Possibilites

Having completed the task of burying my past, I allowed myself to settle down with the aid of continued odd feelings and a few more gentle thoughts. Finally recalling what I had originally come upstairs for, I found my compressed and rather wrinkled sleeping bag, smoothing it out as much as I could on the floor near the window, placing a pillow at the head shortly after. Sighing to myself, I gazed out at the setting sun of the afternoon. The gorgeous reds and oranges covered the sky in luminous and vivid schemes, some of the color projecting onto a nearby cloud or two. I felt notably more calm—probably the most calm I’ve been here so far—setting my elbows on the window sill and resting my head in my hooves, I merely stared and cherished the sight before me.

After a short while of admiring the scenery before me, I noted that a small entity had enter my field of vision from afar. I couldn’t quite make out who or what it was from here, so I simply watched with intrigue as the object danced around in the sky with absolute grace and dazzling speed. It made hairpin turns at seemingly breakneck speeds, several areal tricks that I had never seen before, and a most memorable finale. As I watched all this unfold, the thing rose high into the sky before plummeting back down to the earth. I straightened out my arms and placed my hooves on the sill, frightened that this phenomenon would lead to the death of such an elegant creature. I even reached out a hoof, as if I could reach the being and save it from its imminent and gruesome end. At the last moment, it shot back up and darted away from the ground that I was certain would be the creature’s grave. Breathing a sigh of relief, I continued to look with awe as, in a sudden flash of light, a rainbow in the shape of a ring flew out from the creatures during its ascent.

“Wow…" I whispered, not even bothering an attempt to understand how the being accomplished such a feat. I merely wanted to relish the moment and all of the wonders it had to offer that I could feast my eyes on. A moment later, I heard the loud burst that accompanied the rainbow blast, causing the house to vibrate minutely. I let out a lighthearted sigh—such a beautiful creature with such whimsical talents. Oh how I wished to know of the source of such fantastic exquisiteness. Shortly thereafter, the being hovered in the sky, smack in the center of the sun that was half covered by the horizon. I stared at it oh so intently, trying to make out any fine details that could lead to a classification, but alas, the only things I could pick out were its wings. Those strong, powerful, well-tuned wings. I couldn’t help but yearn for such might and prowess. The soft and gorgeous background of the setting sun acted as a perfect juxtaposition for the hardened talent and stunning nature of the creature.

It then flew off without another trace and my heart sank. I poked my head out of the window to try and see where it was off to, but because of it prodigious speed, I could not ascertain where it had gone. I lingered out of the window for a moment longer, hoping it would return and grant me another spectacle of its abilities, but after waiting for a solid five minutes, it was evident it wasn’t returning any time soon. I fell back into the house and smiled lightly, my feelings of anger and hostility completely replaced with serenity. Curious as to what the rest of the household had thought of the events I had just recently witnessed, I hopped happily down the stairs.

In the foyer, Applejack was with Granny making flighty conversation, Big Mac chiming in every so often. When he noticed I had entered the room, he seemed a little more wary and observant of me, flicking a glance in my direction every so often as Apple Bloom also made her way down the stairs behind me.

“Did you finish your list?” I softly asked Apple Bloom, who jumped slightly at my voice and merely shook her head afterward. I hoped I hadn’t frightened her too much earlier; I just can’t help myself sometimes. I think Big Mac took note of Apple Bloom’s demeanor, his eyes narrowing at me as if he was blaming me for something. Clever boy.

“Oh! Apple Bloom, Xavier.” Applejack noted, “Granny and Big Mac made some apple pie, so if you want there’s some in the kitchen.” Applejack said.

“Oh boy! Apple pie!” Apple Bloom said gleefully, scampering into the adjacent room.

“You can have some too if you want Xavier.” Applejack said, smiling.

“Oh sure.” I said, walking into the kitchen after Apple Bloom. The sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon and apple pastry wafted around in the air. I took a deep breath in through my nose and let it out with a deep sigh. Two sweet treats in one day? How lucky was I?

