The most (un)loved

by DarkW0lf5

Rating: teen
Tags: Human, Sunset Shimmer, Main 6, Romance, Original Character, Equestria Girls, Random, Adventure
Length: 26354

A teenager seems he's a failure... until he departs for Equestria. His new life begins.

After nearly 19 years of cruelty and ungratefulness, Alex decides to search for a good ending to it. When everything seems lost, he finds a portal to Equestria. His life changes totally forever. He soon meets the girl who also was disliked here...

Published 2016-07-22 03:40:02 UTC
Last updated 2016-08-29 07:22:19 UTC

Prologue

My city, as always it’s been looking. Dying. Trains didn’t go through our station for 9 years. And to make things worse, most people… well, nearly all of them… they had happy lives doing what they wanted. What they wished for. Having everything they needed. Wives, husbands, children, friends and companions… everything.

But there was one person in the entire planet who had different. Being a born failure isn’t easy. Especially when it’s being one of that kind. Alone and untrusted. Doing whatever people around me asked to, but not what I wanted. Days and nights passed for me the same. With the same routine. I wake up, go to school… where nobody likes me… go back home, and lay in bed. In total boredom. In other words, I had no will. I was powerless. People always shouted to me in a very, very rude way to me. But when they talked with everyone except me, they acted so normal. And they agreed in just one thing.

They all kept thinking of me so bad. That I’m lazy. But it was all lies. I knew the best what I was and what I would be. Forever. A failure. Whatever I tried to do, I failed. But one day, I came up to an idea to writing poems. Deep in my heart, though, I was aware that these were empty words, as most people commenting them mostly were hiding their bad feelings. I could see it. I just… could. By the way they wrote to me. It all could lead to nothing.

Until one day… one fateful day.

My home, on Friday

The last few days were very rainy. However, this day, my parents were leaving home for a short time. And as always, I was ordered to not go outside and watch some boring movies on TV. Once they left, I went back to my bedroom, closing the doors behind and turned on TV, just to see always the same shit. I let out a big yawn.

“Oh, what’s the point…” I sighed, deciding to browse through satellite channels. Some of them were locked with a code. However, I was aware of how easy codes my mother used. It was 1411, the date she was born. I had to type it every time I turned on a locked channel. Especially channels meant for kids and teens. It hurt me so much that I couldn’t simply watch them like any other people did.

Until I reached channel number 114. This could be my last stand, typing the same unlocking code. The channel bar did not show what was airing right now. But I actually knew what it was and why my parents hated within me – it was My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. I was so fond of it since 2012. Every time I watched it, it did bring tears to my eyes. “If I could live there…” I thought. Their colorful and peaceful world did somewhat work on my imagination.

Then there was a time when I started believing there isn’t just this world. And, as usual, people ordered me simply to shut up. Totally. I couldn’t say anything out of my mind around them. This time, I was home alone. I could do nearly anything I pleased, as long it wasn’t anything that would rise suspicions.

Monday

Today, we were heading for the antique shop in Jastrzębie. It was again the same, boring trip there and back again. The only things there I was really interested, were 12-inch LPs. And again this met with instant disapproval.

“These black disks are obsolete. How would you use them, bastard?” My mother asked.

“That’s not the way…” I tried to say.

“This is the way to keep you quiet. So shut up.” I was stopped by her.

I knew how rude she was to me. She didn’t even want to understand my interests. Then I was aware what I had to do. I headed to toilet, thinking of how evil this world is, full of greed and lies.

A few seconds later I went out. Something – however – instantly took my attention.

It was a mirror. And, to my total surprise, looked like the one in a movie I liked. A sticky note told Please do not touch – very fragile! I waited, looking at my own reflection. I realized I still had a pigeon feather in one of my pockets. I took it out and threw it towards the mirror, thinking it will break. Broken things were the most frequent sight with me, but these weren’t accidents, people actually wanted to make things fall from my hands and think I am not good for carrying fragile objects. I threw the feather…

The next thing completely stunned me. The feather actually passed through the mirror! I started heavily breathing. Soon, a letter went out the mirror. I opened the scroll.

If you threw that feather, remember. Come here again tomorrow before midnight. I know you are there, and I know what you want to. I even see you as one of ours.

My heart skipped a beat. They knew I am coming. I started to fear that they hate me as well.

Beginnings

Outside my own home

Morning. Another, boring morning! I wake up as any other day, with my left leg. Oh my God, I wonder when this will have an end. By the way, my name is Alex, I’m an 18 years old guy living in a dull city in Poland. All I can say about me – I’m the most hated man in this world. Not only I was hated. In fact, I understood that my life is pointless and very miserable. My school life was, in just one word, a failure. People just ignored me, turned their eyes away from me and… yes, I had mostly F’s from top to bottom. The only thing I am good, is gymnastics, just because I’m always willing to do anything.

It was a very rainy, stormy… gray Tuesday evening. It rained heavily and there was no electricity in most of the city since last night because of the storm. Lightning bolts reaching down to the ground… and I was supposed to go to my art lessons. Only to discover my teacher won’t be present today. Luckily I had a bike, so I decided to go somewhere… I knew about.

An antique shop. I was there last week when I saw a mirror. However, it was written “do not touch” on a sheet attached to it. So I thought it was fragile. The point was, I liked to watch myself reading books in it, it was the only thing I really liked. Reading books was my favorite thing, and my imagination… it was one of the things people did not like within me. To make things worse, they just thought that the world was only one – as opposed to what I used to think until I gave up this idea.

To make sure this mirror was really not to be touched, I touched the frame with just my finger very gently, then I grabbed a bird feather from my pocket. It was indeed a mirror like any other mirrors, for me – unimportant from theory. However, something happened from inside. I could hear something. Voices. Soon, I found a parchment on a nearby table. It was written:

Tonight, a few minutes before midnight, the portal will be open. If you’re reading it, YOU are the chosen one. Just hide yourself in the toilet before the shop is closing.

A portal? Okay. If I’m a chosen one, I moved near the toilet rooms. Few hours passed and I moved to the men’s toilet room, without turning the lights on. Soon, the music was turned off and the last doors were closed. I fell asleep. But before I did it, I set my phone to ring gently somewhere before midnight.

And again several hours passed. My phone rang at 11.45pm. Now the hardest point. Is there a point to cross the portal by entering the mirror, if I’m the unloved, unwanted kid? From the other side, nobody knew me there, so I could give up my old life here. I won’t have to worry about anybody from there…

“Certainly. If I was hated even there, I’d really… kill myself…” I said. The portal was open. “Remember, don’t freak out, Alex. One mistake can be your last.”

And then was a jump into the mirror. Sucked by a vortex. It was dark… very dark… It was just a matter of few seconds before I fell to the ground, losing consciousness.

Outside of Fluttershy’s cottage

I woke up just a few hours later. And it was again morning. But, one thing has changed. I wasn’t in the shop anymore. And I knew where I really was.

“Fluttershy’s cottage!” I yelled. “But… oh no, another nightmare!” I decided to punch myself in face. After a moment of daze, I quickly assumed it was not a nightmare. And that I am a pony. Maybe… an Earth pony, nothing else. I laid down and burst into tears.

“Holy God… I’m so alone… like it was…” I yelled. I felt an emptiness in my heart. If I was the most hated, I had no friends. “But please, have mercy for me… I really know what friendship is… but how to tell it if I my life was miserable?”

Soon, I felt somebody… no, somepony laid next to me.

“What happened? Why are you crying?” she asked.

“My life…” I said. “It was horrible. I was constantly being told to shut up when I had something very important to say… people did not want to befriend me… I can say even in this world I won’t find peace or understanding.”

“Oh, poor boy…” she said. “What’s your name?”

“It matters so much to you? Alex… my name is Alex. I wanted to leave my city. Earth is too cruel.”

“It matters… I’m Fluttershy, I represent the element of kindness.” Fluttershy told to me.

“Oh… nice to meet you tho…” I said with a sad tone. “But, please… don’t tell anypony that I’m here… and do not make me see any mirror. I think I’m an Earth pony after all.”

“No problem, my dear.” Fluttershy told me directly to my ear.

Ponyville, in a café

Nice day. Fluttershy went to Ponyville again, to meet the rest of Mane 6 in a cafeteria.

“…and the battle with Nightmare Moon!” Twilight Sparkle said. “Now it’s just funny to say that… well. Hope Zecora won’t send me again to the past, I saw it enough. Want some cake, Rarity?”

“Enough of cakes!” Rarity yelled. “I think I’m getting sick of them… and a lot of orders… you hit it. A new creation for customers in Manehattan.”

“Chill, Rarity. Your sister can help you of course.” Twilight replied.

“Okay… if I can have some cold water…” And this was Applejack, eating some apples.

Twilight turned her head to just watch Dr. Whooves with Derpy and Octavia, enjoying a fresh coconut.

“Ah… the Time Turner must have been on holidays…” Rainbow Dash mumbled. “Never mind. Gonna be on the next Wonderbolts show on Saturday!”

“By the way. Fluttershy. What was that loud bang near your house? I saw a pony who crashed…”
It was Princess Cadance.

“I promised to him I will never tell anypony of him, Your Highness.” Fluttershy answered.

“Ok. No problem.”

Fluttershy’s cottage

As I was asked to, I took care of Fluttershy’s pet rabbit called Angel. I quickly discovered that it was real fun. I think I am loved… unlike my home world where I was the most hated man ever… Oh my God, this is so beautiful! Fluttershy came back.

“Hello my dear. How ya doin’?” she asked.

“My dear…” I replied to her. “I’ve never been happier than recently… but there’s still a problem. Of friends, I have just you… no one else… now we can go to Ponyville.”

“Ehm… nice idea. I can give you a tour.”

Ponyville

The first town I’ve seen in all Equestria. It’s bigger than I thought to be. Full of ponies… literally. Some of them were entertaining others. However, soon it started. People threw some suspicious looks at me.

“Why… always… me?” I yelled.

“This is because you don’t even have a cutie mark, dear.” Fluttershy told me.

I looked on my backside. Seriously, the sight shocked me. It wasn’t about the absence of a cutie mark. It was about…

“Wings… I’m a Pegasus pony… not an Earth pony…” I said. “Let’s go to a library?”

“Of course we should! Twilight Sparkle is one of the wisest ponies you’ll ever meet!”

Twilight’s castle

“Hello? Anyone there?” Fluttershy asked, knocking the door.

“Hi Fluttershy. I’m sorry, I was… oh, sweet Celestia! You must be the new pony, right?” Twilight shouted.

“Um… yes, that’s it. But listen, I had to escape from my world… my life was… literally… horrible.” I explained. “Starting from having unloving parents… no friends… no luck… I don’t even have a girlfriend. I was a born failure there.”

“See, he’s a very handsome… Alicorn, isn’t it?” Fluttershy asked Twilight.

“WHAT?!” I screamed.

No, that can’t be possible. My jaw dropped. I think I’m a Pegasus pony.

“Why… did… you… say… ALICORN?” I asked in disbelief.

“Really, you should look into your mirror.” Twilight said.

No… I can’t be an Alicorn…

“But… this is impossible!” I yelled. “I know only Flurry Heart is a born Alicorn!”

“When you came here, you became an Alicorn too, my dear!”

I recognized this voice.

“Princess… Celestia?” I asked, again in disbelief. “No, I cannot be one!”

Suddenly, Twilight used her magic to summon a mirror. It was the moment I was left shocked. With my jaw dropped. I really am an Alicorn!

“Oh… my… GOD!” I yelled with a smile on my face. “But… I still don’t know how it was possible!”
“You see, we’ve known a lot of people who arrived there. The most normal ones became Earth ponies. The sporty ones became Pegasi. The smart ones became unicorns. But you… you were the loneliest, saddest and most damaged man in the world you lived before… You did not have friends, but you certainly stood on your ideals, no matter what people tried to tell you. I knew you will arrive here. I wrote that letter. I was hoping that you will come here. For this, you’ve certainly deserved to be an Alicorn… now it’s time to discover your talents. Once you will do it, you will get another reward.”

“So… it was you…” I said gently. “You wrote a letter to me… but what would happen here if I did not reply, if it was someone else? I’d certainly kill myself… my life was truly terrible.”

“No one else would. I just knew. I knew it would be YOU, my dear. I’d be very sad if someone else did that to deepen your sadness. If it would happen, he’d be just an Earth pony.”

“Oh… I knew what I was doing. All these things… I wanted to express my feelings through words. I wrote poems, and this is one of the few things I loved to do.”

POOF!

A puff of smoke left me very quickly. I was confused.

“What was that? Did I say anything wrong?” I asked.

“No… you had a talent before… and this is your reward!” Twilight Sparkle screamed.

I looked around until I took a look on my backside.

It was unbelievable. Once you will do it, you will get another reward. I wrote poems, and this was a talent. I got a cutie mark!

“Alex” Celestia told me. “This is your reward! You got a cutie mark!”

“And it’s not just a cutie mark…” Fluttershy told me. “It’s a quill… a Phoenix quill!”

I couldn’t hold it anymore. I wanted to jump. And shout. I was even crying from happiness.

“Oh, sweet Celestia!” I yelled in my joy. “My dear ponies… one very serious matter. You are my first true friends.”

“True. You truly deserved to have friends.” Celestia changed her tone to a firm one. “And my dearest apologies. As a Princess, I have royal duties, so I have to go. Have a good life here, Alex.”

In one moment, Celestia disappeared.

“Teleportation.” I said. “Hm… it’s gonna be useful if my wings would be broken.”

“Did you ever have any of your bones… broken? Legs, arms, anything?” Fluttershy asked with a great curiosity.

“People in my surroundings had broken legs. One had his nose broken in a bad accident playing football. But me? Never. I’m so happy to be that hard. I survived a lot of bad accidents.” I said in a firm tone. “Now… I suppose I need to get a job.”

“And we obviously don’t know what are you good at.” Twilight told.

“I’m… smart. Presumably I should find somebody who is good in magic, or has a lot of…”

I couldn’t finish my sentence. Somebody appeared in front of the round table.

“Ho, ho, ho.” Somepony said, it was a female. “New? What’s your name?”

“Um… Alex.” I replied.

“Strange… where are you from?”

“Not from here.”

“He says he’s from the real world, right?” Fluttershy asked again.

“That’s right.” I said. “So… what do you have for me?”

“Well… I guess you can go with me.”

Twilight and Fluttershy nodded in agreement.

“Okay… I hope I’ll see ya someday.”

“Goodbye. Have a nice stay.”

Darkness comes to life - Part II

The next day was like other days. I suspected Midnight Shadow did something truly evil. But I managed somehow to hide my suspicions from her. That night, I decided to teleport to Canterlot, in hope I will get some useful informations on how to reverse the spells. But the answer was only one. The Elements of Harmony. But I didn’t even know where they could be. I grabbed another book, this one was used by Celestia to contact Twilight Sparkle…

I grabbed a quill and started writing.

Listen, this is true. Midnight Shadow, my so-called mistress, is plotting something evil. She kidnapped the two royal sisters and drained their powers, that’s why there’s night all the time. Elements of Harmony are presumably missing. They can be used to reverse the jinxes she used a long time ago.
I need your help. I can’t fight alone because… I’m so afraid.

Then I put the quill on its original place, same with the book. I just hope somebody will come to help me…

Everfree Forest Castle

Then I fell asleep.

The next day… without the sun, just filled with darkness. I felt something deep into my heart. Then I saw an astonishing sight.

Midnight Shadow… she used her magic to open a box containing all six Elements of Harmony. She wasn’t alone. Next to her, there was a pony who used to be imprisoned.

It was Nightmare Moon.

She used her magic to transfer their power into a dark crystal, glowing in a very dark purple. I guess it had to be the answer. But for now, I decided to stay where I was.

Twilight’s castle

Twilight woke up after she felt a little hungry. A little moment later, she noticed her book glow.

“Who is it writing right now…” she wondered.

She opened her book and read it aloud.

Listen, this is true. Midnight Shadow, my so-called mistress, is plotting something evil. She kidnapped the two royal sisters and drained their powers, that’s why there’s night all the time. Elements of Harmony are presumably missing. They can be used to reverse the jinxes she used a long time ago.
I need your help. I can’t fight alone because… I’m so afraid.

“Ah. He must be lying.” She sighed in disbelief, then going to kitchen to eat some cheese.

Everfree Forest Castle

Now I was in a dark corridor. I felt really terrible. What I’m doing? Yes, I have to understand the power contained within the mysterious crystal… but what if something will go wrong?

I was sad. I was scared. And finally, I was alone. Deep in my heart I figured out what Midnight Shadow has done. She has made my friends… my first friends ever… think I’m a traitor. And now she must be getting ready to take over Equestria…

Soon, I slowly opened a door. It was where the crystal was.

“The crystal that contains the entire power of friendship… powers of the Princesses…” I said in a worried tone. “There we go to a point where we choose to die. But what if my mission… will fail? I’m sorry Midnight Shadow, you force me to do this.”

