Its just you and me, kid.

“Hold on, I think he’s waking up...”

Waiting for the morning with only your thoughts and the knowledge that your stuck inside the mind of a little boy can make you wonder on how your life got to this point. On the bright side, I did kinda come to terms with that fact, so that's good I guess. The frustration never completely left me however, being stuck with literally nothing to do didn’t help either. Some things I notice throughout the night. Even if Ace is asleep. I can still hear noises around him, so that can help pass the time. The only thing I hear through out the night was either Ace’s breathing or… actually no just his breathing, which it feels wrong now that I think of it.

The shuffling of footsteps can be hear down the hall as I sigh in relief. Finally, save me from this nightmare. A knocking was hear before the door slowly creaked wide open. The colts mother let out a yawn as she approach Ace.

“Time to get up Ace.” The sound of blankets shuffling told me that he is waking up, but kids don’t get up so easily. “Common, sweetie, you have to get ready for school.” I forgotten on how annoying it was to wake up for school when your young. Scratch that it's annoying in general.

“No… Five more minutes.” That's not gonna work, it never works. She is gonna ask again and if your not up by then. She’ll do something like turn on the tv, Snatch your blanket away, and the most my most personal ‘favorite,’ turning on the light and yell at you to get your ass off of bed.

“I’m not gonna repeat myself Ace,” No response. Common get up, I need to see some something.

“Common, school doesn’t start until nine today.” His mother response was by snatching away the blanket. Ace let a brrr noise with his only warmth taken away from him.

“Don’t even start with that. Even if you start at nine today. I still have to go to work. So get ready and eat your breakfast before I go.” His mother told seriously. Huh, such a different person than the one I saw last night. Then again, she must be the in a hurry. Ace slowly open his eyes.

LIGHT!!! YES!!! I never thought I would be so happy to see it. Ace sat up straight and begins to stretch his hooves as I got can make out his room in the morning light. It was really normal considering that he was a pony. I would expect something like a stable like room, but if you didn't know that this belong to a pony and you would never tell the difference between this and any other room at earths. Getting off bed, Ace felt tired and annoyed for waking up. Yeah, I’m not a morning person either.

He walked down the white hallway, only to open a door that goes to, from what I can tell, a bathroom. The bathroom had blue tiles for walls and white one for the floors. The shower was in the corner with a walk in like design. The sink was pretty simple. There toilet did remind me of the ones from japan. The ones that are not like a chair, but the ones where you have to squat down to use. Well now that I think of it. This makes more sense than if it was a chair type toilet, it would probably be uncomfortable for them if it was like that.

Watching Ace walk up to the toilet instantly made me realize on what he needed to use the bathroom. Ace leaned his head on its side against the top of the toilet tank and started to urinate... Yeah, this doesn’t make this awkward at all, no sir re. Being forced to hear a kid take a piss is just what I wanted in life… Wait no that's not what I wanted at all. I’m not a germaphobe and shit, but it's like standing behind a dude peeing in the bathroom with only the two of you.

Even with all that time to my thoughts waiting for something to happen. I didn't even think about what it would mean being in his head. I was gonna have be with him through EVERYTHING. So any embarrassing things that he does or sees, I have to witness it too.

I didn't help that after he was done he took a shower right after. The shower was like those showers that you see in the community pool. He washed his hair and cleaned his body. I didn't know on how he can grab soap with only his hooves.

"Winter wrap up, Winter wrap up. lets finish our holiday cheer. Wint-" Now he is singing. I really hope that this is not what ponies like in this world. Thankfully it didn’t lasted long. he finished quickly and was dying his body and face. Luckily the mirror wasn't steamy so I can see what Ace looked like.

He had a more natural looking colors on his coat, mainly dark brown and with a section near around his rump that had a area of white with spots of brown on it. Along with the white ends around the end of his Hooves,
there was also white line on his face giving it a, honestly, a nice coloration. The hair was short and black, made in a spiked style. His eyes, were brown as well. What caught my attention though, was that he had wings. HOLY SHIT he has wings, thats awesome! I wonder if he can fly? Man, if he can fly then maybe this won’t be as bad as i thought.

Finishing with everything he needed to do. I still don't understand on how he can hold his things with hooves. Ace rushed to the stairs and actually glided down to the floor. Not gonna lie, that was sort of awesome. I'm really curious if he can fly past the clouds now. We enter the kitchen as I recognize the blue and pink mother from last night, giving Ace a stern look at him before putting his breakfast down on the table.

“What did I say about flying down those stairs? I do not want you to hurt yourself again or break another one of the vases.” I don’t blame her for saying that but come on, I would be jumping off of everything if I can do that… Okay she may have a point. “Okay, I gotta go right now. Don't forget to get your lunch in the fridge and DON’T be late to school. Okay? Bye, I love you sweetie.”

With a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek she left, leaving with only me and him again. Should I try to talk to him now? I have spent the whole night preparing to announce my presence but… I couldn’t do it. Right, it's not a good time. I can argue about when is the right time but the point is that. I don’t know how Ace would respond, last night and a moment in the bathroom is not telling me much about him. Gotta wait until the end of the day, that way I have an idea on how he’ll react to me. Ace hummed a happy tune as he ate his oatmeal. Not much is happening there so let's see if I can find anything useful about him.

