Laughter, so much laughter was the only real response I got from my friends. Some friends they are. It was painfully hard enough for me to finally come out and explain my whole dilemma to them. They were the ones who kept badgering me, constantly asking me why I've been acting so gloom lately, heck, it was getting to the point where I could never even feel at peace or comfort in their presence anymore. Apparently my friends were not normal ones who would respect the individuality and business of a human being, no, they were not even remotely close to respecting my life's privacy, and soon enough, I found myself avoiding them a lot.
Unfortunately and much to my dismay, even that wasn't much success either as it was today at the Oxford University during break, that they spotted me pacing my way to one of the libraries. As soon as I caught their eyes, they came rushing after me. I was now really beginning to question my friends' sanity all together. Once again, I was bombarded by a vast array of questions and demands from my friends, requesting me to tell them what's been going on, this time they tried reassuring me that I can trust them. As much as I hated to succumb to their relentless pleas, and as much as I cringed at the thought of what their reactions would be if I just told them, at the same time, I also really wanted them to just let me be, for once. So I gave in and decided to began explaining, thinking that I could trust them, thinking that they would understand.
"So you guys really want to know? No matter how ridiculous and absolutely absurd it's going to sound?" I asked cautiously, just to make sure their claims were truly promising enough.
"Yes Matthew! You can trust us!" One of my friends, whom I considered the most trustworthy in fact, Andrew answered and once again reassured me. He is the oldest amongst my three friends and one I considered the closest as well; He sits right by me during theoretical physics, and we're both considered by many as "the top nerds" within the class, since we're seemingly the ones who have the most interest in it. I really hated the thought of dismissing him, after all, he was who I considered, yet too embarassed to state aloud, my "".
"Thanks, erm...well..alright well here it goes." I said, hesitantly, letting out a deep sigh. Based off from hearing their reassuring promises, I now partially trusted my friends, but I couldn't help but feel fearful and utmost nervous deep down inside, with a apprehensive thought ringing through my head.
You guys have no idea, not a single clue as to what I've been through.
As I finally began to explain to them, I made sure to start off at a point where they would clearly understand and somewhat relate to. There was no way I would just blurt it all out at once; that would just be complete nonsense; not that it isn't but I needed to make sure they'd be able to mentally grasp at least part of the way through, but I knew that over half of what I would try to explain to them would not make any sense at all, that's when I'd expect the dumbstruck expressions on their faces.
As embarassing and emotional agonizing as it was for me, I was finally getting the sense of relief. Keeping such an impossible situation to deal with, all to yourself is almost unbearable, especially after so long, so I guess that was one small silver lining. At the same time I was explaining everything to my friends, my thoughts and focus began to wander elsewhere.
My words were still running out of my mouth, but my mind started reminiscing in all that had happened this past year. All the unforgettable experiences that forever changed my entire life...
It was around October last year, I believe it was a Tuesday or Wednesday; all I know was that it was sometime past midnight and I'd usually wouldn't consider it the next day till I see the sun's light seep out from the horizon, I just always found it weird to say "it's the morning of whatever day it is when it's still pitch black outside." Anyways, it was pouring rain just outside of my apartment and I was on my computer doing research and working on some physics homework involving the time-dependent perturbation theory and transition probabilities.
"For a spin one in an half particle, consider the time dependent Hamiltonian..." I mumbled as I read through what was no where near an easy problem, even for me back then; most of my friends who weren't in the same theoretical physics class as me would find this utterly impossible to comprehend. As for me, I at least understood a slim but significant portion of it. Thankfully, unlike my friends, I actually love physics, and my will to excel was just enough to have me determined at the time. After some time pondering the question, I finally began to devise the first few basic steps.
