You sure I haven't seen you arou... Land? Do my eyes deceive me? My you've grown."
Land tried to ignore him as he left for the door.
"Hey, smile. What happened to that happy colt that used to come in with his mother?"
Before Land left, he turned and answered. "He died with her."
Mr. Maillard was the name of the stallion. He always was a good friend with Land's mother. He really hasn't changed much over years. Land, however hash he was, was right. The colt he once was has never been with him since the death of his parents. He has lived his life of solitude and that ghost of his is ruining this. He simply wants to be alone.
He gets back to his manor and comes through the door. He is met with eerie silence. He finds it rather peaceful that everything is back the way it was. He knows better than to think that the ghost will now leave him alone, but hopes that he'll be able to enjoy it while he can. The moment he sets hoof in the living room, he found that wont be the case. For the first time in years, he showed a different emotion than depression or annoyance, shock.
With the sound of a party horn blasting into his ear, ghosty see through confetti bursting into his face, and just the sudden surprize in general almost gave him a heart attack. He jumped, sending his hat flying, and instantly froze with a face of horror plastered on him. A cake floated in front of his face.
"Great news! I decided to forgive you and I made a cake from the biscuit batter. I don't know what it tastes like because I can't eat it, but that's part of the surprize."
He didn't say or do anything.
"What's wrong? Oh, don't tell me that I killed you."
He takes in a deep breath and talked in heavy gasps, "Why? Why why why would you do this?"
"It's pretty great isn't it. I bet you just love it."
"No, no I don't. I ask to be left alone, but you keep pushing yourself into my life."
"Can't you just be happy for once? I know we ponies tend to live a long time, but that time is priceless. You should have better things to do than stand in front a mirror and pout while you drink away more of those years."
"Why must you care so much? You lived a full life, why do I of all ponies matter to you?"
"Maybe because I haven't had a full life."
"Pardon?"
"Well, I don't know. I can't remember anything from when I was alive. I can only guess that my young appearance means something about my age when I passed. I also remember when I woke up on my first day of my memory, it was chaos. It was in the mountains and a bunch of rescue ponies were scrambling everywhere. It was raining and there was fire so I just floated away. I was hoping that you could answer a couple of things by reading that book of yours." She said producing the Dirige Supernaturalis. "I would read it myself, but I didn't far because it's boring. Here, catch."
She tossed the book at his face, but he catches it with his magic before it hits him. He opens it and read aloud.
Ghosts are beings that are lost souls who have died suddenly and/or traumatically such as a heart attack, stroke, or tragic accident. They retain no memory of their live. These memories are key to letting them pass on to the afterlife. Not every traumatic death produces a ghost. It's possible that when a ghost sees their body, they deduce the cause of their death and pass on, assuming they have no urgent final business which they sometimes need to finish.
"Hmm, I wonder if I can find some documents on me. Perhaps you can find out for me. You do want to rid of me right?"
"As lovely as it is for me to get my peace and quiet back while doing a good deed, your documents would be in the town hall of wherever you're from and I'll need your name. I suppose you can't tell me those."
"No, not even my name."
"Well I went and got a medium and according to this..."
Mediums are gifted individuals who can commune with the dead spirits. Not all the time ghosts, but more often than not. They can sometimes make contact with the ones that have passed on, but that's beyond rare. Some mediums can have vivid images of a spirit's past and can assist with passing on an unlucky spirit.
At that he closed the book and set it on a table.
"You see? Maybe the medium can help you. In the meantime, can you just leave me in peace?"
"Why? So you can keep looking into that mirror of yours? Sorry, but no."
Even though he didn't have his cider, Land decided to spite her by going on with his usual business of staring into the mirror.
"You see, the problem is that you never seem to smile."
His reflection started doing its own thing. It smiled and waved its hoof at him.
"Look how much better that looks. It's unhealthy to stay in here and pout day in and day out. Why would you do this to yourself?"
After a momentary silence, "You really have no memory of your life? Nothing about your family?"
"Fraid not."
"How lucky you must be."
"Excuse me?"
"You're not bogged down by them. No need to retain what you don't have. Free from the guilt of forgetting them."
"Is this what it's about? You don't want to forget those whom you've lost?"
"I don't deserve to forget."
"You're supposed to cry and grief, that's true, but you're also supposed to move on. That's what they would want you to do."
"No, it isn't. You know what my father always said to me? He'd tell me, 'Son, all this will yours when you earn it.' But I never did."
"What does that mean?"
"Take a guess to what this soulless picture on my flank is supposed to mean."
She takes a look at the triple dollar sign cutie mark on his flank, perhaps for a second too long, and then stated, "That you're rich?"
"Unfortunately so. This mark and my name means nothing but just that. I own a large property and have more bits to my name than any average pony can dream of, that's it. That's all I am. As if it couldn't get worse, I never earned it. This stupid mark I have, wanta know how I got it? When my parents died, I needed to sign legal papers to get my inheritance. This got on me once my signature was signed." His deadpan face quickly changed as his frown deeped and quived, his eyes widened and began to tear up, "I cheated them. I didn't work for it, I never proved myself to my parents. I just got it because they died and there was nopony else to claim it. All I'm really doing is holding on to it all before I die and it's liquidated. It's for the best really. This money is not mine to spend. I only use it to keep the manor in order. The sooner you leave, the sooner this manor returns to its dead state. As dead as The Owner Family."
