Solar nightmare

January 1, 2030, 13:03. Location: The Everfree Forest

Sam’s POV

The first thing I see when the door opens completely is Sasha looking at me with one of the stalest expressions I’d ever seen. “Who’s your new friend Sam?” she said as if this were a normal occurrence.

“You don’t seem very surprised.” I stated with some bafflement.

“Why should I be? I just watched everything I’ve ever known go up in flames. Besides, its not like it can talk or anything.” She stated bitterly.

“Yes, I have heard of your endeavors and feel great sorrow from all of you. Therefore,  I am here to help.” Zecora said making the fact she could speak known. Sasha looked at me with a calm visage.

“Sam?”

“Yes?”

“Did that little zebra just speak, in perfect English no less?”

“Yes, yes SHE did. Maybe you two should introduce yourselves.”

Zecora spoke up first with “Hello miss, my name is Zecora and, as you can see I am a zebra.” She held her hoof out for a shake. Hesitantly, Sasha took it and they shook appendages.

“I'm Sasha Wright, I’m sorry for being rude earlier.” Sasha said a bit ashamedly.

“All is forgiven, you have had a rough day and night, have you not?” Zecora asked. Sasha nodded and I spoke up a bit.

“Um, not to interrupt ‘get to know your new neighbor but Sasha, where is Zander.” Sasha looked a bit sad at the question but answered saying

“He… well, he’s in the lounge. He ain’t taking… ya know, real well.” I thought on that for a minute and asked

“How are you holding up?” I saw a tear in her eye before she looked away.

“Go…go check on Zander.” She got out. I nodded and motioned for Zecora to follow. Sasha always tried to be tough for some reason. I guess that’s why Zander liked her. Walking into the room I saw him laying on the bed.

“Zander, you ok buddy?” At this point I knew how to handle him when he was like this. I meet him in grade school and we’ve been inseparable since.

“What do you think?” he retorted with as much venom as I had heard from him.

I walked over as quietly, as was normal for me, and sat down at the end of the bed. Then I motioned for Zecora to go to the kitchen and talk to Sasha. She nodded and walked out. I leaned over and put my hand on Zander’s shoulder. “Zander you have to be strong, for Sasha, for me, and for everyone we left behind. But most importantly, you have to be strong for yourself.” I said trying to at least get him out of this state.

“Please, get Sasha.” He pleaded. I nodded and ran off to get her.

“Hey Sasha, he wants to see you.” I said hopping that she could do something. She nodded saying bye to Zecora. She walked out of the kitchen shutting the door behind her. I sat down at the table. It was small but could fit about 4 people at it.

Zecora sat at the closest place near me. Honestly this was all so surreal. I go into space to find a problem, only to see said ‘problem’ devour my whole planet along with everything I knew. Then we’re transported to, from what Zecora has told me, the magical land of ponies and the plethora of Greek creatures of myth, and I immediately trust the first one I meet and…. Wait, why am I warm. I look down and see the zebra in my lap, hugging my torso. I also noticed I was crying. So I did the logical thing.

I hugged back and balled my eyes out.

When I was I looked back Zecora. “Thanks, I think I needed that.” She nodded smiling a little smile. After the exchange she hopped off. Then I heard a noise outside. I waited a minute and was rewarded by a knock at the door.

“Who could that be, nopony lives in the forest but me.” Zecora said, slipping back into rhymes in here confusion. I gave her an irritable glare and went to open the door. With the sight that greeted me I said the first thing I could think.

“You are one big fucking pony”