A New Life

I opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was Luna standing roughly a meter away from me, looking at me with a friendly smile.

I realized that we weren't in the hospital building anymore.

We stood in a clearing. To my left was woodland, It went around us in a circle. To my right was the edge of a cliff. We were on a cliff?

Behind Luna, a creek flowed from the forest, and went over the side of the cliff to form a waterfall.

I looked around in awe at the scenery, this place looked like the most beautiful thing in the whole of Equestria.

I looked back at Luna, who was smiling pleasantly, "Thou has been brought from Hell to Heaven in an instant", she commented. Her voice held authority, yet seemed to be fierce and gentle at the same time.

I lowered my head to her, "Princess Luna, It's a great honor", I said. I couldn't believe that I was talking to the Princess of the Night!

"Rise Green Forest", she asked, using my full name. I did as she ordered and raised my head instantly.

"Please, I would prefer if thou refers to me as Luna", she said.

I nodded, "In that case Luna, I would like you to call me Forest, I don't like my full name", I asked as politely as I could.

She smiled, "Very well Forest, do you know why I am here?" She asked.

"Are you here to stop these nightmares?" I responded.

She smiled, "Yes, it is my duty as Princess of the Night to prevent any dangers that may happen during my watch, I sensed thou was having very disturbing dreams, and I have found the cause", she said. I didn't respond, and instead listened.

"Thou's dreams are being influenced by an unknown source. They are using a spell that allows them to come into your dreams. They can influence the dreams, and are turning it into something monstrous", she explained, her tone gone more serious.

My eyes widened, "So, somepony's making me have these nightmares?" I asked.

She nodded, "I'm afraid so, although I don't know who, or why they are doing it", she answered.

I thought for a second, "I thought you were the only pony who could change and control dreams", I questioned.

She shook her head, "They aren't controlling thou's dreams, they are simply influencing it, with a small amount of magic, thou can block the intruders", she explained.

I nodded in understanding.

"I have used an enchantment, it allows thou to control your dreams better, while you haven't full control over them, you should be able to influence them in ways that allow thou to ignore intruders", she explained.

"Thank you Luna", I said to her. Maybe I could get a good night sleep for once, heh.

"If thou allows it, I would like to stay and talk. I have no other urgent business that needs to be taken care of.", she asked.

I looked at her, "Of course", I responded. She was asking me for permission, even though she could probably do anything she wanted.

We sat down where we were, and faced in the direction of the cliff edge, a forest full of trees lay below. The view was amazing, and I'm not suprised that Luna wants to stay.

I don't know the location where we are, for all I know it's not even a real place in Equestria. We're not in the Everfree Forest, the Everfree hasn't got any pine trees.

"So, am I asleep right now?" I asked. I pretty much knew that I was, but I feel I should ask.

"Yes. The enchantment I used will let you come here every night if you wish to", she said.

"Thank you Luna, this place is beautiful", I commented.

Luna turned her head around to look at me, "How did thou come to meet Princess Twilight and the other element bearers?" She asked, she had a friendly smile on her face.

"Don't you already know? I always thought you and your sister knew everything about about everypony", I asked politely.

She chuckled, "No, most ponies assume we are akin to gods, but those who are close to us know different. Celestia and I possess incredible magic, but we aren't invincible. Every bit of information I know about thou has come from your last two dreams", she explained.

I nodded in understanding. So she only knew things from my last two dreams then.

"How did that thing know about Rarity and Twilight then?" I asked, suddenly concerned again.

Luna shook her head, "He was intent on hurting somepony you care about, even if it wasn't real. He likely influenced your subconscious mind into giving him somepony you cared about. He didn't know who the ponies he killed were, all he knew was that they were important to you", she explained.

I nodded. Not really knowing what to say.

"Why are they important to you? Thou has only known them for two days" She asked, turning to face me again. Her expression remained neutral, and she held wisdom behind those eyes.

"Because they are my friends, they are the first ponies in a very long time who have actually cared for me. And they are far more important than me, If I die, I have virtually nothing to lose. If they die, they leave family and friends behind." I explained.

She nodded and looked towards the cliff again. There was silence for a while, as we just enjoyed the view, and the soothing noise of the waterfall.

"How did you know that I liked the outdoors?" I asked.

She chuckled, "Well, thou's name is Forest", she commented.

I chuckled, "My name is Forest, it would make sense if I like forests." I pointed out. To myself more than anypony.

She smiled, "No, I looked into your dreams and tried to find somewhere you would feel safe. You brought yourself here", she explained

I brought myself here? I guess that's why she said I could visit anytime.

We sat in silence again.

After a period of silence Luna spoke again.

"I must leave now, but before I do, I wish to ask you something", she stated.

I turned my gaze away from the view and looked at her, "Yes?"

"Why did you consider suicide?" She asked, sounding saddened.

I looked away, I guess she was curious about that. I doubt she could relate.

"I felt like my life wasn't going anywhere, and I felt like my life had no value. I had nopony who cared if I lived or died. The only thing that kept me from doing it was... Hope. Hope that life could get better in the future. And I was right, now I have friends who care about me, and my new life can finally begin."

She nodded, and stood up, "Farewell Forest", she announced. I suddenly realized something else I sould ask.

"Wait!" I shouted.

Luna looked suprised, "Yes?" she responded.

"Are my friends in any danger?" I asked.

She smiled, and shook her head, "The nightmare's are over now. They have no way to reach you now. You and your friends are safe.

I breathed a silent sigh of relief, "Thank you Luna". I said to her.

She nodded, and in a flash of blue light, and she was gone.

I sighed and looked over to the view again. Maybe my new life can finally begin.

My eyes slowly opened, and adjusted to the dark of the room. I had spent the rest of the dream after Luna left just enjoying the view. But now I was stuck back in reality.

So somepony was making me have those awful nightmares. Who did I piss off enough to do that?

I was lying in my bed, I took the blanket off me and walked to the small bathroom.

I stood in front of the mirror and looked back at my shoulder. I used a foreleg and took the pad off my shoulder. It had some blood on it as it fell to the floor.

I took the foreleg and tried to get it under the bandage around my neck, shaking and pulling it made it come loose. I dropped it on the floor as well.

I took of the rest of the bandages, leaving them on the floor. Not bothering to put them in the garbage.

I looked at the mirror, the bite around my neck was virtually invisible, apart from a bit of blood that sat there. These wounds were healing up nicely.

I walked into the shower that sat in the corner of the room. Sitting down in the shower, I turned the cold water nob. Ice cold water droplets came from the head.

After a couple minutes, I got out of the shower and dried myself with a towel, carefully avoiding the wounds.

I started to make a mental checklist of what to do today.

See Rarity and tell her about the dreams, and avoiding some of the very gruesome details. Go to the farm and try to impress Applejack enough to give me a job. Maybe tell Twilight if Rarity hasn't already told her. And that's about all I have to do today.