"Well I guess i could start by determining the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the initi-"
My confidence was just about to rise and just as I was beginining to break down the question, my focus and train of thought was interupted and abruptly blown away by an immense roar of thunder as lighting then immediately illuminated my windows a blinding neon hue of blue, white, and purple for a split second, followed by a sudden blackout that left my entire room pitch black. Just great. Just as I was looking into some serious research that could of aided me in solving these very obscure problems, the next thing I knew, a blackout occurs and I'm left without a usable computer, zero power, and to top it off, I couldn't even see as I was now without any light source. In a mix of frustration and confusion, I couldn't help but ponderously question the thunder and lighting that struck my apartment at that moment. I knew there would be reasonably light rain that night, but what was the meaning of the sudden deafening thunder and the haphazard strike of lightning on the very apartment I was staying at? It was really a strange occurrence, especially now thinking about it in retrospect. However, what was the shocking, the most life changing for me, was what occured after that.
To my relief but at the same time, only making my confusion even more profound, the electricity within my room was restored just around two minutes after the lightning struck. My computer was starting to power up, but as I instantly remembered and much to my dismay, I knew I had to start all over on my research, an evident fact that I hated so much. I looked around my now dimly lit room, still wondering and making my guesses on the strange lightning incident, when something right there and then immediately caught my attention.
Being an avid enthusiast in studying the fields of physics, especially theoretical physics, I've always been one to always try and find the best reasonable and logical answer or explanation to basically how everything observable or forces and influences unobservable works and how any possibility or concept could function based on the fundamental laws and principles of physics. As ridiculous as it sounds, it was almost considered a religion to me. However, what I saw, lying on top of my bed, left me unable to conjure any sense, reason, logic, idea or explanation on; it left me ultimately dumbstruck. What was seconds felt like hours to me as my mind was trying to formulate everything I know, everything I was ever taught, struggling to make sense on the situation. I then managed to take a few slow deep breaths, and remembered the two main questions I'd always ask myself whenever I came across various complex, mind-boggling problems on physics.
What do I know and what do I need to know?
Those mental questions had always allowed my mind to relax for a brief moment, and allowed me to start by thinking about the most basic information I know regarding the problem and fitting them in with whatever difficult elements the problem or equation consisted of, eventually leading me to a conclusion, or at least close to a reasonable explanation.
I finally brought myself out of my realm of thoughts, still thinking about the two questions and took a full glance at what was lying on the bed. I thought about the first question, "What do I know...?", and began observing it. Although I couldn't see it with full clarity, my computer and the moonlight seeping in from my window provided just enough light for me to vaguely make out what I saw.
What layed on my bed, was some kind of creature, it was breathing, so it was alive. It had four legs, it was a quadruped. It...it was yellow, it had yellow fur and it had pink hair...yeah, I'm well aware I'm starting to sound insane.
So my mind was now starting to come up with a few basic conclusions based off my observations: It was a living creature; It was alive; It was yellow with light pink hair. To my slight relief, I saw that it was sleeping, otherwise things would of probably been chaotic. At that point my mind was finally beginning to partially recover from the shock. I was still overwhelmed with such bewilderment and perplexity on the situation but at least I understood a slight portion of the creature...or animal, I didn't even know, I'd always confuse the two labels.
After taking a few more minutes of observation, I noticed the creature had some slight physical characteristics to that of a equine. I noticed it had what appeared to be hooves; I wasn't quite sure as I saw no keratin covering, which I found rather strange -- scratch that, as I looked closer, I noticed a lot about it's physique was rather abnormal and unique to me. It's head was about twice the size of mine, it's pink mane was styled in such a way that it strongly resembled how some women I knew wore their hair, it was the longest mane I could ever see on an equine, if that's what it even was. I then carefully sat myself on the bed, close to where it was resting and began to slowly and gently brush my hand agaisnt its fur, just to feel the texture, and to see whether or not I was really just going insane and delusional.
"It-it fe-feels just like real fur..." I whispered to myself in much shock and disbelief as I actually felt its fur. I was now even more astonished and quickly shot my hand away.
