Author's Note
So... that's my first ever story I published here. Enjoy yourself and let me know what do you think. There might be some or even many grammar errors despite my effort to reduce them, so it'll be helpful if you point them out.
Constructive criticism is appreciated and flames will be deleted without warning. Good day readers.
Love Beyond the Bounds
The young man, seemingly around his twenties, was looking at a large mansion in front of him as his expressions were of utter accomplishment and surprised. The human had recently moved from another city to where he was now. To be able to buy such a large mansion was something far from his mind, but fate was seemingly so kind towards him at the moment, too kind to be exact.
How the heck, he sold this to me in such a low price, he mentally chuckled at the obvious foolishness of the owner of the house.
It looked like he just wanted to get rid of that house and would even gave this to someone for free, if he had to. However, that wasn't for him to worry about because after all, he was ready to pay a higher amount after looking at the large mansion. It took him a little more time to take all that in and he entered the room without thinking much about this.
It was still afternoon so there was a little time for the sun to set, so he had sometime to look around the mansion, and make preparation for dinner for himself.
It'll be nice to live here, he thought to himself.
…
The afternoon went by without a hitch, and he found the mansion in a rather agreeable condition. So that night when he went to bed, he was in a rather happy attitude. But late that night, as the mansion's grandfather clock struck midnight, he was awoken by the sounds of someone crying. It sounded female and within the house itself. It sounded as if it was one who was scared and alone, and was saddened because of this.
"What the...?" It made him feel a bit scared himself, because he was sure there was no one there beside him in the house. But then he got up from his bed, looking a little confused but not that scared, he took a torch and began to go into the direction of the cries.
The cries started to get more clear as he approached a room in the house he hadn't checked out yet. It appeared to be a bedroom, and the cry seemed to be coming from inside. The cries stopped when he neared the closed door and he heard a voice on the other side.
"Wh- who's out there? You know what, I don't care who or what you are! Just let me out please! I've been locked in here for too long!"
"Let you out?" He partially said in surprise as the door wasn't locked from the outside. Then he frowned a little. "But... the door isn't even locked..."
"I... I can't exactly explain it right now... Just please open the door," the voice pleaded, now sounding very tearful.
The human was still really confused, but her cries sounded like she was saying the truth and really couldn't open the door for some reason. So, he took a sigh and proceeded to open the door. "Al- alright,"
As soon as he opened it, something whooshed around him several times as the voice started to excitedly shout with joy.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" it said to him in the voice from earlier. "It's been so long since I was let out! Thank you so much..."
Then whatever it was stopped in front of him and he could now see it more clearly. It appeared to be a pony, a unicorn to be precise, all white in color, even for her mane and tail. Her entire figure was transparent to an extent and she was floating in the air as naturally as one flies. That's when it hit him.
"Gh- Gha- Ghost!" The human was taken aback by this as he began to back off slightly, but keeping his eyes locked on her, as he was seemingly too shocked to say something. The ghost waved her hooves in front of him as if trying to get him to stay.
"Wait! Don't leave, please! I'm not trying to hurt you..."
The human was stopped on his tracks at this, but was still looking rather suspicious of her, with his eyes still focus on her. So... that's why the owner was so eager to sell his home, hew thought to himself as he collected himself a little and managed to ask. "Who... are you?"
"I... I don't remember," she replied, getting a sad confused expression. "I've been dead for so long... I have forgotten all about myself."
"You're dead?" the human said in confusion before realizing his silliness at that question and looking rather embarrassed, and then said. "I'm... really sorry to hear this..."
"Um... it's alright. You weren't the cause of my death, that much I do know," she told him, then he swore that he could've seen her cheeks turn red. "It's nice of you to be sympathetic though."
Though he was still confused but now looked rather surprised than shocked before he speak again. "Oh, it's alright," he said in seemingly reassurance. "So... who locked you in there?"
"The last pony who owned this place was scared of me, so he asked a sorcerer to seal me in the room with a spell since they couldn't get rid of me," she explained. "But he couldn't stop me from screaming..."
"Oh," the human said in realization, and now he wasn't looking confused at all. "It... wasn't very nice of him... I'm... really sorry to hear this..." that was clear to him that without a name that will be really hard for him to communicate, so he politely asked "...can... can I suggest you a name, ma'am?"
"Huh? Oh, yes!" She agreed excitedly. "I'd love to hear what you have!"
"How about... Starshine?" He asked and looked at her, expecting her response.
"Starshine... that's pretty," she said. "Stsrshine... I like it."
"I'm glad you liked this..." he gave a nod in relief, now he wasn't looking scared of her at all, instead he was looking curious and seemingly sad.
"So... why did you buy this place?" Starshine asked him. "I mean, wouldn't they have told you it's haunted?"
The human couldn't help but gave an audible yet sheepish chuckle at this. "No... they didn't tell me anything about that..." he explained "I was getting this place at a really low price... and I never asked the owner why..."
"Oh..." she nodded. "Figures."
"Oh... by the way, my name's Alex," he greeted "It's... nice to meet you..."
"Nice to meet you too," Starshine greeted, holding out a hoof before remembering. "Oh... hold on." Her image gave off a flash of light, but nothing seemed to change other than her image becoming a little less transparent. "Now try it..."
The human extend his hand towards her hoof and surprisingly he was able to hold this, almost like one would hold a normal pony's hoof, and couldn't help but look really amazed at this as he shook his hand with her hoof. "But... how can... I touch you?"
"It's a thing I can do," Starshine explained. "I temporarily can become solid enough for somepony to interact with me."
"It's... interesting," Alex said smiling with surprise. "I... I didn't know that ghosts can do that..."
"Well... not all of them can," she explained, then looked down with a sad expression. "But some can, especially if denied rest by a curse."