"That... is troubling. There's no way that your parents would find any of this appealing. There's no reason to do any of this."
"You don't understand, This mark and my name means nothing but just that. I own a large property and have more bits to my name than any average pony can dream of, that's it. That's all I am. As if it couldn't get worse, I never earned it. This stupid mark I have, wanta know how I got it? When my parents died, I needed to sign legal papers to get my inheritance. This got on me once my signature was signed." His deadpan face quickly changed as his frown deeped and quived, his eyes widened and began to tear up, "I cheated them. I didn't work for it, I never proved myself to my parents. I just got it because they died and there was nopony else to claim it. All I'm really doing is holding on to it all before I die and it's liquidated. It's for the best really. This money is not mine to spend. I only use it to keep the manor in order. The sooner you leave, the sooner this manor returns to its dead state. As dead as The Owner Family."
"That... is troubling. There's no way that your parents would find any of this appealing. There's no reason to do any of this."
"You don't understand, my family has always earned their fortune. It started with my great-grandmother whom was the fourth born in a noble family in Canterlot. She used her investment savings and bought this land. Then my grandfather got into trade and built this manor. Now my father was a fantastic market mongoloid. He had a grasp on so many markets, he almost controlled every good that got shipped. He almost rented off some of the land to orchard framers, but he died with mother when working out the deal. But me, what have I done? Just signed a bunch of papers. Every member of my family had made a small fortune and had a successful profession before earning their inheritance. They could make books on their accomplishments. They could have titles to their names. Me, I'm just rich. Nopony respects a rich one when they didn't earn it."
"It's not your fault your parents died. I mean, how long ago was this?"
"About sixteen years ago."
"You had to have been a colt then!"
"Six years old."
"How in Equestria could you hope to prove yourself at that age?"
"What usually happens is that the foal is given a few thousand bits to start something for themselves. My father said that grandfather put it in his will that father couldn't get his inheritance until he was worth something. Father however, thought it was unnecessary. 'I'm sure you won't even need it by the time you get it.' That's just not the case. Each of my ancestors has had cutie marks that meant something other than the bits to their name."
"Couldn't you just use a little of the money to prove yourself if it really means that much to you?"
"There's more than principle. First off, the nobles in Canterlot find my fortune as a treat to their assets. Making deals in Canterlot won't go without a coalition of nobles to oppose me. Second, when father died, his stock was sold because a minor can't hold stock by Equestrian law. Father's market empire was torn apart. It cost some couple millions to the branches of the company. Some had to dissolve entirely. I'm resented in many business circles. I can never earn the thousands my father did on his own. Besides, anything I try to do will be met with legal action to prevent me from dominating a business like my father before me. The money I have is pretty much a weapon in of itself."
"How much money could you possibly have?"
"A few hundred... million. Maybe a billion."
"Wh-where are you keeping all of these bits?!"
"A couple hundred thousand in various safes in the manor, the rest in bank accounts. Since all of it is inheritance, most ponies just see me as another spoiled unicorn who sat on his flank while he raked in the bits without care in the world." The tears in his eyes finally shedded from his eyes and his voice quivered. "To do anything with my money is taking advantage of my parents. I dare not forget them, not even a little bit." He left the mirror and headed to the living room couch. The maids that come in have made sure it hasn't stiffened too much. He then laid down on the couch. "The pain is still with me. Those pictures of the accident are burned into my mind. The funeral, sweet Celestia, they had to be stitched back together. They must have suffered. I can never forget."
The ghost came up next to him, "That's something you can't forget nor should you, but you have to move on with your life."
"How?!"
"That's for you to figure out. Surely not everypony in business hates you. Maybe you can start somewhere. I don't care what principles your family holds, I know that your parents would want to see you pick up the pieces and make something of yourself. You're still very young, it's not too late to do something with your life."
Land began to sob, "I sometimes think that it would be easier if I died with them." he then started to bawl. "I miss them so much!"
"That's it, just let it all out." She tried to comfort him, but released that all her contact with him is just making him cold. So she opted to wait for him to calm down.
He did stop crying after about ten minutes and stayed silent for a few more.
"You know," he said, breaking the silence, "I would never have thought that I would ever take life advice from a dead pony."
"Life is strange like that."
"I just, never talked about it to anypony. I held on to the pain for so long. I was dead on the inside. I'm a mess."
"You are, but you're a fixable one."
There was a pregnant pause.
"You know, I did make you this cake. It would be a shame to let it go to waste."
The cake looks more like a large biscuit. It's even formed a golden brown crust that's completely visible due to it not having any frosting. It does have a strong smell of cooking oil and it's rather large, about the size of a pony's head, mane and all. Land has learned a few things about baking biscuits over the years (it's best to vary one's diet) and he can tell it won't be pleasant to eat.