Scanning his house as he eats really gave me a uncomfortable feeling. It made me feel like a stalker, invading their personal life's just so I can see on how to approach him. I pushed down those thoughts as I continue to look for something about them. I really don't like doing this but its something that I need to do.

The house has similar feel to the bathroom. As in it has a simple design, kinda small too. While the bathroom was blue. Both the living room, and living room had green wallpaper. It reminded me of a two story apartment. Pictures of what I can tell family members, sprawled out on the walls. I saw a picture of both a younger looking Ace and his mother along with another stallion that I don’t recognize. Seeing the similar coat pattern and wings, I can make a guess that he was Ace’s dad.

I’ve never seen or heard them mention Ace’s father. Is he still around? Another photo of Ace standing next to the same stallion. He was wearing a blue jumpsuit of some kind with a lightning strip on it. what uniform is that for anyway?

A Satisfy Ace belched out a happy burp as he finished up his meal. Seriously? I can feel his emotion, hear his surroundings and see what he sees, but I can’t taste what he eats? Bullshit, that is not fair. I may have not gotten hungry in the short time I was in here, but I still want to taste food. Whatever, bet they eat hay and oats all the time anyway.

The door knocked as Ace put his dish in the sink. He open the door to see a grey pegasus with yellow hair and a satchel on her side... What's wrong with her eyes, there all cross eyed.

“Good morning Ace!!” The pegasus said enthusiastically. I looked behind her to see another pony talking to… a unicorn. With everything that is happening to me. I shouldn’t be surprised by now at this point, but here I am.

“Good morning Ms. Ditzy.” Ace politely replied.

“I got some mail for you.” Her name is Ditzy? I thought they were named normally. Ditzy sounds more harsh really. Ditzy reached in her bag and handed Ace his mail. He was excited I can tell, maybe he is waiting for a letter. His mood however dropped when he saw the letter. The letter was from the musical industry for, Jazzy Pants? Forget what I said, even the name Ditzy didn’t sound weird compare to Jazzy Pants.

“Uhhh… Ms. Hooves, you got me the wrong mail… again…” While his voice held disappointment, he kept his politeness towards her. Well he's polite, I give him that. Ditzy cheeks turned red from embarrassment. Looking at these ponies, there kinda adorable. Well, once you get past the weirdly large eyes and horse like faces.

“OH sweet celestia. I'm so sorry I could have sworn that I got it right this time.” She quickly grabbed the mail and stuffed it in her bag once more. I kinda feel for her, trying your best even if you don’t do well. I can empathize with her. Ms. hooves gave out a determined look and she started to flap her wings. “Do not worry Ace. Ditzy Derpy Doo will fix this by lunch.” Ditzy Derpy Doo? Who names their kid derpy? It sounds cruel. Before she went off Ditzy took out a blueberry muffin and hand it to Ace. “Take this as a ‘I’m sorry’ gift. I promise that I’ll fix this.” And with the grace of a drunken pilot, she took off, bumping into lamps and other structures to, whatever she’s off too. Seeing a creature of myth crash into a lamp post takes away the majesticness the more you think about it.

“WAIT! YOU don’t need… to...” Ace tried to call out to her but she was already gone by then. “She always does that.” A small smile spread across his face as he took a nibble of the muffin. COMMON, it looks so delicious too. Let me at least taste it.

Looking around, Ace started walking to school and I find myself actually excited. Sure being trap inside a colts head, separated from your friends and family, and forced to face a unknown future ahead with my only hope is a colt that I don’t even know. The world looks like it belongs in a little girls show, I have no idea what happen to Isaac and Redmond, and I'm I pretty sure my truck is being towed away.

Deep breaths

But I’m in a whole different world to discover. I gotta keep positive for else im gonna go insane and most likely Ace as along with me.

As we head towards the school, Ace kept keeping his head down as we pass by Ponies of all kinds of colors. Some of them look pretty. Others... yeah I don't know if neon lime green with brown a good combination. I don't know if its a favorite for some but fucking hell it hurts to look at it. They are some weird ass combinations out there.

Even if I was being overwhelmed with everything around us. I was amazed watching all of this for the first time. Ace looked up in time for me to see a cyan blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane flew over our heads. Too top it all of she was shitting out rainbows as she flew. Now that's what I call graceful. I saw unicorns using FUCKING magic to levitate everyday objects like is was nothing. This place is so bewildering, its insane that what I see something that comes straight out of fairy tales. They see it as everyday lives. It is kind of sad that the normal looking ones can't do what a unicorn or a Pegasus can do. Still, It was like being in a medieval Disney park ride. Except without the annoying music and there's actual magic.

Walking through town and seeing everything I can made me notice a few thing about Ace.

Firstly, despite talking to ditzy this morning, whenever someone sat hi or waved at him. He kept the interaction to a minimum. Just saying 'hi' or a ' good morning' back to them. every time they try to talk to him more he would just continue walking. If this doesn’t scream shyness then I really don’t know what does.

Second, everyone has these tattoo like markings on there ass. I didn’t see one on him when I was Inspecting him. Even some kids similar to his age have of as well. How does that happen? Do they go through some form of rite of passage? Some of the designs range from flowers to lanterns. Some of them look pretty neat. Didn't Ditzy had one on her flank? I didn't see it.

Lastly, there were a WHOLE lot more mares than stallions around here. There was a stallion for every two mares I’ve seen so far. Dam, that quite a difference for ratio of gender.