"A curse?" Alex said almost in a shock.
Starshine nodded sadly. "The one who killed me did it in cold blood. We... we're a couple. And when he killed me, he cursed me so I can never move on... unless I form a bond with someone else. A cruel irony, since no one would want to be friends with a ghost..."
Alex was uncomfortably silence for a couple of minutes as he heard this, clearly feeling really sad for her, even though he was afraid of her at first.
So, what should I do, he asked himself. I really want to... help her... but what if... but she's clearly not lying... so that means... I guess I will...
"I'll be your friend," he said almost suddenly. Starshine looked up with surprise at him, not expecting such an answer.
"Wh- what? You mean it?" she asked, wondering if she should even dare hope.
"I really do," Alex reassured her managing a small smile.
"Really?" she asked, then suddenly hugged him tightly. "Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!"
"It's okay..." Alex returned the hug, feeling a warmth in his heart.
Starshine gave a happy sigh, then she pulled back and said, "I promise you won't regret this, Alex!"
Alex let out a small chuckle. "I trust you, Starshine." Starshine managed a small giggle, then she looked around and noticed it was still night.
"Oh, I should probably let you get some sleep," she said with an embarrassed smile. "Ghosts don't need sleep, but I guess you do..."
"Mhm," Alex passed her a nod at this and then added "However, if you felt lonely again... don't hesitate to wake me up..."
"Okay," she nodded. "I guess... goodnight?"
Alex gave a nod and took a yawn. "Goodnight," he turned around and was about to go when he suddenly stopped on his tracks and looked at her again. "Wait... will you be able to be around at daytime as well?"
"Well... I never tried..." she admitted. "But... I'm willing to give it a try for a friend."
Alex couldn't help but blush at this. "Okay," he passed her a blushed smile before he head towards his bedroom again. "I guess, I'll go to bed now... goodnight..."
"Goodnight Alex," Starshine called back. "I'll see you in the morning if I can."
Alex mentally nodded to her and soon he was out of the sight. It was a rather strange and utterly unexpected experience, but surely not unwelcomed.
Even though he was shocked to no end after seeing a real life ghost in front of him, but after knowing what she had went through, he was feeling really sad for her, and wanna do anything he could to help her. These thoughts were still on his mind as he lied on his bed and closed his eyes, drifting to sleep a little time afterwards.
...
The next morning dawned as Starshine patiently waited for Alex to awake. While she had been waiting, the sun had risen eventually and she found that she could indeed be about in the daytime. Although, it did provide one problem; she couldn't be exposed to sunlight. It didn't hurt her, but it acted like a kind of wall to her, so she was unable to go through any kind of sunlight. Thankfully, Alex's room was located in a hallway where direct sunlight was nonexistent, so she had no trouble reaching the room and sitting outside to wait for him to wake.
Alex, as an early morning person as he was, was used to wake mostly around the sunrise. So, she only had to wait for him for a few minutes before he was fully awoke, and got out of the bed to head outside the room.
"Good morning!" She greeted as soon as the door opened.
Alex was a little surprised to saw her there, as he passed her a smile and replied. "Good morning, Starshine."
Starshine passed him a smile, then sheepishly requested, "Um... this sounds odd, but do you think you could help me darken the interiors or at least lessen the amount of sunlight in here? Turns out... for me, it's like how a wall is to you. I can't go through it, and it's basically closed off the downstairs for me."
Hmm," Alex nodded as he came out of the room fully. "Okay, I will help you..."
"Thanks," Starshine said with gratitude. "Uh... I guess that means I'll quite literally be hiding in your shadow then..."
"Alright," Alex blushed as a small smile crossed his face, and he began to walk leading the path so she could hide in his shadow whenever he's walking in light.
She followed along cautiously, keeping within the darkness it provided in lit up areas. As she had said, the downstairs was streaming with sunlight from the windows, the shades being wide open to allow the light to enter.
"You okay there, Star?" Alex asked her as they were going downstairs.
"Yeah..." she replied before cocking her head while smiling. "Star? Already giving me a nickname?"
"Hmm... it's an old habit," Alex explained and smiled sheepishly.
"Well... I like it," Starshine noted. "Short, but still pretty."
"Glad you like this," Alex said with a hint of relief in his voice.
Star giggled, then looked to a window nearby. :-: "Even if it does inconvenience me, I missed seeing the sun," she sighed. "It's been so long..."
Alex looked at her in sympathy but there wasn't much he could do about this and felt really sad about this. "I... I should close this blinds... in this way you'll be able to move around more freely..." Alex told her and proceeded to do so, and closed some of the blinds, so the room was significantly darkened now. As soon as the sunlight was reduced in the house, Starshine floated about in a few circles as she examined the room.
"Ah! That's much better. Thank you..."
"No problem," Alex said to her, smiling but sounding slightly sad.
"Oh..." she noticed his sad expression and looked a little sad too, then quickly changed her expression to a questioning one and floated over to him.
"Hey, what's wrong?" she asked.
"Hmm," he looked at her and managed a small smile. "It's nothing.," his tone was changed to rather normal, or that's what he was trying to sound like. "...don't worry,"
"Oh... alright," she nodded and managed to smile.
Alex gave a nod at this and managed his own smile. "Hmm," he looked a little confused, before he asked. "So... do you remember how long it's been since you're here?"
"Uh... Not really..." She remarked. "Who's Princess currently? Actually, more accurately... Is Luna still Nightmare Moon?"
"No," Alex replied her shaking his head as he realized that exactly how long she had been here, and his eyes were widened at this realization.
"Oh... how long has she been restored?" Starshine asked.
"It's... it's been around a century..." Alex told her.
"A century... Oh dear..." Starshine went silent for a long time, then said in a quiet voice, "I didn't realize I was gone so long..."
