Talunion's Lifeby FlutterTalChaptersChapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 1Chapter 2Now here’s my first day as a stallion. I’m back from a trip to Manehattan[1] and I go in my brother’s house. “Hi Sleepin’!” I say to my brother. “Hi Tal!” he replies. As you probably understand, his name is Sleepin’ Pendulum. And I realize I didn’t do a description of him before. So, just remember that he a -rather- dark purple unicorn with black and white mane and tail -not grey, just black and white-, blue eyes, a pair of glasses and his cutie mark which is… well. I hope you remember[2]. “How was the trip?” “That was nice. It was really hard to draw the buildings however, but I nevertheless love what I did.” And as I get out my drawings from my backpack, he ask me to show him what I did. So I take the opportunity to show him one of my drawings, and his reaction makes me confirm what I thought: he prefers the way in which I represented the ambience and the ponies than the rest of the drawing[3]. Finally, I go upstairs to my room and I stick my drawings on the wall. More precisely, I should consider my room as a museum in which I expose all of my drawings. And as a matter of fact, there’s drawings everywhere, whether it is on the walls, but also on the ceiling or even the floor. Even one of my wall is flooded by my drawings. Some of them overlap with each other. So you guessed it I hope, it’s a mess. I should really say to myself to go clean all of that, so I will never forget. And then when I finished, I go back downstairs and I look at the window. Somepony I see catches my attention. Yet I remember when I was in the orphanage being with a dark blue colt with long black mane and tail, but I also see that pony is wearing a black tie and he has a cutie mark which looks like a light blue quarter moon. Is he the pony I’m thinking about? I don’t know. But I remember what I said: try. At best you will see again a pony you’ve never seen since years, at worse you can at least make a new friend. So I don’t wait a millisecond, I take back my backpack and I head for the door. “You’re already leaving?” Sleepin’ says surprised. “Yeah… You know, I’m very busy today…” I answer with a forced smile. But my brother doesn’t trust me. Maybe because of my smile. In all cases, I see him ask me some other information. I sigh. “There’s somepony outside I haven’t seen since years. I just want to see him again.” “So you don’t need your backpack.” “I prefer to take it all the same. In fact, I prefer to take something and be provident even if it’s useless, rather than taking the risk of not having something that can be useful for me.” “Oh ok! So there you can go.” After he said that, I go out and close the door. Now where is this pony? “BOO!” Right after I heard that, I jump with fear and am about to run. But before I take this opportunity, I turn around and I see the pony I saw through the window. And to judge what he did, I immediately know who he is. “Blue Night[4]! You already know I hate when you do that!” “Oh, sorry!” he replies. “It’s just, well, we didn’t see each other anymore since years. I just wanted to see you again.” “Well I guess you knocked on the right door.” Then we walk a bit together to talk about our life. He explains me he took a time before obtaining his cutie mark and he loves what he do: he’s a constellation scientist. What he say about that is not very clear, I just understand that it’s about studying stars behaviors and what does it mean. Other than that, he explains me he knew about my trip, and more precisely he knew that according to him thanks to my brother. “Oh wait, you know my brother?” I ask. “Yeah! And about your trip, you should really tell me what happened and what you did.” I give him no answer. In fact, I was not even next to him, but way behind. So he runs to join me as I stay still like a statue. He waves at me, but I immediately push back his hoof. Finally he watches what I see and doesn’t know what is going on. But I’m not crazy. I know what I’m watching. Or should I say “who”. Yes, I’m watching a pony. And more precisely a gray mare unicorn with long brown and orange mane and tail and aquamarine eyes with glasses. At least, that’s all I can see[5], but just that was sufficient to make me melt myself. Until Blue Night intervenes to snap my thoughts. “Seeing your face, something is telling me you found a crush.” “Err… No, absolutely not.” I blush. “You know? You can tell me everything. We are friends, or should I say best friends. You can share me everything, it’s between you and me.” I sigh after he said me this. “You know what? I just want to be alone for now. Don’t worry, I will join you after.” I see in his face that he knows something isn’t right for me, but he doesn’t know what he can do for that. So he leaves me alone after saying: “I hope so. I hope you will join me soon.” Now the unicorn came out of my sight, and I always don’t know what I can do. What if she rejects me? I shake like a leaf just by thinking about that. I need help. [1]That’s where I bought the collars in my back hooves years ago. [2] Just see the first chapter if you already forgot. [3] In my opinion, still on the drawing, I guess it’s the fact that I added him in the drawing that makes him like it. [4] Yeah, it’s the same pony whom I consider as my second brother. [5] I have clearly distinguished that she has a cutie mark without seeing properly what it is. Chapter 3Yeah, I know letting go your best friend is absolutely not the best solution, but it’s precisely my default: when I am in a situation like that, I never take the best solution. I would call Blue Night back, but he’s already gone, there’s no turning back. But I wonder, why am I making life more complicated? “Just go find her, and ask!” I say to myself as I am walking around. “She must be able to accept you. You just need to prove you can be with her.” But I don’t want to suffer right now. So I try not to think about that and I go find Blue Night. Good thing I know where he lives. His house is a very spacious place, as if it’s an observatory. Well, it’s not like a dome, but it’s still a huge house. Since I enter in his house, I don’t see him for the moment, but he heard me anyway. “Oh, hi there Tal!” he starts, as he shows himself. “Hi…” I answer, tired. In fact, I am so tired I cannot stand straight. And to the point where I am, I end up losing my balance and falling over. Well, that’s what I thought, because Blue Night was here to catch me up. Thank you Blue Night. “Are you sure you’re alright?” he says. I give him no answer, I’m too tired to do anything. Suddenly -and quickly-, I think again about that unicorn mare, and all my thoughts is a nightmare for me now. But Blue Night is still determined to find out about what is happening to me[1]. “You know? I’m not a psychologist, but I always can do my best to help a friend in need. And you’re not an exception. More precisely, you’ll never be an exception. We are best friends, and I can’t let my best friend like that. So please, be nice and tell me what is happening to you.” I sigh as I finally say an answer. “I don’t wanna talk about my nightmare.” This time, it’s his turn to sigh. And even if he hates to insist in this situation, I can see he has no other choice. “Tal… You already know I hate to be angry in a situation like that, especially if it’s about helping a friend. I don’t want to torture you about what is going on, but if you don’t tell me what is happening, I will never be able to help you. So, do you have my trust?” Yes, I have his trust. I guess I have no other choice. “Well, as you guessed previously, I found a crush.” As soon as I give this answer, I can see stars in his eyes. That was precisely what I feared: I don’t wanted to be mocked because of that… No, that’s my friend, he will never do that. Instead, he said: “I absolutely don’t understand why you said this was your nightmare.” “I know it shouldn’t be like that.” I reply. “But it’s just… I’m not prepared for that.” “I guess you already thought about that but, why are you making your life so complicated? Won’t hurt to, at least, ask. And do you remember what you said before you left the orphanage?[2] Just try! Who knows what will happen next. And if you’re not still ready, why don’t you talk to your brother about that? He’s a hypnotist after all, I’m sure he can help you.” Wait, my bro…? And then I realize: indeed, I remember when we were at the orphanage, about this filly who had trouble to sleep. He succeeded to help her, why won’t he succeed to help me? So I take my backpack as I ready to go home. “All right? Filled with courage?” “Thank you Blue Night!” was all I said before leaving. So after my short trip to my friend’s house -pretty short yes-, I run to my house. And I’m thinking: indeed, I never thought about telling my brother about that. The only moments I told him to hypnotize me was when we wanted both to have fun, but I’m sure he essentially do it as a psychologist -or something close to it-. Once in front of my house, I slow down the pace before entering. “Oh, so now you’re here.” Sleepin’ says. “Yes. Yes, I’m here.” I reply, out of breath. After some seconds, I decide to take my chance and ask to my brother: “Also, I have a favor to ask you. I need to be hypnotized again. Can you do that for me?” I ask with a willing smile and my hooves dancing. Here I see my brother very surprised about my request. Not because I asked him to hypnotize me, but because I said it was a favor[3]. So he replies. “That was the first time you wanted me to hypnotize you as a favor… So what do you want?” “Oh, nothing special, I just want to be confident for later.” “Why?” he ask as I see in his head he wants more info. Well I guess I have to say it to my brother. Here goes nothing! “I found a crush and I’m not ready for that…” “Oh, love!” he replies, smiling. “You know, you’re very lucky to experience that. Because you surely know I not very talkative, and that’s my handicap.” So my bro already tried to experience that? Good to know. “Okay, follow me!” he says as he walks to the first floor. Here! This will be the first time he’ll hypnotize me for a special case. I feel excited and scared at the same time, precisely because it’s the first time. So I follow my bro, and as we arrive to the hypno chamber -as he like to call it-, I sit on the couch as I’m now in front of my brother. “So, are you ready? Because the effect may become permanent.” My body is ready, I say to myself! And good thing this will be a permanent effect, this isn’t something dangerous after all. Nearly immediately after, the session commences. In the beginning I can see my brother with a glowing aura on his horn and colorful spirals replacing his eyes. But… What beautiful spirals! I look at them, open-mouthed. Perhaps I have my own eyes totally replaced by the spirals -I can’t tell-, but I can still see my brother with some colors at the edge of my vision. “Now. I want you first to take a deep breath in… and out.” He was saying that at the right pace and by breathing in and out. And that’s what I also do: I take a breath in slowly and deeply with my nose, before breathing out with my mouth. And I continue as he tells me to continue. “Good. Now just continue to breath at your own pace as you relax.” As he says that, I see my vision being slowly engulfed by the colors. Furthermore there is one word he said that echoed in my mind, I think it was “relax”. With that I slow down the pace of my breathing. “My voice is now the only thing you can listen to.” That’s kind of true. In fact at this moment, all the sounds in the background are slowly fading away, while my brother’s voice is slowly making an echo effect. “At this point you can feel a strange energy starting from your hooves.” That’s precisely what I feel. But I also feel this energy not only starting from my hooves, but also slowly spreading through my body. At this moment, I feel really heavy. Good thing I wasn’t standing, I may fall. Now I have the beautiful colorful spirals invading my vision, the background sounds completely faded away, my brother’s voice slowly echoing, and the strange energy spreading through my body. And when this energy is invading my head, I hear my brother saying his soft catchphrase: “Sleep!” Immediately my eyes shut, my mouth closes and my head is down. “You really are a wonderful pony.” he says after that. After several seconds -meaning when he was tricking my mind-, it is now pretty hard to think, as I hear at this moment a small light ping[4]. Now I let out a small smile, as my brother is lifting my head and command me to open my eyes. And as I open them, I can still see my brother, but only his outline. Anything else are completely engulfed by the spirals. I guess they replace now my eyes completely. “Now I want you to imagine what you really want in the future.” Immediately after he said that, I take a deep breath and start