Chapters How many years has it been? It has seemed like an eternity since I've seen the light of day, yet it's only been a short time. How could I know? Every night it's the same thing, it's so consistent now it's to the point of where I know it's a dream. Or maybe this is real, and when I think I wake up is actually a dream. I looked it up everywhere via books, internet, anything but having the same dream every night for five years straight just doesn't happen. Why me? What's the point? Is this dream supposed to tell me something? So many questions that I've wanted answered, but cannot find any solution.
I've always wondered if I was actually already dead, and was living out a constant loop in this 'afterlife'. Everyone always told me you went to heaven or hell after you die, but I'm not sure which this is, well considering the fact that I might not be dead. One of these phases is a dream, and I need to find out, for everything is just a dream to me now. What is real? And what is fake?
Most people would be confused, and miserable. I was at first, but I soon learned to deal with it. For some reason, it's comforting, no longer a terrifying experience every time I come here. I am standing in a room, or so I think, yet I can feel the ground with my feet. Even though I look down and see no floor, it's evident that something exists there, otherwise I would just be floating, which shouldn't be considered impossible since this kind of place is kind of impossible in realistic standards in itself.
For some reason, I didn't feel alone. It was odd, for I could see no other person around. But I couldn't shake the fact that something was there, watching me. Yet, this is the first time I've ever felt something watching me. I've been here countless times and felt nothing but the same feeling of an empty shell but this time, this specific time I feel like something is here with me. It's odd. As I walked through the void, I started to hear voices, no, whispers from people. It sounded like they were in the distance, yet I could not see them. This made me even more curious as the voices became much louder.
The voices became even louder, and in the distance I could see a form starting of something starting to appear. A human..No, a pony? What does this mean? I questioned myself endlessly as the pony came closer, a smile planted on its face. It looked...So familiar, but why?
...Get...Work....Late...
Funny, it sounds like my brother, but he's...
SPLASH
The wonderful sensation of cold water woke me up.
"Damnit John, what the hell!" I hollered.
I looked around, then realizing that no one was there. There was also no water on my face. "Oh yeah...That's right..."
My brother disappeared a few years back with no trace of where he could have gone. There was no warning, no evidence. It's like he vanished off the face of the earth.
I sat up out of my bed, pulled on my trousers and walked to the glorious room of cleansing, otherwise known as a shower. I quickly turned the nozzle with haste, remembering the event that previously just took place a few seconds ago. I was late for work. Yet, it didn't fully process in my mind how important it truly was. Perhaps the warm water would wipe away the spell put on my mind.
After my shower, my brain came to terms with how serious the situation was. My shift started in five, which I was going to be late regardless due to the time it takes to even drive there. I quickly dried myself, dressing in the required clothes for work. Everything was set, other then my shoes. Luckily I remembered, and found them without a search needing to be conducted. Buried underneath books, upon books of theories, and ideas of a world which could never exist. Every since I was but a small boy the entire idea of this energy intrigued my interests.
Yet, though I studied these ideas and theories endlessly, it would make no actual affect on my life whatsoever, for it doesn't even exist. This fairy tale energy known as Magic. I've studied many things in my life, many different thoughts and ideas of famous philosophers about the possibility of an unknown force. It's very similar to gravity, a force we cannot see, but scientists have proven gravity exists first hand, not magic. Magic led me to many things in my life, such as spending hours on end playing popular MMO's and reading books and stories of limitless adventure of fantasy.
As though magic led me to those many useless things that would have no real affect on my life, it also led me to something special. A little cartoon: My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. To be honest, I still don't believe that I am a fan of it, but something caught my attention within it. The very aspect of transforming emotions, or these elements into a form of magic inspired me. I payed less attention to the show and it's characters but mostly on what it meant. Every episode had it's own little pinch of magic, each coming in a new color and form.
Yet, even though I envied them in their little utopia, I wondered to myself what made this world so peaceful? It was without hate, crime, pain, and even suffering. How could this even be? I shook my head, realizing that arguing over a TV show was pointless, and would only waste more time. Still though...The very thought of using magic...
I pulled myself into my car, turning the keys and pulling out of the driveway. The extreme chances of finding a roommate that was also a fan of the show I deeply liked was so slim, it's almost unbelievable. I guess I can can myself the one percent.