Alex nodded silently at this, as he was really surprised himself as well. Starshine finally looked up at him and managed a small smile.
"I guess... a lot has changed, huh?" she asked.
"Yeah," Alex smiled back at her. "I haven't been here in Equestria for very long but I can guess..."
"Well... what can you tell me then?" She asked, then added, "On second thought, maybe you should have breakfast first."
Alex gave sheepish smile at this, as he heard his stomach grumble at this. "I guess I should," he said and headed upstairs. "I know, ghost don't need food or something, but you can come along... if you like to talk and such..."
"Uh... sure!" Starshine nodded, floating alongside him as she spoke.
Alex gave a small smile at this as both of the headed towards the kitchen, so Alex could make some breakfast for himself.
A few weeks passed, and the two of them seemed to get along rather fine. Starshine was a good friend to have around, and proved to be very helpful in many cases. She could reach many places in the house that Alex couldn't reach himself, and at night she was more effective than any alarm system. No one dared to rob the place, for fear of the spirit that haunted it.
However, Alex soon found out that even as a ghost, Starshine ironically had some things that she herself feared.
Alex shoot open his eyes as he heard the loud cracking sound of lightning. The storm seemed to be really intense at the moment as the loud cracks of lightning and sounds of raging winds were being heard outside. As he listened to the storm, something suddenly warped through the door and zipped underneath the covers on his bed, shivering with fear.
"Huh?" Alex was slightly surprised at this. "Star," he called her as he moved aside the covers from her face, just so he could see her. "Did something happen? Are you alright?"
"A-a-alex..." Starshine stammered through her sentences.m"I-I-I am afraid of lightning!"
As she finished, another bright flash occurred outside followed quickly by the crash of thunder. She gave a loud "Eeek!" and dove back under the covers. As serious a situation this was, it was ironically humorous to think that a ghost could be afraid. Alex couldn't help but smile warmly at this, as he scooted a little closer to her.
"Star," he softly said to her. "Is it... really that scary?"
"Y-yes..." Starshine shivered, peeking her head out of the covers just enough for her face to be seen, the blankets acting like a hood or canvas over her head as she gave a cute expression. "C-can I stay with you tonight? Please?"
Alex gave her a nod at this. "Mhm," he couldn't help but mentally awe at her cuteness like this. "Of course you can... I won't mind."
"Thanks... thanks for that..." Starshine started, but the sound of lightning made her squeak again and instinctively hug him tightly, shivering all over with fear.
Alex couldn't help but blush slightly as she did this, as he felt a little hesitant at first, but then returned the hug in a comforting manner, and started to coo her seemingly without even realizing this. "It's alright... It's alright, I assure you that you're safe... lightening can't get to you."
"Y-you promise?" Starshine asked him, looking up for reassurance.
"I promise," Alex told her before passing her a smile and adding. "Pinkie Promise at that."
Starshine smiled at him, then made a small "Eee!" at the sound of thunder again, pressing into him for comfort. Alex returned the hug and tenderly began to stroke her mane and back of her neck to comfort her.
"It's okay, Star," he cooed her again. "I'm right here for you..."
Starshine felt a little surprised at what he was doing, but she found that she liked what he was doing.
"What are you doing?" she asked as her shivering started to lessen. "It... feels nice."
"It's something, I realize that pony do enjoy a lot," Alex told her smiling warmly at her, as he carried on to comfort her. "It... feels nice to me as well, even when you're a..."
"Ghost?" she inquired, then giggled. "I guess you haven't done it with a ghost before, huh?"
"Yeah," Alex smiled with a slight blush at this as well. "... before you I have done this with a few of my friends... and they seem to like this... one of them even said that it's like magic..."
"Oh... I heard something about that once before my death," Starshine remarked. "In general, it's seen as a friendly gesture between friends that are of different species, usually between ponies and creatures like you."
"Mhm," Alex said passing her a nod. "... it's surprisingly not that different when you do this with a ghost... instead this feels... more comforting."
"Really? How?" she asked with curiosity, seeming to forget all about the storm now.
"I can't describe this though..." Alex said sounding a little confused "...maybe that's because of the... ghostly features of your... I mean, you practically feels like a comfortably warm cushion when you're able to interact with me..." as soon as he realized what he just said he blushed furiously and looked at her with a somewhat apologetic expression. "I... I'm-"
"Ah! Don't be shy!" She said. "I thought that was a nice thing to say about me."
"You really think so?" Alex asked still blushing, but now also smiling in relief.
"Yeah," she nodded, then added jokingly, "Maybe you should use me as your personal snuggle pillow now."
Alex gave a small chuckle at this, and jokingly said. "I guess, I won't have any problem with the idea..."
Starshine gave another giggle, and then said in a more serious tone, "You know... I'm no so scared anymore now that I'm here with you."
"It's good to know," Alex said "I'm glad I could be helpful to you..."
"And I'm very grateful for you being there for me," she replied, then she asked, "But don't you still need to sleep?"
"Hmm... I guess, but I'm fine with staying up and talk some more, if you like..." Alex said with a reassuring tone.
"Oh... well... what do you want to talk about then?" Starshine inquired.
"Well, anything you like to talk about, I guess," Alex replied, before humorously adding "...or we can just keep on being silly like this as we're right now..."
"Uh... I think I'd like to ask a question then," Starshine suggested. "And then you can ask me one. You know, so we can get to know each other better."
"Yeah... of course," Alex said reassuringly. "Go ahead, I'm all ears."
"Okay... how long have you been in Equestria?" she started.
"It's been... almost seven years or since I've been in this world," he replied.
"Hmm... do you have any friends or family here? Or are they back home?" Starshine asked.