We arrived to a pathway that had trees lining up away from town. There was a split on the road. One lead to hills distance away from here, Farms sprinkled the top side and various of vegetables were growing on it. The other lead to a prime example of what a school looks like.

We joined up along a small group of foals, each greeting a purple pony with pink poofy hair and a single light pink color stripe on it both her mane and tail. She had another one of those tattoos on her flank. Her design was flowers with smiley faces on it.

“Good morning Ms. Cheerilee,” Ace said.

“Good morning to you too Ace. Take a seat, were learning math and history after today.” History? I could use this to learn about this world I'm in. Inside was a chalk board with pre-algebra problems written on it. Ace took a seat near to a window in the middle row of desk. Their teacher walked in as the class greeted her.

“Good morning Ms. Cheerilee!!!” They said in unison. I felt a bit nostalgic of elementary school when they said that. Times was more easier when I didn’t have to worry about rent or college. Guess that doesn’t matter now at the moment.

“Good morning class, Today well be starting pre-algebra today. Then after lunch break, well go to history to learn about The rise and fall of the crystal empire.”

“OO Oo” A white hoof eagerly raise, waving it around frantically.

“Yes, Swettiebelle?” I could see what she looked like as she was blocked by a chubby looking unicorn.

“Whats the crystal empire?” Yeah Ms. Cheerilee, what is the crystal empire?

“Well talk about it after lunch break. Now pick up your math books and turn to page 143 on your textbooks and well begin." I rather learn about this world than to practice something I already know.

The next few hours was just them learning about math while I try to keep myself entertained.

The bell ringed out for lunch break as ponies at down while others decided to play on the playground. Ace was eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Three other colts sat on the table talking to one another when a light grey pegasus with dark hair, grabbed everyone's attention.

“Hey, have you heard about what the guards been talking about lately?” A brown pony with a propeller hat stopped eating his lunch and look at him quizzitly. His marking was that of a joystick controller. Next to him, a orange pegasus filly with purple mane. Much like Ace and the other boy, she didn’t have those symbols on her flank. She looked bored but grew curious, listening to see on what was this about. Ace's interest perked up at that mention of the guards. Seeing that he had everyone's attention, the grey colt start.

“Okay, you know on how once in a while the guards send out patrols to scout the everfree forest right? Well Apparently earlier this week they sent out a group to send supplies to one of the many ranger camps in there… I heard that it didn’t make it.”

"I don't see what's the big deal. They could have just gotten lost." interrupted the filly.

“Maybe they got eaten by monsters…”Ace added in.

“Don't interrupt me. Anyway, like Scootaloo said, they also thought the patrol had gotten lost so, they sent another, but with more guards than last time. They got to the camp that the last group was supposed to give the supplies to. They asked the one of The Rangers about if they seen any signs of the group that was supposed to be there. They said they never seen them. Fearing that they were eaten by monsters, they called in a group of ranger to find them." The grey pegasus took a drink out of his water bottle.

“So what happened?” The brown one asked.

“I’m getting to that. They sent out a small group of rangers to investigate on what happened to them. This is where it gets weird. I heard that last night, after days without a word of them, only one of the missing rangers ranger approached one of the post. Screaming like a madmare. They tried to understand on what happen, but she kept blabbering crazy nonsense. Saying things about demons and wolves. Rangers are on par with Celestial Royal Guards, an elite, so a group going missing for days, only for one of them to return insane. It honestly creeps me out. The guards has been on edge since then and they started to forbid people from going near even near the forest line.” He was finished with this story.

Holy shit, I thought this was the land of sunshine and rainbows. This sounds like something out of a lovecraftian story. A orange hoof slammed on the table, making Ace flinched in surprise.

“That's a load of horse apples and you know it Rumble.” Ace looked at her in shock.

“Don’t say that Scootaloo. What if cheerilee hears you?” He said in a hush tone. She ignored Ace as she continued to stare at Rumble.

“Rangers are the best of the best in equestria. There not afraid of anything. So how could they just vanish and go insane by a bunch of timberwolves?”

“I never said it was timberwolves.”

“How do you know this anyway?” Rumble shrugged, giving her a nonchalant look.

“My family runs a bar and grill, remember? The guards like to spend time there and when they drink, they tell each other about things. Most of the times it just on how sucky there job is, but once in a while you get stories like this. Maybe it's true maybe it isn’t. I don’t know. I’m just telling you what I hear Scootaloo.”

"I say its just a bunch of drunk ponies that like to make stories up."

“What if it isn't it? What if it's not just some random monster, but a actual demon. There could still some around from Nightmare Moon. what then?’ Ace said quickly. Ace released the breath he was holding as the brown pony laughed at Ace.

“Common don’t be such a baby Ace. It's only a story.” Button teased him. Scootaloo scoff at Ace.

“Pfft, Relax Ace, you worry to much. Besides, even if it is a demon, I bet Rainbow Dash can take them on. Just like how she took on Nightmare Moon herself.” Scootaloo jumped on the table on two hoof then proceeded to punch the air.

“Wasn’t it six ponies that took on Nightmare Moon?” Ace pointed out.

“They were there, but that's to help out Rainbow Dash.” She Jumped on the table and posed dramatically. She really looks up to Rainbow Dash, doesn’t she?

“What if it wasn’t one of Nightmare moon's monsters. What it was Tyrek?” Called out the brown one. Ace having heard that looked to him and gave out a nervous chuckle.

