Brothers to the end

Chapters

PROLOGUE: THE ACCIDENT
CHAPTER 1: A NEW WORLD
CHAPTER 2: ROAD TO RECOVERY
CHAPTER 3: A NEW LIFE
CHAPTER 4: SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
CHAPTER 5: A ROYAL VISIT
CHAPTER 6: TO THE END
EPILOGUE: WHEN TWO BECOME ONE

PROLOGUE: THE ACCIDENT

I knew that this was a bad idea from the start. Sure, James had assured me that this plan was full proof, simple. He would collect the package from one of his friends, and then we would drive it over to midtown, where a ‘client’ would be waiting for us in the Greco meatpacking plant. So far, so good. James was inside the building right now, but he’d been in there for a long time, and I’m starting to get worried. While he’s in there, I’m out here by the car, in case anything should go wrong and we need a quick getaway, much like last time. Right now however, I’m thinking about what got us here.

Me and James didn’t exactly win the jackpot in terms of upbringing. My dad left me, James and our mum when I was just 9; James was 13, so he felt like he had to be the protective, fatherly figure, by taking care of me. Well, now I’m 16 and he’s 20, but nothing’s changed, he still feels he needs to look over my shoulder. But hey, I wouldn’t have it any way. Like, when I was 14, coming home from a party, I was attacked by one of the gang members from the other side of town, they hated our neighbourhood. At that moment, I feared for my life, because the guy had a knife and he looked at me like I was Satan or something. As I closed my eyes waiting for the end, James came out of nowhere and being a big guy, wrenched the knife from the guys hand and knocked him out cold with a swift blow to the temple. Turns out James had been trailing me in his car on his way home from work, and seeing what had happened rushed to my aid.

It’s been an hour now and I’m freaking out. He said he be at the most ten minutes. Alright, 5 more minutes, then I’m calling the cops. With that my eardrums were assaulted by the unmistakable sound of a gunshot. “JAMES!” I rush towards the front door only to be met with the sight of James bursting out from the other side.

“Don’t say anything, just run to the car and drive, don’t look back!” he screams at me, his face flustered and sweaty. We bundle in quickly and I manage to pull away and set off roaring down the road. My palms begin sweating and I start shaking.

“What the hell happened in there?” I scream.

“It went wrong, I was ambushed.” James replies quietly. “It was the gang that have been on our necks for ages, their boss even turned up. Turns out the package I was delivering had been stolen from them, and as soon as I got in there I was attacked from behind. They smashed my phone so I couldn’t call for help.”

Still trembling I reply “then how did you escape.”

“It wasn’t easy. Once they had found the package they couldn’t afford to let me live, but my executioner turned out to be the friend that I got the package off of in the first place.”

Puzzled I stare at him from the driver’s seat” then why didn’t he deliver it instead of going through the trouble of getting someone else?”

“The boss wanted somebody to pay for taking it from him and send a message to those who plan to ever steal from him that he can’t be pushed around.” His voice is hard and steady.

“You still haven’t explained how you got out?” now I am getting impatient.

“Did you hear a gunshot before I came running out?” he asks me.

I simply nod in response.

“My so called friend couldn’t bring himself to pull the trigger and he must have felt regret for getting me pulled into this crap. So anyway, he was taking so long to do it that another member came to do it instead, but when he came to take the gun my friend fired, the bullet him him point blank in the chest. Everyone in the room was stunned; the guy who was shot hit the floor with a thud and began gasping for air. I used this to my advantage, by getting the hell out of there.”

I can’t bring myself to say anything, possibly due to shock. Both of us are silent for what seems like forever until the silence is broken by the ring of a gunshot. The bullet hits the side mirror, shattering it into millions of gleaming pieces.
“Shit, they’ve followed me!” James yells in surprise and anger. “Alright listen closely Mark, let me take the wheel and get yourself out of here, they haven’t got anything against you.

Strangely, I reply in my calmest voice yet. “No, we’re in this together, I knew what the risks were but I still went ahead with it. Anyway, what would I do without you?” Bullets begin peppering the car. From the rear view mirror I can see only 1 car following us, so maybe I can shake it. The tyres squeal as I make a sharp left turning towards the Helmsley Bridge.
James is yelling now. “You do realise you could die tonight!”

Calmly I say “I realise I could have died 2 years ago, and I accepted it, but at least now I will be going out with my brother by my side.” We’re travelling down the bridge now, still with the car in hot pursuit. “Remember that promise we made when we were little?”

James simply replies with a “yes.”

“Brothers to the end” I say smiling. Just then, as I finish my sentence, a bullet finds our rear wheel, sending the car spinning and crashing over the bridge into the abyss below. The last thing I hear is a series of sickening crunches, and then everything goes black.

CHAPTER 1: A NEW WORLD

The next thing I feel is the patter of raindrops on my head. I manage to force open my eyes, and from what I can immediately tell is that its night. Also, it must be raining, hard, because the rain on my body feels more like tiny stones than droplets of water. I try to survey my surroundings, not trying to move in case anything should be broken. Right now, I feel numb and disorientated, but I can still remember what happened which means I don’t have amnesia, which is a good sign. But what I see causes me to believe I’m in some sort of hallucination, because I swear I’m surrounded by trees! From what I can remember the car went off the Helmsley Bridge, and beneath that is industrial wasteland. Wait! Where’s the car!? Sure I could have been thrown through the windscreen, but there seems to be no sign of any damage to the surrounding area, and no pieces from the car. What the hell is going on?? Am I in a coma?

