I lied in my bed with a content smile even through I was completely awake. I just didn’t want to get up because of the bed. It was so soft! I mean... that bed feels like a cloud and I know what one feels like. It was a cloud bed after all.

“Noctis! Time to get up!” My mom yelled causing me to do the action while I held a smile. I was happy that my level of awareness was average so I didn’t seem to suspespous.

“I’m up!” I yelled back without a care. Ya, I knew I was adopted, but it didn’t matter to me as I had a nice, loving family with my second life. I still miss my old family, but what can I do. I’ll enjoy myself with this new amazing world that was oh so familiar to me, but also unfamiliar.

I learned that I wasn’t born in the time line of MLP like I hoped, but instead actually a thousand years into the future after the effects of Tirek. Unfortunately, all the elements gave their lives to stop the rampaging daemon which awarded them statues and nearly unrobbible graves. They were scattered around the world along with their successors whom have done a great service.

“Noctis! Hurry up or you’ll miss your birthday!” I paused because I forgot today was my first birthday and mom and dad have been hinting at something big they were going to give me. I wasn’t to excited because I could never really except much of anything without feeling bad in the process. It was my one pet peeve that constantly mocked me in my old life. It was one of the main reasons I wasn’t spoiled like most millennials.

I got dressed in black clothing while practically avoiding the white clothing. I personally liked black, but it was the same with white. However, if I had a choice to wear either black or white; I would were black. It was just a preference of mine that I couldn’t shake. It’s like when you tap your foot or chew the edge of a pen.

I ran out my room with complete excitement to meet cousins, aunts and uncles from this family. It would be the first time I met them and they actually called to ask what I wanted for my birthday. I couldn’t care less what I got if I was with family which would make me feel happy. I asked for nothing, but to meet them.

I was bringing a book though just incase I needed it. No matter who I am or where I live, I will always be an introvert. Even if I am a hell of a lot more of an antisocial person than anything else. I will beaver change because I’m me and if no one likes it, then we don’t have to talk to one another.

I grabbed one of the thickest book on the table that had the title of ‘Tirek’s Return’. It was a horror novel about a fictional team of elements who were going against Tirek and his forces that would attack the mind before devouring the unlucky victim. Most adults would look at me in horror before realizing that I was completely fine with the over the top gore and suicidal messages in the book. I was completely fine with it because this worlds version of over the top gore was practically a broken bone or a profusely bleeding wound. I was more disappointed because the devouring part was like the main characters being eaten whole. It was annoying, but the atmosphere was perfect. Unfortunately, I don’t get scared easily.

“You ready son?” Dad asked as he gave me a smile which was infectious. I smiled back at him and nodded my conformation. “Then lets go!” We walked out with me hot on their tails as the hos summer air felt so familiar along with the nice breeze that passed by us.

The nice summer air that reminded me or Georgia before I moved. It felt so nice and I couldn’t help but feel so... at peace. Each step felt like a long stride that I enjoyed wholeheartedly like I was in a meadow. I sighed happily with a bright smile that I would’ve never showen in my original world.

“Enjoying yourself.” Mom asked causing me to beam at her with my smile.

“Absolutely!” I may have used my tenth grade vocabulary from time to time when speaking. It got me into trouble from time to time, but I can’t help what comes out of my mouth from time to time. The good thing was that I read... a lot. It was how almost everybody who were friends with my parents knew about my extended vocabulary. “I mean, come on! I’m gonna meet everyone else in the family! I just can’t help but be happy!” I smiled even wider with no regards which I was happy about. I use to be so insecure about... everything! Even my writing, but as long as I write what I want to write; I’m happy. However, I was more or less surprised that I wasn’t as timid as I was on earth and how I seemed to have child like enthusiasm along with my depression just vanishing. Seriously, I’m completely baffled by this new turn of events.

“Good. Today is your big day and we’re almost to the park. I just wanted you to know.” Dad said as I nodded before walking a little faster to walk side by side of the two adults with my own childlike smile. I was just happy about today that nothing could bring me down.

Luckily, the park was about a twenty minutes walk that I loved. That was mostly because I would pace around. Each step felt lack a huge relief and kept my mind going without having me lose interest in something. I was just so use to walking so far that I hardly even notice that I am walking until I have a change in scenery that is so major that a blind man can notice it. It was a really bad habit that I doubt I will ever get over any time soon.