“He is in Tartarus, even if he escaped from there. Why would he hang around the Everfree forest near Ponyville? There's nothing in there but old castles and ruins.” Rumble countered. I could help but feel uneasy on the fact that demons exist in this world.

“I heard that there's a haunted outpost in the outskirts of town, Just a around Applebloom's family farm.” Scootaloo gave out to the rest of the table.

“So what about it?” Rumble, looked at her impatiently. Waiting for her to get to the point.

“So I was thinking about exploring there and see what's inside... maybe spend the night there.” Rumble, obviously didn’t think that it was a good idea.

“Are you stupid? After everything we talked about, you want to go to a abandon building near the everfree and spent the night there?"

“Pretty much.” Pretty much? Why the fuck would you anyway?

“Why would you anyway?” Replied the brown colt.

“Oh, common on are you scared?” Scootaloo challenged, please be smart on this rumble.

“Of course not, I’m not a retard either. What if you bumped into the beast that killed those soldiers while were there?” Oh thank god, I know these are just stories but after everything I’ve seen. I don’t find it hard to believe that the forest was filled with monsters.

"like they could get past the Rangers." before they can go on with there conversation. The bell rang out through the playground and Scootaloo gave out a frustrated huff. “Great, I’ve spent all recess talking to you boys and I didn’t get to eat anything.” Well you could have just gotten something to eat while they talked Scootaloo.

“Well you could have just went to get something to eat while we talked Scootaloo.” Still haven't learned your name yet but you and me are on sync.

“Oh, shove it Button.” Ah, his name is Button. That's good to know. Ace rummaged through his lunch bag to pull out a granola bar. Scootaloo eyed the bar as her stomach begged for her to eat it.

“You can have this, I wasn’t planning on eating it anyway.” Awww, the way her eyes beamed with joy is so adorable. Look at her, happily munching on the granola. She looks like a little puppy, and I love puppies. If I still had a heart then I would die from seeing that.

“Thanks” munch “ace” munch munch “your the best” munch munch munch. With a jump and a hop. Scootaloo bounced inside as Ace followed.

*

I was interested about the subject of history at the moment. Rangers and demons was something I would not expect a group of kids to talk about, but it was pretty interesting thing to think of. As everyone took there seats Ms. Cheerilee began to speak.

“So before we talk about the Crystal Empire. What do you ponies know about it first?” I couple of hooves raised at her question. She scanned her class. Deciding on who to pick. After a moment she picked a grey filly that sat next to Ace. She had purple eyes and her mane was a silver braided pony tale. She was wearing a blue glasses and a pearl necklace around her neck. It was a huge difference compare to Scootaloo, But Scootaloo gave off a tomboy vibe from her.

“Yes Silver Spoon."

“The Crystal Empire was a trading port before Queen Amor started building her temple there.” I notice a slight Latina accent to her voice as she speaks. There's Spanish speakers here? Also, Queen Amor? Queen LOVE?

“That's right, how about someone else.... “ Another moment for choosing. “Yes you, Iron Ore.”

“They worship the dead.”

“Right, One more then we can start.” She quickly looked at Ace, which caught him off by surprise. “What do you know about the Crystal Empire Ace?” I hate when teachers put you in the spot light.

“Ummm…” Common Ace, you can do it.

“Yes go on.”

“Everypony is forbidden from entering the island now.” Cheerilee gave out a soft sigh, Oh give him a break.

“Yes, while its true that the island is cursed now. There are many records on what it was like before the island became what it was now.” Oh no, don’t tell me.

Cheerilee began to write on the board. Wait how is she able to write with her mouth? “The beginning of the Crystal Empire did began on a trading port in a island, but then it was called. ‘El Caballo de mar’ Which translate to sea horse.”

You gotta be kidding me.

“At the time, Queen Amor was simply called Amor at the time sailed to explored the world, In hopes of treasure and glory.” A yellow hoof raised above the heads.

“Yes, Applebloom?” Applebloom lowered her hoof when she was called.

“Did she find any treasure?” I'm guessing she did, you don’t raise a empire with no money. Cheerilee chuckled a little at her question.

“She did actually. Before Amor founded the crystal empire. She did find many ancient ruins that pre-date before the three tribes banded together. Anyway, She explored the uncharted land with her band of explorers. As she was exploring near the mountain of the island when she saw, the soul stones. Before we go continue with the lesson I want to talk about cutie marks real quickly.”

Cuties marks? You have demons and you have the word cutie mark in the same world… how?

“While we are going to talk about it next week, I want to bring it up as it has to deal with Queen Amor. Tell me, what was her cutie mark?” What is a cutie mark? That's what I want to know. Silver Spoon raised her hoof again. Cheerilee gestured to her to talk.

“Queen Amor cutie mark was depicted as a heart with a crown of thorns around it. However it was actually a shepherds staff with a heart dangling off the end of it.” Cheerilee looked at Silver Spoon impressed.

“Very impressive, Silver Spoon, not many ponies knows of that.” Pride beamed across Silvers face.

“Well, my grandmother did talk a lot about the Crystal Empire.”

“That really interesting Silver, you should teach this when you get older. Moving on, cutie marks ranges from what we are good at, to what we are spiritually.” She pointed at the markings on her flank as a example. That's what cutie marks are? Spiritual ass tattoos.

