The Existentialist

Chapters

The Wanderer
Spirit in the Sky
It's The End Of The World As We Know It

The Wanderer

Thomas Camus. The H in his name is silent. And, the S is also silent. This reflects much on the silences of his own character. He spoke most often when he needed to. The standard of his voice and mind was clear. He did not waste his breath for naught. “Life is made up of two things,” he would say, “there are the breaths we take and the moments that take our breath away. I waste breath only a little, for fear that I won't have enough breath for the moments that take it from me.” It was a very dignified thing for him to say. And, I didn't care too much for his talking. His presence was satisfactory enough. Sometimes the best moments when I was witness to his countenance was when he just stopped to take a deep breath and smile at some significant incident in our natural lives that most if not all of us took for granted at one point or another. But not him, for he always had time to notice. Thomas noticed everything, even me.

Forgive me, I reminisce.

I should go on with the beginning. It was the day after winter wrap up. It was an odd day as far as weather goes. The sun was out, its golden rays were shining brightly, and yet, it was raining. The sun was shining, and little droplets came down in uncertain waves. The clouds were bumpering back and forth between small clusters, but they never collected enough to block out the sun’s light in the sky. And so, this was the surreal background to Thomas’ entrance into our world.

I was with my friends in the friendship court at Twilight’s castle. We were discussing our latest success in diffusing the recent conflict between the Gryphon Empire and the Zebra Tribes. Twilight was coming to a close when the map lit up. Looking closely, Twilight was the first to speak after a moment of silence, “The map is detecting an anomaly at the Friendship Castle.” She used her magic to bring the castle up to scale. There was this red light, like a flower, flashing and spinning. Then it happened.

The whole castle shook. A loud sound pierced our ears. It was as if thousands of carriages were racing across the air. This experience was echoed by another din that resembled the roar of a dragon. There was a heat that rose up with smoke and ash. At this time, the seven of us were occupied with the immediate chaos. It was no time to worry about one’s mane or fur.

Rubble and miscellaneous objects began to fall around us. The invisible heat grew with the sounds of screaming. The voices, young and old, were horrific all around with no distinction. “Mommy! I can't see you!” These voices cried so loud, “Oh my God!” None of these voices were our own, their volume and terror cast a darkness over our will that made us mute. A tremendous cracking came down in a boom. More voices cried out as if the whole world was on fire.

Then there was silence.

As we rose, subtle bits of ashes continued to flutter to the ground. When I rose, a blanket of dust and warm ashes fell from my back as I saw the silent horror that festered on the expressions of my friends. “What happened,” whispered Fluttershy who still cowered next to Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie just stood still with a single tear gathering in her eye.

My friend Applejack shook the dust from her hat as she turned to Twilight, “What happened.” That was all she could say in that immediate moment of dread.

“I don't know. The castle is still intact, so where did all this debris come from?” She looked at me. “Rarity, are you alright?”

“Yes, I'll be fine.” I wasn't really fine at all, but I felt it was necessary to lighten the stress of the situation by showing some ounce of fortitude. “Are you all okay?”

“Yeah I think so.” Applejack looked around to sum up any injuries. “No one seems to be hurt.” Then her eyes wandered around, taking in the spectacle of the mysterious rubble. “That's strange. Twilight, this debris ain't from the castle. See?” Applejack was of course right. The grey fragments, of what looked like cement, did not match the crystal-like material that made up the castle.

As we poked around the rubble, all sorts of possessions popped up. There was a stuffed toy bear that was missing it's left arm. There was a few thick paper cups with hot drinks spilled out of them. By the entrance of the map room, there was a half burnt newspaper. “Hey, girls, look at this.” We gathered around to look at the object in question. “New York Times.”

“Is that a date?” I pointed to a word and some numbers near the top of the page. “September 1st, 2001.” It was strange, but it made sense. It was like a ghost, something you've seen before, something terrible.

We left the map room to look at the rest of the castle. The same had happened in multiple rooms. More rubble appeared in abundance as we neared the entryway to the castle. Several of the new guards were alert and reported immediately to Twilight. They relayed similar information about debris and how the castle was still intact. Then they kept quiet as they directed us to the entryway.

The floor was fractured in a pattern much like a spider’s web. And, in the middle of the floor was a strange yellow box. It was rectangular, and it had four rubber wheels that held it up. It almost looked like a carriage. But, it had a compartment with windows, and what looked like the back half was loaded with strange crates and boxes that were tied down with thin red rope.

There was a sudden shuffling sound from inside the compartment. Suddenly, an orange light began to blink on and off on the one front corner. A click and squeak came with a door to the compartment opening. A figure, unlike any I had seen before, tumbled out and onto the floor. It struggled to get to its feet, though, its feet were oddly shaped. Its feet had laces, so I assumed there must have been coverings of a kind. It stood up on two feet. Its lower half was covered by a jean material while its upper half seemed to be covered by a slick black material that had faded and browned in spots. It had arms with pinkish appendages poking through the sleeves of its strange apparel. It's head was covered by a hat with a front brim. The had was marked by an emblem; it had a shield with the number sixty six in it. It's face, was the strangest.