Now that my internal monologue was complete, we made it to the park where there were an abundance of Flyers and Terrans. Surprisingly, I saw no Mages which actually caused me to have a brief pause in my step before I regain it with a few quick steps. I’m not kidding. There wasn’t a single Mage at all and normally they are hired for parties and other stuff like that. I international shrugged before continuing on with my parents until we were noticed by the rest who were surprised. I was a Terran, from what the magic and technology says. I’m a fairly weak one, but a Terran none the less.

“Who are you young one?” A woman asked. I didn’t bother taking in what they were wearing because I knew it would change almost every day.

“Nocturnal Shadow.” I introduced myself with a smile before holding out my had to shake their’s. “Nice to meet you.” They took my hand and shook it.

“Nice to meet you Nocturnal. I’m Gleaming Jewel. I work in the Jem mine near Los Pegasus.” She stepped aside to show a small child that seemed to be too timid to introduce herself. The Chile’s has purple hair and pink eyes that showed fear and anxiety. I knew them all to well. “This is Steel Sword. She’s around the same age as you.” I held out my hand with a friendly smile. She huddled closer to her mother.

“He’s scary.” I tilted my head, but realized that I may have been too forceful.

“It’s alright, I’m not gonna hurt you. Don’t want any false allegations against me.” I said trying to reassure her which actually garnered a few looks from many of the adults. “What?” I asked with complete confusion.

“Do you know the definition of that word?” A man asked who looked somewhat like dad. A twin perhaps, but I can be too sure.

“A claimof assertion that someone done something illegal or wrong.” I didn’t hide the fact I’m a little more intelligent than most my age. I needed to be smart because my magic doesn’t necessarily work properly.

“Smart kid.” He smiled at me which I returned with an almost sorrow smile.

“I’m physically weaker than any other Terran and even most Mages so I have to make up for it somehow.” I chuckled knowing that my sorrowful look went unnoticed by the rest which felt great to not have to bare those apologetic eyes. I don’t like it when others feel sympathy for me so I do all I can to avoid it.

“I guess that’s one way to make up for ones short comings.” I nodded before walking to a shady tree with my book to read a few more chapters. Although it wasn’t scary, it was a damn good story that I couldn’t put down.

I read for what seemed like hours before I felt something sit beside me with almost stiff movements. I didn’t look up as I turned the page with seemingly little regard to who was beside me. I didn’t want to be rude, but I just couldn’t initiate a conversation with someone in fear of saying the wrong thing.

“U-Umm... e-excu-use m-m-me.” I look to my side to see Steel Sword looking at me in fear while looking like she would bolt at the slightest of sudden movements. “N-n-Nocturnal, Right?”

“That is me, yes. However, if you feel uncomfortable saying my full name, call me Noctis. It a nickname I came up for my self.” She nodded and exhaled in preparation to asked or say something.

“What are you reading.” She released another breath which showed me she gathered all her courage to speak that simple question.

“Tirek’s Return.” I responded quietly so no one else would hear. “It’s supposed to be scary, but it isn’t scary to me.” She looked more comfortable being around me which was great. I didn’t want to scare her away and seem like the bad guy.

We sat there, underneath the shade doing nothing or occasionally talking to one another as many boys and girls ran by and asked up to play. I would immediately get destroyed in more ways than one with my failing magic while Steel was just content to sitting where she was even after I said it was okay for her to leave.

There wasn’t much for me to do after finishing the book so I went to go introduce myself to the rest in order to make an effort to make friends with family. I guess picking the teen wasn’t the best decision I came up with as many of them whispered for me to stand clear of him. He had black hair like me with orange eyes which immediately attracted me because he the natural colors I like. Or as natural in a land of magic and a geocentric planet that needed two princesses to move the two celestial bodies.

“Hello.” I began as he turned to me with a glare which completely unfazed me.

“Ya, what’s up.” He didn’t sound to happy. I had to think quick of a way to stop that glare. It didn’t scare me, but it would get me somewhere with the emo teen.

“If I may ask, who are you?” I didn’t dare take my eyes off of him in fear of being kicked across the field.