"Well, I must thank you, but you just made an oversized biscuit. The crust has to be an inch thick and the center must be raw. Besides, it smells like you used wait too much cooking oil. It'll make me sick unless you can use your ghost powers or something to improve it."
"My abilities are really just tricks. They're illusions. I can make it look, smell, and taste like a cake, but you'll have a bad aftertaste with the cooking oil and any raw dough will still upset your stomach. Sorry."
"It's quite alright. You tried. It's really the first time anypony did anything for me that was free, besides my parents."
"Good to know." she glanced out a nearby window, "The sun is still on the horizon. I noticed that you have a piano upstairs. Do you know how to play it?"
"I don't know. I occasionally wake up with a hangover and my head on the keys. I could give it a try."
They make their way to the lounge. The lounge is a spacious room with pieces of furniture made for comfort. It's right above the living room so the fireplaces in both rooms share the same chimney. Two chairs sit in front of the fireplace. They're nicely cushioned and has small tables next to them to serve as a place to put a drink or a book. Off to the side is a poker table, the favored pastime of Land's grandfather. The window has nice view of the surrounding forest's tree line, much like an alpine mountain ski lounge in the summer. In front of the window is the piano. It's of legendary design, fit for royalty. Although it lack decore, it's what it's made of and the history behind it that gives it its worth. It was made back in the times of Princess Luna's banishment and a war with the griffins, as well as a bit of insanity. It's quite literally a product of the war. Sure the black keys are made of ebony and harp's case is cast iron plate, but the white keys are made of griffin bone and the strings are made from melted down armor and weapons, all topped off with spells that strongly resists rust, chipping, and other general such wear and tear.
Land seats himself at the grand piano. The ghost floats next to him. It occurs to him that he needs to refer to her in someway other than 'ghost' or just 'her.'
"So you don't remember your name?"
"No, I don't."
"Is there something you want me to call you by?"
"You know, I never really put much thought into it."
"You've been dead for how long?"
"It's hard to keep track of time, but at least ten years, maybe fifteen."
"You've been dead for about fifteen years and you never gave yourself a name?"
"I never really needed to. Most ponies I meet get scared off by my tricks, they abandon whatever cabin I chose as my haunt, then I get bored and move on. But, tell you what, I'll let you call me what you want."
He took a good look at her. Her figure doesn't seem solid. Whenever she moves, her form trails behind her like smoke. It's almost as if she's comprised of...
"Mind if I call you Misty?"
"Hmm, I like it."
"Well, Misty, don't be too critical. I hardly remember what I do here, I may not have even played."
He placed his forehooves over the keys and hit one on the right. A ding emitted from the piano as the high pitched key sounded out. It has the malice of a small hammer. He then hit one on the left and it had a more comfortable dong. He moved his right hoof over to the left and began to test the other keys. It started to come to him. He experimented with the sharps and flats and developed a rhythm. He took that rhythm and picks up the pace. What he makes is a rather melancholic tune. Land goes into a trance like state. His hooves danced on the keys free from thought or care.
He stopped as soon as his hooves tried themselfs out. He took notice to Misty observing his flank.
"May I beg your pardon?" he asked.
"I'm just trying to figure out if those are dollar signs or music notes. I'm either going blind or musical symbols have changed over the years. That was pretty good. A bit sad, but very good."
"Thanks, but it's getting late. We should get ready for bed."
"Well you do. I don't sleep."
"Makes sense, but if you're going to be up, can you clean up the messes in the library and the kitchen? Also, I would appreciate it if you can pick up the portraits in the hallway and hang them back up."
"Why?"
"Well, if you're going to be up and... floating around, you may as well clean your messes."
"Fine, but what am I supposed to do afterwards? Normally I like to make things go bump in the night. There's no point to it now."
"I don't care what you do, so as long as you don't make a mess or wake me up."
"Hmm, I think I can manage."
"Good to hear. Well, see you in the morning." he takes off for his bedroom.
The master bedroom is, like the most of the manor, of the pinnacle of luxury. Like most of the house, it has hardwood floor, but it's covered by a magically stitched carpet from Saddle Arabia. The window catches the rising moon better than any movie. There's a number of pictures in golden frames on the wall and a few on the bedside tables.
Speaking of the bed, there's more sizes in Equestria that are above king size, and this bed is one of them. It's not quite princess size, but emperor size should fit the description. The frame is made of mahogany and can eather be long poled or not. When the poles are up, silk would be thrown over to make a canopy for the privacy of its occupants. It's down at the moment, exposing the silken bedspread, sheets, and pillow cases, as well as the well carved headboard, once again, displaying the celestial guards and a golden circle in the top center.
Land takes off his tuxedo and puts it on a pile of dirty ones to be washed by the cleaning crew next week. He pulls the bed spread down with his magic and climbs in. Nights were usually unkind to him. He'd be left tossing and turning all throughout the night. His muscles would be stiff and his joints ache. Tonight though, none of the above apply.
For once, he took comfort in the all-consuming softness of the mattress. With a creak of his back and a pop of his hip, he quickly began drifts to sleep. None of the laying awake for hours until exhaustion creeps in, only to repeat the process again and again. He simply becomes absorbed into the abyss that is his bed.
