*Zack's POV* *10 Hours Ago*

"So, where should I begin?" I ask Twilight as I face her, my arms resting on the back of the chair. She probably thinks I look idiotic due to the fact I'm sitting in it backwards.

"How about just telling me about yourself? I'd like to get to know you more as a friend than some scientific project." She says with a sheepish smile. I'm not sure if I should be offended by that or not.

"Well, you can probably tell by now that I'm not exactly the happiest guy around. I was born in a place called New York." I say as I stare down at my hands, not really wanting to make eye contact with the purple pony in front of me.

"Where's that? I've never heard of New York before."

"It's... far from here to say the least." I say as I rub the back of my head. "I was born in a part of New York called Manhatten. and-"

"Oh, Manehatten?" Twilight asks, her voice rising in pitch and her ears perking up.

"What? No, MANhatten." I say with a confused look. "You've heard of it?"

"Manehatten is a city up north from here. It's know for its large variety of businesses, restaurants, shows, you name it."

"Huh, sounds a lot like Manhatten from back home... Anyway, that isn't where I'm from. I'll get to that part in a minute. So, as a child I was like everyone else. I had friends, played games, went to school, yadda yadda yadda. It wasn't until I turned about thirteen years old that my life started going down the shitter. I was recognized for being 'gifted," I say with air quotes. "in academics and athletics alike. I was okay with it at first, it just meant school would be a lot smoother for me. Then, I guess jealousy kicked in. My friends just kinda... left me. Sometimes it was because I would get moved to honors classes and they'd think I was ditching them. Or maybe I'd one up them in a competition or something and they'd get jealous." I finish with a forced chuckle.

"That soun-" Twilight begins.

"I'm not done." I say as I hold up a finger. "I thought it was all a gift at first. I was so wrong. It was a curse. I hated myself, and I hated what I had become..." I say as I stare at the floor.

"T-That's horrible." Twilight says as her ears droop to the sides of her head.

"You don't know the half of it... God, I don't know why I'm telling you this, but... Gees, I've never told this to anyone... When I was sixteen I tried to..." I sigh as I can't even finish the sentence. I close my eyes and rub them with the palms of my hands. "I'm sorry." I whisper.

I wasn't expecting to feel something warm press up against my side. I open my eyes slightly to see purple and two huge eyes staring back at me.

"W-What are you doing?" I whisper. I barely even know her, why is she so close to me all of a sudden?

"I'm being a good friend."

"Hah, friends, yeah right. Friends don't exist Twilight." I say, letting out a laugh that I didn't even mean to release. She gives me a confused look as I stand up and pick up my bag, slinging it across my back. I storm across the room, my feet pounding against the wooden floor as I make my way towards the exit. I kick the door open, leaving the library behind.

"Zack!" I hear her yell from behind me. I don't turn around. I keep walking forward, not sure where I'm going. I need to clear my head. This was exactly why I never liked to talk about my past with anyone under any circumstances. I have no idea why I'd tell some complete stranger, a pony no less! And then she tried to get all close and shit, saying I was her friend... I learned a long time ago what "friendship" was, and I don't want any part of it.

I walk through the streets, trying to calm myself down by thinking about, well, anything other than my past. Maybe I should visit Fluttershy or something. Maybe Applejack is still working at her stand. Or, and this is a long shot, I could try to go back and find Daring, the only one I could call anything close to an actual friend, not just someone who would ditch me when I couldn't provide something for them anymore. She never once tried to get anything out of me just because of who I was. Sure she wanted to write a book about me, but I understand that, plus I consented to it.

I can't go back though, no matter how much I want to. I made a promise that I would keep this weird fear gem safe, here, in this town...

"Wow, look at her go!" I hear someone shout. I look up, breaking from my thoughts, only to realize I'm standing in the middle of a park. I have no idea how I got here, but I'll blame it on losing my train of thought. I look around me to see dozens of ponies sitting around doing various activities. They all have one thing in common, however. They are all staring up at the sky, watching something. I look up and see a rainbow trail swerving through the sky, making various patterns. Ugh, her? I begin walking again, almost tripping over something as I take my first step. I hadn't even noticed the pony next to me that is now sprawled out on the ground.

"Hey, watch it bub. I was... Whoa, that's trippy." The pony says, it's voice letting me know it was female. And now I realize that I have yet to meet a single male yet. I'll have to think about that later.