My next realisation shocks me to my very core; James is nowhere to be seen! He was sitting directly beside me, he couldn’t be far away. As soon as I can walk again I’ll look for him, since I can’t shout for him because my throat feels blocked, so I can’t even shout for help. I can feel the numbness wearing off, so I move my arms and my legs to check if anything is broken. I can’t feel any immediate damage apart from a horrible pain in my chest. I reach down to feel if I have any broken ribs, but as soon as I touch the affected are I immediately pull back as a searing pain engulfs my body. I feel a sticky substance on my hand and fear the worst; I’m not wrong. Because as I look at my hand I see it is drenched in blood! Fear overtakes me, I’m not stupid, I’d know if I’d been shot.

My mind is full of questions: why can’t I hear any cars up above? Where’s James and the car? And why has no one come to investigate the crash? My biggest worry however, is my bullet wound. If I don’t get help soon, I know I’m going to bleed to death. I need to move, now. Thankfully, my legs work fine and I manage to rise to my feet, whilst fighting the blinding pain in my chest. I figure I may as well try and head in one direction, because I have no idea where I am. I stumble forward as fast as my legs will carry me all the while trying to stay upright, I can feel the effects of the blood loss taking hold. If I don’t get help soon I will pass out and bleed to death, cold and alone.

From what I can gather I must have been moving for around 10 minutes now. So far I haven’t seen any people or roads for that matter. The only thing I can hear is the rustle of the leaves in the wind. The rain poses a new problem, hypothermia. Even though it stopped a while ago I am drenched from head to toe, so if I don’t find anyone soon, I’ll have to find shelter under a tree and wait for death to take me away. Just as I feel my legs giving way, I see a way out.

The forest seems to open out into a clearing, a large field inhabited by several apple trees and what seems to be some type of animal, from further inspection it looks like a pony, but its yellow with a pink mane. I have no time to wonder why this is, because I can hear a woman’s voice, she sounds quite young but her voice is beautiful and her singing, angelic. I rush towards the source of the voice as fast as my failing limbs can carry me, maybe there’s a farmer around here who can call for help. I don’t even make it half way across the field before my limbs give up and I am sent crashing to the ground. I roll onto my back to avoid causing any more damage to my chest. The blood flow has slowed, but I know that’s a bad thing. I place my hand over my chest and begin to accept my fate when the yellow pony from earlier trots over. Well at least when I die, something will be close to me. I start to close my eyes when I swear I hear the pony talk.

“Ummm… hello?” I swear I hear it say. It must be the effect of my blood loss
.
I half-heartedly laugh and quietly utter “I really am losing my mind”

“Oh my you can talk” it says.

Alright I know that it talked now. I open my eyes to see it or her looking down at me, half confused half worried. “Are you real?” I ask.

“Oh yes I am, but you look hurt, bad, do you need help?”

I may as well be straight with her. “I think I’m dying, actually I know I am.”

She looks extremely scared now. “I need to get you help right away, don’t move!”

As if I could. “Wait, don’t go, if I’m going to die, I want somebody to be with me when I do.” My voice is getting weaker.

She looks close to tears. ”no you won’t, I can get help, I promise!” and with that she flies off, huh, flies? Where am I? Well no point asking that now since I won’t be here much longer. And with that I surrender myself to fate and close my eyes for what I believe to be the final time.

CHAPTER 2: ROAD TO RECOVERY

The next few hours, well at least I believe them to be hours; seem to go by in a blur. Slipping in and out of consciousness I keep hearing that pony I met whilst on my deathbed. However, I hear other voices as well, her friend’s maybe? I don’t have enough energy to open my eyes to be sure though. For all I know I could have been in some coma induced trance the whole time and I am currently in a hospital bed being kept alive through life support. I would think that, but the whole ordeal seems too real to be a dream. I don’t know why I’m not dead yet, but who knows what might happen. In my brief moments of consciousness I hear several voices in conversation, but I’m too disorientated to make out words. I can’t feel anything, only hear them.

some peopel say that when your about to die, you have something called an out of body experience, and apparently, they are meant to feel real. so maybe im in one of those.

Suddenly I’m aware of the sound of a heart beat monitor. Yes, it’s definitely a heart monitor; I’ve watched enough episodes of casualty to know that sound anywhere. Wait. If I can hear this then I must be alive, how, I had a bullet in my chest but no blood in my body. Oh what am I questioning for, I’m alive, and it’s all that matters now. I feel like I’m lying on something soft, which must be a bed, so at least I can feel again. I summon the strength to force my eyes open and I’m greeted with the smiling face of that yellow pony. So it is real.

With so much to say it’s weird that all I can muster is a simple “hi.”