The equine creature shifted slightly in it's sleep but thankfully still continued it's deep slumber. Waiting a few more minutes as I forced my mind to pull it's fractured sanity together, I cautiously began to brush my hand against its fur once more. Surprisenly, its fur was incredibly soft and tender to the touch. As I was stroking its fur, I noticed the creature began to give a slight smile whilst still sleeping; it seemed to enjoyed being pet.
The creature has emotions... I mentally noted to myself.
I then started to move my hand to brush against the fur on its side, however, I didn't feel any fur there. What I felt was feathers. I was stunned and even more profoundly bewildered, which I thought was impossible considering just how shocked I was moments before. So remembering my first question, "What do I know...?", I noted to myself the following that I had just discovered: It was a quadruped; its species was most likely within the family of equines; its "hooves" had no keratin layer; it's head was a third the size of it's own body; it's pink mane was unnaturally long and resembled more of a human female hair style; oh...and it had wings!
Just thinking about the details of the creature was making me sound like a total lunatic, but from what I observed, especially from feeling it's fur and...feathers, it was right there, it was sleeping, it had soft fur that I actually felt. Unless I was having a severe tactile hallucination, or if I was really just sleeping and experiencing an extremely realistic lucid dream, I could of very well had said, this was actually existing right before me. I had good mental health, never did drugs, and had no symptoms of psychosis. But then again, I was also well aware of the fact that it is possible for the even the most mentally healthy person to experience hallucinations, so having that kept in mind, I didn't come to fully accept the situation just yet. A rather daring but foolproof idea then came to mind; I could wake it up and see how it would respond. I took several minutes contemplating, thinking of the possible outcomes of it's sudden awakening.
If it really were to exist, and somehow, by unknown means, happen to have landed on my bed, still sleeping, then I presume that it would freak out and probably be even more confused than I was when first seeing it. If it were to be just a strong halluciation, it would either disappear upon disruption or continue to torture my mind as it could have been doing the whole time...
I choose to just go along with the first thought, and decided to try and wake up the equine creature from its slumber. I tried to mentally prepare myself for the creature's shocked reaction, as well as any cry, yelp, or whatever sound of terror it would make. Remembering the second question I'd usually ask myself in such complications, "...what do I need to know?", I began to think of three main questions that were really overflowing my mind with curiosity at that moment.
What is this creature? How did it get here? Where did it come from?
Keeping those questions in mind, with hope I'll find out the answers later on, I proceeded to wake up the foreign creature. I began to stroke it's soft coat of fur once again, only this time, with a little more pressue. I didn't want to wake it up too forcibly as I was sure that would only cause the creature to freak out even more and immediately see me as a threat; I wanted the creature to see me as least harmful as possible. I continued to firmly but softy 'pet' it for a few more minutes, patiently as I had no intent to rush its awakening. I then notice its body started to shift a bit, and just as I anxiously anticipated, it finally began to open its eyes. I once again, shot my hand back, as my mind was once again blown further into shock. I was ultimately awestruck upon seeing the creature's huge eyes, possessing such large ocean blue pupils. They were about a third of the size of its head, which as I previously noted, was a third of the size of its own body! The creature's eyes then turned to face mine, with it's calm mundane expression immediately turning into one similar to my own.
"Eeeep!" Was the equine creature's first response as it immediately dove under the covers of my bed, visibly shaking underneath as it tried to hide itself.
I was still left with shock from the sight of its huge detailed eyes. Those eyes...I knew that most equines did have slightly bigger eyes than humans, but the eyes I just saw could of outmatch those of a giant squid! At this point, I had no choice but to accept the fact that my mind is just going to get continually blown for the rest of the night. This clearly was the strangest equine I had ever seen, with the largest eyes I had ever seen, with the longest mane and tail I had ever seen on such an equine...such an equine that had wings! I was really beginning to wonder why I kept forgetting that one distinct detail. An equine with wings...the first conclusion finally came into mind, one that was really difficult for me to believe: this creature was a Pegasus. As much as I wanted to continue my complex train of thoughts on the matter for the next few hours, I now needed to somehow comfort and reason with the terrified and confused...Pegasus.