"S-Sorry, I was just thinking, and I didn't see you." I say as I help the pony back up, offering her my hand for support, which she takes gladly.

"Eh, no harm done. Though... Can't say I've seen you around here. Who are you?" She asks. I look her up and down, noticing that the sun reflects off of her bright white fur. She has a messy looking blue mane, with various shades of the color running through it. And then there's her eyes, red as all hell, staring right into my soul. It gives me the chills just at the look of them.

"I-I'm Zack..." I say as I stand back up, stretching my legs and back as I do so.

"Well hey there Zack, name's Vinyl."

"Like the disks?" I ask, my father's record collection appearing in my mind for a split second before fading away. He used to love those things, collecting any and all that he found in old shops and garage sales. It was fun, I'll admit, collecting them with him. Those were some of my better memories that I would hang onto forever.

"You could say that. So, what brings ya to the park? Here to check out Dash's amazing moves?"

"You mean the chick that tried to kill me? Ha, like I'd care about what she does. I couldn't care less... Even if they are amazing."

"Tried to kill you? Are you sure we're talking about the same Rainbow Dash here?"

"I know it for a fact. I was trying to help this girl, Fluttershy, get to the hospital after she was attacked by a timberwolf, when out of nowhere, BAM! That bitch up there knocked me out cold, claiming I was trying to kill Fluttershy." I explain as I point to the sky. "I don't trust her."

"You obviously haven't actually MET her yet, have you?"

"Well... I haven't had a full conversation with her, but... I can tell we wouldn't get along."

"I wouldn't underestimate her if I were you. Dash is one of the coolest ponies out there, and you haven't lived till you've talked to her. She's actually really chill."

"Like I'd believe that." I say with a huff and a single laugh as I lean back against a tree. "Why does she have such a big crowd gathered out here? Is she really that popular?"

"Popular doesn't cut it kid." She says as she glances up at me, to which I just raise an eyebrow. "She's practically famous."

"Famous? What for, being the world's most aggressive little-"

"Don't finish that." Vinyl says, holding a hoof up towards me. "She's the Element of Loyalty, how could you not know that!?"

"I'm... new in town." I stutter out, not yet wanting to reveal how I got here to anyone. "And whats an element of loyalty?"

"Not AN element of loyalty, THE Element of Loyalty. Y'know, part of the Elements of Harmony?"

"Can't say I've heard of that. What does it mean? Is it like a title or something? What makes her so special?"

"Because, Zack, she only saved Equestria like, twice! She's a national hero for Celestia's sake!"

"Seriously? Her, a national hero? I don't buy it. She doesn't really seem like the helpful type. Seems more like a villain if you ask me." I retort as I cross my arms. A hoof hits me in the shin, causing me to wince a little from the sudden burst of pain.

"You gotta stop putting her down dude, you haven't even held a conversation with her yet. You're only basing her off of what, one experience? Tell me, in detail, what exactly happened to you when she allegedly attacked you." Vinyl says, squinting at me.

"Fluttershy got this gash down her side, and I picked her up and started running into town. I was almost at the hospital when Rainbow swooped down and took me out." I say with a sigh.

"You said Fluttershy had a gash on her side? So she was bleeding?"

"Well, yeah, but-"

"So you were covered in her blood, right?"

"Obviously, but Vin-"

"And I've never seen anything like you. Heck, if you hadn't have apologized for knocking me down, I'd have kicked you to last year because I still have no idea what you even are! So, I'd bet my flank that Rainbow felt the same way, seeing you as some monster that attacked her friend. Now, do you see where I'm going with this? You're only looking at things from your perspective, but fail to see it through her eyes! Have you said anything to her since then?"

"...She said she was sorry... And I kind of brushed it off." I say as reality hits me. I didn't really think about it then, but just before she took off from Fluttershy's house, she did try to say she was sorry. "D-Doesn't matter, I still don't like her..."

"Ugh... Whatever, y'know what, I gotta get back to work Zack, let me know when you're willing to give ponies a chance." Vinyl says as she walks away with a quick wave. Her words really seemed to hit home, but I just wasn't sure about this yet. I'll just have to let time do it's thing I guess.

And with that, I leave the park in a jog, giving one last look back at the rainbow streak in the sky.

*9 Hours Later*

"Thanks again for spending the day with me Applejack, the tour was nice too." I say as I lean against the apple cart. "You're kinda the only pony I really know right now other than Fluttershy."

