Vanhoover's Darkest Night
High up in the skies of Equestria, a zeppelin was making its course. The sun had barely creaked over the horizon when it departed, but now the sun was on its way to making its descent as it approached its destination.
The clouds were adequately below them, spread out enough so that one could look out at the ground beneath. Even with a clear view, it would be difficult to see any living being at the ground level scurry around.
Ponies were gathered at varying points along the observation deck. Some were trotting to and fro, while others were focused on either themselves or the world that passed by them. One however stood alone at the prow, looking out directly toward where they were going.
Then again, she wasn’t a pony amongst all these ponies.
True, she had a mane, fur, and tail like them, along with what you could consider hooves. Yet it didn’t take long to spot her from a crowd if one focused long enough. Her golden yellow coat carried with it light gray scales like that of a dragon along her back, snout, and the tips of her cloven hooves. Her azure mane splayed outward proudly with a red horn that could be mistaken for an antler with how it parted in two at the top.
All signs of a kirin. And Serene Turbulence was confident she was the only one for a continent’s length away. It had been months since she left her home, and she had never heard of any kirin before her leaving it, at least their own land. Perhaps there was a chance there could be one where she was heading, perhaps even a dozen. Though so far in her travels she had not heard of one being that knew what a kirin was, just as she did not know of the world outside.
As she looked out to her destination in the distance, she smiled a bit at seeing it gradually get closer and closer. She had learned much about Equestria and its ponies, as well as some other beings here and there, but this what her goal was now. The capital of Canterlot sounded appealing considering how much history could be there, but it was one event she learned of and where specifically it was going to be that told her that this was where she had to go.
The Summer Sun Celebration, a chance to truly learn history and partake in merriment. The songs of her own kind were splendorous, true, but she could not shake that need to learn of the world’s offerings. And now after months of planning, hard work, and determination: she was here. Here to learn but also to get away from—
“Attention all passengers!” the intercom sounded behind her. “We are beginning our descent! For all those who are transferring or if this is their final stop, we urge you to gather any of your belongings for disembarkment at this time! We estimate we will be landing in twenty minutes! We thank you for your patronage!”
“Finally…” she whispered, just reinforcing once again that this was reality.
“And most of all, let us be the first to say: Welcome to Vanhoover!”
Serene couldn’t contain herself as the zeppelin passed into Vanhoover proper. In preparation for this stop, she had done research in regards to Vanhoover itself. Just learning about the buildings themselves was a definite intrigue with a material referred to as steel apparently made by beings known as “minotaurs”. While she already missed the greens and browns of the forests, she felt like she was in a new forest entirely. The skyscrapers in particular had caught her attention. Many of them seemed to be as tall as some of the spires of the Perilous Peaks, though not as tall of the Peaks themselves of course
It wasn’t just the buildings that caught her attention. Many pegasi in the distance she could make out, already more than the small villages and towns she had trekked through to get here.
The biggest surprise however was what else she saw in the sky. Or perhaps who as she witnessed griffons flying around them. This was one being she was hoping to see, and so far they did not disappoint. Another species such as herself carrying multiple traits of different beings? It made her wish her draconic side carried with it a pair of wings, but alas that was not meant to be.
As more and more different kinds of buildings, and soon enough vanity items such as statues and gardens showed themselves: her smile couldn’t be pushed down in the slightest. She had to focus all her willpower into making sure she did not try to jump off the zeppelin. So much history perhaps in this one city alone, and now too the Summer Sun Celebration? It was perfect.
“Attention all passengers, we are a few minutes away from docking. Please make your final preparations and make sure you have gathered all your belongings before departure.”
Serene didn’t need any further direction, aside from a small bag containing a journal and some Equestrian currency, she was all prepared to leave. Turning herself away from the front of the zeppelin, she made her way back to the center so that she could depart at the first possible moment. Some other ponies were already gathered, and her presence caused them to look to her in confusion and intrigue.
She was used to it by this point, she would be quite annoyed if not for the fact that she was doing it herself.
The moment she saw the gangway put into place, she wasted no time in pushing forward to get off. Of course, making sure to not collide with anybeing, she was almost bouncing as she touched down onto the ground below. Even the ground was new! What was this gray stone set in a path? Why was it along this black stone that seemed to serve as a path itself? The amount of carriages in tow on that path! Perhaps she shouldn’t get in the way of them but there were so many! The amount of beings in flight above her! Ponies! Gryphons! Ponies… more ponies…
She gave a shake of her head. This was Equestria after all. Griffons were an apparent occasional sight, but mostly within the cities from what she could surmise. But a celebration such as this had to attract more beings, right?
Taking a moment to stop herself, she managed to reach behind and rummage through her bag. Finding her journal, she summoned her magic and pulled it out. It wasn’t the journal though she wanted – not yet at least – rather the parchment she had stuck into it. Separating it from the journal and then putting that away, she opened it up to a map.
Not the most detailed one, but it was enough for what she needed. Glancing to a circle she had made prior, she began deducing her way. It was just a matter of finding the direction she was going and the way she was facing.