imagining something. In this, I see myself living happily with my crush. Surprisingly, it’s no longer a nightmare. Or was it a nightmare before? I don’t remember. All I can do right now is following his commands and smiling lightly. “Do you still feel this heavy energy? This is your freedom, your confidence.” he says as I moan at this. “So you also want your imagination to become a reality, right?” I let out immediately a “Yes” without thinking of anything else. At this point, I’m not even worried of what will happen. “I know you can make this happen because you are somepony confident. So repeat after me: I am a confident pony.” After that, I repeat this phrase “I am a confident pony” without resisting. In fact, why would I want to resist? I am currently feeling good, relaxed, free, and confident. My brother repeat this phrase over and over, just to be sure I’m really confident. “I am a confident pony.” he says. “I am a confident pony.” I repeat. “How do you feel?” “Very confident.” “Good. I know you can accomplish what you’re thinking, because you are such a confident pony.” “Such a confident pony.” At that moment, I am very pleased and extremely confident. My brother did it, he literally sealed my worries and fears away, to help me becoming happy and confident. I will never thank him enough for that, maybe two thank-you could do it. “And now’s time for the waking up process.” he says. In addition to that, he tells me the confidence will remains engrained in me permanently, even after the waking up. And after some seconds -meaning slowly when I feel the process-, he gives the order: “Wake up!” When the phrase was said, I shut my eyes just for the moment I’m shaking my head, and I opened them as I see the colorful spirals slowly disappearing. Then I watch my front hooves while breathing in and out. So my confidence is engrained in me forever. Time to test it out! But first: “Really, thank you Sleepin’!” I say as I share a hug with him. “You’re welcome!” he replies. “Now time to test that thing!” I announce as I leave the hypno chamber, take my backpack and exit the house. Once out, I see Sleepin’ through the window blinking at me, I let out a smile as a response. Now where’s my crush? [1] He was also like that when we were colts. I realize he never changed his manners. [2] I’m pretty glad he remembered what I said. But I hope my speech won’t haunt me after all. [3] I know my brother, he would never be surprised if I ask him to hypnotize me just for fun. [4] Good thing this sound wasn’t too loud, my brother really hates mind control. Chapter 4Author's Note Well, this chapter is pretty short. There is some of them (like the first one, I just realize) that I use mainly as a transition chapter. So if you see in the future a short chapter like that, I hope you won't be too surprised. Chapter 4 Well… Now I feel very confident of myself, but there is another problem now. I don’t know where’s my crush. I start to worry, but then I say to myself: “It’s okay, just relax. She can’t be leaving so soon. Or better thing, maybe she LIVES in Ponyville.” Yes, she must be living in Ponyville, because I never see her in every other cities where I was in the past. But for now, I need to take a break for a little bit. So I first go to the café, take a seat, as I see a waiter coming closer to me. “Hello mister, can I take your order?” the waiter said. “Thank you for your proposal, but I’m not here for that. I just wanted to get some fresh air.” “That’s okay. But if you want something in the meantime, you can go see me directly.” And so he goes back in the café. Well I’m now at the café, alone, wanting to have some fresh air, and taking the opportunity while I’m at the café to do so. I take a deep breath again and I feel pretty good after that, as good as I can continue to relax a little bit. Until then… “Wait, what? I didn’t ordered anything, not even a daisy sandwich!” But when I lift my head a little, I see something that surprises me. In fact, do you remember the description I gave to my crush previously? Grey unicorn, brown and orange mane and tail, aquamarine eyes, and other things… Well, it appears that the pony in front of me has exactly the same description. And I didn’t do a mistake previously. She seems to be so worried, probably because I stayed here for some times now. I finally start to blush because I don’t really know where to start. Wait, no! I should be confident. I should know how to start the conversation. “Err… Hello?” I start. “Hello mister.” she replies. Then I take another breath. “Also, why did you bring me something to eat? You didn’t have to.” But suddenly at this instant, I hear my stomach rumbling. I blush in this situation. “Looks like I was right to help you.” she says, giggling. “Yeah… Right…” As I start to eat the sandwich, I say to myself this is maybe the time to introduce ourselves, but the mare already take the initiative before me. “Here is maybe the time to introduce ourselves, don’t you think?” “Eh… Yay, I was about to say that. So, my name’s Talunion and I’m an artist. And what about you?” “So… My name’s Starlight Music and I’m a singer.” she replies. “Also, doesn’t your name sounds like a nickname?” “Yeah I know. It’s because I don’t really like my real name.” I say, stubborn to myself. “Oh, I guess that makes more sense.” After I finished my sandwich, I have no idea of what I can do to thank her for her hospitality. So I decided to improvise. “So… About what you did to me, I could settle for saying thank you, but I suppose I can do something better. So, are you up for visiting my house tomorrow?” “Why not.” she answers. “I have a whole free time at this moment. But where do you live exactly?” “Let’s say that in a more descriptive way: if you see a two-story house with at the entrance a wooden sign with a pendulum in it[1], well, that’s my house.” “Are you sure this is not rather the description of a hypnotherapist cabinet?” “Well, it’s rather my brother’s house, we live as roommates. And yes, my brother is a hypnotherapist. That’s what he does for me.” “Oh, interesting. You know, I’ve never tried hypnosis before, so I guess it would be a good experience to test it.” “Definitely!” I finally say, determined. “You will never see something so relaxing after that.” “Then I promise I will try this out!” “Great! Can’t wait for that. See you tomorrow!” I say as I’m about to leave the café. She lets out a blink as a response before leaving the café too. What a tight beginning. I wasn’t sure about how it will end, even with the confidence in me[2]. But now she accepted to have a visit to my house. The conversation, check! Next thing, the visit. I just hope she will feel comfortable in there. After all, that was just the beginning. [1] That’s the most precisely what my house looks like. [2] It’s normal after all, my bro said a too intensive permanent effect never leads to something good. Chapter 5Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 6Just to make it clear: what I’m dreaming isn’t a nightmare, even if I have my heart beating at this moment. Or should I say, thanks to my brother this isn’t a nightmare anymore. Now I’m having a good dream in which I am with my crush visiting different cities: Vanhoover, Manehattan, Appleloosa, even the Crystal Empire, all those cities[1]. In fact, I love making those travelling dreams, but that wasn’t with my crush before. And then, I hear my alarm clock ringing. Wait no, I don’t have an alarm clock. Instead, I hear my brother yelling. “WAKING UP IN THIS ROOM!” I immediately jump out of my bed when I heard this. And that is pretty logical, hasn’t anyone already jumped of fear or surprise when they had somepony who yielded at them? In any case, I never succeeded doing anything else. “Sleepin’… You already know I hate when you do that!” I say, angry. “Sorry, I didn’t want to scare you…” he replies, sorry to himself. I keep calm before I hear some knocks coming from outside. I let out a “Oh no…” before I charge to the ground floor. I wanted to see if what I’m thinking is what is happening right now. And it is, Starlight Music is already in front of the house and I’m not even ready[2]. I don’t really like doing that, but I guess I have no other choice. So I open the door, out of breath, as I see Starlight a bit confused about what was happening. “Sorry, I didn’t expect guests so soon…” I say with a sorry smile. “Don’t worry, myself I was surprised.” she replies, smiling. “It’s simply because I normally don’t leave my house so soon, but this is a special case.” “Oh, what case?” “You already told me that in the café. Hypnosis. Remember.” “Heard it!” add my brother. We both, me and Starlight, were surprised about that sudden response: “Sorry, that’s my brother…” I say, stubborn, as Starlight is giggling. “So, you wanted to test hypnosis, don’t you?” “I do, but… Isn’t that a little too quick?” Starlight asks. “I was literally arrived here twenty seconds later.” “Oh sorry…” Sleepin’ laughs a little. “I guess you want to spend a little time with my brother right now. So you can go to the living room and come to me when you’re ready.” And with that he goes to his hypno-chamber. “Sorry about my brother…” I start. “In fact that’s a little understandable: he already tried to make some friends… unsuccessfully. So he prefers to talk about his job rather than anything else.” “So… I must understand he’s not very talkative?” “Yeah, I already said that. No?” I reply, confused. When I was saying that, Starlight is giggling and is reminding me how silly I am. Just that makes me smile. And then she asks me: “By the way, I hadn’t the occasion to ask you that, but… how did you become an artist?” “Oh, that’s an interesting question, which leads on a pretty long story. So just remember the fact I drew on early-age helped me a lot, and also that I got a cutie mark after winning a drawing contest with somepony I now consider as my best friend and best rival[3].” “Oh, interesting. Now that you say that, this story is nearly like mine when I got my cutie mark, except there were two things I loved to do and that I had no rivals.” “Oh you are really lucky.” “Am I?” She asks, confused. “Well, it’s not that I don’t like my rival. It’s just because that I have the feeling she really overdoes.” “Okay… What do you mean?” “Every time, when I see her, she really can’t stop ‘harassing’ me with those drawing challenges. Well, I put quotation marks at this because I know she never wanted to harass me.” “Okay, now that makes more sense.” And then, a blank… I was about to laugh at this, but we did it both. Really, that wasn’t what we were expecting. After this I decide to continue the conversation. “So… As we are here, do you want to do the hypnosis right now?” “Yeah, why not.” she responds, as she leaves the sofa and stands up. “Okay. And thus, do you want me to accompany you into the hypno-chamber?” “Yeah, alright. I don’t know your house. And why ‘hypno-chamber’?” “Oh, that’s just a name my brother gave to the room when he practices hypnosis.” “Oh, right.” she says, giggling. After that, I accompany Starlight upstairs to the hypno-chamber. And as I was expecting, Sleepin’ was waiting. Or more precisely, preparing the terrain. And also, himself. “And now I’m ready.” Sleepin’ says to himself. “Good, because me too.” Starlight adds. Here I see Sleepin’ a bit surprised. Is it because he is ready at the same time than Starlight? I can’t tell. “And I am here to assist Starlight and to see if anything goes well.” I add. “Oh I know what you are thinking, but I promise, this will just be hypnosis.” he says, before talking to Starlight. “So, what do you want for this session?” “Oh, nothing special. It’s just because I never practiced hypnosis before, and I just want to know what it looks like.” “So, a simple induction to see what it looks like?” “Exactly. Maybe in the future, I will ask you other sessions.” “Oh that’s okay, don’t worry. That’s completely normal when we start.” “Just, I was realizing something.” I crash. “Be right back!” At this moment, I teleport myself to my room, take something that looks like sunglasses, put it in me, and go back to the hypno-chamber by teleporting. Between those two teleportations, it has been less than two seconds. “Yeah, sorry for this interruption…” I say, blushing. “Oh yeah, your ‘antihypno-glasses’[4], so you can’t be hypnotized inadvertently.” Sleepin’ adds. “Indeed, that would be silly.” Starlight giggles. “So, can we commence?” “When you want.” Sleepin’ says. “You just need to sit on the couch and let the session commence.” And that’s what she does. She is sitting on the couch as I let my hoof on it too. Immediately, Starlight notices that and put her hoof on mine. We are both smiling as I see my brother smiling too, and eventually giggling. “That’s adorable.” he says. After that, Starlight gets ready and looks to my brother. At this moment, he lets a glowing aura on his horn and replaces his