Chapters A smile slowly spread across Scootaloo's face.
"Show me please! Show me!" She pleaded as she came around to see what I had pulled up on my laptop.
The page I had pulled up on my laptop, displayed a website called Most Dangerous Games to Play. Scootaloo shivered at the website title.
"A-are you sure about this?" Scootaloo asked, growing a little weary.
"It's probably the only way." I simply replied.
"All we literally need is a working car and a road to drive on. That's pretty easy...oh wait...it's your wish...I can't drive it..." I stated looking up at Scootaloo.
"Th-then...wh-who will drive?" Scootaloo asked.
"You will." I answered pointing at Scootaloo.
"WH-WHAT?! I-I-I don't even know how to drive! Don't you have to get some sort of license to do that?" Scootaloo asked.
"Yes. You need a license and before that...you gotta take driver's ed." I answered.
Scootaloo sighed as I explained the rest.
"So you're saying that I gotta pass this drivers ed, take a written exam and then a road test to get my license...? This just seems like too much..." Scootaloo said with a sniffle. Scootaloo looked as if she was going to cry again. I hugged her quickly. "No matter what Scootaloo, we can do this...together." I assured.
And so, the preparation officially become. After passing driver's ed and two near accidents on the road exam, Scootaloo finally passed and got her license. She was really happy that she was now able to drive. This was only the beginning...for the real journey...would occur this night...
Author's Note
Assume that the driver's ed course is highly accelerated and took place just after we spoke.
Learning The Game - Part 2
Scootaloo was still sobbing as I hugged her. I started to contemplate whether this was all worth it for a wish, but I wasn't going to let Scootaloo down. I made a promise to myself that I'd protect Scootaloo and keep her safe no matter what, and I had to live up to the promise. I quickly shoved away all the doubts and thoughts that I wasn't good enough to help Scootaloo.
"You can do anything you put your mind to. I will be with you no matter what. Even when your time is up here on Earth and it's time for you to go back to Equestria, I will be with you...think of me..." I said in a sort of warm and fatherly tone. The words seemed to to come out naturally and on their own, as if I was destined to be with Scootaloo. Scootaloo looked up at me...and smiled.
"I'll do it! F-for you a-and me a-and all my friends!" Scootaloo proclaimed with some sniffles and sobs intertwined. Her determination felt unwavering, as if she found this new courage.
"Where do we start?" She asked with anticipation.
"We start...with finding the road. It's not on the map so with your determination and yearning of your wish, the road should appear. Once it does...make that right turn and it begins." I stated. Scootaloo sort of snuggled beside me as we read through the instructions.
"Time will stop, for when you make that right turn...you would be in another world." I read.
"So...if we turn on the road at 11pm our time, then when we're done, it would still be 11pm?" Scootaloo asked.
"According to the instructions. Anyway, now's the time to make your final decision. If you're gonna play, drive forward. If you have second thoughts, this is your last chance to bail out." I stated.
"It-it's hard...I want this wish so bad...but I'm just...so nervous..." Scootaloo said with a quiver in her voice.
"Remember...I'll be with you." I stated stroking Scootaloo's mane lovingly. Scootaloo leaned into the stroking.
"Okay...here we go. On the first mile, you will notice the night filled with so many stars...so many that it would be impossible to count them all. However, the temperature will drop, so you might have to turn on the heater." I stated.
"Maybe we could dress a little extra then...you know with more layers..." Scootaloo stated.
"We could. Anyway, on the second mile, the temperature would drop even further...which means we absolutely have to make sure the heater in the car is working right." I stated.
"We could also bring blankets..." Scootaloo said.
"Good idea, remind me when we leave tonight." I replied.
Learning The Game - Part 4
Scootaloo looked at me with tears starting to well up in her eyes again. I simply hugged her. I knew that by reading this, I would risk Scootaloo working herself up to the point where she wouldn't want to do it at all, but at the same time, she would be prepared for the journey, instead of going in blind.
"Just know...that as you approach the 6th mile...you're halfway there...but...the beautiful lake, moon and stars will disappear altogether as the trees of the forest return. The sky will be pitch-black. All you'll have is your headlights...and even then...they may start to flicker...but sadly...that's not all that would happen..." I read, keeping a watch over Scootaloo's expression. She looked like she was almost about to panic again.
"Wh-what w-will h-happen?" Scootaloo asked, her jaw quivering as she asked the question. I sighed, for I knew from here on out, there could be a chance that Scootaloo could bail out from attempting this feat.