“Ah yes…” I said to myself looking over at the partly eaten pie resting on the counter, Apple Bloom standing next to it on her hind legs atop a chair to reach it.

“Did you say something?” She asked suddenly.

“Hm? Oh, no, nothing important.” I responded, soon after adding in, “Um…Apple Bloom…?” To which she merely turned her head to look at me. “Sorry about what happened upstairs…I just…don’t like people rummaging through my stuff…”

“It's fine, I shouldn’t have been so nosy anyway. Sorry about that.” I wasn’t expecting such a lax response. I was about to ask her if she was serious, but decided to let it slide. At this point, the less questions I asked, the better. Smiling, I gave a quick nod before walking over to the pie, cutting a reasonably sized piece and giving it to her.

“Thanks!” She said, sitting down in the chair and scarfing the pie down. It was kind of disgusting, but at least she wasn’t eating something worse.

I took a small bite of the pie and let the flavor spread along my tongue and rest of my mouth. I could slightly taste the spice of the cinnamon and the combination of the sweetness of the apple… Perfect. This Granny really knew how to bake. By the time I went to take my second bite, Apple Bloom had finished her piece. Little crumbs stuck to her face as she looked up at me, smiling a toothy grin with little bits of apple and flaky crust stuck between her teeth and on her cheeks. Not exactly a sight I wanted to see.

“Let’s get you cleaned up here…” I said, placing my piece down on the countertop and grabbing a washcloth from a sink that looked reasonably clean to wipe off her face. She wriggled and squirmed as I removed the pie crumbs.

“Hey! Mbmbphh… Cut that out!” She giggled as she continued wiggling.

“I’m just cleaning you off, now quit moving!” I said as I laughed. I soon finished and removed the washcloth from her face. “There, now you’re not all pie encrusted. No pun intended.” She laughed a little and said thanks again, hopping off of the chair and leaving the kitchen. I turned around and took another bite of my pie, savoring it to the fullest degree possible. It took me a while to finish the slice; I wanted to savor everything this moment had to offer. I sighed once I finished and looked at the pie tin, thinking about sneaking another piece.

I cringed as I was suddenly hit by a blast of euphoria.

“The pie wasn’t that good.” I thought to myself, shaking slightly and rubbing my eyes. I sat in the chair Apple Bloom was standing in earlier, closing my eyes and rubbing my temples while breathing deeply.

Now it’s not that this release of dopamine feels bad, it feels great in fact. It's just that its probably going to cloud my judgment and I do not need that while I’m here. Why was this happening? Had I been dragged? I continued to ponder the possibilities of why this would occur when suddenly a name and a face popped into my head.

Twilight.

I wasn’t anywhere near thinking about her when she randomly appeared in my thought processes. I tried to think of other things, but she was always lodged somewhere off to the side or in the shadows of my thoughts. It was like someone had cut a hole in my brain and stuck a picture of Twilight there just to annoy me. Which I guess was okay; she wasn’t half bad looking anyway. About then, Applejack walked in with a smile on her face.

She looked prettier than I remembered.

“So how was the pie?” She asked.

“Yeah, it was great. Your grandmother is a great cook.” I said, patting my stomach with glee.

“She sure is! I’m glad you enjoyed it!” She said, noticing something about me. “Hey… Wait a minute there…”

“What is it?” I asked.

“I’ve seen somepony else sit like that before, not many do.”

“Really? Enlighten me if you will.”

“Lyra I think her name is. She’s the first one of us to study anthropology.”

“Anthropology? Well, what took you guys so long?” I said, snapping out of my stupor a bit. As far as I knew, I simply walked here somehow. A different universe with (seemingly) different physics and sentient beings. It’s a wonder humans haven’t been cataloged just wandering into the place. Applejack tilted her head to one side.

“What do you mean took so long?’“ She asked, scrunching her nose. I stood up from the chair, wobbling a bit.