Suddenly a voice sounded in her ear, and she looked away to see a passing pony looking back at her with a crossed expression. What transgression had she done? Looking around, she tried to see if maybe she had stepped on some sacred ground. Yet she was just standing on this path. As she looked, other ponies passing right by her seemed to look annoyed as they walked around. But why though? It wasn’t like she was preventing them from entering an abode.
Then again, maybe she had done some kind of—
Shaking her head to clear her mind, she began to trot forward again. There was no need for that now. It was just them. Ponies were odd sometimes.
Trying to keep her pace was tougher than Serene initially thought. The various buildings she was now witnessing caused her to almost stop in her tracks at times. The reason she kept pushing forward was just for her current destination.
Still, she had so many questions! Where were the houses? Why were so many of these structures seemingly just there? Where do all these beings go for their sleep and rest? How could anybeing not be overwhelmed like she was already?
It felt like for each new road she went down, she was starting to comprehend how vast it was in this city, but then she couldn’t. It seemed to encompass a much larger area than her home, and actually being within it was an exhilarating experience entirely. Seeing so much new at once, she never had the chance!
Then again, she never even bothered to explore the mainland back home, just another failure of her to—
“Focus, Serene, focus…” she mumbled to herself. Looking at the map, she turned herself at a path up ahead. Immediately after, she began to put it away upon seeing the new sight.
It had opened up vastly, buildings making way for open air. What buildings were there stood out. As she walked inward, there were six towering structures surrounding the area. Looking above herself, one of these structures just showed how magnificent they were. It was like the awe of a spire of the Peaks if you made the trek to the base of one. There was a large bridge in between each, connecting them together in one grand display. While they didn't compare to the other towers she had seen on the way, the way they stood together was a sight to behold.
Vanhoover Plaza, this was where the Summer Sun Celebration was to take place.
Or rather, currently was. Looking back to what was in front of her, the immediate environment around her had changed. Suddenly, there was a lack of carriages and beings were freely walking everywhere instead of the gray path she was on now. Looking around, she saw uniformed ponies standing on attention. Guards of some kind? She was reminded of the sentinels who watched over the populace and even the elders.
There would be more time to learn later though. Right now she had to get her bearings, and of course prepare for the near future of her stay.
Serene had been still for a good few minutes. She was in the building that was dubbed the “Vanhoover Mall”, but to call it just a mere 'building' would be an understatement. It was divided up into layers, more beings she could barely make out going to and fro across them as far as she could make out. It was like she was in a marketplace from what she could gathered, and it stretched onward so high with so many different wares!
There could be time for that later though. These buildings had to hold some way to get to the roof, that was where the official celebration activities would be stationed. She wanted to experience the Celebration itself, then perhaps see what Equestria itself offered in the coming time. Plus the chance to see the city from up high again so soon? How could she pass up the opportunity? But just how would she get up there? Would she have to scale a path just like the Peaks? It seemed uncanny how much these common structures here reminded her of that mysterious place.
As she looked around the area, she saw something moving. That something became a few which were going up or down the building. Looking all the way down, she saw some stopping at the bottom floor with a bunch of beings moving toward them.
Her eyes popped in realization. “Ah!” she cheered, breaking from her spot and trotting herself over. As she got closer, she began to discern it. It looked like a room, but clearly it was moving up and down carrying beings with it. Was this some kind of lift for beings themselves? It was like slings and structures used to transport fallen foresting when magic was not enough.
Looking up at the name, she read: Roof Access Elevator. Elevator… elevation? To elevate? It seemed like that was what it meant, which the present doings were leading to that conclusion.
A strange chime of sorts sounded, and she watched the walls in front of her slide open. Beings began to come outward, and others began to go in after. This seemed to be her chance, and she gingerly stepped inside. It was quite crowded, but she couldn’t deny this was such an ingenious contraption! Perhaps one could be made for transport up and down cliff sides for fishers and harvesters?
“Stand clear of the doors! Mall roof!” a voice called. Serene’s ears twitched at the voice. She saw a griffon was standing in the corner just next to her, and nearby were two sticks. She took note he seemed to be wearing some kind of uniform: a red cap and even a matching coat.
As he pulled one stick, a clunk sounded that almost caused her to jump. The walls began to close in together on each other and seal the entrance. Once they were closed, she then watched as the griffon pulled the other stick, and after hearing some more clinks and clunks she could feel the whole room around them start to shift.
She was giddy, oh if only she could see what was outside. As it stood though, it was easier to see this “elevator” as a whole from the outside rather than see everything else from within.
“You don’t look any unicorn I’ve seen before.” Serene’s smile dropped, going to bewilderment. Then she realized it was that very griffon looking to her and speaking those words.
Ah, another curious one. “Well, that’s because I am no unicorn,” she spoke. She puffed out her chest a tad, standing up straight. “I’m a kirin, I’ve come from far away.”
“Kir-what? Never heard of one.”