"The radio will turn on by itself. Whatever you do, do not try to listen to it, as a voice will iterate your worst fears." I simply stated. Scootaloo whimpered and hugged me close.
"I-I want to listen to music as we drive this..." Scootaloo said while whimpering.
"No can do Scootaloo. If we're listening to music by time we hit the sixth mile, the radio will unleash a deafening high pitched screech that'll surely make you lose control." I said looking at Scootaloo.
"But there is one thing we could do..." I stated reassuringly.
"What is it?" Scootaloo asked.
"We could sing." I answered.
"Sing what?" Scootaloo asked.
"Well, anything you'd like. Maybe a song you know from Equestria, something that is dear to your heart." I answered.
"I-I'd have to think about that..." Scootaloo stated still quivering.
"Anyway, now that we got that plan established..." I started. "Here comes mile seven. Ugh, the voices from earlier will be back...but this time...they'll sound like screams...not just plain old screams, but screams of suffering and torment..." I started. Scootaloo gasped loudly again.
"In fact...a scream would sound so pronounced for...one of the figures...has snuck into the car." I said creepily. Scootaloo jumped with a scream as if she had just woke from a nightmare.
"P-please don't let it hurt me..." Scootaloo's words quivered.
"As long as you keep your eyes straight on the road, everything will be okay. In fact, that shadow thing is so scary, that even if you look at it for one second, you'll become paralyzed and it'll be game over..." I stated. Scootaloo whimpered and hugged me tighter.
"Now I hope you got good practice along those mountain roads...'cause this is where things will get treacherous..." I warned. Scootaloo looked at me with an expression of fear...
Learning The Game - Final Part
"Now the tenth mile...is rather interesting...for those voices will cease. You may be tempted to look in the rearview mirror, but don't actually do this. If you do, you'll see many of the figures watching you. In fact, if you look forward, you'll see figures lining the road, as if they're impressed that you made it this far. Think of this as a send-off to what's ahead." I stated.
"Ah, like those times I see Rainbow Dash and her friends off on a huge adventure. It's like a parade...only this time, it's me being sent off to...the next...mile..." Scootaloo said with a gulp.
"Okay Scootaloo...now is the time to make sure you have your big girl pants on, for this is it...the eleventh mile...survive this one and you're only one more kilometer away from getting that wish." I said.
"Okay...I-I'm ready. Let's hear it." Scootaloo said with a slight stutter.
"Here we go...the eleventh and final mile. Your car will lose power once more...but...it'll still keep moving, for an unknown force seems to be driving it forward now." I stated.
"O-oh man..." Scootaloo shuddered.
"Then...you will come to a clearing...but this isn't just any clearing...for right in front of you...will be a red light glowing in the darkness. Close your eyes and cover those ears...for this is the ultimate test." I said with a creepy and grim tone. Scootaloo took a big gulp and hugged me closer.
"When you enter the red light, the most frightening of frights, terrible of terrors, the worst of your fears, the scariest things that people could imagine all will unfold. Unbridled screams of suffering and torment will fill the atmosphere. The cold would be replaced with the most scorching of heat...so hot that it'll feel like your fur and skin is being burned right off. No matter how hot it gets, no matter what you hear even if your ears are covered...DO NOT, I repeat...DO NOT open your eyes. You must keep your eyes closed and ears covered for 31 seconds." I said with an intense voice. At this point, Scootaloo was almost panic stricken with fear.
"L-like T-T-T-Tartarus..." Scootaloo stuttered. Scootaloo was quivering to the point that she could be used as one of those vibrating massagers.
"Yes...you will be literally driving through it...31 seconds may seem like a very long time, and it will. However, I bet you could think of a song that could get us through there." I stated.
"And...guess what...?" I asked.
"What?" Scootaloo asked.
"You're done! Just drive one more kilometer to a dead end and stop. Take a deep breath and relax. Think of your wish once again. If it's something physical, check the trunk of the car. However, in your case, we will go back home and trek up to the peaks the next day." I stated. Scootaloo smiled at this. I checked the time. It was just about 3pm.
"We will have to leave after sundown, nothing earlier." I said.
"Okay...I'm so glad that you get to come with me." Scootaloo said hugging me, then kissing me on the cheek. I was left with a rather warm feeling. After a little more discussion, we got up and prepped for the night, getting the blankets ready, and preparing our minds for the journey of...11.
Take It Easy? (Miles 1-3)
So here we were on the road.
"No doubts?" I asked.
"None." Scootaloo answered.