With my simple hate rant over with, I arrived at work. An average job for a sixteen-year old would be to work at an ice cream shop would it not? Besides, who wouldn't? Especially when you get a free cone of whatever you want at the end of each day you work. I mean, come on now, common sense. You know you want this job right? Well guess what, it's mine; so go find something else.
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After a good few hours of working, I was released from my chains and lunch was just beginning. I casually walked out of the building, ice cream in hand, with a sack lunch. I made myself something quick. I pulled the objects out from the bag, pizza leftovers and some chips. I didn’t have to worry about a beverage since I just made myself one from within the building. Advantages for working at a place selling food was getting free food in return. It was quite nice actually, and I enjoyed it.
Being the ravenous animal that I am, I plowed through my lunch is mere seconds, not even giving a thought to what I was going to do next. Once I finished, my mind was cleared of everything. I sat and wondered about many different things, most of them being pony related. Why am I so sucked in to this universe? Why am I so interested? These thoughts struck me deeply, and I couldn’t really think of any reason why other than…Magic.
Still, why bother? Magic isn’t real, and there is no way to even use it. Maybe I could conduct some of those…No what am I thinking, those dark rituals are a gateway for spirits, and I don’t feel like being possessed thank you very much! If so, then is not the world of Equestria swallowed in darkness? I am extremely religious, and it's only natural to take these things seriously. Being religious, most people expect me to enforce my beliefs on others, yet I'm usually silent about the topic. It's not that I'm selfish or anything, it's just that I know the world would rather die then hear my 'nonsense'. Still, their fate is not my problem. We cannot choose another's path.
Putting that thought aside, I focused on my drink. The thought of trying magic passed through my mind, but I instantly threw it away. But throwing away the thought only gave it more confidence in coming back. It returned again and again until I decided I would just give in. Worth a shot? Probably not, since I know it won't work. What makes it so persistent? Magic doesn't exist, and Equestria is just some made up land...So why do I keep getting this feeling that it just isn't that way?
"So be it," I said, "I'll try this magic..." I had no confidence in what I was thinking of doing, but honestly, what better way to get rid of this annoying thought then to prove it didn't exist. Then again, I have no idea how to use magic in the first place. How to cast it, or channel any magic through my body. The first, most simplest form of magic is the use of telekinesis. Just by watching the show, it seems to be the first thing they teach to young unicorns. This however is just a theory. A theory ready to be put to the test.
I always imagined magic being focused for humans through their hands. Although most of the magical power must come through mentally, a course of redirection to a certain point of your body is also needed; as with unicorns and their horns. There is nothing magical about the horns, it's just a hard piece of bone that was specifically designed for the use of magic. Realizing I was getting off topic, I turned my attention back to my cup. It was an average plastic see-through cup, perfect for what I had in mind.
I reached my hand out to the cup, putting my hand just around the edges of the cup, not touching it but close enough. I focused all my senses on the tips of my fingertips, hoping for some disruption in the energy fields around it. These energy waves would, at least in theory, cause the water to become restless, moving around like the raging sea. Nothing was happening and I was getting impatient. I started getting angry like a fool, as if I was expecting it to work. Realizing I was only making myself look like a weirdo, I stopped.
Impossible, completely impossible. What was I thinking? My heart closed, realizing that it would never be real. Magic would never exist, only in some fairy tale. It's only natural for someone of my age to dream is it not? Sixteen years and still haven't accepted the 'real' world. Some may call me pathetic, but I think I'm just different. Everyone gets brainwashed by society, and learns to accept that. I won't.
I will find a way, Equestria or another, this life or the next, I will find it. I waved my goodbyes to my fellow co-workers and headed home. As I drove home I started to wonder why I even live life? I mean, what's the point? This world is so boring, so why? Recognizing the fact that I have already asked myself this question hundreds of times, I instantly forgot it.
I pulled into the highway as any driver would when something struck me like lightning. "Shit!" I yelled, remembering that I have to go to the library to return those books I've been keeping for so long. I looked around the highway, noticing it was dead as the country. A smirk crawled onto my face and I took an illegal turn across the ditch and onto the road leading back. It was exciting and fun, good thing no one was there to see me....Or so I thought.
The all to familiar sound of sirens filled the sky and I looked in my side mirror. I cursed myself mentally, seeing a cop tailing right behind me. He double popped his sirens, telling me to pull over. I did so accordingly, not wanting any trouble. I was breathing deeply, feeling faint. This wasn't the first time I was pulled over, so what am I breathing so heavily for? The police officer moved out from his vehicle, closing in on my position. Should I drive away now? No, I can't afford to do that.