Its face was a similar pinkish color as the appendages that protruded from its sleeves. A sort of mane was visible, that wrapped around the back of its head. It had ears like a chimpanzee, but it did not have the same muzzle. It's nostrils were supported by an external triangular form that rounded out in an organic way. That's the best I could do to describe how it all looked. The eyes were even more of a spectacle.

They were not colorful eyes as we had. Its eyes were very earthy with a strong presence of brown, speckled by elements of green. I only discovered the eyes’ color after it pulled off its tinted glasses.

“I'm neither dead nor dreaming.” It looked at us for some time before turning back, to what I assumed was its mode of transportation, and closed itself up in the compartment. We could see it drop its head onto some sort of wheel. This resulted in a sudden beep of a sound that echoed through the castle. It dropped its head multiple times. Then it grabbed the wheel and altered it, which in turn changed the alignment of the front wheels. It stepped out of the compartment and took another long look at us. “Oh, well shit.”

We were astonished by its language, and its apparent attitude towards us. At first, he mistakenly took us as absent minded animals.

“Of all the places! This is the lousiest prank. Disneyland! That's what this is, I didn't know they had a petting zoo. You poor creatures. They've dyed your hair. Someone! Start up the bandwagon for the next animal rights movement and get me out of this nightmare!” It looked up at the ceilings as if expecting to see more of his own kind. “No, that's not right. I wasn't in California. I was New York. And the towers...oh. God.”

“Excuse me,” Twilight stepped forward. “I know you're not from this world.” We all remembered Twilight’s stories about the other world behind the mirror. This was what those creatures looked like?

“Ha!” It took its hat off and ran its appendage through its mane. “Time to go.” He jumped back into the compartment of his transportation and this grinding sound started and stopped after some time. “So that's how it's gonna be. Fine.” It emerged again, this time carrying some sort of pack that it strapped to its back. He walked toward the rear of his transportation. “And, my taillight is out. Fan-freaking-tastic.” It made its way towards the entrance of the castle, apparently, to leave.

“Wait!” Twilight called after it, “Where are you going?”

It continued towards the doors. “Can't learn to swim if you don't jump in the water.”

“Wait.” Applejack spoke up, “If you jump into waters too deep, you're likely to drown before you even learn to stay afloat.”

“Ha. That is a true and an honest answer to a wayfaring man of grief. No legacy is so rich as honesty.” It looked at Applejack and nodded in defeat as it dropped its pack to the floor. “You seem keen on giving your council to me that I might understand your world, as it were. You're obviously not puppets, I've seen puppets; you're not puppets. Not literally, at least.”

I found myself bewildered by the strange and awesome presence of this being. It spoke with such command and poise that rivaled Celestia. It seemed to possess a secret power that made me uncomfortable to even be present in the same space. It knew something we didn't, and it filled me with fear. I decided to take a chance. “What is your name?”

It looked at me in surprise. “To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first. I see you have taken the first step.” It smiled. “My name is Thomas. Thomas Camus.” It walked toward Twilight. “And before you ask and create an awkward air, yes I have a gender. It's one you're particularly fond of.”

“Excuse me!” Twilight took immediate offense to his statement.

“I'm right in reading even another species’ facial expressions. Astounding! You want to know how I know you've had eyes for another of my kind? For starters, you were the first to recognize me without confusion. Secondly, this was speculation but still, there was a bit of hope in your tone when you addressed me. Possibly, you were hoping I was the one you've thrown your heart to. Maybe, and maybe not, again speculation. And lastly, your quick defensive speech spoke volumes of confirmation that you have a secret you don't wish to disclose to your friends.” He stopped and scratched his chin. “I'm pretty sure they're your friends.”

“We are, Thomas Camus.” Fluttershy took a more calm approach to him than Rainbow Dash and Twilight, who seemed to become a bit hostile. Thankfully, Fluttershy’s interjection smothered those flames of temper.

“I commend you, kindly voiced soul, for being the first to use my name. And, what is your name, might I ask?” He knelt down to meet her level and took on a more calm demeanor.

“I'm, Fluttershy.” Her hushed voice made Thomas Camus smile.

“It is nice to meet someone so calm and sure as yourself. You don't have to call me by my full name. Just call me Thomas or Tom if you like.” He seemed to become more friendly.

“Tom?” I approached him still in caution. “I am Rarity.”

“Yes you are.” He smiled.

This statement puzzled me. “How would you know that?”

“You namesake reflects your personality.” He stood up and put his appendages in the pockets of his clothing that covered his lower half. “It is rare for anyone to be so courteous and generous to ask one’s name.”

Just then, Rainbow Dash flew down and took a defensive position between Thomas and Fluttershy. “I don't like you, I just want to make that clear.”

“That's fine. You're entitled to that statement. I understand you don't trust me. I don't expect you too. I don't believe it's personal. You're just looking out for your friends.” Thomas bowed his a head a bit. “I respect your loyalty.”

