//-------------------------------------------------------// Derpy's Dream -by dontexistanymoresorry- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Stage One //-------------------------------------------------------// Stage One “Well Derpy. You’ve improved incredibly since our first session! I’d say, if it weren’t for that tilt in your eyes, you’re more or less, normal!” said Dr. Vinyard, “In fact, I think you might in a weeks’ time even, be above standard IQ!” “Golly Doc, thank you! When will our next meet be?” replied Derpy. “Oh, let’s call it… Tomorrow evening?” “Sounds like a plan, Doc.” Said Derpy. Her voice was as clear as diamond, calm and soothing, a voice she never thought she’d ever have. Her voice contests even the most eloquent of speakers. Dr. Vinyard sat up from his seat, and walked out of the room. The room was cold, with twin arm chairs facing one another over a coffee table, with different tests scattered over its glossy surface. The walls were green, with a painting here or there with the same topography in each piece. An ocean, with a beaming sunset shrouded by frothy clouds. Derpy was alone to her thoughts, and her living room was the best place for her at that time. To be with her thoughts. I wonder… above average? Wow. That’s great! But I wonder what the other ponies will think of me when they see how I’ve changed? She got up, and walked over to her window, overlooking Ponyville and the west, where the sun now sets and casts distorted shadows of all bellow it. I wonder what it means… to go from what I was, to what I am? She walked out of the living room, leaving the sea and sun behind, to enter her bedroom. An amazing room by some standards, large ceiling, navy blue wallpaper, with a twin bed covered with matching sheets. And a glorious view of the east, tall mountains, where beyond lies beautiful oceans and skies. Derpy walked over to her dresser, neighboring her bed, and stared into a mirror, rested on her dresser. A reflection she didn’t believe she’d ever see, a conscious Derpy, a smart Derpy. But there was still something wrong. Eyes, each slightly off from the other, but never mind that, she could think and act like everypony else now. Weeks of rehabilitation and testing paid off. New things interested her, new things entered her mind; dreams, logic, science, emotions. All these things… all these thoughts… I can’t believe it. I’m normal! She gave a smile to her equally boisterous reflection, and entered her bed, closed her eyes… and dreamt again… A forest, a full open forest, moving by quickly… where is she? Why won’t she respond? Where has she gone? Where did she go? Oh god… what do I do? A meadow… empty, and a black sky, tearing and weeping. Split and splat go the sounds of running in that meadow upon its muddy, wet, puddled surface. Sun, bright shining sun, breaking the shadow and cloak of night, but rain patters still. And sun shines brightly, and paths are forged in light. Cries of woe and sobs of despair, sadness floods the already clouded sky. Sun shines still. Brighter than any sun before. It blurs and dulls the image, warm, and open. “Wake up, Derpy.” Said the voice in the clouds. “Wake up, Doc sent me, he’s got to cancel today, you awake yet?” “Uhh… Wha?” said Derpy wearily; having just woke up from a dream dreamt time and time again. “Doc sent me; he’s got to cancel today, some emergency with family or something.” Said Krest, a young filly, no older than Derpy, a Pegasus, green coat, with a dark pink mane, that curls skyward here and there. “Really? That’s a shame, funny. He never really talked to me about families. Do you know what the time is?” “I’d say about…12:30 about. You haven’t really come outside that much since you started meeting with Doc, you should join me and Skyblue! We’re going out on a picnic, but first we have to pick up some treats from Sugar Cube Corner.” Derpy replies, while in the midst of rising form her bed “Sure I guess, when? Now?” “In like twenty minutes or so, yes.” Replied Krest, paralleling Derpy’s path. “So be ready soon! I’ll be outside for you.” She said in good humor as she exits the room. I wonder what Skyblue will think of me? Krest is the only one that knows that I’m fixing myself; maybe this is what I need! She thought as she combed her mane, tail and coat. Derpy exited her home, and began to walk with Krest to Sugar Cube Corner, where they found Skyblue, a blue coated pony, yellow golden eyes, and a well-kept curly yellow mane. “Oh hey Kre-- who’s this?” said Skyblue, with contemplation and question in her tone. “This is Derpy! She hasn’t been out in a while, so I invited her to join us!” replied Krest, trying to sound convincing and enthusiastic. I hope she doesn’t have any prejudice against me, as long as I play my cards right I should be fine, thought Derpy when noticing Skyblue’s concern. “I hope I’m not trespassing on anything, Skyblue.” Derpy said. “No no, of course not. Not if Krest invited you, you’re welcome to join us.” Replied Skyblue, with surprise after hearing Derpy speak without impediment. “You are definitely welcome to join us, and you can call me Sky if you’d like! So tell us Derpy, where have you been for the past few months?” She continued. “I’ve been working on fixing myself!” Derpy said happily, “I’ve been working with Dr. Vinyard! He’s been a life saver! He says that in as little as a week I’ll be more than ready for interacting with the highly educated ponies, like Ms. Mayor, of maybe even Twilight, that one pony who lives in the library.” She concluded, as Skyblue listened with open eyes and ears. Impressed with what she had just heard, she let out a great smile, and said, “Well that’s great! Let’s get going to park before all the good spots are taken!” The three made their way to the park, and passed a few ponies on the way, who were rather offended that these two respectable ponies are interacting with a disabled, 'problem' pony, but then noticed the literacy and fluid actions Derpy presented. “Wow, the park looks great! I see they fixed the fountain! Last time I was here, some of the younger colts had broken it.” Said Derpy as the three entered the park. “Yeah! They fixed it up about 4 days ago I’d say.” Replied Skyblue, as she began to acknowledge the other ponies looking at them, some with surprise, few approval, and many with disgust. “I was thinking we should head up to that hill up there, away from the crowds.” Sky said quickly. “Or perhaps we cou—oh, I see… um, yeah, lets