The police officer approached me, "Excuse me sir, may I give you a bit of advice?" He said frowning. Oh great, another speech from the elderly...
"I'm sure you know why I pulled you over..?" he asked. Like seriously, why do you even need to ask?
"Yes sir, I'm very sorry; I just remembered I left my wallet at home, so I turned around to go get it." I lied, it felt bad, but cops are usually cool around where I live.
Instead of any kind of speech from someone who seems to be like forty years older than me, he looked at me and said “Column B, Section 4, on the third.” As soon as he said that he walked away. I said nothing, too confused for what just happened before my eyes. Seriously, what just happened. My brain started to hurt from the confusion so I stepped out from my car to ask him a question.
Yet, as I left my car I noticed that there was nobody there. The cop car was gone, along with the police officer. I shook my head, “There’s no way, it’s only been like 15 seconds…You can’t disappear like that.” Logic, hello?
***^^***
The Void
***^^***
From within the space between both worlds, a figure clothed in pure white sat, looking endlessly into the horizon. He saw many things, some which the mortal eye cannot comprehend. In a flash another figure, completely clothed in black appeared just beside his friend.
"You do realize that this is breaking the whole free will thing we tried so hard to enforce, right?" The white said.
The black chuckled, "Destiny is destiny, what can be done? Plus, he needed a little boost. I mean, what's so bad about speeding things up a bit?"
The white looked at his friend, "A bit? Five years is a significant amount of time in humans."
"Well we wouldn't understand that at all would we?" The black asked, teasingly.
The white chuckled, "Yes, I suppose you're right."
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"Was that supposed to be a joke or something?" I said aloud, parking into the lot of the library. "I mean, if it was, then what was the point? I don't get it. Must be from some movie from the seventies or something."
I locked my car, heading inside the library with the books I was supposed to return. I walk-ran to the front desk, setting the books on it. The lady behind the counter, which I recognized from the earliest bits of my childhood, was Mrs. Landers. She was always a nice, kind lady. I remember she would invite me over and make me French toast while my mother was gone. I know I’m a couple years too short to be saying, ‘my childhood’, but everyone says I act much older than my current age. If getting into trouble, constantly disagreeing with everyone, and denying reality is what a kid my age specializes in; then I see no problem here.
Well the last thing, denying reality would have to be a little loss of my side. I’m still a kid who believes in magic. So I guess I haven’t grown up, have I? I was too busy thinking to myself that I didn’t realize Mrs. Landers was speaking to me. “You there? Helloooo…” She trailed off, trying to grab control of my subconscious.
Snapping back into reality, I said nothing and gave her the books with a kind smile. She smiled back, gently taking the books to do whatever librarians do with their books. I was too distracted by the forgotten amount of books that actually inhabited this jungle; otherwise known as a library. This place wasn’t your average library on the side of the road. It was huge, the walls towering as high as the heavens, or so it seemed. Abstract art painted on the walls, along with other renaissance paintings, favorite by the librarian owners. It almost had a grand Cathedral type feeling to it. Thousands of books recording history and actions taken place by human king. Of course history wasn’t the only genre of books that filled the grand library. There were other assortments such as fiction, science fiction, non-fiction, and so much more. To any nerd this would be heaven.
Again distracted by my own thoughts, I noticed the dismissing wave of Mrs. Landers. That being said, or should I say done, I left her with the people standing behind me. The thought that I was being a nuisance to the other people, staring around at the building must have been awkward, but I soon noticed they were doing the same. What is so different about it, especially today? It’s not like I haven’t been here before. It’s all the same, or so my memory says so. My memory…
I shook my head, snapping back into reality again. For some reason I found myself in the left wing, column B. The nerves inside my brain snapped, for some unknown reason. I couldn’t figure it out, but decided to ignore it.
Familiar…
I felt strange, like some other-worldly force was pushing me to this section of the column. If felt like that all too familiar sense, of what is it called, déjà vu? But what the bookshelf wasn't what caught my attention, it was this single book. Unlike the others, this one stuck out much more. It was brighter, bigger, and much more...creative. I grabbed the book, and brought it down to my field of vision. The cover was vastly colored with symbols which I immediately recognized to be of arcane. The feeling didn't go away, and it urged me to open this book to read it.
Yet, with a simple flip of the page, I was gone.
University of Magicks, Canterlot
DRRRRIIIINGGG!!!