"You realize you are given a chance. You may not have much time left on earth, but if you feel you're not ready tonight, we could always come back tomorrow..." I said.
"Nope. I wanna do it here and now..." Scootaloo said keeping her speed at the required 30mph.
"Oki doki Loki..." I simply said.
"Hey! Did you steal that from Pinkie Pie?" Scootaloo teased.
"Hm? Who's that?" I asked.
"A dear friend of mine from Equestria." Scootaloo answered. The temperature took a drop. Scootaloo shivered. "H-hey did you turn on the cold air?" She asked.
"Nope. Guess we're officially starting Mile 1." I said turning the heat on. The cold air was replaced by warmth as we drove down the forest road. There will still a chance for Scootaloo to turn around, but she didn't take it. The road was one lane on each side and because it was night, we couldn't really see that much, except the night sky, which was filled with stars.
"Wow...that's a lot of stars." Scootaloo commented.
"Don't let them distract you." I replied.
"Right." Scootaloo said as she continued to drive.
Mile 2 approached shortly after. The temperature dropped even more. I cranked up the heat almost to the max. Scootaloo still had that determined look on her face. I started to hum a song that was prominent during childhood, just to break the monotonous sound of the engine.
"What's that song?" Scootaloo asked.
"Oh it's something from my childhood. I used to sing it when I travelled the scary corn mazes during Halloween." I answered.
The third mile had snuck up on us. A shadow figure appeared within the trees. Scootaloo gasped looking at the figure.
"S-something is there..." She said with a slight tremor in her voice.
"Remember Scootaloo..." I said. Scootaloo continued to drive as more of the shadow figures appeared. If one were to look closely, they sort of resembled hooded human figures with yellow eyes. One really couldn't make out all of their facial features...yet...
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Just Keep Driving Driving Driving...(Miles 4-6)
After more shadow figures appeared, we approached Mile 4.
"Scootaloo..." Multiple voices seemed to echo. However, they were very unclear. Scootaloo gasped.
"I-I hear voices..." She said nervously.
"Just keep driving. Don't let them bother you." I said as I looked ahead. More shadow figures could be seen among the trees. The voices continued to ring, Scootaloo started to pant.
"Come on Scootaloo. Don't let yourself get distracted. Eyes on the prize Scootaloo." I reminded.
"C-can we sing now?" Scootaloo asked.
"Sure, what would you like to sing?" I asked.
"Well, there is this one song that we sing around the campfire. It's called 99 Buckets of Oats" Scootaloo stated.
"Hey...that reminds me of a song we humans sometimes sing: 99 Bottles of Beer. You start." I said.
"99 buckets of oats on the wall 99 buckets of oats" Scootaloo started.
"Take one down, pass it around 98 buckets of oats on the wall!"
I sang along with Scootaloo. We both had a little laugh. Lo and behold, we could hardly hear any of the voices now. But then...we came to a clearing. This was mile five. The stars shined brightly in the night as a large full white moon filled the sky with it's glory and splendor. There was a crystal clear lake, so clear, that the image of the night was reflected upon its surface. Scootaloo let out a long gasp.
"Wow...this...is...beautiful ." She said with a smile.
"It is certainly quite the sight Scootaloo. I know this reminds me of that camping trip you told me about where the moon was full and the night was clear." I stated. Scootaloo smiled at the memory.
"Yea, it was a little spooky at first, but with Dash by my side, she made sure that everything was gonna be okay." Scootaloo stated.
We continued to drive through the clearing. Soon the trees came back, and the clearing was behind us. The sky grew pitch black and all that we had to guide us were the headlights. This was the start of mile 6.
"Okay, think positive...we're gonna make it..." Scootaloo stated with a slight tremor in her voice. She then remembered something.
"Oh no...it's this mile..." She said with a worried tone. The radio came on. It was mostly static, bit within that static, a soothing voice starting iterating something. It seemed to be...Scootaloo's worst fears. "Just...keep...driving..." I said over the radio. The voice continued to speak. Scootaloo all of a sudden started to sing another song that she knew.
We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders Whoa-oh oh-oh-ohhh And we'll never stop the journey...
"Hm? What's that song?" I asked.
"Oh it's something that my friends and I wrote for a talent show. It went really bad...it was when we were all obsessed with the goal of getting cutie marks, which represent our special talent." Scootaloo explained.
"Very interesting..." I said. The radio went off. "And it looks like we are just about done with mile number six..." I stated.
Six miles down...five to go.