“Oh thank Celestia that your awake, I was so worried that I flew as fast as I could to my friends. I didn’t even take a breath explaining what happened. I mean, you’re the first creature I’ve seen that can talk, I was so curious since I saw you come out of the Everfree Forest and run towards me on your hind legs, but then you fell and I was scared you were hurt. And when you said you were dying I got so scared. Anyhow, me and my friends ran back to you but you weren’t moving, I felt like crying since you said you couldn’t die alone. But then Twilight, one of my friends said you were breathing. So Rainbow Dash, because she’s the fastest in all of Equestria, flew to get nurse Redheart and bring her back to you. At first she had no idea what to do, considering you’re the first creature like you she’s ever seen. But, we saw that you had something in your chest and had lost a lot of blood, so we rushed you to this hospital, got you all patched up and prayed to Celestia for the best.”

"how come your not afraid of me? i mean, have you ever seen a human here before?"

"of course i'm not afraid, shocked maybe, but all sorts of things have come out of that forest, i'm just glad you can speak, oh, and your called a human.You'll have to tell the doctors that soon."

“Well, all I can say is that you saved my life, if it weren’t for you I would have died out there. I can’t thank you enough, and I don’t even know your name.” There’s a lot that needs to be explained, but it can wait.

“My name is Fluttershy and you’re in Ponyville hospital.”

I was about to say something else but what must be the painkillers pull me back under.

The next time I awaken I’m surrounded by many more ponies of many different colours.they all seen to be staring at me curiously, which was to be expected. I count six in total, two have horns, they cant be unicorns, can they? Another two have wings, ok, this is getting stranger by the second! one of which is Fluttershy, who i've just noticed has wings, well before i could only see her from the front. Before I can even utter a single word a pink pony bounces right up to my face.

“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, Wow, I’ve never seen anything like you before, and I know everyone and everything in Ponyville. Wait, if your new that means you need a welcome party! What kind of food do you like? I like cake! Oh my we can get really scrumptious cake from sugarcube corner, come on let’s go!”

Thankfully, I’m saved by an orange pony with a blonde mane.

“Calm down sugarcube, we don’t even know anything about him yet. Just let him explain who he is and why he’s here before we go plannin any parties.” The orange pony has a strong southern accent, which I thinks really cool, since she sounds just like my cousin May, who’s from Connecticut.

I begin by saying “Firstly, my name is Mark and well, I guess you’re all wondering why I’m here, to be honest, I don’t even know. I was in an accident, and then I woke up in a forest near here.I guess Fluttershy here has already told you about what happened."

still i think to myself how they're not afraid or even a little bit scared, but i suppose they've seen alot round here.

A purple pony then chips in “it was probably the Everfree forest, since weird things occur there.”

“Yeah probably” I continue. “Anyway, I woke up there with no idea how I even got there in the first place. Then I realised I was bleeding, so I tried to get help, I managed to get out of the forest and find Fluttershy, then I blacked out.” I’d rather keep the details of the accident secret until more has been cleared up.

“Oh that reminds me, lets us introduce ourselves.” The purple pony suddenly says. “My name is Twilight Sparkle”
Pointing to the blue pony she introduces as Rainbow dash, and the white pony as Rarity. I already know who Pinkie Pie is, who by the way still hasn’t calmed down. The orange pony introduces herself as Applejack, fitting considering she looks like a cowgirl with that hat. And then the last to speak is Fluttershy. Who hasn’t stopped smiling.

“You really are something special, please; I’d love if you could come by my library one day so I could study you.” Twilight says enthusiastically.

may as well try and fit in as soon as possible, if its possible that is.

“Yeah, sure, I’ve got plenty of time on my hands” I reply. They all stare at me puzzled, then I realise, they have hooves not hands. “Oh boy, I’ve got a lot to adjust to here” they all laugh, which makes me do something I haven’t done in a while. Smile.

CHAPTER 3: A NEW LIFE

It’s been a few days now since I woke up in my hospital bed, and from what I can tell, I’ve got a lot to get used to. My friends, at least I think we’re close enough to be called friends, have visited me every day, normally full of questions. However, I have plenty of my own questions to ask, but I guess they’ll have to wait for now. sometimes a few of them might visit at one time, or i might get a one on one. Rainbow would come over to tell me stories of her and wanting to get in a group called the Wonderbolts. i'd return the favour with stories of my own, not that theres alot to tell. Applejack would bring me all these types of apple based foods, from pie to pieces. She'd tell me about her farm Sweet apple acres and what she does. i'd just listen intensely and reply every so often. she seems really nice. However, when Rarity comes, she just takes measurements of my body, i wont ask why. Pinkie hasnt once visited me alone, but i think thats because the others wont let her, for my sake. last is Twilight, who has'nt visited once since the first time, weird. I'm just happythat i'm being accepted, and not treated as an outcast.

I'm still extremely worried about James, i mean if I was in that bad shape when I first got here, then how must he be? i Dont even want to contemplate the worst case scenario, but I know i soon must. I have'nt told anyone else about him, incase it causes an uproar or something. i'd rather look for him myself when i've recovered.