The bell echoed throughout the hallways, corridors, and spaces between, giving notice that class was now over. Students of all shapes and sizes, colors and forms exited their rooms, heading preferably back to their dorms or someplace else. Out of the herd of students, one in particular followed the teacher of the classroom she was just occupied in.
"Professor!" She called out, scurrying to keep up with him. "Professor, may I speak to you please?"
The stallion ignored her requests, pursuing his ongoing target, the staff buffet.
Easily angered by his rude response she charged her horn, and in a flash appeared in front of the old stallion. "Professor, I would like it if you speak to me."
"Oh, Miss Sparkle, good to see you again." He said sarcastically, before moving around her and continuing his journey to the magnificent spectacle of food set for him and his co-workers.
Miss Sparkle grunted, charging her horn once again, but this time levitating the professor back to her, holding him in place. He squirmed around, shooting daggers at her eyes.
"I demand you put me down this instant! I could get you expelled for this!" He shouted, only loud enough for the both to hear.
Miss Sparkle, in return and revenge, ignored his requests and brought him closer. "And I demand you speak to me about it."
The two stared at each other for what seemed like ages until the old stallion finally gave up. "Look Miss Sparkle, I've already told you this, I have nothing else to teach you!" He implied.
She pouted, but then remembered. "What about those other classes? I saw you teaching some colts around campus, what was that?"
The old stallion laughed, "Those were personal classes, and they are far too advanced for you."
She was shocked, "Too advanced, I-" She was cut off by his dismissing hoof.
"Look, you may have been taught by Celestia herself, but if you haven't figured out yet, some of the Mages in this university are more magically advanced than even her. You must learn from the best to be the best, which is why you are here." He said.
Hearing the tough truth about her mentor was much, but understanding that she must spend another 2 years in the same classes before she could move on was even worse. She already aced all the tests so far, she knows all the material, so what's the point?
"Professor, I have done everything this school has to offer, I have passed every class in every nook and cranny of the art of magic. So why won't you let me learn what those other ponies learn?" She begged.
The professor sighed, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "You should respect and love your youth. For the final magic we teach is far too dangerous for you to learn."
Miss Sparkle blinked, confused. "My youth...Dangerous? What do you mean dangerous?"
"Miss Sparkle, this entire time you have been learning defensive and conjuration magic. The only kind of magic any average pony would need right?" She nodded. "But beyond that is what we like to call offensive magic. It is the most dangerous kind. The power to conjure flames at will and incinerate your enemies..."
He sighed, continuing. "But it doesn't stop there. The most ancient kind of magic we teach is only available through the headmaster, Professor Weavehoof. Remember these words Miss Sparkle.
"Arcane."
Sparkles mouth dropped, "Y-You mean?"
The professor nodded, "Yes, the very fabric of the universe, the threads that hold everything together. Even Starswirl could barely catch a glimpse of its true power."
Sparkle gulped, but then remembered. "But don't we use arcane every time we teleport?" She asked.
The professor nodded, "Yes, but only a small fragment of it. Any larger of a dose of its power could instantly kill you if not prepared. Arcane is volatile, unstable, and a vicious kind of magic." He said, trying his best to scare the young mare from trying it.
Sparkle spent a few seconds to regather her thoughts, but by the time she was back to ask more questions, the professor was gone. She looked around, calling his name. She heard a bubble sound next to her. She turned around to see a conjured message bubble. She cocked a brow and popped it, waiting to hear its contents.
"I'm sorry Miss Sparkle, I must be going, the buffet awaits me. Ta ta!" A voice replayed.
Sparkle blinked, turning back around to the hallway, still filled with hundreds of students. "Arcane...I know what I'll be writing to the princess about tonight." she squealed, heading back to class.
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The Great Throne, Canterlot
Among the festivities, and celebrations moving throughout the throne room, as it was Equestrian Independence Day, the two great leaders noticed something peculiar. This feeling, only noticed by them, exchanging glances, nodding and heading toward one another.
"Is it him?" The darker one asked, curiously.
The much larger one shook her head, "I think so. His presence has changed since we last saw him." She looked around at the ponies dancing, and eating. "Either way, we must return to our duties. I just can't shake this odd feeling."
The darker one nodded, heading back to her assigned position among the horde of ponies. Entertaining their subjects was the best they could do at the moment, but the slight feeling that something grand was happening still persisted. The two sisters brushed it off, allowing nothing to distract their night of celebration.