“Forgive Rainbow dash here, she ain't exactly the trusting type when it comes to strangers.” Applejack tipped her hat off and held it to her chest. “The name’s Applejack.”

Thomas turned his head stiffly towards Applejack. “Ah yes, the one who played savior to keep me from drowning. There was one problem with your words I'm afraid.”

Applejack raised her brow. “And what would that be?”

Thomas grinned. “I can't drown on dry land.” He did a little shuffle with his two feet to show that the floor was solid. He looked up and towards Pinkie Pie who was unusually quiet.

Her mane seemed a little deflated but not overly so. There was a single tear stain on the fur of her cheek. “I-uh, I can’t,” she was breathing heavily.

Applejack stepped up to Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie Pie, what's the matter?”

“I'm sorry,” she began to sniffle, “you had to read the last chapter.”

Thomas had this knowing melancholy look on his face. “Was it good?”

“What is she talking about?” Rainbow Dash interjected.

“Please forgive Pinkie Pie,” Twilight gestured Fluttershy to go comfort Pinkie pie, “she can be a little, well-”

“Crazy?” Thomas was blunt with that. “I know it’s not what you said, but it’s what you were thinking. It’s not you fault. Different people give that impression. Why? It’s very simple. Many are afraid of different. So, with no words other than crazy, that’s the ascribed status that falls upon the ones I prefer to call gifted.”

“Are you gifted?” I asked that question then, but, if I’d only known.

“Well,” Thomas shrugged his shoulders, “I’m nobody special. It’s just like your friend Applejack said. I’m just a stranger passing through.” He scratched his chin. “Besides, you asked the wrong question.”

“Did I now?” He was so strange.

“What did Pinkie Pie here mean by the last chapter. Does she mean the previous chapter, or the ending?” Thomas stared off into space for a bit and laughed to himself.

Spirit in the Sky

Thomas eventually settled in a couple of weeks after he showed up. He settled into a little house a little ways into the Everfree Forest. It was a secluded spot that was somewhere between Fluttershy’s cottage and the park that was Southeast of the Carousel Boutique. The only addition to the house was a request made by Thomas. It was a sort of shed, he called it a garage, that was to provide a space for Thomas’ yellow carriage, that’s what I call it.

“I'm not afraid of anything.” Coming from Thomas, I almost found it hard to believe. Though, his first reaction to us, a different race of beings, was almost comical if not nonchalant.

“No kidding.”Applejack had invited him to help out on the apple farm. It was a task he seemed eager to attend. To Applejack’s surprise, he had the tools necessary to help. Many tasks that seemed to be difficult for him were made easy by these tools. They were in his carriage. He called it a truck. To my best understanding, it was similar to a train, but it didn't need tracks. And, it supposedly could go most places that a train can't. Thomas said it was broken, but he was sure that he could fix it. Applejack asked if he would use it to help her do more farm work once he got it fixed. “You're not even afraid of losing a limb? Or dying?”

“Broken bones can heal. If I lost a limb, I would adapt. Death? Ha,” Thomas laughed, “it depends on the circumstances. It could be an excellent adventure.” He hoisted a rope over his shoulder to pull a wagon that held considerably more apples than the basket Applejack was carrying. "Or, it be a stupid death where I slip on a banana and die from a concussion. That would be embarrassing." I remember watching all this from the kitchen window of the farm house.

I had asked Granny Smith to help me bake a pie for my father's upcoming birthday. I had just set the pie in the oven when I overheard their conversation. It was funny, I'd never seen Applejack the way she was when she was talking with Thomas. There was this different air about her. She talked with a certain flustered way and gave Thomas her undivided attention. If I didn't know any better, I'd say Applejack was beginning to like Thomas in a more than friends kid of way. Though, she wasn't exactly the type to grow attached to others in that way. At least, I never saw her that way. One thing for sure was the fact that she enjoyed his company. And, she wasn't the only one.

When Twilight came over to my boutique to be fitted for her next Grand Galloping Gala outfit, she only had one thing to talk about. Thomas. “His understanding of literature is astounding!” Twilight’s rants of praise turned into a conversation that lasted nearly three hours. She just kept going on and on about Thomas’ different analysis of Equestrian literature. “He taught me new ideas about the great romantic and gothic genres. In most of my early classes I only understood such allusions as mentioned by other textbooks I cross referenced in my studies, but now I can understand them. It's all clear.” Twilight listed off books that I remembered reading in school at one point or another. She explained all the ideas and messages that were hidden between the lines. I don't think I can ever look at green the same way again.

It was strange. I noticed how Thomas never kept the same job for too long.

I was just at Sugarcube Corner when Pinkie dropped a plate at the counter the moment I stepped inside. “It's on the house! Enjoy!” It was a familiar pastry. It was a cinnamon roll. I had plenty of sweets like this, but I knew this was special for some particular reason. I took a bite, and my mouth was in heaven. There was the perfect balance of cinnamon and nutmeg. It was perfectly moist, and the warm cream cheese frosting was simply divine!