I felt angry. I slowly took the crystal in my hooves and threw it with such force powerful to smash it.

Soon, a powerful magic emerged from it. It filled the room with so bright light.

Twilight’s castle

“Don’t worry Spike. He won’t do anything bad. You’ll see, he isn’t that much powerful.” Rainbow Dash said in a firm tone. “I just know Alex must be involved in making this magic. He helped the liar…”

“Right… I believe you, Rainbow Dash.” Twilight Sparkle replied. “But… I think our enemy has stolen the Elements of Harmony, so we can’t fight back. We’re now weak.”

“And yes you are.” Somebody said.

The sight was unbelievable. Everybody had their jaws dropped by what they saw. A thing that never should happen.

“How… how did you escape? You were long lost!” Twilight said.

“True… I appreciate your knowledge, Princess of Friendship!” Nightmare Moon told in an evil tone. “Oh yes… I always wanted this to happen. Soon, I will be the Princess, and Midnight Shadow, will be the queen of all Equestria!”

Nightmare Moon laughed. However, Twilight felt somewhat enlighted.

“Nightmare Moon…” she said. “I think so. But tonight this… is going to have an end.”

Everybody was astonished on what Twilight just said.

“I can see it. You and your servant… battling to death…”

“What are you talking about?” Applejack asked with surprise.

“He figured out what you were doing. He figured out how to… He did it. He broke your dark crystal.”

“WHAT?!” Nightmare Moon shouted in anger.

Everfree Forest Castle

The crystal was broken. Now on the floor there were Elements of Harmony. Not six, but… seven.

“What is that Element?” I asked in surprise.

Soon, Midnight Shadow appeared in front of me, she looked really angry.

“You… how did you dare steal my powers!” she yelled.

“Now I know who you were… what you did to the poor Princesses… but I still don’t know why there are seven Elements!”

“Seven… oh, how pathetic of you. But… you’re gonna pay for it, traitor! You will still be hated by many… not to mention your old friends… soon their friendships… will turn into eternal hate.”

“Mistress… but there’s a problem. It’s not one vs. one.”

“What do you… how did you dare say it!”

“HOW DID YOU DARE STEAL OUR PRECIOUS FRIEND!!!” somebody screamed in anger.

“TWILIGHT!” I replied with a bright smile on my face.

The Mane Six came so close to me and started hugging me so tight.

“Listen, there’s not much time, girls!” I said. “If we don’t do anything, we’ll die.”

“Of course you are going to die. You will die even tonight!” Nightmare Moon shouted. “How pathetic from you… how did you escape my beautiful spell? Answer!”

“I’m sorry to tell you that. If you smashed the crystal, you would bring eternal chaos to a peaceful world. I couldn’t do anything but smash it before you did. I observed you all. I read the forbidden books. I made my way to Canterlot, when they all were under effects of your curse! Deep in my heart my love for Equestria did not die. I would still love them even if you… tried to kill Celestia… soon we’ll know the truth.”

I felt tears started to flow against my cheeks.

“And no matter what you will do, we’ll all stand for our precious friend!” Applejack replied.

“He understood the power of love. Without him, we’re all dead.” Fluttershy yelled.

“In the end, he remained loyal to the magic of friendship.” Rainbow Dash said.

“There would be no fun anymore if you took over our beloved Equestria!” Pinkie Pie cried.

“Beauty would lose its taste and understanding. What if we were greedy for power?” Rarity shouted.

“We’re going to save our world from darkness you created!” Twilight Sparkle screamed.

“And I understood the power of friendship. You did everything to destroy our hopes. But I felt it deep in my heart. I had to do it. I wanted to do it. I would do everything to save my friends.” I told in a serious tone.

Nightmare Moon then shot a bolt of magic into us. However, we were fast enough to dodge it before it hit the pole meant for the crystal.

“Friends… you have to take your Elements. I’m going to fight.” I said.

“But… if you die?” Twilight Sparkle asked me, still crying.

“Don’t worry about me. Do you believe me?” I asked then.

“I believe you… but if you die, we’ll die too.” Fluttershy replied.

I went away, looking for any sign of Midnight Shadow. However, all I could feel was fear. I couldn’t stop thinking about the new Element. It’s unbelievable. I thought there were only six Elements. Where did the seventh come from, and who did it choose?

“Ah, there you are… you little coward.” Nightmare Moon said to me with an evil grin on her face. “Daring to die, huh? Already… giving up?”

She then laughed, as I had a worried look. Soon, I felt a strange force wrap my body.

“What is that?!” Nightmare Moon asked in her astonishment.

“You see… but I’m not willing to give up!” I yelled, shooting a bolt of magic into her. She tried to fight back, but my spell was more powerful as it hit Nightmare Moon with great ease. Soon, she yelled in deep fright and flew away.

“How… how this is possible?” I asked.

“I don’t know. But I know this force came from you.” Twilight Sparkle mumbled. She was already close to me. “If it has to do with our Elements… they must be protecting you. But she was still brave enough to try and fight back. She couldn’t. She… oh, Alex!”

Twilight started again to cry.

“Twilight… listen, my dear. We’re all here. Soon it’s gonna finish. They’re never gonna win. Trust me, Twilight. They were preparing to do it centuries before I even was born.”

“Ah… you’re so childish. Soon, I’m going to wipe you out of existence.” Midnight Shadow yelled. “Look at these two… so inseparable… I’m afraid this is your last stand, traitor.”

She then shot a bolt of magic towards us. However, I didn’t want to dodge right now. The magic that wrapped me caused the spell to fire back, hitting Midnight Shadow.

She fell to the ground.

“What was that?” Applejack asked.

“That force… I didn’t think it was so strong to cause the spell to backfire… she’s… dead.”

Everybody let out a sigh of relief.

“Listen. You take care of the Princesses. You have to do this. Twilight… please, try to restore the powers of the Princesses.”

Outside the castle

Moon still shined on a cloudy sky, rain poured down onto hard ground, and I was wondering where Nightmare Moon and Midnight Shadow could be…

But instead of walking, I stopped. And it was the moment I realized what I have done before breaking the crystal was wrong. I felt an immense pain inside my all body. I laid down on cold and wet ground.

“Oh, God…” I whimpered, trying to hold my tears. “What monster I have become… I am such a coward… how could I do this to you, girls? Now I know what could happen…”

“Alex… is that you?” someone called. It was Twilight Sparkle.

“Go… I know what I did was wrong… the day I met Midnight Shadow… I joined her… what a prick I am… leave me alone, I didn’t deserve your friendship…”

“It’s okay, boy… you helped us discover the truth…” she replied to me.

“It’s not okay, girl! When I saw these books… hypnosis spell, and one, very dark… mind changing spell…”

“Boy… Alex, you discovered the spell that made us think you couldn’t be trusted! And now…”

“I can’t be trusted anymore… If you want to say this, then… I get it…” I said, still crying.

“Then the crystal… I think it kept these jinxes alive. When you broke it, I felt deep in my heart that was YOU. How could I keep myself in Ponyville? And my friends? It was when Nightmare Moon came to us, announcing her return… at first I couldn’t believe, but I thought she did something evil. And now I see you here… but you feel distraught, right?”

“I only want to give up, this fight has no point… I feel that when I came, it only started the disaster. I brought an apocalypse to all of Equestria. I am the problem.”

Soon, the rest came over to me, but I didn’t even dare to look at them.

“Oh, poor thing…” Fluttershy sighed, then she let out a groan.

“He told me he wanted to give up…” Twilight explained. “He sees no point to fight… he thinks he brought disaster. What can we do?”

“I have no idea, my faithful student.” Celestia told with a weak voice. “It’s not about the fight… I fear more that he could harm himself… and die.”

“Then… let me die in peace. Leave me alone.” I growled.

“We can’t.” Rainbow Dash whispered.

“Can’t you see that I am really a worthless guy? I regret the day I was born… every day of my life… the world would be better without me, I brought disaster upon all of you and Equestria!” I shouted. “My parents were right… everyone I saw was right… until I met you… I understand that you wield the Elements, but they cannot help me. All I experienced was hate and other negative… things.”

Applejack sighed.

“How the hay can he say such things about himself?” she said, slightly worried.

“Now I get it… he didn’t have any friends before. His parents didn’t show him enough love… or maybe didn’t show at all?” Rarity asked.

“And honestly… people used to take advantage at my cost… And I myself was so stupid to do anything… whatever I did, was wrong. I know it can’t be any better for me… each day goes worse. And…”

I suddenly felt my sight was becoming more blurry, until I collapsed. It didn’t last too long until I woke up… but this wasn’t reality, it was like a dream…

My dream

I slowly stood on my front hooves and opened my eyes. The girls, Celestia and Luna were gone. I was in Ponyville… nah, that cannot be real Ponyville… too clean to be true.

“H-Hello?” I called. “Anypony there?”

Suddenly, I saw some fillies running through the streets, they all were happy…

“No, that can’t be real…” I said hard. “I brought total chaos to Equestria, how is this possible?”

“I heard your wishes… I know what you’ve really wanted all the time.” Somepony called.

“L-Luna? B-but…” I said, trying to hold my tears. “It can’t be… why are the ponies so happy? I know what I want to do, it goes opposite.”

Luna laughed, but then calmed down. “See, I knew you just wanted to be good.” Another voice emerged.

“Celestia? How… how long have you known about this, Princess?”

“Uh, hate to admit it, but it was someone I used to know a long time ago, even before you and my faithful student were born.”

“What did he do?”

“He told me he saw all of you in his dreams… he predicted the banishment of Nightmare Moon and her return… at first I did not believe him. He even predicted your arrival to Equestria.”

“Is he… a fortune teller?” I asked quietly.

“Fortune teller? Oh no, my boy. He was the mightiest magician Equestria could ever know. And… I suppose I know who are so-called fortune tellers in your world.”

“Yes… they mostly give sort of things that they claim to be lucky…”

Celestia then nodded. “Yes. Star Swirl the Bearded wasn’t such a freak. I can tell you one thing now… do you see all these fillies being happy…”

“Rather fake happiness… they’re hypnotized.”

“Now boy, this is NOT what you think. This is what your future holds. You might be a very sad pony, you might have been hated for too long, but… ponies here love you. They want to be your friends. They see you as a powerful yet very gentle pony. I knew you are the one who read my letter. I could kill myself if it wasn’t you…”

I then exploded in tears. I walked closer to Celestia.

“Princess… please…” I said, still crying. “Don’t say things like this… I am here. To save you. And remember, no matter what could happen, I will forever love you.”

“Like we will forever love you, our dear boy…” Luna whispered gently, she also started to cry.

The Princesses now hugged me tightly. What a coward I was to give up so easily…

Then I whispered them some words.

I am, who my enemies don’t know who I am
The last words of a true warrior I could say
Harmony will be restored, nightmares will vanish
In a night of fate that was sealed inside me
Hopes will return, friendship conquer our hearts
The words of a sad warrior whose life will
Remain in hearts ours from yesterday,
To the present, for the eternity

Something started to happen. I was wrapped in a strange magic power.

“W-What is this?!” I cried.

“Your Element is now connected to the rest of them! The magic is working!” Celestia explained.

Soon I felt my eyes closing.

Reality

I was asleep for a little long time before I regained control over my body.

“Oh… what was it?” Rarity asked.

“I was… wrapped with a kind of magic, I wonder what it could be.” I told. “And I’m worried about Sky Tear… where is she gone?”

“Sky Tear? What are you talking about, Alex?” Celestia asked me with great surprise.

“Listen, Princess… this book… The Unsolved Myths and Legends of Equestria. Midnight Shadow had this book with her…

“The Unsolved Myths and Legends of Equestria?” Twilight Sparkle questioned herself.

“Weird…” Applejack said. “I can just see blank pages.”

“But I can…” I said, fearing something bad will happen. “Do you, Princess? The book says… page 33. It says…”

“Interesting, but how…” Celestia told, before she widened her eyes in total shock.

“What is it… why is the Princess so… surprised?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Alex…” Celestia yelled. I jumped in fright. “Do you know you brought back a long lost Sky Tear?”

“Yes… but how the hay I could know by then she was… your youngest sister?”

Everyone widened their eyes and froze in complete shock, like a thunder just hit them.

Then, someone else emerged from the mist. It was Sky Tear, the third and youngest sister of both Celestia and Luna, filled with both sadness and joy.

“My dear… thank you for saving me from cruel fate…” she told me, hugging me tightly. I hugged her back and let out a sigh.

“It’s okay, my dear…” I told her, still crying. “Don’t worry Sky Tear, it’s okay… please, look at your sisters, they certainly missed you so much…”

New beginnings

Ponyville. Castle of Friendship

A nice warm day has come. Finally I could forget about the recent accident with Midnight Shadow. I woke up not like before. I was really full of joy, especially about Twilight letting me stay at her castle.

“Good morning, Alex.” A voice told.

“Hello, Spike.” I replied. “And good morning. Rainbow Dash asked the Pegasi to completely clear the sky. After all, she did it for all of us.”

“Wow… that’s nice from her part. Where’s the bathroom?”

Spike pointed at a door near the reading table. I think it was a personal bathroom. If yes, then the castle is made to accommodate the guests really well.

I went to the bathroom. Now I realized how luxurious was here. Bath, shower… toilet, sink and towels.

“Now that’s what I didn’t have back where I came from.” I told in amazement.

“Good morning. Enjoying your stay?” came another voice.

“Um… hi, Twilight. What are you doing in my bathroom?” I asked a little bit of nervous.

“Sh, don’t worry.”

“Sorry… yeah, I’m fine. Where’s breakfast?”

“Not so far from here. You’re meeting another friend today.”

“Friends? Oh, sweet!”

Now I was smiling.

Dining saloon

It wasn’t that much time before we arrived to the dining saloon. It was rather large, and the ceiling was high above my head. Spike was our cooker.

“What would ya like to eat?” Twilight asked me.

“Hm… I just… don’t know. Where I came from I ate not enough.” I replied.

“Let’s see… try some daisies.”

Oh no. How will I eat flowers? Besides… no, I’m a pony, and ponies really eat flowers…

“Um…” Then I took a bite.

Indeed it tasted nice. Oh, how foolish I am…

“It tastes good.”

Few minutes later. I was done with breakfast.

Castle corridors

Now it was time when Twilight guided me through her castle. I knew exactly the point. I just don’t want to get lost.

“It sure is HUGE” I said.

“Not a thing.” Twilight replied. “Besides, you should go here…”0

Then Twilight pointed at a door.

I felt nervous. What could be inside? If there was another pony, then… oh, I was so afraid.

I opened the door. Seemingly, nobody was there.

“H-hello? Anypony there?” I said loudly, catching somepony’s attention.

“Wuh…” a mare said. “I heard hay stacks about you. Name is Starlight Glimmer.”

“Hi, Starlight Glimmer. I am Alex.” I replied to her. “I…”

“There, there…” she whispered gently, while petting my mane and rubbing tears out my cheeks. Apparently, I was crying. “Once I had a real problem.”

“What was it?”

“Well… it was when I was just a filly… I got very well along my friend Sunburst, then we two were young… one day, he saved me from a stack of falling books, and that’s when he earned his cutie mark. You know… he’s a talented unicorn, he went to Canterlot… to the school… and I felt abandoned… and this apparently was my curse, I thought cutie marks were evil… it had its culmination when I tried to change history of entire Equestria!”

Now she broke into tears.

“And?” I asked.

“She was… Twilight saved me…” she told, still crying. “I was nearly about to tear a scroll when Twilight convinced me to join her. And what brought you here, boy?”

“Long story… I made a lot of stupid mistakes… I just wanted to do everything good… all my best… but I failed anyways… back from where I came, I was a born failure. People didn’t want to befriend me. They just kept me alive and quiet. I couldn’t say anything. I thought there was something wrong with me… until I started watching a really nice show on TV, and it proved me wrong. I didn’t do anything wrong. Something terribly wrong was with other people, not me.

"But… it didn’t last too long until my parents cut me out from it, forcing me to study… until when I discovered that mirror. First, I thought it was fragile… and few days ago the very mirror brought me here. To Equestria. To you. However, it didn’t start smoothly. Inside, I was screaming. Merely thinking about killing myself.

"Fluttershy found me crying, showing me the kindness I did not even receive. It was the time when Midnight Shadow encountered me… first I thought she was nice… but when I took a look on a forbidden book, I was horribly shocked. She casted a spell on the poor princess… then, she kidnapped Celestia and Luna…

"I smashed her mysterious crystal and defeated her. It was the first time I actually believed that I will do it. And I did. I saved Equestria.”

Now, I was crying. Deeply. Starlight Glimmer hugged me tightly.

“Did you have any… girlfriend?” she asked.

“No…” I replied swiftly. “Nobody wanted me there, and I saw no point in it.”

Ponyville

I was really happy to meet another friend, it was Starlight Glimmer. She was somewhat similar to me, she also felt alone, but in a different way than I was.