Earlier in the day, after leaving the park, I had just wandered around town glumly, not really knowing what to do with my life. I ended up running into Applejack while she was on her break, and we started a conversation that lasted until, well, now actually. She'd given me this grand tour of the entire town, which only took about an hour as it isn't all that large. I met that Rarity girl again, and she was pretty darn nice if I do say so myself. She seems to be one of the few that seem to have any manners, as well as being one of the few who didn't freak out when they saw me. However, she DID freak out for another reason. Because of my clothes actually. She said they were "dirty", and "rancid", and while I normally would have been furious at a statement like that, I let it slide because I actually agreed. My pants are fine, but my white t-shirt isn't exactly white anymore. It is more of a whiteish brown color.

Regardless of all of that, I think I've found someone I can almost call a friend, though I wouldn't go that far yet. Applejack, though still weary about me, has been nothing but friendly to me since I met her, which really says a lot about her character. Another thing about her, is that she is honest as hell. She tells it how it is whether I like it or not, and I respect that.

So, here we are, packing up the apple stand for the day before Applejack heads home. I decided to help her as a way for paying her back for what she'd done for me.

"Thanks for helpin' me out today." Applejack says as she wipes the sweat off her face with a hoof.

"No problem. I'm so glad I had something to do today, I would have died of from having nothing to do if we hadn't crossed paths." I say with my first legitimate smile in God knows how long.

"Shoot, I'm just glad that ya aren't all glum and down like ya were earlier. Ya didn't look to good. Is everything alright with ya?" She asks. I look down at the cart and sigh, running a hand through my hair.

"Not... exactly. First of all, I'm pretty much stranded here with nowhere to go, I don't know anyone other than you, Fluttershy, and kind of Twilight, and I'm starting to just kinda feel... I don't know, depressed?"

"Ah... Can ah help ya at all?"

"You've done more than you know." I say as I pick up a basket, placing it into the cart. "Here, let me help you get this home."

"Well that's mighty kind of ya Zack. Don't come many stallions like you nowadays." She says with a wink, obviously joking with me.

"Ah, but I'm not a stallion Applejack." I say as I point towards her. "And I'm not into ponies." I add with a laugh as I begin pushing the cart. Applejack glares at me from the corner of her eye, which worries me until she smiles.

"You'll learn ta love us sugarcube." He says with a snicker. I roll my eyes and smile as we continue walking back towards her farm which I have still yet to see. I hear it is beautiful, trees covering the rolling hills for as far as the eye can see. Or, that's what Applejack tells me.

"Keep tellin' yourself that." I return with with chuckle. "Really is a beautiful night huh?" I ask quietly as I stare up at the sky, the only sound being that of the wheels of the cart turning.

"Ya got that right partner. Princess Luna sure did a fantastic job tonight huh?" Wait, what?

"Who's Priness Luna? Your ruler or something? And what does she have to the sky?"

"You really don't know about the princesses? Dag nag it Zack, just where are ya from anyway?"

"Long story, but you didn't answer my question." I respond as I rap my fingers on the handle of the cart. I stare at her, my eyebrows raised in confusion.

"Ah don't think ah'm the one ya aught to be asking sugarcube. I'm sure Twilight could give ya a much better explanation than Ah ever could."

"I hear ya on that. She seems like a real... nerd."

"Hah, ya don't know the half of it. That mare's always got her head in some kinda book." AJ says with a laugh. I start laughing with her, when suddenly I trip over something, causing me to fall and smash my chin on the handle of the cart. Thankfully, it didn't hurt nearly as much as I thought it would. Turns out my shoelaces were untied. Just my kind of luck.

"Ya alright back there?" AJ asks as she pops out from around the cart, a look of worry plastered on her face. Due to the fact I'm not actually hurt, I begin to laugh at how stupid the situation is.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine." I say between breaths. "Go ahead and keep going. I'll be just a minute, then I'll catch up to you. I don't wanna hold you back any longer than I already have."

"Well, if ya say so. Don't take to long now, ya hear?"

"Yes mom..." I say with a smile as I roll my eyes. AJ just shakes her head and smiles, walking away from the cart and I. I get up on a knee, reaching down to tie my shoes. I fumble with the strings, not able to see them too clearly from where I am. The dim light causes me to keep messing up, which may or may not cause me to swear a little bit at my own shoes. Hey, I do crazy shit when I'm tired.

