Red Absolution - Arthur Morgan in Equestria

by BP

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Crossover, Human, Twilight Sparkle, Sad, Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Rarity
Length: 1878

Journal entries of a good man in Equestria.

Upon awaking in Equestria and beginning his new life, Arthur Morgan notes in a journal gifted to him by Twilight Sparkle.

Set in season one. Brief snapshots.

Published 2021-02-14 20:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2021-02-14 20:30:01 UTC

#3 - Generosity

Twilight took me to her friend Rarity. It probably wasn't going to do having blood and mud-stained clothes. Rarity asked what I normally wear. I described a hat, boots, shirt, and pants.

I asked how she was going to get the leather boots given I think how cows can also talk in Equestria and all. She didn't seem to understand the question. Apparently, they make leather in Equestria from cork, like a cork from a bottle. Though I don't know where cork comes from. Never thought about it before.

She made me an entire outfit. Stitched the damn thing over the whole day. I worried about how I was going to pay for it. I only came for repairs in my pants. She told me it was a gift! For a gentlecolt(?)! It was hard to believe her generosity - you would not get that service in the finest store in the finest part of San Denis.

How can these people be so kind to each other?

#4 - Feelings & Fish

I went fishing today and it all came to me in that little boat - the pain. Hosea, Lenny, Miss Grimsaw, Sean, Kiran, Charles, Mr. Pearson. Everyone.

I must have given Fluttershy a most terrible fright. Big old thing like me hollering like a kid that's his daddy beat. It was so peaceful in that little boat. I've had little time to stop since coming to Equestria where everything is so different. It has kept me from thinking. I had got myself in thought so much I was letting fish escape from my hook Fluttershy ask if I was okay.

The way those eyes looked into me. So softly. Kind. Caring. Reminded me of the same with the sister. I felt safe, but I don't know why for the life of me why it was so hard to answer with words. I started crying.

That was my answer, I think.

#5 - What I Deserve

I have a good honest job. The food is good. The company is good. There's no danger here. Folks don't need to watch behind their backs, can walk after dark, and take each other at their words. I ain't seen no weapons neither.

What did I do to deserve to be here? I can't help but wonder if others get to make it to this place? Or is there a place for each of us?

#6 - Baking Friendship

In town, there's a sweet store that sells baked goods and chocolate. Twilight took me there after I visited her at her tree house library to borrow a book. There's this girl(?) pink mare that was behind the counter. She leaped faster than a cougar onto prey. She offered me a cupcake. It was this round bread like a wagon wheel.

Apparently she had baked it especially for me. I tried it. It was delicious. I told her that was the first time I had a cupcake before. She went giddy. I asked what her name was. Twilight told me her name was Pinkie Pie. One of her dearest friends. Twilight was apologetic with saying Pinkie is Pinkie and is something of a character. I told her not to worry. I do I knew a few characters myself.

Does it seem these ponies are kinda named to their colors? Miss Pie though was very friendly. She asked if we wanted to be friends and if I agreed she would throw a party for me. I said sure.

That girl probably drinks too much coffee, I think.

#7 - Above Purgatory

I keep dreaming of being on top of that mountain just before I died. It is the same, but not the same mountain? I'm watching the sunrise. Lying there watching the clouds float beneath me.

I hear a voice telling to me drink from the two running streams next to me. I hear the same voice every time telling me to drink from both.

I am only able to reach one before I wake up.

#8 - To Good Health

Miss Apple granted me the day off, though I said I didn't need it.

My lungs are clear and I feel that I am so much more... alive? I don't think I am sick no more. So I did probably die on that rock. So just what is this place?

#9 - Sharing Feelings

I ain't one to dwell on loss. It's a sorry business. But I ain't one to sit and have tea with a talking pony neither. Though I did.

Fluttershy and I talked. The little thing seemed insistent on sharing grief together after the fishing trip. Even here in paradise grief still exists. She talked about the good number of animals that have died whilst she tried to care for them. Sick ones and old.

I talked about my horse. I couldn't talk about the others. It hurt too much.

She has a rabbit called angel. I don't think he's much of an angel though. So I named him Sean.

#10 - Dead Men To Me

I will never utter the name of those two damn men again.

Tahiti, Australia. Damn plans, damn lies. All of it. This will be the first and last time I ever mention them.

#11 - Strutting and Bed Stuff

Applejack wanted to sort me a proper bed today. I had been sleeping on the hay in the barn. So we built one. Carving out the frame and struts. She's a very practical missy.