Fear Factor Rising (Miles 7-9)
The air grew colder and colder. I quickly reached in the back seat and got the blankets. Scootaloo put the car on cruise control so she could get herself wrapped in the blanket.
"Maybe I should've brought the bath robes instead...but it's okay. This should do for now." I said. Suddenly, screams could be heard as more shadow figures appeared. The screams sounded like torment and torture. Scootaloo quivered and started to pant. This was Mile 7.
"Those s-screams..." Scootaloo said with a clear tremble in her voice.
"Tune them..." I started to say...before a loud piercing scream was heard. A shadow figure managed to sneak its way into the car. Scootaloo let out a frightened scream, jumping in terror, swerving the car hard.
"Whoa whoa. Easy, easy...remember...keep your eyes straight on the road, and don't...look...back..." I said as the screams continued to sound from the shadow figures. Scootaloo was able to straighten out the car...but she now had tears in her eyes. I looked closely and sighed.
"Please don't cry Scootaloo. You're doing amazing. You're more than halfway there." I said with a smile, fixing my gaze at Scootaloo.
"I-It's s-so hard...I'm so scared right now..." Scootaloo said on the brink of crying. The shadow figure left, but the screams could still be heard.
"I know Scootaloo, but listen, life isn't easy. You gotta work for for things, even if you gotta go through things you are afraid of. That's what this journey is all about, and I'm so glad that we could do this together." I said. Scootaloo was still sobbing.
"I-I...I...I just get frightened easily. Even though I know some things aren't real...my mind gets stuck into the thought that it is all real...like some of those scary legends..." Scootaloo stated. The screams of the shadow figures quieted down, but the figures themselves were still present.
"Here's the thing Scootaloo, some stuff is real, others are not. When something sounds so far out there, you know that it's not real. Your mind is a powerful tool. You can tune out the negativity or let it consume you. You must tune it out. Focus on your wish. Hold it tightly." I said. Mile 7 was complete. Mile 8 had started.
"Okay Scootaloo, here's where you gotta slow down a little, the road is gonna get very curvy." I stated.
"Right." Scootaloo said as she lifted her foot off the gas. She lightly pressed the brake. The shadow figures were following us.
"Uhm...I get the feeling that th-those figures are following us..." Scootaloo said.
"Remember..." I said. Scootaloo maneuvered through the turns...but the headlights went off.
"Ahh! The headlights went off!" Scootaloo exclaimed with panic in her voice.
"Just tap the brake, and they'll come back." I said. Scootaloo tapped the brake and surely enough, the headlights flickered and re-illuminated. Scootaloo had to repeat this process a couple more times.
"Aww, I can't think of any song to sing..." Scootaloo said sadly.
"Just hum a melody of your own..." I suggested.
Suddenly, the car sputtered. Scootaloo gasped. Mile 9 was here. The car sputtered again...and stalled.
"No...no...n-no!" Scootaloo said panting and panicking. The shadow figures started to surround the car. I closed my eyes. Scootaloo remembered and closed her eyes.
"Brake...park...start...drive..." I said.
"Brake...park...start...drive..." Scootaloo repeated to herself multiple times with her eyes closed. She came to a stop, shifted to park, pushed the start button and waited. The engine roared loudly to life. The shadow creatures were stunned by the noise. Scootaloo revved the engine hard.
"Go go go!" I exclaimed. Scootaloo slammed the gas, taking the Focus RS up to 60mph. Fortunately, the road was straight. Scootaloo lifted the gas and started to slow the car down again.
"Phew...that was a rush..." She said panting.
"Nine miles down...two to go!" I said happily.
"Yay." Scootaloo said with a happy smile.
Author's Note
It is said that the screams that the shadow figures release could be those from drivers who had failed the game and were stuck in this unknown world.
Home Stretch (Miles 10-11)
By now, the air was at its coldest. Anything that stepped foot out of the car would be instantly frozen. Scootaloo continued to drive. However, the shadow figures were all lined up on either side of the road. They were simply watching us. Scotaloo kept her eyes forward. She was panting a little. However, she started to hum a song out of nowhere.
"What's that song?" I asked.
"Oh, it's a song I heard when one of my friends, Pinkie Pie, was dealing with a swarm of these pests known as parasprites. They may look cute on the outside, but they can cause a lot of havoc. You see, they are attracted to food and once they eat a certain amount of food, they multiply...and don't stop multiplying." Scootaloo explained with a little shiver.
"Oh jeez...glad your friend drove them out." I stated.
"You know what's coming after this right?" I asked.
