Episode one: Taking the backseat and watching the view.
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Its just you and me, kid.

Episode one: Taking the backseat and watching the view.

“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.

Prologue: Entering Spectating mode.
View Online

Its just you and me, kid.

Prologue: Entering Spectating mode.

To explain on how I got here would be something I can’t really say. Most would Described that there was a white light or a that portal sucked them in or anything equally bizarre. Then again, I don’t think that ending up in Equestria would be anything else BUT ludicrous.

Well I should start by talking about myself. My name is Francisco Perez and I was a Student at UCLA in California at the time before I ended up here. I know you’re wondering, how did I end up there. Well it started at a camping trip; me, my childhood friend Isaac, and another one of his friend, Redmond, decided to spend our spring break at Jedidiah Smith redwood state park. It’s nice to get rid of the stress of school. Anyway, it was the third day around noon.

I had just came back from using the restroom to see my friend Isaac waiting in the back of my truck. Hearing the sounds of the leaves crushing beneath my footsteps, he raised his head from his phone and looked towards me.

“Finally, come on Red got tired of waiting and went ahead.” Redmond, or Red as Isaac calls him became friends with Isaac during high school and kept in touch with him when me and Redmond graduated. I never liked Redmond. He was kind of an asshole, don’t get me wrong, he’s a ok guy at times, but he can also be a dick at well. So the sound of him getting impatient was not surprising.

“Alright lets go-wait, do we have a flashlight? It’ll be pretty dark out soon.” I started to search check my backpack for my flashlight, I carried a lot of things with me when we go camping or any other trip. It was one hobby of mine to go camping before I started to go to college. Isaac got off my truck and landed in front of me. Reaching out with his hand to help me up.

“Of course I have my flashlight but Red went ahead even though I told him that he doesn’t have one.” I can hear Isaac sighed as I found my flashlight. Clipping the flashlight to the side of my jeans I looked at him, gesturing to start walking. “Whatever man, we can give one to Redmond when we catch up to him, now come one where wasting time.”

Both of us started to hike along the trail in silence. Isaac wasn't much of a conversationalist, then again, so am I. Which is really my why I like hiking really. Its peaceful, no car noises or have to worrying about bills and other shit like that. Just the relaxing noises of the forest and the gentle stream of the river. Sure the exercise was good and all but it’s the scenery that I love the most about it. Seeing the trees tower above us like wooden skyscrapers. There’s was something calming about it, reminding us that our world is beautiful and all that shit. I’m not a hippie or anything like that, but I do know the importance of making sure the only world you live in, stays alive. At least, until we can travel to space.

Among the path there was a split in the hiking trail. One goes deeper to the forest and the other to the river. We agreed earlier today to take the pathway that leads deeper to the forest at night. So were hoping that Redmond took the right pathway. As we continue walking Isaac started talking.

“Hey Francisco.” Isaac said, breaking the silence. I didn’t Look at him as we continuing to walk along the path ahead. “Thanks for planning this thing for me, it really means a lot to me.”

“Don't mention it, I saw how you were constantly tired from everything. Besides, I wanted to get away from school, I needed this just as much as you.” I spotted the light of another persons flashlight down the path ahead of us as we approached. Maybe they’ve seen Redmond.

Isaac gave out short Forceful laugh. “Yeah, I guess we both needed this, with juggling work, school, and family, It's getting pretty overwhelming.” Isaac was really the reason on why I did this whole thing to begin with. Every time I seen him, he is either stressed out by school or work.

“This is your last year, after this then your done. You don’t have to worry about shit, like school, from then on. I still have three more years to go through though.” Then you have to worry about paying bills and the wonders of adulthood.

We got close enough to the light recognize one of the park rangers that work here. Isaac approaches him to asked about Redmond, as there talking I looked to the sky to see the moon between the branches and leaves of the trees. Deeper in the woods the trees group closer together so rangers recommend flashlights when hiking out at night. It gets pretty fucking dark, You could barely see the road ahead of you without any light source.
We were about thirty minutes away from our campsite right now and Redmond left several minutes before us. Where the hell is the bastard anyway? I took a view of my surroundings a check for any signs of him. Did he took the wrong trail? Maybe he didn’t took the trail at all and went to smoke. They warn us not to but I’m sure that’s not going to stop him. Whatever, if we find him then we find him.