"I have a family and some friends back on Earth," he told her. "...as well as there are some I consider my family in this world as well..."
"Are you close with them?" Starshine asked. "I think I was with my parents... but it's a bit hazy."
"I'm a little close with them... they're like my siblings..." Alex replied.
"Ah, that's so sweet," she answered, then looked a bit flustered. "Okay... have you... ever had... someone in your life you were close with? Like... really close...?"
"You mean... like really close," Alex pondered over her words for a moment. "I guess... no, neither back at home, nor in the Equestria, even though I'm a little more close to some of them than the others... but not in that way..."
"Oh..." Starshine remarked, looking a bit thoughtful, then suggested, "Why don't you ask me something now?"
"Oh," Alex chuckled sheepishly. "I don't know what should I ask... so do you remember what was your special talent, when you was... around,"
"Well... I was good at handling money," she noted. "I used to be one of the richer ponies. It was all about business... until I got cheated of it all on my wedding night..."
"Hmm... so, what exactly happened that night..." Alex asked sounding a little curious.
"It... was supposed to be my honeymoon with my newlywed," Starshine explained, sounding a bit sad as she spoke. "Everything was fine at first... but when I fell asleep... something felt off. And when I woke up, I realized what had happened. I don't know how, but it seems my husband somehow killed me in my sleep to possess my wealth himself." She leaned against Alex and sighed. "I was horrified of course, but I was also furious. So... I eventually saw to it that he passed away by means of mysterious circumstances, if you get my meaning."
Alex gave a nod to her last sentence, and utterly was shocked to hear what that greedy monster of a pony did to her. It made him to cease stroking her mane for a brief moment, before he stammered. "Did... did someone knew about your... your demise?"
"Yes... although it took a while before clear details were made," Starshine answered. "I tried to communicate with some ponies that visited the house, but they always came during the day and... I didn't know I could move about as easily in the day back then. But I finally managed to talk to one pony... I think it was a sibling of mine. He was able to tell my family and everypony else what had happened... but naturally it broke the hearts of those who I used to be friends with or family."
"Oh," Alex took a stammering breath as it was then she realized how fragile at heart he actually was, when she noticed his eyes tearing up and he took her in a hug, and let out some sobs. "It wasn't... it wasn't fair at all, I'm really sorry to hear this..."
"Hey, it's alright," she whispered to him. "Please don't cry. I hate seeing somebody cry."
"I'm sorry..." Alex said to her still sobbing. "I'm sorry, I'm just... not that strong..."
"There's nothing wrong with expressing your feelings," she assured him gently. "If anything, it shows me that you really do care about me."
Alex took some more sobs before slowly he ceased to sob and released her from the hug and looked at her in gratitude. "Thanks..."
"Anytime," the ghost mare replied, then gave a small blush, which showed up as bright red glows on her cheeks. "Wow... this is very comfortable..."
"I... I agree," Alex blushed as well. "It's... quite comfortable."
"Uh... so... is something supposed to happen?" She asked him, even though she knew what could potentially occur.
"I'm... I'm not sure," Alex admitted smiling shyly. "...what do you think?"
"Um... I guess we can snuggle for a while," Starshine suggested, then blushed again. "Sorry... I'm not very good at asking things like that..."
"It's alright, I think... that's a nice idea," Alex smiled in understanding.
Starshine smiled and nuzzled up to him as her eyes closed in a peaceful expression. It almost was like she was getting sleepy, no longer heeding the noises from the storm. Alex nuzzled her back breathing comfortably as he did while also carrying on to stroke her mane with one of his hand, dreamily closing his eyes as well.
A few more weeks had passed since that stormy night. Starshine seemed to start being more willing to move about the house in any kind of weather, though she still would rely on Alex as her means to feel safe during a thunderstorm. The next few weeks had given them new perspectives of each other, however. This was especially noticeable with Starshine, who would get flustered sometimes at the mere sight of her human friend. She knew what her feelings were, to some extent, but she didn't know if he saw her in the same light.
Alex himself had been pretty much lost in his thoughts during these weeks, except for the time he spent with the ghost he now called his friend.
That seemed a little strange and to some extent too fantastic to believe, if one would think about whatever he been through during this time.
At first when he bought this home, this was nothing more than a pretty nice place for him which he got at a surprisingly low price, but that all changed the moment he unknowingly freed a really cute yet sad spirit which was lock in this house.
They soon became friends and got really close within few weeks after living there. If he looked back at that time, he couldn't help but think that he got much much more than he bargained for, as along good house in a cheap price he also got such a friend as Starshine, best friend to be precise, no, maybe really close friend, or maybe the term "friend" would seem so underestimated as compare to the feelings he was developing towards her. But he was still not sure, how should he feel about this, more importantly how would she feel about this.
Though, neither of them had to wait for much long...
One starry night, Starshine decided to try something different from what they usually did.
"Hey, Alex," she said to him after dinner, "Why don't we go outside and look at the stars? It looks quite lovely out there."
Alex made a thoughtful look for the moment which was clearly for slight humor before he smiled and passed her a nod. "Sure, I'd love to."
The ghost gave a cheer, then floated over to the door and opened it, then looked back at him with childlike excitement.
"Come on!" She called, then zipped out the door.
"Coming," Alex walked after her rather hurriedly smiling happily at her excitement.
Outside, the ghost led him around to a flat stretch of ground and floated over to the spot she wanted to watch them from.
"Here," she said. "This is the perfect spot."
"Mhm," the human nodded and sat on the spot she had suggested.
Starshine apparently knew the best spot to stargaze from, because the area in which he was sitting made the stars almost seem to be right within arm's reach of him. The human looked at the stars as a smile crept on his face.
"It's really... beautiful," he said in amazement.
