Author's Note

Woah!!! A new chapter?? Whaaaaat

So... it's been a while.

I've been through the story and a bit has changed, not to mention a few years has passed since the last update so I would suggest going back and reading the story again, but what do I know, I'm just a guy that has trouble writing a dumb story

14: Burning Bridges

The chirping of a small bird roused Alex from his slumber. The young man glared at the small creature on the other side of a window that, annoyingly, didn't prevent much sound from passing through. The glare eased as a purple mane took his focus and the gentle breathing of the beautiful mare that slept soundly beside him filled his ears. A large grin plastered itself on Alex's chin as last night's events replayed through his mind's eye.

Suddenly being filled with an emense amount of joy, he looked at the little alarm clock of a bird with a small smile. The bird chirped a few more times as he returned his gaze back to Rarity sleeping soundly against his chest. His smile quickly went sour as he was left to his thoughts.

'Fuck, man. What am I up to?' He thought to himself, releasing a deep sigh. 'I should be doing everything I can to get back to James. Who knows what could have happend while I've been gone.' A deep sadness overtook Alex.

"Alex, I've got to ask you..." Nathan started. Alex did his best to stay still, careful not to wake Rarity. He looked to her slumbering form and couldn't help the happiness stir within him. That happiness was quickly infected with the deep rooted sadness he felt for his brother.

'What's up, Nathan?'

"Could you live here happily? Even if you never got to see James again?" The question brought Alex to a pause, it cut deep. The more he thought about it, though, the more he realised how difficult of a question it was to answer. Whether he was just being selfish or not, Equestria was far more nice to live in than Earth... But could he really be happy after dedicating so much of his life, after sacrificing so much for his brother.

'No...' Was the short answer. 'Because I won't stop until I find a way to bring him here...'

"Yeah, yeah. I get it. What i'm trying to say is that yes, I will help you find a way, but you need to be aware that there may not be a way. I don't even fully understand the way I managed to get back."

'So where do I start?'

"Let me worry about that. I'll start going through my own memories and try find something. In the mean time stop worrying and focus on the relationships you can do something about. Go make Rarity breakfast or something." Nathan's words eased Alex quite a bit, but it still plagued the back of his mind.

'Yeah, that'll help keep my mind off it, I guess.' Alex sighed as he tried motivating himself to get up, but the feeling of being cuddled was far too inviting. 'Maybe a little bit longer.'

Alex laid there, running his hand through Rarity's soft mane for a while as he continued to let his mind wander. That was until a soft sigh brought his attention to reality. The waking mare wrapped an arm around Alex's torso and pulled herself closer into his warmth. Then two beautiful, blue eyes opened and looked up into his.

"Goodmorning." Alex spoke, his voice deep, but soft.

"Goodmorning." Rarity replied, enjoying the hand that caressed through her mane and the warm body pressed against her own. All of sudden her smile dropped and she buried her face into Alex's chest.

"Rarity, what's wrong?" Alex asked. She sighed before pulling back slightly.

"Look, Alex. I'm not going to lie, I do have strong feelings for you and last night was like a dream... but we need to keep this a secret and as much as I hate to say it, I don't think we will be able to take things between us further. At least not for while." Alex stayed silent as Rarity spoke, his expression remaining neutral. The short silence was deafening.

"Yup, I understand. In fact it's probably for the best. That way I can figure out what's wrong with me." Alex knew this was what he wanted, but he couldn't help but feel hurt by her words. A small piece of him wanted to love Rarity, but he knew he would only bring her pain.

"Alex, darling. There's nothing wrong with you. You're an amazing stallion." Her words were comforting, but Alex knew she couldn't be further from the truth.

"Only I'm not a stallion." Alex said with a chuckle. He placed his hand underneath her chin and gently rose her head to face him directly. He followed up by pushing his lips against hers and showing just how much he appreciates her with a lasting kiss. "I'm going to go fix breakfast." Rarity watched, dumbstruck, as he quickly got dressed and left the room.

'Oh, how could I possibly throw away somepony like him.' Rarity whined in thought as she buried her face in the pillows.