Now I and Twilight were roaming through the streets of Ponyville.

“First of all, I want to show you… yes, Sugarcube Corner.” She told me smiling. “Our bakery. Pinkie Pie works here. She loves baking. And…”

Twilight Sparkle couldn’t finish talking, as Pinkie Pie shot to us so suddenly, full of joy and a big smile on her face.

“WHOW! ALEX! I DIDN’T KNOW YA WOULD COME!!!” Pinkie Pie shouted, before trotting to me and hugging me tightly I nearly started to choke.

Twilight was fast enough to pull her away from me with magic.

“*Cough, cough* Oh, hay stacks! You could warn us!!” I shot.

“Never mind! Twilight!” Pinkie replied.

“Ah! Alex, she’s… hyper when she meets new ponies. She did the same thing when I arrived to Ponyville for my first time.” Twilight explained.

Now I understood why Pinkie Pie is almost always seen really joyful. Now I turned my head back to Twilight.

“Where are we going now?’ I asked.

“Carousel Boutique. Home and workplace of Rarity.” Twilight answered. “Later we’ll go to Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Why?”

“You know, Rarity doesn’t like anything dirty. And Applejack… she doesn’t even mind about being dirty.”

I simply nodded. Soon, we were standing next to the boutique. Twilight gave a knock on the door.

“Please come in!” A voice shouted.

“Good morning, Rarity.” Twilight said.

“Good morning. What can I do for you?” Rarity asked.

“Nothing, I came with…”

Twilight was stopped by Rarity when she saw me again.

“Alex! Good morning, dear! How have you been so far?” Rarity asked me abruptly.

“Um… fine.” I replied shyly.

There was another pony who noticed it.

“Oh, my…” Fluttershy whispered. “Don’t be shy, my friend.”

As Twilight said before, the next stop was Sweet Apple Acres.

Sweet Apple Acres

“Hello Twilight, hello Alex.” Applejack yelled as she saw us from a good distance. “Ya showed up at a good time!”

“Whow… she indeed must be busy…” I whispered.

“Yeah, running a business like this requires a lot of work.” Twilight said.

“And love.” Applejack added. “Alex, say. Is there anything you do and put love into it?”

I sighed. “I… I don’t know, what to say, AJ. Back home… people yelled at me… you know what it feels being lied to?”

Applejack then walked near me and hugged me tightly.

“Poor thing…” she said. “But here it’s another matter. You found us. You found another life.”

“I certainly would give up my old life to live here…” I replied.

“And, I’d like you to meet the rest of my family. This is Big Macintosh, call him Big Mac if you want…”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said in his easy to recognize, low and deep voice.

“My younger sister Apple Bloom, she recently got her cutie mark.”

“Hi there, Alex” Apple Bloom shrugged with a smile.

“And our eldest member of the family. Granny Smith, she was one of the founders of Ponyville.”

“Good morning!” Granny Smith yelled. “What is YOUR name, boy?”

“A… Alex.” I said quietly.

“What did you say?” she asked.

“Alex.” I said again.

“How?”

“ALEX!!!” This time I yelled.

Granny Smith was nearly blown off because of my voice.

“Oh! I’m so sorry madam!!” I whined. Then I started crying again.

Oh, no! Not crying again! What on Equestria I’m doing! I felt so terrible.

“Boy, don’t worry. We cry a lot in Equestria. And we ain’t gonna taunt you for that!” Apple Bloom pointed out to me.

“She’s right.” Twilight said. “You can’t beat yourself like that, my boy.”

“But… I may be an Alicorn pony, but I didn’t fully show my skills in magic… and I can’t fly…”

Suddenly, somepony shot between us like crazy. Twilight Sparkle and the others fell on the ground, since they got dizzy. I was – to my complete SHOCK – still standing, my mind clear as a cloudless sky…

“*GASP* How… how did you that?” Applejack asked me in shock.

“I was asking the same!” Rainbow dash yelled. “I just heard him saying he can’t fly… and suddenly BOOM! He didn’t even get dizzy!”

“But it can’t be possible! In my school… I was the worst in physical education… I’m not that type like you, I never went to gym, nothing… I was kept still at home…”

Rainbow Dash went wide-eyed at what she just heard. A pony… not a normal pony… an Alicorn pony who did not do any sports or gymnastics resisted the dizziness?

She then made an assertive, emotionless look on me.

“Okay…” she said calmly, trying to breathe out her shock. “Twilight, won’t you mind if I take him for a flying lesson?”

“Never mind.” Twilight said.

“Right.” She then made a firm look. “Alex… follow me.”

Fields outside Ponyville

Few minutes later. We’re in an open field, ideally flat. But, to my great horror, Rainbow Dash insisted to go on a high cliff. Since I didn’t know how to fly, she chose a short but tiring path up to the cliff.

“Okay, Rainbow Dash…” I sighed, still too afraid. “All I need to do is flap my wings in mid-air as I jump from it?”

“Not really.” Rainbow Dash told me.

“What do you…” I asked in panic.

Rainbow Dash really meant it, she kicked me out of the cliff’s edge. Now I was falling.

I was really scared. What if I crash to the ground? Oh, no! I was nearly touching the ground when I started flapping my wings gently… It was unbelievable. Now, instead of falling, I was freely soaring through the sky, climbing higher, and higher…

Dash just had her jaw dropped seeing me flying like this. Soon I stopped and tried to hang in mid-air.

“Dash… I made it…” I said to her. “But… I think I was too slow.”

“Doesn’t matter how fast you were flying. Only thing that matters is that you made it at the first try!” she yelled.

Now, I shot off really fast. So fast that I couldn’t just believe it. Now it was another sharp turn… and a dive deep below…

“ALEX! WATCH OUT!!!” Dash yelled, thinking I was about to crash.

But she was wrong. I made another sharp climb, then rolling through the sky and trying to avoid clouds.

“Sweet Celestia, I’m flying! I’m really flying!” I shouted with a big smile. Now, another idea came to mind. If I could just dive from a really high altitude…

“Okay, Dash. I wanna do it! DO NOT SAY ANYTHING!!!” I yelled.

Then, I flew even higher than the most clouds were… Rainbow Dash couldn’t see me…

“Alex? Where are… ARE YOU MAD?! YOU WILL CRASH FROM THIS ALTITUDE!!!” she yelled, clearly terrified and worried.

Now I was diving down at an incredible speed. So fast somepony else could find it difficult, but…

“I can do it…” I mumbled. I was still diving when I already saw the ground. “I can do it! I CAN DO IT!!”

“YOU ARE GONNA CRASH… AAAAAAAAHH!!!!”

BOOM!!!

A massive explosion blew Rainbow Dash off her hooves. Now I was soaring through the sky with a great speed, making those seemingly impossibly difficult sharp turns and rolls. But how was that possible? I was still asking myself the same question. How can it be possible? If previously I was a failure… then how the hay is this supposed to happen?

Now I realized why it was so. Everypony… they’re all my friends. They made me believe again. They definitely changed my life into a better life.

This moment of joy didn’t last too long, however. Because suddenly I heard a scream.

A small town

Finally, I made a really soft landing in a neighborhood of a small country town. The sign showed it was Appleloosa. I heard that Applejack really wanted to visit this place, and she did it. She somehow mentioned her cousin Braeburn, who was actually living there.

The scream was gone. I went on a little investigation. Nothing I did see there… until I poked my head from a corner of a nearby house.
In a little distance I saw some stallions beating up a young mare.

“Yeah, she was so foolish to steal small but important thing!” One of them shrugged.

“Power? Hell yeah, you can just dream, stupid little bitch!” Another one yelled.

“You have proved to us you are nothing but a power hungry thief!” The third called. “Hey, maybe this boy down here will help us? HEY, YOU THERE!”

I was astonished at first of the call. Deep inside, I felt worried for the mare and angry for the stallions.

“Yeah, how can I help ya, dudes?” I asked.

“I think you might mute her, you can use your magic!” Their leader told me.

When I stepped closer, I was totally astonished what I saw. It was the same pony who stole Twilight’s crown something like three years ago. Sunset Shimmer, now she lied on the ground, crying and bruised, not to mention she was bleeding. The only thing I felt was that I was so worried.

“Okay guys.” I called with a firm voice. “This… is what she deserves.”

I casted a swift spell against the bullies. Soon, they were mute. As they tried to talk, there was total silence… nearly, as Sunset was still sobbing.

“Now boys, I’m gonna report you to Princess Twilight Sparkle. And don’t think you can get away from us!!”

The bullies were so shocked that they ran away in great fear.

“You thought I will mute you?” I said to Sunset, now with a worried look. “No… I know you deserve better…”

“D-do you forgive me?” She asked with tears. “After all… I did?”

I then made a big smile. “Yes.”

With these words, I took her hooves into mine as she made a joyful smile, even if her eyes were filling with tears. But now… these weren’t tears of sadness. These were tears of hope and joy. She stood up on her hooves and gave me a really, really big hug. “THANK YOU!!” she yelled.

A sunset in tears

Back to Ponyville

I decided to take a fast train to Ponyville, but not before giving Sunset Shimmer a solid disguise. We both didn’t want to expose her after what she has gotten into. A bad fight with three colts who remembered her too well.

After we were back in Ponyville, I managed to make it quick to the castle. When we entered the castle, I was still hugging Sunset Shimmer so tightly, with each time she became happier to meet me.

“Twilight… I need your help.” I yelled. “There’s an injured mare who has been bullied!”

“Oh, thanks goodness! Where were… oh dear!” Twilight sighed as she saw the injured mare.

“The girl was bullied for what she did three years ago… I must say… she really needs our help.” I called with a slight worry.

“Poor you… how could the boys bully Sunset Shimmer so bad?” Twilight whispered. “I knew you can do it, Alex… I knew your heart is great… I just… I saw it when you defeated Midnight Shadow…”

Then we went up to my bedroom, we were placing bandages and trying to heal her bruises. And I did all my best to comfort her. But, she still was really worried.

“Why are you so worried?” I asked her, gently stroking her mane.

“I don’t know… what will the Princess say… I failed her…” she cried.

“Um… what way did you fail her, my dear?”

“Because… I was her student…” Sunset replied. “And… my ambitions took me over and I became… so jealous… and I stole Twilight’s crown one night… I guess nobody will be like you, to forgive me…”

I was slightly worried by what Sunset Shimmer said. I knew Twilight Sparkle knew her very well… Think, Alex, think! Princess Celestia isn’t that cruel to never forgive somepony for what he did!

Castle lounge

I decided to leave Sunset Shimmer for the rest of the day alone, so she can heal faster. I even agreed to let her sleep with me in the same bedroom. I quickly took a parchment and a quill and started writing a letter.

Dear Princess Celestia.

Today was a day not like I had back in my previous life. I actually learned to fly at the first try – despite Rainbow Dash has pushed me from a high cliff, which I was hoping not to happen – and believe me, I was even able to make a powerful Sonic Rainboom after I realized here I found true friends! They not only helped me become more confident, they completely changed my life. And so happened that… I found that a young mare in Appleloosa was bullied by a group of three Earth ponies, for what she did. And it came to my attention that it was Sunset Shimmer, your former student. And this is how I trusted my instincts… I pranked the bullies by muting them. They couldn’t speak. I warned them about reporting to you, which I’m doing right now, in this letter. I hope you might arrive soon to us.

Yours faithfully.
Alex

Then I put out the quill.

“Spike? There’s work to do.” I called.

“A letter? Spike is at your service!” Spike answered. Soon he grabbed my letter and used his magic breath to send the letter.
“All done.” Spike replied. Soon…

POOF.

It was just in less than a second. I saw it was Princess Celestia. I bowed down in respect.

“I read your letter.” She told me. “I already missed you, boy.”

“You really wanted to see me again?” I asked in a slight surprise.

“I really expected you to do this…”

Celestia made a small smile. So did I.

“And you truly changed… Equestria changed you. Now… be so kind and tell me, where Sunset Shimmer is.”

“She is… she’s in my bedroom, healing from her injuries. I can show you.”

After a few minutes of walking, we were near my bedroom.

“Before you enter, Princess…” I told in an assertive voice. “I want to talk with her.”

“Go ahead. I will wait.”

I entered my bedroom. Sunset Shimmer was calmly reading a book called Daring Do and the Ring of Destiny.

“Hello, dear.” I said gently.

“Hi, Alex… is there any problem?” Sunset asked me.

“Excuse me, but… there’s somebody who really wants to talk to you.”

At this moment, I used magic to open the door, revealing Princess Celestia, who waited patiently outside.

Sunset Shimmer began crying again, seeing Princess Celestia with her wings wide spread.

“It’s been a while when we last met.” Celestia said, looking at Sunset.

Sunset Shimmer got up from bed, still crying.

“Please, Princess…” she sobbed. “I’m so sorry for being so greedy and jealous… I should’ve known earlier I was about to fail you… and I will accept any punishment awaiting me…”

To her surprise, Celestia began hugging her, also crying.

“It was my fault, my faithful student…” Celestia said. I was slightly confused with that. “I should’ve known earlier… if not that mirror, you wouldn’t have passed on the wrong path…”

“Y-you forgive me?” Sunset asked in shock. “Like Alex forgave me?”

“Of course I do, Sunset Shimmer. Indeed there was no reason to forgive you, since it wasn’t your fault…”

I could just smile at them both hugging and crying… I sighed in relief and let out another small tear.

“And you, Alex…” Celestia now turned attention to me. “I don’t know yet who these bullies were…”

“Yes, the… boys who bullied her…” I said quickly. “They have gray coats. One of them has stone gray mane and eyes, had boxing gloves for cutie mark. The second has black mane and blue eyes, water droplet for cutie mark. Third has blue eyes and red mane… has a fist as cutie mark. They were really scared to hear I will report them. They must be hiding somewhere in Appleloosa. And all are Earth ponies.”

“Sure will do. Thanks for letting me know. And don’t worry about your prank. This spell only lasts for an hour of sleep. So they will be ready for a serious talk.”

I sighed in relief again.

Invited

Ponyville streets

Now it was time for some shopping. I was happy to trot along with Starlight Glimmer and Twilight Sparkle. Sunset Shimmer was still recovering from her bad injury.

In fact, I was overjoyed to be in company of my newest friends.

“So tell me… isn’t the day gorgeous?” Twilight asked me.

“Magnificent.” I replied. “I can’t wait for a day I will find… the one who will really love me…”

“Well, actually you showed a big compassion to Sunset Shimmer, but…”

“Hm, you’re certainly right. But… I don’t know…”

Twilight Sparkle stopped by a stand with apples and other groceries. It was filled with lots of different vegetables, too. Like lettuce, tomatoes, salad…

“If we can have a bag of apples and some… carrots…” Twilight said.

“That will be twenty bits.” The seller told as Twilight gave him money, twenty bits.

I started thinking. Where I can get a really interesting job for me? I should get a job, somehow I want to keep my friends happy…

“Twilight… look, I have some problem.” I said.

“What is it, Alex?” She replied.

“I don’t have a job. Obviously, I need one.”

“Hm… let me think. What about looking for job in Canterlot?”

“I must see.”

“Okay… nice and easy.”

Canterlot

Teleported… Twilight actually did that. She got not only me, but also Starlight Glimmer.

“Welcome to Canterlot.” Twilight quickly got an occasion to explain. “The capital of Equestria. We’re… on the town square.”

“Eeyup.” I said. Lightly imitating Big Mac, although I didn’t want to.

“Um… and this is one of main streets.” Twilight continued. “I kinda figured that…”

“Miss Twilight Sparkle?” a pony asked.

“Yes. What’s the matter, Fancypants?” Twilight replied.

“Well… I would rather ask your… friend of it.” Fancypants told.

“Who, me?” Starlight asked with a bit of surprise.

“No. You, boy.” Now he turned attention to me.

I was only a little surprised.

“What is it, Mr. Fancypants?” I asked.

“Important matter. You should go alone, someone is awaiting you at the castle.”

Now that was kind of… weird. If it’s the Princess calling for me because of the bullies, then… no surprise will be.

Canterlot Castle

“Please come in!” A female voice roared through the halls.

I recognized this voice. Princess Celestia certainly was expecting me right at this moment. I walked with a little fear. But then I thought, “If it’s about the bullies, then they won’t stand a chance. I am too kind to be bad.”

“Alex. Nice to meet you again.”

I bowed in respect.

“Due to this heroic act of bravery…” Celestia told me with a smile. “May I present… Rock Savage, he will accompany you to your new master.”

“Um… what are you talking about?”

I was shocked. Who was going to be my master? And who was the Pegasus standing in front of me? My smile turned into a big frown. I was afraid. Screaming inside.

“But… what if you are hypnotized, Princess? I was the victim, I don’t wanna be the victim anymore!!!” I yelled so loud.

Princess just giggled. “Oh, calm down. I’m not joking. I’m not even hypnotized. Forget about it, now. Be polite and follow Rock Savage.”

I remained silent as I followed the white Pegasus stallion. I was in so deep thoughts as…

BAM!