***
In the morning, Land wakes up. Peacefully and well rested. No dread of the bright sunshine pouring through the window. As he gets up, the aches and pains are gone. It hardly feels like he's in his own body. He feels reborn. The guilt, depression, and the pain is all gone.
He goes to the bathroom, which is no less glamorous. The floor and sink counter is marble. The sink's faucet and bowl is gold. Same for the shower/bath's faucet. The large tub is porcelain as well. Magic is strong in this room. The floor, tub, and sink bowl has a spell that evaporates water into the air and their faucets, in vice versa, draw water from the air. The porcelain throne (which is also made of porcelain course) has spells in place to dissolve its contents and eliminate odor. A number of clean tuxedos folded on a small table stand for him to put on after his shower.
He steps in the shower and turns the water on. Even the water has magic in it. The magic water remove all filth in his coat and mane from the surface to his skin. He opened his mouth and let it wash away plaque and clean his mouth. After a couple minutes, he turned off the water and used a spell to dry off. He went to the sink counter and grabbed a brush with his magic and groomed himself. He then got a clean tuxedo on. He looks into the mirror to adjust his bow-tie, but is taken aback by what he sees looking back at him. Himself with a content smile.
After some thought, Land felt so relieved of the unwanted burden he carried for years.
'What has that mare done to me?' he thought to himself.
Speaking of, he goes to the library to see if Misty cleaned up. All the books seemed picked up and put in their places. He then makes his way down stairs. He turns into the main hall and sees Misty looking at the portraits she's supposed to be hanging back up.
"I hope you remembered to clean the other messes you've made."
"I did."
"The kitchin?"
"Yep."
"The vase and bust?"
"I put them back together. Just don't touch them."
"The other paintings?"
"Yea."
"So why are these still not hanged up?"
"It's just that I just have an interest with these six."
Land looks at the one she's looking at. It's of an elderly unicorn mare. Her coat is a dark blue and her mane has greyed. She's wearing a very old fashioned lavender dress adorned with jewels. Some jewels are in her mane and she has many golden accessories. The portrait's backdrop is of a nighttime view of Canterlot atop its mountain. She has an authoritative gaze that pierce even the thickest soul.
"Ahh, yes. This is Bit Owner, my great-grandmother."
"And that's her over there as well?" Misty asked pointing to another portrait.
This time, Bit has a tender smile while she stands next to an white unicorn stallion in merchant's garments and a small frail unicorn colt.
"Yes. The stallion is her husband and the little one is her son and my grandfather. As you can see, Trade Owner was always a sickly pony. He was the only one of his four siblings to survive."
"There's him grown up, right?" Misty pointed at another portrait.
Trade Owner is grown up in this one. He still looks frail, supporting himself on a golden cane. His brown coat and green mane, as well as his eye color, is severely paled. He is taking a proud stance and is looking at the sun in the upper right corner.
"Indeed."
"And over there?"
This one has Trade and a purple unicorn mare with an unicorn colt. The sun is in the center of the trio.
"Yes, and the colt is my father. I'm sure you might have noticed the numerous suns decorated around the estate. Trade was a true worshiper of Celestia and the sun with zealous loyalty. He also was a firm Equestrian nationalist, glorifying it's history. In his frail state, he knew, would be the end of him. Since he knew that he wouldn't live a long life, he chose to live it in style and luxury. Most of the things in the manor was bought by him. I would like to have known him, but he died before I was born, when father was nineteen. Even though father said it was a terrible onset of the flu that did him in, it wouldn't surprize me if he lied and it was a heart attack from seeing Princess Celestia for the first time." Land give a little chuckle to that, "Ah, I shouldn't do that. My grandmother loved him so truly, she took her life shortly afterwards. It's really a tragic tale."
"That's your dad there as well?"
The fifth portrait is of a unicorn stallion. He's a deep blue with a black mane. He's wearing a plaid suit with a blank expression on his face.
"Yes, this is Market Owner, my father. He was a pony deserving of much respe-"
"Oh, you looked so cute!" Misty suddenly interrupted, looking at the next portrait.
Market was standing with a beautiful white unicorn mare in an evening dress. Between the two is a young version of Land.
"You were so adorable!" Misty squealed as she seemingly reached into the portrait and rubbed the young Land's head with her hoof. The foal smiled bigger and showed enjoyment of being given the attention.
Land rubbed his eyes and shook his head. When he reopened his eyes, the portrait was normal.
"Well that was interesting, but it's time to move on." The portraits jump back on to their original positions on the wall. "I made breakfast. Let's get our flanks in the dining room. There's first..."
Land is suddenly pushed forward by some unseen force.
"Let's get some food into you. This will be a big day for you."
Before he could speak, Land finds himself seated in the head chair and a silver platter of steamed vegetables is presented to him.
Forgetting his question regarding 'This will be a big day for you,' he was lost for words, but then he thought of something, "Well, at least you can make perfectly acceptable steamed vegetables. Unless this is one of your illusions." He playfully mused.
"Nooo," she rolled her eyes, "of course not." she said with playful sarcasm. "But really now, it's not that hard to steam vegetables and you have all the proper ingredients."