Miss Rarity offered to stitch me a sheet or two for the bed in exchange for walking with her when she went gem hunting.

I suppose they're more common round here than back home?

#12 - Library Card

Twilight asked me today if I read. I answered by saying not that much. Kinda did collect books though. She asked if I'd want to borrow a book or two to read. I said sure.

She lent me a book about this girl mare called Daring Doo. She's an adventurer whose rivals are always chasing her from her big score.

Not unfamiliar with that sort of story.

#13 - Fall Weather Friends

Twilight invited me for a walk up the hills with a few of the others. Twilight said she had a survey to complete with Fluttershy on any new hibernation holes. Not sure why, but I ain't a scientist. Miss Applejack said today I wasn't need on the farm. So Rainbow, Fluttershy, Twilight and myself set off.

I'm no expert, but I'm sure its turning to autumn. I could feel the sun on my neck and the chill in my fingers. I did also see few trees the have changed to brown and orange leaves.

We got to the top of the hill. Was quite a view. Twilight took a photo of the four of us.

I have it on the barrel next to my bed.

#14 - Book Club

I read the book Twilight lent to me the other day. It was Daring Doo up against Stamp Bullion trying to find lost ice pearl of the great northern dragon.

Looks like even fools after gold exist here.

#15 - Market Day

Applejack and I were out at market delivering cider to a few of the stalls. Never had mulled cider before. It's good though.

Especially from Rosemary's stand. Spoke with her for a bit whilst Applejack was at the general store nearby. She's a nice girl.

Apparently her and sisters compete to mull drinks annually. The winner's recipe is the one they serve that year.

My hands are pretty useful at loading the goods Applejack bought onto her cart. Honest work.

#16 - Shut-eye

Sat by the pond in the center of town feeding the ducks under the shade of a willow tree this afternoon.

There was a little wind that made the willow tree sway letting beams of sun through as it hushed. So I closed my eyes and listened.

#17 - A Basket Full of Snakes

Autumn is coming fast now. All of the trees around Ponyville have turned red or orange.

I helped Fluttershy show some of the animals where they were hibernating for the winter. Sorta unusual thing to do as I thought most animals could sort themselves out.

I carried a basket full of snakes. Never expected to do that before. Then again, there's a lot I didn't expect.

#18 - Steady Hands

Applebloom came home today with her red backcoat ripped. She was pretty upset about it. She got it ripped when she snagged on a nail from her tree house.

I asked Granny Smith where was the sowing box. Both Applebloom and Granny watched me stitch. They were both surprised a colt knew how to. Granny said I had steady hands. She asked if I'd done this often.

I said mostly for boots, saddles and few times for something worse.

It probably doesn't compare to Rarity. Applebloom was really happy though.

She gave me a hug.

#19 - Drunken Fool

Today I've been a fool. A big darn fool. I got drunk and caused a mess. These people ponies ain't done anything to me. Smashed up this poor pony's rose garden when I had a tussle with Rainbow Dash.

I'm amazed they haven't chased me out of town. Roseluck was very forgiving. Shame is something I'm acquainted with well, but I couldn't look her in the eye.

I don't want to move. I'm sick of running. I'm sick of moving to another place. What gets me the most is this wasn't someone else doing. Not bad blood. No plan gone wrong. I did this. Not him.

I want to fix this. No more running.

#20 - Guiding Poet

Twilight invited me to watch a meteor shower with the girls. I said sure. I've been been working to do better after what happened recently. Everyone else is over it. I am not. I want to be a better man. For my friends.

I set up the camp ahead of them arriving. By the time the girls got to the spot, I had the fire going with hot chocolate. They were all happy. I was happy too.

I noticed a star that was brightly winking at me. I asked Twilight what star is that. She said it was Vergilius, one of the few guiding stars that Princess Luna never moves.

#1 - Alive

I am alive.

So much has happened. I just cannot begin to explain.

#2 - Honest Day's Labors

Today I can say I felt like I earned my keep. Through an honest days labor. No dirty jobs, no debts, no violet deeds.

Boy, would the others laugh if they saw me doing ranch work. Pushing carts, picking apples, feeding chickens. I tell you what - it is certainly something to milk a cow and have a conversation with her! Betsy was her name. Wonderful girl(?) she was.

She was patient with me as I figured out how to milk her. It was surprisingly easy. She called me a natural compared to pony counterparts.

I could get used to this.