Now I was lying on the floor, along with a gamboge-coated Pegasus guard.

“Oh no.” I said. “There we go again. I should really stop bumping into other ponies like this.”

Instead, Flash Sentry made a big smile and helped me get back on my hooves.

“I got used to this.” He explained. “Somewhat you remind my crush.”

Now I knew what he was talking about. I couldn’t just stand here and chat, I was summoned to another pony who is supposed to be my new master.

Soon, we were by a door in a narrow corridor with large double doors at its end. The office was on the side of the corridor.

“Sir, we have your new… apprentice.” Rock Savage exclaimed.

“First… I want to ask some questions. Do not worry and come in.” Another stallion mumbled.

He was sitting on his chair, facing the window.

I was still frowned. I was so worried.

“But… listen, sir…” I quickly started explaining. “Maybe I have friends, but I don’t think I’m good to be… someone who I dreamed to be…”

“What was your dream, boy?”

“I wanted to stand for the weak… back in my world, people were ungrateful… I don’t even know what I could ever do. I wasn’t sporty like others, I was the worst in PE… I was the worst in all terms, you know?”

“Then this is why I summoned YOU here…” The stallion raised his voice. “To show you that nothing is lost. You really deserve a chance. AND THEY WERE WRONG ALL THE WAY!!!”

“But…”

“Don’t tell me you’re worse. You see, you are really good… My sister told me a lot about you… even when you stood up for Sunset Shimmer.”

“Yeah… Twilight told others I am so kind… I remember that moment too good, I pranked these bullies by muting them… I couldn’t do anything evil. I simply can’t agree for that.”

“And this is what I value in you.” Now the stallion turned around to face me, he had a really honest,, kind and compassionate look. “People just wanted to crush you. I can show you can defend yourself and the others… therefore, I appoint you as my personal trainee.”

My jaw dropped.

Personal… trainee? What does it mean? Is he giving me a boring job? No… somehow I recognize him… the look, and his kindness…

“You…” I said in great shock. “*GASP* You are… Shining Armor! Captain of Canterlot Royal Guard!!”

“That’s it!” He said with a big smile. “And I just knew… I knew you deserve so much compassion and love that you didn’t even know before you arrived.”

Now I started crying… again. Shining Armor was quick enough to give me a big hug.

“Thank you… I-I don’t k-k-know if Cellestia… didn’t bring me here… I would be indeed dead…”

“I see you are really grateful for what you have brought into. Now, no time to waste. You should meet your fellow trainees.”

Castle training grounds

It came to me like a big electric shock. To learn I became a TRAINEE for a Royal Guard! I was still so shocked. I couldn’t calm down. The shock was overwhelming. I was shockingly shocking shocked. Even more than the last time my real parents tried to tell me I was a ‘failure that needs to go’.

For the first time. In all my life. I felt so touched by their friendship. They actually gave me a chance. Something that back in my world I didn’t even could sense. It was finally that moment in my life, when somebody will appreciate me.

“TRAINEES!!” Shining Armor ordered. “Everypony, meet our new trainee, his name is Alex. Please, be gentle with him, since he has a tragic past and needs REAL support.”

I was approached by a Earth pony trainee, he was gray and had blue eyes, and his cutie mark was a hurricane eye.

“Poor boy… but I promise we can help you.” He said. “My name is Hurricane, I am a trainee since a month.”

“You’re in company of the best ponies you have ever met in your life.” Another stallion called, this one was a unicorn.

Suddenly, somebody started hugging me very gently, causing me to turn my head away. I saw that was Princess Celestia, the same pony who brought me here, away from all pain and sadness.

“Oh, what would my life be if not you, Princess?” I whined, letting go a small tear.

“You say. And please call me Celestia, we’re all friends here.” She whispered calmly.

“I could be dead if you didn’t bring me here. I feel so loved here. Something I never experienced.”

“Well… Shining Armor, what’s your decision?”

Shining soon cleared his throat. “I appointed him as a trainee. Decision is yours, but I want to take it somewhere… private.” He said with a firm voice.

“Sure will do.” Celestia replied. “Alex… I’d like you to meet my family.”

“Your family?” I asked with a smile.

Evening at Canterlot

Now I was trotting along with Princess Celestia, who first showed me the pictures depicting the former rulers of Equestria.

“This… is Princess Amore. She was the first ruler of Crystal Empire. Defeated by King Sombra… she’s presumably killed. And this…”

Celestia then showed me an interesting stained glass depicting a really strange creature surrounded by two ponies.

“This is the moment when Discord was defeated for the first time. He’s a draconequus. A beast composed of an equine head and lower part is a mix of other animals.” She explained. “And here… when Cadence defeated Chrysalis, Queen of changelings.”

Next stained glass was interesting, showing an elderly stallion with a beard and eccentric suit. However, Celestia wasn’t anymore near me. She stared at another stained glass. And what was depicted was certainly disturbing for Celestia.

“What’s here, Celestia?” I asked in a slight worry.

“I never wanted it to happen.” She said. “Never. I still can’t believe that actually I did it.”

“What’s troubling you?”

“The moment when I banished Nightmare Moon to the moon. For a thousand years.”

“You could be happy…”

“No…” Celestia sighed, now she was crying. “Some strange entity possessed my sister…”

I was now shocked. Nightmare Moon – was indeed Princess Luna! But, with one small difference… something has corrupted the good Princess Luna and sealed her deep inside…

“Nightmare Moon wanted one thing. To bring eternal darkness upon Equestria.” Celestia explained. “She totally possessed my dearest sister… I cried a lot after I’ve done it… I know I didn’t want to, but at the time was the right thing to do, since she nearly killed me. Thanks to Twilight Sparkle and her friends… pardon me, no offence.…”

“I understand you, Celestia. It happened long before I arrived. So there’s no offence. In fact, nopony here made any offence to me.”

“Thanks for understanding. Thanks to Twilight Sparkle and her friends Nightmare Moon was defeated… but seems like somepony tried to revive Nightmare Moon… with her own body, independent from Luna…”

“I think they are gone… they might do no harm for a while.” I added. “But I’m still worried if they actually tried to revive somepony purely evil… again.”

“Seems like they wait for a right moment. Thanks in advance for warning me, I take it to my notice. Now, Alex. You wonder where you’re gonna sleep?” Now a smirk grew on Celestia’s face.

“Of course, Princess Celestia!”

“Follow me, then.”

Castle corridors

Halfway to my bedroom, I was welcomed with smiles of many ponies who, I thought they worked in the castle as chefs, maids and such.
Another warm greeting came from Flash Sentry. Actually, he told me he was going to spend a few days in Canterlot – apparently, tomorrow he was returning to Crystal Empire. I promised I will visit the Crystal Empire one day.

Author's Note

Next chapter will have a major turning point. Alex will change his attitude towards a pony who he recently met... What's going to happen? Chapter 7 is coming soon!

It's Now or Never

After a hard but exciting training session today I was allowed to return to Ponyville. I feel so good in presence of all those ponies, they really helped me become happy and smiling.

“Hurry up, your train isn’t gonna wait.” Shining Armor exclaimed, as I was nearly finished with packing my stuff.

Apparently, I didn’t have too much stuff to pack, just a few suits and books. Celestia told me I can keep them, these were about the most recent history of Equestria. I can say it was an interesting book, I started reading it yesterday at night, shortly before falling asleep.

Once I was at the train station waiting for my train, I took a look on one of my books. Certainly, it was really interesting. Thanks Celestia I was accompanied by her in persona.

As soon the train to Ponyville has arrived, I waved goodbye to both Princess Celestia and Shining Armor. “I hope we will see again. You’re invited to Crystal Empire, so come at any time you want!” They both yelled.

I was one of the last ponies to board the train.

“Friendship Express leaves soon from the station. Next stop is Ponyville.” Voice from speakers explained. “Please keep back from the track.”

Princess Celestia yet came close to a car I was settling in.

“Remember, we all love you.” She said. “Please say hello to your friends from us.”

“LAST CALL!” Conductor yelled. “Friendship Express, destination Dodge City, stopping at Ponyville!”

Some more ponies boarded the train, until the doors were finally closed. With a loud hiss of steam, the train started to run on its track.

Way to Ponyville

I was accommodating in my car after the train just departed from Canterlot. The beds were soft, I could just sit down and look out my window, to see how Canterlot looked from a distance.

Majestic.

Ponyville train station

“Friendship Express from Canterlot arrives shortly at the platform. Please keep back from the track.” The announcer pony called.

“This must be the train Alex has boarded. I can’t wait to see him again!” Sunset Shimmer yelled with a smile.

“Ohhh, getting cozy with Alex, already?” Pinkie Pie said.

Sunset Shimmer frowned. “He certainly saved me, but… I don’t know what to say.” She let then a small sigh of frustration. “I just… can’t hold it anymore.” With these words, she started crying.

Twilight Sparkle came closer and hugged her gently. “I believe he will do something to cheer you up. He was alone for a really long time, now I think it’s his time to cheer up the lonely ponies.”

“I agree with you, Twi.” Rainbow Dash got into the discussion.

Soon, all ponies heard a noise. Steam was shooting out of the train’s exhaust as it was gradually slowing downwith grace.

“The train is here!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

Arriving to Ponyville

I was preparing to leave the train soon, it was slowly approaching Ponyville. I could already see the town’s train station in a little distance.
With my bag on my side, I stood near the door. “Welcome again. Ponyville… I’m coming back.” I felt really good to see my friends again.

The train came to a stop few seconds later, with a loud steam hiss and wheels braking… The doors soon opened, and I swiftly pulled my luggage out of the car.

“Oh, heavens…” I sighed, trying to pull my luggage out of the train. “Hello, girls! I missed you already!”

“Thanks Celestia you’re back.” Twilight shouted. “We’ve arrived just to say you hello. Soon, we’ll be all busy doing our work.”

“What would it be?” I asked curiously.

Pinkie Pie gave me a sly look. “You’ll see!” She yelled. However, soon went possibly… wrong.

Her jaw dropped a bit, she began to try to catch a good breath, before…

“Ah… You… ACHOOOOOOOOOOO!!” With a loud sneeze, confetti shot out of Pinkie’s nose. Which, obviously, made me laugh really hard.

Pinkie Pie returned to senses with a big smile. “I’m making the best cakes Ponyville could ever see!”

“We got a customer who ordered a surprise party tonight…” Sunset Shimmer explained. “Thanks to Twilight I bet nothing will go wrong.”

“I see… what’s the plan, now?” I asked politely.

“We will have lots of work until tonight.” Applejack told me.

“Spike agreed to stay with you throughout the day.” Twilight added.

“And I guess my sister will bring her friends to accompany you to Sweet Apple Acres.” Rarity said.

“Remember, get a good sleep if you want to come there.” Rainbow Dash told. “The party is gonna be long.”

Castle of Friendship

“Okay, what’s with Sunset Shimmer, girls?” I asked.

“I must go, too. But I hope you will arrive there.” Sunset replied.

I decided to not waste time and hugged her warmly. “Thank you, Alex… you’re seriously a good boy.” She said as I held her in my arms.

Soon the girls were out. It means I’m now just with Spike until tonight.

I sighed. Deep inside, I felt so strange. “Spike… I think… I’m in love.” I shrugged.

Spike gasped. “Seriously, when you saved that girl… first I thought… if you were hated in your home world…”

“Equestria is my home!” I added.

“Sorry, no offence… in this another world of yours… you weren’t liked, right? You feared everything will go wrong?”

“That’s right… but I found the courage… the same courage I had to perform my Sonic Rainboom…” I replied. “I am truly in love.”

I headed straight to my bedroom and prepared for a siesta.

“Okay, Spike… when the girls arrive, please wake me up. I will most likely have to take a shower after getting up.”

“Okie-dokie-lokie.” He replied.

I laid down on bed and closed my eyes.

“Have sweet dreams, Alex.”

The doors closed silently. Now I drifted in my deep sleep.

Sweet Apple Acres

“Like I said.” Twilight shrugged. “I hope we have enough juice and tea… and… right, our chocolate cake made by Pinkie Pie…”

“Twilight…” Sunset soon joined the group who was discussing the plan. “I need to talk to you somewhere… private.”

“Well… girls, carry on. I need to talk with a guest for a while.

The girls nodded. Twilight walked away from her team, soon joined by Sunset Shimmer.

“I appreciate your idea to organize this welcome party for him… apparently…” Sunset said quietly. “I need to confess about something.”

“Tell me anything. Is something… troubling you?” Twilight asked, seeing how Sunset Shimmer was looking like if she was troubled.

“Alex…”
“What’s the matter with him?”

“He… he’s… I’m in love with him.”

Soon, Sunset Shimmer broke in tears, and cried loudly. “But I don’t know if he feels the same for me!”

Twilight was slightly surprised. “Hm… you need a lot of patience. I think he’s a nice pony, we all think he’s a nice pony. Don’t you remember the evening he brought you here? When he saved you from those bullies?”

Sunset Shimmer remained silent for a while. “I hope he feels the same for me…”

Few hours later, Castle of Friendship

“YAWN.” I shrugged with a big yawn. “S-spike…? Do you…”

“Good evening. Ready to go?” Spike said. “Oh, dear… Maybe you want this fresh… apple juice?”

“Sure…”

I got up from my bed. I felt slightly stirred, my mane was scruffy, so was my tail. “Do I… look…”

“Well, just your scruffy mane and tail. Did you have any nightmares?” Spike asked with a worried look.

“No… I’m nervous…” I replied.

“What? Why are you nervous?”

I frowned. “I don’t know… what she feels about me…”

Spike sighed. “Don’t worry about it. Now, what about going to the spa?”

“YOU HAVE A SPA IN PONYVILLE?!” I screamed with a big surprise.

“Of course we have! But first…”

“Shower. Yes! Will do it!” I yelled, before going to my bathroom.

“Okie-dokie-lokie” was Spike’s only answer for this. “In meantime, I will do something to eat.”

Castle lounge

Spike was now done with his lunch, and… now he’s patiently waiting until I will come out of bathroom. Indeed, he was now along with the Cutie Mark Crusaders: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

“I know it’s gonna be alright for him.” Apple Bloom started. “He’s so nice… I hope he won’t be sad anymore.”

“Yeah, I asked him if he wants to go to our Day Spa.” Spike sighed. “Would you like to come as well, girls?”

“Yeah, I need to get my hooves polished.” Scootaloo said.

“Certainly he NEEDS to relax. And full of energy for tonight.” Sweetie Belle told.

Soon I walked to the lounge.

“Hi Spike. Hi girls.” I said with a slight worry. I soon sat down and began eating my dinner. “Ready for tonight?”

“Yeah.” The girls called together. “Why are you so worried?” Scootaloo asked me.

“If she says she doesn’t love me… oh, no! I will be so dead…” I said.

“Listen, man! I know it’s hard to experience the first time… you need to try!!!” Apple Bloom yelled.

Soon I finished my meal.

“Won’t ya eat more?” Spike asked me.

“I’m not hungry.” I replied. “Can we go to the Day Spa?”

“There we go.” Spike said.

Ponyville Day Spa

For our today’s visit to spa, I decided to take a warm bubble bath, I ordered some back massage for later, while Scootaloo had her hooves polished.

“Remember, Sunset Shimmer has changed a lot from that time I last met her, actually.” Spike told me. “And I’m sure she likes you. Really.”

I was still frowned. “I’m… I’m not so sure, Spike… I’m so afraid…”

“Afraid of what?” Sweetie Belle asked me.

“What if Equestria is the same as the world I came from?” I said quickly. “I don’t want to be rejected again!”

“Equestria is a whole different thing!” Apple Bloom told firmly. “You can’t act like that… important is that you’re yourself. Right?”

“Right… but I kinda feel like I’m not myself anymore…” I sighed. “Like if… I seemed to be nice, but inside, you are a demon…”

“Oh, shut up. This is NEVER going to happen!” Spike told me slightly annoyed.

“And… somepony is gonna change your life. Forever.” A spa pony told me. “You ordered a massage, boy.”

“Oh, yes. Nearly forgot.” I answered. I walked out of the bath and lied down on a chair. “Then… I wonder where all inhabitants are gone.”

“I think it has to do with the party tonight. What else can it be!” Scootaloo added. “I was helping Rainbow Dash with the weather.”

“But… seriously, can you fly?” I asked her.

“No, but I caught the idea.”

“We will have a lot of guests.” Sweetie Belle said swiftly, with an encouraging smile.

“Um… how many?” I asked.

“LOTS. You will meet my cousin, Babs Seed.” Apple Bloom joined a word. “And our sweet school teacher, Miss Cheerilee…”

“My parents are gonna come too.” Sweetie Belle told me. These words, however, began a new situation.

Apple Bloom’s smile turned into a deep frown.

“Apple Bloom… mind if I ask… why are you sad?”

She then sniffed. “My parents… mah sister told me they would be proud of my cutie mark.”

“I see… do they live somewhere you haven’t been to?”