Thomas came out of the kitchen carrying a tray of more cinnamon rolls, whose sweet aroma filled the air. He carefully placed them in the window display by the counter. “How goes the day, fair Marie?”

He called me Marie. “What was that you called me?”

“Forgive me, you are obviously not the companion of that indifferent stranger.” He pulled out a jar that contained a number of colored candies covered in what looked like powdered sugar. “Turkish Delight?”

I accepted the treat. It was different but delicious nonetheless. “Do you make a habit of doing this,” I asked him, “or is Pinkie Pie a better teacher than she lets on?”

Before Thomas could answer, Pinkie dropped down from the ceiling unexpectedly, “Oh, no! I don’t normally give away many of my super-duper-awesome secret recipes. These are all from Thomas”

“Now Pinkie, you’re giving me too much credit. I simply learned how to make these pastries, I didn’t invent them.” Thomas seemed very tense, almost embarrassed.

“But, you did make these.” Thomas looked even more irked with that comment I made.

“Well, yes,” he sighed, “I suppose I did.”

I stayed a little longer, just to see Thomas at work in the kitchen. It was strange. Pinkie is famous for being a fast baker, but Thomas was somehow faster. He worked on multiple recipes at a time. In his own little workspace, he was going back and forth between ingredients and steps that I quite frankly lost track of. And, in the middle of what all looked like chaos, he gave me a soufflé. “I thought you might be hungry.” A soufflé! He just happens to bake a soufflé for me because he thought I was getting hungry! I’ve met distinguished chefs from canterlot that cringe at the very notion of a soufflé. Thomas just came and set down this dish that instills fear to many bakers, and he did it so casually. It was like he didn’t care, or it was like he didn’t recognize that such an achievement was noteworthy. I hate myself a little for indulging. The soufflé was a strange balance between savory and sweet. It was odd but, simply, amazing. It was only after I had finished the soufflé that I looked up at the clock. I hadn’t realized I’d been watching him and Pinkie Pie bake for nearly four hours. Time kept sneaking up on me like that. It wasn’t polite.

I left Sugarcube Corner that day with a loss for words. I couldn’t even think about my designs I had started that night. They were just lines on a page. I kept thinking about Thomas at Sugarcube Corner. His facial expressions were so focussed, and yet, absent. He stuck his tongue out when he concentrated. A small smile grew ever so slightly on his face with every pastry or candy he made, but the smile disappeared the moment he handed his work off to Pinkie who in turn carefully stored his creations. I found Thomas’ attitude towards baking to be sad. He performed the task with such skill and care. However, his presence carried a tiredness that reflected a silent hatred of the task. It was frightening because reminded me of how my little sister, Sweetie Belle, was when she was brushing her teeth. I saw Thomas work as this incredible baker with a skill that I myself had never seen before, yet he treated this skill with disdain. That soufflé was perfect. Thomas just did it because he could. It wasn’t a special talent that he capitalized on. This tricked me.

I supposed at first that his efficiency on the farm was his natural trade while his literary mind, as Twilight professed, was merely a hobby. But with this baking, I couldn’t make heads or tails of him. Did he have a distinct talent? I couldn’t say. These were the troubles of my mind as I slept that night. The following day was my time I had set aside for Fluttershy. It was our Spa Day as we called it. Another headache came as Fluttershy only had one thing to talk about while our faces were caked in cream.

“Thomas saved Angel’s life a couple of days ago. The poor little guy was choking on a piece of carrot, and you know how I tell Angel not to eat his carrots too fast, but he doesn’t always listen. Anyways, he started choking and Thomas jumped right into action and performed a special maneuver that help Angel cough up the chunk of carrot that was lodged in his throat. I was so glad that angel was fine after that.” Fluttershy shivered at the thought of her bunny possibly dying.

I had grown rather tired of any conversation that concerned Thomas. “Really? Next I suppose you’ll be telling me he can talk to animals too.”

“Oh, no. He doesn’t talk to the animals.” That was a bit of a relief. “But he does talk to butterflies.” Of course. I listened to Fluttershy as she recounted a bizarre endearing image of Thomas without his foot coverings as he carefully tread around the yard near the cottage. “He had these funny glasses that were thick and plastic. He said they helped him see better.” Butterflies. Butterflies! I grew more irritated with every second of the account of Thomas chatting it up with butterflies. I hated it because I could picture him moving in an agile fashion with butterflies landing all around him as whispers escaped his mouth that resulted in mirthful conversations with these tiny creatures that not even Fluttershy had heard. “He was so surprised! Thomas said that the butterflies in the place he’s from don’t talk to him because of… Rarity? Are you okay?”

“Fine!” I couldn’t control that yell. “Just great.”

I remember how terrible I felt when Fluttershy gave me that worried look. “Rarity, is something wrong?”

“Why,” I felt so childish murmuring to myself like that, “you gonna ask Thomas to come in here to massage it away?”

“Oh, no,” Fluttershy laughed, “he couldn't do that now, he only works here on weekends.” I buried my face in a towel nearby to let out a controlled scream. I didn't care if it messed up the cream mask. “Rarity! What's wrong?”