My train of thoughts ended when I see Isaac started to move again. “So did he see him?”

“No he hasn’t.” Isaac breath out a frustrated sigh, “Dammit, where the hell is he? It’s already night and we haven’t even seen him.” His face scrunched up in annoyance.

“He does know where we’re going right?”

“Of course he does.” Isaac face turn blank for a moment. “Then least I think he does. Lets just keep walking, we’ll bump into him eventually.” I didn't need to look deep to tell the he was stressing out about this. Regardless of how I felt about Redmond, Isaac and him were good friends. Isaac was nearly 3 years younger than us, and we were friends for several years so I look at him like a younger brother that I never had. Much like Me and Isaac, those two had a kind of dynamic sort of thing.

“Well didn’t the park ranger say anything else?” I asked Isaac.

“Not much, but he did mention that It was gonna be windy shortly.”

"How windy?"

"Nothing crazy, just a bit more breezy than normal he said." That's good, a little wind never hurt anyone. “Let’s keep hiking, I’m sure he is just at the camp smoking.” Isaac said.

It was a short while since we spoke to the park ranger. As we walked, I tried to get him too relax by talking about random things to get him to keep busy. Things like; shows we watch, latest news, and Video games. Isaac relaxed a bit since then but still showed some anxiety. He tends to stress if he lets his mind think to much but he’s keeping his cool at the moment. That was, until his face turned to one of confusion. "Isaac you got to learn how to relax. I'm positive that he is at camp, there's no way that he can get here without a flashlight." Isaac didn't' responded at first. He was looking intently at something down at the road.

"What's that right there?" My attention turned to the location that he was pointing at. Shining my flashlight in that direction I was able to spot something shining within the distance.

It was Redmond’s jacket.

Isaac rushed towards it, having realized what it was, concern that I’ve spent to get rid of returned to his face. Watching him approached the jacket. I notice that it was perfectly fine, no scratches, and no tears. But why was it hanging there anyw-

”AHHH!” something, or someone, sprang in front of me from the bushes and low and behold. It was mother fucking Redmond. Not only did he nearly gave me a heart attack. But also made me fell backwards on my ass. I simply responded as any sane person would do.

“FUCK YOU REDMOND! YOU COCKSLEEVE CUCKBOI! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK WHERE YOU THINIKING?!” Having to pick myself off the from the ground. Redmond chuckled as he tossed my flashlight that I dropped on the ground to me.

“Holy shit man your face got so red.” I gave a glare at the bastard. Redmond, however, saw enjoyment out of my suffering and gave out a low cackle at me. He fucking cackled, only villains cackle you know. "Did you hear him Isaac? He screamed like a girl." Thankfully Isaac didn't share his love.

“Seriously Red what the hell? I thought something happened to you.” Isaac threw Redmond’s jacket at his face. I kept wondering on how he got here? The forest around us was dark, the only things that are lighting up the area was our flashlights and-wait... Redmond got a flashlight with him. Guess that explains on how he got here in the dark. Still, I wanted to deck him on the face, but doing that would end up with us fighting again.

Me and Redmond where always trying to out do each other during high school. While I was on the swim team at high school, Redmond was top wrestler in the district. It’s been years since then. However He Joined The Marines after high school so he did not lose any muscle. And while going to the community pool to swim kept me fit. I wasn’t gonna win against a trained marine. That still didn't stop us from trying to out do one another. Which is strange cause seeing Redmond being scolded by Isaac like a nagging couple was something that not many could do to him.

Maybe they were secretly gay? Nah, they both got someone back home. Still the sight of them did made me chuckle at the thought, I really need to stop reading those yaoi manga's. That or I need to get out more... like socially get out more... Why DID I start reading those things?

I see Redmond threw up his hand in the air.