I look around for a source of light, before spotting what is really the only source around. One house on the end of the street still has it's lights on, just bright enough for me to actually see if I get close enough.

I get up and begin jogging towards the light, doing my best to not trip over my laces. The feeling of one shoe being too loose is just annoying enough to make me want to just kick it off and say "screw it".

I kneel down next to one of the window's, and begin to tie my shoes, thankful for the small amount of light. Don't get me wrong, the moon is beautiful and all, but it is NOT very bright tonight. It is almost pitch black out here, minus this one house.

"STOP!"

I look around, startled by the muffled yelling. Instincts kick in, and I pull the knife out of the side pocket of my bag which is still hanging tightly to my back. I've seen horror movies, and screams coming from the darkness are never a good thing, especially for the guy who goes off by himself, which just so happens to be me. Woo fucking hoo.

"HELP!"

This time the voice was definitely more audible, coming from nearby. If I didn't know better, I'd say it was coming from right above me.

I stand up, and run to the front of the house, trying to get the door to open. That last scream didn't sound like one of fear, but more of a plea for, well, help obviously. Alright, maybe there was a little bit of fear mixed in there too, but that is beside the point.

"Ah fuck it." I mumble to myself as I throw my shoulder into the door, causing it to bend inwards. Alright, the thing is flimsy, I can work with this. I back up a few steps, and begin running towards the door, my shoulder positioned to take the full impact.

The wood cracks and pushes inwards as I go sailing through the now broken door. I'm actually more surprised by that fact that I don't have any splinters than the fact that it actually worked. I thought stuff like this only worked in the movies!

I follow the now muffled pleas for help, which are much more quiet than they were the first time. They're coming from upstairs, which means, well, I'm going upstairs. Not really much to it other than that. What, did you think this was some Hollywood shit? No, of course not, this is real life.

I race up the stairs, my knife still in my hand. I'm honestly surprised I didn't stab myself when I fell through the door.

My feet make a loud thumping sound, which really isn't working in my favor. Luckily, whoever lives here, apparently didn't hear me just break through his or her front door.

I reach the top of the stairs, another wooden door blocking my path to the screams. I sigh and back up to the top of the steps, breaking into another sprint in an attempt to break through the door.

Well, it worked better than last time. At least this time the door didn't break into shards, it just broke the lock. A much more expected result.

In front of me is... well, I wasn't expecting THIS. Some big ass brown stallion on top of some blue mare with... rainbow... hair...

Oh... oh, this isn't good. I have to make a split second decision here, run or help. I don't like her, I really don't, but she doesn't deserve what is clearly going on here. My sister... a few years ago this exact same thing happened to her. It was what I didn't want to tell Applejack. It was what I didn't want to think about. I couldn't stop it then, but maybe I can stop it now.

Without even thinking, I jump onto the stallion's back, taking him down to the floor with me. I land on top of him, and he somehow manages to grab my arms with his hooves. The knife flies out of my hand, landing on the floor on the complete opposite side of the room. Alright, this just became a lot more interesting. He flips me over, and begins pressing me into the ground. I lift my head up suddenly, making contact his his nose. This causes him to lose his balance for a second, giving me just enough time to get him off of me, and take back the advantage. I curl my hand into a fist, and bring it down on the stallion's nose, which only seems to make him flinch. This guy is a lot stronger than that stallion back at Daring's house, which means I'll have to change my fighting style.

I look behind me, seeing Rainbow sitting up in bed, rubbing her eyes with a hoof. She needs to leave, it isn't safe here for her, not that it was before. In fact, it's probably even worse now.

"Rainbow Dash!" I yell before a hoof meets the side of my face, causing me to grunt in pain. My vision starts to blur around the edges before my senses come to me. "Get out of here!"

All I hear in return is a pitiful whisper, one I almost didn't even hear over the fight I'm currently stuck in.

"Zack?"

Author's Note

Sorry this took forever. Sports and school had me sooo busy. Next one shouldn't take so long.

On a side note, thanks for 100 followers! I know I'm pretty late on this, as of now I have over 120, which is something to be even more thankful for! As a celebration, I created this blog telling more about myself! Check it out if ya feel like it.

http://www.fimfiction.net/blog/608707/100-facts-about-me-100-followers

Thanks again for 100 followers