"Mhm..." Starshine agreed, sitting beside him. "When I was a filly, I used to dream that I could actually catch a star and keep it by my bed as a nightlight." She giggled. "I even tried to catch them from here, but of course I failed. Mom told me that it was because they were too quick for me to see them move out of the way."
"Oh," Alex gave a small chuckle at this. "So, did you feel sad when she say this?"
"Nope. I just kept trying. I was determined," she giggled.
"Awe," Alex mused at this and said "I can guess, how cute you might look when you'd have tried to catch one," he then took a sigh, and made a small chuckle. "My father was a little too honest in that regard, by telling me that stars are actually too far... and that I can't even touch them..."
"Crushed your dreams, didn't he?" Starshine chuckled.
"Yeah, to some extent," Alex admitted sheepishly. "But... I was also determined to prove him wrong, so I... kinda hurt myself while trying to catch a star..."
"Oh... what happened?" the ghostly mare asked him.
"Well... I was just a stupid and a little stubborn child at that time," he told her as he made a thoughtful expression. "...I remember watching a movie named "Man of Steel" and..." he was paused and looked rather embarrassed to tell what happened next, but after a few seconds he finally carried on. "...and I kinda assumed that wearing a red cape would give me superpowers. So, when no one was looking I wore a red towel as a cape and jumped off our roof strictly believing that I can fly... guess what happened next?"
"Trip to the ER?" Starshine asked while wincing. "That must hurt."
"Yep," Alex gave a nod and chuckled once again. "Even then, I was blaming the TV for showing things that aren't real..."
Starshine giggled again. "I only saw a TV once, and it was some kind of cartoon or skit... either way, it was hilarious. Too bad I can't remember everything about it..."
"It's alright... maybe I'll soon buy a new TV, so we both can enjoy this," Alex said reassuringly
Starshine nodded, then looked up at the stars as a shooting star fired by.
"Care to make a wish?" she asked him. "Even if it's superstition... I've always liked doing it anyways."
"I don't know," Alex said looking a little confused at this, as he looked towards the shooting star, and shrugging as he made a silent wish. Starshine smiled at him afterwards, and for a moment the moonlight seemed to give her form a beautiful shine. If she noticed this, she didn't say anything about it, though she noticeably gave a small blush.
Alex looked at her and couldn't help but notice this, as he gave a noticeable blush and looked away slightly.
"Uh... Alex... there's something I want to ask," Starshine spoke up.
Alex looked at her fully, and asked. "Yes?"
"Uh... well, in the short time we've known each other, I... I've never had such a great friend like yourself. But... I'm starting to think that it's becoming more than that," she explained, blushing visibly.
"Oh," Alex somewhat understood what she wanted to say but still he wanted to make sure before he got to any conclusions, so he passed her a sincere smile and said. "I guess so, I mean... it feels like we've been living like this since... forever..."
"So... you feel it too?" Starshine asked.
"I think, I do," Alex told her softly as he blushed deeply once again "I mean, I never had such a close friend as you... neither I ever felt that much attached to someone since I arrived in Equestria..."
"Me neither... I mean, I thought I did once... but you know how that turned out," she noted. "But you're... different. I can sense it. You're just so kind and innocent and... and... so everything he was not. Everything... I'm not."
Alex was silent for a moment as he heard this before his expression went more emotional as he speak slightly stammering as he tried to say what he wanted to. "Starshine, all I wanna say is that... I, I only wish to be by your side... to be close to you, and to comfort you when you need this-"
Starshine's eyes filled with tears, but she was still smiling as she looked to him questioningly.
"Do you really mean that? Like really... really mean it...?" she asked him, as if not sure if she should dare to hope.
"I really do, I really, really mean that," Alex broke to tears at this, as they started to stream down his cheeks as he slowly whispered. "I love you, Star."
Starshine gave a gasp, then she hugged him tightly and cried into his shoulder. A mixture of relief and joy was heard in her happy sobs as she held onto him tightly.
"I never thought I'd ever hear those words ever again," she cried softly. "It's... the best thing I've heard of in a hundred years... Thank you..."
"It's... it's alright..." Alex managed to say before he returned the hug to her as he let out his own sobs without holding back as well.
For a while, they just held each other close and cried until they had no more tears to cry. Afterwards, Starshine sniffled and gave him another smile.
"I... haven't cried like that since... I can't remember when," she remarked. "It feels... oddly satisfying..."
"Mhm," Alex sniffled passing her a nod as he finally managed a smile. "It... it really does..."
Starshine gave him an affectionate nuzzling, then giggled.
"Normally, I think there'd be a ceremony or a get-together of some kind to celebrate..." she said, then smirked. "But I think we both can agree we're not up for it at this point. Especially in my current condition."
"I understand..." Alex said reassuringly, nodding in understanding "So... what should we do?"
"Well... we can do something small and private... Nopony said we couldn't celebrate in some fashion," she suggested thoughtfully. "What do you think?"
"I... I like the idea," Alex said as he smiled at her with joy. "...this will be our own little celebration, just you and me, no one else..."
"Mmm..." Starshine gave a happy sigh, then leaned into him with her eyes closed as she relaxed in the moment they had together.
The most important day or rather night of both of their lives came rather soon after their confession, more precisely a day after that. It was going to be private, so there was no reason to wait for anyone or to delay that, so they wanted to make this as early as possible and that's what exactly they did.
Alex had managed to get two wedding rings and proper clothes for the this very important occasion, simple but still lovely decorations were up, the altar was ready with Alex waiting on his bride to come there and join her, while rings were placed on a table beside them. Alex, though was feeling like the most happiest person around all over the world but also was a little nervous like every new groom.
Starshine was also rather nervous herself, but she was also happy for this day. It was certainly the happiest that she could remember, and it was a moment to treasure while she still could.