“No… I’m sorry to tell you…”

Apple Bloom started crying.

“What happened?”

“They… wish I could see them… when I was just a filly… I couldn’t bear it… they’re DEAD.”

With these words, I remained totally shocked. Applejack’s parents… dead. It makes her the only from the Mane Six whose parents have passed long ago… Deep inside, I felt a real urge to hug Apple Bloom, and so I did. I hugged her gently and patted her little head.

“Oh, you poor thing…” I said to her ears. Apparently, other ponies heard it too.

Sweetie Belle was the first to notice, soon joined by Spike and Scootaloo.

“Now I’m convinced. You’re not cruel… you’re a truly sensitive and caring pony…” Sweetie Belle said. “I knew it from the first time I saw you.”

“Do you?” I asked.

Suddenly, the doors shot wide open, revealing a gray coated pony with turquoise eyes. She surprisingly to me was not shocked. She wasn’t smiling. Instead…

…she was emotionless.

“My dear ponies.” She said. “My sister has sent me to retrieve you. She wants to see you right now at Sweet Apple Acres.”

I stood up from the chair. “Thanks for your service. I hope we’ll have a chance to be here again… maybe?”

“Let’s not waste our time, dudes.” Spike called.

Road to Sweet Apple Acres

“I can’t believe it. Why it’s so quiet? By night, I thought, Ponyville used to be full of life!” I asked with a little of disbelief.

“I guess friends have asked them for help organizing the surprise party.” Apple Bloom answered. “And no! Stop worrying! It’s gonna be great!!!”’

“You’re about to take part in Ponyville’s greatest party… well.” Spike cleared his throat. “We were working on that thing for a long time. Actually, it was Pinkie’s idea…”
“So… nobody actually ordered this party?” I asked, slightly worried. “I thought it was…”
“Nobody planned a party, except for Pinkie.” Scootaloo told. “Besides… wow, it’s getting darker.”

Sweet Apple Acres

When we arrived to the farm, it was dark everywhere. Deaf silence everywhere. Like if the place was deserted.

“Brace yourself, Alex.” Sweetie Belle told me. “There are things everywhere.”

I was still a little afraid. Besides, along with Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, I could still be safe. Suddenly…

All the lights turned on, the music started playing… Confetti burst from the cannons, and a colorful and bright rainbow appeared over the sky…

“SURPRISE!!!” Everypony yelled.

“To honor the arrival of our new member of Ponyville.” A voice called. “Alex… glad you arrived!”

“Oh, thanks for such a warm welcoming, Twilight Sparkle!” I yelled. Soon, I was hugged by Sunset Shimmer. “Oh, dear… what it could be if I didn’t save you!?”

“I bet you would be still so sad.” Applejack told me.

“And… one question. Who was that party thrown for?” I asked.

Pinkie Pie let out a big smile. “It’s all for YOU!” She yelled.

I was shocked. A party… thrown for me… I couldn’t hold it anymore and let a tear of joy. “Thank you… you brought me so much joy to my life…”

Soon, I took a better look. There was a stage in a little distance, so I thought there was a kind of play coming soon, but now, it was occupied by Vinyl Scratch (aka. DJ Pon-3) along with Octavia, who was playing her cello like I never heard.

On a corner, I saw Derpy Hooves behind a stand with muffins. Cheerilee was standing just next to the stage, entertaining some school age ponies.

“Oh, sweet Celestia… thank you, girls!” I said again. I was about to hug the girls, when suddenly…

POOF! A bright light soon zapped, and now Princess Celestia was standing next to me, along with Princess Luna.

“We want to thank you, Twilight Sparkle. Sincerely…” Celestia stated. “It is my pleasure to see you again. And you too, Alex.”

“Thank you, Princess… I don’t know what my life would be if I was still…”

“I know, my dear. You really deserved a chance.” Fluttershy told me soon.

“I really feel appreciated…” I continued. “And it’s thanks to you, my friends…”

Somewhere in Ponyville

At the same time, a couple of unicorns roamed through the empty streets of Ponyville. They looked like if they were up to no good. They looked most likely angry.

“Nice view, right?” A stallion said.

“Quiet… all I wanted to be was somewhere… quiet…” The mare replied. “Except that wild party… I hope they don’t like him.”

“Yeah, what would you expect from… all these… foolish ponies!” The stallion explained. “*Sigh* They don’t know who they should respect…”

“Yeah… who else they wanted to be friends of… Gregorios. Do you think our son is here?”

“Wherever that portal has brought us…” The stallion (now known as Gregorios) replied. “He must be somewhere… in this stupid little land…”

“Right… what we’re gonna do?”

“First… we need to blackmail him, Julia.”

Julia nodded. “Well… so he’ll think these were… foals from that school… They don’t learn anything.”

“You’re totally right.”

They both laughed in an evil manner.

“First… we need to check this party, but be careful! Alex cannot notice us, else we’re screwed.” Julia whispered, giggling devilishly. “He will fail anyways… he always does…”

“Sure thing, Julia.” Gregorios said. “To blackmail him, we need to use different ponies… all these innocent foals are good for it…”
They soon started laughing sinister.

Canterlot

“Princess Celestia? Wake up!” A voice called.

Celestia got up with a loud yawn. “Wha… What is it, Shining Armor?” She said.

Shining Armor was visibly worried. “We have… we took to notice that… new ponies are in Ponyville… I guess they were looking for somepony…”

“Oh yeah?” Celestia shrugged. “Go. You seriously need to relax.”

Sweet Apple Acres

The party went on. In just a few minutes, we’re about to have a fashion show made by Rarity.

“Mares and gentlecolts, in a few minutes we will have an occasion to watch the latest suits created by our fabulous Rarity!” Mayor Mare exclaimed. “Next we have a re-enactment of Hearth’s Warming.”

“Wow… it sounds beautiful…” I shrugged. “I’m forward to it.”

Then, I cuddled up to Sunset Shimmer’s chest. I really think I’m in love. She indeed is the girl of my dreams. Soon, I realized I forgot to tell the girls something.

“Girls… one more thing, I nearly forgot.” I said swiftly.

“Tell us.”

“Well… please be careful with me, I’m autistic.” I told them.

Twilight soon stood next to me. “My dear… we don’t care for this little thing. All we care about is that… you are our friend. I’m really happy… we are truly happy to be your friends.”

I smiled.

Not so far away at the farm

The two unicorns were now about to trespass the farm boundaries.

“He must be there… if others are not at homes…” Gregorios said. “And considering there is that huge party…”

“Look, it’s not so far from here.” Julia said. “Let’s go, but be careful. Nobody can notice us.”

“Or should we say… nopony?”

“Right said. And…”

“Nobody can notice us!”

Julia and Gregorios proceeded carefully, with great care on every detail. Examining every step they took, walking silently on a soft ground (obviously, it muted their hoof steps). And, to their big surprise, they were able to use magic.

At the party

The party was still going, and the night was good. A light breeze was accompanied by the warm atmosphere reigning along the show.

Soon, I remembered about something. Something really sensitive… requiring a lot of care and gentleness…

“Sunset… please… come with me…” I begged.

Sunset nodded with a smile and walked along. I decided to gallop, soon Sunset also galloped along.

Somepony, however, watched me and Sunset galloping away from the party.

“Look… is this… filthy winged unicorn?” Julia whispered.

“I wonder who is that pony… and there’s even a mare following him…” Gregorios shrugged. “Let’s see.”

Fields outside Ponyville

Watching the full moon right now was indeed really exciting. Especially being with Sunset Shimmer… she is, in fact, beautiful.

“I’m just happy that you saved my life.” She said to me.

“I was indeed nervous that moment…” I whispered. “I thought I would be again… heartless… since I was a really failed kid… insensitive to someone else’s pain… and indeed I was really delicate to other’s offences…”

I hugged Sunset gently, wrapping her neck in my arms and petting her beautiful, red and yellow mane.

Soon, I frowned. “I don’t know… what you will think about it…”

“Say… you know, you’re in a different world now… we will never leave you alone behind.”

I took a deep breath. “I… I…” I said with a really shy tone. Sunset looked surprised.

“Why are you shy? Tell me…”

“I love you… I knew you were the one. I just… felt it when I first saw you… but I was afraid to tell you…”

Sunset turned my head to face me, she now had tears in her eyes. Tears… of pure joy. “I love you too, Alex…” She sighed.

I was astonished, it hit me like a ton of bricks. She really loves me… Sunset feels the same for me… oh, how could I be so afraid! I felt kinda stupid.

I leaned forward to her and gave a sweet kiss on her cheek. She soon pulled my face closer, and we both kissed each other.

Unknown to me, some strange unicorns were observing us.

“Is he… in love?” Julia said and gasped.

“Shhh! Quiet! We don’t want him to notice us… is he really our son?” Gregorios soon added.

“Look at his cutie mark… a quill and some stars… is he a writer?”

“Did you notice how he ran away? Followed by that… filthy girl?”

“Yes! It’s him! He’s here… and happy… but soon, he’s not gonna be so happy… we know who he should marry.”

Julia laughed silently. So did Gregorios. “We will keep under our surveillance… he shouldn’t be ever happy, he’s a born failure… the girl is certainly going to break up with him after a few days… quick! He’s moving!”

My parents soon walked away in an unknown direction.

Few minutes later. Sweet Apple Acres

We now returned to the party, which was slowly coming to an end.

“And, to make a good ending to our party, we decided to add some… really important guests.” Mayor Mare called. “To ensure nobody will miss the most interesting part of our party… we give you fifteen minutes to gather before our stage.”

I was finally happy… Sunset Shimmer truly loves me… she even kissed me… Oh, I was really happy, she changed my life into a better life…

Soon, Princess Celestia approached me. “Is everything okay, my dear?” She asked.

“Princess… I never felt so happy in my entire life… she loves me…” I said with tears in my eyes.

“I hope it will last a long time.” She replied before going further.

I turned my head to face Sunset Shimmer. “It was the best night of my life.” I said.

“And mine too.” She replied.

The Mane Six and Cutie Mark Crusaders soon approached us as well.

“I’m happy that you indeed are happy together.” Twilight said.

“I was afraid that she will reject me… but she made me the happiest pony ever…” I replied.

“My parents also were worried if one of them will reject the another.”

Soon, Mayor Mare appeared on the stage. “To the last point of our party. Please welcome our beloved guests, who promised long ago to protect us. Our good ponies who swore to keep us all safe. Welcome our Princess Celestia and her sister, Princess Luna!”

The Princesses appeared on the stage with all their glory and beauty.

“Once again, the shortest night of the year has ended.” Princess Celestia said.

“And the longest day of the year… begins.” Princess Luna added.

“I’m happy that I can do it in honor of the return of the good Princess Luna to us.”

“And we’re both happy to do it for one special pony present here. The hero of Equestria. Who we knew he would be arriving.” Both Princesses said.

The most important event started. Princess Luna used her magic to lower the moon. Along, Princess Celestia used her own magic to gracefully raise the sun.

It took maybe a while, but the show ended as beautiful as the night was. Nothing else could be more beautiful. And being along with Sunset Shimmer… this made me truly happy.

Soon, Mayor Mare stood up again on the stage. “Citizens of Ponyville, we want to thank you for being present on this special party… and thank to our Mane Six for making it possible to do. Alex…” Now she turned attention to me. “You are and you will always remain our hero. Brave, yet sensitive and caring. Thank you for arriving.”

I smiled as everypony was clapping their hooves.

Author's Note

It is. Seems like somepony doesn't appreciate the bond between Alex and Sunset Shimmer... and what they're up to?

It's Just Not My Day!

Chapter 8 – It’s just not my day!

After another good sleep, I was ready to take steps into a new day. I was so excited. It was just a few hours after I did it… I kissed a girl for my first time… Sunset Shimmer loves me… but how can I repay her?

I started thinking. Probably I might ask Applejack if she has any job for me.

“Girls… look, I’m going out for now.” I said. “I don’t exactly know when I’ll be back.”

“No problem, Alex. Just be safe!” The girls replied and waved to me.

Sunset Shimmer sighed. “Oh, sweet Celestia… he’s like no other colt I have ever seen…” She said.

“I’m glad he found you. Why won’t you send a letter to Princess Celestia?”

Sunset Shimmer gasped. “What? But…”

“Oh, relax! Grab my quill!”

Sunset Shimmer also took a parchment and started writing.

Dear Princess Celestia!

First, I want to tell you something about him… Alex, he’s like no other colt I have met, I feel somehow so warm and safe in his presence… I can’t explain my feelings… Please write back if you have any reply for me.

Yours faithfully.

Sunset Shimmer

“Here we go…” Sunset Shimmer shrugged. “Spike… you can send this letter.”

“Off we go.” And with a single breath, Spike sent this letter to Princess Celestia.

“Hope she won’t have anything against this.” Sunset sighed.

Soon, Spike spat a letter, it was certainly from Celestia. And, as Sunset approached the letter, she opened it, slightly worried.

My dear Sunset Shimmer.

Thanks a lot for sending me a letter, it’s like thousand years since we wrote to each other. It’s no surprise to me you actually wanted to write a letter to me.

First, I wanted to ask you how are you doing so far in Ponyville. It’s been a while when you were gone… I’m right to say I’m glad you’ve come back. But one question, you may want to come from time to time to the human world and back, I’d like to hear something new about your Canterlot friends.

Second, I heard you in fact fell in love with Alex. Certainly he needs real care, as where he came from, he lived a true nightmare. His parents didn’t love him, and I wonder how that terrible thing could happen. I hope you’ll get along well. We will do everything to cheer him up.

Again, thanks for your letter.

Princess Celestia

“So it’s not so bad with me…” Sunset soon realized what was the problem. “But… oh, poor thing! How could they beat my boy so much?”

“His parents didn’t want him… I hope he’ll be alright.” Twilight replied.

Ponyville streets

Roaming through the streets now was very easy. I was now very familiar to almost entire Ponyville… even these strange unicorns, who only recently arrived to Equestria…

“Oh, what a nice day…” The stallion said. “Shish, but how the hell he appeared here? Look at him…”

“So happy… but we should get to know something that can… erase his mind until the day before we went to that… stupid shop.” Julia said. “So then he won’t remember anything from there… neither will he know what awaits him… hehehe.”

“But now… we should wait until this moment will arrive…” Gregorios said. “Hey, did he mention anything about Equestrian history?”

“No… we might find a library here.”

“Sure thing.”

Sweet Apple Acres

Not so long later, I could see Sweet Apple Acres from a little distance.

“Okay. Here I come. Applejack? Are you busy?” I called.

“Oh, hi Alex.” Applejack waved her hoof. “What’s driving you to us today?”

“Well… seems like I need a job, AJ.” I said swiftly.

“Oh, yes. We’ve been looking for a delivery pony lately but when nobody applied, we retreated our announcements. Big Mac, tell him about our job.”

“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh called. “All you need to do is… deliver our apples to these addresses through Ponyville. Remember, deliver all the orders and collect the pay. No deliveries, no pay.”

“Will do it. Do you have a cart?”

“Off we go.”

Applejack then mounted the cart on me with a little help of her little sister.

“Um… let me move first… yes, I think I’m strong enough. Besides, should anything happen, I won’t blame ya. I can only blame just myself for everything.”

Applejack then got worried. “Everything? Oh, you worry too much, boy.”

“We believe ya can do anything.” Granny Smith yelled.

“Thanks… okay, I won’t be wasting time. See you later.” I called before going.

Castle of Friendship

The two unicorns now banged their hooves to the doors.

“Good morning. How can I help you?” Twilight welcomed them. Not even knowing they were my parents.

“Hello, Miss…” Julia said with a gentle smile.

“Sparkle. Princess Twilight Sparkle at your service!” Twilight said.

Gregorios and Julia looked at each other with slight disgust.

“Is… something troubling you?” Twilight asked, slightly worried.

Julia then shook her head. “Uh… no, no! We came… do you have a library? I’d like to read about… your… ancient history.”

“Sure thing! Follow me, please!”

Streets of Ponyville

“Um… Ponyville Schoolhouse. Mustn’t be so far away…” I hummed. One look on the right was enough for me to see the school. “Here we go.” I said.

On my road, I saw even more ponies than I’ve ever seen. They were mostly occupied with their matters, but some waved their hooves to me and smiled warmly.

“Hello.” One of them called.

“Hi.” I replied, also with a smile.

Soon I approached the school. I gave a light knock on the door.

“Good morning, and thanks for the delivery.” Cheerilee said.

“Not at all, Miss Cheerilee.” I replied with a warm smile.

It seemed to be my last delivery, but to be sure, I checked my list again.

I was right, there were no more deliveries.

Castle library

My parents were now sitting in the library, reading one of the books.

“Well, seems like King Sombra managed to curse the Crystal Empire.” Gregorios said.

“And… Nightmare Moon wanted to destroy Princess Celestia and bring an eternal Night.” Julia said.