I got some clean bandages from the mirror cabinet and started wrapping it around my injured forelegs. Hopefully today will be a good day.

I walked around outside, the winter air was noticably warmer today. I could see very little snow.

As I walked I saw various ponies outside as well, most who I still didn't know.

After a minute walk I arrived at the boutique. I walked up to the door and knocked. Even though the sign said 'open', It would feel strange to just walk in.

"Come in!" I heard from Rarity.

I opened the door and walked in, making sure to close the door behind me.

I walked to the center of the room. Rarity come out from behind a curtain towards the back of the room.

My eyes instantly caught onto the red glasses she was wearing. She looked kind of different with them on. Normally she looked glamorous and elegant, but now she looked intelligent and sophisticated.

We walked towards each other and stopped, with about a foot's distance between us.

"Hello Forest", she greeted me with a friendly smile.

"Hey Rarity", I greeted her back.

"Are you here to talk about the nightmare?" She asked, slight sadness to her voice.

"Yeah", I responded. I wasn't feeling overly enthusiastic about it. Even though I plan to skip over the bloody bits, I had a feeling that she was going to be freaked out about this.

"Well, we should probably sit down then", she suggested. I had no problem with that.

We moved over to the yellow table that sat near the doorway. I sat down on a chair, and Rarity sat opposite me. There was an awkward silence for a couple seconds before she spoke.

"So, tell me about the dream", she requested. Here goes nothing. I took a deep breath, and let it all out.

"I woke up in a hospital room, after I looked around me I saw this... It looked like a bunch of shadows in the shape of a pony", I explained, "He was calling me things like pathetic, and how none of you will ever care about me", I explained. My voice sounded sad at the last bit of that sentence.

Rarity smiled, "Forest, I do care about you", she said softly. Before she coughed awkwardly, "I mean we all care about you, you're our friend", she recovered. She had a very faint blush on her cheeks. I thought nothing of it.

I nodded, "Anyways, he said that I will cause you pain, and then... you appeared", I hesitated. How much am I going to tell her?

Rarity sensed my hesitation, "What did I do?" She asked.

I sighed, "You didn't do anything, you just looked sad. Your eyes were dull and gray. It was terrifying to look at." I answered, "But then he killed you", I finished. I answered, avoiding details on purpose.

Her eyes widened, "He.. killed me?" She said surprised.

I nodded, "I had another dream later that night. It was similar, except Twilight was there instead. She asked me why I didn't do anything to help her", I said, choking up at the last bit.

Rarity raised a foreleg and touched my shoulder, "It wasn't real Forest, Twilight and I are perfectly fine." She assured me.

I cleared my throat, "Anyways, Princess Luna came into the dream and killed him", I said.

Rarity looked shocked and surprised, "Princess Luna came into your dream?" she asked.

I nodded, "Yeah, she um, told me that somepony was controlling my dream", I explained.

Rarity looked even more shocked, "So somepony was making you have the nightmares? Who would do such a horrid thing!?" She exclaimed. That was a good question.

I shook my head, "I have no idea, and neither does Luna. She said that he was only influencing my dream, so she put a small enchantment on me", I said, "It wasn't a strong spell that he used", I added.

"Wait, so if he wishes to hurt us, are we in any danger?" She asked, suddenly sounding worried.

I shook my head, "Luna assured me that we are safe, I think the only way he could reach me was through the nightmare", I tried to assure her.

She seemed to calm down, "Are you sure you don't remember who it is?" She asked.

I thought about it, his voice and eyes were the only thing that seemed familiar.

"He seems familiar, but I can't remember who it is", I said. I don't know anypony that was so angry at me, that they do something like this.

"We should tell Twilight, she must know a way to find however is doing this", Rarity suggested. If Luna can't figure out who it is, I don't know if Twilight would be able to. But I was going to tell Twilight about what happened last night anyway.

"If you see her today can you tell her? I have to find Applejack." I asked.

Rarity nodded, "If I see her today then I will tell her", she said.

"Thank you Rarity", I said.

Rarity looked saddened, "Are you okay? What you saw must have been... Truamatic..", she asked.

I gave a sigh, "You're my friend Rarity, and you all mean a lot to me. To see you like that, was traumatic." I said.

She nodded and there was silence for a couple seconds. After I decided there was nothing else to talk about, I spoke up.

"Um, I should probably go now. Bye Rarity", I said as I got out of the chair and stood up.

She looked slightly sad for a second before smiling.

"Yes, farewell Forest", she said.

I gave a smile and walked to the door.

The way to Sweet Apple Acres was easy enough to find. You just have to go to the outskirts of town, there is a large dirt road.

I followed the dirt road for a couple minutes. Apple trees become very common as I kept walking. The wind carried a mixed scent, smelling of apples and country air.

I noticed that snow was becoming less and less present. Winter was almost finished, and Spring would arrive soon. All the snow that decorated the place might disappear as soon as next week.

After a little bit more walking I could see Applejack.

Fields of apple trees were present on both sides of the road. She was on the left side of the road, and appeared to be bucking apples from a tree.

As I walked towards her, a small figure raced towards me. It ran up to me and started sniffing my hooves.

I got a better look now it wasn't moving. A dog? It appeared to be a brown and white border collie.

I looked up from the dog, Applejack had stopped bucking and looked at me with a friendly smile.

"Howdy Forest! You're here early", she greeted me as I walked towards her. Dog following me closely.

"Hey Applejack", I responded. We now stood a meter from each other.

"That's Winona", she said, gesturing to the dog that was still sniffing me, "She won't hurt ya, but she might sniff you ta death", she said. Giving a light chuckle afterwards.

I smiled and used a hoof to pat the dog. She didn't pay attention to it and just kept sniffing my legs.

"So, are you ready to give buckin' a go?" She asked.

I looked up and nodded. I felt like I had a lot of energy after I finally got some decent sleep.

"Alright, just go ahead and have a go at that tree", she said, gesturing with a hoof to the tree next to the one she was bucking.

I felt a little nervous, but I crushed it down. Instead feeling determined.

I walked over to the tree and got into position. Applejack watched me closely.

I raised my back legs, and using all my strength, I kicked hard into the tree. My hooves connected into the tree trunk with a loud thud. The tree shook violently as I did. And a second later, I heard the noise of multiple apples falling to the ground, landing in the snow.

I looked back at Applejack, who had a grin on her face. "Hoo boy! I'm impressed Forest!", she exclaimed.

I silently sighed in relief, "I did good?" I asked. I realized I was smiling.

She nodded, "Yeah, you bucked most of the apples off. And for your first time, that's mighty impressive", she complimented me.

I smiled with satisfaction. I did something right!

I relaxed and looked around me, maybe a dozen apples lay in the snow around me. The red easily seen in the bright white snow. I turned around and started to push them into a pile. I also went to the other side of the tree, where six apples lay. I scooped them up and added them to the pile. Seventeen juicy looking apples sat in front of me.

I turned back to Applejack, who looked pleased.