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For the ponies of Ponyville, it was just another average night. Very few ponies wandered the streets, most of them either late night shoppers or drunks just trying to find their way home from the local pub. The bar in town square just opened up not too long ago, and already half the town was using it as their new 'hang out' place. All of the ponies, even the elements inhabited the bar like it was their own house.
From outside the building, the echoes of ponies singing songs could be heard for miles, thus making everypony in Ponyville troubled with sleep deprivation. Though it was no matter, for it was the most fun anypony has had in ages. A place where they could get together and celebrate their independence. Cider filled the pub, flowing down the throats of many ponies, laughter and joy filling the air.
For once, this was needed. The atmosphere in the most recent months were tough on most ponies, especially Ponyville. Sure, every day was a new adventure, usually leading to some disaster, but the sealing of Discord was a battle quite hard to recover from. Not only that, but the recent Royal Wedding was tiring as well. Can some things just not go perfectly? Tonight was no different.
As the night went on, many ponies eventually said their goodbyes and went along their jolly ways back home. Laughing and nearly tripping over themselves. It was truly a swell day for Ponyville, one they would never forget. The bar was almost empty, most of the ponies have already left. From inside voices were at but a whisper, coming from the obvious smart of the town, Twilight Sparkle. She had engaged a conversation with the town drunk, Berry Punch. An odd sight to be seen yes, but tonight everypony was great friends.
The two exchanged different topics, and Twilight found her new friends to be quite the conversationalist. If given a chance, even the most odd of ponies, or in this case 'drunk' could be proven to be much different than everypony thinks. After a few hours of drinking, which Twilight did almost never, she got up from her stool.
"Well I'm getting tired, Berry, it's been great speaking to you. Maybe we can talk again some other time?" She smiled, recieving a weak, tired nod from Berry.
"Why don't you have one shmore..." She said, burping loudly. The bartender snickered at her behavior, glad that he has a new loyal customer.
"No thanks, I think I'd rather find my way home then sleep on the side of the streets," She winced. "Who knows what could happen to me out there."
Berry's smile faded, and she nodded, as if seriously. "mmkay..I'll check wish you later Twi..." She paused, some drool coming out from her mouth. "Light." She finished rather late, much to the confusion of Twilight, who later registered it to be the effects of the alcohol.
Twilight giggled at her friends behavior, waving a dismissive hoof to Berry, and Mead, the bartender. As she approached the doorway, a peculiar stallion trotted in. Berry beamed with excitement, hoping this new customer would be her new replacement as a drinking buddy. He was a periwinkle coated unicorn, with a dark violet mane. Twilight noticed that if it weren't for his eyes, they would blend perfectly together. His eyes were lime green, shining like emeralds. His cutie mark was strange, reflecting a collection of connected stars.
As he trotted in with a grin on his face, Twilight felt something that sent shivers down her spine. As he approached closer, his eyes set on the bartender, the feeling enhanced until Twilight felt a little dizzy. What is this feeling...? She thought.
Back in real time, the stallion trotted right past Twilight with ease, showing nothing of problem. Twilight stood still, her gaze still fixed at the door. The chills she previously felt were gone, along with everything else. Soon enough she felt herself slowly trot towards the exit. That is, until she remembered the feeling. It hit her like a train.
I always felt this way when I was learning magic at the university. Whenever somepony would cast a high level spell, it would send shivers down and up my whole body. Twilight stopped her train of thought, pondering something to herself. But...I didn't see him casting anything.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the annoying laughter of Berry Punch. Twilight glanced back, noticing that the two were already the best of friends. The unicorn was oddly enough, drinking his glass of hard cider with his hoof. Twilight thought this was odd and her suspicion caught the best of her.
"Why aren't you holding that glass with your magic?" She asked the colt, who simply shook his head.
"I don't remember there being any rules on how I handle things," he coughed rather hard. "Besides," he glared at Twilight, his sly smile still planted on his face. "Why do you care?" He asked. Twilight couldn't think of a response and just shrugged, "Sorry, I just found it a little odd."
The colt laughed, "I get that a lot actually."
Berry Punch had no idea what was going on but to be honest, she could care less. She bumped glasses with him, chugging down another glass. Twilight found herself trotting back to the stool, her curiousity growing with this colt. "Back for more 'eh?" Mead teased.