On a different note, I feel a whole lot better. Turns out the bullet in my chest was actually a piece of glass that had impaled me when the windscreen shattered. I had no way to tell since if I touched my chest I would be sent into a spasm of pain. But at least I didn’t get shot. None of my bones were broken, thankfully, which means I’m free to leave the hospital once they’ve done a few more checks. They wanted to hold me for longer to take tests, considering what I am, but Twilight said she’d personally deliver the results from her studies to them when she’s done.

My most frequent visitor has been Fluttershy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Honestly, she’s been by my bedside every morning when I wake up, talk about worry. Most days we tell stories of our own worlds to familiarise ourselves with one another, and it’s really worked. I mean, I believed this world to be as alien as the ones in movies, but I couldn’t be more wrong. We have more in common than I thought, for instance, all ponies have jobs, all of which exist on earth. These include, doctors, farmers, shop owners, teachers etc. the only job that doesn’t exist on earth is the Pegasus’s, weather control. Well, at least the weather forecast will always be right here. I wonder if i'll have to get a job if I have to stay here? I have'nt even contemplated that yet, having to stay here.

Normally, when I’m alone, I think of home. To be honest though, there’s not a lot that I’m leaving behind. My flat was a pig sty; my mum never loved me, heck I bet she hasn’t even noticed I’m missing. The only thing I truly miss is my brother, he wasn’t just a part of my life, he was the reason for me being alive. I don’t know what I’ll do without him. Sometimes, when I know I’m alone, I cry, not a lot, but the thought of him just makes me realise he’s gone.

A few days ago, me and Fluttershy were alone, and she asked me about my family, I went blank, I stared at her for about a minute, and then I burst into tears. Now, I would normally never cry in front of anyone, it’s a sign of weakness, but I couldn’t help it. I let out all I had in me, and do you know what she did? She didn’t utter a single word, but she hugged me, long and hard, until I had stopped crying. At that moment, she had shown me something my mum never had, kindness. Then I realised, here in what Fluttershy called Equestria, people actually cared for me, worried about me, no one but my brother has ever shown that before.

Todays the day I leave the hospital. I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous before in my life. I mean, since I was in the hospital, the only ponies who saw me were the doctors and the six of my friends. But now, I step out into ponyville to be seen by who knows how many others. Fluttershy’s convinced me everyone is friendly and would love to meet me, but that’s the equivalent of your mum telling you that everything’s going to be fine when you move to a new school. Hey, Fluttershy actually fits that role of a mother, you know, someone caring.

I haven’t exactly got a lot to pack except the clothes on my back, or to be more exact, my jeans and my vest. My shirt had to be incinerated due to blood and the risk of infection. For a couple of colourful ponies, they’re very intellectual. No worries though, Fluttershy said that her and I guess mine as well, friend Rarity is currently hard at work creating a whole new line of clothes for me. so thats why she was taking the measurements. Apparently, according to Fluttershy, she’s enjoying it, because it’s a whole new challenge for her. Anyway, after signing a release form, yes a release form, Fluttershy escorts me out of the hospital. At first she’s extremely confused because I’m walking on two legs with ease. I try to explain to her that that’s just how my body works, but Twilight will get more accurate results to tell her later. Oh yeah, that’s my first stop, Twilights library.

As we exit the hospital, I can’t believe the entire place is empty, considering we just walked out on a road lined with houses and shops, I’d expect the place to be bustling with ponies.

“It’s worse than I thought” I tell Fluttershy

“How so?” she replies curiously

“I bet they all know what I am and think I’m some sort of monster.” My voice is visibly getting quieter and more downhearted.

“Oh no, that’s not it at all, everypony is out for a special celebration.”

There’s that word again, everypony, guess I got to get used to the new vocabulary. “What celebration?” I ask.
“You’ll see soon enough” Fluttershy replies, smiling.

The rest of the journey is spent with me asking Fluttershy about her friends, which I hope will soon be mine to. She tells me that each one possesses an element, part of the elements of harmony. She starts by telling me that she’s the element of kindness, no wonder. Twilight is the element of magic, apparently she’s the star pupil of the Princess, Celestia, who I guess is like the ruler or something. Rarity is the element of generosity, explains why she’s making me an entire new wardrobe without me even asking. Rainbow Dash is the element of loyalty, but since I’ve only talked to her a few times, I don’t know why she is, but hopefully I’ll find out why soon. Pinkie Pie, who every time she visits looks like she’s just drank 10 coffees, is the element of laughter, explains why she acts so carefree. Lastly, is Applejack, who represents the element of honesty, yet again I don’t know why, but I will find out.

And with that, we reach the library, Fluttershy knocks on the door and I hear some slight murmuring, maybe because its morning, we just woke Twilight up. Fluttershy goes in first, its pitch black, bit odd. I follow in after and barely have time to say a word before I hear a huge “SURPRISE!” The lights suddenly turn on revealing a room full of smiling ponies. My face could not be redder, I’ve never had something like this done for me before, and it felt great.
“Hi, were you surprised? You look it! When I saw you in the hospital I realised you had just got here, and needed to meet everypony else. And what better way than to throw a party!” yelled Pinkie Pie with great enthusiasm.
I just stand there dumbfounded, with everypony (May as well start talking like this now) staring at me, and all I can say is “wow.”