eyes with colorful spirals. As I’m wearing those antihypno-glasses, this doesn’t do anything to me, but I see Starlight who succeeded to be hypnotized rather quickly and easily. At this point, none of what my bro says is affecting me. Really, those glasses are making its effect. But Starlight is focusing on it. And even if there’s no echo effect from my brother to my point of view, I guess that’s what she is listening to at the moment. I even have her own hoof pushing strongly on mine. Well, not TOO strong obviously, it would hurt otherwise. I guess she feels heavy at this moment. At the same time, I was watching Starlight. And I ask to myself, did I look like that the time when Sleepin’ hypnotized me? I mean, I already had the colorful spirals in my eyes? First time I see it by myself. That’s impressive. And then at that time, poof! “Sleep!” This catchphrase again. And indeed, Starlight is asleep. Eyes closed, head down, like me before. It’s really amazing to see physically how it’s like to be under trance. Then obviously, tricking mind, passing seconds with this, and then ping. Well, I didn’t hear it, but I guess that’s what she heard, she already let out a small grin at it. Then my brother commands me to let my hoof out of the couch for a moment. That’s what I do, slowly at first until I realize she doesn’t care too much about it. In my opinion, she’s focused on the session, really focused. “Now you can open your eyes.” Sleepin’ says to Starlight after lifting her head. And that’s what she does. Now I can see that she has still spirals on her eyes. Guess the session worked and now my brother can get down to business. Oh, and by the way, during all those times, I never took off my glasses, so I’m still not affected by the session. Then Sleepin’ starts by putting Starlight’s left hoof straight forwards, rubbing it with his, and commanding her to try to bend it with her other hoof. And I see her trying, but she can’t succeed. It was like her hoof was behaving like it was steel. “Okay, now you can stop.” Sleepin’ says. Starlight now stops trying, as her hoof is still straight forward. Then he claps his hooves, loud enough even myself hear the echo in the room. “Now, can you do it?” Sleepin’ asks. And yes she can, she can now bend her hoof, no need to the other one. “Now, another exercise.” he says again. “And we also need your hooves for that.” Then he takes her hooves, bringing them close until they touch each other, and finally rubs them. “Now try to separate them.” he says. But she can’t, it’s stuck. Let’s admit it, even if you’re not hypnotized, this is very amazing to see. “Okay, now stop.” And Starlight stops trying, as Sleepin’ claps his hooves again. And as he does that, she can finally separate her hooves. As for me, if you want to know, Sleepin’ will always surprise me with his hypnotic tricks. Seriously, I don’t know how he does that[5]. “Now’s time for the wake-up process.” Sleepin’ announces. I think Starlight will remember about the session. She seems very pleased about discovering a new thing. And in my opinion, she will ask my brother again for another session in the future. Well, myself I’m glad she discovered hypnosis. And then: “Wake up!” Starlight shakes her head for the moment, as I see her eyes with the spirals slowly disappearing. At that moment, I decide to take off those glasses. “Wow! That was relaxing and scary at the same time.” Starlight says, surprised. “Yeah, hypnosis can be scary if it’s the first time we try it.” Sleepin’ adds. “But just because I want to know, how many times did you hypnotized your brother?” “That was so many times, I’ll never forget those moments.” I intervene, giggling. We both giggle, Starlight and me, as Sleepin’ intervenes: “Like I said, that’s adorable.” before exiting the room. We do the same thing right after, before I announce something to Starlight: “Just, don’t you mind if we go outside together?” I’m blushing at this moment. “Yeah, let’s do it.” Starlight replies. After all, what I wanted to say should be between both only, right? [1] My desire of travelling makes my dreams a bit overdone, I should probably calm down with that. [2] I realize I didn’t do a description of her cutie mark: a cross shaped with a microphone and a pencil, with some music notes. [3] I promise, I will talk about her in the future, but now I don’t want to spoil too much. [4] Again, something named by my brother. [5] Well, I can admit I never asked him about how he does it. Chapter 7So I am here, with Starlight, hanging out with her around Ponyville… Even if it was me who propose her to hang out, that wasn’t really what I expected. Well, maybe I should admit to you, I’m shy. Very shy. Not to mention that I’m blushing right now with a small smile. But that’s what she noticed, and she smiles in return. Yeah, I know I should say it to her, but I want to wait for a better moment. Until I hear something from her that makes me blush more. “You know? During all those times, I saw you blushing every time you saw me. Are you alright?” “Ehm… Yeah, I’m alright…” I reply. “You know? I’ll always hear what you want to say, I will never reject you. I know you’re somepony elegant, funny and very kind. Really, I would be scared if you weren’t with me during the hypnotic session. But you were here, with me, ready to help if there’s something bad.” Wait… So she REALLY knows what she is for me? Now she knows she’s my crush. I guess that’s the best moment to talk about it, although I don’t really have the choice now. “Yeah, I don’t know what happened…” I start. “But when I saw you for the first time, I immediately felt in love…” “Really?” she says, a bit surprised. “Why didn’t you tell me that?” “Because I wanted to know a bit more about you first. That’s why I invited you in my house, and that’s why I proposed you to hang out with me. Simply because I wanted to know you. But I guess you already knew what you are for me.” At this moment, I see her crying, but she is smiling at the same time. She is crying in joy. And then she runs to me until I share a hug with her. I even feel her tears sliding on my body. “There, there.” I say. At the same time, I see her trying to dry her tears, but there’s still some on my coat. Then she moves back several centimeters, as I see her smiling and with still tears on her eyes. Well, not for long, because she uses her hoof to take them off. “I just want to ask you something.” she says. “As I know how your house is, don’t you mind visiting mine?” “You mean… Right now?” I ask. “Why not, if you have some free time.” Oh gosh, I’m blushing again. What should I do? Should I say yes? That’s what seems logical. I really don’t want to hurt her by any manners. But for the moment, I watch the sky so that I can see where the sun is, before giving an answer. “Yeah okay, I indeed have free time[1]. Let’s see your house.” “Okay then, follow me.” So I follow Starlight as I’m re-exploring the city[2]. At a moment I saw Blue Night’s home in the way, thus I tried to see if he’s here, but I couldn’t see him. Maybe he left his home for something, I don’t know. Then after a short trip, we arrive to her house. “So, here it is.” Starlight says. “I know it’s not much, but I hope you like it anyway.” As she was saying that, I was watching her house: it’s a three-story house with a hay roof and windows in every floor and a circle window in the upper one. Well, a typical house in Ponyville. “Let’s see inside, to see if I like it.” I suggest, blushing. “Well, if you say so.” She giggles. Starlight opens the door and enter in the house as I follow her. As I am in here, I can see a kitchen and a dining room near a fireplace. She knows it’s not much, but it’s sufficient for me. I can say there is no fireplace in my house, so seeing one is like a paradise. “Well, you know what?” I say. “I don’t like it, I love it.” “Really?” she says, surprised. “Well, if you saw my house, you probably noticed there’s no fireplace, I had only my bed to keep myself warm.” I precise. “And look here, you have this fireplace in the dining room. I’m really jealous.” I was saying that with a smile as Starlight was giggling. I think she didn’t expect that answer, maybe she didn’t see I have no fireplace. “Ah, sorry about that.” I say with a sorry smile. “Oh no don’t worry, that’s okay.” she replies. “Anyway… what I mean is, I rather prefer to live in your house. I have been with my brother for sometimes and I was always imagining how it could be to live in a house, and not only in a cabinet.” I see Starlight happy about what I said. Then she decides to add: “Precisely, come to the next floor, I have something to show you.” She said that by walking on the stairs, so I follow her. As I arrive in the floor, I see what looks like a music studio, with a guitar, a piano and a microphone. And between all of that, I see something packed, and by judging the shape of it, I know it’s definitely not a music instrument. “So it’s that ‘something’ you were talking about?” I ask. “Yeah, go on.” she says with a happy smile. Myself I am smiling, but I am also surprised at the same time. Why do something in this shape can be in a music studio like this? But as I unpack it, I find my answer: it was an easel[3], so I can do drawings really properly. When I see that, I am really happy of what I am seeing: finally I can do drawings without worrying about how to keep my drawing block correctly[4]. “Really, thank you Starlight!” I exclaim, happy, as I share a hug with her. This time, it’s me who is crying with joy. We both share a hug. That’s something I would never hope for. But now I do. Maybe we are meant to be together. I blush for the last time. “Starlight!” I start. “I have something to tell you.” She smiles, listening to me, as I dry my tears first before continuing. “Starlight. You probably know there are different visions of paradise for each creature. Raccoons have a different vision of paradise for us, ponies. And I could say the same thing about wasteland rats or any other creatures. What I mean is, my vision of paradise is to be with you. I want to stay with you. I love you. And there’s nothing that can tell the opposite. And if you love me too, that means we are meant to be each other. Do you agree with me?” “Indeed, I agree with you.” she replies, giggling. “And you indeed are very funny.” And finally, we are nuzzling and kissing. [1] It is noon when I see the sky, so indeed I have some. [2] Yeah, I love traveling cities, even if it’s the ones I already know. [3] I didn’t have one first, I did my drawings without support, directly on my drawing block. [4] I know I tend to repeat myself, it happens when I’m very happy about something. Chapter 8That moment. I was waiting for it for so long. Is this the happiest day of my life or the happiest day of my life? What is sure is, the bounds are sealed and nothing or nopony can break it. The nuzzling and kissing scene lasts between 1 and 2 minutes. We were taking the time together after this, before I finally say something. “That makes me think, I should tell my brother about that. Don’t you mind if we do it together?” “Okay, let’s go!” she replies. So we both go near the door as Starlight opens it. And as it’s about going to my brother’s house, I am the lead of this small trip. As we are near Blue Night’s house, I want to see if he’s home. And he is, on the upper floor, and he sees us, Starlight and me. I wave at him for a moment, as he applauds with his hooves[1]. Then after that, we continue to walk. “He was not your brother, was he?” Starlight asks. “Oh no!” I reply. “He is simply one of my friends I met when I was a colt.” “Oh! And where did you meet?” “If I tell you that, I will talk about something I don’t want to talk about.” “Aw come on. Don’t worry, it will be between you and me only.” I sigh before giving her the answer, with regret. “I met him in an orphanage.” “Aw, really?” she says, sorry to herself. “That’s precisely why I don’t want to talk about it: the loss of my parents was a very horrible thing. And a little advice for you, don’t talk to my brother about it. That will be even worse.” “Okay, noted it! Also, sorry about that.” “No don’t worry, that’s okay.” After several walks, we both arrive to my brother’s house. But when Starlight was about to knock the door, I interrupt her for something else. “Wait! I have a better idea for my brother. Just follow my lead.” Right after, I teleport myself in the main room near the entrance. Starlight then does the same right in front of me. “I know where my brother should be at this time.” I whisper. “Just follow me.” “Okay I follow you.” she says, giggling. We both walk quietly to the living room, and I see Sleepin’ resting on the couch. I then sign Starlight to stay here for a moment, as I walk closely to the couch. And finally, I yield: “HELLO BIG BROTHER!” “Wake up!” he says randomly with surprise. “Indeed, I didn’t think about that.” Starlight says as she’s