“Blue Clover.” He continued to look uninterested, but he was showing signs of cracking. He seemed around twelve or thirteen which I had a huge advantage over in intellect. “What’s your name?” He held out a hand for me to shake, but I hesitated for a small moment.

“Nocturnal Shadow.” I responded while taking his hand and giving it a shake that did absolutely nothing. “Your a Terran, aren’t you?” He nodded for the quick race identification.

“Your smart, Nocturnal.” He smiled which I returned before taking my hand back and putting my hands in my pockets.

“If you want, call me Noctis. It quicker than Nocturnal.” He nodded before I walked off to try and meet the rest.

It didn’t take long since I found a few of them coming to greet me who were some what amazed by my show of smarts. Eventually, I found my way back to Steel Sword who was watching a few armored people walk through the park. She seemed happy and amazed as the people walked by and seemed to be heading towards the train station.

“Who are they?” I asked which caused her to jump with a small frightened expression.

“Oh, it’s just you.” She went back to admiring the armored humans with amazement in her eyes. “Those are the students of CSIA or Celestia’s School fo Inspiring Adventurers. I hope to be like them and form a party with my friends, but I doubt I’ll get in.”

“You can get in. You just have to practice.” She turned to me with slight anger as I stared into her

“It’s more than that.” She calmed down and went back to looking at them with longing. You have to stand out from the others in order to get in. Every four years, there is a tournament to see who will enter the school. If you win, you get in and there’s no age requirements.” She sighed sadly and looked to the ground disheartened which hurt me. “The youngest person to ever get in was twenty and they just barely made it.” I looked to the ground and back up at her with the most determined expression I ever had in either of my lives.

“Steel Sword. Look at me.” She did and saw my determined expression that held resolve, courage, and determination. “I will train as hard as I can to get in. I will get accepted into the school. And if you want to join me then train... train as hard as you can to get into the school and we’ll do the next tournament when it comes.”

“I-it’s in two years.” She seemed apprehensive about it so I had to encourage her to continue.

“No one got anywhere without getting outside their comfort zone and will not get any where without putting in the effort to attempt to do it.” I paused and remembered a quote that actually stuck with me through the years. “It’s better to try and fail, than never try at all.” She looked at me with confusion. “I would rather fail knowing that I tried than not even attempt to make the first step to my goal. Will you strive for your goal, or will you stay where you are and admire those you want to be from a distance for life.”

“I... I want to reach my goals!” She gave one of the brightest smiles I have ever seen before she gave me a bone crushing huge. I tried to wrap my arms around her to return the hug, but didn’t make it due to her newly discovered wings. She may have had it all this time and I just noticed it. I’m not the most observant when it comes to this stuff.

“Good. Now let’s enjoy the party before we do anything else.” She clung to me which was somewhat annoying. “Umm... you can let go now.” She let go with an adorable ‘Eep’. I didn’t say or do anything as we went back to the main party with everyone else waiting for the infamous birthday song to be sung.

Time has passed since the cake has been cut and that was about three seconds ago. I was happily because it was my favorite flavor, chocolate. I couldn’t help myself from practically hopping in place to the point where no one would notice. What make this cake better was that it had chocolate icing which instantly made it the best food in the entire world of Equus. However, I didn’t want to be rude so I asked them to serve everyone else before me because I had much more self control of myself than many would give me credit for. So I waited for the chocolaty goodness like a good boy.

“Here you go.” Dad said while handing me a plate with a cake on it before cutting himself a slice. I took a good chunk from it while resisting the urge to devour it in in just a few bites.

When I did, I smiled blissfully as the milk chocolate flavor was dancing in my mouth which tasted amazing to me. I savored each bit like it was the last while chewing as slow as humanly possible to make it last longer. I didn’t get another slice so others could have another bite of that chocolaty goodness that is cake.

I sat down with very few people out of pure habit of my old life as many of the guests gathered around me like wolves to pray. I was getting sort of nervous, but avoided showing any signs of the mentioned emotion.

Mom walked up to me and presented a polished wood case while saying, “We know you didn’t want much, but to see your family for the first time. Your a good kid and do as your told as well as stay out of trouble when outside.” Because I know the fury of an angry adult from my previous life. “But we want to give you this. It was with you when we...”