head up there…” replied Derpy with initial indifference, and then with downtrodden spirits from realizing Sky’s intention.They hastily made their way up to the hill, in attempt to escape the eyes of the prejudiced. “I was hoping this would be a visit gone unnoticed, I’m sorry to have embarrassed you two… maybe I should go, before I—“ “Oh no you don’t!” said Skyblue with a hint of anger. “I’ll be fully honest, I didn’t think this would be a fun time, but I’m really enjoying your company Derpy!” She continued sounding almost desperate, “I really like talking to you! And just cuz’ some stupid ponies can’t accept change doesn’t mean you have to leave. We want you here, Derpy, don’t let those no-good pony’s make you feel any different.” She finished sounding very upbeat. “Gee… thanks a lot Skyblue, that really means a lot to me. Thank you so much for giving me a chance.” Replied Derpy. “I just wish everypony would get it… shame really…” said Sky sounding disappointed. “Well let’s not pout about those downers shall we?” said Krest, displaying a more comical tone. “I know” she continued, “lets ditch this spot and go down to White Tail, that’s a sight to see, especially in the start of Fall! Not to mention we can scout out the path for the Running of the Leaves! Get a little bit of an edge for the race n' all.” Finished Krest, winking her eye at the two other mares. The hastily finished their meal, packed up and made their way to White Tail. //-------------------------------------------------------// Trees //-------------------------------------------------------// Trees The three made their way up to White Tail. In the time it took to travel there, the sun had begun to set, and a marvelous array of colors flooded the sky. Reds and blues collided and made purples, and the green and browns of the trees seemed to wash out and blur into the sky, making it the most beautiful sight Derpy had ever seen. “This is really a something huh Derpy.” Said Skyblue, observing the scenery. “…  Yeah…” said Derpy, with delay, she was too busy marveling at the splash of colors that illuminated the slowly darkening sky. “You know, back when we were fillies, the switch from Day to Night was nowhere near as graceful as it is now.” Added Krest, as the sky began to take a dark blue, and the curtain of night drooped low across the red sky. For a little while longer, the three just observed the gorgeous sky, and until darkness consumed every last once of color, not a word was said. And they moved the highest point of White Tail they could see. “This really is something.” said Krest,  “But I gotta head outta here, I’ve got a date with SureFire!” She ended an a happy, energetic note, as she flew off, back towards Ponyville. "I'll see ya tomorrow guys!" “Bye Krest!” called Skyblue with a smile for her friend. I feel like something just punched my heart. Derpy thought to herself.  Skyblue, looked at Derpy, who hadn’t said a goodbye to her friend. Derpy looked like she had just run a marathon, her breathing became more sharp, and her mouth hung ajar. “What’s wrong Hun? You look exhausted!” asked Skyblue, sounding very concerned. “Nothing… I… I just…” slowly, tears began to run down her face, everything seemed to be slowing down.  Oh god… I can’t believe it… More tears ran down her face, Skyblue was holding her now and trying to say something to her, but all Derpy heard was muffled speech, Derpy hugged Skyblue. I can’t believe it, I’ve lived my whole life, not knowing what love is. She was sobbing on Sky’s shoulder now, Sky kept hugging her, and was saying something, but her voice was drowned out by Derpy’s thoughts. All the emotion she’s ever felt, every feeling, was bottled up, and now, it was all hitting her in one moment. Everypony thinks I’m retarded! All I wanted was to be normal, why can’t they see that? Suddenly, Skyblue’s words shone through with such pristine quality, Derpy channeled all her focus to hear Skyblue. “Derpy, its ok, I’m here for you. Please Derpy, stop crying, the weight of the world is heavy, I know. But we all have to share the same planet, and weight it brings, its ok, I’m still with you. I won’t leave.” Her voice sounded so clean, her words were so soothing, Derpy’s tears ceased and she looked up at Skyblue, her eyes were aligned with hers, Derpy’s looked sore, but they stole away the world for Sky looked back into them. Sky’s smile was the most calming thing Derpy had ever seen, all of the wonders she had seen tonight had no chance in competing with what Derpy saw in Sky’s smile. “I’m sorry I broke down like that.” Derpy apologized, feeling guiltier due to the overwhelming beauty of Sky’s smile. “Derpy, I understand, and that doesn’t matter. We all cry, life’s a tough burden, and sometimes the weird things make us break.” Said Skyblue, bolstering Derpy’s mood. “Wow, you’re right, I never really put much thou—“Derpy was cut off by Sky pulling her into a kiss, though merely a second long, it felt like an hour. Derpy felt shock at first, but then affection. The one person that really understood her, is kissing her, she just had shown Derpy that she cared for her to. The world around Sky went dull, and she was the only thing that mattered. Derpy closed her eyes, and almost as soon as they closed, Sky pulled away. Derpy stopped her eyelids in mid descent, and saw Sky’s eyes slowly open back up, she was looking downward. “That was my first kiss Derpy.” She said, very quietly, but Derpy heard every last syllable. “Mine too.” Derpy replied. Skyblue’s eyes made their way back up towards Derpy’s, and the moment they met, Derpy felt a sense of fullness that she had never felt before. Is this love? I can’t think of what else it may be. There was a pause, and then Sky’s eyes looked scared, fleeting even. “I have to go, I’m sorry, but I have to go.” She said franticly, as she stood up. “Sky, wait! I don’t understand?” cried Derpy after Sky, as she ran off. What did I do? Her eyes began to cross again, and some tears began to form. What did I do? She lied down quietly sobbing, What did I do? She began to fall to sleep, What did I do? Then finally, she was asleep. The sun was rising, but rain still fell, but it got lighter. The Earth beneath the shining sun was hit with such radiant light, that it shone like the cities of heaven. Marvelous reds, and blues, and greens are filling my eyes with brilliant colors. And a gorgeous Sky, not the sky, but Sky. What did I do wrong. I’m so sorry Sky. Derpy eyes, fluttered, and