“HOLY fucking hell, you made it like I try to murder him.” Redmond Yelled. As they continued to argue I could hear a thunder sound in the distance. Didn’t the ranger said it was gonna be windy? Cause that didn’t sound like it was gonna be ‘Just windy.’ “FINE!! I’M SORRY FRANCISCO. THERE ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?” He proclaimed to the world, though I barely registered what he said. I did see Isaac smile smugly at him.

“Yes” Isaac proudly said. He might be the youngest of us, but he was the smartest one. Even if he tense to overthink things. So you'll probably not gonna win in a argument against him. The both of us learned that a while ago.

“Whatever, hey is me or is the weather picking up?” Redmond asked.

“Yeah, on our way here we bumped into a ranger and he did say it was gonna be windy, but know that I notice its was been looking worst.” We heard another thunder, expect that it was closer this time. Redmond tried to look to the sky as did all of us. The confusion was evident on all our faces.

“Well shit, Windy my ass, looks like its about to be a storm soon. Let’s get back to camp before it hits us.” No one was talking as we all notice the lack of noise around us.

The forest seemed to die while we were talking to each other. There was not even a single noise. The hell? Wasn’t there at least birds chirping around earlier? The only noise we heard were the wind and the rustling of the leaves from it. When did the forest gets so creepy? Wasn’t this like the start of a horror movie, the shitty b grade kind. Leaves blew gentle around us as if to proving our suspicions.

"Fuck me, it does look like its gonna be a storm." I looked back to the path we came from and started to move. “Yeah, we should head back as fast as we can. Though it looks like its gonna be here before then.”

“Ugh... great, just great... all I wanted was to hike at night.” Man, this was not as going as planned for Isaac.

“Yeah Francisco’s right.” Redmond looked at the way Isaac was bummed out about tonight. “Hey” he said softly, “Relax we’re gonna be here for another three days so there’s no need to worry. We can try again tomorrow if the weather clears up” Redmond reassured Isaac. “Alright, were wasting time.” Redmond announced. They follow me behind as we headed back to our camp.

Along the way, Redmond caught up behind me and started to talk to me. “So, you guys where looking for me?” Redmond brought up. Might as well talk as we walk back to camp.

“Not really, more like we tried to keep a look out as we got here.” I plainly replied. It wasn’t like we went up and down this park trying to find him. “Though Isaac was the one worried about you.”

“It’s Isaac, he worries about everything.” Redmond looked back at Isaac to see if he is still behind us.

"Got to love him for that. Wouldn't stop worrying about others until he knows there ok."

“Yeah... Look, I know we haven’t got along during high school and even after... but real shit. I appreciated on what your doing for him. I know how much you hate me but thanks letting me tag along.” Shit, way to make me feel bad now.

“I don’t hate you, annoyed at most sure, but I wouldn’t want nothing bad to happen to you if that’s what your thinking.” I gave out a soft sigh, “look, I don't know why this sudden 'hear to heart,' but your good friends with Isaac so I wont give you trouble. At least until you start acting like a dick again."

“Pfft, you make it sound like I am a asshole.” A short chuckle escape my lips when he said that.

"You are a asshole."

"OH COME ON, who can be mad at me? I'm lovable and my eyes are majestical. Ask Isaac."

"Why would Isaac be talking about your eyes?"

“I’m right hear you know.” Isaac said as a matter of fact. “You guys make it sound like I’m a women, holy crap man.” Isaac said. “Do I act gay or what? Tell me Red? Do I like act gay?" He not gay, but being raised by 5 sisters, a mother, and her 2 sisters would make you act more flamboyant than any, or at least act less ‘macho’ than some. Redmond answered for us.

“I don’t know, like you do fucking things that are a bit questioning, hell most of us thought you WERE gay until you started to day a women and even then we thought you did it to shut us up.” Even looking forward I could still see Isaac face flush with embarrassment.

“OH SCREW YOU GUYS! I am not gay okay? What about Francisco? Remember that he dated a guy once?” You fucking bastard...

"OH RIGHT! I almost forgot about that." Redmond started to laugh. Now it was my turn to be embarrassed.

"Fuck you, I don't even know that he was a guy." I'm trying to defend my honor here. Isaac please help me buddy.

"You dated a trap and that's gay." They will not find your body Redmond.