"Y-yes..." Scootaloo said with a sniffle.
"You got this Scootaloo." I said. Scootaloo smiled.
"You know Ken, you're one the bestest friends I've grown to know. I know what it feels like to have a true friend, but now...I know what it feels like to have a TRUE true friend. In fact...that reminds me of a song. A song that Twilight Sparkle taught me one day..." Scootaloo said.
"How does it go?" I asked.
"Well...it goes like this..." Scootaloo said taking a deep breath in.
"A true true friend helps a friend in need A friend will be there to help and see A true true friend helps a friend indeed To see the light that shines from a true true friend"
"Sounds pretty easy..." I said. The shadow figures disappeared. Mile 10 was complete. A red light began to glow in front of us. The Ford Focus RS completely shut off, but it was still going. The unknown force was pulling it forward. Scootaloo looked at me, and I looked at Scootaloo. This was it. The final mile. We nodded to each other. We closed our eyes and covered our ears as the red light became brighter and brighter. We crossed into what was described as...hell. This was...the Final Mile.
"ONE TWO THREE FOUR!" I counted off.
"A TRUE TRUE FRIEND HELPS A FRIEND IN NEED A FRIEND WILL BE THERE TO HELP AND SEE A TRUE TRUE FRIEND HELPS A FRIEND IN NEED TO SEE THE LIGHT THAT SHINES FROM A TRUE TRUE FRIEND!"
We sang at the top of our lungs as the horrid scene unfolded...the scene of a pony wielding a chainsaw about to slice another into pieces...the scene of a deranged pony collecting others and throwing them into some sort of device that could cut them all up in to bits and pieces...the scene of an somewhat older pony ripping young ponies apart. Screams of horror and suffering could be heard...but our singing had blocked all of that out. The cold air was replaced by a scorching heat...so hot that it felt like our skin was burning right off. However, we didn't feel a thing...for some reason. We sang through the chorus one more time...and everything...fell silent. The scenes disappeared and the Focus regained power. I opened my eyes to the night.
"You can open your eyes now..." I said. Scootaloo opened her eyes. She panted.
"Just one little kilometer to go." I said. Scootaloo drove the final kilometer with a smile on her face. There was a dead end up ahead. She brought the focus to a stop and put it in park. I extended my hand out for Scootaloo. She took my hand. We closed our eyes and thought of the wish. The power of our friendship had boosted the wish. We opened our eyes 5 seconds later...to find ourselves at the start of the road. Scootaloo made a u-turn and got back on our main road.
"You did it Scootaloo!" I cheered. Scootaloo sniffled.
"I...I can't believe it...I can't believe I faced my own fears like that..." Scootaloo said sniffling more.
"You overcame everything back there. And now...we head to bed for the night and head up to the peaks tomorrow..." I said with a happy sigh. Scootaloo felt a jitter in her wings. She grinned...for she could feel a certain new power rising...which will await us...the next day.
Author's Note
A True True Friend was the perfect choice of song to sing during the 11th mile. This is due to the fact that the hellish scene of Mile 11 lasts for 31 seconds. Singing the chorus of A True True friend at 120bpm to the quarter note takes exactly 16 seconds. 120/2=60. There are 60 seconds in one minute. Therefore, singing the chorus of A True True Friend twice equals 32 seconds.
The scenes portrayed in the 11th mile allude to Cupcakes, Rainbow Factory and Cheerile's Garden.
The next day, we woke up at dawn. The glorious sun rose. Because I lived in a sort of mountain area, the sunrise was always a spectacular sight. I took Scootaloo up to the balcony and we watched the sunrise together. Scootaloo was sort of cuddled on my lap.
"I never get tired of that beautiful sunrise." I said.
"It's glorious no matter if it's earth or Equestria..." Scootaloo said as she cuddled me more.
"Ready for breakfast?" I asked.
"Yep." Scootaloo said.
"Make sure you don't eat too much." I replied.
"I know." Scootaloo answered as we re-entered my house. We had a nice little breakfast, then headed out to the peaks. Driving the mountain roads was different in the daytime. We actually passed where we saw the 11 mile road. It was now replaced by trees.
"Hey! That's where we went to take the road last night." Scootaloo said with a smile.
"Wow! I'm surprised you remember that." I stated as I continued to drive up the mountains.
"Now, base jumpers and wingsuit flyers use this as a jumping area. There's a place where they could rent out parachutes. Would you like to get one just in case?" I asked.