Soon, she came out to join him by the altar dressed in a white wedding dress; simple compared to some, but still rather beautiful to see on her. She was blushing slightly, but her smile was still clear to see and it was clear she couldn't have been happier.
"So," Alex blushed as he knelt to her level, and softly asked. "...do we begin, my lovely bride?"
"Yes..." she answered softly and gave a nod as well.
"Starshine, I... I'm not sure what I should say, but I... I will try my best," Alex took a deep sigh as he begin "..the brief time we spend together was the most wonderful time of my life, I... I actually felt how this feels to be matter to someone, to feel belonged, and to feel loved in the most special of ways... and I could never actually feel this, if that wasn't for you... thank you, thank you so much..."
Starshine's smile grew bigger as she spoke next. "Alex... you coming into my... afterlife was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. You cured me of my loneliness... gave me hope when I felt despair... and you taught me how to love again... I can't thank you enough for coming into my life... So thank you... for always being there for me, for supporting me... for loving me."
Alex smiled grew wider as well before he gently held her hoof in his hand as he carried on from there. "I promise... I'll love you, be there for you whenever you need me, and will never let you feel alone.. or hurt intentionally... I promise, I will be always be there for you as long as I'll live... and if I got a choice then even after my demise..."
“I... I promise the same, for as long as I'm able..." Starshine replied, feeling a wave of happiness go through her but also slight doubt. Could she make that promise truly? Or maybe not? She pushed it aside and visibly didn't show her feelings over the matter. Right now, this was their moment to savor together, and she wasn't going to spoil it.
Alex then grabbed the ring from the cushion on the table beside them and placed his hand under her chin as he began to slip the ring on her horn. "Starshine, I, Alex, take you as my wife, for now and forever."
Starshine waited for him to finish with the placement of the ring, then with the magic that she could still use in her ghostly form, she took the other ring and held his hand in her hooves as she slipped it onto his finger. "And I, Starshine, take you, Alex, as my husband, for now and forever."
Alex waited for her to finish with placement of the ring as his heart beats now faster than it ever had been. It was finally the moment for them to seal their bond forever, with a kiss. Alex slowly leaned towards her, his eyes closing dreamily as he did so. Starshine leaned in as well, briefly making sure her form would be solid in that moment, and soon their lips collided in a loving kiss.
Alex sighed in comfort as the love and joy of that moment washed over him as he felt her softly, oddly warm and comforting lips touching his own. Starshine gave a sigh against him as well, not noticing that her form glowed a bright pink color all over while they kissed each other. The love and joy she felt was indescribable to her, and she wanted it to last for as long as she could possibly extend it.
They both savor their affectionate moment as much as they wanted for they didn't have to worry whether they take too long or not, because there was no one else there to see them. It felt as an eternity filled with all kinds of joys and sweetness, after which they finally broke the kiss. Starshine gave a small giggle as she blushed again.
"Mmm... best wedding of my life," she giggled.
Alex giggled a little as a blush appeared on his cheeks as well. "It is... the best moment of my life..."
Starshine gave another giggle, then she floated upwards a bit with a smirk.
"Now... I think this is the part where the groom carries away the bride," she said playfully.
"Though... I've never seen that as a literal thing before..."
Alex smiled sheepishly passing her a nod. "Sure, anything for the loveliest ghost of Equestria," as he said this he tenderly took her in his arms, and passed her smiling a little shyly at her. Starshine blushed at this gesture, but was able to comfortably adjust herself and leaned against him while looking up into his eyes, enjoying the experience. Alex couldn't help but feel as he was holding a very light, soft, and warm, pillow in his arms, and that feeling was really enjoyable to him.
Smiling warmly at her, he went towards their bedroom which was also rather well-decorated with curtains, and fragrant with the sweet aroma of white rose petals which adored the floor of their bedroom.
Alex took another comforting breath as he slowly went towards the bed and gently laid her on it, before lying himself beside her, looking at her dreamily seemingly lost for words.
Starshine looked slightly nervous, but also as if anticipating what would come next.
"Are... you nervous too?" she asked him gently.
"I am... maybe a little, I mean, it's my- our first night together after all..." Alex admitted sheepishly. "...are you?"
"Yes... I do feel nervous too..." she replied, then chuckled. "And I'm the one with experience..."
"I... I see," Alex chuckled sheepishly while looking at the mattress and carving circles on this with his finger for a moment, before looking at her once again. "So, where do we... you know... begin, or something?"
"Well... we start off slow, and go from there..." Starshine told him gently, already pulling him into an embrace. "Just follow your heart..."
Alex gave a nod at this as he obliged to her and returned the embrace before slowly taking a hand to her mane to stroke this gently while he caressed her back of her neck with tender movements of his fingers as he leaned closer to her for a nuzzle.
Starshine gave a happy sigh and nuzzled him affectionately, enjoying the feeling of his hands. Inwardly, it made her marvel of how gentle and caring they felt to her, while also capable of so much more. Human hands were truly a marvel for her to experience.
Alex as a little time passed, started to feel less nervous and a little more confident as he carried on with his affections slowly and gradually becoming more and more passionate in his manners, as a joyful smile appeared on his face.
Starshine felt herself shiver with pleasure, as well as excitement under his touch, smiling warmly at him as she leaned in and gave him another kiss, this time backed by her rising passion and love for him.
Alex gasped against her, and returned the kiss as once again feeling of pure joy, love, along with newly feeling of her passion washed over him.
"Mmm," he moaned blissfully
Starshine smiled mentally as well as physically as she pulled them closer together, deepening their kiss in the process. Her hoof ran across his chest and started to affectionately rub circles on it in a pleasing manner as her passion rose.