“Well, there are many things that would need further explanation… I think you will be tired.” Twilight hummed. “Would you like to write a letter to Princess Celestia?”

Gregorios was a little surprised. “Why… yes! Yes, I’d like to.” Soon he grabbed a quill, a piece of parchment and went away.

Twilight started to worry. “Why he’s acting like this? Usually we don’t have secrets.” She said.

Julia cleared her throat. “He needs privacy, that’s what he wants. I know him very good, he does so since he was a kid.”

“Sounds strange to me, Mrs. Julia.” Twilight replied.

A room in the castle

Gregorios now was writing something addressed to Princess Celestia. It was clear he was up to no good. He was so focused he didn’t notice that Sunset Shimmer entered the room.

“Want some tea, Mister…?” She asked.

My dad huffed. “No. Go away.”

Sunset was surprised by this reply. She just met Gregorios… no, wait! There was something wrong.

“Look, I understand that you know me as a thief, just…” She replied.

“It’s not about the crown. How could that kid stand up for you?!”

“What do you mean? Who’s that boy?”

My dad huffed and even groaned. “Do you even know what he is? My son… He’s the worst kid the world could ever see. Wait… not a kid, he’s a cry-baby, begging everyone for mercy… but he’s just naïve. Naïve like all of you! We know what’s the best for him, and you shall not interfere…”

“What?! How… how can you be so… RUDE?!”

“Rude? Did you say RUDE!!!”

In this moment, Gregorios punched Sunset so hard that she fell on the floor.

“I will NEVER accept any rudeness in front of me. He’s gonna marry the woman WE chose for him! He will not even dare to date ya, he’s a liar, a coward, a cry-baby, he’s… the most stupid, foolish and naive bastard the world has ever seen! Now… say goodbye to your boyfriend, STUPID, DIRTY BITCH!!!”

Sunset Shimmer ran away, crying hard and loud. Gregorios let out another angry huff and kicked in mid-air. Soon, going back to write the letter.

Castle library

Twilight was now serving hot tea to my mother.

“Why does it take so long?” Julia said.

Soon, Gregorios returned to library.

“Well… who can deliver my letter?” He asked.

“Spike, it’s your duty now.” Twilight cheered.

Spike grabbed the letter and blew it in flames.

“Wow… this is so magic…” Gregorios said. He looked at his wrist watch. “Oh dear! It’s getting late! I have some serious matters to do. Thanks for letting us here, Twilight.”

“Don’t mention it.” Twilight said with a smile.

Soon, my parents left the castle.

Castle halls

Starlight Glimmer just went out of her room, only to hear loud crying.

“Hello? Who is crying?” She called, but to no reply.

Somepony was crying, but who was it?

Starlight noticed the cries came from behind her, and she went to check every room.

Soon, she reached a door which were locked. From there came the cry.

“Hello? Who’s crying?” She asked.

“LEAVE ME!!!” Sunset replied.

“Sunset, what’s happening? Injured leg?”

The wail continued, flowing through the corridors…

Lavatory

Spike was now looking at his reflection, trying to figure out what could possibly wrong with his look. Soon, he burped out a letter, absolutely from Princess Celestia.

He unrolled the letter and started reading.

Dear Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer and Alex.

Some minutes ago I received an anonymous letter. The pony who wrote it says he’s after his son and threatens to kill all of you, including even me, if we won’t help him one way or another.

I’m also really sorry to tell you that he called both of you per ‘stupid, filthy ponies who do not respect his decision’ over marrying his son to a woman he selected for him.

In addition, he also swore that he will never stop, even if we refused to cooperate with him.

As this requires standard procedures, I’m calling all of you to Canterlot. If, for some reason, have a difficulty, please write me a reply, so I can come. I still believe that you couldn’t do such a thing, but these are standard steps we need to take. We need to identify the pony standing behind all of this, and we can’t let him free around Equestria.

Hope you will reply to me.

Princess Celestia

Spike was more than shocked. A pony delivered a blackmailing letter to Princess Celestia…

Sweet Apple Acres

“Hi AJ. I made the deliveries.” I called.

“Back so soon? And congratulations.” Applejack said. “You really are a good pony… Here’s your pay, 100 bits. Do something useful, be sure to buy Sunset a gift.”

I was shocked, one hundred bits, that was unbelievable. Soon, I had a flashback, where I could hear my dad yelling he won’t give me any money… That was terrible.

I decided to fly to the castle, I thought it will be faster. And the weather was really nice… despite there were just a few clouds in the sky.

Back to the castle

With each step through the castle corridors, I felt happy. Happy that I will see Sunset again.

I approached slowly the library as I heard some worried voices.

“Hey Twilight. Hi Starlight. Where’s Spike?” I asked.

“He went to check on Sunset. I got a really worrying letter from Princess Celestia. Somepony has blackmailed her. We don’t know who could do that.” Twilight replied.

My smile quickly turned into a frown. Who dared to blackmail the kind Princess? Soon, Spike came back.

“No reply. She’s crying. She won’t allow me to speak!” Spike shouted.

Twilight got the point. “Then we need to call Princess Celestia!”

She then grabbed another parchment and started writing.

Dear Princess Celestia.

Thanks for letting us know what was happening. We just received your letter. Sadly, however, Sunset doesn’t want to speak with us about what happened. Starlight Glimmer noticed somepony yelled at her and dared to punch her. Please come to us fast, we need your help.

Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer and Alex.

Twilight then put the letter to Spike’s throat.

“Alex, I don’t know what it could be about, but the pony went to a bedroom to write the letter.” Spike told. “He wrote that letter!”

We all, except for Spike, gasped in total shock. “What the hay?!” Twilight asked.

“Didn’t you see how he just went away from us?!” Spike yet added. “How could he! This is unlikely in Equestria. To have such secrets?!”

Soon, Princess Celestia arrived.

“Oh, thanks heavens you’re here!” Starlight called. “Sunset doesn’t even want to talk with me!”

“We might ask somepony else to do it.” Celestia answered.

I knew the point. I could be possibly the only pony who Sunset fully trusted.

“Celestia… I guess I should try to talk to her. And you… all of you… come with me. Starlight, guide us!” I said.

Castle corridors

Starlight guided us to the corridor she heard the cry. Sunset was still crying.

“Girls, Princess Celestia…” I said. “First question, what these ponies were looking for?”

“They… they wanted to read about the ancient history of Equestria.” Twilight answered.

“Second question, what ponies are they?”

“They are both unicorns. Stallion has black mane and tail… light brown coat… and brown eyes…”

Soon I started imagining the pony’s look. It greatly resembled my father.

“Mare… younger than the stallion… mane and tail the same… pale coat… and green eyes.”

“What were their cutie marks?” Starlight asked.

“He had a closed fist, she… blood droplets.”

Now that was not good. These ponies… they strikingly resemble my real parents… but who they are?

“Okay. Moment of truth. I should now speak to her. If I’m lucky, we will know the truth.”

I took three deep breaths. Then, I knocked on the door.

“GO AWAY!!!” Sunset yelled.

“Sunset… it’s me, Alex! We need to talk!” I asked.

“Don’t you realize what they said? They called me a bitch!!!”

I was surprised. The pony… called my girlfriend… a bitch? What on Equestria could he!

“Listen, my dear! I need to talk! What was he doing!”

“H-He… wrote… a l-letter…”

First clue is here. The pony did write the letter.

“Did he mention me?”

“Y-Yes…” Sunset sobbed louder.

My heart was pounding, and I was sweating. Now we have the second clue, that pony mentioned me when he talked to Sunset.

“Okay… Celestia, did he mention anypony from us in his letter?”

“He did. All of you, and Spike. He swore to kill all of you, if we won’t help him to find you.”

Third clue: he wants us dead if nopony will help him.

“Twilight. Was he rude to any of you, except Sunset? We now know he was rude to her.”

Twilight let out a tear. “Y… Yes.” She sniffed.

Fourth clue: he acted strangely nice to everypony except for Twilight and Princess Celestia.

“Sunset… we’re close. Now tell me! Did he mention the relationship between me and him?!”

Sunset cried louder.

“Tell us, it’s important for our investigation!!” Spike yelled.

“Y…Yes.” Sunset replied finally, but so faintly. “He’s… I guess… he’s your… father…”

This answer hit me like tons of bricks. I was completely shocked, my jaw dropped. My heart was now pounding so unbelievably fast and so hard.

“Oh no!!!” I yelled. “MY PARENTS ARE HERE, IN EQUESTRIA!!!”

Everypony gasped loudly in total shock.

“I wonder what they are up to!” Starlight said.

“Up to no good…” I replied. “They want to take me back… to their world…”

“Bad… that’s really bad…” Celestia said.

“Worse. Not like you think now. They’re very influential. They made everyone think I’m a loser… a traitor… that I betrayed myself… I tried to stand up for them but I grew so cowardly, so scared…” I explained. “They always wanted to berate me for everything I have done. They said they were doing all the best for me… but they are nothing but liars… They wanted to hurt me. They made everyone want to hurt me, they wanted to tell me that having hope is indeed being naïve… before I arrived to Equestria, I tried to kill myself many times, but… I failed. I was considered a born failure, until… I saw that mirror. I thought it was an old junk, but when I saw your letter… I hoped for a new life here.”

“And you got it. You got a new chance.” Starlight told me quietly, hugging me. “Just like Twilight gave me a new chance.”

“I still wonder why I found seven Elements when I broke the crystal.” I asked.

Celestia then stepped in. “You broke the crystal, knowing what it contained… You knew good what it meant if Nightmare Moon merged the powers locked within… With this act, you showed the real bravery… Equestria has never seen such an act of great bravery. This is the Element of Bravery.”

I gasped again. “W-What?!” I asked in even greater shock.

“Do you recall that book? It was told that the Element will show to the one, whose heart was great. Of great will. Of the will to fight. Then you composed your magic, that defeated Nightmare Moon and Midnight Shadow… that’s why this Element chose you.”

“How it was possible if my parents called me a coward?” I asked again.

“They were wrong. They were all the time. They lied to you, in hope they will destroy your life completely. I was watching you… I realized that you will have such a power. To save Equestria. You are an innocent child who was tortured and haunted by evil parents. You didn’t do anything wrong. They wanted to crush you for who you were, for who you wanted to be.”

I started crying. Princess Celestia… it’s thanks to her I’m here. She knew I was pure. That I was a really special pony. And that being different caused my surroundings to turn against me.

I soon went back on my memories. I remembered how bad I was treated.

My flashback

I was standing, probably in my old classroom, surrounded by teachers and fellow students.

“How dare ya hit him!” The teacher yelled. “That was stupid from…”

“I am not stupid! He insulted me!” I screamed. “He did it!”

“Shut up you son of bitch!” The other student growled.

“Yes, shut up!” The teacher told. “You are nothing but a worthless, talentless piece of junk! Now sit down!”

I started crying. With this, people started laughing from me.

“Cry-baby, cry-baby, cry-baby!” They all called. They did not stop.

The flashback then turned to my home, where I was watching TV. Suddenly, my dad came over and plugged it out.

“You will not be watching these stupid things again.” He said.

“Don’t you know how…”

“Quiet! You’re not going to eat for the rest of the week, bastard.”

I cried. He then locked me away in my room. “And don’t you dare to cry!!!” I heard my mother screaming.

Soon, I got another flashback. I was in the park, with my head hanging down. Suddenly, a girl pushed me to the water and started laughing.

I quickly got up. “How dare you do this to me!” I yelled, then I slapped the girl out of my anger.

Soon, my mother stepped in. “You’re nothing but junk!” She yelled. “How dare you slap the girl! EXPLAIN!”

“She started, she threw me…”

“You liar! You slapped her first, you began the whole thing!!!”

Soon, I got a worse flashback.

“Forget the university, you’re going back to kindergarten.” My teacher said. “You got all 0%.”

“This is unfair! I’m smart, how…”

“We all know you have no explanation for this…” The other teacher replied. “No talking back, you’re off to kindergarten!”

Reality

I came back to consciousness. I was still crying.

“And… they hated him just for being different?” Starlight asked.

“Yes…” Celestia replied. “Yes, indeed.”

Celestia hugged me tighter. “I promise I will send some elite guards after them. I will also ask to block entire Equestria from other worlds. That way we will be safe.”

Far away

Author's Note

Okay, this is the first musical chapter in my story!!

Featuring the original song, written entirely by me, called In Our Hooves.

Far away

Chapter 9 – Far away

Far away from Ponyville and many other towns, it can be possibly Badlands

Julia started to sing.

Julia: “So far away, in another our doubt

Here comes the boy, where he shouldn’t be

Here come his parents, eager to retrieve him

She was soon joined by her husband.

Gregorios: “Here comes our chance, but who on Earth

Will try to help us? Will dare to stop us?

It’s about time, it’s about time…

He stopped, looking at my mother.

“Ehm… do you think there is somebody who… pardon. Somepony who will help us?” Julia asked with a little doubt, but she still wanted to encourage Gregorios.

“I hope we will find some.” He replied.

“Well, it’s your chance.” Somepony said. “Who we have… I suppose you’re… the boy’s parents! Ah! Is he Alex? I heard he fell in love with that… spoiled girl.”

“Wha… Who… ah! yes!” My parents answered. Julia stepped in. “He… yeah, he found that stupid, dirty girl who doesn’t know how to behave… in front of us.” Gregorios also spoke, “She’s the worst bitch of Equestria… how could she beg for mercy! Yuck!”

Gregorios and Julia made a sound that was like “Eww!” in disgust. “And she dared to become friends with our shitty son… besides, I was asking myself, how could he befriend all these bitches, especially Princess Celestia!”

The other pony gasped. “Celestia? Did you say… Princess Celestia?”

“In a way, yes.” My parents said together. Julia made an angry look as Gregorios spoke again. “The days are far too bright for our son… if we don’t take care of this, his future… won’t be so dark as we wanted.” He then smiled devilishly.

“Besides, forgive us if we didn’t yet… introduce ourselves to you.” Gregorios said. “My name is Gregorios. And she’s my wife, Julia.”

“Oh, no need, really. My name is…” The pony started. “Blood Crystal. My father died four years ago, and I wanted to avenge him. I formed a camp not so far from here… we were trying to revive him but we still can’t find a revival spell… and obviously, it has to be used on the potion… many ingredients are missing…”

Blood Crystal then singed.

Blood Crystal: “For all my life I tried to avenge

My powerful father, badly killed

Left to rot in shame

His desired never came true

But I swear I will avenge his death

In a really painful way…

Gregorios: “He indeed was a powerful pony

But who the heck could defeat him so easily?

The other camp members appeared. “What? Don’t ya know who did this?” A camper asked.

Another camper stepped in. “It was the always stupid, now dirty Alicorn Princess Twilight Sparkle!”

Blood Crystal: “The dirty girl dared to save the empire

From the king it really deserved

How foolish was she not to ignore the situation?

So the idiot Princess sent her for a mission

We obviously failed

We’re forced to fight for our lives!

Julia gasped lightly. “So you think we can help you?”

Another camp pony stepped in and spoke. “We believe you. Your son cannot outsmart us! We’re the smartest ponies in Equestria… well, we’re outlaws.”

Blood Crystal spoke again. “We’ll teach you how to become invisible and go unnoticed during your missions!”

And, in a matter of seconds, he became invisible, also passing through my parents… and poking his head through their bodies.

“See? Nopony can notice us!!” He then laughed viciously.

Evil smiles grew on Gregorios and Julia, looking at the other ponies really interested. The camp ponies began singing in chorus.

Camp ponies: “We’re here to revive

The powerful pony

We’re about to kidnap

Your filthy son

Nopony can dare

To stop us

Blood Crystal: “His life will be

In our strong hooves

He’ll see he won’t

Escape from our hooves

All Equestria is

In our hooves!

Chapter 10 - To Canterlot

Chapter 10 – To Canterlot

Canterlot

I was ready to visit the Princess once again.

“Hello, and I hope you’re relaxed after… this bad accident.” I said.

“I really believed it wasn’t you.” Princess Celestia replied. “At last it was only a stupid prank. I thought it would be worse.”

“There’s nothing to be afraid of, Princess…” Twilight spoke. “We had enough trouble so far.”

“By the way, where did they go?” Sunset asked.

Celestia cleared her throat. “To be honest.” She said firmly. “I sent some of my best guards, but they did not find them.”

I sighed. “What if they came back to my… previous world?”

“I hope they won’t come back anymore.” Starlight said. “Celestia says… she isolated the outer worlds, right?”

“Right spoken, Starlight.” Twilight shrugged. “However, we can still visit Canterlot again, Sunset.”

“Canterlot?” I asked in surprise. “But… we’re in Canterlot, you’re talking impossible things!”

Celestia cleared her throat again. “No… she knows an alternate Canterlot. I think you might go there, but attention! Once I knew somepony who took the wrong path and ran away.”

“What…” I asked.

“This thing might show you what you really want. Your heart’s deepest wishes.” Sunset explained. “However… this thing brought me a nightmare. Thanks Twilight I was saved.”