I didn't want to look at her. I kept my face buried in the towel as I mumbled into it. I don't even know if any of my muffled rambles were heard. I just let out my frustration into this towel. Realizing I still needed to breath, I sat up and just stared for a bit at the imprint my face left in the towel. “I'm sorry, I'm just fed up with listening about how great Thomas is. That's all I've been hearing ever since he got here! I'm sick and tired of everyone praising him like he's a prince!”

“Rarity.” Goodness I felt so childish when Fluttershy had to reprimand my complaints. “He's not a prince. He's just a good person who likes to help. There's no reason to be mad about that.” She tried comforting me by giving me a quick hug. I suppose it helped a little. “You're not jealous of him, are you?”

“No.” Maybe I was a little, but who doesn't get a little jealous when we hear everyone talking about nothing but the same person. “I just feel like you all, my friends that is, are going to talk about Thomas till I'm deaf in ear. It's become irritating. It's like you're all obsessed!” I took a deep breath. “I'm sorry. I know I'm being a little childish.”

“It's okay, I understand you're upset.” Fluttershy had this way of calming people down no matter what the problem was.

“Thank you.” I hugged her. “Thank you for listening.”

“Anytime. If you ever need to just talk, I'll be here for you.” With that I spent the rest of the time at the spa in peace.

I decided afterwards that I would go talk to Thomas myself. I realized that the problem could very well be that I haven't exactly been social with him. I mean, I've said hello while passing by him in the road, but I've never actually talked face to face with him about anything. I believe I owed him the common courtesy of communication. And besides, he lives mostly out in that house all by himself. I'm sure he would appreciate the company every now and then. I was just passing the park on my way to Thomas’ house when I saw a strange little cloud floating by. I could see a rainbow mane hanging over the edge.

“Rainbow Dash? What are you doing?” I was a little concerned because I didn't see her moving, but relief came when I saw her turn over to look down at me.

“Oh, what's up Rarity,” she looked tired, but happy at the same time, “I'm just chillin up here; thinking about the spirit in the sky.”

“What's that?” I didn't understand what she meant by spirit in the sky.

“Oh, that's just what I call it. Well, it could be a he, or a she. It could be married. It'd make sense. Yeah.” She shook her head as she realized she was talking to me. “You should ask Thomas about it. I still don't exactly trust him, but you should talk to him. He's got all kinds of deep stuff to talk about.”

I looked at her, curiosity buzzed in my head. “What do you mean you still don't trust him. You're willing to talk to him aren't you?”

“Yeah, but there's something off about him. It's like he knows something he doesn't tell anyone else.” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “I don't know. He's pretty cool I guess. But, there's always gonna be some people I don't trust entirely. Like you,” I was a little offended when she said that, but less so when she explained, “I never know what kind of weird dress you're make me wear every time we go to the gala. Anyways, see you later.”

I watched her cloud float away.

When I finally came up to Thomas’ house, I was a little disappointed when I saw what it looked like. It was more of a humble cabin. It was fairly sized with a fresh appearance of earthy brown finish that covered the exposed wood. There was a distinct shine it held in the light of the sun. I imagined that his house would be white. But the door seemed practical for Thomas. It was open with a tarp underneath that was placed for the purpose catching any paint that dripped. I could tell he recently painted his door green. It matched the grass roof that was fairly vibrant. The red door to Thomas’ garage was open.

The door was the kind that rolled up with the assistance of a chain. I could see Thomas’ carriage with the front panel open revealing the engine as it were. It was smaller than a train engine, but apparently it could go faster than that. Thomas was underneath his carriage. I could hear the clanking of tools as he shifted around, he was laying on a low piece of wood with wheels.

“Don't tell me! I know who you are. You're not flying, so you're not Rainbow Dash. You're not Fluttershy either because she has a more jittery step even this deep into the Everfree, not that I blame her. You're not Pinkie Pie because, well, I wouldn't have seen her coming. Like a party planning ninja, am I right?” There was a clank and a grunt as Thomas set down one of his tools. “You're not Twilight because she would have interrupted me. Applejack has a very distinct farm smell, no offense, and has a more rugged confident step.” He hummed to himself. “Perfume. And, you carry a confident yet dignified step. Well then, if you're not Miss Rarity, I have no clue as to who you are.”

“Very good Tom.” I smiled a little. I will admit it was impressive that he could identify me just by the way I walked up to his house.

“I'm not exactly a detective. I've just read too many Sherlock Holmes novels.” Thomas laughed at that. He altered his voice into this different foreign accent, “Elementary my dear Watson!” I found this little antic amusing. “I'm sorry to ask, but could you give me that black stretch of tubing there.” I saw the tray full of parts. I lit up my horn and levitated the tubing over to him. “Thank you, kind miss.”

I remembered the reason I came here, and with what Rainbow Dash had told me, I had more questions. “What's the spirit it the sky?”