Alex had managed to whip up a quick meal for the two of them. It wasn't anything gourmet, but it wasnt bad either. As they ate, Alex just couldn't stop thinking. So many things had happened to him in the time he had been in equestria and trying to connect the dots only put him in circles. It was driving him mad and he needed to distract himself. With an internal sigh he brought his attention to the mare with him.

"So, Rarity. Just out of curiosity, what is preventing us from... you know... taking this further? Don't get me wrong, I'm on the same page. I do think it's best to focus on more pressing matters first, but I'm just curious." Rarity went deep in thought for a moment.

"I have some important things planned out and, although you're so very charming, I just don't think I could make things work just yet." It was pretty rough for Alex to accept the rejection, but it was fair enough. Plus, he had plenty of reasons not to get too attached as well.

The table fell silent once more as they continued their breakfast.

"Oh, you have a sister right?" Alex asked, cutting the silence, to which Rarity cautiously nodded with narrowed eyes. Alex was slightly confused before he realised how it seemed coming straight off the previous topic. "Oh, no, no, no. You're getting the wrong picture. I'm not gonna go after your sister because you rejected me." Alex said through laughter. "I was just wondering why she isn't here. Does she not live with you?" Rarity visibly relaxed and started laughing as well.

"I do, yes. Her name is Sweetie Belle and no, she lives with our parents on the other side of ponyville. She does like to stay here from time to time. Our parents can get a little... overbearing."

"Ah, right. So I'll get to meet her at some point then."

"I'm surprised you haven't already. She is best friends with Applebloom and quite often spends time at Sweet Apple Acres. However, you won't get a chance over the next week. Her class is going on a trip to Canterlot so they can avoid heat..." Rarity suddenly stopped talking and looked as though she had said something she shouldn't have.

"Huh? Avoid heat? Oh that's right I think AJ mentioned something about stallions not doing so well in heat waves or something. I didn't realise it affected kids too. But mares are okay?" Alex queried.

Rarity panicked slightly, trying to come up with an answer. She had already talked about Applejack's idea with Rainbow and was on board with her plan.

"Um, yes. It doesn't bother us mares too much, however, we do tend to make mistakes a little more often." She wasn't sure her lie was solid enough to fool Alex.

"Yeah I would think so, hot environments can get pretty annoying. Man this world is strange. Good thing I've got fire powers, heat doesn't really bother me anymore." Alex said, stuffing the last bite of his food in his mouth before standing up. "Right, I hate to love you and leave you, but I really should check in with Steele and see if I can keep working for him." Rarity was rather stunned as he had just accepted her ridiculous lie with such ease.

'Thank Celestia, he is so quick to blame everything on this new world.' She thought to herself as she walked Alex to the door.

Rarity opened the door for Alex and just as she was about to bid him farewell, he pulled her in close and gazed longingly into her eyes. She was almost entranced by the sudden, intimate action. He lowered his head closer to hers and she instinctively went in for that addicting kiss. Just as their lips were about to touch, Alex pulled away and stepped back, leaving Rarity as though he had taken her soul.

"Whoops, sorry. Almost forgot, just friends." He said with a wide, knowing grin. "See you later, Rares." He waved as he walked away from her. Rarity didn't know how to feel, but she did come to realise just how hooked on Alex she was.

Alex made his way through town and towards the forge. During his walk, he mulled over what Nathan had said about focusing on his relationships. 'I should really talk to everyone about what's happened... who knows, maybe one of them will give me some lead for me to follow.'

Alex came to the entrance of the forge and saw Steele working away on a hot piece of metal. 'Maybe a job isn't such a great idea with my problems.' Just as Alex was about to turn away, the old stallion turned his way and grew a large smile.

"Alex, my boy!" He cheered, moving in with his hand outstretched for a shake. "Good to see you're okay." Alex shook his hand and returned the smile.

"Hey, Steele. How's things going here?"

"It's been well. I have to admit, you had me worried after you took off last time. You might've heard, but those bastards were taken away to the cells and I haven't heard anything from their wanker boss, neither. Must've given em a good scare." He said, finishing with a laugh.