“Amor cutie mark was reflected on what she was. You see, not only was she a adventurer, but she was a priestess that can also communicate with the dead. She would help lost spirits cross the bridge into the afterlife. It's how she was able to get most of the treasures she found anyway. She would speak to the spirits of treasure seekers and daring explorers that have fallen for warnings ahead.” She had the whole class's attention now, she had my interest since the beginning.

“Now I know you're wondering on why I'm telling you this. Well during the expedition she notice something about some of the stone around her. The souls and spirits was being dawned to the stones around the island, like moths to a flame, but they didn’t seem to move. Only gathering near it. Amor ordered her group it set up camp as she work on helping the lost souls. Through the night she kept seeing souls gathering around other similar stones as well. She then thought of an idea. She grabbed every piece of stone in the island and order her followers to carve out a pillar. It would take time, but they would eventually reach past the trees, and be known as ‘Puente de aceptación’ or ‘Pillar of acceptance.’ with that they started a temple in the ‘heart’ of the island.” Cheerilee took a little breather as Rumble raised a hoof.

“Yes Rumble?”

“How did she help spirits cross to the afterlife?” Cheerilee shrugged at his answer.

“While there are no records on how she did it personally…” she paused for a moment. “She most likely gave them their final rites. As most priestess and priest does for anypony. Does that makes sense rumble?”

So there's religion in this world? what's it about?

“I guess…” Rumble may not expected that answer. It made sense to me. I'm not a expert one it, but in most religion, people can’t cross with giving them there final rites or else they would be stuck in purgatory or turn into a lost soul in other beliefs.

Cheerilee coughed then spoke again.

“At that point they started to build their temple from then on. Ponies would started to hear about a community that tends to the dead. Followers joined and soon, it became a large town. Amor was in her twilight years at the time, but she grew into a wise and beloved leader of their temple. A religion was born from years of rituals, rites and lessons she would give out. While most of the world saw death as a time of sadness. They saw it as a time to celebrate, they saw it as another step into a journey in the afterlife. So they would throw parties and festivals as a way of sending them off to the unknown.” I wonder being stuck in another body, in another world would be part of that.

“Where did the crystal heart come from?” Shouted out scootaloo. A few of her classmates agreed with her question. “And why was she called Queen Amor anyway?” Don’t interrupt her and find out.

“We’ll I was getting to that. Amor did get married to a stallion named Bailarín onda, Wave Dancer. He wasn’t a prince or even a noble, but a common entertainer. They fell in love and had quite a lot of foals from what I've read.”

“How many?” said someone from the behind us.

“Oh not to sure, about five or six.” Come on that's a small family compare to the average Mexican family. She continued on.

"One day, Amor gotten too old and frail to even move and knew her time was coming short. Her husband, by her side asked her on her final wish. She told him, “I want to live, not through the unknown, but to continue to guide souls, even in the afterlife.” She wanted to help even on her final days and asked for Water Dancer to give her a heart made out of the same stone than draws spirits to. Her husband with tears in his eyes said he would do it before it she died. Water Dancer hired a stone carver and asked if he can carve of the stones into a shape of a heart. Time was short so the carver worked fast and Water Dancer took the stone and brought it to Amor.”

Who was the carvers name? Isn’t the person who carved the stone should at least get a mention to its history?

“Water dancer put down the stone heart next to her. Records mention that in her final moments she was surrounded by her closest friend and family. Ponies and followers hummed songs outside of her humble home. To outsiders she was the elder of the village, but to the people who followed her and to the town itself. She cared and helped them like a mother to her children. She was a queen that had never been crowned.”

She sounds like she lived a hell of a life. Dying surrounded by your loved ones sounds lovely. I hardly think about death. It's just either BAM, dead, or you pass away peacefully in your sleep.

“As her final breath left her. The same stone carving that Water Dancer gave her as a final goodbye gift. Glowed with life and Shined beautifully. Amazed what had become of his gift to him took it out side and showed it to her ponies in all its glory, And as the light bathed everypony around them. Little firefly like lights lit up the night sky and only then Water Dancer realize on why she wanted him to give her a stone heart. I wasn’t a final gift for her, but a final gift to them from her. She gave them her ability to see the world as she does. Word spread throughout Equus and there town tripled in size within thirty years of her death. That's how the Crystal Empire was formed and they called Amor final gift, el corazón cristalino, or what we know as the crystal heart.”

Fucking hell, I'm getting a whole crash course of history within the span of two horse. Why couldn’t my school be like this? I saw the childlike awe and amazement across the faces of the class. I don’t know how magic works in this world so I can’t ask on why that happened when she died.

“Yes for hundreds of years The Crystal Empire had prosper and the culture and the influences it inspired never fade away. It acted like a beacon for lost souls to find peace once and move on to the afterlife."

“Now, the fall of the Empire, or what historians called it 'collapse of the hallow king.’ If it not were the ponies that escaped before the cloud over took the island. We wouldn’t have ever discovered on happened that day. Well, Around the four hundredth year of the single sister. A stallion name Sombra was its King at the time. He was kind and fair, like most rulers before him, as well as loving husband.” With a name that literally means shadow I expected him to be a tyrant ruler.

“His wife was name Dreamcaster and he loved her with everything he have. However, one day she fell ill. It was so sudden and fast that not one expected it. No one even knew what it was, none had seen something like it before. King Sombra, in his panic, called for the best doctor all over the world in that practice any form of healing. From the normal doctors to alchemist to zebra witchdoctors, none could heal her. Even with all the teachings and beliefs of the island. Sombra could not bear to see her wife leave him, but in the end. Her fever took her."