“Well, I don’t expect anybeing to. We are a rather lucrative people, in fact it should be an honor to gaze upon one because not many would choose to travel this far.” She couldn’t hold back a smile of pride. Between her peoples’ heritage and history, it was rather something to be proud of. To have such—
“Well, you should feel honored to be in my elevator. And honored I don’t stop it for every pretentious schmuck who thinks they own this place and boot them out.”
Serene felt her jaw drop. She had never heard anyone, anybeing, talk back to her in this fashion! Even in public forums back home she had not heard of this tone! Aggressive? Perhaps. But this was… was...
She wanted to reply, but then she felt the room cease its movement. After a moment, the griffon pushed one of his sticks forward, the walls opening up once again. As the crowd inside began to walk out, she forced herself to step outside as well. Taking a few steps away from everybeing else, she took in a quick breath. It was perhaps just a bad seed. Yes, she was bound to run into one eventually. They didn’t know just how rare it was to witness a kirin. The fault was on them for not comprehending the opportunity.
Or maybe I once again failed, a voice - her voice - said in her head.
She sank down a bit, ignoring the world around her. No… no, now was not the time for that. She was here for a new start.
One breath, two, three. Clearing her throat, she snapped back up straight. Right away she saw just where she was now. It had a good amount of beings milling about, but now they had the horizon in clear view all around them. The sun was still in the same position in the sky as below, but the change in venue was a whole new world compared to even the zeppelin.
Trotting toward the edge, and relaxing her front hooves on top of the wall, she looked outward. The view to ground could be as if one dared to climb the Peaks to be able to look to the land below. From here she could see life down there going about, she could see the city in motion truly now. And she was just among them only some minutes ago. Even though she wasn't at the highest possible peak in this city, it still felt like she truly above the world right now while still being a part of it unlike before in the zeppelin.
It was amazing enough she had to remind herself to actually breath. As she did so, she caught a scent in the air and she felt her stomach react. Oh… that smell was unlike anything she had smelled before, and she wanted it! The smell of vegetables and fruits, how could she have missed that? But it was how they were that made her want it. It carried a heat with it unlike what she would have expected.
Removing herself from the wall, she turned around to look across the roof in more detail. Everybeing seemed to carry food and drink with them, so she wasn't imagining things. However, she decided to let her nose be the one to guide her instead of her eyes, letting herself wander through the crowd.
As she passed through the thicket of beings, something on the far side of the roof caught her attention. It reminded her of a fruit stand back home, yet this one was more… grand. There was a pony settled right behind the stand, but then next to it she saw a long line of ponies nestled behind a long table. She saw signs, and other ponies carrying plates along.
Getting close, she looked up and noticed writing: Pear Pasture Enterprise. Pears? Was that was she was smelling? She’d never smelled pears like these before. The pony at the stand itself was alone, no other being was being giving attention so she took that as her opportunity to inquire.
“Welcome to Pear Pasture Enterprise, where our pears are full of flair!” the pony sounded off as she approached. “How may I… help?” he trailed off. Serene looked him in the eye. Obviously he was intrigued as to who she was.
“Good evening to you now!” Serene greeted, smile on her face. “I’ve come from far away and am here to partake in the Summer Sun Celebration! And I’ve noticed your fine food! I wish to indulge!” The pony stared at her more, he seemed to want to speak but could not come to a start.
“Um… if you don’t mind me asking, where did you get that fancy hat there? Or would that be a horn hat?”
“Ah!” she proclaimed. “It’s no garment, it is my own horn! I’m not a unicorn you see, I am a kirin! Though you might consider it an antler, as it harkens to our history of—”
“Excuse me, what’s going on here?”
Serene snapped out of her revelry. She looked toward the voice and saw another pony walking up to the stand. It was an elderly pony, a green scarf around his neck but also too a suit and pants. Despite his age though it seemed he carried an air of authority as the other pony stood at attention toward him.
“Sir! I-I, I was just speaking to one of our possible customers sir! I-I just couldn’t help but notice… well…” the pony looked back over to Serene, and the elderly pony then looked to her. One of his eyebrows quirked, and then he looked back to the other.
“You know what there, Seckel? Perhaps I should take care of this one. Maybe you should go get a quick drink.”
“Yes, sir!” Serene watched as the younger one - Seckel was it? - start trotting away. Meanwhile the elderly pony took his place directly at the stand.
“I’ve seen quite a few things in my day, but I ain’t ever seen one of you before,” he said. “The name’s Grand Pear, owner of Pear Pasture Enterprise.”
“An honor.” She gave a slight bow. “My name is Serene Turbulence, and you might not have seen one of my kind before.”
“I heard you said you were a… ‘kirin’, now was it?” he asked.
“Yes! I am often mistaken for a unicorn, but I assure you I am not a pony! I’ve come a long way to explore Equestria!” She couldn’t help but stretch a foreleg out, pointing to all around just to emphasize to him what she meant.