Land began to eat his meal. He's relieved to find that everything tastes as it should, not even unbelievably good. The carrots tastes like carrots, broccoli like broccoli, and asparagus like asparagus.
Some time after, Misty cleared her throat to gain his attention so she can speak.
"Remember when you said that you hired a medium, or at least tried to?"
"Ya, what of it?"
"How often do you check your mail?"
"Not often. Why?"
"Well, the previous day's mail has some interesting news." she pulls out a letter.
"And what is that."
"It states that unexpected weather phenomena from The Everfree Forest will be shutting down mail service except for government issued mail for the next two weeks."
"What?"
"Trains are no longer designed to carry mail and are not certified to transport confidential information and materials, as well as scrolls and packages overloading luggage cars, so nonessential mail will be delayed."
"Well, sorry. I guess you'll have to wait before you can pass on."
"It's fine, because you can do something for yourself."
"Oh, and what's that?"
"I've been around for awhile now and from what picked up is that there's a way for you to do something with your money."
"And that is?"
"Have you ever heard of Fillydelphia being the city of capitalists?"
"I remember Manehattan was the holder of that title, but Father ranted on that Fillydelphia was opening up with more opportunities since competition in Manehattan was getting too steep."
"And it has been growing since according to the occasional newspaper I picked up from time to time on my wandering. Fillydelphia is the closest major city from here, only a half a day's gallop. If you find a carriage then maybe it'll take four or five hours, so I want you to head over there and do something your money. Rather you buy assets or stock is of little importance to me, but I want you to start making money like you babbled on about. Do what your parents would want you to do."
Land take in a deep breath, "Well, this is a big demand."
"I did say this is gonna be a big day for you."
"Right, but I don't if I can. Sure I've had tutoring, but not very much. Besides, I'll need to stop off at a bank and get a checkbook. I can't go wandering a major city with a couple thousand bits in saddle bags. I may as well oil myself, stick an apple in my mouth, and going trot aimlessly through The Everfree Forest."
"I'm sure you'll find something."
"Sorry, I'm just not ready for that sort of thing."
"You won't know until you do."
"Well, I won't, and you can't make me."
"Oh, trust me, I can. Now though, finish your breakfast. You have quite a day ahead of you."
***
Land was hoofed his top hat and his birth certificate so he can issue a checkbook from the bank, as well as a journal his father made which Misty found in his father's office. The journal is full of details of what his father has learned about the markets. All sorts of strategies in the art of business. This was apparently supposed to be a gift for Land when he grew up. He also got about five hundred bits. He'll need money to issue the checks and it's always handy to have actual bits on hoof.
Truth be told, he was reluctant to go off into the world, but Misty kind of ushered him out. Meaning, as soon as he had what he needed, she threw him out and told him not to come back until next week so he can catch the medium. After failing to get back in, he put on his top hat and made his way to St. Equine. Best to make the most of it after all.
The woods around the manor still is familiar to him, but has a more soothing, blissful affect on his nerves. No more recollecting on painful memories. He remembers him and his mother playing hide and seek when his father was on business, and a couple of times when his father brought him out camping.
He's beginning to become accustomed to the smile he bares. He also noticed he has developed a spring in his step. It reminds him of his youth. The nervousness he started out with quickly melted away. He picks up the feeling that he could take on the world.
He trotted into St. Equine. Looking down the street, he spotted a husky earth stallion, and a few others, picking up stuff from the storage building and put it into a cart that the large one is pulling.
"Excuse me!" he called out.
They look at him.
"Where you fellas heading?"
"Back home." one said.
"Any chance you're passing Fillydelphia?"
"That's quite out our way."
"Well," Land opened his saddlebag with his bits, "how many bits will it take for you to change course?"
***
Eleven Days Later
"It wasn't exactly cheap." Land said to Misty.
He just came back home and is discussing the last week and a half with Misty.
"Well, they took you didn't they?" she asks.
"Ya, but I got a long rant about some family they been in a feud with. Couldn't even tell me what it was all about. Just The Hoofields are that, Big Daddy McColt said this, bagh bagh."
"So, how was your time in Fillydelphia?"
"Not bad. It apparently takes a week or two to order checks through the bank and the weather is preventing them from clearing the checks with The Royal Bank. Fortunately, I was able to get temporary checks. At first they'd only give me ten, but a few more bits got me more."
"So, did you find a stockbroker?"
"I did. After I rented a room at a reasonable hotel, I found a stallion willing to work with me and his firm."
"Really?"
"Yes yes. Apparently, there's a flourishing business in Canterlot that's ripe for investment. A boutique owned by a Miss. Rarity." Land produces an issue of Cosmare Magazine with a white unicorn mare with a purple mane that has impossible curls to them.
"Yes, she seems familiar, but wouldn't you buying stock from a promising business provoke the Canterlot nobles?"
"My father's journal has a very interesting secret that helps bypass that roadbump. Father kept contact with distant relatives. Remember when I said my great-grandmother was the fourth born of a noble family?"
"Vaguely."
"Well, the direct descendant and heir to the first born of my great-great-grandparents is a stallion that's known by a Sir. Fancy Pants. A chivalrous individual who is held in some of the highest regard in noble circles. I'm sure he'll help a cousin out."