"TRAPS ARE NOT GAY IF YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW IT WAS A DUDE!" Its not gay...

"And what about that yaoi manga?" Please... Isaac I didn't know you can be so cruel. Throwing your best bud under the bus like this.

"It was the one manga." I quickly shot out, shaking my head, "why are we even talking about this anyway?"

"Because you dated a trap." Redmond kindly reminded us, "and that's gay."

"Traps are only gay if you willingly and knowingly date a trap. THEN that makes it gay." I let out a huff as they snickered around me. I guess I deserve this...

Another thunder was heard far off behind us.

"Relax, Francisco. Its okay to be curious about these things." That's it, I'm not giving you guys any of my bacon tomorrow... at least they were having laughing and having fun... still not gonna give them my bacon. I will not have my manly pride made fun of like that.

A rain drop fell next to us as did another, soon after it started to rain. "Common guys, I don't know if we should keep walking if we want to make it." Isaac went up ahead of us, eager to get back to came. He still had that goofy grin on his face.

"Common Frankie, lets get the fuck out of here before it gets here." Redmond jogged after Isaac, leaving me behind in the dark. Looking up to the night sky. I can only see the dark clouds that cover the skies now. I really hope that we make it. Without wasting anymore time, I ran after them.

The stormed hit us within minutes and it was worst than any of us imagine. The wind was howling relentlessly around us. Me and the guys were running to get there before the storm got here, but it was here before we knew it. The once dry ground was now slippery with mud, making it harder to move. With our path now muddy. We had to slow our pace to avoid slipping. Isaac wasn't fit as us so he was having trouble keeping up. the weather didn't help, It was moving him around a bit, making it harder for him to move straight. The fact that it was pitch black didn't help my panic. If we lost our flashlights or if they died by low battery. We'll be stuck in the dark.

How the hell did this happen? I thought they give out warnings to hikers or close down the hiking trail before these things happen. Maybe they didn’t expect this?

Rain fell around us as we approached a split amongst the trail. The air turned misty with the rain as time went on. Holy fuck, it’s getting harder to see ahead of us now. Thank goodness we have flashlights. If we didn’t have them, I doubt that we would been able to see anything I’m front of us.

We arrived at the split in the trail. A flash of thunder light up the area around us for a brief moment before darkness took over. To our horrors, the sign fell over, the sign was covered in mud and the words were in readable.

“SHIT, WE HAVE TO FIND A PLACE TO HOLD OUT UNTIL IT CLEARS OUT!!!” Great, now I barely can hear them over the storm now. I think Redmond was the one that shouted that. I did catch on what he said though.

Its doesn't look like its gonna get better, we have to find something to take cover in to protect us if shit starts falling. Looking around I try to spot anything we can use as Cover, Wind raged like a wild bull. branches and leaves wiz by me rapidly, giving me scratches on my unprotected arms.
FUCKING HELL, is it a fucking hurricane or what? I could feel the wind constantly trying to push and pull me around. We were drenched in mud and water, freezing our asses off. I could see the trees above us moving from the wind. That’s not a good signs, if the redwood moving then things are gonna get more horrible for us if we don’t find cover.

We Need Shelter Now.

I searched more franticly for any sign of protection against the weather. A cave or a fallen tree would do fine, right? We had luck on our side, Like a pillar of hope, I spotted a hollowed out redwood tree, and it has enough cover for the rain too. I spun towards my friends I quickly grabbed them and pointed towards the hallowed tree. Without any delay I yelled. “GRAB ONTO MY BACKPACK AND DON’T LET GO! THE WIND WILL PUSH US AWAY!” I was glad that they caught on to my plan quickly and forming a conga like line. Me in the front, Isaac in the middle and Redmond in the back. Both of them holding on to the backpack in the front of them. We fought through the storm to make it to the only shelter the can help us. Branches and leaves, even small rocks, where flying out left and right. Debris was flying by us, branches was hitting my arm, hurting like someone was whipping you. Scratches from the branch covered my arm and the mud made it harder to move. We have to make it. Isaac was swinging side to side between us, with only Redmond and my back to hold him in line.