"Uh...hey there. Please don't be scared. I won't hurt you, I promise.." I managed to whisper in the softest, most comforting tone I could pull off.
The shaking stopped, but the Pegasus still didn't seem to want to come out of the covers, so I guess it was a half success. I decided to tried once again.
"It's alright...I mean no harm...I couldn't even harm a fly if I tried." I continued as I gave a little laugh at the last statement. As ridiculous as it was, I really couldn't harm a fly. I was never really the agressive type; verbally I could be, especially when debating, but never physically.
To my luck, the Pegasus creature had finally but just barely peeped its head out from under the covers, slightly shivering with fear, revealing its huge wide eyes as they looked right into mine once again. It seemed as if at that moment, those eyes were looking straight into my soul, analysing it, trying to determine if my reassurence was geuine enough to believe.
"Um...y-you really won't h-hurt me?" The Pegasus creature hesitantly responded in a feminine voice with a tone much softer than the one I used....in english!?
I was never one to completely spaz out, or faint, no, not even in crazy scenarios such as witnessing a yellow Pegasus with a pink mane talk, nevermind speak english for that matter. Instead, on the outside, I just froze with shock, my pupils as pinpricks from what I just heard come out of the Pegasus' mouth; on the inside, my mind was spazzing out of control.
This creature can talk just like me! A yellow Pegasus with a pink mane, that can speak english! No wait...it's a yellow Pegasus with a pink mane, with eyes that are just about the size of my head! That doesn't even make sense! Okay...that's it. It's confirmed. I'm most likely hallucinating. But if so, how could I ev-
My overwhelming train of thought was then interupted by the confused and concerned Pegasus, which I was now seriously doubting to exist. I needed to know more to completely verify that though.
"Um...is s-something w-wrong?" The Pegasus spoke once again, asking hesistantly. Without realizing it, my long period of silence was beginning to further frightened the equine. The creature was now directly facing me with a mixed expression of fear and utter bewilderment, laying on my bed out from under the bed covers it was previously hiding underneath. Its legs were tightly pressed against its sides as it was still awefully afraid of me, slightly trembling in my presence.
I was still greatly astonished by its ability to speak, but I managed to pull all my sporadic thoughts together and decided to go with the idea that this creature is just a hallucination. With that thought in mind, I found myself more relaxed with its presence, but still awefully bewildered by the uniqueness and strange qualities of the said 'hallucination'.
"Um...n-no, theres nothing wrong really. I-I just didn't expect you to...talk..." I finally responded, laughing in my head at the possibilities that I could just be conversing to nothing.
"I-I didn't know you could...talk either..uh...um, wh-what a-are you?." The Pegasus asked, still profoundly confused and at unease with me.
"Um..I-I'm a human...and what are you supposed to be?" I was still very skeptical about its presence.
"I-I'm a pony..." The Pegasus answered softly.
Its a pony...yeah I can't see that. The only traits I see on this creature..er..hallucination that are similar to a pony are its "hoof-shaped" legs, its ears, its nose, the fact that its a quadruped and it possessed a tail. However the abnormalities greatly overshadow all those traits combined...I mean it has wings! It's yellow with a pink mane! Its head is twice the size of mine! Its legs look more like tall cylinders of yellow marshmallows, and just look at those enormous eyes! This is making absolutely no logical sense! Even for a hallucination!
I managed to once again, regain control of my thoughts and continued to 'interview' the strange yellow Pegasus.
"If you don't mind me asking...d-do you have a name?" I was really curious as to see what kind of name such an odd hallucination would proclaim itself.
"Y-yes...my name's...um...Fluttershy..." It answered at a tone barely audible to my ears.
"What is it? I didn't quite hear you."
"It's...Fluttershy..." It answered once again, and though it still didn't speak loud enough for me to hear, I was determined and patient, no matter how scared and confused the 'Pegasus' seemed to be at the moment. I wanted it to feel at least somewhat comfortable around me before I further tried to pursue any other questions in mind.