"Well that's good."
"It's great actually."
"You see, it's best to listen to me. So anyways, did you do anything else in Filly?"
"Just catching up with the times. Did you know Equestria was put in danger many times in the past year alone?"
"Somewhat. Winter cabins in the middle of the woods don't provide much exposure to the world, but some crazy things have been going down lately. Heard of the Elements of Harmony?"
"Quite a bit."
"I just hope you had a good time."
"I did, but what about you? What did you do here?"
"Oh, just played around a bit. I swear I didn't make a mess."
"Good good. Well the weather should have cleared up by now and the medium will be here any day now."
"Speaking of, did the weather give you trouble?"
"It was bothersome on the way to Fillydelphia. I'm telling you, something must have those clouds possessed or something. They're just not right. They're zapping away in the sky with lighting without any care whatsoever. I'm just glad I'm not a pegasus up there."
"Well, I'm glad you weren't hurt."
"You mean other than my sanity? Still got to hear how much it must be the doing of, and I quote, 'those darn, no good HOOF-FIELDS'."
"I hope your trip back was more pleasant."
"Oh yes. I got a chariot driver who doesn't go on about nonsense and the weather has mostly cleared up."
"So, how many bits have you made?"
"It's all in stock. I won't know until my broker sells them."
"I see."
A long moment of silence set in. Until Land broke it.
"Misty, I need to tell you something."
"Hmm, what is it?"
"I had time in Filly to socialize with other ponies. While that was good and all, something was missing."
"Oh, and what would that be?"
"I didn't know at the time, but now I think I figured it out. Of the conversations I had, none brought the same fulfillment I have by talking with you."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know. I just feel calm, serene, happy, just better being around you."
"Do you..." she takes a moment to find the right words, "have feelings for me?"
He pursed his lips and took in a deep breath, "Maybe."
She goes to say something, but is interrupted by a loud banging. Somepony is at the door. Land goes and answers it.
The pony is a unicorn stallion. His coat (fur) is a golden brown and his dull black mane has strands poking out from his black flat hat. His eyes are as yellow as the sun. He has a goatee and wears a carmel brown coat (clothing). His horn is sticking out of the rim of the hat.
Land has seen the dress style as well has the general look of this kind pony. His father had made deals with ponies from Neighain.
"You require my services?" He said. Definitely a Neighish accent.
"Well, um, yes. I assume you got my letter."
"Yes. You requested the best my guild had to offer, so I'm here."
"Good good. Please, come in Mister..."
"Call me Pepper Spice." He trots in, revealing his three cards he has for his cutie mark. "So, where's is your 'problem'?"
"Well, she stopped being a problem and I was hoping to help her pass on insteed."
"Oh. Well, that's a bit of a change in plans, but I can accommodate." The two of them trot into the livingroom. "So you say the spirit is pacified?"
Before Land could answer, a bright flash burst in front of them, accompanied by a, "BOO!" Land gave a bit of a shirk. As soon as his vision adjusted, he realized that Misty was behind this. He looked at Pepper and saw that other than his eyes adjusting, he was unfazed by Misty's jump scare.
"Uninspired." Pepper said plainly.
"Aww, not even a flinch?" Misty, whom is now in front of them, said with a bit of a pout.
"I've been doing this a long time dear. I've had ghosts try to sap my life away. You just can't match that." he then trots off to find a seat and settles on a couch. "I must admit though, it's a good change of pace to have a peaceful spirit. Don't get me wrong, I love exorcisms as much as the next spiritually gifted individual, but the near death, blunt threats, and the weaponized vomit gets a little repetitive. It's always nice to help somepony move on, but before we go about starting to trace your hoofsteps, I must first offer you a proposition."
A loud creak from the ceiling sounded above them.
"What in Equestria was that?' Land exclaimed.
Misty's eyes began to shift, "Well, you see, when you asked if I hadn't made any messes, I met none at that moment."
"What did you do?" The creak turned into a groan from the strain, accompanied by a slosh of water.
"I may have played around with the infinity water spells on the faucets." Another creak made itself known. "I'll just go and fix that" She darted off.
Land got into the opposing faced couch.
"So, on my proposition."
"I thought you would talk about it with her."
"She needs to know, of course, but I don't know how long she'll be. Besides, you're the one paying me."
"Well, proceed."
"Me and my guild have been working with a spell we discovered while searching old haunted ruins. We have had much practice and I've successfully used it a couple times."
"And what is this spell and what exactly does it do."
"The spell seems to predate StarSwirl The Bearded. It has the capability of... bringing, specifically ghosts, back to life."
"What?! You're insane! You know necromancy is highly forbidden! I won't associate myself with dark magic!"
"That's just it. The spell uses no dark magic."
"Even if that were true, necromancy is one of the highest criminal offences!"
"Necromancy is defined by the law word for word as, 'Any dark spell that forges the cursed, necrotic flesh.' This wonderful spell fully restores the body with it's natural flesh and draws the spirit back into it. Thereby resurrecting the pony and by passes the law."