"Sombra, in his grief, shut himself in his room for weeks without a single sound leaving the room.” She looked conflicted “Are you ponies sure you wanted to hear what happens next. It may be too.. Intense for some of you.” Most of the class eagerly responded yes to her question.

“When he finally went out, he called his most trusted general, Thunder Flash, and told him to bring Dreamcatchers body to the crystal heart. Shocked, he asked on why he would do such a thing. King Sombra plan was to use the power of the crystal heart and use it you bring his wife back to life.”

What. The. Fuck. This still is a world about talking ponies right? Hell I seen some of those fuckers singing on the streets earlier today.

“Thunder Flash refused to obey the king in his maddening and dangerous order. Enraged that he wouldn’t obey, king Sombra ordered Thunder Flash to be executed on the spot, but you don’t become the top general by being lazy. Thunder Flash escaped the castle before Sombra captured him. He left to warned of Sombras brother, who was named Lunar Eclipse, about what Sombra was planning on doing. Lunar Eclipse ordered Thunder Flash to take his wife and newborn foal to safety while he confronts Sombra. No one knows what exactly happened in that room. Before anyone knew what was happening, A dark cloud quickly swallowed the island. And just like that, the Crystal Empire was no more.” Cheerilee Gave out a heavy sigh. I would to for talking that long. A chubby hoof raised quickly, as did other, but since he was the first one, Cheerilee called him.

“Yes snips?”

“So that's that? All that time building the kingdom and it just vanished?” the chubby colt asked.

“Well no it didn’t vanish. To this day you can see the island from a safe distance. After the event Ponies went to the island to investigate on what happened. Everypony that enters the island, never returns. After a couple more groups vanished within the isle. Princess Celestia declare the isle a forbidden area and no pony was aloud to enter ever since.” murmurs filled the classroom as the colts and fillies talk about the story. I white colt with brown spot spoke out among the crowd.

“Why did those people have to suffer for king Sombras actions?”

“Well pip, that's reality sometimes. Years of progress can be quickly undone by the actions of few ponies." Yeah, It's sometimes scary that the action of a few people can affect the lives of so many others. The young colt looked at her with wide eyes.

"Do you think that the Crystal Empire would ever be saved?" His eyes was filled with hope as he said that. Ms. Cheerilee smile warmly at him.

"While what happened to the Crystal Empire was truly Tragic. I do believe that one day it can come back to the glory it once was.” Hope sparked in pips eyes as she said that. The bell rang out as Cheerilee dismissed the class.

“Alright see you at Monday. Next time we are going to practice english and learn about the animals of Zebrasca.” Ace was preparing to leave when he asked himself.

“I wonder who was the pony that made the heart anyway?”

THANK YOU, I know I wasn’t the only one that was thinking that.

“Her name was Silver Chisel, or her correct name, Cincel de Plata.” Silvers voice called out from next to us.

“What? Oh, Silver, I didn’t notice you there.” She was sitting next to you in class. Silver adjusted her glasses as she came closer.

“Sorry, its just.. I overheard what you said about asking on who she was so…” A blush spread across her cheeks. Oh, is that a blush I see.

“Did you read about her?”

“Not really, my grandmother always talked about the Crystal Empire and would tell me stories about it when I was little. She always claimed that were descendants of Silver Chisel and that she made the heart.”

“She sounds nice.” Silver snorted a little at his words.

“She was nice to me, but my father always told me stories on the things she would do.” She giggled to herself. “She would force lemon juice on my tia’s hair when she was little.”

“Well do you believe your grandma that Silver Chisel was the one that made the crystal heart?”

“I'm not too sure honestly. I like to believe that, but no one really kept records of who made it.” Silver turned her head to look at a pink pony with a tiara on both her flank and head. She looked annoyed and was about ready to leave.

“Come on silver, I don’t want to be around here any longer. Let's go already.” Wow, she sounds like a diva.

“I’m coming already! Sorry, I have to go. Have a nice day Ace.” Silver Spoon waved goodbye and followed behind the pink diva through the door.

“Why were to talking to that blank flank anyway?”

“Oh relax Diamond. Ace is nice..." I couldn't over hear what they were saying anymore. Their voices turned muffled as they walked away.

Ace grabbed his lunch bag and headed home. That was really interesting, a empire that entire culture surrounded of celebrating the dead. I wonder if they have a pony version of The day of the dead. We headed to the same direction we came from. I still haven't seen a opportunity to talk to Ace lately so hopefully no one would be home when we get there. My plan however, would have to wait as Rumble and Button walked up to Ace.

"Hey Ace, me and Rumble are going to my house to play pony fighter 3. You wanna come with us?"

Technology is pretty wonky around here ain't it. You got fridges, radio, video games, but I see ponies pulling carriages looking taxis, buildings look so medieval and while most of them don't wear cloths. The ones I do see either look like it belongs in a renaissance fair or it look modern with hoodies and suits. Do they have guns here? It would be interesting to see on what they look like.

"I don't know... I promise my mom that I would be home after school." Please go home, I really am trying my best to be patient but after hours of waiting, I'm getting really impatient here. Rumble rolled his eyes at Ace.

"Really? You can just stay a little and get back before she does, and if she gets home before you do. Say that Cheerilee kept you late again." No Ace, go home, I really REALLY want to talk to you.