"Sorry, I still couldn't hear you...can you try again, just a little louder though?" I asked the Pegasus once again, this time using the same soft and comforting tone I pulled off from earlier. To top it off, I gave it a slight smile.
"O-Okay..." The Pegasus responded, feeling a little more at ease. "...my name's...F-Fluttershy." It answered softly, but this time just barely loud enough for me to hear.
Fluttershy? Deffinitely the oddest name I had ever heard...
At this point, I found myself getting into a slightly more comfortable level with the creatu-...Fluttershy; as for the Pegasus itself, not so much, not yet at least. Seeing how basic and flat the conversation was going...it may be still very difficult to get Fluttershy comfortable enough around me to really examine it.
"Fluttershy...is that really your name?" I asked skeptically, continuing the conversation, trying to avoid the awkard silence and leave the creature confused as before.
"Y-yes...why?" Fluttershy asked me, perplexed by the question.
"Well its just that...it...it sounds silly."
"W-What? It does not sound silly!" Fluttershy responded, barely raising its voice for the very first time. I can see how my response to its rather odd name would of offended it. "So...well...um, what's your name?" It then asked.
"It's...Matthew." I answered
"Now that...sounds strange.."
I don't have time for this. I should be testing its existence, more of its physique, heck I don't even know its exact gender....sure another supposable observer seeing this would state its obviously female from its soft feminine voice and hair, I could guess that too....but to me, that doesn't exactly determine gender; to me, its not the appearence of a creature or how they sound that verifies its gender...what really determines if it's female or male is....oh...oh boy. Nevermind that, I'll just ask it!
"Hey...um, Fluttershy? If your really there..."
"Uh...y-yes....M-Matthew?"
"Are you a...male or female?" I bravely asked; I was almost certain it would state it is indeed female, but I remembered some instances where stating what seemed the obvious was a big mistake. I only wanted to make sure. Just as I somewhat imagined, there was another period of awkard silence as the yellow Pegasus just blankly stared at me with its freakishly huge eyes once again, this time, with a clear "are you serious?" look on its face. I felt utmost embarrassed, despite the possibility of it just being a hallucination, the interaction with it still seemed very realistic.
"I-I'm a female!" She answered raising her voice slightly louder than before as the Pegasus was clearly offended once again. Of course she was. "Now let me ask y-you something...um s-stranger...what are you doing in my home?
Much to my dismay, I was once again, bombarded by a vast new ocean of complicated questions and thoughts scattering through my head. This Pegasus or hallucination was asking me what I was doing at 'her home'. She wasn't making any sense, not that she was before, no, she hadn't been making any sense at all! Her unusual features; the colors; her ability to speak english; her ability to clearly think and reason; and now, she was proclaiming my own apartment room as her home? It didn't even matter to me at that moment whether she was real or not, there was one certain conclusion I was able to confirm: This freak was clearly delusional!
"I'm...sorry about asking your gender, it should of been obvious." I began to apologize to her, but immediately I then counteracted her question with one of my own, using a similar context . "But I have a question for you, 'stranger'. What are you doing in my apartment room?
"Wh-What? No..no...no, you are mistaken sir, this my home so....I-I should be asking y-you." She responded stammered and confused. She seemed like she really believed my room was her home, but I knew right from wrong, and frankly, she was the one sorely mistaken.
"Alright, so this is your home. Well if that's really the case, then I've been living at 'your home' for almost two years now, and I had not seen you around, nor had you seen me. The landlord had never informed me of your stay here. Why is that? My- or from what you state, 'your home' is awefully small; where would have you been living throughout the years without me even noticing?" I was just getting started on making the Pegasus or more likely, hallucination see how delusional and absurd she really sounded.
"Well...well...umm...I-I don-" The Pegasus tried to hesistantly respond before I immediately cut her off, as I continued my explanation on how illogical her false statement was.