"No, I'm just here to see who this colt is." Twilight responded, receiving no attention the colt. "Excuse me, but may I ask you something?" She poked the colt, who flinched in response. He turned back to her, his deep lime green eyes syncing into the soul of the young mare. "Uhh, sure?" He said, rather nervously.
Twilight found herself stuck in his gaze for a second, before looking away suddenly. She noticed that she was blushing slightly, which she quickly corrected herself. "Just...Who are you? I've never seen your face in Ponyville before." She asked. "Come to think of it, neither have I." Berry added, a hoof to chin as she thought.
The unicorn set his last glass down, wiping his muzzle with his arm. "That's probably because I'm not from around here. In fact, I'm here on business."
Twilight cocked her head slightly to the left, "business? Of what sort, if you don't mind me asking?"
The colt waved his hoof dismissively, "I'm a traveling mage. Just came back home here to Equestria after traveling from across the world. I've been many places but trust me, I'm glad to be home." He explained rather blandly, still receiving interested expressions from all three ponies. "I was sent by Celestia herself to investigate...certain happenings in western Equestria and Deire. Though what I discovered there is still classified." He finished, consuming another glass of cider.
At this moment Twilight was straight up in his face, causing him to fall off his stool. Twilight giggled, feeling the barrage of questions about to pour from her mouth. But before she could even open her muzzle, he placed his hoof on her muzzle.
"No questions. No answers." He stated plainly, yet seriously. His glare told Twilight that he wasn't lying. Twilight whimpered, sinking back into her stool. The unicorn sighed, pulling himself back up to his stool. A silence filled the room as he gulped down glass after glass. Berry Punch stopped hers, to drop her jaw in amazement at the sheer amount of cider he was consuming.
Finally, after what seemed like ages, he gave her a chance. "Fine. Ask away." Twilight squealed in excitement, focusing her gaze on him, quill and paper in mist. "First, what is your name?"
"Arcane."
Twilight blinked, feeling a sense of dejavu flow throughout her body. She quickly dismissed the feeling, writing down the information on her parchment. "Home town?"
Arcane took a sip from his glass, "...Roulin."
Twilight stopped her writing, her gaze contorted into one of shock. "I'm so sorry..." Twilight felt horrible for asking him asking him anything now. When Discord was free for the few days he was out, he completely destroyed a small village off in Western Equestria. There were no survivors. That village was called Roulin, after the great Equestrian hero 'Roulin Breakmane'.
A small silence drifted through the bar, both Berry and the bartender minding their own business. With a small shrug and a flash of light, Arcanes' tab was on the bar. Letting himself down, he stretched his rather muscular body. Twilight couldn't help but noticed his build, finding herself impressed with him. He noticed her glance and grinned. Twilight hastily turned the other way, burying her muzzle in her own drink, a blush clear to all around her.
"You're quite adorable when your embarrassed Ms. Sparkle." Arcane teased, receiving a chuckle from the bartender who secretly agreed. Twilight blinked, her blush growing deeper in scarlet red. "Alright, I guess I'll stop before your whole face turns red." He chuckled to himself.
"By the way..." Arcane trailed off, looking around the pub. "Is there any houses for sale? I was hoping to settle down for a while. It's pretty nice here, the bar's got my favorite kind of cider." The bartender smiled, realizing he just received another loyal customer. "And...Not to mention, we got some pretty cute mares here." He said, blinking to Berry Punch, who just smiled in response.
"You could try the town hall to see if they have any for sale. Still going to have to wait until tomorrow, I doubt it's open at twelve at night." Mead said, cleaning out the few glasses Arcane chugged down beforehoof. Arcane frowned, "Damn. Guess I'll just have to find a hotel. Well see you later"-"You could stay with me!" Twilight hastily interrupted, receiving confused glances from Berry and Mead. Arcane blinked, trying to process the offer. "..What? Really?" He asked.
"Yes, I mean yeah, we always have an extra room for guests. And if you need a place to stay, theres no way I can turn that down." She said rather nervously.
Arcane grinned, "A thousand thanks to you, Ms. Sparkle."
Shortly after the conversation came to a close, the two left the bar. Paying their tab plus tips for such great service, they made their way to Twilights' home. Arcane noticed in the least that Twilight doesn't drink much. She was wobbling over, her face flushed with mixed emotions. It made Arcane wonder if they were even going the right way. Eventually, even through much needed guidance to her hooves, the two made it back home, or at least Twilights home.