We were almost there.

A sudden Pain Shot through my head as I found myself on the ground. My vision blurred as I try get up, but was unable to. Both Isaac and Redmond Topple over at my sudden collapse. Struggling to get up, I fell over once again. My flash light illuminated Isaacs face as I can see the horror he showed. I tried to get up again but was hold down by Redmond. Rain beat down my face as I try to see what happened through the dark and rain. Shit what is he trying to do?

“SHIT! HELP ME DRAG HIM IN THE TREE! I KNOW HE HAS A MEDKIT IN HIS BAG!” I blinked slowly and can feel myself being dragged through the forest floor beneath me with Redmond on my left and Isaac on my right. I looked at them, I’ve never seen Isaac looking so scared. Shit, did I hit my head?

“what happened? How bad is it?” I couldn’t raise my voice, and it didn’t look like they heard me. Fuck, the pain in my head was numbing. I see branches and planks of wood fly behind us. Is this small redwood tree even hold out? The wind was Raging all around us. My vision was fading to black. I've seen enough movies and video games to know that, that was not a good sign. Shit, am I dying? I can't die like this, but its getting hard to keep my eyes open. No... not like this, I have to stay awake.

“WERE ALMOST THERE, FRANCISCO! HOLD ON A LITTLE MORE!” who said that? It’s getting harder for me to hear.

I have to stay away.

“REDMOND HE LOSING A LOT OF BLOOD!” I didn't know if that was tears or the rain on Isaac face.

I have to stay awake…

“SHIT, FRANCISCO! QUICK GRAB ME SOMETHING TO STOP THE B..DING! LOOK AT ME… D.N’T CL.SE Y.UR .YE." I was strange seeing Redmond show concern over me...

I need to stay awake...

With those final thoughts, the world around me fade to black.

I see nothing but blackness everywhere I looked. I try to move but felt nothing… what? I try moving my arms… then my legs... Yeah, I feel nothing. Why can’t I feel my body? Wait, am I dead? Is this what being dead is like? If so then religion has A LOT of explaining to do. I don’t think floating around in a void is in any religion. Unless this is purgatory. Then things would make a whole lot of sense...
Oh crap, am I gonna be like this forever? I’m going to go insane like this. Just me and me alone? I know I’m not that social but even I like to talk to people once in a while. ARRG why can’t I feel anything? I tried again to move, but I’m not sure if anything is even happening. Okay calm down, I shouldn't panic, I'm probably unconscious. If I can... only... wake up...
"dammit dammit dammit dammit DAMMIT." I could feel myself starting to panic, wait feel? How is that even possible I don’t have a body? I guess mentally feel, is there a word for it? My mind raced around my head. Frustration was building up quickly within me. What about the guys, Are they okay, and what about the storm With a loud frustrated roar, I yelled out.

“AAAAARG FUCKING HELL!” Then, as if that was the magic word, the void around me exploded as my vision sprang up from the bed as a scream pierced my ears.

“HAAAAAAA!” Shock overcame me as I suddenly heard a young boys voice. The vision before me swerved around the dark room in frantic way. It was a bit disorienting. “Hello, who's there?” I was silent, not knowing on what to say on the situation. A heavy heart beat sound fill my hearing. I try to look around, however, I was unable move anything as I had no control over my vision. It was hard to make out anything in the dark. Wasn’t as dark as the void or the forest but it was dark nonetheless.

Can I do something? Can I say something? SHOULD I SAY SOMETHING?

I was thinking on my next action carefully or what is going on when I noticed the light flicker at the bottom of the door. The lighting from it gave me enough to make out the room a little bit.

It was a boys room from what I can see. Games and some action figures where on a blue dresser. what grabbed my attention was the posters of horses on the walls. I guess he likes horses, but they didn’t look right. Their heads looked more smaller than anything, but the eyes are huge, like cartoonishly huge. I looked around the room then turned too the closet. Why couldn’t I control where I can look? Its like I was watching a screen or something.

Amongst my confusion and panic, I was blinded by light as the door opened. I see arms cover my eyes, taking a moment for them to adjust. I heard a motherly voice break through the silent room.