“Really now then? Interesting.” He leaned forward on the stand. “So what got you to come out here? Interest in the outside world?”
Serene’s ears fell back against her head. “Um… y-yeah. I very much wanted to see the outside world but… um…” she felt her heart racing. Why oh why did somebeing have to bring this up?
“What’s wrong there?” Grand Pear asked.
“I… I wanted to explore the outside world, but it wasn’t an easy one. My family wanted me to do… otherwise, a-and I couldn’t just… just…” Sweat started to form. No no no… please, I was putting this behind me and—
“So you’re here because you went against your own blood then?” Serene was pulled out of her mind. The tone he carried, it seemed to hold much anger suddenly. Refocusing on Grand Pear, she felt her heart jump again as she saw the scowl on his face. “Went and just left them behind their back now?”
“W-what?” she asked.
“Listen, little filly, I’m a busy stallion. My time is precious, and I don’t have time to waste on fillies like yourself.” He pulled back from the stand, looking over his shoulder, “Trail!” he shouted.
“Y-yes sir!” a voice shouted. Serene couldn’t move, unable to understand what was going on. A moment later she saw another pony run over toward them. He practically skidded to a stop and stood at attention to Grand Pear. “Here, sir!”
“Kindly see to our… guest here. Seckel will be back at the stall here in a few minutes. I suddenly don’t feel so right. I also need to speak to that city council pony again about those so called “performers” intruding on our rightful spot here.” Grand Pear didn’t give them another word as he turned and began to trot away. Serene only watched as he just hung his head, a scowl on his face.
She looked back to the stallion who had come at his call, who was also watching Grand Pear walk off. She took notice of a few things. Mainly he carried a dark blue coat similar to her own mane, though his own mane was a white color. She also noticed that unlike Grand Pear and that Seckel pony he was a pegasus. Probably the most intriguing was that his right eye was colored a forest green while his left was a cyan blue.
“Um, and you are?” she asked.
“Oh!” he yelped, snapping his attention to her, even throwing up a forehoof in a salute. “Uh, yes, yes! Hello! How can I be of service to you?”
“Well, he said that—”
“AAH!” the stallion yelped, causing Serene herself to do the same while also rearing back in fright. The stallion meanwhile had his wings began to twitching rapidly, hovering him off the ground slightly. “Oh! Oh my!”
“Great spirits of beyond!” Serene exclaimed as she settled back down, one hoof clutching her barrel.
“Sorry! Sorry!” the stallion replied, setting back onto the ground. “I’ve— I’ve just been so busy! I’ve been going back and forth, back and forth that everyone was starting to blend into each other! I just now actually noticed that… that… wow! You look cool!” He began to grin sheepishly, hoof running over his forehead.
Serene was at a loss for words. “Look… ‘cool’ you say?”
“Yeah! I mean, you get quite a variety of people here! You get convocations of griffons and stables of ponies of course, and today I even got to help out a group of minotaurs!” He started to look away, forehoof going toward his mouth. “Or wait, would that be prides of griffons? Do minotaurs have their own terminology too?” He paused for a moment, before his eyes settled back to Serene. “Um… actually, forget about that,” he said with a shake of his head.
“You… are a knowledge seeker?” she asked.
“Well, yeah! Kinda comes with the job here. Have to know a lot of things! Especially for tonight! Gotta be— oh shoot! Here I am standing here when he asked—” he coughed into his hoof, brushing it against his barrel. “Sorry. I was supposed to help you out. The name’s Wind Trail. Though you can call me either… or both. I prefer Trail though. That’s what everyone calls me. On behalf of Pear Pasture Enterprise: I am your help and information pony!”
Serene beamed. “And that is what I seek! For I too, seek knowledge! Serene Turbulence is my name!”
“Well, a pleasure to meet you then, Serene!” He extended his hoof forward. “May I call you ‘Serene’?”
She looked at his hoof, wondering what was going on. “Um… may I ask what is this you are doing now?”
Trail’s ears fell against his head. “Trying to… greet you? Hoofbump? Or shake, you know?”
“A… what? Sorry, but I am not familiar with these terms.”
His eyes lit up, as he retracted his hoof. “Really now? Must be from way out of Equestria then or something.”
“Precisely that! Though before I ask you about knowledge, I was wondering if I may ask about the food here?” She pointed down the line, toward the table.
“Oh, that? You just grab a plate and have at it! Pear Pasture Enterprise is the official sponsor for the Summer Sun Celebration this year! Plenty to go around at a nice price!” He smiled, gesturing out his forehoof.
“Perfect! Then I shall, ‘have at it!’” She stepped to the side, smiling as she looked at the setup. See plates, she summoned her magic and grabbed one and began to look at the food available. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. It was all pears, yes, but it was how they were presented that gave her pause. Roasted pear? Pear… pie? Pear… fritters?
“Something wrong?” Trail asked.
“I… have to admit, I don’t know what much of these are,” she confessed, looking back to him. “I’ve been partaking in fruits mostly since I arrived in Equestria, and I discovered this wondrous concoction called ‘bread’ before. But these… look like different kinds of bread here.”