"Why don't you give it another buck?" She suggested.

I nodded. Taking orders was something I could do easily, my previous jobs were to thank for that.

I bucked the tree again, then giving another immediately after for good measure. Four more apples fell from the tree, and I scooped them all up, adding them to the pile. Now twenty-one apples sat in a pile.

Applejack nodded, she turned around to the tree she was bucking. For the first time I noticed a large basket filled with apples. She grabbed the basket's handle in her teeth, and brought it over to me.

Applejack then dropped it on the ground next to me. She looked up and gestured to the apples inside. I understood what she wanted.

Using my foreleg, I scooped up a few apples from the pile and dropped them into the basket. I kept scooping until they were all in the basket.

I grabbed the basket's handle with my teeth, and lifted it.

"Where to now Applejack?" I asked, with a mouth full of straw.

Applejack looked at me wide eyed. Wait, did I do something wrong?

"Um, ya do realize I just had that in my mouth, right?" She asked.

Is that all she was worried about? So we bit the same thing, big deal.

"So?" I responded, "We're friends right? It doesn't matter", I responded. I hope she wasn't going to make a big deal of this.

She shook her head, seemingly to clear it.

"I suppose you're right", she answered, "Anyway, we could probably buck a few more trees and make sure the basket's full. Then we'll take it back to the barn." She said.

I simply nodded in response. Sounds like a plan.

After we bucked a few more trees, and the basket felt like it wouldn't take anymore apples, we decided to head to the barn. I insisted that I could handle the basket, even though Applejack offered to take it. Winona ran along beside Applejack, occasionally eyeing me curiously.

I was glad that it was still a week or two until winter ended. The cool air made bucking more enjoyable. I could imagine how hot it'd be to apple buck during Summer. That would be the only bad thing about working here.

"So, last night ya said that you would tell me about yerself", she said as we walked.

I did? Oh right, now I remember.

"Ya used ta live in Ponyville?" She asked before I could answer.

I nodded, I just decided to go all out and tell her everything at once.

"Yeah, I was born in Ponyville, and I lived here until I was six years old", I said.

"Why'd ya leave?" She asked.

"My dad died at work one day, and my mom couldn't look after me. So I had to go into foster care", I explained.

Applejack went dead silent. I looked at her and she had a look of sadness in her eyes, but not directed at me. She seemed to be remembering something.

"Anyways, I lived in a small village called Hoofingtown, roughly twenty miles from Manehatten." I continued.

I looked at Applejack again. She was listening now and gave a nod to continue.

"I spent a long time there. My foster parents were good to me, they explained to me the way the world works. When I got old enough, I got a job as a construction pony, and I kept that for a couple years." I explained.

I took another glance at Applejack to make sure she was following the story. She appeared to be listening, so I looked forward again.

"I was happy doing that job, but I got offered a job as a policepony in Manehatten. They said they needed ponies that have experience with Combat and survival skills", I informed her.

"Combat and survival skills?" she asked, a little suprised.

I nodded, "I always used to spend time in the woods near our village, that's what I got my cutie mark for", I said gesturing with my head to my flank. She looked at my mark for a second and back to me.

"Spending time in the woods, I learned a lot of survival skills. And although it wasn't as dangerous as the Everfree Forest, you still had to defend yourself from bears and mountain lions. I decided to take the combat seriously, and I trained almost every day.", I explained.

Applejack smiled, "I know how to fight too, and so does Rarity. Although hers is more fancy Martial Arts or something like that", she told me.

Rarity knows Martial Arts!? Woah, that's something I never expected from her. She's elegant and lady-like, but if she wanted she could probably beat your flank into the ground!

I gave a chuckle, "Anyways, I accepted the job. I worked in a team, and we hunted out criminals. After a couple cases we were informed of a serial killer who needed to be taken down", I told Applejack.

"A serial killer!? Ah didn't even know somepony could be like that!", Applejack exclaimed, throwing me off with her intense voice.

I looked down, "He killed ponies, but one night he broke into a mare house and took her." I explained, "We saved her, and arrested the guy," I finished.

"That stallion is disgustin', ah hoped after King Sombra, I wouldn't have to hear about anypony else like that", she muttered angrily.

King Sombra? Meh, not curious enough to ask.

I turned to Applejack, "Anyways, I left the Police after that. I wanted to move back to Ponyville and see my mother. But when I got here, I found out she passed away." I finished my story.

Applejack went silent again, and I turned around to look at her. She looked sad again.

"Um, are you alright Applejack?" I asked concerned.

She looked at me again, "I'm sorry about yer parents. My Ma and Pa passed away too", she told me. Her parents are dead?

I lowered my ears, "Oh, I'm so sorry Applejack." I apoligized to her.

She cleared her throat and smiled, "We're nearly at the barn now", she said. Seemingly recovering from her sadness that she was feeling.

I nodded. I didn't want to see applejack sad, it didn't fit her personality at all. Hopefully she feels better now that we're nearly there.

"There it is", Applejack announced. Up the dirt road was a large red barn.

"Yep", I responded. I didn't really have anything to say.

She walked towards it first, and I followed after her.

We approached the barn's doors, but before we could enter, they opened themselves.

"Applejack! There you are!" I heard from a mare's voice. Who is that?

An elderly mare walked out of the barn. Her coat was green, but lighter than mine, and she had a gray mane.

The mare looked at me questioningly, before shifting to a devilish grin. Uh oh.

"Who's your boyfriend here, Applejack?" The mare asked. Boyfriend? What?

Applejack seemingly choked with suprise, and then she glared angrily at the green mare.

"Granny!" Applejack shouted at the mare, sounding annoyed, angry and embarrassed all in one.

Afraid that no matter how I react will upset somepony, I kept my face blank, and pretend like I heard nothing.

"Ooh, you did a good job Applejack! Got a real nice lookin' one", The green mare continued.

"He's not mah boyfriend!" Applejack shouted.

The old mare burst into laughter. I looked at Applejack with a confused expression, but she was too busy being annoyed to notice.

"Ah'm just kiddin' Applejack! Yer need ta take a joke sometimes", The old mare said after she finished laughing her head off.

Applejack gave an annoyed moan, then turned to me.

"Forest, this is Granny Smith", Applejack informed me. Oh, must be her grandmother.

Granny Smith walked up to me and stuck out a hoof. I placed the basket of apples on the ground and mirrored her, we then shook hooves.

"What are you doin' here at Sweet Apple Acres, Forest?" Granny Smith asked.

"He's lookin' for a job, and ah think he might have one", Applejack announced. I do?

I turned to Applejack, "I do?" I repeated out loud this time.

Applejack turned to me and nodded, "You're a natural at bucking, and you seem strong enough for work. So the job's there if you want it," She said, "Before ya decide I should probably explain to ya what you'd do here," she said.

I nodded.

"Okay, we need to get those apple into the barn, then we need to get some more," she explained.