In the course of the next hour I meet more ponies then I can count, among their names is Lyra, Carrot Top, Bon Bon, Colgate, Berry Punch, Miss Cheerilee the local school teacher, Rose, Dr Whooves (Who reminds of someone), must I go on? I also learn a lot more about the 5 who visited me in hospital, especially Pinkie, who just won’t stop talking. The best part is that no one is treating me any different. Sure, there are a lot of questions, but I knew there would be. The party seems to go on all day, since when it draws to a close, night is on the horizon and the moon is rising. Apparently, Princess Celestia raises the sun and her sister, Luna, raises the moon. Now I hoped to be accepted, but I did not expect this at all!

Soon it’s just me and the mane 6 still in the library, oh yeah, and Twilights dragon assistant Spike, but he’s asleep. Just as everyone else is leaving, I realise, where am I going to sleep? Applejack seems to sense this.

“Y’all want to sleep over at sweet apple acres, there’s plenty of room?” she asks

“Oh I couldn’t do that, I mean, you just met me a few days ago.”

“No worries, that’s just what friends do for each other.” She replies, smiling.

There’s not a lot I can do, but just return the smile.

CHAPTER 4: SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

On the walk from Twilights library to sweet apple acres, I’ve really come to like Applejack. She’s funny, eager to know everything about me, but best of all, she’s treating me like she’s known me since birth. why are they all so quick to take me in, maybe because i'm the first human they've ever seen and dont want to mess anything up. I already feel like I can tell her anything, yeah quick, I know. The thing is though, to put it simple, I feel easy around her. She’s been telling me about her family back at the farm, her Grandma, Granny Smith (I wonder if she had that name before she had grandchildren) her little sister Applebloom and her big brother Big Macintosh or Big Mac for short. I in turn tell her about where I come from, Manhattan. Now that surprises her, because apparently there’s a city nearby called Manehattan, this world might be more similar then I thought. I still dont want to tell her about James though, i'd rather bite that bullet myself.

There’s one thing that I’ve identified that’s definitely different here, food. I don’t know how I didn’t make the connection before, ponies are herbivores, and they don’t eat meat, so why should things be different here? When I was in hospital, I was so weak at first I got fed through a tube, but as I recovered, I was fed various fruits and vegetables. I thought this was because they were healthy, but it’s because there is no meat. However, Applejack tells me that there are still cows and pigs, but apparently they can talk as well, so eating them would sort of be murder. I don’t mind though, I never really loved meat back home anyway; I think I can get by.

Another thing I found out is that there are various types of animals here that you wouldn’t find at home. And by the way Applejack describes them, they don’t sound too friendly. The weirdest thing is, most of them inhabit the Everfree Forest, so it’s a miracle I didn’t see any, I wasn’t exactly in the best shape to fight them off.

By the time we reach the farm, the moon is already high in the sky. The farm alone is huge; we have to walk for a further few minutes before we actually reach the house. The whole of Applejacks family must be already in bed, since no lights are on, but she’s says that she’ll introduce me at breakfast tomorrow, so she’ll come and get me in the morning. The house itself is pretty big, and seems to have all the rooms a normal house would, bathroom, living room, dining room, kitchen etc. so after giving me a small tour, we both ascend the stairs and she shows me to the spare room and bids me goodnight in that lovely southern accent of hers. I can’t thank her enough for all her hospitality, but right now I can’t even move let alone talk I’m so tired. With that said, I clamber into the soft, plush bed and drift off into a dead sleep.

I awaken to the smell of what cannot be mistaken as apple pie. I remember, going to McDonalds for apple pie, sure it would burn my mouth, but I loved them none the less. But this smell is different, sweeter. I rise to my feet and walk to the window to survey the scene outside, it looks like something out of a postcard. Endless fields of red apple trees as far as the eye can see. Also, I think I can see Applejacks brother down below, now; his name fits him, Big Mac. He looks almost double the size of Applejack. He seems to be kicking, or I think my cousin used to call it bucking, the apple trees and then collecting them. He must be getting them for breakfast. BREAKFAST. Applejacks going to be getting me soon! I better make myself look presentable! I run to the bathroom and immediately wet my hair and try and style it into something decent. I manage to get my face washed so I don’t look half asleep, and then I get back into my room. Just in time too, because no more than 30 seconds later, Applejack arrives.

“Y’all ready Mark; I got some people who are dying to meet you. And dont worry i've explained what you are, so just be yourself.” She asks me enthusiastically.

“I'm as ready as I’ll ever be.” I reply, still yawning.

You know that feeling when you have a big event coming up, and you don’t worry about it, but when it comes, you get really nervous? Yeah, that’s how I feel right now; I was fine with meeting her family last night, now I’m really nervous. What if they don’t like me? I feel like a boy meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time. I finally pluck up the courage to exit the room, closing the door behind me, and follow Applejack downstairs.

We move into the kitchen where Granny Smith is cooking, and Applebloom is sitting at the table, eagerly awaiting breakfast. Big Mac must still be outside.