Alex welcomed her passion without any sliver of hesitation, and blushed even more heavily at this, as he now even more passionately stroked her mane as well as caress her neck and gradually started to go little low, caressing her back from above her wedding gown. Starshine made a moan against him and gave another shiver of pleasure under his touch, anticipating his next move with eagerness.
Alex finally parted his lips from hers, licking his lips slightly as if savoring the moment, and looked at her dreamily. "I love you, Star."
"I love you too, Alex," she whispered, then her horn glowed softly and slowly her wedding gown was taken off as she passed him a playful smirk. "I think this will make things much more comfortable... don't you?"
"I... I guess," Alex gave a blush, as his heart skipped a beat, even though ponies usually never wear clothes like humans did but this act of removing her gown was as much... encouraging as that would be for a human.
Then passing her a joyous smile he and a kiss on her the base of her horn he released her from the hug and as to return the favor he removed his top and now he was lying in front of her, only in his pair of trousers. Starshine blushed at the sight of his bare skin, for it was a brand new experience to her. Still, she did not hesitate to start rubbing her hoof across it like before, feeling a slight shockwave of pleasure at the unfamiliar, yet pleasant contact when she did so.
Alex smiled at her with a sheepish yet knowing expression as he snuggled closer to her, taking her in a warm and comforting embrace once again, as he carried on with his affectionate acts of love, and smirked.
"Isn't this more comfortable?"
"Mmm... it sure is..." Starshine agreed, gently running one hoof up his arm as she spoke. "And it's only going to get better..."
She then leaned in and gave him a quick lick on the end of his nose, giggling as she did so. Alex gasped pleasantly at this ticklish sensation. He returned the favor by running his hands over her back, now in a more passionate manner as gradually he moved his hand towards her sides, as he slowly began to massage in an almost eager manner his hands on her sides.
Starshine gave her own gasp at this action, and she turned a very light pink color as if to emphasize how she was feeling currently. She nuzzled herself against his bare chest, her hooves going around to his back and caressing it affectionately.
"It feels... so heavenly," Alex said blissfully as he became more passionate in his own affections as well, as he moaned in pleasure with her every affectionate move.
Starshine moaned aloud, then she leaned upwards and started to lick his ear. Alex gasped in pleasure as she did so, and let out some blissful moans every time she gave his ear a lick. "Mmm," he joyously sighed. "It's... beyond wonderful... keep going, ah... keep going, Star..."
Starshine obliged, giving his ear several more licks before moving around and switching to the other ear, her tongue leaving a tingly sensation. She may not have left any saliva traces, but the feeling was still there, and it was beyond explanation.
Alex, meanwhile also carried on with his own affections as became more and more passionate in his delightful massages.
Starshine gave a loud gasp after she was done with his ear, then she pulled back to give him a smile before kissing him deeply once more. As they kissed, her horn gave a soft glow and moved one of his hands to her underbelly, which was still quite very soft even for a ghost.
Alex closed his eyes giving another moan of utter pleasure, as he understood and obliged to her, and began to massage her underbelly first with soft caresses and became more and more passionate with each passing second, adding to her pleasure as well as his own.
After a few minutes, Starshine broke their kiss to give Alex a breather, smirking as she did so. She then pushed him back gently onto the bed until he was lying down completely.
"Mmm... I think it's time to take this to the next level," she whispered seductively as her tail sneaked its way down past his waistline.
Alex blushed deep red at this before he passed her a nod of reassurance. "As you wish, my lovely angel," he said as his eyes held a deep expression of passion, love, joy, and understanding. "I'm yours, for now and forever..."
"Hmm... let's make this something to remember," Starshine said softly, leaning in to kiss him while her horn glowed and caused the room to darken completely...
Alex sleeping form a held a really peaceful and joyful smile on his face while he was lying next to his lovely bride who was also asleep, despite being a ghost. Both of them were snuggled really close to each other leaving almost no space between them, while holding each other in their arms and front legs seemingly as if their lives depended on it.
Starshine was the first to stir, having just woke from what counted as slumber to her. Looking to Alex's sleeping face, she gave a smile and kissed his cheek softly. Suddenly, she felt something within her that felt off. At first, she was unsure what it meant, but then it happened again and she felt as if something was pulling her away from him. That's when she realized what was happening.
"Alex! Wake up!" she shouted, shaking him in the process almost in desperation.
"Star," Alex almost suddenly opened his eyes and looked at her with concern. "What happened?"
"It... it's happening..." she said, then he suddenly noticed her image start to fade away as she got an expression that looked as if she was straining to hold onto something... Like her connection from beyond death.
"What...?" It was then when he realized this and desperately cried "...no, please, don't go..." he attempted to grab her hoof as if to stop her from fading away, and began to sob. "Star- Star, please... don't leave me... alone..."
"It's... too late... I can't keep this up... much longer..." Starshine told him, her image fading a little bit more in the process.
"But..." Alex's eyes teared up in the process as he watched her as he was almost about to cry like a foal. "It's not... fair... Starshine... I love you- Star... we were... supposed to be... together forever..."
"Alex... death cannot stop that... Only delay it," she said softly with a small smile, though tears were in her own eyes as well. "Just... promise me... you won't forget..."
"I won't... I won't forget, I won't ever forget you, Star," Alex said now sobbing aloud. "I promise that... I'll never forget..."
"Good..." she said, then she gave him one final kiss, just before fading away completely.
"Star!" he called her as he looked around, but obviously no reply came. "Starshine!"
The realization hit him more harder than the most horrible of his pains and he broke to uncontrollable sobs and cries.
Soon, he noticed something which belonged to her and slowly picked her wedding gown from the bed, and this only added to his pain as he held that gown close to himself and nuzzled into this feeling the lingering traces of warmth and aroma of her ghostly existence from when she was wearing this on their wedding.
