The Stick of Truth: Equestria

The small, darkened room was what you might call a typical child's room. The wallpaper showed over several patterns of clouds, arrayed against a clear blue sky. A small desk was in the corner upon which was stacked several drawings, each depicting a crude drawing of a cyan blue Pegasus with a Rainbow mane, posing in several different stances. A small shelf under the window held several small figurines of the same Pegasus, each posed in a heroic stance. Leaning against the wall was a square shaped saddle bag, the perfect size for a filly, stuffed with books. Most of these features went unnoticed by the purple maned filly sleeping in the large bed, covered by a thick quilt that, unsurprisingly, depicted the rainbow-maned Pegasus, diving out of a cloud. But all this was unnoticed by the dark eyed stallion, watching over his sleeping daughter.

The Filly turned over in her sleep, oblivious to both the large moon, shining down upon her through the window over her bed and the Stallion, standing in the darkened doorway. He had been standing there for only a few moments gazing at the sleeping filly. It still made him smile as he watched his sleeping daughter. The light highlighted the sleeping fillies orange fur making her look as beautiful as the day he had taken her in. The Stallion smiled to himself, putting the plate, upon which was a small slice of pie upon the floor, next to the bed. The Stallion knew that the filly wouldn't eat the pie until tomorrow but it was still nice to show that he cared. Then he turned and left the room, closing the door on his daughter, letting the young filly sleep on in undisturbed solitude. Taking care not to clap his hooves to hard on the wooden floor, thus waking his daughter, the stallion moved away from the door. He smiled to himself as he moved away. His daughter was sleeping and she still made him proud.

As the stallion moved through the darkened house, his hooves clopping softly on the varnished wood, he passed a mirror. He stopped briefly. Sometimes he was surprised that his appearance had changed so drastically in only a year. His silver mane and dark shadows under his eyes made him look old. The Stallion smirked before returning to his wandering, eventually making it to a door. Opening it, the stallion made his way out onto the large wooden porch, settling himself on the swinging chair his girlfriend had insisted be installed. The wooden seat swung as he looked up at the starry sky. The stars dotted the black expanse, glittering like silver buttons on a sheet of black velvet. The Stallion smiled widely. Looking up at the sky, he was filled with memories. He'd been up there once. He'd' met aliens once though he hoped he'd never have to go through the same encounter again. It had caused him a lot of pain. The Stallion shivered, feeling a cool night breeze rippling through his turquoise blue fur. It was late and the temperature had dropped considerably.

"Douche-Bag?" He turned his head as the voice sounded next to him. A violet furred Unicorn had appeared in the doorway. Her violet eyes were half-closed and a little bloodshot. Her purplish violet mane was a little messy, several strands sticking out. She must've gotten out of bed, disturbed by the door opening. The Unicorn was wearing a violet dressing gown with a white star on the pocket. The Unicorn settled herself beside the Stallion smiling at him. "You need to come to bed." Her voice was a little stern. "Wandering around every night like this isn't good for you." The Stallion remained silent, watching the unicorn with an expression akin to exasperation. The Unicorn sighed. "Douche-Bag you know I'm telling the truth." The stallion loosed an inaudible sigh and nodded but did not budge from his position. The Unicorn looked up at the sky. "Thinking about anything?" she asked "You usually think about the day we met each other when you sit out here.". The Stallion returned to looking at the sky. The Stallion would remember that day for as long as he lived.

One Year Earlier: Ponyville

The Residents of Ponyville, a large mixture of Stallions, Mares and Fillies of all shapes, sizes and colors were milling about, going about their daily business and basking in the warmth of the mid-morning sun. The day was just beginning and the ponies seemed determined to make the best of it, setting up their varied market stalls and opening their many shops, their wares appearing on display like a magic trick. Already, the usual hustle and bustle was starting up, the loud babble of talk and laughter creating the warm and welcoming atmosphere that the little town was known for. Many of the ponies were moving between the stalls and shops now, cheerful conversation flitting between the many ponies. Several Pegasi floated through the sky, pushing clouds around to make the image of perfection complete which they had managed to achieve spectacularly. Bright sunlight shone down onto the town, baking the little village in warm light.

But all this went unnoticed by the turquoise earth pony, slowly making his way through the many crowds, heading towards the center of the town. The Stallion was dressed in a flowing cloak, also colored turquoise that covered his navy blue fur. A headband kept his long black mane out of the Stallions eyes, which watched the surrounding ponies with a quiet intensity. Perched atop the new arrivals back was a small quiver, full of arrows and a large bow, the bowstring of which was secured around his body, holding the length of wood against the Stallions back. Many of the ponies had stopped now as the Stallion continued slowly through the crowds. The Stallion wasn't surprised however. He was moving with a static lollop, as though he had only been walking on his hooves for a few minutes like a newborn foal. Several of the ponies surrounding this new arrival sniggered at this bizarre walk though many stopped when they noticed the bow and arrows on the Stallions back. But the Stallion ignored them his eyes darting back and forth as though searching for something.

Finally, the strange Stallion arrived at what he hoped was his destination. A large tree was sprouting out, a few minutes walk from the central plaza. Windows and a large door were set into the wood and the Stallion guessed that, rather like the cottages that Ponyville was mainly made up of, this tree was being used to live. Glancing at the sign that hung from a nearby branch, the Stallion saw the single word: Library. The Stallion smiled. So he'd been right. He raised his hoof and knocked. Silence. Frowning in annoyance, the silent stallion pushed the door open. and went inside. He was greeted with a circular room, dominated largely by bookshelves, row after row of books. The Stallion grinned. Perfect. Dropping the Bow and quiver, the Stallion aimed for the nearest bookshelf and eyed the covers. He stood there, looking at the books spines in silence until a female voice sounded above him.

"Oh Hello there!" He looked up. A staircase was set into the side of the tree and a violet furred Unicorn was clopping down the stairs, smiling at the Stallion. She had a dark purple mane with a pink stripe running through it. A purple star with several white stars was emblazoned on her flank and her violet eyes were bright with interest as the Mare took in his appearance. "My name is Twilight-Sparkle." the Mare said politely. "I haven't seen you before...are you new in town?" The Stallion stared at her. "erm..." Twilight frowned, a little put off by the silence. "Erm...are you looking for something in particular?" The Stallion continued to stare at the Unicorn, his eyes never leaving hers. "Hello?" Asked the mare, looking a little scared now. She finished coming down the stairs and moved a little closer, waving a purple hoof in front of the Stallions eyes. "You're not feeling sick are you sir?" The Stallion blinked, watching the purple hoof wave in front of his snout. "Okay...." The Unicorn in front of him said calmly. "I think you need some help. Why don't I..."

"Douche-Bag." The voice was soft, almost dark-velvet. Twilight-Sparkle blinked. The Stallion raised a hoof, tapping his barrel and giving the Mare a soft, if rather vague smile. "My name...is Douche-Bag. Douche-Bag the mage."