“Granny, Applebloom, this is Mark, he’s from… out of town and he sort of, arrived in Ponyville a few days ago.” Applejack introduces me.” I let him stay the night since he aint got nowhere to go right now.” With that she goes outside to get Big Mac.

Granny Smith is the first to talk “well what are ya just standing there for? Sit down, make yourself at home.” She tells me in a cheery tone. She then goes back to her cooking. Now I would never expect that to happen, actually, a lot of things I haven’t expected have occurred recently. Still, i'm being welcomed by everyone, maybe this wont be too bad after all.

I thank Granny Smith and sit down opposite Applebloom, she stares at me for a while, and I uneasily smile back at her.
“Whoa, I’ve never seen anything like you before.” She exclaims.

I smile at her when I say “well, I have all morning to explain myself to you.”

CHAPTER 5: A ROYAL VISIT

After a breakfast that leaves me unable to move, I am forced to make the trek back to Twilights library so she can ‘study’ me. I don’t mind, in fact I’m looking forward to it, maybe her results can give a clue to how I turned up here. The Apple family bid me goodbye after i thanked them for the gorgeous breakfast, Applejack escorted me to the front of the farm. she offered to walk to Twilights with me, I declined gratefully, wanting to be alone with my thoughts. The walk also feels good, since it’s helped me get over breakfast. Don’t think for a second that I’ve forgotten about my brother, as soon as I’m fit enough to, I will look for him, and I’ll probably start in the Everfree forest, since that’s where I ended up.
By the time I reach the library, I almost feel back to normal. I knock on the door, Spike opens it, he still looks asleep, and so I guess that this is early for him even though the sun is high in the sky already. Twilight rushes to the door before I can even say anything to Spike.

“Great, you’re here, let’s waste no time and get started.” Twilight exclaims.

“Mornin to you too Twilight.” I reply as I follow here into the library.

She leads me down a spiral staircase into what looks like Dr Frankenstein’s laboratory, it’s more than a little bit creepy, but I try not let my concern shows. Twilight is rushing around connecting various wires to various machines, getting pieces of paper organised and gathering other supplies. I stand there like a statue staring in awe at all the machinery, “you don’t have TV, but you have this.” I think to myself.

“Come over here please and put this on” Twilight beckons me to a large machine with several pieces of paper with all kinds of readings coming out of it, I hope this doesn’t hurt. I place a strange looking helmet on my head; it seems to be hooked up to the machine.

“Soooo, what does this machine do?” I ask, still trying not to let fear show.

“This machine will be able to record all sorts of medical things about you, bone structure, DNA, illnesses and so on and so forth.” Twilight informs me. She then walks over to a large switch and turns it on. I close my eyes and wait for the pain when I hear her say “done.” Now I feel stupid.

I open my eyes and see that the machine is pushing papers out every second. I take the helmet off and walk towards Twilight. I’m about to ask her if she’s found anything when I hear Spike call from upstairs, “Twi, someone special here to see you.”

I can see from her expression that she’s annoyed, considering she’s been waiting ages for these results. Anyway, she slowly trots upstairs, I follow. We reach the top where she suddenly stops. I ask her what’s wrong, she doesn’t respond. Then she quickly goes to the floor, almost in a sort of bow. Then I see why. There standing in front of me is a huge white unicorn with wings, Princess Celestia!

For a second, I don’t know what to do, but since I see Twilight bowing, I do the same. I get on one knee, like I’m just about to be knighted by the Queen. I stay in this pose for what seems like ages. A bead of sweat runs down my face and hits the floor; it’s so quiet I can hear it hit the wooden boards. Then I feel the Princesses wing touch my shoulder, like I’m being knighted, weird, I know. I rise to my feet and raise my head to meet the Princesses gaze.

“I guess you have been wondering how you ended up here in Equestria, well, before I explain it to you, you must understand, there is no going back.” Her voice is hard and steady, not a syllable being missed. The revelation that I can’t go back hits me hard. Even though I had an idea that this may be the case, it’s still a shock.

No one says a single word, so the Princess continues. “Here in Equestria, magic is not always stable; sometimes it can cross over to different universes. I cannot prevent this from happening, but I can sense it. And it is possible that it can teleport beings from one universe to the other. I felt the magic that brought you here escape as did I know when you arrived. That’s how I knew to come search for you. However, in order to be teleported, a beings life force must be weak enough that it cannot resist the magic that is absorbing it."

Twilight remains dormant, not saying a single word.

I cut in " so that explains it" I may as well explain what happened here and now, " I was in alot of trouble with some people. so much so they wanted me dead. they chased me to a bridge in my car." i dont know if they know what a car is, but I continue nonetheless. " They forced us off the bridge, and I crashed, I was sure I was going to die." I then let the Princess continue with her explanation.

"However, you should not be the only one. I sensed enough magic to bring two beings here.”

“My brother” I say quietly. I cant keep the secret anymore.

“Pardon me?” The Princess asks.

“I haven’t told anyone yet, but when I got in my accident, my brother was sitting right beside me. Like he always was, by my side. But when I woke up he was gone. He’s my only family that cares for me and I’d vowed to stick with him. In fact, once I’d fully recovered I was going to look for him, but I got caught up doing other things.” I feel like I’m close to crying.