"I promise, I'll never forget you... never..." he cried, as he suffered the pain to be torn apart from her, right after the experiencing the joy of getting together and that pain was in no way comparable to any other pain he ever experienced.
It was so bad, it made the pain he suffered due to a broken leg all those years ago, seems like something really enjoyable.
The fragile heart of human have never expected to suffer as such, so he cried her name again and again, while sniffling into her gown, until he was completely exhausted and passed out on the bed while still holding her wedding gown in his embrace, as if his life- no, his entire existence depended on this, as tears were still streaming down his face even in his sleep.
Starshine opened her eyes and looked around her at a sight that she recognized immediately, despite it being her first time arriving: Elysium, the land of joy and happiness. It looked very much like the world she had just left, but more vibrant in color and far happier. She could tell somehow that this was a world untouched by poverty, war, or any of the other bad things that creatures could bring upon the world. She was currently in a field overlooking a grove of apple trees she had seen in her childhood. The sweet fragrance given off by the apples and scattered flowers in the field filled her nostrils and made her feel at peace.
Another detail she also noticed was that she no longer was pure white all over, save perhaps for her coat, which almost seemed to have a shine to it similar to stars. Her mane was a lovely shade of dark blue like a night sky, which contrasted well with her coat. On her flank, her Cutie Mark was finally visible again: a bright star that was shining on a dark background. Inwardly, she felt a twinge of happiness inside of her as well as some disbelief.
I... I actually made it here! Ha ha... I never thought I'd be good enough to make it here... Then her happiness momentarily faded as she remembered something.
Alex... He's still alive. He... he's all alone now... Will he make it here as well? She managed to smile again after a different thought came to mind. Well, even if he doesn't, I can still visit him. And I will wait for him, however long it takes...
Her stomach suddenly gave a loud growl, and she giggled.
But first, I need some lunch. Time for a visit to the apple orchard...
Standing fully to her feet, she trotted off towards the grove in search for her lunch.
The morning dawned upon Equestria, and the lonely human named Alex, in that big and empty mansion finally came to. It's said haunted places are those which are resided by ghosts or demons, but Alex beg to differ as the silence and loneliness he felt now in that apartment told him the true meaning of haunted.
The wedding gown was still in his embrace making him believe that whatever happened wasn't a dream and he actually had spend those days, those most beautiful days of his life with her. It was hard or maybe to some extent even impossible for him to even get up from the bed where he had spent the most lovely moments of his life with hers.
A torrent of memories suddenly rushed through his mind as he piratically saw every moment of his life he spent with her, their first meeting, their talks, the nights spend together snuggling to comfort each other, confession, wedding, and their special night, and... and how she faded away in front of his eyes and he couldn't do anything to stop her.
"Star..." he managed with stammering voice. "I don't wanna live without you..."
Years passed, Alex condition only got worse day by day, he was unable to move on from the sorrow and pain her absence had caused him and fell into depression, and so he never laughed like he did before and his appetite died, and he barely ate enough to stay alive which was only for the sake of those who cared about him i.e. his close friends and family.
They all were worried sick for him and tried to ask him again and again what exactly happened but he never tell them about this and pretended to act normal. Because after all whatever happened there, he feared they might never understood this. And sometime he did smile even though tearfully. When he was alone in his mansion and sat in that bedroom, caressing his hand over her wedding gown while trying to remember each and every moment of that night, he did smile. But hate himself for not remembering every detail clearly and broke to tears once again.
And finally, one day a friend of him came to see him but was surprised when she noticed that the door was opened and Alex was nowhere to be seen. So, worried for him, she started to look for him. She soon found him lying unconscious in a bedroom where he never let someone enter before with a wedding gown which he was embracing like a child would embrace his mother or maybe even more dearly.
Naturally, she tried to get him to wake, and when that wouldn't work, she ended up carrying him over to the ER to see if they could find a way to keep him alive. It was hopeless from the start, however.
"He's super weak, and not just from the lack of food and water," a nurse told his friend, a pegasus who went by Stormy Cloud. "It's like... he's given up on life itself."
"Isn't there anything you can do? Anything at all?" Stormy asked the nurse.
"Sadly, no. All we can do right now is wait and see--"
The heartbeat monitor suddenly started to show signs of his heart stopping and she leaped to attention.
"We're losing him! Get the defibrillators!" she shouted, and several other nurses and doctors came inside, trying to keep him alive. Stormy was ushered out of the room and told to wait while Alex's family was notified of his condition. Hours passed, and in that time his family showed up and anxiously waited with Stormy Cloud to get a confirmation about his condition. Finally, after what seemed like forever, the nurse returned with a grave look on her face.
"I'm sorry... we did what we could, but... he's gone," she said gravely.
Naturally, they felt utterly sad and heart-broken at this and a few members of his family even broke to tears at this. It was for the reason, they knew something was not right from the start, but he never let them what this was. They all went to see him for the last time, and for whatever reason he looked really peaceful in death, which added to their sadness as they thought about whatever pain he was enduring all that time.
As earth pony from his family came towards Stormy and asked in a shaky and tearful voice.
"You- you saw- him right before- he was-" She said. "How- how was- he? Were you- you able to talk to him?"
"Not really... he was unconscious when I found him today," Stormy replied. "However... I did notice that sometimes, in private... he was often seen cradling what seemed to be a wedding dress and sobbing into it..."
"A wedding dress?" almost all of them said in unison and with rather surprised tone as they all looked towards each other with questioning expression. Sadly, they might never find the answers to questions he left behind.
As for Alex, he might be dead for this world... but he was satisfied and at peace because he knew someone on the other side was waiting for him and he couldn't wait any longer to reunite with her.