she awoke from her dream. Why, why did she leave me? Is it because I’m a mare? Is it because of who I am? What did I do wrong? She got up, her feet trembled a little, and she looked down the edge of the cliff she was on. It was steep, and at least seven stories before any contact would be made with the rocks at the bottom. She turned around, walked down the path to the rest of White Tail. The sky was a light pink, as the sun peaked above the trees. The trees brown leaves, hanging on to the tree ever so diligently. Everything around Derpy had some significance to Sky leaving. Even if it had no direct relation to her at all, it still mattered. Derpy’s eyes were hanging low, and half closed, she stopped looking up at the world around her as she re-entered Ponyville. Her head hung low, and her gaze was angled towards the earth directly beneath her. Her mind was empty, and she continued to walk, as she felt gazes of pony’s eyes. Whether they were in concern, indifference, or anger, they were unwanted. When she arrived at her doorstep, she saw that two letters were placed between the crevice in the door and doorway. She grabbed the two letters, and entered her home. “One from Dr. Vinyard, and the other doesn’t say…” she said aloud to herself. She tossed the anonymous letter aside, and it slid on the floor beneath her bed, without her noticing. She opened the letter from Dr. Vinyard, and read. Dear Derpy, I’m terribly sorry to have to inform you of this ill news by pen versus conversation, but I will no longer be your mentor, you no longer require my services. And from what Krest has told me, you seem to be very capable and adaptable. I do believe that by now Krest is no longer the only one that knows you’ve been working on mental rehabilitation. And I’m sorry that we won’t be able to finish our lessons properly. The last lesson was to and pivotal one, but unfortunately due to personal complications on my part, that lesson will not be on hiatus, but cancelled. In case you are curious, there’s been a killing in my family, and due to the conditions of the situation regarding their death, I will not be able to tend to anything but my family. Please Derpy, stay safe, and remember that you’ll always have friends in this big, big world. -Sincerely Dr. Vinyard Derpy re-folded the letter, fit it back into the envelope, and placed it on her bed stand. She sat down on her bed and thought to herself. What will happen now? No more meetings? He said I was ready, nut I’ve never felt more ill prepared. Why doesn’t he get it! She began to get angry and frustrated. No, there’s no way he’d ever know about that. It’s not his fault, he’s only ever helped me. But Skyblue, she abandoned me. She kissed me, and made me feel *loved*, for what? To leave and tear me apart! She only got angrier, but she held back the tears. I don’t care how many ponies see me, I’m going to find Skyblue and… and… give her a taste of the confusion and sadness I felt! Derpy stormed out of her room, and out the door. She looked to the skies and took flight. She had never flown over Ponyville before, it really was a beautiful town. But then she spotted Sky, her yellow mane and blue coat. She was sitting down in the town park, it was mid-morning so adults were at work and children in school, very little amounts of ponies were populating the streets, let alone the park. Derpy nose-dived down towards her, and landed harshly feet in front of her, Sky was startled and jumped a little. Derpy came closer to her animate and began to yell. “What the hell were you thinking? You left me there! Alone in the night! You just ran off right after you kissed me! What’s wrong with you! You made me feel as if I actually mattered! You were the first person to EVER SHOW ME AFFECTION! AND YOU JUST RAN!” Sky looked horrified, she was tearing, but there were already patches of her coat that had seen tears. Derpy took a step back raising on hoof slightly off the ground, look terrified at what she had just done. “I-I’m sorry… I-I… I’m sorry…” Derpy said, her voice quivering. Sky’s eyes closed and she opened her mouth to yell, but nothing came out. She tried again and succeeded. “How could you say that? Why don’t you understand!” once she had completed her sentence, she ran off, Derpy was awestruck, she couldn’t rap her mind around what had just happened, it was all too much. O god, the letter… It was from her! I’m so stupid! She took flight, and flew home fast than she’d ever flown before. She almost crashed as she attempted a high speed landing. She swung the door open. She flew up the flight stairs with one powerful stroke of her wings, and ran into her room. She searched her room for the letter, but to no avail. As she stood in the middle of her room, she fell to the floor in exhaustion. O god… what have I done? In her peripheral, she could see a white, dusty card, beneath her bed. She pulled it out, got up, sat on her bed, and read the letter. It’s me Sky, I know you probably hate me right now but please try to understand. Derpy, I didn’t want to run away, I wanted to stay there with you for the whole night, but I was scared. The way those ponies were looking at us in the park, it scared me. I’m so sorry, I really do want to spend more time with you. There on the cliff in White Tail, was the most magical moment of my life, and I’m sorry, but I didn’t want it to be. I was afraid, two mares? In this town? The town may look nice on the outside, but it’s full of prejudiced ponies. And the way they looked at you, the way they looked at me. I was scared. I’m so sorry, I didn’t think. Right after I left, I felt awful, I felt sick to my stomach. And I realized, I do have feelings for you Derpy. I hope you can accept my apology. Skyblue “O god, what have I done… I’m a monster… I can’t believe I yelled at her like that, what’s wrong with me…” Derpy said to herself. “I have to fix this, but how… “ “You can start with leaving the door shut.” It was Skyblue, she was in the door way of Derpy’s room, she had more tear tracks down her face, but she looked happy. Derpy shot out of her bed and walked quickly towards her, and Sky did the same. They met in a tight hug. “I’m so sorry Sky, I was just so confused.” Said Derpy, with much empathy in her voice. “It’s alright, that was then, and this is now, and we’re together. That’s all that matters.” Replied Sky. They broke from the hug and starred one another, again Derpy’s eyes were align with hers. “You look real tired Sky, did