“Are you okay sweetie? Did you have another nightmare?” I’m guessing that’s the boys mother, but why can’t she see me? Am I right there? Arms went down as I can make out the boys mother… It was a horse... HOLY SHIT IT WAS A HORSE!

“What the fuck?” My vision flinched at the sound of me. Can they hear me? If so then why is only the boy reacting to it. Couldn’t the mother hear it to. As I tried to stop freaking out, I felt something else within me. I was panicking as well, but its like something else was within me, Its weird. My view turned to the boys mother. I can now see the worry and concern on her face. God, for horses they have very expressive faces. it was like a humans... but also a horse. Somewhere in between.

“Are you okay? Why did you jumped like that?” A wave of embarrassment washed over me. We looked away from the mother and the boy stammered.

“N-NO, i’m ok I just, ohm, had a nightmare.” This is looking more like a fever dream for me pal. The mothers huge round eyes soften but still held worry.

“Oh, What was the nightmare about?” the mother responded, walking up to her son. Getting a good look at the mare, I see why the posters look as they do. She had a Darkish blue coat with a hot pink hair that was styled into a ponytail. Come to think of it they are pretty small to be horses huh? Either that or they like in a big house, but it doesn’t look that way. Would ponies be the right word?

This is getting fucking weird. This has to be a dream, yeah… that makes sense This is all a VERY detailed dream. I’m sure when I wake up, I’ll be covered in mud, damped with water and probably with a concussion. BUT HEY, at least Isaac and Redmond are okay, right? Right, I managed to calm down to the best I could with heavy breathing. I’m guessing the boy, can’t hear me when I breath. Should I say colt, since they do look like ponies. Second thought how can I breath? I didn't even have a body.
We both looked down in embarrassment as I can make out his legs. There were like ponies except stumpier, and his color was brown with a white ending to it. At least he doesn’t the colors of a little girls dream of candy color pony. Shame and guilt took ran down me. This was getting pretty fucking jarring.

“I don’t want to talk about it....” He whispered softly.

“Was it bad?” the mother asked. I could see the tiredness on her eyes. “You know you can tell me anything rig-”

“It’s nothing, really.” Wow kid way to not make it look like nothing is going on. He was quickly answering her questions, like it he committed a horrible crime. That embarrassing feeling never left me. A awkward pause between the two happened. I was getting strange sense of Deja vu from this.

“But did you hear something?” The young colt questioned his mother. She raised her head and I could see her ears flicker twist and turn trying to hear something for his son. I’m guessing there trying to for me. After a bit she lowered her head, shaking it at her son.

“I don’t hear anything. Are you sure it wasn’t in your head? What did you hear anyway?” wait… in your head? Am I stuck in this kids head?

“Don’t really know, I heard yelling then somepony said the F word.” Oh great not only do the kid can hear me, he can also telling his mother that I was swearing, and somepony? I was right on the pony bit huh, but really. Somepony? With a soft chuckle she hugged her son.

“Oh it must be Old oak again, you know that he hates losing, must be betting all of his money again. I swear that old geezer never learns” So horses bet? Do they just have a couple of those fuckers to run around the track or do they play cards? Why am I even thinking that? I should find a way to get help.

“Yeah, your probably right. Sorry for waking you up mom.” The kid faked a yawn as his he pretend to be sleepy. While I could tell that his mother was not buying it, she went anyways.

“Its okay ace, go back to sleep. You have school tomorrow.” The mother walked to the door and began to close it “I’ll leave it open a little for you okay Sweetie?” By this time my vision became dark again as I heard another fake yawn.

“Ok… mom.” I hear hoof steps walk away and the flickering of the light switch. After a minute or so his eyes opened again and hoped off the bed. I watched as he approached the window and peeked outside of it. It was like looking at a scene of at one of those fantasy movies. Like a medieval villages, the only difference was that it had some light post here and there. Houses look more German design than any, the roofing range from thatches to wood and tiles. Before I could see anything else, he moved his head went back in and slowly moved towards the bed. I heard him yawn as he blinked. “Right… Must have been Old Oak again.” Crawling into his bed, He tucked himself in and fell asleep.