Twilight showed him in, showing him the various things around her house. Arcane was...In the best described, quite amazed at the mass amount of books that could be stored in such a small tree house. Being a mage, books was nothing new to him. In fact, the canterlot ward of magicks was practically built of pure books on magic. Then Arcane realized something he hadn't before.
"Twilight?" He asked, gaining her attention. "Why are you even letting me in your house. You don't even know me. Besides, I could be a criminal or something!" She laughed slightly, "It's okay. I read your aura, I know you aren't lying." Arcane paused himself, giving this mare one good look. She can read auras? Just who is this mare?
Finally after their little tour, Twilight was yawning more profusely, showing her signs of extreme tiredness.
"You seem tired Twilight. You should go to sleep, you can show me around Ponyville tomorrow, okay?" He said with a smile.
She yawned again, "Yes, maybe you're right...." She gazed off, then snapped back into attention. "Your bed is upstairs, second room on the right. Mine is on the left." Arcane nodded, though he wasn't sure why she would give him her room location as well. A thought quickly passed through his mind but he mentally punched himself for even considering such a thing.
"Uhh, right..." He said, quickly finding himself blushing from his previous thought. "Thanks." Twilight smiled creepily, heading upstairs, tripping over herself a couple times just to get up the stairs.
Thoughts rain through his head as he thought of why she smiled like that. Then it hit him. Did she know? Does she know how to read minds? Arcane was beginning to sweat, as he processed the possibilities that he potentially screwed up his impression with this mare because of his male instincts.
Arcane quickly shrugged off his perverted thoughts, coming back into the main view of things. It was at that exact moment that all the fatigue from his long journey came back to him. He nearly collapsed from all the soars being strained on his body. Luckily, he managed to get himself over to the couch. He fell unto the couch with a thump, his moan being from both the pain and pleasure at the feeling of a soft cushion being against his body. Within seconds he was asleep, his light snore traveling through the air particles, only reaching a few feet away.
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The Great Throne, Canterlot
Two royal beings gave their last bows and courteous goodbyes to their guests as they slammed the regal grand door shut. A sigh emitted from both of them, finally coming to realization that it was over.
The single most obsessive thing that was over my mind was the wonderful feeling of warmth. Of course, it wasn't so bad, considering being warm isn't a bad thing unless you're on fire or something, which wasn't the case, or so I think. Darkness? Why is it so dark? How can it be dark and warm? Where am I? My confusion didn't stop, instead started to grow. Panic was settling in, and I swore I could feel my heart pounding. I heard voices, whispers coming from somewhere.
"Spike, get me another, stat!" A voice called, yet at a faint whisper. Spike...Who is that? Before I could question myself further I felt myself fall back into a deep sleep.
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I found myself in a room.
A room divided into two halves. One, for it, and one for me. I don't quite know what it is, but it just stands there with a solemn expression on its face. It looks so terribly sad, so hurt. I would feel bad for it, but I just couldn't. We stood there for what seemed like ages before I spoke.
"Where are we?"
It dropped its head, and looked away slightly. It didn't respond. Why? Why didn't it say anything back? What is it? My thoughts were interrupted as it looked back at me, desperation in its eyes. I suddenly felt a strong connection to it, but why? It finally moved, just a step, but it was something. It caught me by surprise as it held out its hand. I wanted to hold its hand, to tell it everything would be okay.
I couldn't imagine living in a box like this for eternity. It's expression defined its feelings, it was sad, lonely, and hurt. Out of an act of desperation, I held out my hoof.
My hoof.
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Ike.....Sp...
"SPIKE! Get over here, he's waking up." A voice said softly, almost comforting.
I slowly opened my eyes. A blinding light filled my eyes, causing me to shut them quickly. I raised my hoof to cover them, but it quickly halted halfway there. A stream of pain shot through my entire body, almost knocking me unconcious. I heard a giggle and a voice, the same as before speak again.
"You shouldn't try to move, when I found you were beaten up pretty bad." She moved my injured hoof back down to the bed sheets, and I could feel her wrapping new bandages on me. "Please don't try and move for a while, it will only disrupt the healing process."
I felt...calm. Her voice is fluent, calming, and definitely likable. She sounds kind of like my mom...I chuckled at the thought.
Then I heard her voice again. "Oh? What's so funny?" I didn't respond.
It's not like I could. My mouth was sealed shut with bandages, giving me an impossible chance at communication. Using hoof-motions were out of the question too, considering my condition. I wanted to tell her thank you, whatever she may look like.