I finally understood what happened. Sunset Shimmer… I hugged her tightly… and lovingly. “It’s okay… nothing can come between us. Not even your past.”

Zecora’s hut

Zecora was yet organizing her ingredients, when somepony knocked.

“Who in Equestria is it!” Zecora asked. “Oh, good afternoon. Looking for advice, my dear?”

A pony entered the hut. “Hi… I wonder if you can… point me to… poison joke?”

“Beware!” Zecora shrugged. “Flowers these can play… practical joke variety… ah, these are just next to my hut. Something else?”

“And… Heart’s Desire? I need it for my patient.”

“Oh… there, but also be careful. How much?”

“Just… four of them.”

“Okay… ten bits.”

That night, Castle of Friendship

“Okay… girls, are you ready?” Twilight asked. “Where’s Alex?”

“He must be getting ready.” Sunset replied. “Ah, there he is!”

I stepped inside the room.

“What on Equestria is that mirror!” I asked with curiosity.

“Something you need yet to discover.” Sunset pointed out. I spoke, “What does this mirror do?”

I took a look on my reflection. It was my usual me. Nothing added, nothing changed. Soon, my reflection spoke. “I’m your conscience. Don’t be afraid, speak to me.”

I was stunned. “What…? Did Celestia mention this event?”

Twilight shook her head. “I never had any of it to my ears.” Meh, let’s listen. Why are you here?”

My conscience spoke again. “Beware… there’s a disaster coming…” Then, my reflection turned to normal. “What did my conscience mean by that?” I asked.

“I have absolutely no idea.” Starlight said. “I hope this won’t involve all of us. Ready?”

“For what?” I asked.

“To pass through the mirror.” Sunset said with a smile.

I was shocked. To pass the mirror? What if the mirror brings me back to my real world?

“What?!” I asked before being pushed away by Starlight Glimmer.

I fell into a kind of a vortex… rainbow colored… soon there was a light, that grew bigger… and bigger…

Until it hit me. I lost senses.

Somewhere in Ponyville

While everypony was asleep… well, except some royal guards looking for my parents…

There was another pony… somewhat grayish coat, magenta eyes, brown mane and tail… and had a light goatee beard.

“Hey! Who are you… Oh, sorry.” A guardian said. “Thought you were Gregorios, he doesn’t have those eyes.”

The unicorn remained silent, only giving a slight glare into the guardian’s eyes. He opened one of his books while proceeding… something he has written in his life… like if it was a diary… he opened another page, where there was a drawing representing a pony surrounded by other ponies.

Another drawing showed two ponies dragging a pony between them to a sort of a vortex.

Next to a statue, but it’s not in Canterlot, nor Ponyville, nor Crystal Empire

Sunset asked Twilight, “Is he alive?”

Twilight replied, “I had the same case when I first arrived here… He’ll get to senses, soon.”

Starlight sat on top of the monument base. “Oh, that certainly is a peaceful night.”

“He just needs to relax.” Sunset told.

I soon was opening my eyes. However, I couldn’t see anything, my vision was blurred and distorted. “My… glasses.” I said, trying to get up.

However, something… was not in place. I felt a strange softness in place of my hooves. Sunset quickly put my glasses on and looked on my arms.

I looked around. Twilight, Starlight, and Sunset… were no more ponies! I looked at my…

“AAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!” I screamed in panic. Twilight soon placed her hand over my mouth.

“Sh! Don’t scream!” She said. “You’re safe here. Nobody can kidnap you. I guess your parents don’t even know about this place.”

“Sorry. That was my first impression, but… wow! We’re… all humans, right?”

“Not exactly. We just acquired the human form.” Sunset said. “So… we’re still ponies. Just in our human forms.”

“Gosh, that’s good to hear. And… what is that?” I asked, looking at the building.

“Alex… this is Canterlot High School.” Twilight replied. “My human friends attend this school.”

“Wow, you do have friends even here?” I asked again, gasping.

“Sure. Come.”

I stood on my legs. I found it easy, since it was just a few days after I arrived to Equestria… I opened the doors.

The place was beautiful. There were some girls and boys outside, so I thought…

“Ow, is this a break?” I asked.

“Hey, Twilight!” A girl shouted. “Hi.” Twilight replied.

I looked at a glass showcase. “And all these cups… did you win any of these?” I asked.

“Actually, this is a big variety.” Sunset told me.

I hugged her tightly. “I see. But I’m just happy to be with you.”

Sunset smirked. And even winked to me. “I love you, Sunset.” I whispered to her ear.

“Come, I think you should meet your new friends.” Twilight said.

I nodded. As soon as I followed Twilight, I saw several very familiar faces.

One of these was a girl trio, called Cutie Mark Crusaders: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

I gasped. “Wow… seems like I do have friends here already.” I said.

Somewhere in Badlands, Equestria

The hooded pony has long ago came back to the camp with first ingredients.

“Okay. Here we have the first ingredients, master!” The pony pointed out.

“Good work… brother.” Blood Shadow replied softly. “While this job still requires more ingredients… I think we can already move forward…”

“Like… sucking their negative feelings away, so it can give us more power?” Another pony asked.

“Uhh… this can be…” Gregorios spoke. “…useful.”

“Gregorios, I heard about these… sirens… they’re said to be long gone…” Blood Shadow spoke again. “But first… we need to find a way to get into where… they are.”

Blood Crystal stepped further. Then he spoke, “Shall we… take a journey to Undiscovered West… I bet ponies are there, who are willing to help us…”

“How many, master?” Julia asked.

Blood Crystal laughed. “Lots of them.”

Blood Crystal: “Lots of ponies

Await for us

I know we can

Really count on them

Julia: “How come you know

All these ponies?

The prison bars are

Weak for us?

“Seems like we have lot to do, Stone Heart.” Blood Crystal stopped singing. Then the pony called Stone Heart said, “Yes, sir! I hope she will also help us!”

Stone Heart: “I found it rather silly

But it’s a long, long way

For who doesn’t

See anything

Hypnotized pony: “Seems like our plan

Might fail, but don’t worry

We will always have

a plan B.

Stone Heart looked deep into the eyes of the hypnotized pony. “Let’s create… some chaos.”

Human world Canterlot

Now I was about to step into the music room.

“So… you say your friends can play music?” I asked. Twilight said, “Yes… wanna see them?”

I nodded and pushed the doors, being quickly astonished to see the human versions of Mane 6.

“Um, hi…” I said shyly.

The human Fluttershy came closer and hugged me. “Don’t be shy, we’re your friends.” She said.

Then, it was Rainbow dash to hug me. “We’re the best guys of CHS, you can trust us!”

“At least you can join us, give a try!” Applejack explained.

“WANT A CAKE, HUH?!” Pinkie Pie yelled and hugged me tightly.

Sunset and Twilight looked at each other with gentle smiles.

“So… are you gonna stay here at Canterlot?” Rarity asked me.

I blushed. “Um… not really. I don’t have a place to stay… I think I can…”

Pinkie Pie then again spoke. “Are you crazy?! Would you like to join me and the others at my SLUMBER PARTY??” She asked.

I eagerly nodded. I knew what Pinkie had in mind, and so I think it’s gonna be cool.

Seems this isn’t bad at all.

Evening at Crystal Empire

Everypony in the castle was now getting ready to sleep. Certainly, it was an exhausting day, especially for Princess Cadance. Even her husband, Shining Armor had lots of work to do, not just here, but also in Canterlot.

“Good night, my beauty.” Cadance whispered to ears of her daughter, Flurry Heart. “And have sweet dreams, baby…”

Just on time. Cadance watched her baby yawn and close her eyes. She then covered her in sheets. Feeling one bad urge, she went to her personal bathroom.

A pony who was invisible… went past the guards, visibly unnoticed. “Here we go… blood of an innocent filly can save our King.”

He took a syringe from his saddle bag and casted a strange spell upon the filly. “One suction will be enough… but first, I put you into deep hypnosis…”

With the filly now fully hypnotized, it seemed that nothing could stop the dark pony. “Nice… and easy…” he said, poking the needle into the filly’s arm. “Oh, think… how your blood can be useful to us…”

Once the syringe was full, he gently pulled it out. “Okay… time for you to return to senses…”

And, with a flash, Flurry Heart was now back to herself. And the dark pony teleported away…

Human world Canterlot

I was now well into Pinkie’s slumber party, wearing a one-piece pajama… oh, it looked really cute… And I was talking to Sunset and Rarity. Applejack was playing video games along with Rainbow Dash.

Pinkie Pie was looking into her computer. “Say something!” She said with big enthusiasm. “Okey-dokey-lokey!” and this she said as she was typing something onto her computer.

Rarity was taking selfies with friends and Spike, making somewhat cute silly faces. “Now… let’s stick our tongues out! Pff!”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash played even more wildly the video game, moving their fingers and tapping the buttons, until…

POP! Rainbow Dash hit the console, making it show an error: no controller attached.

“HEY! I was about to beat you!” AJ shouted.

Rainbow Dash rolled her gamepad, saying: “I doubt it!”

“What’s up, AJ?” I asked.

“Rainbow Dash… in video games, she’s a CHEATER.” She replied, fighting with Dash for controller.

I laughed. “Ahahahah… you girls are funny.”

Somebody was ringing the doorbell. “PIZZA IS HERE!” Pinkie said in surprise.

I was also surprised by the fact Pinkie ordered pizza. “Thanks Celestia I can eat something good!”

The pizza was exactly the one I loved, classic pizza with soft cheese and tomatoes. And trust me, Pinkie ordered one medium sized pizza for all of us – meaning these were actually 9 pizzas.

“Yummy!” I said. “I remember when I ate them… but these weren’t so good as now.”

“Do you think it’s the same? Of course not!” Starlight said. “You are in company of the best girls you could ever meet!”

That night

Eating pizza, however, brought me a bad nightmare. I woke up and went to the kitchen.

“Oh… what the hell does this nightmare mean!” I shrugged, a little bit of nervous and worried.

Somebody just entered the kitchen, and it was Pinkie Pie.

“Hey, Alex. Something wrong, dearie?” She asked me.

“Bad nightmares. Did you have them too?” I replied.

“Kind of. I dreamed of myself like… I was falling through a sort of a vortex…”

“Ah… thanks Celestia our nightmares weren’t the same. I saw something… like somepony sneaked into Zecora’s hut and stole an amulet… well, I don’t know who was that pony but…”

“You say… an amulet?” Sunset asked as she entered the kitchen as well. “That’s strange, though. For whom that amulet would be useful anyway?”

“I have no idea, my love…” I said quietly.

“I understand.” She said as she patted my back. “Besides, you need to relax. We have a lot to do.”

“Certainly. YAAAAAWN, besides. I think the day… looked so familiar to me.”

“What way, familiar?” Applejack asked, she entered the kitchen too, slightly surprised.

“Like… if I watched a movie and… sort of girls played video games and one hit the console…” I explained. “Can’t tell the title, it could be too much shock for you.”

“If it has to do with your world… where you came from… yeah, it’s no surprise for us if you can really meet fictional characters.”

“So you know about it?” I asked in a more surprise than I expected. “Honey, yeah. Like if I watched Rainbow Rocks… and you defeated the Dazzlings…”

Applejack sighed. “Of course… but actually, your world is strange.”

“Stranger, yeah. It’s like…”

“If you don’t believe, you might be dead.” I said along with Sunset. Starlight then spoke, “I agree. The point is… AAAARGH!”

Starlight screamed at a high pitch as she closed the freezer, seeing a girl who indeed was Maud Pie.

“Boulder was hungry.” She said without any emotion and poured crackers on a stone.

I smiled. “Guess Maud Pie is kind of funny sometimes.” It didn’t impress Maud Pie at all, she was really calm. Not like her sister.

I returned to bed and closed my eyes.

My nightmare

I had another nightmare. And, to make things worse, I was again in Zecora’s hut. She wasn’t inside, just a dark coated unicorn pony. “There is the amulet…” he said calmly.

With a lift of the glass, he picked the amulet and minded if he left any traces… seems like he took great care of it. He then teleported… to Badlands, perhaps.

Where all other campers waited for him.

“Here! Last thing to do is to capture him! We’ll fake a friendship problem! YEAH!”

“And the Map will point him exactly to us, where he won’t be expecting us! HAHAHA!!” The leader laughed.

The vision suddenly changed… I was standing next to the Cutie Map, which pointed to Badlands.

“Badlands… nopony even dared to go there.” Twilight said. “It’s known as the place of great evil.”

“Unless… you will let me go there, my bravery hasn’t failed me so far.” I said.

“I’m not so sure…” Celestia said. “Seems like you want to accept a challenge, as nopony else dared to go to Badlands.”

“I accept it. I promise I won’t fail this time, Equestria!”

I shot out the balcony and flew south of Ponyville, and I knew it had to be a long flight. But, I knew one very special trick, the Sonic Rainboom.
With it, I managed to be there in less than two minutes. Once I landed, I felt somehow strange. Soon, a pony joined me, she looked like a Wonderbolt. “I’ll take you there.” She told me.

After… something like thirty minutes later… I was at the place, where was a pony brewing a potion, and he also held a scroll. “Welcome…” he said with an evil smile. “I hoped you will arrive here.”

“Okay, I need to know where’s the bloody Amulet!” I yelled. “Who stole it and what for?”

The pony soon laughed devilishly. “You want answers, right? I think we have to take care of you first… seize him!”

Now I was heavily chained to the ground, incapacitated.

“Okay, what do you want from me, and what are you planning!” I yelled. “How… how could you, I represent the Element of Bravery, and I demand you release me right now!”

“Heh… don’t think you will be free.” A voice sounded, it was all too familiar to me. “How could you be so brave, you born failure!” My father said. “How could a dirty girl date ya!”

“We will take care of everything, you stupid son of bitch!” My mother said, as soon she used her magic to drain something out of me…
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” I yelled.

Reality

“Alex? What… you had another nightmare?” Twilight asked me.

“Uhhh… worse.” I said. “Somepony tried to drain something out of me…”

Then I started to cry. “And they told me I didn’t deserve to bear the Element of Bravery…”

“Dude, calm down. It was all a bad nightmare.” Sunset called as she hugged me tightly.

“I know, sweetie.” I said, still crying.

“There, Alex. I bet this pill should help ya.” Rarity told me, showing me sort of headache pills.

I took one and drank with water. “Okay… thanks Rarity. Sunset… please, sleep with me tonight.”

Sunset came closer to me and hugged me. “I love you, Alex.” She said sweetly. “You’re the bravest boy I have ever known.”

“I love you too, Sunset… you're my dearest girl…” I said as I closed my eyes and fell asleep again.

In Equestria

The unicorn was now back in his hut, deep into the Frozen North.

He looked at his old office, loaded with books, but… they weren’t so shining clean like it was once. “My books…” he said. “Thanks Celestia they’re not gone!”

He then looked at one of his spells he created once…

“You did a good job, Princess Twilight Sparkle…” he sighed. “Forgive me, Celestia… if I didn’t finish my spell on time.”

The unicorn looked then at a crystal ball. “And I’m sorry to tell you… Changelings will get him… they will wipe his mind… he won’t know anything about Equestria… but once his day will come… he will return… and save Equestria…” He said, opening a book about the seventh Element of Harmony. “His bravery, unpreceded by all other ponies… he’s strong, he’s mighty, he will dare to fight King Sombra and the changelings… he will be married to Princess Sunset Shimmer… and he’ll have a foal with her…”

That sounded like a prophecy… well, though Star Swirl the Bearded was alone, he did it like he was speaking to somepony else.
“Enough of this.” He huffed and started writing something in his diary.

Day one. The prophecy is done. I just hope I will survive the entire war. Please take care of this diary in case of my death, Princess Celestia, and I hope we’ll meet once again… It was a long time since I last saw you, I still remember you when you and Luna were young… when you were crowned… Good night.

Next morning, human Canterlot

Looks like I woke up early. Since the last nightmare, I slept peacefully. Seems like both the headache pills and the company of my sweet girlfriend really helped me calm down. “Good morning” I whispered into Sunset’s ear. Soon she woke up as well, saying: “Good morning, sweet-heart.”

“BREAKFAST IS READY!” Pinkie yelled. “Oh, and for you… I made a toast with tomatoes and ham, do you like it?”

“…Yes.” I replied to Pinkie. “Err… it’s day two of my stay. Day one… we had a slumber party.”

“And we all had nightmares that night…” Pinkie added. “Whose was the worst?”

“Don’t ask, you know mine was the WORST.” I said quickly. “Some sort of ponies tried to wipe my mind, and here it ends. To make things worse, I saw my parents.”

“Now that’s not a good thing.” Fluttershy spoke. “How could they do that to you?”

“It was just a NIGHTMARE, and I wish it’s just a bad nightmare.”

Then Twilight stepped in. “I agree. Let’s all hope this won’t ever happen.”

Canterlot High School

A peaceful morning, that was what I really wanted. “Well… who I can go with for next class?” I asked.