I waited a couple minutes to get my bearings. Is this a dream? It must be. Talking horses, in a different world, and being stuck in the mind of a child is not what I call normal. I don’t think dreams can make such details such as the room, or the houses outside. The way they look was uncanny, then again I only seen the mother, I don’t even know what the kid even looks like besides his arms, but it would probably be the same.

My mind buzzed with question with even more questions that I desperately needed answers for. Where am I? How did I get here? Where is Isaac and Redmond? THAT’S something I want to know, I remember trying to get to the redwood tree, then something hit me, then… I passed out… Well that’s not gonna give me answers. I wonder if they gotten injured during the storm.

I felt myself shudder at the thought.

I took another deep breath, too many questions and not even a single answer to any of them. If this was a dream, then why didn’t I wake up already. You would think that a talking horse would be enough to shock you awake. Unless I'm in a coma and I can’t wake up… Dammit, I’m trying to find logic in a situation that DOESN’T EVEN MAKE SENSE.

Nothing could prepare me for this. I’m still aware of my surroundings and I still feel as much I can. A thought occurred to me that I might be possessing him. That would make sense. I probably did die, and this is god’s way of punishing me for not donating all those times I crossed the border from Mexico.
FUCKING HELL, I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH SPARE CHANGE LORD! That... Probably doesn’t help my case if I swear at god... Fuck.

So this isn’t a dream, I am stuck in a young colts head. I remember that his mother called him Ace. Is that a nickname or that’s his actual name. Whatever I’m stuck in a kids body and I can’t control it. So there’s that. I’m Most likely stuck in a different world, can’t control my body. I don’t know what happened to Isaac or Redmond, also I can’t control my body. What else I’m missing. Oh yeah, I can’t control my body!

There something you should know, I sort of have Agoraphobia, which means the fear of loss of control. Now I don’t have it as badly as others, but I’m pretty sure I’m if Ace can hear me breath then He would be constantly be hearing heaving wheezing. It’s a miracle that I’m not screaming my lungs out. Taking yet a deep breath, I ponder in thought once again.

Okay... What too, what to do... I can’t move my body. I CAN communicate, but to what extent, I don’t know. I’m not even sure if the mother can hear me if I try. Maybe... It dawned on me as I realize just how fucked I really am. No matter what plan I make. I can’t do it without Ace’s help. How do I approached this without him freaking out, and how do I make him get help? Tell him to go to an adult and say that I’m in here.
Oh sure, let the colt go up to his mom and say, ‘Hey mom, I hear a voices inside my head.’ That’ll do just fine, well get help and everything will be great. No, for now I should just observe until I understand on what I’m dealing with.

Yeah, I can do that. I’m starting to have a plan now.

First, Get more info on where am I.

Second, wait for Ace to be alone to try to talk to him. I’m gonna have to find a way to convince him to help me, and that he is not going insane, and that i’m not a demon, easy.

Thirdly, find out on what happened to Isaac and Redmond. Then again I should considered if they are even in this, whatever this is, or if there in the same predicament as I am. Which can make it even harder for finding them… Guess that's optional.

Lastly, find a way back home. If I or we got here then there has to be a way back, right?

I stared at the dark void around me and waited. Waiting for the tiredness to take over. Wanting to see that this is just a very bad dream, But nothing happened. I was not even able to go to sleep. If I have to stare at this for hours then i’m gonna go insane. Why couldn’t this come with music. I couldn’t scream in frustration or in horror for fear of waking up Ace. Both of them would be paranoid about me if I do that again. I have no voice and I must scream, so I can only do the next best thing. The little colt slept peacefully while I can only scream internally.

Author's Note

If you can't tell, this is sort of my first story that I wanted to make. However I'm never sure on how well I can write it. I want to give it justice and I hope it could be as least decent levels.

There's not much ponies in this prologue, but I feel like its more important to explain on what happened before Francisco got there. There will be more ponies next chapter, I promise.

So yeah, I'm gonna try to make this story happened, but if there's any way I can improve or have any ideas for the cover of the story then let me know. I don't have much on what to post for the cover.