approaching me. “Why did you do that?” Sleepin’ says, a bit angry. “Do you remember the many times you woke me up like this? I wanted to take my revenge.” He sighs after I said this. “So, what makes you come here?” “Well, as you can see, me and Starlight are finally together!” I say as I share a hug with her. “Oh really?” he says, happily surprised. “Exactly!” Starlight intervenes. “And that’s the happiest day of my life. And I guess Tal would say the same for him.” I nod at this, as Sleepin’ says: “Sorry for repeating myself, but that’s really adorable.” “By the way Starlight, I have something I want to show you. Follow me, it’s upstairs.” “Okay I follow you.” she responds. We both go upstairs until we arrive to my room’s door. “Starlight! Welcome to my museum!” I announce as I open the door. Indeed, I know it’s a mess, but that’s not what I wanted to show her. In fact, I wanted to show the drawings. And indeed, it is the first thing she sees when she enters to my room. “Oh wait. Is that Manehattan? And Vanhoover? And the Crystal Empire?” she asks as she’s watching the drawings. “Yeah, I did many trips to do that. And I’m proud of what I did. But I didn’t visit everything, and that’s something I really want to do, whatever happens.” “Maybe we can do those trips together.” she suggests. “Oh really? Do you insist?” “Yes I do.” “Well, if you say so.” I reply happily. “In fact, I didn’t visit the cities that aren’t even in Equestria, like Klugetown or the Mount Aris.” “Yeah, I would be up to visit the Mount Aris when you’re ready.” “If you want. But first, there’s one place in Equestria I didn’t visit yet. I will talk about it when we’ll be at home.” “Okay, if you want.” she answers, smiling. “What about we go home now?” “Let’s do this.” Before following Starlight downstairs, I take my backpack. And before exiting the house, I make an announcement to Sleepin’. “Okay big bro, I’m gonna go with Starlight. Seeya!” “Okay, have a good time.” he says, blinking. And so, Starlight and I exit the house, using the door this time. We are about to go home, and I don’t think I will continue to consider my brother’s house as my home. In fact, I’m happy with Starlight. And then again, I see Blue Night’s house[2], so I consider it as a landmark to Starlight’s house and my soon-to-be house. And finally we are in front of it. I don’t know why, but it was pretty quick. And as we enter in it, I finally say something I wanted to share her. “By the way, I don’t remember when I told you my nickname, but… are you up to know my real name?” “Yeah but… Doesn’t your brother already know you real name? Because I always heard him calling you by your nickname.” “Yeah I know. It’s because he gets in the habit of calling me like this, thus calling me by my name really disrupt him.” “Oh okay, that makes more sense.” And I’m about to say it: “My real name is Paintbrush Spot.” [1] For the moment I am still outside, entering in his house would be a loss of time. [2] In fact, there’s something I ask myself: is Blue Night’s house the true and only landmark to Starlight’s house? Chapter 9So now, my real name is revealed to Starlight. And as I’m thinking about it, I realize it was not the fact that somepony knows my name that made me stubborn, but the fact that I hear it. Now this sensation is gone. Maybe thanks to Starlight? I think so. Anyway, we were both on the comfy couch for sometimes now, before I say something. “By the way, I don’t remember, did I tell you the place I wanted to visit? I noted to tell you that when we’re home.” “Yeah, you told me there’s one place in Equestria you didn’t visit.” she answers. “So what is it?” “Okay. So it’s the Neighagra Falls. I really wanted to visit them for so long.” At that moment, I see Starlight a bit surprised about my answer. “Really? You didn’t go to the Neighagra Falls? You should indeed really visit it.” So, am I the only traveler who didn’t go to the Neighagra Falls yet? That’s such a shame for me, I should indeed go make a visit here. “Okay so, I am wondering.” I say. “Are you up for visiting the Neighagra Falls with me? Of course, if you don’t want, that’s okay. I can still do the trip like I did previously.” “No, I don’t want to let you alone.” Starlight replies. “I promised I’ll do those trips with you, and I will not drop that promise.” Yeah, she is definitely sincere about what she’s just said. And after all, that’s what I would say too. “If you say so.” I say, smiling. “So, what about we go now? By air balloon.” “You mean, right now?” She asks, surprised. “Well, of course if you’re ready.” “Oh thanks.” she gasps at her relief. “Because I’m not yet.” “Okay, so we can still order tickets for the trip.” “We can, but… Do you know how many weeks we have to wait?” I’m surprised about what she’s just said. Do we really have to wait weeks for the trip? “Wait… Is that the first time you’ll take a trip by air balloon?” she asks, surprised. “Um… Yeah[1].” I reply. “Oh… Well, so we have to find that air balloon station, command the two tickets, and then wait for two weeks before going to the air balloon.” Wait… Two weeks? Is the waiting that long? I wanted to do the trip to Neighagra Falls as quickly as possible, but now I think we have to do a change of plan. So I guess we don’t have the choice. “Well… I suppose we can still do the trip to Mount Aris before going to the Neighagra Falls.” I propose. “Yeah, we can at least do that.” she replies. We exit our home to go to the air balloon station. And as I don’t know where it is[2], I let Starlight taking the lead. Wait… Does that mean she knows EVERYTHING about Ponyville? That’s a shame for me again. We finally walked about two minutes before arriving to the hot air balloon station. We are welcomed by a mare, probably the conductor of this balloon. “Hello!” Starlight exclaims. “Two tickets for the Neighagra Falls, please.” The mare accepts the request, opens her backpack and takes two tickets. And before giving them to us, she first makes sure she took the right tickets. And she did, so she gives them to us. And as I have my backpack, Starlight asks me if she can put those tickets to my pack. I nod at this, as she opens my pack, puts the tickets in there, before closing it. At this moment, we are going to the train station. And this time, I know where it is. And it’s not too far from the hot air balloon station, so we arrive pretty quickly. “Hello!” I exclaim. “Two tickets for Mount Aris, please.” “Okay, coming right up.” the stallion says. He then goes out of our vision, before searching in a drawer the right tickets. And he finds them quickly, before giving them to us. “Your train will arrive in less than five minutes.” “Okay thanks.” Starlight says. We both keep our ticket with us, before sitting on a bench, waiting for the next train. “You know?” Starlight starts the conversation. “As we’re going to Mount Aris, there’s something in particular I am willing to do.” “To become a seapony and explore the vast world of Seaquestria?” I answer randomly. “Wait… How did you know that?” “Well, I didn’t. It was just because I read all about the Mount Aris when I was younger. And just that makes me want to explore it.” Starlight giggles as I was saying that. “Oh, interesting. Well, as for me, I heard when I was a filly that Mount Aris is a vast city inhabited by hippogriffs and seaponies. And I wanted to be like them for so long. Well, not forever obviously, I’d like to stay a unicorn.” This time, it’s my turn to giggle at this. “You know I will always love you, whatever happens.” “Oh stop.” Starlight says, smiling. “You’ll make me blush.” Then we share a huggle before the train arrives. At this moment, we’re presenting our two tickets before entering in the train and taking a seat. Next stop, Mount Aris. [1] More precisely, all my previous trips were done by train. [2] Mainly because I never took hot air balloon journeys. Chapter 1Hello everypony! My name’s Paintbrush, but I prefer to be called Talunion. And as not indicated by my name, it was really hard to make friends in the past. I have to say that my brother wasn’t very helpful about that. I was born in Canterlot, and I now live in Ponyville. We moved here with our mother and father when I was 2 years old, and 6 for my brother. My mother was a journalist, my father was a mechanical engineer. Well, I said “was” because they are dead now, I was just a colt. Luckily for us, there was an orphanage director who didn’t wait and take care of us both. But despite the sympathy of the director -I expected that-, losing my mother and father was really the hardest thing I could think of. There were so many time I decided myself to be alone because of that. And unfortunately, and I think you guessed it, my brother was not here to help me with this problem. He is not very talkative, I know that. But as a brother, he should really know what to do with me. But then comes a moment with my bro that will really change my life. There was a filly who had big trouble while sleeping, and the director took time before noticing it. And before the director decided to intervene, my brother immediately volunteered and decided to help her. And that’s what he did: during the afternoon he was walking around, wondering about what he can do to help her, and I heard him in the evening saying something I cannot understand. I just properly heard that it’s about relaxing, sleeping and dreaming. And more precisely, “the best dream of your life”. It was at this moment I decided to go to sleep. But when I woke up, I saw something physically different with my brother. I saw in his flank a hanging pendulum with a spiral in the center. But I wonder, is that a cutie mark? I think it is. And did he get this by helping the filly to sleep? Probably. Anyway, now he had his cutie mark, he was allowed to leave the orphanage. And that’s what he did after giving me a hug, filling me with courage for the future. After that, I made some friends in the orphanage, especially another colt with a dark blue coat and a wide long black mane and tail. He considered me as his best friend, and me as my second brother. And comes the moment that will really change my life. During a trip with other orphanage children, I heard about a drawing and painting contest. That was amazing, exactly what I wanted. I took some of my free time in the orphanage drawing not only on papers, but also on tables and walls, I wanted to fill in the blanks. So I didn’t wait and I immediately register for the contest. After I announced that, everypony in the orphanage wanted to see me in action, to see what I can do. During the contest, the first rounds was not so hard, it’s during the final which gave me a hard time. But at the same time, I saw all the orphanage children with the director who saw me and encouraged me. So I was wondering and I was saying to myself “what if I draw Canterlot, my native city?”. And that’s what I did, I took a vision of Canterlot and I drew what I saw from the city. The jury saw in my drawing one of the perfect representation of Canterlot and saw in my opponent’s drawing an absolutely good self-portrait. And relying on the public reactions, the jury gave me the first price. I was very proud of myself even my opponent shake my hoof as a congratulation. And then, I saw what is happening in my flank. There was my cutie mark appearing on it: a red paintbrush with a brown spot. I was 9 years old. And even if I’m allowed to leave the orphanage, I wanted all the same to stay, at least to say my last words as an orphan little colt. After we arrived, nopony waited and I was now in front of everypony waiting for my words. So I improvised. “Fillies and gentlecolts! I know everypony here in the orphanage had a bad time with their mother and father. As for me and my brother, they lived their life and was dead by old age. For the others, I guess they were the survivors of a terrible thing that their mother and father didn’t stand. And I guess others were even abandoned by their mother and father for some reason and they didn’t come back. Whatever the reason, I have just one thing to say: if you prove yourself, you can gain all the dignity to the others. And that’s what my mother and father wanted me to do: to prove myself and clearly say I autonomous. When I heard about this drawing contest, I immediately took my chance. And even if I fail, I can be proud all the same, because I tried. And that’s what I want you to do: to prove yourself and to try. And if you finally get your cutie mark, I hope you will think about me. It’s on these beautiful words that I leave you here, Talunion’s out.” But before I left, everypony shared me a little hug. I guess, as my brother did to me, I fill them with courage. And finally, I left the orphanage. After some days, I really wanted to travel. But not now, I’m still such a colt. So I decided to draw Ponyville without worry for my future. I mean, what could possibly go wrong with me?