“Except for Sunset, we all go to the same class.” Twilight said.

“Oh… kinda bad, since I can’t be with you all that time…” I replied. “But, ah! Sunset is my girlfriend now.”

Sunset hugged me. “It’s not all bad. We have lots of time to spend.” She said.

“And lots of people to meet.” Applejack added, quickly followed by Pinkie Pie. “And… A PARTY!”

“Party?! Oh, dear…” I spoke, coming closer to Pinkie. “You certainly are… entertaining.”

The bell rang.

“Oops, I think it’s time.” Twilight said.

“Alex, come with me.” Sunset called, I followed her.

School gymnasium

Okay, the first class today is gymnastics.

“Good morning!” our coach said.

“Good morning.” I said, but without any enthusiasm.

The coach turned his attention to me. “What’s the problem, dude?”

“Not that I don’t like anybody in this place…” I replied. “I think I’m no good at it.”

“Wah! Don’t be a fool!” Coach said. “Were you… discouraged? Or maybe you were weak?”

“Both…” I said shyly. A blue haired boy came close to me. And he said, “Well, I think… I know why you’re here.”

I INSTANTLY recognized this boy. He’s the Pegasus not just me, but also Twilight bumped into. Flash then spoke again, “You escaped your real world to Equestria, since you didn’t have any friends! Your situation discouraged you so deep, you even tried to commit suicide!”
Other students gasped.

“Suicide? Oh, man!” A girl said. “How… how could these people hurt you so much?”

Sunset hugged me tightly. “He found me… I wasn’t liked in Equestria, either. But when he came to save me… I feel so good with him.”

“And… you found real friends here. Not just in Equestria, also here.” Flash added. “We’re here to support you.”

“Thanks…” I cried. “What could be if I didn’t follow my dreams?”

“Your dream was a gateway that was always open for you.” Sunset told me.

“Always… open?” I asked.

“For you… always. But I don’t know how your parents could get inside!”

Coach blew into his whistle. “Okay, team! Let’s do a warm-up!” He called. “Light run through the hall!”

School library

The next few minutes passed rather good for the girls, who read books most of their time.

“And… it’s much like forever I last was here.” Twilight said.

A girl who wore glasses… and looked astonishingly like Princess Twilight Sparkle… spoke: “Honey, things are rather calm.”

“Like the good old times are back…” A man spoke. “Seems like somebody is in serious trouble.”

Applejack asked the man, “Ex-cuse me, but what are you exactly doing… this is a school, I think you don’t have…”

“What for!” The man growled. “I am… who you don’t wish to meet, girls.”

Pony Twilight instantly recognized him. “You…”

“Quiet! And tell me… where he is.”

Starlight managed to sneak out of the library.

School halls

Starlight couldn’t just believe it. She encountered my father even here! Oh no, things are not so easy…

Well, she found Principal Celestia who was talking to Mr. Doodle. “…yes, certainly. I will try to help your students. Oh, and you! What’s troubling ya, Miss…”

“Starlight Glimmer.” Starlight said. “Listen, madam. We need to talk.”

“Say.” Celestia said.

“His parents are here, trying to kidnap him.”

“Oh, no! I heard from Princess Twilight already he has such evil parents…” Celestia explained. “But I didn’t know they are actually here! Where are they?”

“He… I just saw him… he was at the library, demanding answers from Princess Twilight.”

Celestia and Starlight then approached Vice Principal’s Luna room. “Sister…” Celestia said. “We’re in emergency.”

Out of gym

The bell rang again, it means this class is over. Surprisingly, we had lots of time to change.
“Seriously, you were better than you could think!” Flash told me.

He was soon joined by a boy, who also wore glasses. And his name was Microchips. “Maybe not the best, but we don’t care. For us, you are our friend.”

Princess Celestia’s point of view
Canterlot castle

Yet one night was over, and it was about time to raise the sun again. For me, it’s not something boring. It’s my duty, and obviously I’m happy to do it there and back again.

The way I see it now isn’t like six years ago. Heck, maybe there are still cursed memories but… I got along with it. “Luna, it’s time.” I told my sister. She nodded.

Gently soaring just a little over the ground, my sister lowered the moon gracefully, and I… could do the same with my sun. “Sweet heavens! It’s time for breakfast!” I murmured through my lips.

Today, I got not only a good old portion of hay, oat seeds and milk, I had another chance to eat my favorite cheese sandwich, cherries and a little bit of apple cider. While my sister had some nuts, corn and daisies.

“Well, at least we have nothing serious to do, our securities have check on Equestria, seems they’re gone.” I said.

Gosh, I hope this will stay so. As long I’m here, nothing bad can happen… well, Equestria is safe from all evil as long we’re together. Not just me and my sister. Elements of Harmony. They’re seven of them. Honesty, kindness, laughter, generosity, loyalty, and magic. And most importantly… just recently discovered… bravery. And I hope the chain will never, ever be broken.

After a good breakfast, I retreated into my personal room, reading letters from our beloved citizens from time to time, but… the last few weeks I mostly spent reading my old diary, which I kept safe in a room only I had access to.

Dear diary! I wonder when I will be able to task my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, to reform Discord. I hope it’s gonna be fun for the girls. Wow, she needs to try. I know she will be a Princess one day… ah, how bad Sunset Shimmer, my old student, lost her chance. Actually, let’s go straight. Even if he tried to break the chain, he wasn’t able to break our true friendships. See you later. Celie.

“Okay. That’s one of them. Thanks, diary. But now I need to WRITE!” I said before grabbing my favorite quill out of my drawer.

Dear diary! It was so much time since I didn’t write anything! Twilight is doing great. We also have new friend. You won’t believe, he’s an Alicorn like Twilight! But… I just want to explain. I think I went a little too far.

He was different. This is what made him the most hated person back in his world. Where he came from. When I saw him, I was so worried about him. I almost CRIED!! Poor boy, he certainly went through really wrong things… The last thing he could do was dying… but I didn’t want it to happen.
I wanted him to Equestria. To give him a chance. He has a chance he really deserved.

I hope this will remain as a cheerful memory to keep. Celestia

Fine, enough of writing. Let’s read some books.

“Princess, I think… I think we have a problem.” A guardian said to me.

“Ah, my magic book! Is it Twilight?” I asked.

“Err… well. It’s up to you.”

“Thanks. You can go now.”

“Yes, Princess!”

The guardian left my room. I opened my magic book on where was the newest message.

Dear Princess Celestia. This is Starlight Glimmer. It came to my attention… err, but please! Don’t let anypony else know about this! I fear that Gregorios has penetrated into the human world! Alex isn’t safe even there! I reported it to Principal Celestia, but he already managed to escape, he brought also three girls with him, and I think he kidnapped them. If we don’t do anything, Equestria might be in serious danger! Hear you soon. Starlight Glimmer.

I was shocked. Gregorios penetrating the human world? How was that possible? Everypony could recognize him instantly, but also to kidnap some girls? Now, you went too far, Gregorios!

Alex’s point of view
Canterlot High School

Situation was rather calm for me. I didn’t know there was a sort of bad news for me awaiting.

It was almost 1pm, time to go home. Well, human world wasn’t really my home, but I knew where I had to go. Pinkie’s.

She agreed to share it with me, Sunset, Starlight and Twilight (pony Twilight!). When I came home…

“Alex… there are some terrible news.” Pinkie said.

“Your evil dad was here.” Twilight explained, which left me in total shock.

But, to make things worse, how the hell could he infiltrate the school? Now, that was no good. And to make things worse, “He… seems he kidnapped three girls.” Starlight said. “I saw him looking for them, I think he knew exactly what girls to kidnap at first.”

“And… I think he also found a little thing that belonged to the girls. Sort of… necklace.”

“It doesn’t sound good.” I said. “We have to stop him, but… seems he’s unstoppable. He lives with the will of revenge. He was impossible to break, discourage, or everything…”

I left the house and headed further. Like if I didn’t care about anything. I was scared… yet I felt so wrong about me. I did overestimate myself. Too much.

Yes, I did it for too long, I thought. I thought I was brave enough to fight him, but… deep inside, I was such a coward… I’m no brave. Oh, it hurts. Anyways, who doesn’t give a thing? Well, certainly I can’t say that. I’m too much of bullshit for this.

Yet, here I go again.

I wasn’t now sure anymore if what I do now is right. I still had a pocket box cutting knife in my backpack. Something I smuggled from my parents before I escaped to Equestria, just in case my situation was hopeless.

Yep, almost it was. I almost could kill myself that night. By the dawn, I would be dead. The thing is, I don’t want to think about it. It hurt me so much when I returned back to these memories of mine.

“Alex… is something wrong?” Somebody asked me behind my back. “Nothing.” – that was my only reply. “Yet the wrong circle entangles me… again… the worst only is about to happen.”

“Well… want some tea?” I recognized this voice, it was Sunset Shimmer.

“Leave me.” I replied. “If there could be any other idea…”

“Well… what if we go back to Equestria?” Twilight said. “I heard she wants to take the kids to a camp.”

“Wait… a CAMP?!” I yelled in shock and fear. “But… I don’t know how to camp! I wasn’t a scout! I know nothing about scouting! And with that, I’m sure I’m dead!”

Fluttershy came close to me. “We trust you. You have a chance. It’s your choice. You can learn all your time… or be forever scared…”
“What… do you say… I have a choice?” I asked.

Fluttershy replied, “Of course you have. You always have… well… I heard about your parents too… they kept you in heavy chains… they treated you like a thing… they’re no parents.”

“I… I don’t know what to choose… I’m such a coward, girls…”

“Listen, don’t be like that.” Twilight said. “It’s like it comes to meet friends. You can have friends… or forever be alone.”

“I’m with ya, sugarcube.” Applejack told me. “We’re all your friends. You can trust us!”

I hummed. Then I said… “I’ll… try.”

Darkness comes to life - Part I

The other castle, in Everfree Forest

She took me to a castle where Celestia and Luna once reigned over all the Equestria. It wasn’t a dull place anymore. I remember Mane Six were here to repair most of the damage caused by Nightmare Moon over a thousand years ago.

“Welcome.” The female said. “Let me introduce myself. I am… Moonlight Shadow, I hope you feel good.”

“Y-Yes… Moonlight Shadow!” I said in a bit uncertain tone.

“Oh, feeling fear? No, no, no, my dear. There’s nothing to be scared of. But… yeah, some ponies are afraid of me, living here in a dark place… I used to fight against Discord and Tirek.”

“But… how did you do that?”

“I’m so old now… kinda immortal. I knew almost every cure for every illness that ever caught me.” She said in a calm tone. “And… how old are you?”
“Just 18. In my world, at this age I become an adult.”

“Young… I’ve never seen a younger servant.”

“Servant?”

I was a little scared. There was an Alicorn pony standing in front of us, her eyes glowing strangely green – as did the eyes of Midnight Shadow. Her mane was dirty and untidy, like she didn’t bathe for a lot of time.

“First, I want to ask you something. Would you like to master magic?”

“Y-Yes, I want to, madam.”

“Well.” She gasped. “I think you never had to do with magic, so… first task, you have to learn how to levitate things. Do you see this huge stone?"

“I see.”

“Concentrate… Focus your eyes on the stone… and you will be able to make it hover a little.”

I focused. It wasn’t that easy, but I tried. After a few fails, I managed to make it hover a little above the floor, until it fell with a loud thud.
“Good. I see you’re tired, you have to take a good nap.”

“Certainly.”

Midnight Shadow took me to a guest room with a comfy bed.

Still in the castle, night

Midnight Shadow was reading a book, called The Unsolved Myths and Legends of Equestria. One of the pages said:

Most of the ponies know there are just two real royal sisters, Celestia and Luna. They reigned along with their adoptive niece Princess Cadence, who not so long ago married Shining Armor and took responsibility of the Crystal Empire after King Sombra was finally defeated. Until today, however, there’s a myth telling there was a third sister. Nobody knows where did she vanish. It’s told that somebody used dark magic so powerful to take over her mind and let others totally forget about Princess Sky Tear.

On the other page, it was:

There are six Elements of Harmony, given by a Tree of Harmony, lying deep under the Everfree Forest. The legend says, the bravest pony who will do everything to save the world, can summon an Element of Bravery. It gives powers so huge even the dark force can’t combat against. This legend is also told to be long forgotten centuries ago.

Midnight Shadow laughed.

“Hehehe… Let’s keep everypony think so. Right, my servant?”

The servant nodded in agreement. “You’re always right, mistress.”

A new day, Ponyville

“You think… Alex trusted a liar?” Applejack asked.

Twilight huffed in anger. “Yes… he did so. If so, he can’t be trusted.”

“At least… he did it willingly. If he didn’t…”

“We would try to get him away. But think, Applejack, think!” Rainbow Dash said in a very firm tone. “If we knew about it? She must be the worst of her kind. No surprise he joined her. I wonder… what’s she up to?”

“I guess… she’s waiting for a right moment. She’ll kill him… or what can be worse, send him back to his home world.”

“Then… who will be here to make fun of? Pinkie Pie asked in a bit of surprise.

“Nobody. We can’t make fun of anybody.” Twilight replied. “I’m a Princess of friendship, and I cannot allow that. Maybe he joined a liar, maybe he can’t be trusted anymore. But it does mean we have just to leave him alone.”

“Okay… now to the things. Who was that mare?” Celestia asked.

“Hm… I don’t have any idea, Princess.” Twilight said.

“Me neither. But I know there’s a liar around. We have to see what he… or she… is up to.”

“Don’t worry Princess. We’re the Elements of Harmony. Remember?” Rarity told.

Everfree Forest Castle

“Alex? Wakey-wakey, breakfast is ready.”

I woke up.

“Good morning, mistress.” I said as I got up from bed.

“Good morning to you, my apprentice.” Midnight Shadow replied.

“Good morning, Alex.” The Alicorn told.

“Get back to work, Sky Tear. Apologize me… she finds you rather… gentle. But I can’t allow her any moment of relax.”

“I-I’m…”

“Nothing special, my dear. Just calm down. You don’t have to work all day and night. I know a potion to keep my servant… always on command. So she doesn’t have to sleep.”

I nodded. I felt strange. Midnight Shadow was so nice to me, but why did she use Sky Tear as her servant? And what was strange about the things here?

“I know you feel kinda scared… there’s nothing to worry about. We still have time.”

I went to a table, my breakfast was already done.

“Um… yummy.” I said, nodding. “Humans don’t even dare to eat flowers.”

“I guess… you have a lot of knowledge about your world.” Midnight said.

“Y-Yes, I guess so.”

Canterlot

Celestia turned her look into the royal guards.

“As you think, the newcomer decided to join the forces of a liar. Your duty is to defend the castle in case the liar or any of his servants should come. Shining Armor, thereby I allow you to take him under arrest should he come here. Else, you can’t do anything to him. And remember, I only want any of them alive!”

“Yes, Princess.” Shining Armor replied. He looked very serious. “We’ll try anything to stop him from doing anything bad.”

“Right. When the time will come, we’ll be ready to fight back.”

Everfree Forest Castle

Now it’s been almost three weeks since I’m here. During this time, I learned how to teleportate, levitate objects, and how to brew some potions. I think these were dark magic.

It was another night. After Midnight Shadow left the bedroom, I locked the door with magic and started reading a book.

The hypnosis spell is used mainly to force an individual to make everything what the caster wishes. It’s one of the most forbidden jinxes in all Equestria. Used once by Queen Chrysalis against Shining Armor in order to take over Canterlot, and soon all Equestria. To make this spell last forever, the caster must be of strong will of doing evil, and sucking away all positive energy.

This made me wonder something. If Sky Tear’s eyes are strangely glowing green – she could be under the effects of this spell. But how to reverse it? On the other page, it was written so:

One of the most evil spells is a mind changing jinx. When used properly, the victim will think of anything in a different way. It can be used to change good friends into deadly enemies. Said to be used a long time ago, to make people believe the legends are not true.

It made me think. What are the legends mentioned here? I grabbed another book and read it silently.

Most of the ponies know there are just two real royal sisters, Celestia and Luna. They reigned along with their adoptive sister Princess Cadence, who not so long ago married Shining Armor and took responsibility of the Crystal Empire after King Sombra was finally defeated. Until today, however, there’s a myth telling there was a third sister. Nobody knows where did she vanish. It’s told that somebody used dark magic so powerful to take over her mind and let others totally forget about Princess Sky Tear.

Sky Tear… it sounded to me very familiar. She is Midnight Shadow’s servant, she was hypnotized, she doesn’t even know who she really is… I started to fear that my 'mistress' plots something evil.

Next day, but something strange happened

11am, outside it was dark. Sun didn’t rise, there was just the moon on the sky. Once passing alone through a corridor, I noticed some weird screams. When I opened, I was shocked. But I made a fake smile, seeing Celestia and Luna tied to chains and hanging upside down. Something was sucking away their powers. And without their powers, they could be unable to fulfill their duties, even if they were unchained.