He was quiet for a little bit as he continued to work. With a final struggle underneath the carriage, he finished and rolled out from his workspace. “Is that what Rainbow Dash calls it?” He wiped the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt and picked up a red rag to clean his appendages. “Are you familiar with the concept of a god?” I shook my head. I had an idea, but I wasn't here to hear what I already knew. I wanted to know what Thomas thought. “The idea is that a higher being is in charge of everything. And that, everything you see was created by some higher being. The Christians, where I'm from, believe that their god created all us humans in his image. And, supposedly he created this world we live in for us, to learn, to grow. My parents taught me that God wants us to be the best we can be as people.” He scratched his chin and sat down. “My understandings on the existence of a god are a little biased because of my parents, devotion to Christianity. That's not a bad thing, but I think it's important to decide where one stands as far as gods go. There's an important question too. Is there one, is there two? Who knows?”

“What exactly do you believe, Tom?” I saw that he was struggling to be careful not to suggest what I believe in.

“Well, I believe that there could be such a being. Though, I don't believe he created me. I believe it's possible that he may have created the means for my existence, but I am in control of what I become. I could be a bad man, a good man, or even a crazy man. I choose what color is my favorite, and I decide what decisions I make. My decisions aren't made for me. I believe if we didn't have the power to control our choices, we wouldn't struggle with making choices.” Thomas cleared his throat, shaking his head. “I don't mean to ramble. But, there might not even be a God. People tell me he's where we go when we die, but who really knows? The argument is valid for both sides and is judged by majority. It's never judged fairly, though.”

I pondered on the things he said. Thomas was kind enough to recognize that I was thinking it all over. “I don't know if I believe in a spirit in the sky. I don't think I do.” Thomas didn't smile, but he didn't appear affected by what I said either. “Though Tom, it is a nice idea. And, I don't think I should worry too much about it either. I think I should focus on myself. After all, why worry about things you can't control? I think I'll focus on the me, here, in the now.”

Then I saw it, Thomas smiled. It was the first genuine smile I saw from him. “Any other questions you have?” Getting up he opened the door to the compartment of his truck. “I think I've got plenty of time.”

I watched him as he was looking around inside the compartment until he grabbed some strange keys with, well I didn't know what to call them at first. “What do you call those parts of your body. I know they're not exactly paws.”

“You mean my hands with my fingers.” Thomas wiggled them to show me. “Don't feel sorry for asking. You're not the first and you're not the last.” He stuck one of the keys into a little port and turned it until a sparking sound startled me. The engine clicked a few times and roared to life. “Yes! Ah ha! That's it!” He shifted a shaft and some pedals as he grabbed onto the wheel in front of him. “Hop on in.”

I stared at him a bit, a little frightened. “You want me, to willingly sit in this contraption?”

“Come on, it's not so bad. It's faster than walking. Listen, I won't take you that far, I'll just drive you home.” I didn't want to get in the truck, but I eventually made my way to the other door and struggled a bit with the handle before getting in.

Thomas showed me how to crank the windows up and down. It was fairly convenient. I could have fresh air instead of being closed in a metal box. I kept the window down even though I felt the inside fans of the truck. “Please take it slow.” I braced myself as we began to move with a sudden jolt. Though, once we were moving fast enough, I felt a calm pass over me as the ride became smoother. The trees passed by as if we were flying, but we were still on the ground. This exhilaration came over me as the path back to the Carousel Boutique seemed to shrink as Thomas’ truck carried us along without any delay. The air passed through the open window and hit me in a fashion I was not accustomed to. It wasn’t an uncomfortable experience, if anything, it was new and thrilling. I could see the Boutique closing in up ahead. Thomas carefully managed the pedals and repositioned the shaft that I now saw had numbers that marked each position. The truck slowed down to an easy stop.

“Here it is.” Thomas looked at me. I almost couldn’t believe I was already back. “Have a nice day.”

I stepped out of the truck and walked carefully. My knees were shaking from the experience. I looked back at him and waved goodbye. He gave a short wave in return, and then, I saw him maneuver his truck around to head back the way he came. I turned to enter the Boutique, but before I even made it inside I could hear Thomas yelling from inside his truck. I quickly turned around to see what was wrong. He had jumped out of his truck and slammed the door shut. Scratching his chin he noticed me watching him.

“It’s out of fuel!” The moment I heard him shout this, I couldn't help but smile and laugh. He joined in my laughing at the absurdity of the situation. Thomas tapped his foot on the ground as he stood there with his hands on his hips, still laughing. “Do you happen to know where I could get a lot of corn?”

It's The End Of The World As We Know It

I suppose it could be good to talk about the changeling invasion now. It would begin to explain why many of us began to worry about Thomas.

I remember the events that led up to the incident with Thomas. My friends and I were all having a picnic with him at the park. Applejack was talking to Thomas about the extra space she had lent him to grow a large quantity of corn. Twilight joined in their conversation when she became curious, I'm sure, about what Thomas needed so much corn for.

“I’m trying to make ethanol. Using the process of fermentation and a still I can create an alcoholic substance which I might be able to use as a fuel substitute for my truck.” Thomas always seemed to have a plan for everything.