I nodded and grabbed the handle of the basket in my teeth. Applejack walked into the barn, and I followed her inside.

Applejack and I were walking away from the barn, each of us pulling a large wooden cart behind us.

Applejack turned to me as she walked. She had no visual problem pulling the empty cart.

"Ok Forest, I'll explain to you about yer job here," she said. I nodded and let her talk.

"The way our farm works is that we buck the apples, then we sell them to ponies in Ponyville. Then some of those ponies sell the apples to other ponies across Equestria," She explained, "You don't have to worry about deliveries, ya just need to buck the apples and take them to the barn. We can do the rest," she finished.

I nodded, "So all I have to do is buck the apples and take them to the barn," I repeated what she said.

She nodded, "If you're still here in a month's time, then we might give you a go at deliverin', but for now, you're just buckin' apples", she said.

I felt a twinge of offence that she didn't trust me enough to deliver yet, but I shot it back inside. She's only known you three days Forest, calm down.

"Basically, ya get paid by how much you buck, thirty bits per hundred apples," Applejack explained.

I nodded. Sounds like a reasonable price..

"It's pretty simple, if ya feel like workin' just come in and buck some apples. I'll tell my family that yer workin' here, so they'll know who you are," She continued.

I looked at her, "Wait, wouldn't you be losing bits by hiring me?" I asked, my voice shifting slightly worried. I didn't want this job if it would make them lose bits!

She smiled, "No, the more apples we buck, the better we get paid. If anythin' you'd be helpin' us make more bits," She assured me.

I sighed with relief, "Good, I didn't want this job if you'd lose bits because of me," I said.

"Here", Applejack announced. She was gesturing with a hoof to the trees beside us. She brought me out here to buck some more apples, these must be the trees she chose.

I nodded in response and walked across to where the trees were, Applejack followed.

I placed the cart under the tree, then got into position. I sent my back hooves into the trunk, connecting with a loud thud.

Several apples fell into the cart, but a lot also fell onto the ground.

Applejack was bucking the tree next to me, her hooves hitting the tree with amazing force. Even though her body wasn't very big, it appeared to be very muscular.

I looked forward again and gave another buck into the tree. A few more light thuds were heard as more apples fell to the ground.

After I gathered all the apples and put them into the cart, I turned around to Applejack. She had also finished bucking the tree. She turned to me and nodded.

"Let's try ta get these cart filled up", she said.

I nodded in response, then we moved to the next trees.

Applejack and I now each pulled a very large cart filled to the brim with apples. Each probably had a hundred or so apples in them.

I turned to Applejack as we walked, "You have a brother right?" I asked, mainly just to start a conversation.

She turned to me, "Yeah, who told ya?" She asked curiously.

I shook my head, "Apple Bloom just mentioned she had a brother", I answered.

Applejack nodded, "His name's Big Mac. You'd know him when you saw him", she informed me, before turning curious again, "Do you have any brothers or sisters?" She asked.

I shook my head, "Not that I know of, but my mother, Winter Breeze, could of had kids after I left", I answered.

I suddenly realized something. What if I had a brother or a sister? They would only half of my blood, but still.

"Winter Breeze?" Applejack asked.

I nodded in response, "You knew her?" I asked.

She shook her head, "I didn't know her well, she was kinda lonely," Applejack said. Well, I guess she didn't have other children then.

I nodded. This isn't something I want to talk about. I didn't even know her that well, I left when I was six. Besides, the best thing to do is to

leave the past behind.

"HEY!" I heard shouted from behind me.

Applejack and I stopped walking and turned our head around instinctively.

Apple Bloom sprinted towards us. She ran between the carts and between Applejack and I.

Apple Bloom stood infront of us with happy suprise.

"Forest what are you doing here? Did you get the job!?" She asked. She seems really happy for me.

"Apple Bloom! What in blazes are you doin' here!? Ain't you got school today?" Applejack asked, shock and confusion in her tone.

Apple Bloom looked confused, "Uh, it's three O'clock, sis," she answered somewhat blunt.

Applejack's eyes widened. She then looked up at the sun, I did the same.

The sun was past it's highest point, and it now leaned in the west direction. I long since learned how to use the sun to find the time, which appeared to be a little after three PM.

"She's right", I pointed out.

Applejack looked down again and gave me a glare.

"I realized", Applejack said. I gave her a sheepish smile.

"So Forest got a job?" Apple Bloom asked. We turned our attention to her again.

"He's still decidin'," Applejack said.

I turned to Applejack, "I think I do want the job", I said. This job would be perfect for me.

Applejack smiled, "Well, consider yerself hired, Forest", she said.

I nodded, "Thank you Applejack", I said to her.

She nodded, then turned back to her sister.

"Did ya want something, Apple Bloom?" She asked.

"Uh, I need to ask Forest somethin'," Apple Bloom said. Me?

"Me?" I repeated out loud, "What do you want with me?" I asked confused, but I did feel slightly curious.

Apple Bloom sighed, "Well, see there's this thing at school, Miss Cheerilee wants us ta tell a story. But we need to bring in something to do with the story," She explained.

I stared at her with a blank face. She wants to me to go to the school?

"I don't think your teacher will let a random stranger into the school", I said. I wouldn't if I was a teacher.

Apple Bloom waved both of her hooves in front of her, "No, no! We told Miss Cheerilee about you, and she said it would be fine if we brought you in!" Apple Bloom defended.

I looked at Applejack, who had an irritated expression.

"Apple Bloom, maybe Forest doesn't want to go to the school," Applejack informed her sister.

Apple Bloom gave me a pleading face. Oh come on! What's with these fillies and their cute faces!?

My defence was to narrow my eyes at her, "Did you tell her that I was coming? Do I even get a choice?" I asked, my voice irritated. I bet she already told her teacher that I was coming.

Apple Bloom flinched at my voice, I bet it sounded really aggressive.

Applejack also looked suprised at me, she probably never heard my voice angry. But that wasn't nearly as angry as it could get.

I cleared my throat and spoke less aggressive.

"If you really want, then I'll do-" I broke off. What did they want me to do?

"Uh, what did you want me to do?" I asked.

Apple Bloom smiled, "All you have to do is stand there, and we'll tell the story. You can leave the school when it's over," She explained.

I sighed, "Fine," I agreed.

Apple Bloom pumped her hoof, "Yeah!" She said.

"We can sort it later," Applejack interrupted, "We need to get these apples back to the barn".

Applejack walked past Apple Bloom, and I followed shortly after.

Apple Bloom ran up next to her sister, then they started talking. I didn't listen, it wasn't my business.

I looked down at the ground and started thinking.

What was the recent event? The most logical thing would be the timberwolf attack. Why would their teacher promote such a thing?

I looked up again to find both Apple Bloom and Applejack staring at me.

They looked forward again instantly. So they were likely talking about me then.

I inwardly sighed as we kept walking towards the barn.

I walked away from Sweet Apple Acres thirty bits richer.