“Found me, perhaps?” I finished in a guessing tone.

“H-how did you guess?” She recoiled in surprise, but I tentatively took the case with the up most care.

“I’ve known for a while now. That’s how genetics works and I don’t look anything like you two. That and I remember the night you found me.” They blushed out of embarrassment because I think they just found out all the hints I made to get them to figure out that I know I was adopted. “It doesn’t mean you aren’t my parents regardless. I’ll still be your son. Either blood related or not, but I’ll still be you son.”

I was hugging by the two emotional adults with enough for to knock the wind out of me. I hugged them back as the rest around us seemed to be even more surprised by this new revelation that we practically dropped on them.

“W-well,” dad began as he gave me a toothy smile, “open it up. We were asked not to and I’m curious about what’s inside.”

I opened it up and what was inside shocked me to my very core. It was a knife that seemed to be practically brand new despite the age of the case and the dusty cotton within. With the up most care, I removed the knife from the case without trying to seem to sudden in fear of cutting myself... again.

I gripped the sheath with the strongest grip I could muster and slowly pulled the blade out of it. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it looked nice enough to be proud of since the sheath and handle look like it was made from dragon scales. It felt like leather; However, I could tell it could take one hell of a beating and it wouldn’t break which surprise me since it feels so soft. I moved away from the group and gave it a few swings with an accidental loose grip, yet it didn’t go flying. I sheathed it once more before giving my parents one of my biggest smiles I could ever give.

“Thank you.” I said as I looked at the knife with a smile. “You gave me something that can help me further my goal.”

“And that would be?” Dad asked with a questioning look as I smiled at him with the up most gratitude.

“To be the youngest to join CSIA.” His eyes widened as I looked back at the knife with a small bit of apprehension creeping up my spine. Was I really ready for this? Only time could tell.

I looked back at the case the knife came in and opened to to put the blade back in its protective case. I hesitated for a moment once I saw a folded note which had my name on it. My actual name.

Dear Hunter,

I can see you have aquatinted yourself with your new family. I know I can’t replace the original, but at least you still have the memory.

Anyways, I want to get straight to the point. Meet me out in the forest behind your house. All you have to do is go straight and you’ll find the clearing.

sincerely,
Faust

I was shocked for a little while before I realized that Faust was here. Actually here... in this world... as who knows what. This is the first time I’m gonna meet a god outside of death.

What would see what with me or even want to meet me after sending me here instead of seeing Celestia or Luna. I mean, why me instead of someone more... important like world leaders or the people that raise the fucking sun and moon. It just didn’t make sense to me.

Maybe I was overthinking this and being paranoid after the last god accidentally killed me. I’m just hoping that she won’t give me heart breaking news like I was gonna die again or something like that. Then again, she could just want to see me and see how I was adjusting to life in this amazing new world.

All of those thoughts happened in the span of a millisecond as I put the blade in the case along with the note. I was just overthinking things and I needed to stop or I would regain my endless anxiety that was ever present in my old life. I’d rather be cursed than have that damned anxiety back because it severely hindered my ability to do most of anything.

“I guess it’s time to leave.” Mom said as she held out her hands to me as I grabbed the case before grabbing her hand and was lead away from the crowd of family who I was more than happy to meet.

“W-wait!” I turned back to the group and say Steel running towards me with a smile before she gave me a hug. “Thank you for reassuring me about my goals. I’ll ask my parents if I can write to you so we can still talk to one another.” I smiled and nodded at her suggestion since neither of us have a phone yet.

“Sure, I would like to at least talk to some of my family that isn’t over the phone. Even if it’s a little outdated like a letter.” I gave her a smile before me and my parents went home to sleep off the days events. We were tired and it definitely showed in the way we acted.

Getting home was a chore for the three of us; especially after the hours of fun we had all day with the family. I would wobble every so often and sometimes trip on nothing because I made my steps too small while moving my body forward. It was an... interesting ten minutes as we walked from the park to our house. It was completely quiet for what seemed like hours and we didn’t say a word until the next day in favor of sleep.

Author's Note

Not as long as When Worlds Collide, but not bad... right? Constructive criticism is welcome and if you have suggestions for future chapters, that would be greatly appreciated.

See all y’all next chapter.