Chapter 2Now here’s my first day as a stallion. I’m back from a trip to Manehattan[1] and I go in my brother’s house. “Hi Sleepin’!” I say to my brother. “Hi Tal!” he replies. As you probably understand, his name is Sleepin’ Pendulum. And I realize I didn’t do a description of him before. So, just remember that he a -rather- dark purple unicorn with black and white mane and tail -not grey, just black and white-, blue eyes, a pair of glasses and his cutie mark which is… well. I hope you remember[2]. “How was the trip?” “That was nice. It was really hard to draw the buildings however, but I nevertheless love what I did.” And as I get out my drawings from my backpack, he ask me to show him what I did. So I take the opportunity to show him one of my drawings, and his reaction makes me confirm what I thought: he prefers the way in which I represented the ambience and the ponies than the rest of the drawing[3]. Finally, I go upstairs to my room and I stick my drawings on the wall. More precisely, I should consider my room as a museum in which I expose all of my drawings. And as a matter of fact, there’s drawings everywhere, whether it is on the walls, but also on the ceiling or even the floor. Even one of my wall is flooded by my drawings. Some of them overlap with each other. So you guessed it I hope, it’s a mess. I should really say to myself to go clean all of that, so I will never forget. And then when I finished, I go back downstairs and I look at the window. Somepony I see catches my attention. Yet I remember when I was in the orphanage being with a dark blue colt with long black mane and tail, but I also see that pony is wearing a black tie and he has a cutie mark which looks like a light blue quarter moon. Is he the pony I’m thinking about? I don’t know. But I remember what I said: try. At best you will see again a pony you’ve never seen since years, at worse you can at least make a new friend. So I don’t wait a millisecond, I take back my backpack and I head for the door. “You’re already leaving?” Sleepin’ says surprised. “Yeah… You know, I’m very busy today…” I answer with a forced smile. But my brother doesn’t trust me. Maybe because of my smile. In all cases, I see him ask me some other information. I sigh. “There’s somepony outside I haven’t seen since years. I just want to see him again.” “So you don’t need your backpack.” “I prefer to take it all the same. In fact, I prefer to take something and be provident even if it’s useless, rather than taking the risk of not having something that can be useful for me.” “Oh ok! So there you can go.” After he said that, I go out and close the door. Now where is this pony? “BOO!” Right after I heard that, I jump with fear and am about to run. But before I take this opportunity, I turn around and I see the pony I saw through the window. And to judge what he did, I immediately know who he is. “Blue Night[4]! You already know I hate when you do that!” “Oh, sorry!” he replies. “It’s just, well, we didn’t see each other anymore since years. I just wanted to see you again.” “Well I guess you knocked on the right door.” Then we walk a bit together to talk about our life. He explains me he took a time before obtaining his cutie mark and he loves what he do: he’s a constellation scientist. What he say about that is not very clear, I just understand that it’s about studying stars behaviors and what does it mean. Other than that, he explains me he knew about my trip, and more precisely he knew that according to him thanks to my brother. “Oh wait, you know my brother?” I ask. “Yeah! And about your trip, you should really tell me what happened and what you did.” I give him no answer. In fact, I was not even next to him, but way behind. So he runs to join me as I stay still like a statue. He waves at me, but I immediately push back his hoof. Finally he watches what I see and doesn’t know what is going on. But I’m not crazy. I know what I’m watching. Or should I say “who”. Yes, I’m watching a pony. And more precisely a gray mare unicorn with long brown and orange mane and tail and aquamarine eyes with glasses. At least, that’s all I can see[5], but just that was sufficient to make me melt myself. Until Blue Night intervenes to snap my thoughts. “Seeing your face, something is telling me you found a crush.” “Err… No, absolutely not.” I blush. “You know? You can tell me everything. We are friends, or should I say best friends. You can share me everything, it’s between you and me.” I sigh after he said me this. “You know what? I just want to be alone for now. Don’t worry, I will join you after.” I see in his face that he knows something isn’t right for me, but he doesn’t know what he can do for that. So he leaves me alone after saying: “I hope so. I hope you will join me soon.” Now the unicorn came out of my sight, and I always don’t know what I can do. What if she rejects me? I shake like a leaf just by thinking about that. I need help. [1]That’s where I bought the collars in my back hooves years ago. [2] Just see the first chapter if you already forgot. [3] In my opinion, still on the drawing, I guess it’s the fact that I added him in the drawing that makes him like it. [4] Yeah, it’s the same pony whom I consider as my second brother. [5] I have clearly distinguished that she has a cutie mark without seeing properly what it is.
Chapter 3Yeah, I know letting go your best friend is absolutely not the best solution, but it’s precisely my default: when I am in a situation like that, I never take the best solution. I would call Blue Night back, but he’s already gone, there’s no turning back. But I wonder, why am I making life more complicated? “Just go find her, and ask!” I say to myself as I am walking around. “She must be able to accept you. You just need to prove you can be with her.” But I don’t want to suffer right now. So I try not to think about that and I go find Blue Night. Good thing I know where he lives. His house is a very spacious place, as if it’s an observatory. Well, it’s not like a dome, but it’s still a huge house. Since I enter in his house, I don’t see him for the moment, but he heard me anyway. “Oh, hi there Tal!” he starts, as he shows himself. “Hi…” I answer, tired. In fact, I am so tired I cannot stand straight. And to the point where I am, I end up losing my balance and falling over. Well, that’s what I thought, because Blue Night was here to catch me up. Thank you Blue Night. “Are you sure you’re alright?” he says. I give him no answer, I’m too tired to do anything. Suddenly -and quickly-, I think again about that unicorn mare, and all my thoughts is a nightmare for me now. But Blue Night is still determined to find out about what is happening to me[1]. “You know? I’m not a psychologist, but I always can do my best to help a friend in need. And you’re not an exception. More precisely, you’ll never be an exception. We are best friends, and I can’t let my best friend like that. So please, be nice and tell me what is happening to you.” I sigh as I finally say an answer. “I don’t wanna talk about my nightmare.” This time, it’s his turn to sigh. And even if he hates to insist in this situation, I can see he has no other choice. “Tal… You already know I hate to be angry in a situation like that, especially if it’s about helping a friend. I don’t want to torture you about what is going on, but if you don’t tell me what is happening, I will never be able to help you. So, do you have my trust?” Yes, I have his trust. I guess I have no other choice. “Well, as you guessed previously, I found a crush.” As soon as I give this answer, I can see stars in his eyes. That was precisely what I feared: I don’t wanted to be mocked because of that… No, that’s my friend, he will never do that. Instead, he said: “I absolutely don’t understand why you said this was your nightmare.” “I know it shouldn’t be like that.” I reply. “But it’s just… I’m not prepared for that.” “I guess you already thought about that but, why are you making your life so complicated? Won’t hurt to, at least, ask. And do you remember what you said before you left the orphanage?[2] Just try! Who knows what will happen next. And if you’re not still ready, why don’t you talk to your brother about that? He’s a hypnotist after all, I’m sure he can help you.” Wait, my bro…? And then I realize: indeed, I remember when we were at the orphanage, about this filly who had trouble to sleep. He succeeded to help her, why won’t he succeed to help me? So I take my backpack as I ready to go home. “All right? Filled with courage?” “Thank you Blue Night!” was all I said before leaving. So after my short trip to my friend’s house -pretty short yes-, I run to my house. And I’m thinking: indeed, I never thought about telling my brother about that. The only moments I told him to hypnotize me was when we wanted both to have fun, but I’m sure he essentially do it as a psychologist -or something close to it-. Once in front of my house, I slow down the pace before entering. “Oh, so now you’re here.” Sleepin’ says. “Yes. Yes, I’m here.” I reply, out of breath. After some seconds, I decide to take my chance and ask to my brother: “Also, I have a favor to ask you. I need to be hypnotized again. Can you do that for me?” I ask with a willing smile and my hooves dancing. Here I see my brother very surprised about my request. Not because I asked him to hypnotize me, but because I said it was a favor[3]. So he replies. “That was the first time you wanted me to hypnotize you as a favor… So what do you want?” “Oh, nothing special, I just want to be confident for later.” “Why?” he ask as I see in his head he wants more info. Well I guess I have to say it to my brother. Here goes nothing! “I found a crush and I’m not ready for that…” “Oh, love!” he replies, smiling. “You know, you’re very lucky to experience that. Because you surely know I not very talkative, and that’s my handicap.” So my bro already tried to experience that? Good to know. “Okay, follow me!” he says as he walks to the first floor. Here! This will be the first time he’ll hypnotize me for a special case. I feel excited and scared at the same time, precisely because it’s the first time. So I follow my bro, and as we arrive to the hypno chamber -as he like to call it-, I sit on the couch as I’m now in front of my brother. “So, are you ready? Because the effect may become permanent.” My body is ready, I say to myself! And good thing this will be a permanent effect, this isn’t something dangerous after all. Nearly immediately after, the session commences. In the beginning I can see my brother with a glowing aura on his horn and colorful spirals replacing his eyes. But… What beautiful spirals! I look at them, open-mouthed. Perhaps I have my own eyes totally replaced by the spirals -I can’t tell-, but I can still see my brother with some colors at the edge of my vision. “Now. I want you first to take a deep breath in… and out.” He was saying that at the right pace and by breathing in and out. And that’s what I also do: I take a breath in slowly and deeply with my nose, before breathing out with my mouth. And I continue as he tells me to continue. “Good. Now just continue to breath at your own pace as you relax.” As he says that, I see my vision being slowly engulfed by the colors. Furthermore there is one word he said that echoed in my mind, I think it was “relax”. With that I slow down the pace of my breathing. “My voice is now the only thing you can listen to.” That’s kind of true. In fact at this moment, all the sounds in the background are slowly fading away, while my brother’s voice is slowly making an echo effect. “At this point you can feel a strange energy starting from your hooves.” That’s precisely what I feel. But I also feel this energy not only starting from my hooves, but also slowly spreading through my body. At this moment, I feel really heavy. Good thing I wasn’t standing, I may fall. Now I have the beautiful colorful spirals invading my vision, the background sounds completely faded away, my brother’s voice slowly echoing, and the strange energy spreading through my body. And when this energy is invading my head, I hear my brother saying his soft catchphrase: “Sleep!” Immediately my eyes shut, my mouth closes and my head is down. “You really are a wonderful pony.” he says after that. After several seconds -meaning when he was tricking my mind-, it is now pretty hard to think, as I hear at this moment a small light ping[4]. Now I let out a small smile, as my brother is lifting my head and command me to open my eyes. And as I open them, I can still see my brother, but only his outline. Anything else are completely engulfed by the spirals. I guess they replace now my eyes completely. “Now I want you to imagine what you really want in the future.” Immediately after he said that, I take a deep breath and start imagining something. In this, I see myself living happily with my crush. Surprisingly, it’s no longer a nightmare. Or was it a nightmare before? I don’t remember. All I can do right now is following his commands and smiling lightly. “Do you still feel this heavy energy? This is your freedom, your confidence.” he says as I moan at this. “So you also want your imagination to become a reality, right?” I let out immediately a “Yes” without thinking of anything else. At this point, I’m not even worried of what will happen. “I know you can make this happen because you are somepony confident. So repeat after me: I am a confident pony.” After that, I repeat this phrase “I am a confident pony” without resisting. In fact, why would I want to resist? I am currently feeling good, relaxed, free, and confident. My brother repeat this phrase over and over, just to be sure I’m really confident. “I am a confident pony.” he says. “I am a confident pony.” I repeat. “How do you feel?” “Very confident.” “Good. I know you can accomplish what you’re thinking, because you are such a confident pony.” “Such a confident pony.” At that moment, I am very pleased and extremely confident. My brother did it, he literally sealed my worries and fears away, to help me becoming happy and confident. I will never thank him enough for that, maybe two thank-you could do it. “And now’s time for the waking up process.” he says. In addition to that, he tells me the confidence will remains engrained in me permanently, even after the waking up. And after some seconds -meaning slowly when I feel the process-, he gives the order: “Wake up!” When the phrase was said, I shut my eyes just for the moment I’m shaking my head, and I opened them as I see the colorful spirals slowly disappearing. Then I watch my front hooves while breathing in and out. So my confidence is engrained in me forever. Time to test it out! But first: “Really, thank you Sleepin’!” I say as I share a hug with him. “You’re welcome!” he replies. “Now time to test that thing!” I announce as I leave the hypno chamber, take my backpack and exit the house. Once out, I see Sleepin’ through the window blinking at me, I let out a smile as a response. Now where’s my crush? [1] He was also like that when we were colts. I realize he never changed his manners. [2] I’m pretty glad he remembered what I said. But I hope my speech won’t haunt me after all. [3] I know my brother, he would never be surprised if I ask him to hypnotize me just for fun. [4] Good thing this sound wasn’t too loud, my brother really hates mind control.