"Okay I'll go."

"JUST LIKE THAT?!?" I immediately regretted my action as Ace screamed. Jumping high into the air from the ground. Great way to fuck it up. Both Rumble and Button jumped back at their friends sudden movement. Ace heart thumped loudly as he look franticly for me.

"Dude, why in Tartarus did you do that Ace?" Rumbled took on a annoyed expression. Button looked more worried about Ace than the grey Pegasus did.

"You both didn't hear that?!" He was getting paranoid now, and rightfully so.

"No we didn't hear anything, there no pony around us. You okay Ace I know your a wuse but that was weird even for you." Rumble lazily replied.

"NO, I definitely heard something. It was a angry shout and I'm not crazy." Button was moving his ears so see if he could hear what he was talking about. Rumble just raised his eye brow at him.

"Really? If there was a shout, then why didn't why didn't we hear it too?" Ace was silent.

"Exactly, it was probably all in your head and you just imagine that." Oh, if only they knew. Rumble gave out a devilish smirk at him. "Unless that story about the Rangers is really is true and your going insane."

"Shut up I know what I heard."

"Yeah, try not to freak out when were at Buttons okay?" Button gave out a exaggerated huff. Getting impatient with his friends.

"Come on lets go already." Rumble and Button started to walk ahead of us. Ace in a quiet voice, mumbled to himself.

"I know I heard something..." And he Trudged behind his friends to buttons house. That's twice I've been fucking up so far. I really don't want to screw this up but holy hell its getting hard. I practice heavy breathing and waited for him to get home.

Watching colts play video game for a hour wasn't really on my list of things I want to do. But circumstances tell me that I gonna have to get used to it. Not the video games part, just the part of kids being kids. I was glad that Ace relaxed as they played video games. Despite Button beating the both of them like a it was his job.

Ace never truly got rid of the felling of paranoia so that's bad. He darted his eyes frequently as we traveled back home. The sun was setting and nighttime was approaching. Ace arrived, but before he opened the door. He checked the mail box for mail. Ditzy must have got it right this time.

As Ace was taking it in without complain. Going through the mail he checked it he gotten one. All the mail kept saying the same name, Blueberry Bubblegum, that's probably his mothers name.

"MOM, I'M HOME!!!" His voice echoed through the house with no response. "She must be working late again..."

Good we're alone, now is my chance. Ace placed his lunch bag on the counter and went to his room. Now... lets just hope this works. I waited for Ace to close the door as I finally try to talk to him.

"Hello." His response is immediate as he shifted his eyes around the room.

"what? who's there?" I have to be careful about this. One wrong word could fuck it up for me.

"Look.. uhh... Ace don't panic okay?" He started to panic, not good.

"Where are you?"

"RELAX... okay... uhhh... Shit how do I explain this..."

"Who are you?"

"Look I've been watching you and." I never got to finish my sentence as he scurried into his closet. Yeah, maybe I should've have said something else. He was peaking through the little spaces of the blinds. Franticly trying to find me.

"Who are you? Why are you following me?!" I could just feel the panic in his voice.

"I'm not following you, okay I am, but not like what you think."

"what do you mean?"

"Ok I need you to not panic and listen to me." While he didn't calmed down at that. He did stayed quite so that's... good? "Okay umm... look, I don't want to hurt you if that's what your thinking and if your wonder about where am I." God help me with this one. "Well I'm.. inside your head." A Awkward Silence between us.

Then Ace started screaming.

"WHAT!? OH CELESTIA HELP ME!" Yeah... this is going about as I expected to... Ace was holding his hooves on his head. "RUMBLE WAS RIGHT! I AM GOING INSANE!!"

"CALM DOWN! Your not going insane." Ace Narrowed his eyes.

"Well your part of my mind, so how do I know that your not me that is trying to trick me with mind tricks." Well he got me there. I can't disprove that. I have to do my best to convince him that he is not going insane.

"I need you to believe me."

"I don't believe you."

"Oh for fucks sakes. Okay look, I'm just as confused about this as you are. I woke up last night, unable to move, stuck in your mind, and was having a panic attack."

"Wait.. the shouts from last night... that was you?" I have to be honest and hope that he would trust me for it.

"Yes that was me. that was also my fault for scaring you when you where with Rumble and Button. I was getting frustrated for waiting to talk to you." Ace breathing slowed a little. That's a good sign, he still stress about this but he is not panicking.

"So you were watching me the whole day?"

"sounds creepy when you put it like that, but yeah."

"YOU WATCHED ME SHOWER?!" Why did you have to bring it up. It was awkward for me too. "What are you anyway?"

"My name is Francisco and I'm a human."

"A hooman? What kind of name is Fransiso anyway? It sounds weird."

"OH, I'm the one with the weird name. Well to me you guys are just about the strangest things that I've ever seen."

"least my name is not Fransiso."

"Its Francisco, and at least my name isn't as ridiculous as something like Jazzy Pants." I gave out angry huff. This is not going as I planned, that would be because of me though.

"Look I didn't asked to be stuck here and I'm sorry that I saw you shower, but I had friends and family before I ended up here and I want to go home." My voice was almost breaking down. I was trying to hold it in for a long while, its getting overbearing. I need to keep my emotions in check. I am not gonna break down now.

"You did?"

"Yes, I was with friends the last thing I remember."