you not get any sleep last night?” asked Derpy. “No, I didn’t get any, I couldn’t fall asleep.” She said, and as she said this, Derpy noticed how listless she was. “Here, I think we both need some sleep,” said Derpy as she started to make her way to the bed. “My beds a twin, so there’s plenty of room.” Derpy and Sky made their way to the bed and fit themselves beneath the covers. They both moved close to one another, and progressed further until they were in a close embrace. They began to slowly slip into sleep, and the trees outside the house seemed greener then they’d ever been before. //-------------------------------------------------------// Explaining Love //-------------------------------------------------------// Explaining Love Derpy felt the rays of sun strike her warm skin, she opened her eyes. She woke right next to Sky, who was still fast asleep. They were close, and Derpy could feel her soft, warm breath against her coat. She quietly and cautiously made her way out of her bed. She looked outside and noticed that they must’ve been asleep for at least ten hours. The sky outside was a light purple, as the sun slowly made its ascent, however, it was still blocked out by the tree line. This is… nice… everything about it. Derpy thought, she turned back around to face Sky, who was still in a deep slumber. Her eyes looked much healthier now, and she looked very at peace. Derpy gave a smile, deep and sincere, and went downstairs to make some breakfast for the two of them. Pancakes. She got the batter, the eggs, other essentials, and got to work. This is love, it must be. But it feels different than the stories I’ve read had perceived it to be. It’s not something you can explain. It’s something you have to experience. After a few minutes, the batter was prepared, and Derpy plopped it onto the plate placed on the stove, and turned on the flame for the stove.  Was this to be my last lesson with Dr. Vinyard? About love and emotion? She thought as she flipped the pancakes over rather mindlessly. It almost went off the edge of the pan. “Woops! Better be more careful Derpy, don’t want to screw up breakfast for the both of us!” she said softly aloud to herself. “I wonder what I’ll do today… I haven’t got a job any longer… Well, Dr. Vinyard said I had a great vocabulary, and a smooth voice, maybe a radio show host!” She flipped over a pancake, and rehearsed to herself aloud. “Good mooorning Mares and Colts,” Derpy said to herself in a pronounced voice, “Derpy here with your weekly… weekly… oh shoot, what in Equestria would I talk about? Ah! I got it. Your weekly report on natural and social phenomena! Now that would be fun to talk about!” She flipped over another pancake, she had made three, and they were looking pretty good to her. She put two on a plate, and the other one in a container to keep them warm. She cautiously brought the ordinance upstairs to her bed room, and laid it on the bed stand closest to Sky. Her partner was still quite asleep, and rather serene. Derpy noticed that her side was exposed, and she thought of a brilliantly mirthful idea to awake her sleeping companion. She quietly opened the drawer of the bed stand and found exactly what she was looking for, a quill. Ever so lightly she tickled the lower side of Skyblues body, who instinctively nudged sideways, and swayed her hoof where the sensation was just felt. Derpy made another assault, this time on the center of her now arched back. Sky rolled over rather quickly, and fell clean off the bed. Upon a soft, yet clean impact she shot up and spoke faster than Derpy thought was even physically possible. “WHO IN THE NAME OF- HOLY COW IN ALL MY LIFE I’VE NEVER SEEN- GOOD GRAVY- OH… I’m awake.” “I-I... HA! I made you breakfast S-Sky” Derpy said, trying her hardest to not break out into laughter. “I appreciate the food, not so much the greeting, whew… Goodness.” Sky said, chuckling a little herself after realizing the hilarity of the situation. She got up and the two started laughing. Sky got back on the bed, and crawled her way to the other side. She picked up the fork and began eating the food Derpy had prepared. “Mmm… this… is… really good!” said Sky through a full mouth. “I’m glad you think so!” replied Derpy with a smile across her face. “I’m going to head downstairs and get mine, I’ll be right back!” She added, as she made her way out of the room shooting Skyblue a wink on her way out. Derpy picked up her plate and used the same technique as she did for ascending the stairs with Sky’s food; cautiously. She made her way through the doorway into the bedroom, Sky had finished most of her meal already. This was alright seeing how Derpy had made less for herself. They both completed their meals with utmost efficiency. Sky looked up at Derpy, she shone with a radiant glow, though her mane uncombed, and her coat not quite pristine. She still wielded an incredible amount of beauty. Perhaps it was how comfortable she seemed to be around Derpy not being necessarily well-kept. “Derpy, I can’t thank you enough. I wish I could tell you just how I feel, but the words to do so just don’t exist. Thank you so much.” Said Sky, her voice full with emotion and gratitude. “I think the word is love.” Derpy replied, in a calculated tone. Sky looked at Derpy initially with confusion, she then gave her a strong smile. She got up from the bed, walked over to Derpy, and gave her a hug. “I think you’re right.” Sky said to Derpy, “And I was thinking, maybe we should go out to the park, and just…” “Be together.” “Yea, let’s go.” They made their way to the door of Derpy’s home. Derpy opened it, Skyblue exited, and as the warm sunlight hit her skin, she seemed to sparkle. The smile on Sky’s face could not be beat. There was an angulating splendor about her. She seemed to radiate with some beauty that couldn’t be matched. But a doubt, a certain fear began to arise in her mind. What would the people of Ponyville think? Two Mares?! Actually… Who gives a flying feather about what they think!! It’s us that’s important! She thought, and a smile spread wide on her face. Derpy’s front door swung shut behind her as she and Sky started to walk down to the road. The sun felt new on Derpy, and the world around seemed to have a new luster, everything was bright now. And then she felt a warm sensation on her neck. Sky had placed herself close to Derpy, and rested her head on Derpy. A tingle shot down her spine, and the world stopped again. Nothing was important