Chapter 4Author's Note Well, this chapter is pretty short. There is some of them (like the first one, I just realize) that I use mainly as a transition chapter. So if you see in the future a short chapter like that, I hope you won't be too surprised. Chapter 4 Well… Now I feel very confident of myself, but there is another problem now. I don’t know where’s my crush. I start to worry, but then I say to myself: “It’s okay, just relax. She can’t be leaving so soon. Or better thing, maybe she LIVES in Ponyville.” Yes, she must be living in Ponyville, because I never see her in every other cities where I was in the past. But for now, I need to take a break for a little bit. So I first go to the café, take a seat, as I see a waiter coming closer to me. “Hello mister, can I take your order?” the waiter said. “Thank you for your proposal, but I’m not here for that. I just wanted to get some fresh air.” “That’s okay. But if you want something in the meantime, you can go see me directly.” And so he goes back in the café. Well I’m now at the café, alone, wanting to have some fresh air, and taking the opportunity while I’m at the café to do so. I take a deep breath again and I feel pretty good after that, as good as I can continue to relax a little bit. Until then… “Wait, what? I didn’t ordered anything, not even a daisy sandwich!” But when I lift my head a little, I see something that surprises me. In fact, do you remember the description I gave to my crush previously? Grey unicorn, brown and orange mane and tail, aquamarine eyes, and other things… Well, it appears that the pony in front of me has exactly the same description. And I didn’t do a mistake previously. She seems to be so worried, probably because I stayed here for some times now. I finally start to blush because I don’t really know where to start. Wait, no! I should be confident. I should know how to start the conversation. “Err… Hello?” I start. “Hello mister.” she replies. Then I take another breath. “Also, why did you bring me something to eat? You didn’t have to.” But suddenly at this instant, I hear my stomach rumbling. I blush in this situation. “Looks like I was right to help you.” she says, giggling. “Yeah… Right…” As I start to eat the sandwich, I say to myself this is maybe the time to introduce ourselves, but the mare already take the initiative before me. “Here is maybe the time to introduce ourselves, don’t you think?” “Eh… Yay, I was about to say that. So, my name’s Talunion and I’m an artist. And what about you?” “So… My name’s Starlight Music and I’m a singer.” she replies. “Also, doesn’t your name sounds like a nickname?” “Yeah I know. It’s because I don’t really like my real name.” I say, stubborn to myself. “Oh, I guess that makes more sense.” After I finished my sandwich, I have no idea of what I can do to thank her for her hospitality. So I decided to improvise. “So… About what you did to me, I could settle for saying thank you, but I suppose I can do something better. So, are you up for visiting my house tomorrow?” “Why not.” she answers. “I have a whole free time at this moment. But where do you live exactly?” “Let’s say that in a more descriptive way: if you see a two-story house with at the entrance a wooden sign with a pendulum in it[1], well, that’s my house.” “Are you sure this is not rather the description of a hypnotherapist cabinet?” “Well, it’s rather my brother’s house, we live as roommates. And yes, my brother is a hypnotherapist. That’s what he does for me.” “Oh, interesting. You know, I’ve never tried hypnosis before, so I guess it would be a good experience to test it.” “Definitely!” I finally say, determined. “You will never see something so relaxing after that.” “Then I promise I will try this out!” “Great! Can’t wait for that. See you tomorrow!” I say as I’m about to leave the café. She lets out a blink as a response before leaving the café too. What a tight beginning. I wasn’t sure about how it will end, even with the confidence in me[2]. But now she accepted to have a visit to my house. The conversation, check! Next thing, the visit. I just hope she will feel comfortable in there. After all, that was just the beginning. [1] That’s the most precisely what my house looks like. [2] It’s normal after all, my bro said a too intensive permanent effect never leads to something good.
Chapter 6Just to make it clear: what I’m dreaming isn’t a nightmare, even if I have my heart beating at this moment. Or should I say, thanks to my brother this isn’t a nightmare anymore. Now I’m having a good dream in which I am with my crush visiting different cities: Vanhoover, Manehattan, Appleloosa, even the Crystal Empire, all those cities[1]. In fact, I love making those travelling dreams, but that wasn’t with my crush before. And then, I hear my alarm clock ringing. Wait no, I don’t have an alarm clock. Instead, I hear my brother yelling. “WAKING UP IN THIS ROOM!” I immediately jump out of my bed when I heard this. And that is pretty logical, hasn’t anyone already jumped of fear or surprise when they had somepony who yielded at them? In any case, I never succeeded doing anything else. “Sleepin’… You already know I hate when you do that!” I say, angry. “Sorry, I didn’t want to scare you…” he replies, sorry to himself. I keep calm before I hear some knocks coming from outside. I let out a “Oh no…” before I charge to the ground floor. I wanted to see if what I’m thinking is what is happening right now. And it is, Starlight Music is already in front of the house and I’m not even ready[2]. I don’t really like doing that, but I guess I have no other choice. So I open the door, out of breath, as I see Starlight a bit confused about what was happening. “Sorry, I didn’t expect guests so soon…” I say with a sorry smile. “Don’t worry, myself I was surprised.” she replies, smiling. “It’s simply because I normally don’t leave my house so soon, but this is a special case.” “Oh, what case?” “You already told me that in the café. Hypnosis. Remember.” “Heard it!” add my brother. We both, me and Starlight, were surprised about that sudden response: “Sorry, that’s my brother…” I say, stubborn, as Starlight is giggling. “So, you wanted to test hypnosis, don’t you?” “I do, but… Isn’t that a little too quick?” Starlight asks. “I was literally arrived here twenty seconds later.” “Oh sorry…” Sleepin’ laughs a little. “I guess you want to spend a little time with my brother right now. So you can go to the living room and come to me when you’re ready.” And with that he goes to his hypno-chamber. “Sorry about my brother…” I start. “In fact that’s a little understandable: he already tried to make some friends… unsuccessfully. So he prefers to talk about his job rather than anything else.” “So… I must understand he’s not very talkative?” “Yeah, I already said that. No?” I reply, confused. When I was saying that, Starlight is giggling and is reminding me how silly I am. Just that makes me smile. And then she asks me: “By the way, I hadn’t the occasion to ask you that, but… how did you become an artist?” “Oh, that’s an interesting question, which leads on a pretty long story. So just remember the fact I drew on early-age helped me a lot, and also that I got a cutie mark after winning a drawing contest with somepony I now consider as my best friend and best rival[3].” “Oh, interesting. Now that you say that, this story is nearly like mine when I got my cutie mark, except there were two things I loved to do and that I had no rivals.” “Oh you are really lucky.” “Am I?” She asks, confused. “Well, it’s not that I don’t like my rival. It’s just because that I have the feeling she really overdoes.” “Okay… What do you mean?” “Every time, when I see her, she really can’t stop ‘harassing’ me with those drawing challenges. Well, I put quotation marks at this because I know she never wanted to harass me.” “Okay, now that makes more sense.” And then, a blank… I was about to laugh at this, but we did it both. Really, that wasn’t what we were expecting. After this I decide to continue the conversation. “So… As we are here, do you want to do the hypnosis right now?” “Yeah, why not.” she responds, as she leaves the sofa and stands up. “Okay. And thus, do you want me to accompany you into the hypno-chamber?” “Yeah, alright. I don’t know your house. And why ‘hypno-chamber’?” “Oh, that’s just a name my brother gave to the room when he practices hypnosis.” “Oh, right.” she says, giggling. After that, I accompany Starlight upstairs to the hypno-chamber. And as I was expecting, Sleepin’ was waiting. Or more precisely, preparing the terrain. And also, himself. “And now I’m ready.” Sleepin’ says to himself. “Good, because me too.” Starlight adds. Here I see Sleepin’ a bit surprised. Is it because he is ready at the same time than Starlight? I can’t tell. “And I am here to assist Starlight and to see if anything goes well.” I add. “Oh I know what you are thinking, but I promise, this will just be hypnosis.” he says, before talking to Starlight. “So, what do you want for this session?” “Oh, nothing special. It’s just because I never practiced hypnosis before, and I just want to know what it looks like.” “So, a simple induction to see what it looks like?” “Exactly. Maybe in the future, I will ask you other sessions.” “Oh that’s okay, don’t worry. That’s completely normal when we start.” “Just, I was realizing something.” I crash. “Be right back!” At this moment, I teleport myself to my room, take something that looks like sunglasses, put it in me, and go back to the hypno-chamber by teleporting. Between those two teleportations, it has been less than two seconds. “Yeah, sorry for this interruption…” I say, blushing. “Oh yeah, your ‘antihypno-glasses’[4], so you can’t be hypnotized inadvertently.” Sleepin’ adds. “Indeed, that would be silly.” Starlight giggles. “So, can we commence?” “When you want.” Sleepin’ says. “You just need to sit on the couch and let the session commence.” And that’s what she does. She is sitting on the couch as I let my hoof on it too. Immediately, Starlight notices that and put her hoof on mine. We are both smiling as I see my brother smiling too, and eventually giggling. “That’s adorable.” he says. After that, Starlight gets ready and looks to my brother. At this moment, he lets a glowing aura on his horn and replaces his eyes with colorful spirals. As I’m wearing those antihypno-glasses, this doesn’t do anything to me, but I see Starlight who succeeded to be hypnotized rather quickly and easily. At