Twilight was always keen on learning these new concepts that came from Thomas. “I see, but wouldn’t that be a more corrosive substance than the gasoline you mentioned?”

“I’ve already thought of that,” it was a wonder that Thomas was always one step ahead, “I know what parts would have to be replaced to handle the corrosion. And besides, this ethanol idea is just a temporary solution until I find a better long term plan.” Twilight and Thomas continued on about this for a while. The conversation eventually brought up using magic to create a substitute for the fuel that Thomas’ truck needed to work. I remember hearing the buzzing sound just as Thomas waved his hand to halt the conversation. “Sh!” I heard it. Then Applejack heard it. “Do you hear that?” Applejack and I both nodded to him, but Twilight didn’t quite hear it yet.

“Hear what?” Twilight tilted her ear up to listen better. It was only seconds later that we saw the changelings flying towards us in the distance.

I'll skip over us rushing back to Twilight’s castle, trying to defeat Chrysalis, and how we were ultimately trapped inside those awful cocoon pods. I'll skip to the important part.

“And now that I have this lovely new castle under my control, I can do anything I want!” Chrysalis cackled her evil laugh as before when she tried to take over Canterlot. “But first, I've heard rumor that you've found a new toy. What was it my spies said you called it? Ah yes, a human, where is it?” We had kept Thomas hidden away so that he wouldn't have to get into this trouble.

“We won't tell you anything, Chrysalis! You might as well forget about it!” Twilight spoke resolutely. I'm sure she would have been tight lipped if Chrysalis ever tried to interrogate her.

“Yeah! Leave Thomas alone!” Then there was Rainbow Dash. We all stared at her in anger. “Oh, heh, oops.”

“Thomas?” Chrysalis laughed. “Who is this Thomas? Is that the name of this human you seem so eager to protect?”

Just then, I saw Thomas walking straight up to Chrysalis. “They don't need to protect me.” He walked, without hesitation, and stopped right in front of her. She just stared at him. Chrysalis was clearly puzzled by his appearance, as we all were once.

“My, my, you are a strange little thing,” she stopped and sniffed at the air, “Testosterone. You're a male.”

“Oh, that smell was me,” Thomas chuckled a bit, “I thought it was you.”

To put it simply, Chrysalis was not amused by that statement. “Excuse me?!” Chrysalis lit up her horn with magic and got ready to aim at Thomas. “Why, you little-”

“Don't you hurt him!” It was to our surprise that Fluttershy had cried out the loudest.

“What is this?” Chrysalis looked to Fluttershy. “You cherish this being?” Chrysalis lit a bit of her magic which floated up to Fluttershy as a mist. “No!” Chrysalis’ lips curled into an evil grin. “You fancy him. I guess that's what happens when you spend too much time with animals and that freak, Discord. You start getting infatuated with hairless apes that walk on two legs.” I remember hearing Fluttershy cry next to me.

I looked down at Thomas and saw his face stiffen. His fingers were clenched tight into a fist. “Nevermind her. What about you? Changeling. Do you know what that means where I come from? It's a fairy child that was switched at birth with a real child.”

“I'm not a Changeling,” Chrysalis barked, “I am their queen!”

“A queen? Really? Oh, I've always wanted to meet a queen!” Thomas’ expression turned to that of a giddy school filly. “Oh, wow! I am really turned on right now!”

No comment.

I had never seen a changeling blush, but Chrysalis proved they could as she held her hoof to her chest. “Well, you flatter me.”

“Yes, now, I was wondering,” Thomas smiled what I can only describe as a sad smile, “shall we play a game?”

The word game triggered something in Chrysalis. “A game? I find myself intrigued. What kind of game?”

“A most excellent game,” Thomas ventured closer to Chrysalis, “I've seen that you can read minds, so, read mine. I'll think of a figure or character, and you have to try your best to become that character.”

“This sounds like child's play.” Chrysalis scoffed at the idea of Thomas’ game.

“But you've never turned into anything from my world. I believe it would be quite the challenge.” Thomas stood stoic.

“Okay then,” Chrysalis gave a hearty laugh, “prepare your first image.” Thomas closed his eyes and nodded to signal he was ready. With a flash of green fire, Chrysalis took the form of another human, but it was different, and less clothed than Thomas. “This is what a female looks like in your world?”

“It's a specific female. Carrie Fisher. Star Wars episode six.” Thomas started to laugh.

“I think I rather like this body.” Chrysalis began running her new hands around the curves of her body. “It's so sensual! And, what do you call this? No wait. A bikini!”

“How about something a little more challenging.” Thomas covered his eyes. It seemed as if he didn't like seeing this image that Chrysalis was currently in.

“Fine.” Chrysalis burst into another green burst of fire. “My voice feels deeper.” She had turned into a male. Unlike Thomas, this male figure had darker skin, shorter hair, and wore glasses. “In your mind, I see his name. Malcolm X? Who is he?”

“A man from before my time,” Thomas clicked his tongue, “say, you're pretty good at this! I bet you can't do this next one.”