"Certainly not!" Scootaloo said looking at me. Her wings jittered again.
"Okay then..." I stated as I kept driving. We passed the parachute shack and continued up the mountain road. We soon arrived at a clearing. There was a parking lot. "We could park here and take the lift up to the peak. If we keep going, we would have to park and hike." I said.
"Let's take the lift." Scootaloo said.
"Alright then." I stated as I turned into the parking lot. I parked the car and got out. I stretched my legs. Scootaloo stretched out, spreading her wings. The feathers blew in the gentle breeze. I took Scootaloo's hand, and held it, leading her to the lift. Scootaloo had that eager look on her face. A few wingsuiters could be seen already in suit headed towards the lifts. We walked up to the building, and signed the waiver forms.
"Well, this is it Scootaloo. After all that we went through last night...it's time." I said.
"I can't wait." Scootaloo replied with a big smile on her face. We entered the lift car, and it departed the station after a few more minutes of waiting.
Ten minutes later, we were at the peaks. Groups of jumpers and wingsuiters could be seen getting ready to either take their jumps or flights. Spectators were also present.
"Well here we are." I said looking at Scootaloo in the eye.
"Yea, it's quite overwhelming honestly." Scootaloo replied looking back at me. A group of base jumpers took their leap and could be heard screaming with giddy pleasure. Scootaloo spread her wings with a determined look on her face.
Finally, a platform was available. Scootaloo's heart was pounding and so was mine. Scootaloo nervously stepped to the platform and closed her eyes.
"You got this Scootaloo." I cheered. Scootaloo took a deep breath and and out. She looked down to see some base jumpers with their parachutes out. There was also a couple wingsuiters gliding around. Some people became a little curious and watched. Scootaloo took two steps back and licked her chops.
With a running start, Scootaloo took a leap into the air. Down down down she went. I had a worried look on my face.
"Come on...come on..." I said to myself as I looked at Scootaloo.
With one mighty flap of her wings...Scootaloo swooped back up again spreading her arms out wide. She made a wide graceful turn.
"Yea!" I cheered with a leap in the air.
"Wooohooo!" Scootaloo bellowed as she soared in the air for the very first time. It was true. The legend of the 11 mile road was absolutely true. Scootaloo flew towards me with her arms spread out wide. I braced for a glomp and indeed, Scootaloo came in with a flying hug. She hugged me tightly, like her life depended on it. I could feel the emotion as I hugged her back. Scootaloo started to sob tears of joy.
"I-I c-can't b-believe I-I can fly now..." Scootaloo said amidst her sobbing. I continued to hold the hug. "It was your bravery and determination that made your wish come true." I said.
Suddenly...there was a piercing white light. Time seemed like it froze. I broke the hug and turned back, shielding my eyes...
Six months passed and there I was, still living in the mountain regions. I had taken up the hobby of wingsuiting, which was a complete rush. As I took to the skies, I thought of her. I could see her flying right beside me as we soared in the bright blue sky together. A yearning started to build in my heart as I flew. A strong desire to want to go see her again. I missed her dearly. She was in fact the bestest friend that I had ever met. I couldn't afford to be alone anymore.
After returning home, it was evening. I sat on the couch and looked at all the pictures of us together...the moment we took our first mountain trip...the moment we went whitewater rafting...and the moment after she took her first flight. The desire grew and grew. I couldn't take it anymore. I closed the album, grabbed a jacket and my car keys. It was time for me to go. All that stood in front of me was the night and...11.
Life is a journey, a journey that is not straight forward. The road is full of bends, hills, turns and hazards. Things will happen. People will betray you. You will get hurt. Things may not go your way. The journey starts when we come right out of our mother's womb. We are all born with different traits and abilities. We may possess abilities that others don't...and in some cases...lack abilities that are considered normal...take Scootaloo for instance. She's a pegasus, but she can't fly. However, one google search...would change everything...
"But I want to fly! It's been my lifelong dream to take to the skies! I don't wanna die and have never flown with my own wings!" Scootaloo cried out as I hugged her.
I sighed, for I knew it was tough. I wasn't going to give up. The nights had been mostly clear with a lot of stars. However, the last shooting star was reported more than a year ago, which turned out to be a comet that landed in a desolate place.
"I-it's tough Scootaloo. I as a human envy living things that are able to fly. I can't even grow wings myself...that's only something that could happen in dreams...but look at you...you're a pegasus and yet..."
I stopped, hugging Scootaloo as a tear cascaded down my eye. I thought and thought. I had heard of people performing prayers and rituals, but have also read the dangers of doing said rituals. I sighed.