except for her and Skyblue. But then the fantasy ended. Derpy heard snickers from some colts rung through Derpy’s ears, she looked to her left where the sound originated from. And she saw a group of colts, around Derpy’s age mostly. There were 4 of them, two were laughing hysterically, one looked rather pleased with himself, and was giving a stare at Derpy. The last, and the largest, was giving her a malevolent stare. Sky’s eyes were closed, she hadn’t noticed. Not yet at least. No, no!? This is paranoia, they honestly are just laughing about some silly joke. They are NOT talking about us. “What’s wrong D?” Sky said to Derpy, sounding concerned. “Nothing. Wait though, two things. What makes you think something’s up, and I’m ‘D’ now?” Derpy replied with humor. “Well, to answer your first question, you’re breathings short, so that got me up, silly. And ‘D’ sounds cute!” Sky said with enthusiasm. “Fair enough,” My breathing got short?! Since when do I not notice that?! “Anyways, let’s find a seat, my legs are sore. Late night and all, sore limbs.” Did I really just say that…? Smoooooth, Casa Nova… “Sounds like a plan to me!” The two pulled over, rather uniformly, and sat down on a street bench. Derpy sat facing Sky, and she rested her head on Sky’s shoulder. “We should go out somewhere.” Derpy said. “Well, we sorta already are.” Sky answered comically. “Yea, but somewhere special, with an adventure waiting to happen.” “Like what?” A colt holding a CD player passed the two of them, loud music emitting from his headset. “A concert! Music is a great way to express emotion, and with autumn approaching, bands will flock for the Running of the Leaves!” Derpy said enthusiastically. “That sounds like it could be fun! Yea definitely! Um… Don’t take this the wrong way but… what do you do for a living? Just so like… We know about… cost.” Sky asked cautiously. “Oh, well I’m not sure, I mean. I used to deliver the mail, but I’m not sure. I mean, I want to do something with my life, something people will remember me for.” “Well, what are you interested in?” “I mean not mail anymore. I’ve always been interested in the music Dr. Vinyard played for me early in our lessons.” “What kind of music?” “It tended to be Classical. But that opened me up to other music, like Rock and stuff. I actually have a synth keyboard at my house, Dr. Vinyard gave it to me, along with some music books.” “You play? Or you’d like to. I mean music’s actually looking pretty promising, seeing how Vinyl and Octavia are the only professional musicians in Ponyville. A lotta room for new talent.” “I do play, or I did…. I haven’t played in a while. I could get back on top of it though, and who knows, maybe it would kick off.” Sky gave a smile and said, “I’m sure you’re awesome, and I earn a pretty generous salary at the Finance Office downtown, so I can support you if things get shaky.” Finance Office? She works at a Finance Office? For who? “You mean the Ponyville Town Finance Office? The one Mrs. Mayor runs?” “Yep, my Dad knew Mrs. Mayor, went to High School with her! He was able to hook me up with a good job in Finance. I really like it.” Sky answered. Well how ‘bout that… learning a lotta’ interesting things today. Then again, I’m pretty certain she didn’t know I “play” keys. She must’ve been thinking out loud, her face shone when the realization that she could pursue a little sudden dream and have support hit her. Derpy was well aware that she was displaying unfiltered thoughts through facial expression, because Sky looked just as happy about her. Sky leaned forwards and gave her a kiss. Though it lasted merely a moment, once again, the world paused. Will this happen every time? I kinda want it to. Derpy thought to herself. And the world faded and blurred around her. Here’s to a new life… //-------------------------------------------------------// Mind, Spirit, and Body //-------------------------------------------------------// Mind, Spirit, and Body Hey guys! This chapter contains some minor mature material. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this Chapter!!! Rock On!!! Derpy and Sky, together, in perfect harmony, had just finished another day. Night was now falling, however they had a very full day. One that had established so much already. From pancakes, to concerts, and rodeos, they had spent a solid month together. Derpy’s musical career had progressed far, and she was making a steady income, and very few people seem to give odd stares when they about town. And after all this time, the two were on their way to Sky’s home. A lovers retreat, or perhaps just a "not at Derpy’s home" kind of retreat. The two were tired, having walked many miles. They rested their head on one another for warmth, ease, and comfort. They communicated without any speech, simply nudging the other with their nose. The other would know what her partner was hinting at. This was beyond completing each other’s sentences, this was harmony on a whole new level. A level that has to be experienced. Love is great. Derpy thought, she was calm, she was serene. The world was not important anymore, everything revolved around them. I want this to last forever. I don’t want it to ever end. This feeling, it’s a feeling of coolness, of mellow mindedness. Everything is calm. Everything is serene. Derpy felt a nudge from her partner’s nose. Obviously this means they’ve reached Sky’s house. It was modern for Ponyville, yet fit the rustic energy of the town. The house had a large, rectangular door, with a small, diamond shaped window placed in its center. The two entered Sky’s home, and Sky looked at Derpy, with a little smile and eyes half shut.The total interior of the house was much more modern than its already interesting exterior. Sky made her way to a room, sectioned off only be a minor wall with shelves like a book stand that reached the ceiling.  She sat down in the room on a large couch, lifted up a little remote, and *click* a fire gracefully ignited in an elaborately simple, white box fireplace. Derpy, too with eyes half shut, made her way to join her companion, who was now lying down on the couch. She clambered on lazily. There wasn’t much more room on the couch to sit so sprawled. Sky knew this, she made no indication of contorting her body to make more space. Derpy instantly knew what Sky was trying to instigate, so she complied more than willingly. Derpy laid down on top of Sky, who gave a blush and a little moan of pleasure. Their eyes met. And Sky lightly pulled Derpy into a kiss, much more intimate than any other one prior.  