"Where were you before?" Ace finally spoke. I took a moment to breath in and explained to him about the events that lead me hear. Taking out the swearing of course. Ace was still had his hind hooves curled up to his chest as he listened. There we were, me, trying to explain about what happened, and Ace, a colt that is questioning about everything that's been happening.

"And before we got to shelter. I was struck in the head by something and passed out shortly after. The next thing I knew I was surrounded in darkness. That is until I woke you up... sorry about that." Ace stared at the moonlight light that was shining through the binds.

"You really are real."

"Yes I am."

"This is really happening isn't it." I felt his sadness wash over him.

"Hey cheer up... It can't be that bad." Ace ears perked up at this.

"huh? what do you mean?"

"I mean sure it sucks for the both of us, but you've could have been with a random asshole." Ace flinched at my words.

"please don't swear."

"Right, sorry. Anyway without sounding like a creeper. I've been with you today and I've seen how you are. Its one of the reasons on why I'm glad that I'm stuck with you. Sure your shy, but your a nice kid and I rather have that then some jerk that doesn't care about others. I really didn't want to force you into this, but really need help. So can you help me?" I heard Ace sniffle as a pregnant pause happen between us again. The stress was killing me. My life depends on whether or not this skittish colt agrees to help me.

"Okay... I-I'll help you." YES THANK YOU ACE! YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND FROM NOW ON! joys spread through me as I felt glee and happiness. Finally felt like I was getting somewhere.

"Thank you... Why don't we start over. My name is Francisco and its nice to meet you and I swear that your not going crazy." A giggle escaped Ace's mouth.

"Francisco is still a weird name." I don't think I needed to remind him that there's a pony named Jazzy Pants. "My name is Ace Cadet. Its nice to meet you too." A grumbling noise rang out from Ace's stomach.

"Right I think you should get something to eat." Ace blushed at my words.

"I need to use the bathroom first."

oh...

After a awkward moment at the restroom. Trust me is was even more weird than last time since he was now aware of me. We went down stairs so Ace can eat. He was eating cup of noodles as we were playing the question game. I asked him a question and he would asked me. It seemed like a good idea for the both of us to warm up to each other. He still felt uncomfortable about me but I should not expected him to be ok with everything at first. I'm just glad that had someone to talk to now. We learned a lot about each other from our game.

Ace was actually twelve years old and that his favorite color is dark purple. What was interesting was that his mother work as a contractor. He was asking me at the moment about my seeing situation.

"So you could only see what I see?"

"Yeah, its pretty much like that."

"What it like?" I Thought out a good analogy for it.

"Remember when you where at Buttons house earlier and you guys where playing video games." Ace nodded his head while he slurped his noodles. "Well its like that, but you can't use the controller and you can only watch him play."

"That sounds boring..."

"Believe me it is. okay my turn... Do you know someone that can help us?" Finishing his bowl Ace put it in the sink and started to wash his dishes.

"No, none that I know of." Water rushed to his hands as he scrubbed out the food. "Can't we just ask my mom for help?" Oh no, I don't think a mother would react calmly If her child where claiming that they could hear voices.

"no," I replied.

"Why not?"

"I don't know if she will help us. She could think that your possessed or crazy and I don't want to take risk that." Even if Ace was still suspicious of me. I was not gonna risk the both of us.

"Isn't a voice in your head a sign that you are crazy?"

"You know what I mean."

"I guess your right... But how are we gonna get help?" That was the big question. How do we approach this? I didn't have much about on ideas. Well...

"I guess we can go to the library to see if we can find a book about this. You guys do have a library right?" He finished the dishes and dried off his hooves, heading up the stairs.

"The library was closed before Ms. Twilight arrived to Ponyville. Ms. Cheerilee brought the class to check out a book for a essay." The door open next to us as his mother walked in the house. her eyes were tired from working and her kept ponytail form this morning was now a mess.

"Okay we'll go with your idea. Try not to respond to me when others are around us."

"okay," he whispered. His mother yawned from the kitchen as she took out a bottle of soda out of the fridge.

"I'm sorry I was late again sweetie. I was gonna leave early when Mr. Nails wanted talk about work. So how was school?"

"It was FiNe." Ace voice was pitching on the fine part. Don't tell me that he can't lie for shit. Blueberry Bubblegum raised her eyebrow at her sons voice.

"Oh, and what happened to day?" Nervousness was apparent to both her and me. Ace's mother stepped forward to him narrowed eyes peering into his soul, I can never would have guess that anyone with pink hair can look intimidating. "Ace... Did something happened today?"

"N-no nothing happened." She stared at him for a few seconds before her expression switched to happiness. She even had that anime eye smile. how is that possible? "Okay, I was just asking." Ace relaxed at her change in mood. With a mother like that, I can see why he was so timid.

"I'm going to my room mom, goodnight."

"Alright sweetie goodnight." Ace rushed up the stairs and closed the door.

"That was close...."

"You know that she was messing with you right?" Ace trudged to his bed and threw his blanket over him. I was not looking forward to the pitch blackness again. As much as I don't want to be alone again. Ace does need rest so I'm not gonna keep him up cause I don't want to be alone. Before Ace went to sleep. He asked me in a tired tone.

"So were going to the library tomorrow."

"Yeah, we can go there when your ready."

"Hey Franiso."

"Its Franci-never mind what is it?"

"Don't wake me up." I chuckled at his request.

"I won't, get some sleep kid." Like a TV being turned off, I could only see darkness as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.