Trail stared at her for a moment. “Um… you’ve never heard of bread before?”
“No! I wish we had it! But it needs flour and wheat according to what I’ve learned! And we have none of these back home!” Eyeing the food once again, she ignored the pony behind the table looking at her oddly as she scanned again. “And do you actually put your fruit to a flame? We are no stranger to grilling and frying, but how have you gotten it like this?!” She smiled wide, it smelled good already but just something new in just food alone made her already satisfied in coming here!
Trail meanwhile sighed, one forehoof pressing against his forehead. “Um… not an open flame. We use an oven for the most part to—”
“What’s an oven?”
“Oh for…” Trail brought one of his wings forward, replacing his forehoof in covering his head. He was glad Serene was too busy looking a bit too eager for just food of all things to notice.
Serene had never felt bliss like this before. Being able to learn so much at once, already about to partake in that very knowledge, and good food to go with it? She had filled her plate with various pieces she was eager to try, though it pained her to have to wait on others as she wasn’t about to give herself a stomachache.
“...do you have any more questions?” Trail asked, his eyes narrowed unbeknownst to Serene’s preoccupied mind.
She looked to the pony behind a… what was it called again, register? “Yes, how many bits must I pay?” she spoke.
“Twenty bits for the amount you have there,” he answered, Serene paying no heed to his lowered tone,
As she opened her bag to search for her bits, she added, “Is there a place where I might sit to enjoy this?”
“There are some tables right over there…” Trail answered, pointing with a slightly shaking forehoof.
Giving the bits over, she began to trot toward that very direction. It felt like quite a walk away from most of the other beings at the moment. Then again most seemed keen on talking amongst themselves at the moment across the rooftop away from this area anyway.
She was too focused on all that to see Trail’s eye twitched as he asked, “anything else you want to know about? I mean you’ve only asked about a hundred questions in the past… ten minutes.”
“Hundred? I think I’ve only asked about fifty!” She set her food down at the closest table, taking a seat. “Though I might as well ask a hundred!”
Trail stopped in his tracks, just a few feet away from her. “...what?”
“I told you, I seek knowledge! I must know all I can! Like, what do you call—”
“STOP!!” Trail yelled. Serene nearly toppled out of her seat, catching herself on the table and looking to Trail. He was breathing heavily, eyes glaring toward her. “Do you ever shut up?! Holy Tartarus! I may be an information pony, but I’m not a damn encyclopedia! Let alone your encyclopedia!” His wings flared out, his head lowering as he continued to glare right into her. “I get it! You want to know a lot! But I’m just one pony here! Do you not comprehend what you do to others?! Or is that something else non-existent back at your home?!” His eyes clenched shut, and a forehoof went to his head.
Serene only vaguely had the idea of his gesture similar to one trying to a nurse a headache, but it was overtaken by the rush of emotion she was feeling. She was going to cry, something she didn’t want to do on this trip. That was one goal of hers to do: not cry. But now this had happened, and she failed… again. Worst of all was that failure coming from the very place she sought a new start.
Perhaps maybe her ambitions weren’t meant to be after all. If she even failed at learning properly, was there any merit to her goal now? Would she fail at even giving up at this point? Everything felt cold, but a fire was building inside her.
“Oh… oh nononono,” Trail’s voice came. “I’m… I’m sorry! I didn’t—”
“Don’t be sorry,” she sobbed. “You’re right, I do not know when to… be quiet.” She slunk down, head resting on her forehooves. “I’ve been told time and again how much I speak out of turn, and how much I fail to respect others.” She brought her forehooves over her eyes. “I fail… and fail… and fail…” She started to cough a bit, feeling her tears start to form. They felt hot. So, so hot. Fail… fail… fail… that’s all she did. She—
“Are… are you okay there?” Trail asked, who sounded closer to her vicinity.
“Do you care?” she mumbled. “You meant what you said, right?” She took in a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
“I…” Serene picked up a noise coming from Trail, was he whispering to himself? “I mean… I… shouldn’t answer that. But… this… how do I say it? You look like you’ve been messed up for a while now.”
Serene managed to look up, her eyes dull as she merely looked forward. “Messed… up?” she asked.
“Not right, not all there, aren’t well? I don’t know! But I can tell you’re hurting, and it’s not just because of my yelling!” Despite the burning inside her, she felt a pang of a different heat inside as suddenly she saw Trail sit down at the other side of the table.
“Why… why are you asking?” She blinked, some tears coming out which allowed her to focus on him. “If you admitted to your words, why inquire into my reaction?”
“Because I…” Trail’s forehoof went to the back of his neck, his other bracing himself onto the table. “Well… I can tell when someone’s not feeling right, especially if it’s like this.” He removed his forehoof from his neck, bringing it back forward to join his other. “Look yeah. I just yelled at you. And I shouldn’t have, and maybe I just kinda am trying to salvage this so I don’t get fired— wait, no! No, I’m sorry about that, I mean it. You don’t have to forgive me, but let me at least try to help then. It’s obvious you’re not upset just because of me.”