"Why haven't I heard of this before? If it's so amazing, then I should have heard of it in my time in Filly."
"Well, we like to keep this complex spell a secret to the guild, it only works on ghosts which are uncommon rather than those who have already passed on, it keeps the age when deceased, and the ritual is a bit of a pain to set up."
"Pain in what way?"
"Well first off, we need the body."
"And how do we find it?"
"I can do a bit of scrying, find out who she is and we use that to find where she's buried."
It seems too good to be true, but Land can't help not to find fondness to the idea. He's already forgotten what it's like to be depressed and alone. Misty seems to be a young mare, perhaps she'd like to live it in it's fullness. The afterlife isn't going anywhere after all. It'd be nice to keep having her as company. She's charming, funny, a bit quirky, and just a joy for him. Money sure isn't an issue.
"You sure there's no consequences from this? We won't get into trouble with the authorities?"
"It's completely harmless. I would advise against telling others, but if anypony asks, you should be fine. Just make sure she will comply and we can get started."
"Well, since she's taking her time, I'll go check on her. Stay here and get comfortable."
"Very well, I'll try to get some scrying done. Don't be afraid to wake me."
Land leaves Pepper and goes upstairs, but runs into Misty on the stairs.
"Oh, hey, I took care of the issue." she said.
"Great. Um, I came up to ask you something."
"Shoot."
"I was talking to the medium and..." Land tried to say it, but came short. Then he moved on his feelings. The ones that are trying to steer him away from the loneliness of before and his fondness of Misty. The ones making him fear her saying no. "Him and I are out to get things set up. He wants you to stay here. So, um, if you could be a dear and... move the pile of old tuxedos in the bathroom to the cellar. The maids like it better."
"Oh, um, okay. You sure he wants me to stay?"
"Yes, absolutely."
"Well, alright then, see you later I guess."
"Bye."
He gallops back into the living room and grabs Pepper in his magic and a few of thing from his trip including bits and his hat. He rushes outside and puts the hat on. Pepper is still in the middle doing that scrying thing. His eyes are rolled back into his head and he's completely stiff and still.
'Now what was that he said, to not be afraid to wake him? How do I?' Land thinks to himself.
Touching Pepper doesn't seem to do anything. He casts heat on Pepper's shoulder. The stallion shudders awake. His eyes correct themselves after a few blinks and he touches the spot Land casted the spell.
"Sweet Celestia that burns!" He exclaims.
He blew on it, licked it, and patted it with his hoof in an effort to cool it down.
"Sorry about that."
"It's fine, it's fine. Um, what are we doing outside?"
"Oh well, Misty was so happy and excited by your proposition, she rushed us out of the house so we could get started."
Pepper raised an eyebrow, "That's good and all, but I'd like to hear that from her."
"Can't! She, uh, locked us out."
"That seems unlikely."
"Well, what can I say, she's weird one."
"Very well, if this is so then let's get started. While scrying, I was able to find her name. It's Peach Blossom and she used to live near Hoof City on her family's farm. I would believe that's where she would be buried."
"So that's where we're going."
"Well first, we'll need to go to Filly to catch a train. I do hope my carriage is still in town."
"Come on then, time's a wastin."
***
Hoof City's cemetery is quite eerie this time of day. The sun already set, leaving the moon with the sole responsibility of lighting up the night. Illuminance magic never felt so handy. Land and Pepper would've gotten here sooner if it wasn't for them looking through papers on Peach Blossom. Land didn't say anything, but it was how she died that shook him to the core. Her and her family was on a business trip to Canterlot to make a deal with none other than Market Owner. She died in the train accident with her close family. 'Misty' said she was in the mountains when she came to. Everyone of her neighbors said this was her first taste of the family business of peach farming. She was only the age of twenty.
Gravestone after gravestone, the question is which one.
Oak Tree, Pine Tree, Large Stone, Merry Stone, Little Stone, Green Leaf, Great Peach! That's her father! Soft Peach, her mother.
R.I.P Peach Blossom, 965 M.E.-985 M.E. Died Tragically In The Worst Train Accident In Equestrian Railroad History. Once The Joy Of The Town, Now Lies At Rest Here, Foaless And Broken.
This is it! Pepper strikes the earth with the shovel and digs. Land keeps watch. This might be the most illegal part of spell, but nopony will miss what's not here, if they don't know it's missing. Even then, a few bits might sway their eyes away. Besides, once she's alive again, it's really comes down to her to decide where her body is kept.
It felt like hours, but the coffin is recovered and opened. After the miasma cleared, they took a look at the body. It's down to the skeleton with some patches of hair and rotting flesh. Many of the bones are broken and shattered. There's also a gold heart shaped pendant around the neck.
"That must of meant a lot to her." Pepper commented, "This will be necessary for the ritual."
The bones are removed and placed into a smaller box while the coffin is closed and reburied. A spell grew the grass back and the grave looked like it was before. They took the box and headed back to the estate.
***
The ritual took it's time to get set up in the living room. A fair amount of chalk and a few candles are lit around a circle where the bones are laid out. A smaller circle is made south of the main one with the pendant. 'Misty' isn't allowed to see this, else wise she might remember her past by observing her body and pass on before the ritual is complete. She's currently in the hall, waiting for the next step.