this point, none of what my bro says is affecting me. Really, those glasses are making its effect. But Starlight is focusing on it. And even if there’s no echo effect from my brother to my point of view, I guess that’s what she is listening to at the moment. I even have her own hoof pushing strongly on mine. Well, not TOO strong obviously, it would hurt otherwise. I guess she feels heavy at this moment. At the same time, I was watching Starlight. And I ask to myself, did I look like that the time when Sleepin’ hypnotized me? I mean, I already had the colorful spirals in my eyes? First time I see it by myself. That’s impressive. And then at that time, poof! “Sleep!” This catchphrase again. And indeed, Starlight is asleep. Eyes closed, head down, like me before. It’s really amazing to see physically how it’s like to be under trance. Then obviously, tricking mind, passing seconds with this, and then ping. Well, I didn’t hear it, but I guess that’s what she heard, she already let out a small grin at it. Then my brother commands me to let my hoof out of the couch for a moment. That’s what I do, slowly at first until I realize she doesn’t care too much about it. In my opinion, she’s focused on the session, really focused. “Now you can open your eyes.” Sleepin’ says to Starlight after lifting her head. And that’s what she does. Now I can see that she has still spirals on her eyes. Guess the session worked and now my brother can get down to business. Oh, and by the way, during all those times, I never took off my glasses, so I’m still not affected by the session. Then Sleepin’ starts by putting Starlight’s left hoof straight forwards, rubbing it with his, and commanding her to try to bend it with her other hoof. And I see her trying, but she can’t succeed. It was like her hoof was behaving like it was steel. “Okay, now you can stop.” Sleepin’ says. Starlight now stops trying, as her hoof is still straight forward. Then he claps his hooves, loud enough even myself hear the echo in the room. “Now, can you do it?” Sleepin’ asks. And yes she can, she can now bend her hoof, no need to the other one. “Now, another exercise.” he says again. “And we also need your hooves for that.” Then he takes her hooves, bringing them close until they touch each other, and finally rubs them. “Now try to separate them.” he says. But she can’t, it’s stuck. Let’s admit it, even if you’re not hypnotized, this is very amazing to see. “Okay, now stop.” And Starlight stops trying, as Sleepin’ claps his hooves again. And as he does that, she can finally separate her hooves. As for me, if you want to know, Sleepin’ will always surprise me with his hypnotic tricks. Seriously, I don’t know how he does that[5]. “Now’s time for the wake-up process.” Sleepin’ announces. I think Starlight will remember about the session. She seems very pleased about discovering a new thing. And in my opinion, she will ask my brother again for another session in the future. Well, myself I’m glad she discovered hypnosis. And then: “Wake up!” Starlight shakes her head for the moment, as I see her eyes with the spirals slowly disappearing. At that moment, I decide to take off those glasses. “Wow! That was relaxing and scary at the same time.” Starlight says, surprised. “Yeah, hypnosis can be scary if it’s the first time we try it.” Sleepin’ adds. “But just because I want to know, how many times did you hypnotized your brother?” “That was so many times, I’ll never forget those moments.” I intervene, giggling. We both giggle, Starlight and me, as Sleepin’ intervenes: “Like I said, that’s adorable.” before exiting the room. We do the same thing right after, before I announce something to Starlight: “Just, don’t you mind if we go outside together?” I’m blushing at this moment. “Yeah, let’s do it.” Starlight replies. After all, what I wanted to say should be between both only, right? [1] My desire of travelling makes my dreams a bit overdone, I should probably calm down with that. [2] I realize I didn’t do a description of her cutie mark: a cross shaped with a microphone and a pencil, with some music notes. [3] I promise, I will talk about her in the future, but now I don’t want to spoil too much. [4] Again, something named by my brother. [5] Well, I can admit I never asked him about how he does it.
Chapter 7So I am here, with Starlight, hanging out with her around Ponyville… Even if it was me who propose her to hang out, that wasn’t really what I expected. Well, maybe I should admit to you, I’m shy. Very shy. Not to mention that I’m blushing right now with a small smile. But that’s what she noticed, and she smiles in return. Yeah, I know I should say it to her, but I want to wait for a better moment. Until I hear something from her that makes me blush more. “You know? During all those times, I saw you blushing every time you saw me. Are you alright?” “Ehm… Yeah, I’m alright…” I reply. “You know? I’ll always hear what you want to say, I will never reject you. I know you’re somepony elegant, funny and very kind. Really, I would be scared if you weren’t with me during the hypnotic session. But you were here, with me, ready to help if there’s something bad.” Wait… So she REALLY knows what she is for me? Now she knows she’s my crush. I guess that’s the best moment to talk about it, although I don’t really have the choice now. “Yeah, I don’t know what happened…” I start. “But when I saw you for the first time, I immediately felt in love…” “Really?” she says, a bit surprised. “Why didn’t you tell me that?” “Because I wanted to know a bit more about you first. That’s why I invited you in my house, and that’s why I proposed you to hang out with me. Simply because I wanted to know you. But I guess you already knew what you are for me.” At this moment, I see her crying, but she is smiling at the same time. She is crying in joy. And then she runs to me until I share a hug with her. I even feel her tears sliding on my body. “There, there.” I say. At the same time, I see her trying to dry her tears, but there’s still some on my coat. Then she moves back several centimeters, as I see her smiling and with still tears on her eyes. Well, not for long, because she uses her hoof to take them off. “I just want to ask you something.” she says. “As I know how your house is, don’t you mind visiting mine?” “You mean… Right now?” I ask. “Why not, if you have some free time.” Oh gosh, I’m blushing again. What should I do? Should I say yes? That’s what seems logical. I really don’t want to hurt her by any manners. But for the moment, I watch the sky so that I can see where the sun is, before giving an answer. “Yeah okay, I indeed have free time[1]. Let’s see your house.” “Okay then, follow me.” So I follow Starlight as I’m re-exploring the city[2]. At a moment I saw Blue Night’s home in the way, thus I tried to see if he’s here, but I couldn’t see him. Maybe he left his home for something, I don’t know. Then after a short trip, we arrive to her house. “So, here it is.” Starlight says. “I know it’s not much, but I hope you like it anyway.” As she was saying that, I was watching her house: it’s a three-story house with a hay roof and windows in every floor and a circle window in the upper one. Well, a typical house in Ponyville. “Let’s see inside, to see if I like it.” I suggest, blushing. “Well, if you say so.” She giggles. Starlight opens the door and enter in the house as I follow her. As I am in here, I can see a kitchen and a dining room near a fireplace. She knows it’s not much, but it’s sufficient for me. I can say there is no fireplace in my house, so seeing one is like a paradise. “Well, you know what?” I say. “I don’t like it, I love it.” “Really?” she says, surprised. “Well, if you saw my house, you probably noticed there’s no fireplace, I had only my bed to keep myself warm.” I precise. “And look here, you have this fireplace in the dining room. I’m really jealous.” I was saying that with a smile as Starlight was giggling. I think she didn’t expect that answer, maybe she didn’t see I have no fireplace. “Ah, sorry about that.” I say with a sorry smile. “Oh no don’t worry, that’s okay.” she replies. “Anyway… what I mean is, I rather prefer to live in your house. I have been with my brother for sometimes and I was always imagining how it could be to live in a house, and not only in a cabinet.” I see Starlight happy about what I said. Then she decides to add: “Precisely, come to the next floor, I have something to show you.” She said that by walking on the stairs, so I follow her. As I arrive in the floor, I see what looks like a music studio, with a guitar, a piano and a microphone. And between all of that, I see something packed, and by judging the shape of it, I know it’s definitely not a music instrument. “So it’s that ‘something’ you were talking about?” I ask. “Yeah, go on.” she says with a happy smile. Myself I am smiling, but I am also surprised at the same time. Why do something in this shape can be in a music studio like this? But as I unpack it, I find my answer: it was an easel[3], so I can do drawings really properly. When I see that, I am really happy of what I am seeing: finally I can do drawings without worrying about how to keep my drawing block correctly[4]. “Really, thank you Starlight!” I exclaim, happy, as I share a hug with her. This time, it’s me who is crying with joy. We both share a hug. That’s something I would never hope for. But now I do. Maybe we are meant to be together. I blush for the last time. “Starlight!” I start. “I have something to tell you.” She smiles, listening to me, as I dry my tears first before continuing. “Starlight. You probably know there are different visions of paradise for each creature. Raccoons have a different vision of paradise for us, ponies. And I could say the same thing about wasteland rats or any other creatures. What I mean is, my vision of paradise is to be with you. I want to stay with you. I love you. And there’s nothing that can tell the opposite. And if you love me too, that means we are meant to be each other. Do you agree with me?” “Indeed, I agree with you.” she replies, giggling. “And you indeed are very funny.” And finally, we are nuzzling and kissing. [1] It is noon when I see the sky, so indeed I have some. [2] Yeah, I love traveling cities, even if it’s the ones I already know. [3] I didn’t have one first, I did my drawings without support, directly on my drawing block. [4] I know I tend to repeat myself, it happens when I’m very happy about something.