My hotel room looked the exact same as I left it. Good, so nopony's been in here.

Before I could do anything else, I suddenly realized something. Don't I have something to do? Oh yeah, Twilight.

Derpy waved to me as I walked towards the castle, and I waved back. At least I know someponies.

Following three knocks on the door of the castle, and a awkward ten second silence, the door opened.

I looked down and smiled at the small dragon that opened the door.

"Hey Forest," Spike greeted me, "Do you need something?"

"Hey Spike," I greeted him back, "Um, do you know if Rarity has talked to Twilight about the nightmares?" I asked.

What I said was a bit of a gamble, I don't know if Spike knows about the nightmares. The only way he could of found out would be if somepony told him.

"Actually, Twilight went to see Rarity around ten minutes ago," He informed me, then looked concerned, "Wait, is Rarity having nightmares?"

I shook my head and gave a nervous smile, "No she's not having nightmares," I assured him, "Uh, I need to go to the boutique then. Seeya later Spike". I started walking away.

"Wait!" Spike shouted.

I turned back and looked at him questioningly.

"Uh, can I come?" He asked. I could assume why he wanted to.

I gave a smirk, "Sure," I said. I decided not to call him out on wanting to see Rarity.

He grinned and shut the door, then ran up next to me and we walked together.

"So what are these nightmares?" He asked.

"I had some disturbing nightmares last night," I explained, "Princess Luna came and told me that somepony was actually making me have the nightmares".

Spike looked shocked, "Somepony was making you have the nightmares!? Who would want to do something like that to you?" He asked a little disbelieving.

"I don't know," I told him, "Rarity reckons' that Twilight can find out who".

He nodded, "Yeah, Twilight's insanely powerful with magic, she was even powerful before she became a princess".

Really?

"I guess that's one of the reasons she became Celestia's student, right?" I asked.

Spike smiled, "Did I tell you about how they met?" He asked.

I shook my head.

"When Twilight was a filly, she was in magic school," Spike explained, "One day she had to try and hatch a dragon egg, it just so happens that she got mine! Anyway, Celestia saw how powerful with magic she was, and decided to take her under her wing!"

I nodded. Twilight must have been super powerful to impress Celestia!

"Hey Forest, can I jump on your back please? I'm having trouble keeping up with you dude!" Spike asked.

I looked back at him. His legs appeared to be pretty short, but I haven't seen any problem with him walking before. I bet he's just looking for an excuse to not walk anymore.

I sighed, "Fine," I answered. I feel I'm using that word a lot more lately.

Spike grinned with victory and jumped up on me. He wasn't heavy at all, so I guess it's not a big deal.

We marched in the direction of the Carousel Boutique. Well, actually I marched in the direction of the boutique, Spike just kinda sat there, busy talking about the difference between moss green gems and lime green gems.

As soon as we arrived at the boutique, Spike jumped off me and rushed to the door.

He gave four eager knocks on the door.

A second later we heard Rarity shout, "Sorry! I'm busy! Please come back later!"

Spike gave me a glance as I walked up to the door.

"Rarity! It's Forest!" I shouted.

"And Spike!" Spike also shouted.

After a couple seconds of silence, the door went up in a purple glow, then opened inwards.

I gave Spike an uncertain glance, but he sprinted inside straight away. I followed at a much slower pace in comparison.

Twilight and Rarity were sitting on a couch that was against the wall of the room.

Spike ran towards them, "Hey Rarity!" He greeted, "Hey Twi".

"Hello Spike," Rarity greeted back. Twilight just gave him a smile.

Rarity looked up at me, but looked suprised when she saw my serious expression. I felt like these nightmares weren't something to smile about.

"Hello Forest," Rarity greeted me. She had a tiny bit of regret in her voice, I don't know why.

I gave her a polite nod, and walked up closer to the mares.

I turned to Twilight, "Hey Twilight, did Rarity tell you about the nightmares yet?" I asked.

Twilight nodded, "Yes, I'm sorry you had to witness those things,"  She said, sadness in her voice.

I nodded, then turned to Rarity, "Thanks for telling her, Rare," I said. I realized I'd never called her that before.

Rarity looked suprised at me using 'Rare', but she then smiled and nodded.

I turned to Twilight, "Rarity thinks you might be able to find out whoever was doing it," I reported.

Twilight nodded, "I have an idea," she announced, "I think I might be able to use my magic to go into your memory. Then once we see the creature in your dreams, I can track it's magical force and find out whoever they are".

Wait, she wants to go into my memory!? There are so many things she shouldn't see or know about.

I looked at her with a worried expression, "Um, I don't think that's a good idea," I commented.

Twilight looked suprised, then confused.

"Why not? Don't you want to find whoever is doing this?" Twilight asked.

"There are some things you probably shouldn't see," I explained, "You don't want to see yourself getting killed do you?"

Spike looked horrified, "What!?" He exclaimed, "Twilight, you don't want to see that, do you!?"

She shook her head, "No, but we don't have to see those things," She said, "You can distort and blur the memories. Anything you don't want us to see, you just stop the memory or mute it".

I looked suprised. I can just blur the memory? I guess that solves everything. Wait..

"Us?" I asked.

Twilight hesitated, but Rarity spoke up.

"I wish to come as well," She declared determined, "I feel that I must".

I was going to object, but then I thought about it. The only reason I didn't want her to come is because she might see her own death, but if I can prevent that, then she should be fine to come.

I nodded, then turned to Twilight.

"Is it safe?" I asked.

Twilight nodded, "Completely safe, I've done it before," she informed me.

"Alright, let's do it then," I said.

Twilight smiled, then turned to Rarity.

"Okay Rarity," Twilight got her friend's attention.

"Place your horn to his head, and then use your magic to connect," Twilight said with a mischevious grin. Does she think that's funny?

Rarity turned to me with a blush, "Oh, um, as you wish," She said, getting off the couch and walking up to me.

Just then, I realized that I had almost no experience with magic. What will her magic going into me feel like? Will it hurt?

Rarity walked up and gave an embarrassed smile. I gave her a calm smile and lowered my head to reach her height.

I felt her horn leaning on top of my head. After a second of hesitation, I felt her horn light with magic.

I inhaled sharply in surprise. Her magic felt warm and pleasant as it flowed into my body, it felt like a warm river was flowing into me.

"Whoa..." I whispered. It was the only thing I could get out.

Rarity was blushing in front of me. I suddenly realized that our faces were only a few inches away from each other.

I heard Twilight Sparkle get off the couch and walk over. She sat by my side and lowered her horn to my head.

The effect was instant. A tidal wave of magical power flowed into me.

Darkness came almost immediately.

The darkness around me was replaced by a white light. I appeared to be standing in an empty space of just white.

There was a strange scent in the air. Smoke?

I breathed it in. There was no smoke that I could see, but I could smell it. It wasn't overpowering like real smoke, rather a light scent. It actually smelt kinda nice.

I wondered where Twilight and Rarity were, they weren't here.