Serene was quiet. She was trying to understand what was going on, but she couldn’t come to a cohesive conclusion. It made no sense! His anger was genuine, yet he was seeking atonement so quickly? He had cause for his outburst, she even admitted so! But regardless he was still looking to not only forgive… but aid?If she were home, she would most likely be sent to trial for her disrespect! Judged before the elders!
But this wasn’t home though. This was Equestria, and she was seeking a new land. Was this a test to see if she was truly up to trying to indulge herself here?
The burning in her subsided further as she took a deep breath. Clearing away the rest of her tears with her forehoof, she began, “You’re right… I have had many issues before I set forth here.”
She watched as Trail nodded, also leaning forward. “It certainly feels like a lot. You look like you need a hug or something.”
She blinked. A hug? Do ponies just freely do such an intimate and personal gesture to anybeing? That was reserved for one’s family! Family... She choked a bit, memories coming back. “Oh….” she moaned, feeling tears threatening to return along with the burning.
“Whoa! Whoa!” She heard the sliding of wood, and suddenly she felt something on her withers. She broke from her thoughts as it felt… comforting. She looked and found Trail now at her side… it was his hoof consoling her. “Easy, calm down there,” he whispered.
Her mind was begging for answers, but none came. This was so different from home, so none of her experiences could align properly here. The one thing that came to mind though… was this random being showing care? Why? Why do this? Just…
“Why?” she said aloud. “How, even, are you doing this?” She turned herself in her seat, facing toward him which prompted him to retract his hoof. “I don’t understand any of this. Not you, or what you’re even doing right now!”
Trail began to look at her oddly, one eye squinting as he formed an awkward frown. “Uh….”
“You yell at me, and then want forgiveness? I admit to fault, but wish to help?” She clutched her head with one hoof, the other leaning onto the table. “None of this makes sense! We are supposed to suffer in our failures! Our parents console us only so we may figure out and work through our faults! Those who rightfully call out injustice should hold no shame!” Her other hoof went to her head, there was actually pain brewing inside.
“Excuse me but, what in Tartarus are you talking about?” That got her to snap her hooves down and glare, she wanted to protest, but the response went dry in her throat. “No offense, but that sounds… horrible. Like is that what it’s like back where you come from? You’re just supposed to take it and wallow in it? You don’t even try to talk to anyone?”
Serene’s mouth opened, ready to respond. Nothing came out though as she forced herself to quell the storm in her mind. This wasn’t home anymore, this was Equestria. Things were different here, that’s why she made this journey in the first place. Everything around her was different, including the beings she would be making contact with. The one thing that was still the same though was herself.
This is the chance I was waiting for. And I’m still refusing to yield, she surmised. She turned herself back to the table, resting her forelegs on it. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she exhaled as if to expel the clouds blocking her judgment. “You’re… not wrong.”
“Wait, excuse me?”
“I… can not deny what you said. In fact you might say I agree with you.” She opened her eyes, seeing Trail trot himself back around and take a seat once again. His expression was more erratic than before, but she could tell he shared the same confusion she was having a moment ago in her own mind.
“But… didn’t you just admit you’re the one with a problem? And then try to defend your way of life or something?” She watched as his wings unfolded and shook in place for a moment.
“It was a matter of conflating my pride with what had transpired which led me here,” she explained. “It’s… how is to say….” She paused, her mind once again wanting differing actions. However she pushed to reach the one she wanted which aligned with her purpose, “After being told some things for so long, I started to believe them myself. It’s why I decided to leave and… and…” she couldn’t continue that sentence, the memories coming back stopping her.
Trail though seemed to notice her grief. “You definitely need someone to talk to and—”
“Trail!” Both jumped at the new voice, though Trail himself was shaking a bit and Serene felt dread as both realized it wasn’t a new voice. “Where are you, stallion? These darn Wonderbolts refuse to move and I need your wings to find that captain of theirs!”
He turned away from Serene. “Yes sir! On my way, sir!” He called outward. He took a step away, but froze and looked back to her. “Oh… crud, um… I— dangit. Look, I need to go. I can’t leave the boss waiting!”
“Wait, but what about—”
“I know! I’m sorry!” His eyes closed and lips pursed, and he brought a forehoof to the back of his neck. “Look, I did… go too far. But it’s not just me trying to salvage a bad situation. And maybe you can try to find me later.” Reopening his eyes, she saw familiarity as it reminded her of wanting atonement as well. “I am sorry. I don’t ever want to hold regrets toward hurting someone.”
Without another word, Serene watched him spread his wings and take flight. It took a moment for her to regain her senses and pushed back her disappointment. At least it was something, a first step.
Pushing those thoughts aside, she turned back to what had been waiting for her. It looked all the more appetizing to her in that moment.