“Well, I mean, isn’t there extensive documentation of humans coming here?” I asked.

“I wouldn’t know, I don’t study that kind of stuff. I haven’t really asked Lyra about them either. She’s a…well…she’s certainly a character. You sound like you know something about them though. You should talk to her.” She said.

“I might…” I mumbled.

“Also, how would you know so much about humans anyways? Lyra barely has any information on them as it is.”

“You don’t want to know.” I thought to myself.

“Well, I mean, I don’t know too terribly much about them, but I think two researchers are better than one.” I said. She nodded.

“Two heads are always better than one.” She said.

“Not always.” I thought.

“You betcha. Oh, didn’t you want me to play the guitar for your family or something also?” I diverted the conversation; her ears perked up.

“Oh yeah! Get your guitar and I’ll let everyone know.” She said, walking out of the room and informing everyone of the coming events. As she did, I walked up the stairs to get my guitar, grabbing it from my bag and slinging it across my back. I walked back downstairs into the den where Granny and Big Mac were already waiting, Granny sitting in a wooden rocking chair and Big Mac standing beside her. Granny smiled at me, so I smiled back. I smiled at Big Mac and he nodded back at me, no smile or anything. Apple Bloom reluctantly walked down the stairs with Applejack not far behind.

“I keep getting interrupted! I got to have that list for the Crusaders tomorrow! They’re counting on me for this!” Cried Apple Bloom.

“Oh quit your whining and have some respect, this won’t take long.” Applejack said. They both sat on the floor next to Granny, Apple Bloom crossing her forelegs in irritation and Applejack sat looking at me, smiling.

“God she is absolutely gorgeous.” I (now regrettably) thought—luckily no one could hear me—breaking myself from her gaze as I stood up on my hind legs and shifted the guitar around to my front. Applejack inched closer as she eagerly awaited whatever I would strum. I took the pick off of the guitar and, instead of just playing some random flowing riffs, I played and song “Yesterday” by Lennon–McCartney. As much as I like my own music, I also quite enjoy other pieces. It was a shame I didn’t have any violins or cellos to accompany me, otherwise it would’ve been perfect. As I played, Apple Bloom unfolded her front legs and watched me, starting to get into the swing of things. Applejack closed her eyes and swayed slowly to the beat of the music. Granny also closed her eyes and leaned back in the chair. Big Mac’s face even seemed to soften a bit, which was the most calm I’ve ever seen the big guy.

My voice resonated in the house as well as outside; however far I didn’t know, I would have to calculate that later if I had time to kill. I prided myself on my voice; a nice tenor or baritone when generally talking or singing, but I could still reach countertenor or bass if the time called for it. I neared the end of the song, humming the last verse and slowly plucking out the ending, letting the notes hang in the air like a fog. There was silence for a moment, then Applejack and Granny opened their eyes.

“I haven’t heard a song like that since I was a filly,” she said, probably reminiscing of her youth.

“Oh Xavier…” Said Applejack, bringing her forehooves to her chest, “that was beautiful…” I smiled.

“Thank you.” I said warmly, hoping, at that time, I had made a great impression on her.

“I guess that was pretty good, but I’ve heard better.” Big Mac said, mumbling something else under his breath I couldn’t quite catch.

“I don’t care what Big Mac says, I think it was great!” Exclaimed Apple Bloom, bouncing in her seat.

“Thank you Apple Bloom.” I said, laughing a little. I stuck the pick back underneath the strings and spun the guitar around to my back, allowing me to resume standing on all fours.

“Do you play any other instruments?” Apple bloom asked.

“I play quite a few—I’ve learned a few over the years. Let’s see… I play the guitar—both acoustic and electric—piano, violin, and…nope, that’s it.”

“Wow… You should apply to be in an orchestra or something.” Applejack piped up.

“Oh really? Is there one around?” I asked with intrigue. I would never consider joining one—too many eyes of course—but I would love to listen to one.

“Sort of. We have a theater here in Ponyville that ponies sometimes play at. There’s even one who plays the cello who lives around here. Octavia.”