Chrysalis laughed. “You dare challenge my abilities?! We'll see about that!” With a quicker flash of green fire, a scream awoke many of us. “What is this!?” The new form Chrysalis had taken was very similar to Thomas, but blood was dripping from its nose and head. Then I saw the eyes. I was shocked.

“This is me.” Thomas said it so nonchalantly. “It's me in my adolescence.”

“The pain,” Chrysalis wept, “how do you do this to me.”

Thomas scratched his chin. “That's the bad side to telepathic connections. They're like revolving doors. People can leave while others come in. Now, take a look at this.”

Chrysalis seized in pain as she let out a scream from the image of the younger Thomas. “These words! These ideas!” The body began to spastic and shake violently. I felt so afraid as I watched Thomas silently cry at the image of himself like this. Chrysalis stopped. She looked up to Thomas with his own face. A single drop of blood was visible in the corner of her eye. “How do you bare it? How can you live, knowing that?” Chrysalis snapped back to her true self.

Thomas knelt down besides Chrysalis. “A man once said, We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life, is rounded with a sleep.” Thomas rested his hand on her side. “I’m sorry. I had to stop you.”

Chrysalis lit up her horn. Only a small mist left as she read Thomas’ mind. “I understand. We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” Chrysalis laid her head down with a shaky breath. Thomas fled from her side and stood silently, not far away. He looked up to us and grabbed at his own hair as he cried.

Soon changelings began to tumble in from random points and circled around Thomas and Chrysalis. “What do we do now?” They all seemed confused. “We have no leader!” One walked up to Thomas and asked, “Who am I?”

Thomas wiped his eyes without thought and faced the changeling. “I can name you if you want. But, is there something you like that I should know about?”

The changeling looked around at it's brothers and sisters who watched so closely. “I like flowers.”

Thomas stood there, and then, a smile lit up his face. “How do you like the name Daisy?” Thomas touched one of his fingers to the changeling’s horn. A spark and a flash consumed the changeling, and there, standing in its place was a white pegasus mare with a blonde mane and golden eyes.

“It's a nice name,” the transformed changeling smiled, “but who is this?”

Thomas scratched his chin. “You are whoever you want to be.”

Daisy looked at all the other changelings. “But, now I'm alone.”

Then, another changeling walked up to them. “Can I join you?”

Thomas gave a knowing smile to this new changeling. “Green Light.” The changeling nodded with a smile. “Here you go.” Thomas touched his finger to Green Light’s horn. A green flash transformed Green Light into a light tan unicorn with a brown mane and green eyes.

Green Light turned to Daisy. “There. Now neither of us are alone.”

“Take care.” Thomas smiled as the two walked away to leave the Castle, together.

We all watched as many of the remaining changelings approached Thomas. I would say a third left his presence. Chrysalis watched as the remaining changelings took the new names and forms that Thomas bestowed upon them. Chrysalis didn't move or protest against Thomas' actions. “It's the end,” that's all she spoke.

After the last of the changelings departed, Thomas soon found a way to release us from our cocoons. I was surprised when my cocoon split open suddenly, but before I fell and hit the ground, Thomas caught me. While Twilight began to discuss with the others about what to do with Chrysalis I walked behind Fluttershy who held her head low as she approached Thomas.

“I know,” Thomas sighed, “Chrysalis will say anything to manipulate people. I think it's safe to say I got her back for lying about how you feel about me.”

Poor Fluttershy gasped. “But, she wasn't lying.”

Thomas froze. “Oh.” I had never seen him trembling like this before. “I'm sorry.” I thought that was fear that I saw on his face, but I was wrong. It was disappointment. Without anything else said, Thomas bowed his head and walked away. Fluttershy was about to go after him, but I caught her by the shoulder.

Fluttershy began to shake. “Thomas?” I held onto Fluttershy as she cried. “Thomas, please.”

Thomas kept walking. He yanked at his hair and kept walking.

Some time passed before Chrysalis was transported to a holding cell inside Twilight’s castle. The other princesses had been notified about Chrysalis’ capture. There were long hours of silence that passed. Finally, Pinkie Pie came prancing up to me with a forced smile. “You doing okay, Rarity? How are you feeling?”

It was the first time anyone asked me how I felt about the whole situation. “I feel fine.” That was all I could say. To my own surprise, I felt no such thing as anger towards Thomas. He had put on a show, a ruse to trick Chrysalis. He practically stopped the changeling invasion. He turned changelings around and gave them a new identity. I heard it myself! They claimed no more purpose in serving Chrysalis. Perhaps they've turned good. But, all this great action ended with Fluttershy’s broken heart. To judge Thomas after all he had just done, it didn't seem fair. We couldn't pressure him into returning poor Fluttershy's feelings. It's his choice, and to force it, that wouldn't be fair. It hurt me, because I didn't want either of them to be hurt, but this was what happened. I didn't have a solution to this problem. There was no immediate solution to this problem, it wasn't fair.

I guessed then that I would just have to see what happened next.