Serene had placed herself at another end of the rooftop. There was a crowd of beings milling about behind her, but she opted to ignore them in favor of gathering her thoughts. The food certainly helped in that regard. She couldn’t believe the amount of different flavors just from a pear! Or not just a pear, as there was ‘baking’ and ‘grilling’ involved. The closest she could recall was putting their food to an open flame or in its natural state.
Unfortunately it seemed her hope to see that Trail being again would not come to fruition, as she could not find him after her meal. She couldn’t even locate that Grand Pear stallion to try and get a lead even if that risked incurring his wrath again. Trying to search in the rest of the Celebration would be futile especially with a being who had wings and with such a vertical scale around them.
“He truly meant he was sorry.”
She jumped, not expecting to have somebeing talk to her. They had to be since it sounded like they were a hoof’s reach away.
Taking a breath to compose herself, she turned around to see who this being was. She opened her mouth to speak, but upon seeing who it was speaking to her, her mouth opened further in surprise.
Standing before her was a deer, a doe. That’s what her mind was both telling her and not comprehending at the same time because of all the beings to behold this was probably the least likely.
“Apologies for the startlin’, but I spotted ya from the park plaza and couldn’t help but be intrigued by the antler ya carried,” she continued. Serene merely stared, having to crane her neck considering this doe was much taller than anybeing here so far. “Didn’t want to be a bother, but I couldn’t stop meself from listenin’. Was the same way with all the questions when I came here too.”
Why can I not speak? I need to speak! Serene thought. Yet all she could do was let her mouth hang open, which was not a good way of making a good first impression. It was a deer though!
“I’ve seen many different creatures in my time here, but ye’re the first I’ve seen of what ya are. Bit of a role reversal considerin’ many think I’m just an animal meself until I actually speak up. One thing that doesn’t change though are the woes we all face, and it’s no different here. Wanted to make sure that ya were alright. The other lad ya can’t fault for needin’ to keep his livelihood. Though speakin’ of problems, are ya alright there? I’ve been ramblin’ so much, I didn’t make sure ya were okay to speak there.”
Serene’s body froze over further. Now she was addressing her, as if she wasn't showing enough disrespect as is.
“Oh, maybe I came at the wrong time. Seems like ye’re a bit too excited at the moment.” The doe brought her foreleg upward, to a choker Serene realized she was wearing. It looked like a barrel was on the front, and the doe opened it up on the top. She vaguely glanced at some colors such as white, pink, and green as she rummaged through with her snout. After some time, she retracted herself with a pink flower of some kind in her lips, which she transferred to the clove in her hoof. “Here, this’ll help loosen yer nerves.”
Before Serene knew it, the flower was pressed against her own snout. She gasped, and in turn inhaled a sweet scent. She felt the need to panic, but her body instead relaxed itself and soon enough her mind joined in the sensation. It was like a fresh spring morning after a bout of rain.
“Oh my… that is… wonderful,” Serene spoke, at last breaking her silence. It was hard to describe, but the scent itself reminded her of a calming tea.
“Like me mother always said: ‘A little Chrysanthemum to help you unwind.’” The doe then deposited it back into her choker. “‘Course ya can't just grab one and do that, ya need a deer’s touch for that.”
Being reminded of who she was standing in front of almost brought Serene back to stunned excitement. This time she managed to keep herself under control as she asked, “Deer. You are a deer, correct?”
“Right ya are!” she confirmed, foreleg splaying out as she gave a bow. Now that Serene was calm, she was finally able to discern her. Her coat was primarily amber red along with peach strewn throughout. Particularly the peach coloring went along her underside, with a bit of what Serene could only describe was a floof on her chest, and white spots along her back that Serene could swear had a dash of pink inside.
“I… have no words,” Serene admitted.
“Then how ‘bout yer name then, lass? I'm Magnolia!”
“Serene Turbulence. And I must be honest, I was overwhelmed on seeing you.”
“Most creatures are! I think the last place you’d expect a deer is a city like this, huh?”
Serene shook her head. “Not particularly. To my Kirinfolk: deer are but a legendary part of our history.” She reaches up to tap her horn as she said, “our beginnings if you will. So to actually behold… you…”
“Ah, say no more then!” Magnolia tapped her chest, beaming. “Must admit, that's a bit of an interestin’ coincidence since it was yer antler that caught me eye.” She giggled at the thought, Serene though was still silent.
“It is… I…” she paused, crossing one leg over the other. “Sorry, I'm just worn out in a way.”
Magnolia’s smile lessened, and she also knelt lower to look Serene better in the eye. “Seems like you’ve hit yer limit already for excitement. Considerin’ everythin’, you lasted much longer under much more than I did.”
Serene blinked, intrigued. “Would you care to elaborate?” she asked.
“Oh, of course! I can see it on you: ye’re carryin’ a lot of burden on you. From what I heard from you toward that lad, you seem to have some baggage when it comes to how you left. I mean, I came here excited and everything, but I had no qualms or other troubles before I did so. Even then though, within a few minutes I tuckered meself out.” Magnolia eased herself to the floor, putting her head just below Serene’s now. “Sounds like you still got many troubles you need sortin’ out, and too much is pushing them out haphazardly.”