"You couldn't be living up in the attic, there is no attic here, there are no stairs around leading up to one. Theres no basement either, so now it all leads up to these few particular questions: have you been living in one of the closets all these years? Did you just discover that you have a much bigger home than you had originally thought? Where's your lease? You need one to claim possession of the apartment room, however I can just infer you do not have one so therefore you have no rights or possession to 'your home'. However, I do. Therefore, I was legally granted this room by the landlord, I pay the rent, I live here! Therefore...this is my home!
"B-But...I...don't u-understand...this is w-where..I li-"
"You don't live here! I do! I have the lease! I been living here! You invaded my home!" I yelled at her angrily. I couldn't take it anymore, I didn't care if she was shy or sensitive, she was most likely a hallucination, who seemed ironically, very delusional for one. To further prove my point, I got up from where I was sitting on the bed and turned on the lights to the room.
"Look around...does this look anything like your 'home'?" I asked her skeptically. I was hoping the 'hallucination' would just poof away from the immense surprise and the sudden spate of light. Instead, she only suffered intense reality shock.
"Wha...wh-where am I!?" The Pegasus asked as her voice began to crack; overwhelmed with shock, confusion, and utter fear, she began to break down into tears.
Maybe I was pushing it a bit too much. I just badgered at her with questions I knew she couldn't answer. I practically made her sound like a total idiot. Now she's crying...just great. Yes, what she asked and stated was not true, but I could of let her know otherwise without mentally and emotionally distressing her.....wait, why do I care, she's just a hallucination...right?
After a few moments of debating with my own thoughts, I decided that either way, whether she's a hallucination or even actually existing, I should really just apologize. I only wanted the hallucination to go away; the possibility of a real yellow Pegasus being in my room, nevermind one who can talk, was so absurd to me that I felt my sanity dwindle down more and more by the minute. I was almost sure it was a hallucination. I mean, how can a Pegasus even have a house? Overall, my tirade on the poor thing, even if it was a strange figment of my own subconscious mind, was unprofessional for me as a college student aspiring to be a great theoretical physicist one day. I had to stop doubting the scenario, and stating the impossibility of it. Instead, I should of be asking myself, "How is this possible?" and in order to find out, I had to apologize to Fluttershy and try asking her of how she got here from...wherever her home originally was, along with doing some further analysis to aid me in finding the answers.
"Wh-where am I!? My...friends...d-do you know where my friends are!?" Fluttershy desperately asked me with gushes of tears running down her face as she was now pacing around my room in a frenzy of fear and utter confusion. She looked up out the nearby window, only to find numerous buildings illuminating in the night; the typical light pollution of the city I lived in. Fluttershy, however, didn't seem to be used to any of that.
Maybe she isn't a...hallucination...still can't be one hundred percent sure though.
"Look...um, Fluttershy, I'm terribly sorry for yelling at you, I had no intent of hurting your feelings. Forgive me. But I need to ask you some more serious questions. Okay?" I asked in a soft, comforting but stern tone, ignoring her previous question as I was too distracted with concerns of my own.
"Uh...o-okay..." She answered, with tears still running down her cheeks.
"Where did you...come from and where exactly is this home of yours?"
"Oh...um...well...its a cottage and...its located right at the edge...of...the Ev-Everfree Forest." She answered and stammered in explaining the location.
"Alright...and where is this Everfree Forest?" I asked, perplexed by the unfamilar name.
"Oh well its a few miles outside of Ponyville...y-you wouldn't happen to know where that is do you?" She spoke in her soft little voice a question that once again blew my mind into scattered pieces.
"Uh....uh....P-Ponyville? I may not know my geography all that well, but there is certainly no Ponyville!"
"I-I'm not lying...I swear...I-I've lived by the town my entire life." She tried to explained as she once again looked me right into my eyes, attempting to show how serious she was. I admit, it was difficult taking anything she said seriously with those freakish alien eyes of hers.