I suddenly got an idea.

In a flash of colour, I found myself on the cliff again. Luna had given me the gift of coming here whenever I wanted.

I could hear the gentle waterfall flowing. If I wanted to, I could probably fall asleep to it's relaxing sound.

The place looked the exactly the same as last time, with the creek flowing into the waterfall. The forest went around the clearing in a semi-circle.

I stood over at the cliff and looked at the view. It was all so beautiful, I loved the forest, but I think anypony would appreciate the beauty of this place.

"Forest?" I heard from behind me.

I turned my head around, Rarity and Twilight Sparkle were walking towards me.

"Ah, there you are," I said. I turned around to face them.

"What is this place?" Twilight asked.

"This is where Luna took me after the nightmare," I explained.

Twilight nodded, "This place looks beautiful," She commented.

I nodded, "Glad you feel the same way," I said.

Rarity stayed silent. I had a feeling that she wasn't a fan of nature.

"Are you ready to do this?" Twilight asked.

I nodded.

Twilight's horn glowed up with her purple magic. Then the clearing disappeared in a flash.

The clearing was replaced by the white light again, but Twilight and Rarity were standing with me this time.

Suddenly a screen appeared in front of us.

I stared at the black screen in shock. I have had no experience with magic before, I never even knew something like this was even possible!

Suddenly the black screen started playing. It was my first nightmare with Rarity, luckily at the beginning, not the end.

The image on the screen was from my perspective. The black mass stood infront of me, eyes burning into my soul.

I looked beside me at the mares. Twilight had an expression of fear on her face, but Rarity had an even more fearful expression.

"Pathetic," The black mass said, snapping my attention back to the screen, "You think that they'll ever care about you? You're wrong".

It felt very strange to listen to this conversation again. It felt like I wasn't involved anymore.

"You're wrong," My on-screen counterpart retorted. My voice also sounded weird to listen to, like it was from somepony else.

Wait isn't there something I should probably blur out here? Oh!

"You should have-" The black mass started to say, before I used the blurring thing that Twilight mentioned.

The rest of the words it said came out as extremely muffled, making it impossible to understand what he was saying.

Twilight looked at me questioningly, but I ignored her. She was probably confused why I was blurring out the talking. But I didn't want either of them to find out about the suicidal thoughts.

Rarity suddenly appeared on screen. She walked from behind the black mass of shadows and stood next to him.

I suddenly remembered what happens next, so I paused the screen.

Nothing was moving anymore. Rarity sat next to the black mass of shadows, looking at me with a sad expression. Her eyes as dead as I remember.

"Oh my Celestia!" Rarity exclaimed, looking at the screen. It must feel pretty strange seeing yourself out of your body.

I turned to the two mares, "You don't want to see what happens next," I warned, "Twilight, do you think you could do your thing now?" I asked.

Twilight snapped out of her fear, "Yeah sure," She said.

Twilight walked up to the screen and pointed her horn towards the black beast.

After a couple seconds she stepped back, then she turned to me.

"I have a magic trace, we could search through your memories and find out who it is," She informed.

I nodded in response.

"Follow me," Twilight ordered, walking away from the screen.

I started walking after Twilight, but I looked behind me when I realized Rarity wasn't following.

She was staring at the screen with a horrified expression. Is horrified for another reason?

"Rare," I tried to get her attention.

She looked at me and lost her horrified expression, "Uh, right," she muttured.

She walked up to me and we both followed Twilight.

I found myself in the hallway of a familiar building. The PBI building.

"Where are we, Forest?" Twilight asked, confusion on her face.

"The PBI building in Manehatten," I answered.

Rarity looked shocked, "PBI?" She asked.

I nodded, "Pony Bureau of Investigation," I explained, "I was their junior member. I was only there for eight months before I quit".

Twilight and Rarity looked shocked.

"You were part of the PBI?" Twilight asked.

I nodded, "Only eight months," I repeated.

I walked past Twilight and Rarity up the hallway, ignoring their confused faces.

Entering a doorway, I looked around a familiar room. Inside was a large table, multiple desks sat around.

There were PBI agents all around the table, talking urgently. Most of them were all wearing the uniform PBI vests.

I looked closer and saw myself, standing by the table with an urgent expression on my face.

Twilight and Rarity walked up the hallway too and stood next to me in the doorway, but none of us entered the room.

"What's happening?" Twilight asked.

"We had been trying to find out the identity of a serial killer in Manehatten," I explained, "He had killed four ponies already, and we had just learned his name. Amber Fury".

Rarity and Twilight looked shocked, but I continued.

"We had just found out that he had abducted another pony," I explained further, "A neighbour had witnessed the abduction, and we were called to find her. What you're witnessing now is us getting ready to arrest him".

I stuck out a foreleg sideways in front of Twilight and Rarity, and started moving backwards away from the doorway.

They had confused faces as I turned to face them, but I knew what I was doing.

In a flash of light we were in a new location. A run down house in the Manehatten Slums.

Twilight and Rarity looked around wide-eyed.

"Where are we?" Twilight asked confused.

"This is where we found the guy, where we arrested him," I explained, "He's the guy who's controlling my dreams".

Twilight looked suprised, "He's the one controlling your dreams? How do you know?" She asked.

"It's him," I assured, "His eyes and voice are the same as the black thing in the nightmare".

As I finished talking, PBI ponies came running down the street. I was in the lead, followed by the rest of the team.

They ran towards the house, and stopped when we reached it.

"Forest! You're up!" Sky Savior ordered.

Sky Savior was the leader of our team. She was a Unicorn mare with an orange mane and a pink coat. She wasn't very friendly, but she always did her job well.

My other self got into position in front of the door, and with a strong buck, broke the door down.

I stood to the side as Savior ran inside, then my memory version followed her inside, other police ponies ran in as well.

After a minute, I walked out with an unconscious Amber Fury on my back. He was tied with chains, and his horn had a magic blocking ring around it. I remembered that Savior used a stun spell on him, knocked him out cold.

A brown mare was escorted out too, she was covered in blood, and she looked terrified. I remembered she was the one who was kidnapped.

I turned to Twilight and Rarity, each of them had surprised expressions.

"How long ago was this?" Twilight asked.

I shook my head, "This happened a little more than a month ago, I quit immediately after this happened," I said, gesturing to the event happening at the house.

"So what do we do now, Twilight?" Rarity asked, sounding worried.

Twilight looked blank, so I answered for her.

"There's nothing we can do, he's in prison for life," I answered. Too bad Equestria refuses execution as a punishment, that guy so deserved it.

"Ok everypony, now we know who it is, we should probably go back to reality," Twilight suggested.

"Of course," Rarity answered. I just nodded.

Twilight closed her eyes, and her horn started glowing.

In a flash of light, we were back in the boutique.

Rarity pulled away from me and gave a warm smile, which then shifted to horror as my head fell to the floor with a hard thump. What's going on? I tried to move my legs as I lay on the floor, but I realized I couldn't feel them. I tried to move any muscle in my body, but I couldn't feel anything.