"Both of them? I suppose that's good to hear, I thought I'd killed that mare."

"Well, yah didn't. Pretty sure there was some major work done on her and I think she's in a wheelchair for the foreseeable future. Not that I would've complained if yah had put her down. They just about ruined my life. Guess I owe yah one for that." His bluntness caught Alex a little off guard making him chuckle a little. "You look haggard, Alex. You doin' okay?"

"I've been better. To be honest I'm running on hard times." Alex admitted, slightly ashamed.

"Come, we'll have a seat out front and yah can tell me all about it." Steele said, leading Alex to a small bench at the front of the shop. "Now, what's got yah so down?"

Alex proceeded to tell the short version of his struggles, not getting too personal. Steele was surprised to hear about his struggles with power and the rather sad predicament with his brother.

"I have to admit, Alex. That's quite the tall tale." Steele said as Alex finished.

"You don't say." Alex replied with a sigh.

"No wonder you look like you haven't slept all week." 'Do I really look that bad?' Alex thought to himself. "I know I can't help much, but there's a young mare, Twilight Sparkle, that lives at the library. She might have some book with answers... Oh and she's quite good with magic, too. If anypony roun' here knows anythin' it'll be her."

Alex couldn't believe he hadn't thought of it earlier, of course Twilight could help him. He'd even been in the library multiple times before. Alex's musings were cut short as Steele started talking again.

"If yah ever need t' talk t' somepony, come see me. My door's always open for yah. Even if yah just need a drink, I know a good spot... oh and if yah find yourself short on bits, swing by an' gimme a hand. I find hittin' metal's a good way t' get out some stress."

"Thank you Steele, you're real good friend. I'll see yah around." Alex said, standing and offering his hand. Steele copied, shaking Alex's hand before giving him a short goodbye and letting Alex head on his way.

'Now, I can head to Twilight... although, I'm sure if she knew something she would've said so by now.' The realisation quickly stole what little hope he'd gathered. 'Maybe I should go find Redheart...' Anxiety grew within his heart as he thought of how he'd managed to screw that up so quickly. The thought of maybe just avoiding her completely did cross his mind and it was appealing to start with. 'No. I need to go see her.' Alex concluded before changing course and heading for the hospital.

The walk felt like ages and Alex mulled over what to say. Before he could come to any solid plan, he was standing infront of the familiar glass doors. He took a deep breath and made his way inside and toward reception where he asked if Redheart was in. The receptionist told him to wait a moment while he went and got her.

The receptionist managed to find Redheart in the break room with little effort looking.

"Hey, Redheart. That human is here. Said he needed to talk to you." Redheart sighed at the message.

"Tell him I'm not in today, I don't really want to talk to him right now." She replied.

"I don't know, he looks pretty rough..." Redheart cut the stallion off by whipping around to him and getting in his face.

"Is he hurt?" Her words filled with concern. The stallion backed up a little from her advance.

"No. I don't think so, I mean he just looks like he's had a rough few days." Redheart breathed a sigh of relief before shooting past the stallion and making her way to the reception. As she walked she thought about how he had stood her up and frustration grew within her.

Alex sat patiently in the pristine waiting area. He couldn't help the nervousness brewing inside his gut.

"It's alright, Alex. She's bound to understand. I mean you've got a pretty damn good excuse." Alex was glad he had Nathan around. He proved himself a good friend time and time again.

'I sure hope so.' Alex thought just as a door opened revealing the mare Alex had waited upon. He shot to his feet.

"Redheart, hey." He said nervously. As her eyes laid upon Alex, she grew a nasty glare.

"You have some nerve coming here, Alex." She snarled at him. Making him recoil a little. She added to the intensity by folding her arms and refusing to look at him further.

"Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry I stood you up the other day..." Alex started, receiving a huff. "I can explain everything. Can we go for a walk?" After a moment of silence Redheart sighed.

"Fine, you're lucky I'm on break." Alex gave a thankful sigh and led her outside, towards the outskirts of Ponyville.