Chapter 8That moment. I was waiting for it for so long. Is this the happiest day of my life or the happiest day of my life? What is sure is, the bounds are sealed and nothing or nopony can break it. The nuzzling and kissing scene lasts between 1 and 2 minutes. We were taking the time together after this, before I finally say something. “That makes me think, I should tell my brother about that. Don’t you mind if we do it together?” “Okay, let’s go!” she replies. So we both go near the door as Starlight opens it. And as it’s about going to my brother’s house, I am the lead of this small trip. As we are near Blue Night’s house, I want to see if he’s home. And he is, on the upper floor, and he sees us, Starlight and me. I wave at him for a moment, as he applauds with his hooves[1]. Then after that, we continue to walk. “He was not your brother, was he?” Starlight asks. “Oh no!” I reply. “He is simply one of my friends I met when I was a colt.” “Oh! And where did you meet?” “If I tell you that, I will talk about something I don’t want to talk about.” “Aw come on. Don’t worry, it will be between you and me only.” I sigh before giving her the answer, with regret. “I met him in an orphanage.” “Aw, really?” she says, sorry to herself. “That’s precisely why I don’t want to talk about it: the loss of my parents was a very horrible thing. And a little advice for you, don’t talk to my brother about it. That will be even worse.” “Okay, noted it! Also, sorry about that.” “No don’t worry, that’s okay.” After several walks, we both arrive to my brother’s house. But when Starlight was about to knock the door, I interrupt her for something else. “Wait! I have a better idea for my brother. Just follow my lead.” Right after, I teleport myself in the main room near the entrance. Starlight then does the same right in front of me. “I know where my brother should be at this time.” I whisper. “Just follow me.” “Okay I follow you.” she says, giggling. We both walk quietly to the living room, and I see Sleepin’ resting on the couch. I then sign Starlight to stay here for a moment, as I walk closely to the couch. And finally, I yield: “HELLO BIG BROTHER!” “Wake up!” he says randomly with surprise. “Indeed, I didn’t think about that.” Starlight says as she’s approaching me. “Why did you do that?” Sleepin’ says, a bit angry. “Do you remember the many times you woke me up like this? I wanted to take my revenge.” He sighs after I said this. “So, what makes you come here?” “Well, as you can see, me and Starlight are finally together!” I say as I share a hug with her. “Oh really?” he says, happily surprised. “Exactly!” Starlight intervenes. “And that’s the happiest day of my life. And I guess Tal would say the same for him.” I nod at this, as Sleepin’ says: “Sorry for repeating myself, but that’s really adorable.” “By the way Starlight, I have something I want to show you. Follow me, it’s upstairs.” “Okay I follow you.” she responds. We both go upstairs until we arrive to my room’s door. “Starlight! Welcome to my museum!” I announce as I open the door. Indeed, I know it’s a mess, but that’s not what I wanted to show her. In fact, I wanted to show the drawings. And indeed, it is the first thing she sees when she enters to my room. “Oh wait. Is that Manehattan? And Vanhoover? And the Crystal Empire?” she asks as she’s watching the drawings. “Yeah, I did many trips to do that. And I’m proud of what I did. But I didn’t visit everything, and that’s something I really want to do, whatever happens.” “Maybe we can do those trips together.” she suggests. “Oh really? Do you insist?” “Yes I do.” “Well, if you say so.” I reply happily. “In fact, I didn’t visit the cities that aren’t even in Equestria, like Klugetown or the Mount Aris.” “Yeah, I would be up to visit the Mount Aris when you’re ready.” “If you want. But first, there’s one place in Equestria I didn’t visit yet. I will talk about it when we’ll be at home.” “Okay, if you want.” she answers, smiling. “What about we go home now?” “Let’s do this.” Before following Starlight downstairs, I take my backpack. And before exiting the house, I make an announcement to Sleepin’. “Okay big bro, I’m gonna go with Starlight. Seeya!” “Okay, have a good time.” he says, blinking. And so, Starlight and I exit the house, using the door this time. We are about to go home, and I don’t think I will continue to consider my brother’s house as my home. In fact, I’m happy with Starlight. And then again, I see Blue Night’s house[2], so I consider it as a landmark to Starlight’s house and my soon-to-be house. And finally we are in front of it. I don’t know why, but it was pretty quick. And as we enter in it, I finally say something I wanted to share her. “By the way, I don’t remember when I told you my nickname, but… are you up to know my real name?” “Yeah but… Doesn’t your brother already know you real name? Because I always heard him calling you by your nickname.” “Yeah I know. It’s because he gets in the habit of calling me like this, thus calling me by my name really disrupt him.” “Oh okay, that makes more sense.” And I’m about to say it: “My real name is Paintbrush Spot.” [1] For the moment I am still outside, entering in his house would be a loss of time. [2] In fact, there’s something I ask myself: is Blue Night’s house the true and only landmark to Starlight’s house?
Chapter 9So now, my real name is revealed to Starlight. And as I’m thinking about it, I realize it was not the fact that somepony knows my name that made me stubborn, but the fact that I hear it. Now this sensation is gone. Maybe thanks to Starlight? I think so. Anyway, we were both on the comfy couch for sometimes now, before I say something. “By the way, I don’t remember, did I tell you the place I wanted to visit? I noted to tell you that when we’re home.” “Yeah, you told me there’s one place in Equestria you didn’t visit.” she answers. “So what is it?” “Okay. So it’s the Neighagra Falls. I really wanted to visit them for so long.” At that moment, I see Starlight a bit surprised about my answer. “Really? You didn’t go to the Neighagra Falls? You should indeed really visit it.” So, am I the only traveler who didn’t go to the Neighagra Falls yet? That’s such a shame for me, I should indeed go make a visit here. “Okay so, I am wondering.” I say. “Are you up for visiting the Neighagra Falls with me? Of course, if you don’t want, that’s okay. I can still do the trip like I did previously.” “No, I don’t want to let you alone.” Starlight replies. “I promised I’ll do those trips with you, and I will not drop that promise.” Yeah, she is definitely sincere about what she’s just said. And after all, that’s what I would say too. “If you say so.” I say, smiling. “So, what about we go now? By air balloon.” “You mean, right now?” She asks, surprised. “Well, of course if you’re ready.” “Oh thanks.” she gasps at her relief. “Because I’m not yet.” “Okay, so we can still order tickets for the trip.” “We can, but… Do you know how many weeks we have to wait?” I’m surprised about what she’s just said. Do we really have to wait weeks for the trip? “Wait… Is that the first time you’ll take a trip by air balloon?” she asks, surprised. “Um… Yeah[1].” I reply. “Oh… Well, so we have to find that air balloon station, command the two tickets, and then wait for two weeks before going to the air balloon.” Wait… Two weeks? Is the waiting that long? I wanted to do the trip to Neighagra Falls as quickly as possible, but now I think we have to do a change of plan. So I guess we don’t have the choice. “Well… I suppose we can still do the trip to Mount Aris before going to the Neighagra Falls.” I propose. “Yeah, we can at least do that.” she replies. We exit our home to go to the air balloon station. And as I don’t know where it is[2], I let Starlight taking the lead. Wait… Does that mean she knows EVERYTHING about Ponyville? That’s a shame for me again. We finally walked about two minutes before arriving to the hot air balloon station. We are welcomed by a mare, probably the conductor of this balloon. “Hello!” Starlight exclaims. “Two tickets for the Neighagra Falls, please.” The mare accepts the request, opens her backpack and takes two tickets. And before giving them to us, she first makes sure she took the right tickets. And she did, so she gives them to us. And as I have my backpack, Starlight asks me if she can put those tickets to my pack. I nod at this, as she opens my pack, puts the tickets in there, before closing it. At this moment, we are going to the train station. And this time, I know where it is. And it’s not too far from the hot air balloon station, so we arrive pretty quickly. “Hello!” I exclaim. “Two tickets for Mount Aris, please.” “Okay, coming right up.” the stallion says. He then goes out of our vision, before searching in a drawer the right tickets. And he finds them quickly, before giving them to us. “Your train will arrive in less than five minutes.” “Okay thanks.” Starlight says. We both keep our ticket with us, before sitting on a bench, waiting for the next train. “You know?” Starlight starts the conversation. “As we’re going to Mount Aris, there’s something in particular I am willing to do.” “To become a seapony and explore the vast world of Seaquestria?” I answer randomly. “Wait… How did you know that?” “Well, I didn’t. It was just because I read all about the Mount Aris when I was younger. And just that makes me want to explore it.” Starlight giggles as I was saying that. “Oh, interesting. Well, as for me, I heard when I was a filly that Mount Aris is a vast city inhabited by hippogriffs and seaponies. And I wanted to be like them for so long. Well, not forever obviously, I’d like to stay a unicorn.” This time, it’s my turn to giggle at this. “You know I will always love you, whatever happens.” “Oh stop.” Starlight says, smiling. “You’ll make me blush.” Then we share a huggle before the train arrives. At this moment, we’re presenting our two tickets before entering in the train and taking a seat. Next stop, Mount Aris. [1] More precisely, all my previous trips were done by train. [2] Mainly because I never took hot air balloon journeys.
Chapter 1Hello everypony! My name’s Paintbrush, but I prefer to be called Talunion. And as not indicated by my name, it was really hard to make friends in the past. I have to say that my brother wasn’t very helpful about that. I was born in Canterlot, and I now live in Ponyville. We moved here with our mother and father when I was 2 years old, and 6 for my brother. My mother was a journalist, my father was a mechanical engineer. Well, I said “was” because they are dead now, I was just a colt. Luckily for us, there was an orphanage director who didn’t wait and take care of us both. But despite the sympathy of the director -I expected that-, losing my mother and father was really the hardest thing I could think of. There were so many time I decided myself to be alone because of that. And unfortunately, and I think you guessed it, my brother was not here to help me with this problem. He is not very talkative, I know that. But as a brother, he should really know what to do with me. But then comes a moment with my bro that will really change my life. There was a filly who had big trouble while sleeping, and the director took time before noticing it. And before the director decided to intervene, my brother immediately volunteered and decided to help her. And that’s what he did: during the afternoon he was walking around, wondering about what he can do to help her, and I heard him in the evening saying something I cannot understand. I just properly heard that it’s about relaxing, sleeping and dreaming. And more precisely, “the best dream of your life”. It was at this moment I decided to go to sleep. But when I woke up, I saw something physically different with my brother. I saw in his flank a hanging pendulum with a spiral in the center. But I wonder, is that a cutie mark? I think it is. And did he get this by helping the filly to sleep? Probably. Anyway, now he had his cutie mark, he was allowed to leave the orphanage. And that’s what he did after giving me a hug, filling me with courage for the future. After that, I made some friends in the orphanage, especially another colt with a dark blue coat and a wide long black mane and tail. He considered me as his best friend, and me as my second brother. And comes the moment that will really change my life. During a trip with other orphanage children, I heard about a drawing and painting contest. That was amazing, exactly what I wanted. I took some of my free time in the orphanage drawing not only on papers, but also on tables and walls, I wanted to fill in the blanks. So I didn’t wait and I immediately register for the contest. After I announced that, everypony in the orphanage wanted to see me in action, to see what I can do. During the contest, the first rounds was not so hard, it’s during the final which gave me a hard time. But at the same time, I saw all the orphanage children with the director who saw me and encouraged me. So I was wondering and I was saying to myself “what if I draw Canterlot, my native city?”. And that’s what I did, I took a vision of Canterlot and I drew what I saw from the city. The jury saw in my drawing one of the perfect representation of Canterlot and saw in my opponent’s drawing an absolutely good self-portrait. And relying on the public reactions, the jury gave me the first price. I was very proud of myself even my opponent shake my hoof as a congratulation. And then, I saw what is happening in my flank. There was my cutie mark appearing on it: a red paintbrush with a brown spot. I was 9 years old. And even if I’m allowed to leave the orphanage, I wanted all the same to stay, at least to say my last words as an orphan little colt. After we arrived, nopony waited and I was now in front of everypony waiting for my words. So I improvised. “Fillies and gentlecolts! I know everypony here in the orphanage had a bad time with their mother and father. As for me and my brother, they lived their life and was dead by old age. For the others, I guess they were the survivors of a terrible thing that their mother and father didn’t stand. And I guess others were even abandoned by their mother and father for some reason and they didn’t come back. Whatever the reason, I have just one thing to say: if you prove yourself, you can gain all the dignity to the others. And that’s what my mother and father wanted me to do: to prove myself and clearly say I autonomous. When I heard about this drawing contest, I immediately took my chance. And even if I fail, I can be proud all the same, because I tried. And that’s what I want you to do: to prove yourself and to try. And if you finally get your cutie mark, I hope you will think about me. It’s on these beautiful words that I leave you here, Talunion’s out.” But before I left, everypony shared me a little hug. I guess, as my brother did to me, I fill them with courage. And finally, I left the orphanage. After some days, I really wanted to travel. But not now, I’m still such a colt. So I decided to draw Ponyville without worry for my future. I mean, what could possibly go wrong with me?