"At whatever cost..." I said to myself.
I pulled out my laptop and searched up "wish ritual". There were a bunch of different sites that popped up. However, the one thing that they all had in common was that they all dealt with devils and demons. There was absolutely no way that I was going down that path, for both Scootaloo and I would be in jeopardy. Then...something caught my eye..."11 Miles". I decided to click it. I was taken to a site where the instructions were laid out. Apparently, if someone had a deep desire, they would have to go to a certain road and drive 11 miles...but it wasn't going to be easy. I looked up.
"Scootaloo...I may have just struck gold..."
Learning The Game - Part 1
Scootaloo and I arrived back home after some practice.
"So...we got the car, I got my license...now what...?" Scootaloo asked with a nervous gulp.
"Now...it's time to read how to play..." I stated pulling up the same website from before.
"So...according to this website...we have to drive at night...or in this case...you...have to drive at night and...find a road that's nowhere on the map..." I stopped and pondered.
"Y-you mean...use my imagination...?" Scootaloo asked.
"Perhaps your heart's deepest desire could lead you to the road..." I supposed.
"So...once we find this road...according to the website...you make a right turn on it and that's where it starts." I stated.
"That doesn't seem that bad at all...just a drive at night..." Scootaloo stated with confidence.
"Oh I'd take that back if I were you..." I stated as I read through the instructions on the site to myself.
"Why?" Scootaloo asked tilting her head.
"Every mile gets increasingly difficult. You'll be up against...your greatest fears..." I said in a creepy tone.
At that comment, Scootaloo gasped and her expression turned of that into fear. Beads of sweat started forming on her face as she started to pant as if a panic attack was coming. I therefore wrapped her in a hug. She whimpered as the memories of those who treated her badly spewed words of belittlement in her head. The voices rang in her mind causing Scootaloo to start sobbing.
"I-I...I don't know i-if I...can...do this..." Scootaloo sobbed, hugging me close. I hugged Scootaloo back tightly. I sighed, for I knew that this was going to be one of the toughest endurance tests.
Learning The Game - Part 3
"On the third mile...the real test begins...you may start to see shadows of human-like figures amongst the trees. Do your utmost to ignore them. The road will have also went from tarmac to a sort of light gravel like road..." I read. Scootaloo gasped at the mention of shadows.
"Sh-sh-shadows?" She asked with a quivering tone in her voice.
I looked at Scootaloo with a look of compassion, for I knew that this was going to be much harder than even I expected.
"Scootaloo. No matter what...keep your eyes on the road. Look forward to the wish that you're gonna get at the end." I said looking into Scootaloo's eyes.
"Y-yes sir..." Scootaloo said. The words seemed to have rolled out of her naturally. However, I felt that deep inside Scootaloo, there was a war going on between the growing courage and the settled fear.
"That's my girl." I replied.
"On the fourth mile...get ready...because not only will more shadow figures appear but...voices would start to whisper in the back of your mind..." I read. Scootaloo began to whimper, imagining the voices. I sensed she was about to fall into a near panic, and gave her that assuring look.
"On the fifth mile...all the trees will disappear as the most beautiful lake and large moon fill the surroundings. This may be what is considered a break...but this isn't the real reward. Keep your eyes forward, no matter how beautiful the surroundings seem." I read. Scootaloo seemed to have calmed down.
"That reminds me...of the time Rainbow Dash, my friends and I all went on a camping trip..." Scootaloo said with a smile on her face.
"Hey! Then keep that image in your head. For...from the sixth mile onward...things will only get more difficult and scarier..." I warned. Scootaloo's smile seemed to fade fast, replaced by that nervous look again.
Learning The Game - Part 5
"It is a written that you can't go over 30mph, but here...for this eighth mile...you're gonna have to slow down a little, for the road becomes very curvy and twisty through this mile. However, that's not all you gotta deal with. The shadow figures...they'll be following you." I said looking right into Scootaloo's eyes. Scootaloo gasped jumping.
"I-I...I don't know how I..." I put a finger over Scootaloo's mouth, looking at her. Scootaloo had to get rid of the doubts and worries before she could even attempt this feat. I gave her the assuring look once again, hoping that she could muster up all the courage and all the strength to get her wish.
"You must maintain good speed...oh and you gotta make sure you bundle up. The heater's hardly doing anything to keep you warm and it's so cold out there...that if you were to step foot outside, you'd freeze almost instantly." I added.