"O-okay...well...I don't not believe you. So where's this...um 'Ponyville' then?" I asked her with at least ninty percent of utter disbelief. The yellow Pegasus then paused for a few moments, raising an eyebrow, looking at me as if I was insane. How ironic.
"It's...in...Equestria...um...do you not know where that is either?"
"Honestly, no, and frankly I don't think anyone around here...knows where or...what that is." I answered bluntly, and much to my dismay, the Pegasus began to tear up again.
"I-I really...am...so lost..." Fluttershy managed to reply before bowing her head in deep sadness.
I couldn't help but feel even more compelled to believe her, as I was now beginning to have sympathy towards the sad and pitiful equine. I then decided to check the current time since first encountering it, as I made my way over to the desk of my computer and grabbed my phone to check its time.
It's almost three o'clock in the morning? Wow, well not so surprising seeing the issue I've been dealing with. I need to rest soon...unfortunately I have yet another day of lecture at the University tomorrow. Did I just put the words, 'unfortunately' and 'university' in the same sentence? I guess I am going crazy..... Great...
I decided to save the rest of my questions and concern for tomorrow, that is, if the Pegasus was still around by tomorrow, otherwise my 'hallucination hypothesis' would then be proven. Either way, my curiousity would then finally be resolved.
I pulled myself aside from the somewhat garrulous thoughts and as I then looked over at Fluttershy, who was now laying on my bed once again, still with her head down and with tears flowing relentlessly down her cheeks. I regretfully took back the false conclusion that she was a 'delusional freak'; such a mistaken judgement of mine now thinking about it in retrospect. Without a ounce of doubt, I could see that she was depressed, lost, scared, nervous, and now presumably, feeling lonely. She needed comfort and some kind of sense of sercuity...I needed to provide that for her.
"Hey...Fluttershy...look, do you have any idea how you came here?" I asked her, once again using a softly tone.
"N-no..." She answered through her light but continual sobbing.
My sympathy for her grew further. I then sat myself on the bed, right next to where she was now quietly sobbing, and daringly, I placed my hand gently on her back. Her shoulders shifted nervously for a second but to my surprise, they soon eased up. I was again awestruck feeling the fur; so soft, so tender, it still seemed all so...real. She then slowly turned her head to face mine, most of which was hidden behind her pink mane; I could clearly see the sadness in her eyes, now watery; the furs on her cheeks stained from the tears.
"I'm sorry...um...but hey, it's getting late. I have to get some rest...and since you have no where else to go, you can sleep and stay here until I figure things out." I offered sympathetically, giving a hopeful smile.
Her eyes then lit up at my generous offer and for the very first time since first encountering her, she gave off a small but barely hopeful smile in return.
"T-Thanks...but I-I wouldn't want to be much of a bother.."
"You wouldn't be a bother at all. You would be a delight in fact!" I responded in reassurence and to that the Pegasus gave a slight blush. I couldn't understand why, but for some reason her presence, was now making me feel...sort of happy. I guess it was because of the fact that she now somewhat trusted me, seeing how she didn't freak when I offered a hand for comfort. Whatever it was, it was deffinitely a positive feeling.
"Oh, well thank you...um...Matthew. That's really nice of you." Fluttershy responded gratefully.
"Your welcome...and sorry about yelling at you earlier...that will never happen again." I still felt really guilty about the criticism and judgement I threw at her. She didn't deserved that.
"Oh...well...I forgive you. You were surprised...so was I...it's not your fault." She replied softly in a kindly mannerism.
I was quite amazed, looking at what happened earlier and comparing it to now. From first meeting her, I was with utmost shock, perplexity, and with immense disbelief. Now, I was feeling a sense of sympathy for her and I felt a positive vibe that was difficult to explain at the time. I was just surprised, surprised at myself at how tame I was becoming with the yellow, pink haired, talking pegasus in my room. It was ridiculous, too flat out ridiculous. The introduction issues between us were now seemingly and finally coming to a resolution. At this point, I was almost believing in her to exist, but it still seemed just so inane to think so. I decided to let tomorrow morning give me the final definite answer.