Their lips were glued to one another with intimate pleasure, and they were soft as velvet. Sky’s tongue began to try to find its way to Derpy’s, however, Derpy ended its search by meeting it with her own. Sky, not breaking the tongue, reached over to the remote, and dimmed the lights, so the fire place was the primary source of light. The two mares were bonded to each other. They could not be broken. Sky pulled Derpy in closer, and rolled her onto her side. They were facing each other, and delivering equal embrace as they pulled one another closer. Sky began to stroke Derpy’s shaggy mane, and shifted her kissing from mouth, to kissing and licking Derpy’s neck and side. “Ahhhh!” Derpy let out a cry of pleasure from this. As Sky continued, Derpy reached down to Sky’s mane and stroked it. It was soft, like her lips, yet wielded such character and perspective. Sky had slowly begun to descend towards Derpy’s pelvis, and as she passed down her abdomen, Derpy gave another cry of pleasure, more intense than before. Sky continued her descent, and Derpy began to breath more heavily. As Sky reached the point of destination, Derpy’s senses exploded with delight. Sky began to use a technique in which Derpy had no idea was even a conceivable method of pleasure. She loved it dearly. Her breaths became pants, and she grabbed tightly to the couch as she struggled to tame the erratic motions of her lower body. “Ohhhh… Mmmm… Yea… *squeak!*” She let out as Sky continued her erotic assault. Then a swift stroke of unparalleled pleasure swept throughout her body, her back arched as she gave a pronounced moan of delight. Sky returned back to Derpy’s eye level, the two were panting. “Holy cow, I… I never…” Derpy started, but simply couldn’t finish her sentence, she was panting to hard. But Sky knew what she had meant. “Sweetie, I… I want you to move in with me, please. I have plenty of room for all your things, and this place looks a little stale anyways, sorta empty. You’re what needs to fill up the space I think!” Sky said, trying to sport a charismatic humor, however she was simply too tired to pull it off. “Oh of… of course I will!” What am I saying? I love her, but do I want to leave my home to be with her? It’s been a month, I know I love her. I know it. Yes. I want to move in with her. I want this to last. “I’m so glad to hear it! Oh I can’t wait!” Sky responded with enthusiasm. Sky closed her eyes, and embraced Derpy, who returned the embrace and closed her eyes. Sky’s breath was soft and calming. Her rhythm slowed as she began to fall into slumber. And Derpy began to drift into subconscious herself. A new life indeed… //-------------------------------------------------------// House Call //-------------------------------------------------------// House Call Doctor Vinyard was at the front of the home. The home of Mr. and Ms. Hooves. It was tattered, paint was beginning to peel. It looked as if it was, yes, still inhabited, but just completely ignored and unkempt for years. He began to imagine the house Derpy had described to him so long ago. “Can you describe your childhood home to me, Derpy?” He asked. “Err, yea sure thing Doc!” Replied Derpy, eyes crossed, and speech rather slurred. “It was kinda small, but I had lots a room to play n’ stuff! It had a pointy triangle roof, all red n’ stuff, and it had a red door with red window shutters, n’ white paint on the walls! The inside was white walls to! The carpet was all green, n’ mommy wore a green apron whenever she went to go cook n’ stuff!” That home was different now, but clearly it had been how Derpy described it. He approached the front door. He cleared his throat, and knocked on the door, as he did so it slowly turned ajar. “Hello? Anypony home?” The Doctor said politely. “Yea yea, be right there!” said a stallion, in deep, stained, cracked voice. The stallion swung open the door. He was grey, like Derpy, and had a yellow mane. He was greasy, carried a beer, he had bags under his eyes, and he stunk of last week’s laundry and alcohol. “Who in the blazes are you! We don’t get visitors anymore.” He said in an angry tone. “I’m Doctor Vinyard, I’ve been working with your daughter, Derpy Hooves. My leads have brought me to you, and I hope to perhaps, erm… tie bonds between parent and daughter once more.” Answered the Doctor in the most formal, clear way possible. “I don’t have a daughter.” Said the stallion. “I’m sorry, but I can’t afford to believe that. Please, for her sake, could you let me in so we can talk.” Oh god no… This can’t be true… Perhaps I can change his mind, maybe Derpy’s mothers could shed some light for him. “Yea, okay, whatever. Come in. Seat yourself, if you don’t mind.” Answered the stallion, who was now quite curious as to the message the new visitor was about to bring. “Thank you greatly.” Doctor Vinyard entered the house. It was even more worn down on the interior. He spotted a relatively clean looking chair, and sat in it. He noticed some letters from Equestrian Tax collectors stuffed in between the stained, worn cushions. He could see through a door way, a yellow mare, on her hind legs leaning out a window, smoking a cigarette. How unbelievable, how tragic. I simply must fix this, they can be saved. “Well, what do you want to say about this girl Derpy.” Blurted out Mr. Hooves, who was already slouched down in his chair. “Oh well umm, you see, your daughter-“ “SHE’S NOT MY DAUGHTER! NOW TELL ME ABOUT THIS ‘GIRL’ YOU MET AND GET ON WITH IT!” yelled Mr. Hooves, he looked outraged and irritated. Doctor Vinyard was startled, but regained his posture. The mare in the kitchen was now leaning against the door frame of the room he and Mr. Hooves were in. Her eyes were bright red, half shut. She looked extremely pale and ill. Has she been experimenting with self-destructive drugs? He began to think, but there was no real doubt in his mind. Just disbelief. “Well umm… yes… Derpy came to me and wanted to gain total mental stability. So we set up regular lessons, and I set up self-constructive exercises and routines, and we began to get results. Now really the only issue is her tie to her family, and her eyes still, last I saw her before I made my way here, were still askew.” “And what does this have to do with us.” stated Mr. Hooves. He was giving a sinister grin, he had established that he had no connection to his offspring, and had no intention of even