Scootaloo started to pant a little more. She gulped again.
"But...be prepared for the ninth mile...as this...is where things are cranked up to a whole new level..." I warned. Scootaloo cuddled me close again.
"The shadow figures will keep following you but...your car...will stall." I said in a grim tone. Scootaloo jumped back with a loud gasp.
"Close your eyes and try to start your car. Remember, if your car stalls, make sure you put the shifter into park. Once it starts, be ready. This is the only time you're allowed to break the speed rule. When your car starts, this will startle the shadow figures around you. Shift to drive and mash the gas. Go as fast as you can, but still be safe. You certainly would not want to lose control here." I said looking at Scootaloo.
"I like going fast, so a rush like that would certainly be worth it." Scootaloo stated.
"But the rush will only last to the end of the mile. Nine miles down...two to go." I said. Scootaloo sighed with a relief, but these last two miles were the absolute hardest.
So It Begins (Finding The Road)
The sun had set. The stars started to illuminate the sky. This was it. Everything that we had read about this journey...all that we had learned came to this very moment...the real test was upon us. We read it, now it was time to do it. I tossed the keys to Scootaloo. She caught them with a determined smile on her face. We got in the second of my cars, my 2015 Ford Focus RS. It was a sporty hatchback, perfect for navigating winding turns and quite nimble.
"Alright, now let's go on and find that road." I stated as I waited for Scootaloo to start the car. She turned the key and the engine started with a roar. I had modified my Focus to give it that sportier feel, almost like a rally car. Scootaloo backed out of my driveway and onto the neighborhood road.
"Man this car actually feels really good. I feel more confident than I did earlier. Thanks for helping me through reading through that whole thing. I know it's going to be tough, but I-I'm so glad you're with me." Scootaloo stated.
"Well as they say, reading about something, and then actually doing it are two very different experiences. You may sometimes hear someone say "I've lived it." This simply means that they have gone through the experience." I explained.
"True...honestly, I feel like I'd wuss out right away if I discovered that I absolutely had to go alone on this journey. Maybe it was because of those scary stories Rainbow told me on the camping trip long ago..." Scootaloo said with a slight shudder.
"Scary stories around the campfire can be hard to deal with. You just have to tell yourself that to not focus too hard on the details. That's the one reason why people start working themselves up. Their mind pays attention to every single detail..." I stated. Suddenly, what seemed like a light shined up ahead. This wasn't just any light. It was a light that only we could see. Scootaloo gasped.
"There it is!" She cheered. She slowed down...and made the right turn onto the road...this was it. The time was now. With her heart set on her wish...Scootaloo was about to embark on one of the most incredible and trying journeys of her life...
The white light seemed to form into some celestial like being. Time was still frozen around us, yet we were still able to move. This must've been quite the powerful being. A white bipedal horse with a tri-colored mane and tail descended upon us.
"Ken...I am so proud of you..." The being said. I gasped, for I couldn't believe that this being knew my name.
"You...you...how'd you know my name?" I asked in shock.
"Our worlds may be more connected than you think...I am Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria." Celestia proclaimed. Scootaloo bowed. I got down on one knee, bowing in respect.
"Ken, you showed that you were willing to risk everything to help dear Scootaloo here. Ever since she was born, she was unable to fly. However, with your determination that lit the spark of courage inside Scootaloo, you took that journey, for that one wish. Look at you now." Celestia said smiling.
"Ken has been a super awesome friend Princess..." Scootaloo said smiling.
"Indeed he has...but I'm afraid that it's now time to say goodbye..." Celestia said. I frowned with a quiet sigh, for it was going to be hard without Scootaloo around. She was just so supportive and encouraging.
"B-but..." Scootaloo started, but stopped with a sniffle.
"I know Scootaloo. I know this is a moment that you didn't want. But Equestria also needs you...and so do your Equestrian friends." Celestia said.
Scootaloo sighed.
"Right..." She said with a few more sniffles.
"I'm really gonna miss you Scootaloo..." I said coming closer to her. Scootaloo stepped closer to me. We then hugged each other tightly. All of the memories of us together flashed in my mind.
"Whenever you fly...do it for me..." I said softly to Scootaloo.
"I-I will..." Scootaloo said as she sobbed softly. I slowly broke the hug.
"It's time..." Celestia said as Scootaloo walked beside her. A white light formed around the two. I shielded my eyes, waving to Scootaloo the best I could. One more flash of light...and they were gone. Time resumed. I let out a sigh, knowing that it was back to the everyday routine.