During their walk he tried to explain what was going on with him but it all came out in a flurry of desperate words.

"Alex, you need to slow down. You aren't making any sense." Redheart said, coaxing him to sit on a park bench they were passing. He took the offer and a deep breath to calm down. "I can tell you've been through a lot. I mean, you look terrible. Like you haven't slept in days."

"Do I really look that bad?" She gave a sad smile for his answer, drawing another sigh from the young man.

"Okay, so this is what's happened." Alex proceeded to retell the story he had told Steele. After finishing he looked to Redheart to see her shocked expression.

*SLAP*

The shock reverberated through Alex's cheek, much like the sound through the park. After a moment Redheart collected herself and looked away from him before crossing her arms again.

"You know, I was considering forgiving you, but after coming up with such a ridiculous story. I just feel like you can't take me seriously." She huffed.

"I'm not... why would I lie about this?" Alex could feel himself getting worked up. He couldn't see why she refused to believe him.

"I don't know, why would you ask me out and then abandon me?" Her words cut like a knife. It's not like Alex had asked her out on a date... or had he? He had grown quite fond of her... maybe he did have feelings he hadn't caught on to.

"I didn't mean to. Look, just watch this." Alex said coldly. He stood up and stepped infront of the mare. She watched him carefully with a frown. Just then Alex's body burst into flames, leaving Redheart absolutely gobsmacked. He quickly extinguished the flames as she tried to speak, only making gibberish and noises. Alex felt a pang of anger rise from the depths. "You know what? Fuck this. I've got bigger things to worry about than you hating me. In fact you go for it, hate me all you want. I deserve it! Hell, any moment I could be killed by whatever demon has control over me, so you hating me means it's one less person I make sad when I bite the dust!" He shouted, becoming overwhelmed by the enormous amount of feelings stirring around in his head.

Redheart couldn't say anything, her ability to speak being completely stripped from her. With it being obvious nothing else was going to be said, Alex stormed off leaving her behind.

Redheart watched as Alex left, being frozen in place. Then everything hit her like a tonne of bricks and she burst into tears. "What have I done?" She cried.

Alex made his way through Ponyville again, with a vicious scowl.

"That was harsh, Alex. Its not like you've got an easy to understand story. It wasn't exactly wrong of her to think you made it up."

"Shut the fuck up, Nathan! I meant every word I said!" Alex snarled, scaring a few ponies that were around him as he stomped past. "I really could keel over at any moment. The less people attatched to me, the better." He grew sad after realising the meaning behind what he said.

"Look, Alex. I know there's a lot going on in your life at the moment. But thinking like that isn't going to get you anywhere. You're a fighter. I've seen it with my own eyes. We will sort everything out. I promise you that."

"You know, Nathan. I am really glad I have you in my head. I don't know where I'd be without you." Alex said, everything about him softening.

"Yeah, I'm pretty amazing." Alex snorted at Nathan's words before continuing the now easier walk to the library.

It didn't take him long before he was knocking on Twilight's door. At first knock he had no response making another small sigh escape. He then knocked again, this time, though, the door swung open to show Spike in a light pink apron with pink frills. Alex couldn't help showing the amusement the sight brought to him.

"Oh hey, Alex. What can I help you with?" He asked with a genuine smile.

"Believe me, Spike. You've helped me more than you know already." Alex replied with a chuckle gaining a confused look from the young dragon. "I'm actually hear to see Twilight. I'm hoping to find some clues on how I can get home."

Spike's demeanour dropped at his words. "You plan on leaving?" He queried, quietly.

"Well not if I don't have to, but I really need to see if my brother is okay. Hopefully even bring him here." Spike cheered up a little from the information.

"Well, I'm afraid you're out of luck. Me and Twilight have been through every book here a few times looking for a way."

"I figured as much. You guys are far too nice to me."

"It's what friends do, right?" Alex felt a nice warmth from his words. 'Spike deserves every good thing that comes his way.' "I'll go get Twilight for you. Come on in, I'm making pancakes for lunch." Spike continued before walking away.