acknowledging she still existed. “You are her biological parents. Whether you wish to accept it or not. She is your offspring, and she deserves to know what has been going on with her family since she left.” Doctor Vinyard said, with as much courage as he could muster. Seeing how Mr. Hooves reacted prior. However, instead of yelling, this time his grin turned into a snarl. This was much more terrifying then any of his past actions. But it was his wife that really seemed to blow at this one. “Derpy!? Who in the hell thinks they can barge in here, tellin’ fuckin’ lies ‘bout mah mistake like that! She’s fuckin’ DEAD! You hear me!? DEAD! And so are you, you little fuckin’ PRICK!” She threw a syringe at Doctor Vinyard, who only just slid over in enough time to have it stab the back of the armchair he sat in. A syringe?!? “YOU’RE FUCKIN’ DEAD, JUST LIKE HER!” She continued to yell. “SHUT THE FUCK UP MARE!” Shouted Mr. Hooves. “You know what, she’s right, you’re fuckin’ dead punk, c’mere, and I’ll tear your fuckin’, little. HEART OUT!” and he lunged out of his chair at Doctor Vinyard, who leaped sideways out of the chair with surprising speed. He made a run for the front door. They’re both in a rage! One in a drunk rage, and the other in Heroin rage! Got to get out of here before they KILL me! His mind was racing, he looked back and saw Ms. Hooves rushing towards him with a small blade in her mouth. She leapt at him, knocking the two of them to the ground, only a foot or so from the frontdoor. She wrestled him with primitive rage and anger, and got on top of him, poising ready to strike with her blade. Doctor Vinyard made an effort to keep the blade away from him, along with trying to get her off him. “GET YOUR FILTHY STINKIN’ HANDS OFF MY WIFE YOU PRICK!” Shouted Mr. Hooves as he ran over to the two of them, ready to smash the bottle of beer he carried over the Doctors head. Doctor Vinyard struggled even harder, trying to escape Ms. Hooves grip and knife. But before he could get her off… SMASH!!! Blood began to stain the carpet as it seeped from the glass beer bottle, now fragmented into Mrs. Hooves head. She lay motionless on top of the stunned Doctor. “AHH! AH-AH AHH!” He screamed as he squirmed pushed her off him. He stood and looked at the body. Her head was littered with shards of glass, and each had a stream of blood gushing from it. He looked at Mr. Hooves, who looked equally stunned. “You… Y-you... YOU KILLED MY WIFE!!! I’LL FUCKIN’ KILL YOU!!” shouted Mr. Hooves. No time to spare, must escape. Doctor Vinyard ran out the front door. Must escape… Must reach civilization… must keep running. Doctor Vinyard was an earth pony, strong yes, but not as agile or speedy as pegasi, thankfully his pursuer is disoriented, providing him the Doctor with time. He looked back, Mr. Hooves was standing outside his door, yelling and cursing at him. Doctor Vinyard ran and ran. after a few miles of consistent running, he reached a small town, and ran to the police station. He swung open the door, and ran to the front desk. A startled mare sat there, who was previously appreciating her well managed hoof-work, but now stood wide-eyed at the raggedy, bloody, panting man, who now stood before her. “Can I... err...? Help, you?” Asked the mare politely. “Can *huff*see the *huff* the captain? Very important. A death, an assault, parental denial and neglect, and consumption of illegal *huff* merchandise…” He nearly collapsed to the floor from lack of air. “Uhhh… yes, yea of course, I’ll get him right on the line. If you could just go down that left hallway, he’s the last room on the right. Errmm… get… better?”  She added, dialing up the captains room number. The raggedy Doctor got up, having gathered his breath, and made his way to the room. Opened the door. Sat down. And explained the entirety of situation to the Captain of the local Police Station. //-------------------------------------------------------// Stage Two //-------------------------------------------------------// Stage Two The sky was bright, it shone with the luminescence of the rising moon, a night of epic lunar beauty. The forest of Whitetail was always gorgeous at this time of night, with just a little bit of its green colouring poking through the veil of midnight darkness. Reflecting the moons rays around it, creating a nocturnal glow. The Cliffside was equally gorgeous, sporting its smooth rocky surface, reflecting the stars, and promoting prolonged glances out to the world around it. It was like standing on top of a miracle, surrounded by little wonders as far as the eye could perceive. “D, let me throw a hypothetical your way. What if we just stopped… if something happened, like one of us moves away? What would we do?” Sky said to Derpy, breaking the omniscient silence. A little frightened at first, Derpy flinched. Once she comprehended what was just dropped on her, she began to imagine a world without Skyblue. “I-I dunno… I’m so used to having you here, and being with you that. Well, not be cliché, but it hurts to imagine life without you right now. So much of my life is centered around us, moving on would be so hard. I just don’t want to think about unless it’s something that will happen.” Derpy responded, her voice shaking, eyes tilting the way they do when she’s confused, but slowly returning to a normal orientation. “I can’t imagine it either. I just wish though, that people wouldn’t mind us so much. It’s not often, but it still comes up.” “You mean today, when those colts I saw back when we were first dating, started to yell at us?” “No I mean the nice lady that offered us muffins, which you devoured…” Sky responded sarcastically. “Impulses! Can’t help it!” She said, attempting to make it sound like an innocent act that is easily understood. “It’s fine!” Sky said laughing, “but yea, those colts worry me, they’ve gotten more headstrong. What if they start to make a scene this time? Today it was us walking through the park with no one there, what if next time it’s in town? Think of all the things that could happen!” Sky said nervously. “I think we should just forget about it. Why don’t we sleep, always gives good ideas, besides, I brought a blanket for us, it’s in the basket.” Derpy said, pulling a comfy blanket out of the picnic basket next to her. Sky moved in to Derpy, nuzzling her snout into her neck, as Derpy laid the blanket down over them both. Sky closed her eyes and released all tension in her body as she started to fall to sleep. Derpy stared out at the glorious night, it was so overwhelmingly beautiful. It was like staring out into a vast ocean, so large that one can simply not begin to fully understand it, and even more lay beyond the horizon. A noise arrived from behind, the sound of hooves.  