Serene nodded, also sitting herself down. “That Trail stallion did mention I needed somebeing to talk to.”
“Well I got a pair of ears, and I got nowhere to be right now!”
“You'll hear me out?”
“Why not? Everycreature else is chattin’ away, why not settle into that ourselves?”
“But I….” she looked away, ears falling against her head. “I do want to speak, I realize that now. But I don’t know what to say!” She held a hoof against her head. Although her mind was not going wild now, she still felt pressure within as if it did want to do that.
She jumped in fright as she felt something on her back. Looking up, she realized Magnolia had stood up again and her own hoof was what she felt. “Take yer time now, it’s a long night anyways. Maybe you need a drink?”
Serene felt a familiar confusion as she once again tried to process what was going on. Giving her eyes a hard blink, she forced that thought to end as she said aloud, “No, I’m fine.” This is not home. “But I don’t think I’m ready to speak just yet.”
There was a moment of silence. Magnolia seemed to look worried still to Serene, but this decision she was sure of. Magnolia withdrew her hoof. “I understand. Seems like you need to gather yerself still,” she said.
“I do appreciate though what you’ve done.” Serene bowed her head forward, feeling the construction in her body loosen. “I do hope though maybe we can talk again soon.”
“If you really want to see me again, meet me at the Raising of the Sun on top of the City Hall building. Maybe cheer yourself up with some music performances on top of Vanhoover City Bank there.” Magnolia pointed a hoof outward, Serene following it toward another building that from what she could see had a massive platform on it, another that was packed with beings and quite a few lights. “Spots are first come first serve. If I were you I’d get there early, but I’ll stick around afterwards.” As they looked back to each other, she added, “And if you somehow miss me there, you can usually find me in Vanhoover Plaza Park. When I’m not doing me rounds of… well, whatever it is I’m doing.”
“That is where you conduct your business daily?”
“Sort of. I kinda just live there too!” Magnolia giggled as she added, “Don't know why these other creatures are so afraid of the outside. Sure it gets cold, but all I really need is a scarf!”
Serene stared, not sure what to make of that information. She herself had to withstand the elements before she arrived into Equestria, and that was without the ponies’ unique weather patterns that were completely controlled. But even then she'd rather not go through that again. At the very least, it did remind her that she had to seek lodgings as well.
“I myself would prefer if I had a room to sleep in. Do you know where I might be able to find such a place?”
“Well, you have Skytower Apartments, though they prefer creatures who want a more permanent stay. There is the Plaza Stayaway which happens to be one of these buildings here too, but last I checked they were chocked full for the Celebration here."
“Do you know if anybeing would trade labor for room and board?”
“Don’t know meself. City’s too big, and I never had a problem with a place to sleep. Yer best of tryin’ to ask somecreature else.”
Perhaps it was her current calm that allowed some part of Serene’s mind to register annoyance of the recurring feeling of dread she was feeling. She already knew this part wasn’t going to be easy, especially with the celebration happening around her, but she had at least half a day before the end ceremony with the Raising of the Sun to try and find a place to sleep. She had planned her sleep to embrace the full Celebration, and with hopes to maybe relax off her travel fatigue. It was plenty of time, it was just a matter of getting progress on that since the sheer size of the Celebration alone would cause some issues.
“I’d better get started then.” She gave another small bow. “Thank you, may we meet soon.”
“Same to you, lass. Just keep calm there, party’s just gettin’ started.”
Serene watched with trepidation as Magnolia began to trot herself away. The End Ceremony, or the Plaza Park, she reminded herself. Sucking in a breath, she got her body to start moving toward another end of the rooftop.
So far things had not gone to what she desired, but considering the emotions she was fighting against, she put this down as an adequate start so far. And if she got to talk to Magnolia again? It would be much better than anticipated.
Right now though there business to attend to. As she got to the edge, she looked before the scene before her. She saw these bridges before, but looking at them from so far below betrayed their scale. It wasn’t quite like a stone bridge nor a plank bridge, it seemed to be some kind of mechanical one given the rods she could see protruding out which seemed to be anchored on the side. Also what made this stand out was the divider in the center separating the flow of which way to go.
Between all the beings coming and going on the two lanes, the bottom looked like planks of wood but closer inspection showed it was more metal: It truly was all one big contraption. Was this a normality? She wanted to ask one of the pegasi or griffons who seemed to be constantly watching the area, perhaps in case of an emergency, but after that last experience with questions she decided against it.
Readjusting her bag, holding her head high, Serene merged into the crowd and began to trot across.
Author's Note
Well here we go. I've had this idea for years now, all the way back since season 4 about. You can probably guess that idea here, and the show itself discouraged me from ever pursuing it. Pay heed to that AU tag because there are details which will be deviating from canon whether minor or major. Aside from the obvious of course.
Hope you all enjoy!