Then I started to feel it. The aura I mean. Her aura. Does everypony feel this? It's so strange...It's telling me everything about her. Purple...No, lavender. How could I tell? How could I know? It felt as if the aura was wrapping it's thousands of threads around my very soul and mind, sending hundreds of packets of information toward my head. What allows me to know this?
If she had one, maybe I do too? I could feel a sharp pain in my head, near my forehead. I soon established that to be a horn. I was a unicorn. Magic. Why does that seem so unreal to me?
If I were a unicorn, I would have to have magic, right? Maybe I can thank her using my aura, just like she told me about herself with hers. It would be rude not to say anything back right? But I don't know anything about magic, not even the most simplest spell, so what could I do? I was in no condition to move, so what could I do?
"I finished wrapping your new bandages, just try and get some sleep. I'll come back with dinner later, okay?" She said, much to my pleasure and displeasure.
Yet, before I knew it, as if some force was taken my body, I was asleep.
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The peculiar lavender mare trotted downstairs back to her living room, which was pretty much the center of the building. She lived in a tree house, not like the ones you expect from little fillys and colts, but a literal house made from a giant oak. She was the librarian of the town of Ponyville. She was perhaps the smartest, most advanced pony in the town, and is looked up to as the 'Element of Magic'. But she wasn't boastful, and prefered to keep to herself most of the time. Sure, she had friends and all, but something was still missing. Somepony she could count on, but who could that be...
Her daydreaming was interrupted by a loud knock on the door of the oak house. Twilight flinched, not expecting someone at this hour. She casually, still carefully walked to the door, unsure to what could be out at this time at night. As soon as she opened the door she was surprised to not see a burglar, but instead her friends.
One mare jumping around like a maniac, her pink coat and mane flying out in different directions. Another with a yellow coat, and pink mane, shyly hiding behind the next filly who was a large mix of colors in her hair, but managed to keep a solid cyan coat. Another with an orange coat, and keeping a cowboy hat to cover her hair, and the last a pure white unicorn, with a magenta mane. All of these ponies were the greatest friends she could ask for. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity.
Without warning, the white one, Rarity, barged in without question. "You know Twilight, when I heard you were keeping a stallion in your bed, I just couldn't believe it." The others came in as well, saying nothing, but nearly nodding in agreement.
Twilight blushed, "W-What?!"
"What? You think we haven't heard of your little coltfriend?" Rainbow teased.
Twilight growled, "He is not..." She stopped, unwilling to finish the sentence.
Applejack sighed, "Okay girls, that's enough teasing for now." Twilight smiled at her friend coming to her defense. "We really came here to see him ourselves." She said.
Fluttershy nodded, "So...How is he if you don't mind me asking..." She shyly said, typical.
Twilight motioned them all over to her living room, where she was earlier. There was a couch, and couple bean bags to lay on. Her friends got comfortable while Twilight levitated a cup of coffee to herself, sighing, she spoke with a sad expression.
"He's fine now. I'm glad I was able to get him some help at the time he appeared to me." She took a sip from her cup. "He was in pretty bad shape. I don't know what happened to him, but there was claw marks all over his body, obviously from something feral. He had lost so much blood by the time I found him, that I thought he wasn't going to make it." Fluttershy and Rainbow cringed, looking away. Pinkie Pie had lost her fluffiness once she realized how serious this really was. Now she just had a solemn expression on her face, expressing her sadness for the colt.
"So..." Twilight took another sip from her cup, "I gave him some of mine."
Rarity cocked her head, "Some of what?"
Applejack nudged her shoulder, "Some of her blood. You know, blood transfusion and what not." Rarity nodded her head, realizing what she meant, thanks to Applejack.
"While I do admit to feeling a little sick right now," she chuckled, "he has...Much worse problems to deal with."
Twilight yawned, and could feel her eyes getting heavy. "I'm sorry girls, it's getting late, and I do need some sleep after all this blood giving. I'm sorry for being so rude, but I need to get some shut eye."
"Mighty fine with us, sugarcube." Applejack said, nodding in formal goodbyes, before heading out the door. The rest of the girls followed her, saying their goodbyes and goodnights to her as well. Twilight sighed, looking up the staircase to where the sleeping colt was. She thought about him for a while, before shaking her head. Without another thought, she flopped down on the couch, quickly falling into the realm of dreams.