Trotting along in a painfully casual manner. Derpy looked back. Her eyes deceived her mind, as her perfect moment faded, and the world stopped spinning for a second. Now it was not two ponies on the cliff, no, it was 5. The four colts Sky was talking of. Were slowly advancing, taking their time. The lunar glow illuminated their faces, it was clear and present like a developed photo film. They stared at Derpy and Sky, with a malevolent glare that only suggested a sickening joy. They moved in faster now. The large pegasi in front started to speak. “Someone’s at the wrong place at the wrong time. You gonna keep bein’ a freak like that? You’re a retard, you’re deficient, you’re incompetent, and there is nothing admirable about you. Stop pretending like you’re smart, and stop being a disgrace to Ponyville, trotting around with a mare in that manner. You don’t get it, you’re a freak, we’ve just about had it with you, and you’re through.” He said in a dark tone that sounded like smoked glass. Sky woke up, she looked around, and saw the horrifyingly true evidence of demise. “We’re gonna end you, make your pitiful existence end with a bang. Rather a hoof.” “How? Why? What have we ever done to you! Nothing! Go on and enjoy yourselves while sharing tolerance for others, just, go!” Derpy said in retort, eyes tilting slightly again. Sky shot up, horn blazing a bright yellow, sparks of magic fizzing off its tip. “Stay away from us you creeps!” She said defensively. “Well, I just can’t back down from a challenge now can I?” They colt pounced at them, Sky shot a bolt of lightning at one in mid-flight and sent him flying backwards in a static mess. The pegasi and his partner landed on Sky, throwing a fury of punches down towards her. “NO!” Derpy screamed, she turned back around, and bucked on of them right in the jaw, he staggered and fell to the floor clasping his broken jaw. The larger one diverted his attention to Derpy, and launched at her sending them both to the ground. The larger one was on top, throwing punches unmercifully toward her. Every noise was a singular blur, a piercing ringing that never ceased. Her mouth felt warmer, it was filling with her blood. How bizarre, I feel nothing. Out of the darkness of silent pain, a bolt of yellow lightning came and struck the attacker off his hooves as he went spiraling off the Cliffside. As soon as the bolt sent him off, the other colts bucked her side, sending her to the floor violently. Derpy looked off the Cliffside, and saw the pegasi fly upwards and back towards the Cliff. Derpy stood up, she bucked the two colts off sky, not with enough strength to send them towards the floor, but enough to get their attention. She kicked again, this time striking them both in the face. They reared towards her, she struck again, and started running down the Cliffside, the two colts, and airborne pegasi in close pursuit of her. I have to leave, I have to save Sky. She turned into the trees, branches and leaves striking her face, her main getting tangled and her coat gathering dirt. She ran, the forest seemed endless, she turned right. The forest was thinning out, and the sound of hooves became more distant. She kept running. The forest thinned more, it felt like hours she was running. The forest finally ended, and a grassy hill lay ahead. She took flight and reached the top of the hill. She could see the Cliffside far away, and saw Sky running down the trail. I can’t return, this can’t happen again, not to her. Derpy looked down and saw the colts running right through the forest still, on a lost trail. I can’t go back. I have to leave. She looked out at Ponyville and saw the sunrise, it felt painfully familiar. It was, she had been here but once before. This was her nightmare, this was the field that she reached when she ran away. This was the sunrise she saw, and now she’s running away again. She has to. This is it, I have to leave, no goodbye’s, I have to go. I’ll find Doctor Vinyard, I’ll ask for his help, I need to find my parents. I need someone, I need help. The sun continued to rise, and rain began to fall lightly on its beams of light. A faint rainbow appeared across the sky. Derpy looked out once more, on her life. She rose above all expectations, she was a lover, she was prosecuted. She had a new life indeed. But this isn’t her dream, and she knows it. There’s so much left for her to still do, this can’t be the end. I will find Doctor Vinyard, we’ll find my parents, we’ll reunite, and together we will rise against the belligerence of intolerance. I have lived my dream, it’s time to dream again… //-------------------------------------------------------// The Doctors Interlude //-------------------------------------------------------// The Doctors Interlude Okay… this should be the… eighth stop… Doctor Vinyard thought to himself, as he approached his destination. The Doctor had not initially planned on setting out this early on his search, but with leads as precise as these! There’s no way he could say no. However he felt regret and guilt for leaving Derpy on such sudden notice, especially having not explained the truth of his absence to her. She is ready to face the world I believe. Preferably, further development is always nice, a bit of a cushion for her to rely on. He thought to himself, trying to convince himself that she would be able to handle his absence. Oh goodness, but she can be so shy! I hope she’s interacting well with other ponies. “Ohhhh… Yeaaa…” whimpered Skyblue. “Just returning the favor!” said Derpy in a highly seductive tone, as she winked and continued to 'return the favor' Sky had given her a night ago. “Ooohhh… AHH!!” Oh, I do hope she’s doing alright… Doctor Vinyard continued to think. With plans set in motion, and a map to a destination full of opportunity, he continued to set forth, to his now close destination. It was within a direct line of sight now, no longer shielded by trees of brush. Finally, I’m here… This has to be it… It fits every last detail of the dreams. A forest she said, full and elaborate. Dark and deep. It fits it all perfectly! A twisty road, a shadowed path. Its gotta be it! He thought. This has got to be it. The home… Of Mr. and Ms. Hooves…