“I do enjoy a spot of classical music occasionally. I might have to speak to her at some point.”

“Well I don’t know about you guys, but I think I’ll be getting back to my list.” Interrupted Apple Bloom, jumping off of the couch and heading up the stairs.

“Okay then, sleep well and don’t stay up too late.” I said.

“You too!” She said back. “Maybe I should add something musical to the list…?” I heard her say to herself as she ascended the stairs.

“I think I’ll be getting to bed too.” Big Mac said, heading for the stairs.

“G’night Mac!” Said Applejack.

“Good night.” I said.

“Good night everyone.” He said, walking up the stairs.

“I think I’ll be fine here.” Said Granny, starting to rock in the chair. “Y’all go off and get some sleep too, it’s pretty late.” I agreed, the sun had dipped below the horizon quite a while ago, and this deviant of a pony was beat.

“I think you’re right.” I said, turning to Applejack. “I’ll be upstairs if you want anything.”

“A’ight.” She responded. I walked up the stairs and passed Apple Bloom’s room. I peered around the ajar door and saw her lazily writing as her head bobbed back and forth from lack of sleep. I chuckled to myself and entered Applejack’s room, placing my guitar beside my bag. I looked up and out the window, gazing into the pale darkness of a field and rolling hills in the beyond.

“Maybe living here won’t be so bad.” I thought to myself, curious to know how a relationship between one of the girls and I would work out. “No no, that’s ridiculous. Why would I ever dream of getting together with those…things…?” Now that was something I could excogitate. Through this moment of clarity and nothing to distract me, why would I even think that I could get together with anyone here? I’ve just been feeling so strange lately. Did Twilight have something to do with it? I could imagine so, seeing as these people’s use of “magic” is signified by the lighting up of his or her horn, and Twilight’s horn glowed on me a while back. I couldn’t ensure these were the true and actual events that occurred, it’s all so circumstantial, so I reserved my later judgements for until I had enough evidence to work with.

Applejack trotted into the room, smiling with bags under her eyes.

“You ready to sleep yet?” She asked. I removed whatever unfitting emotions that may have lingered on my face and turned around.

“Yeah, I could use some shuteye. I already have my bag set down over here, so I should be set for the night.” I informed.

“Ah, good,” she said, offering me a blanket in case things got cold on the floor during the night. I accepted, at which she gave me a woolen blanket from a chest near her bed. I thanked her before slipping into my bag and placing the blanket over me. Applejack went over and flicked a switch, shutting off the light in the middle of the room. She then jumped into her bed and yawned.

“Good night.” She said lazily.

“Good night…” I sighed as I laid there facing toward the window and looking out to the moon. It was rather bright, but nothing too much so as to prevent me from sleeping.

Nature’s nightlight.

As I attempted to stop thinking about anything so I could sleep, I felt slightly woozy, but I just brushed this off as a side effect of this odd happy feeling I kept experiencing against my will. Hopefully I’d feel better tomorrow.

Laying in my sleeping bag, I pondered how I would be able to get back home. I was amazed I hadn’t thought about this before. I may have to make a universal jump gate, which I’ve only theorized about and would likely destroy everything in a on the planet. The materials for it were so rare, it would take me ages to build, and I think some of them aren’t even on earth. It would take decades to create here, especially considering the fact the technology required probably doesn’t exist here yet. I could also just walk around in the forest for a while until I would randomly teleport back to Prime, but the statistical probability that I was transported here without assistance was already astronomical. I doubt I would be able to suddenly just hop back to Prime. Although I wouldn’t go back just yet; this universe was just so fascinating. I finally had another world to discover and unveiling its secrets would be an adventure in itself.

I abruptly felt tired and decided it would be good to get some actually restful sleep. Before I had almost fallen asleep, I thought I felt a presence of standing someone very close to me. I checked, but I saw no one around. Satisfied with my safety, I once again closed my eyes and drifted off.