Alex stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He stared at the many shelves of books and felt slightly overwhelmed by the task before him.

"Alex, how are you doing?" Twlight asked as she joined him next to the books.

"Hey, Twi. Actually, I've had a pretty rough day. I'm hoping I'll find a way to get home and turn the day around." Alex admitted.

"I'd hate to make your day worse, but I've been through every book here."

"Yeah, I figured. Oh well, I'd like to at least try."

"Okay, well let me help you. I do love going through these shelves. In the mean time, why don't you tell me about your day." Twilight offered as the two started sifting through books.

"Well, I saw Steele this morning. That went well, he said he'd let me work there for some coin. Then I went and saw Redheart." Alex spoke as he picked up a random book, but the thought interrupted the process.

"Oh, that's right. Something's happened between you two, hasn't it?"

"You could say that. The other day I accidentally asked her out on a date..." Alex started, causing Twilight to go a little stiff with a blush forming. "I didn't realise it was a date, I figured we could be good friends since she... you know, sees me so much." They both shared a small giggle at Alex's constant misfortune and consistent visits to the hospital. "Anyway, I had that accident with Rarity and ended up in Canterlot... missing our date."

"I see. I'm guessing it didn't go too well today?" Twilight asked, clearly concerned.

"I think that's an understatement. I tried to tell her what I was going through, but she didn't believe me. She ended up slapping me, thinking I had come up with some dumb excuse." Twilight, moved a hand to cover her mouth, only to emphasise her shocked expression.

"And what did you do after that?" Twilight asked, almost begging for the rest of the story.

"Well, I kind of got a little mad..." Alex was ashamed to admit it. He didn't realise what could have been gathered considering his past experiences with getting mad.

Twilight gasped. "You didn't... hurt her, did you?" Alex recoiled from the outrageous question, but quickly realise there was merit behind it.

"What? No! Of course not. I just kind of told her that I wanted her to be mad at me because then it would be one less person getting sad if I bite the dust." Alex hung his head in shame. After saying it outloud, it definitely sounded a lot worse than he had intended.

"Well, Alex. I don't think it's completely over between you two. There's no reason why you couldn't make up and continue being friends."

"I appreciate that, Twi... But that bridge has burned." Alex replied sadly. He retook the focus of the task at hand and returned to the book he held before realising something rather important.

'Hey, Nathan. You there?' Without a response, Alex remembered that Nathan said he was going to go through his own memories. 'I guess he forgot I couldn't read as well.'

"Um, Twi. I have a slightly embarrassing issue." Alex admitted, gaining the unicorn's attention. "I can't read." The confused look was expected.

"But I've seen you read before." Twilight questioned.

"Yeah, that wasn't me. Nathan was reading in my head. He's a bit preoccupied at the moment." Twilight started laughing at Alex's predicament, making him feel the need to expand. "I can read, but your written language here is different to back home."

Twilight calmed down but held onto her amused grin. "That's rather unfortunate. Don't worry, I can teach you. Oh, I'll have to prepare a lesson." Alex felt slightly worried about the can of worms he had just opened. I hope she doesn't get too carried away with this.

Four and a half hours later, Twilight had managed to deliver an extended lesson on the basics of reading. She was in her element and said every word with vigour and passion. As much as it made Alex happy to see her in such a way, Twilight had managed to nearly kill the poor man. He tried his best to pay attention, but he was never good at learning.

Alex felt a small amount of resentment for himself as he was putting Twilight's energy to waste, but to be fair, it seemed like Twilight could have carried this lesson on until the end of time.

Alex did learn one thing, if nothing else. Twilight had done her hair up in a bun to keep it out of Alex's face when she bent down to check his textbook. She also placed on a pair of glasses. A strange addition as Alex had never seen her wear glasses before, but he wasn't exactly complaining as his new found attraction to the nerdy school girl look distracted him from almost everything.

'Another mare catching my eye... God damn, I'm in trouble.' Alex thought with a sigh, a dreamy look donning his face while Twilight scribbled something on her wheeled chalkboard. 'Fuck.'