Then the Princess speaks up “well, I can see how much you care and I will do all I can to help you. What I can tell you right now is that he’s alive, since the magic in his body is still active, but it is getting weaker.”

That’s all I need to know. After thanking the Princess I rush out the door only to be stopped by Twilight calling my name.

“Where are you planning on going?” she yells

“The Everfree forest!” I shout back.

“You’ll need help.” She replies.

All of a sudden, I get what she means by help. Don’t worry James, I’m gonna find you.

CHAPTER 6: TO THE END

Throughout my entire life, I had believed James would always be the one looking out for me; it had never occurred one day it would be the opposite. I had never contemplated life without him, I don’t think I could. But if I don’t find him soon, my worst nightmare will become reality.

Standing outside the Everfree forest with the crisp cold wind blowing in my face, I feel like a squad commander. Twilights help could not have been better. She had enlisted the help of the entire mane 6 to assist in the search, each with a special talent. Once they had heard from Twilight that we were going to be searching for my brother, they couldn’t refuse, considering most of them have family too. I have set everyone in a formation, one I came up with while Twilight was getting the help. I have two Pegasus’s, Fluttershy and Rainbow, who will prove invaluable. They can scout ahead in the sky to see if they can pick up any sign of life. Fluttershy seems more reluctant, considering her fears, but seems happier that she will have Rainbow by her side. Rarity and Twilight are unicorns, who have the magic to see heat signatures, like thermal vision. I can’t help but think of the movie ‘Predator’. They will scout slightly ahead, to see if they pick anything up. Applejack and Pinkie Pie will accompany me on the ground, since they know the area better than me. Pinkie Pie seems to have calmed down and actually turned serious! Lastly, Princess Celestia said she will wait outside, since she is forbidden to enter the forest, probably some ancient law. She says that the signal is now extremely weak and can barely feel it. We have to do this now, I can’t lose him now, and not after all I’ve been through.

As if sensing the urgency, Rainbow and Fluttershy enter the skies of the forest, slow enough however so Fluttershy can keep up. Next is Twilight and Rarity, their horns glowing brightly as they enter Everfree. Rarity is wearing what looks like a fancy scarf, is this an outing for her? Lastly, me, Applejack and Pinkie, I swallow, hard as we enter the dark abyss, memories flooding back to me of pain and despair, I shiver at the thought.

It’s already getting dark by the time we’re deep inside the forest, but I don’t falter. We haven’t heard word from Rainbow and Fluttershy, and we can still see Rarity and Twilight up ahead, horns acting double as torches to lead the way. Applejack and Pinkie ask me questions about my brother, Applejack more than Pinkie, considering she has Big Mac. Answer most questions fully, about how he always looked out for me and we watched each other’s backs. Some questions leave me in a cold stare, like what my family were like. James is the only family I care about, but I don’t tell them that.

We must have been out here for hours now, considering the moon is now directly above us. I can see that both Applejack and Pinkie are getting tired, I tell them that they can turn back, I don’t mind going at it myself, I’ll go all night if I have to! They decline, saying that they won’t give up if it’s family at stake. I’m glad that their willing, I don’t want to feel like I’m pushing them. However, after they reported nothing, I wanted to send Rainbow and Fluttershy back, since they won’t be able to see anything in this light, but they want to continue with us, so they walk with me, Applejack and Pinkie. Rarity and Twilight are still hard at it, but I can see their pace slowing. I really am getting scared now, if James’s signal was weak before, what is it now? The wind is like ice to my skin, yeah Rarity finished my clothes, which included a jacket, but it’s still freezing. How do these ponies cope!

It must have been early morning, around 2:00 when I heard the shout. We were all extremely tired, and even I was considering giving up, when Twilight yelled at us to come see something. I rushed through the trees, crashing into branches and even cutting my hands as I went, sweat poured down my face, I didn’t care. But when I reached the two unicorns and stared at what they were in turn were locked in gaze with, I stopped dead. My heart began racing, my legs began to give way, I didn’t fight it, and I collapsed to my knees. There, mere inches from me, was James. He had a small cut on his head and his leg looked broken in several places. I couldn’t see below his neck, since he had wrapped himself in leaves, to act as a makeshift blanket. There didn’t seem to be any disturbance around him, much like me, but he wouldn’t be able to move anyway, with his leg broken like that. I stared at him further, his face was as white as a ghost, his arms lay stiffly by his side, his eyes were locked shut as they are in a dead sleep, and he wasn’t breathing.

“James….?” I said softly, reaching out to touch him, hold him. He didn’t respond. By this time, the others had gathered around, nothing was said. “James?” I said louder, tears welling up in my eyes, still nothing. My life had been ripped apart, my guardian angel, my best friend, my brother, lay unmoving in front of me. Then I lost it. “JAMES!!! WAKE UP, PLEASE DONT LEAVE ME, don’t leave me, I need you, I love you, please wake up, brothers to the end remember??!!” I hugged him with all my might, locked in an unbreakable embrace, and I cried. The realisation had hit hard, he was gone, and there was no bringing him back. After a while, Fluttershy came up to me, just like before in hospital when I cried, she said nothing, just hugged me.