"Twilight! What's going on!?" I heard from a panicking Rarity, her voice sounded muffled to me.

Oh no! All my senses are dying! Am I dying?

Twilight had a surprised expression, but she shook her head, "He's fine," She responded, "Someponies just get really tired after that spell is used, I thought he would be fine, but I guess I was wrong".

So I'm just forcefully slipping unconscious?

I heard more muffled talking, but it was becoming harder and harder to understand.

The sudden desire to sleep arrived, and I decided not to fight it.

"Ugh.." I groaned. My poor head....

I opened my eyes, expecting to see the roof of my room, instead I was greeted by a purple roof. I also noticed it was much further away compared to mine.

I lifted my head, I was laying on my side on a couch. Weird, I don't have a couch...

Wait, where am I!?

This room's dark, so it's probably night then.

I jumped off the couch, but as I did, my head throbbed with horrible pain.

"Agh!" I yelped.

I struggled to stand up. Time to get a good look at where I am...

I looked around and instantly recognized the inside of the Carousel Boutique.

What am I doing here?

Hoofsteps were heard from the room above me. Uh oh, Rarity's gonna come down and kick my flank into the ground!

I considered the best thing to do. Maybe I should hide? Or run out the door?

Before I could act I heard a pony running down the stairs.

"Forest?" I heard from Rarity. Ugh, too late.

I turned around to face her, "Rarity! It's not what it looks like!" I tried to explain.

Rarity walked up to me with confusion on her face.

"What do you mean darling?" She asked.

I looked at her with a blank stare. How could she be so calm?

"Um, I don't know why I'm in here," I said.

She looked concerned, "You don't remember what happened earlier today?" She asked.

I put a hoof to my chin and thought about it.

"Well, I remember going to Applejack's and her giving me a job," I said, kinda thinking out loud, "Then I went home and..." I trailed off.

My eyes widened with realization. Memories flooded back into me, I suddenly remembered everything that happened!

Rarity put a hoof to her mouth and giggled, "Do you remember now darling?"

I put a hoof to my head and massaged it, "Yeah..." I responded, "What happened afterwards?"

Rarity smiled, "After you passed out, Twilight levitated you to the couch," She explained, "She said that you would be fine, except for maybe a headache when you wake up".

I kept massaging my head. Ugh, damn straight about the headache.

"I can get you something for the pain," Rarity offered.

"Yes please," I responded.

I sat down as Rarity walked away and up the stairs. Hopefully to get some painkillers or something.

I looked back at the couch, and I now noticed that there was a blanket sitting there.

After a couple seconds, Rarity came back levitating two pills and a glass of water.

"Here you go," She said.

I held out both of my hooves, and she levitated the pills and water onto each.

"Thanks," I responded.

I placed the pills into my mouth and took a mouthful of water, swallowing the pills. I then proceeded to gulp down the rest of the water thirstily.

I think the water helped my headache a little, but the pills probably won't take action straight away.

She levitated the glass again and sent it down on a coffee table nearby.

"What time is it?" I asked, my voice tired.

Rarity smiled, "It's only eight-thirty, you've been asleep for about four hours".

I looked around, "Hey, where's Sweetie Belle?" I asked. I expected her to run down and greet me.

Rarity shook her head and smiled, "Sweetie lives at our parent's house," she explained, "But she stays here frequently, and has a room upstairs".

I smiled warmly, "Thanks for, y'know, not kicking me out," I thanked her.

She scoffed at me, "Now why would I kick you out? We're friends, Forest," She said.

I gave a quiet chuckle, and realized that it was my time to leave, "Goodnight Rare," I said.

She hesitated, then smiled, "Goodnight Forest".

I nodded and stood up again. The first step I took was wobbly and weak. Jeez, that dream thing took a lot out of me.

I took another step and crashed down onto the ground with a hard thud, and lay there for what seemed like a long time.

Rarity gasped and ran up next to me, helping me to my hooves.

"Forest! That's it, you're staying here tonight!" She ordered.

I shook my head, "No, I don't-" I tried to refuse.

"Nonsense!" She exclaimed, "You can't even walk Forest!"

Rarity held a very serious expression, which made me flinch.

I sighed, "Fine," I gave in. There's that word again, 'Fine'.

Rarity looked satisfied, and leaned against me as we walked over to the couch.

I lay down on the couch, suddenly feeling the tiredness again.

I turned my head to Rarity, "Thanks Rare," I said tiredly.

She smiled and walked to the stairs again. Going up to her room, I presume.

I lay on the couch again, and closed my eyes. Just wanting to go to sleep.

My eyes opened slowly, and adjusted to the light of the room.

I looked around in confusion at the room I was in, before I remembered a second later about everything that happened last night.

I felt most of my strength had come back from a good night's sleep.

The room was bright, and light shined in through the windows. I'm gonna take a guess and say that it's around seven in the morning.

I decided that I shouldn't stay, and I jumped of the couch. I stretched and felt my remaining strength return with a little muscle movement.

I folded up the blanket I used and left it on her couch.

Walking quietly, to avoid waking Rarity up, I moved to the door.

As I opened the door, the bell on top rang rather loudly. Oops.

I waited anxiously for any noise coming from upstairs, but I heard nothing, so I assumed I was safe.

Closing the door as quietly as I could, I walked outside and looked around.

My eyes widened in surprise as I realized Sweetie Belle, and two middle-aged ponies were staring at me in confusion. One a stallion and the other a mare.

Oh crap! These would be Rarity's parents! And here I am, a random stranger leaving her shop at seven in the morning!

The stallion narrowed his eyes at me, "HEY! What are you doing in my daughter's house!?" He shouted angrily at me. His voice was intimidating, and so was his appearance.

Before I could defend myself, Sweetie Belle ran up to me and waved her hooves defensively at her parents.

"No!" She exclaimed, "This is Forest!"

The stallion looked confused, "Forest?" he asked. The mare looked at me with confusion as well.

"Yes! He's the stallion who saved my life," Sweetie Belle defended me.

The two ponies walked up closer to me, as they did, I got a better look at them. The stallion was a few inches taller than me, and probably close to twice my weight.

The mare was an average sized mare with a pink coat, her purple mane was styled in a way which gave her maybe an extra foot in height.

"You're the stallion who fought all the timberwolves?" The mare asked.

"Um.." I hesitated, "Yeah"

The mare reached forward and gave me tight hug, "Oh thank you for savin' my little baby!" She exclaimed. I just took the hug awkwardly.

"Hey! I'm not a baby, I'm eleven years old mom!" Sweetie Belle declared, sounding annoyed.

The mare let go of me and backed up towards her husband.

Before anypony could say anything else, we were interupted by the voice of an angry mare.

"What in Celestia's name is going on out here!?" Rarity shouted.

Now I am the only pony in the conversation who hasn't shouted their head off yet.