Pepper casts magic onto the chalk circle and the candles burn brighter. The flames stretch into the center and wrap around the bones. They connect and, with a bubbling sound, began to take shape. As the flames dissipated, the body is revealed intact. The coat is a peachy white with a orange and purple mane.
Right now, the body is just that, a body. Nothing more than a soulless, unoccupied corpse. It lies on it's back on the floor, stiff as a board.
"Land, get her and have float over the smaller circle without her looking." Pepper ordered.
Land trots off into the hall.
"Misty, it's time for you to come in."
"Do you think I'm stupid?" she said coldly. "I know you're up to something. I thought you were acting strange before, but now, I'm not playing along until you tell me what you're doing."
"But-"
"I don't know what you're doing in there, but I know it's not some way to help me pass on. Now, I want to know what you're up to."
A knot formed from his throat to stomach. He knows he messed up, but he still wants her to go on. "I-I... I'm trying to b-bring you b-back to life."
"And you never bothered to tell me?!" She said angrily, "You should know you can't do something like this without my say!"
He hangs his head in shame. "I-I know. I just couldn't bare the thought that you might say no."
"Why?! Why would you think that?!"
"Because I didn't want to be alone again."
"Why of all the ponies in Equestria would you be so concerned about me?! There thousands upon thousands, why do you want me so bad?!"
"I don't get the same feeling when I talk to you. You are so sweet and kind. You were there when I needed you the most. Any other pony would have given up on me. Without you, I would still be in front of that mirror. I would never know what happiness is again. What it feels like I have some worth. To feel good about myself. The medium offered the spell to revive you that won't break the law or have absurd consequences and I couldn't say no. I meant to ask you, but I could imagine to go back where I was before." Tears form in his eyes, "You make me whole. Nopony else could ever replace you. I-I-I... Celestia damnit, I love you!"
He collapses on the floor in front of her in a sobering mess.
"P-p-please sniff don't l-leave sniff me. sniff D-don't leave sniff me alone. I-I-I won't sniff be able t-to sniff go on."
His hooves cover his eyes, he's on his side, he's struggling to make out a sentence, and to top it off, he's violently shaking. He is, in every way, a broken stallion.
"I'm an idiot. I'm forcing life on somepony because I'm too deficient to stand on my own hooves. I'm not fit enough to continue. Please, go. Go and enjoy the afterlife. You're not leaving anything worth your time."
'Misty' has been silent the whole time. To watch a full grown stallion fall and cry himself into a ball is a sad sight indeed. He may not be trying to manipulate her, but it's having a profound effect on her. She knows she probably shouldn't do this, but...
"Well, it's not like I'm going to live forever. What's another lifetime going to do. I can't leave this mess behind."
"No, don't. You have a family to see."
"I'll see them eventually. Truth be told, I always thought you were a dashing stallion. I can see why you did what you did. I wish you didn't, but there's no changing that now. You are a nice pony and I feel a little proud that I was able to help you. If you now don't want me to go along with it just for you, then let me do it for myself. It would feel good to be alive again. I'll just crash here and maybe we can get to know each other even better. Maybe even closer than that." she said rather suggestively. "So let me go and see what that medium wants."
She goes into the living room before Land could say anything.
"Try to back up into the small circle without having a good look at anything." Pepper instructed.
She did so. Pepper then drew a line from the small circle to the bigger one and casted a spell. She was drawn from her spot to where the body is and incorporates herself into it.
Land weakly limps in. His eyes red and swollen with his nose running. Pepper is attending to Peach.
"She should come to any moment now. When she does, she'll be a little disorientated. She'll have both sets of memories from her life and her afterlife. This includes her death, so she might have a bit of a panic attack." Pepper lectures.
The once lifeless corpse now shows the basic signs of life. Her chest is rising and falling with her breath, she radiates a bit of warmth, and now her eyes are opening. She then starts to hyperventilate as she loses a bit of her control. Land embraces her and tries in all his power to calm her down.
"Oh sweet Celestia! I still feel it!" She screams, "The passenger cars fell off the bridge and landed at the bottom! Then the locomotive burst and the steam!" She sutters, "I still feel the scalding heat! My skin started to melt off!"
Land still held on to her. "It's okay, you're safe now. I'm here. I'll always be here."
She started to calm down in his forehooves, "Thank you."
"It's my pleasure."
"It's a shame really, I was starting to like being called Misty."
"I'll still call you that if you want."
"Please."
"Of course."
"Sorry to interupt, but now I'd like to talk about my payment." Pepper interjected.
***
Five years later
Slowly, the old stallion detailed his portrait. To work with the famous Land Owner and his wife is a honor. He's got the portrait of Land done, now he needs to get the family portrait done.
"Daddy, my hooves are getting tired." said the young, four year old filly.
"Just wait for the nice stallion to finish sweetie, he won't be long now." Land ensured.
"Wagh!" the little colt who isn't even one.
"Calm down, mommy's right here." his mother comforted.
The four of them are really cute together. It warms the artist's heart to see such a happy family. They're happy, they're smiling after all... right?