On the way out of the forest, nothing was said, nothing needed to be said. I carried James in my arms; he was so cold, stuck in the sleep of the dead. The others followed behind me, I could hear slight weeping behind me, I guess death is an uncommon occurrence, especially seeing it happen up close. I couldn’t cry any more, there was no fluid left in me. On the walk back I reminisced of the good times, going to football matches, movies, parties. We did everything together; we were two parts of the same person. But that’s all changed now; I’m on my own now.

When we reach the border of the forest, I’m surprised to see Celestia waiting for us. She looks at me, asking the inevitable question just with her facial expression, the cold, empty stare I give back is answer enough for her. I say nothing, just walk up to her, and place James at her feet; “He didn’t make it.” is all I say. I can’t bear it anymore, I just can’t, it’s too much. I break down, fall to the ground and pass out from the shock.

EPILOGUE: WHEN TWO BECOME ONE

It’s been a week now since I found James, but I still can’t believe he’s gone, just like that. I always knew there was a chance, I may not find him. But when I was told there was still a sign of life I thought there was a glimmer of hope, then seeing him, with my own eyes, dead. I remember the pain becoming too much, so I just let it happen, I let myself black out, offering no resistance, so I may not wake up again and I’ll be reunited with my other half. No such luck. I awoke the next day in Applejacks spare room, in the same bed where only the morning before I had woke up still with hope in my heart. I was sitting by the window, watching the sun rise, hoping to find something to smile at, when Applejack came in. at first she just stood beside me, staring at the sun as it rose into the sky, or got pulled into the sky by Celestia.

“Sure is beautiful aint it Mark?” Applejack said to me, finally breaking the silence.

“Yeah, I have to admit, it is certainly something.” I reply, my tone still grey and low.

“I want you to understand, you’re not on your own out here. I know you lost your brother, who was also your best friend, and I must say I can’t relate to anything like that happening to me. But he didn’t leave you to fend for yourself. All of us here in Ponyville are here to help you. Believe me when I say, things will get better, I promise.”

With that she left my side, and left me alone with my thoughts.

Well, like I was saying, it’s been a week now, but what Applejack said was true. Everypony has been treating me really kindly, trying to offer any support they can, be it a kind remark or even a meaningful embrace. Fluttershy even let me stay in her cottage for support. I can’t let myself be absorbed in sadness, James would have hated it, and he never liked seeing me unhappy. I have to move on somehow, but I just don’t know how. Whenever I had a problem, I would go to James, it’s not like I can do that anymore. But, I know that within time, I will accept my new life, and hopefully come to enjoy it, just not now.

When I asked Twilight about what happened to James’s body, she told me Celestia is studying him in Canterlot to see if she can discover anything more about how we got here. To be honest, I don’t mind what she does with it, James’s soul left it a week ago, and it’s nothing to me now. Twilight also asked me to come over to her library today, apparently she’s discovered something in my results that I should see. So I’m on my way over there now, thinking about where I go from here. I don’t care about anything on Earth, TV, Facebook, Video games; all I cared for was James. About living in Ponyville, the Mayor told me they were constructing a cottage close to Fluttershys, because of all the unused space. It’s close to the forest, I don’t care though, it’s just full of bad memories, ones I’d rather not think about, ones to leave behind. I’m still thinking about what happens next, when I reach Twilights library. But when she opens the door to let me in, I see she has a visitor, Princess Celestia!

“Hi Mark, ummmm… come on in.” Twilight beckons me inside.

Without saying a word, I enter and walk right up to Celestia, stare into those strong eyes, “Princess.” I say, as steady as I can.

“Mark, I am very sorry for what happened to you. And, if you want to, I will personally organise a funeral in your brother’s memory.”

I nod respectively.

“But, this is not what I came to discuss with you. Like I said before, you and your brother both had magic inside of your bodies when you entered Equestria. Yours would have exited your system by now, but your brothers, his stayed with him, fighting to keep him alive. Not long after you had entered the forest, I felt his signal die out. So, I came up with a plan.”

I look at her, puzzled.

“Even though I do not have the power to reunite you with your brother in life, I can in memory.”

Now I’m extremely confused.

“Just trust me.” The Princess says, as she gestures me on my knees.

All of a sudden, I feel a sudden heat enter my body, images flash past my eyes, causing me to fall to the floor. After a while, the pain subsides and I am able to regain composure. I look at the Princess, light headed I ask, “What did you do to me?”

“I gave you your brother’s memories. Everything you ever did together, everything he knew of you, you now know. Even though he may not be here with us, he’s with you.”

Thats when i feel them, as if i was looking through his eyes. All the memories we've spent together, from when i could talk to the accident that caused so much pain and everything in between, James isn't just with me, he's in me, he's a part of me. I look up at the Princess, a smile forming on my face. “Thank you, so much, I mean for everything.” I feel myself about to cry again, because I have finally realised, everything’s going to be alright. I have more friends then I ever had back home, people who truly care for me, like James did . And he'll be with me every step of the way. Now me and him really will be brothers to the end.