Rarity walked out of the shop with an irritated look, luckily I don't think it's directed at me.

"Does everypony have to scream? It's seven in the morning, for Celestia's sake," Rarity said.

"Sorry honey," The mare apoligized, before smiling gleefully "Why didn't you tell us you had a boyfriend?"

Wait, what? They think we're a couple? Then again I was leaving her house at seven in the morning so...

Rarity's cheeks went bright crimson in embarrassment. But I objected before she had the chance to.

"No, we're not boyfriend and girlfriend, we're just friends" I announced, giving a nervous chuckle afterwards. I was suprised by how calm I was.

Rarity's Mom looked confused, "What are you doing here then?" She asked, titling her head.

I gave another chuckle, not nervous this time, "That's a funny story," I started, "We were in the shop yesterday afternoon, and Twilight practised a spell on me. But it accidently knocked me out cold"

The mare looked suprised, but I continued.

"Anyway, your daughter was kind enough to let me sleep inside the shop," I explained.

The stallion smiled proudly, "That's how we raised her! To always be generous, she's not the Element of Generosity for nothin'!" He beamed.

I noticed that both of her parents had country accents, much different to Rarity's rich and elegant accent. I wonder where she developed this love of fashion, if both of her parents were country ponies!

Rarity smiled at me happily, and I smiled back. I noticed that everything I said had technically been the truth.

Rarity turned to her parents, "What are you two doing here?" She asked.

"Just dropping Sweetie off," The stallion said.

The mare's eyes lit up, and she turned to me, "Oh! Sorry, you don't know our names!" She suddenly realized, "I'm Cookie Crumbles, and my husband here is Hondo Flanks"

"Nice to meet you both," I responded.

"Ok, we better go then!" Hondo announced, "See you all later!"

Cookie turned to Sweetie with a stern look, "You be good for Rarity, alright?" She ordered.

Sweetie Belle scoffed, "When am I not good?" She asked.

Rarity grinned, "Well, there was that time when you all pretended to be Gabby Gums and write gossip about everypony," She pointed out.

I stared in suprise at Sweetie Belle. Really? That is something I never expected her to do!

My mind suddenly went back to a conversation we had two days ago. We were at the party at Twilights castle, and I told her that Spike's crush on Rarity is nopony elses business. Maybe that conversation brought back memories.

Sweetie Belle looked embarassed, "Hey! We all apoligized for that," She defended.

Rarity smiled warmly at her sister, "I know, and I'm so proud of you for doing it," Rarity said warmly to her sister, making Sweetie Belle smile with happiness.

"Okay then!" Cookie interupted, "Goodbye to you two! Uh, I mean three!"

They started walking away together, husband and wife.

I looked at them with happiness. After I get a little older I hope to get married, and to have kids would be amazing. If they come out as half as nice as Sweetie Belle, then that would make me eternally happy.

"Oh Forest!" Sweetie Belle tried to get my attention, making me look down at her with suprise, "Did Apple Bloom or Scootaloo tell you about the school thing?"

"Yeah," I answered.

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened, "And did you say yes?" She asked anxiously.

I sighed, "I don't really want to, but if your teacher wants it, then I'm fine with it," I responded.

Rarity looked at me confused, "What-" she started before she was interupted by Sweetie Belle's high pitched, happy squeal.

"Yes, thank you!" She said, "We walk to school at eight O'clock, and class starts at eight-thirty"

"Okay, I'll come here at eight and walk you to school," I offered.

"Ahem," Rarity interupted, drawing my attention to her, "What exactly are you two talking about?"

I turned to Sweetie Belle, "You didn't tell her?" I asked.

Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity, "Remember what I said yesterday?" She asked, "We have to tell a story in front of the class, and bring in something to do with the story"

Rarity looked at me for a second and then looked at Sweetie again.

"So you're taking Forest, and telling the story of the Timberwolves?" She asked.

Sweetie looked suprised, "Actually, yeah," She answered.

"Hey um, I'm gonna go home and get some breakfast," I interupted, "That muffin I had the other day was the last decent meal I've had".

I walked away without bothering to hear the response.

I realized suddenly how hungry I was, I wasn't lying about the muffin thing. Some food would probably do me some good.

"Hiya Forest! What are you doing?" Pinkie asked in her usual hyperactive voice.

"Um, going home and getting breakfast," I answered.

"Y'know there are many places around here you can buy breakfast, I can show you them!" she offered.

I thought about it. I don't really have much food at home, but I have to go home anyways.

I shook my head, "No thanks Pinkie," I declined, "I have to go home, I'll just get some food there".

Pinkie looked disappointed for a split second, but then went back to a happy expression, "Okie dokie lokie!" she said, "But I want to see you around later, okay?"

I nodded, and Pinkie smiled happily.

"Seeya later Forest!" she said.

Then she started literally bouncing away from me. I will never understand how she does that...

I shook it off and kept walking in the direction of the hotel.

As soon as I arrived, I took if the bandages around my leg and took a cold shower. I usually have cold showers, because the cold water always jolts you awake.

After something decent to eat, I lay on my bed, waiting for something to happen.

Time? I looked at the clock on the wall, seven-fifteen. Maybe I should have taken Pinkie's offer on getting some breakfast.

Ten minutes of laying on the bed silently, I decided to go for a walk.

I walked around one of the less busy parts of town. There were no shops, just a few houses here and there.

"Forest?" I heard in a quiet, shy voice. I instantly knew who it was.

I turned around, and standing there was Fluttershy.

I wasn't exactly thrilled to see her. Last time we met, she looked at me like I was the scariest thing in the whole world. I just decided right then that we weren't able to be friends.

"Hey," I greeted in a flat voice.

"Um," she hesitated, "I'm sorry".

"For?" I asked. I could take a guess.

She sighed, "I'm sorry for being mean," she apoligized.

"Mean?" I asked confused, "You weren't mean Fluttershy"

She looked sad, "No, I was mean," she insisted, "You saved Sweetie Belle's life, but I was scared of you"

I didn't really want to talk with her, and I had a feeling that she didn't want to talk to me either.

"You're forgiven Fluttershy, I don't expect you to be friends with me," I said. Then I started walking away from her, but she followed me.

She ran up to my side, and looked at me with alarm, "No! I want to be friends with you," she assured me, "Tell me what I can do for us to be friends"

I was suprised by how serious she was taking this. Hurting somepony's feelings must really tear her up inside. Then again, she is the Element of Kindness.

I sighed, and just decided to be honest, "I don't want you to be scared of me, know that I will never hurt you," I requested.

"Is that it?" She asked, obviously expecting me to ask something more of her.

I nodded, "That's all I want," I said, "Listen, um, I've gotta go somewhere, I'll see you later".

She looked suprised, "Um, o-okay," she said stumbled.

I turned and walked in the direction of the boutique.

Will my words stick with her? Or will she go back to being terrified of me by tommorow? Only time will tell.