"Well...uh Fluttershy, if you don't mind, you can sleep on the bed I guess. You would have to move over though so I may have some room too.." I explained, lettting out a loud yawn.
"Oh I don't mind...I mean your not as scary as I thought you would be, so it doesn't bother me..." She replied, noticably getting tired also.
"Good..you don't...really bother me either. Not like before..."
I then got myself onto to the bed as Fluttershy then moved to the very front side of the bed, laying right next to my feet. I could tell she was still a bit distant with me, and having a hard time fully accepting my presence, just as I was having difficulty believing her existence; easily understandable. It was now passed three and just as I was beggining to shut my eyes, I remembered my assignment from hours earlier, prior to first encountering Fluttershy. I cursed in my head as I had completely forgotten about it. I still remembered a good portion of the first question, and then, at that moment, a rather ridiculous and silly thought came to me.
If Fluttershy can speak, talk, reason, think, and feel, doesn't that mean she can learn and retain information likewise to the mind of a human? Seeing her size, and some distinct features of her equine physique, she seems of at least a young adult age....wherever she came from, I can infer she knows a significant amount of primary knowledge and fundamentals, presumably learning that through growing up. This could be pointless or even interesting to find out, but I wonder if she would understand anything about physics...nevermind theoretical physics.
I laughed at the thought but I was feeling really desperate for the sake of my assignment, so I decided to give it a shot.
"Hey...Fluttershy?"
"Um, yes...Matthew?"
"Just wondering, but do you happen to know anything about a Hamiltonian?" I asked, testing her knowledge.
"Uh....w-what?" Fluttershy responded, confused. I tried explaining it to her, hoping she would have a slim grasp of the concept. Inside, I knew darn right she wouldn't have a clue, but I was willing to try for anything for the sake of my homework.
"Oh...you know, it's...the sum of all the kinetic energies of particles related to a system of physical motion." I tried explaining to her as basic as I could. Of course, it still sounded complicated though.
"Um I still don't get it..."
Of course she wouldn't...but now thinking on that fact that she doesn't know the basic physics as I do, it's further supporting the proof that she may possibly be existing...cause being a hallucination, or a figment of a possible lucid dream, she would part of my subcouscious...meaning part of my mind. If she were to know what I know...it would be clear she would only be knowing that because I want her to...so therefore-
I paused my brief garrulous thoughts once again. I needed to stop thinking so much as my thoughts would just bring yet another a period of awkard silence.
"So what is this...um, Ham-milian...Hamil..Hami..ton..Hamiltooni-" Fluttershy asked curiously, failing to pronounce the word. It was quite silly seeing her trying to pronounce it, but I was also a little astonished at her curiousity for it.
"It's nothing...you wouldn't be interested in knowing it anyways..." I said disappointingly. Most of my friends, except for Andrew would just be bored to death with my ramblings on physics so I doubted a Pegasus, nevermind one that talks and is sentient would want to hear about it.
"Oh I wouldn't mind learning what it is....I mean if that's alright...with um..you, explaining it to me." Fluttershy said with a kindly but somewhat eager tone . Now it was my turn to give her a "Are you serious" look.
"You really want to know about it? Why so? Why are you feeling so comfortable talking to me already?" I asked, now once again, very perplexed. It was seemingly odd seeing how, after going much shock and dispute, she would be feeling just fine in my presence now. It was utmost strange, especially for some animal as shy as her...being around a human like me.
"Well...um...for one, it sounds interesting...and I-I like learning new things...I mean it doesn't hurt right? As for the...last question, well I'm not really sure. You kind of remind me of one of my best friends...she's smart and knows many things...and likes to debate...like you. M-maybe that's why?" She shyly explained to me.
For the second time, she mentioned, friends. I wondered briefly, once again on the matters of where she came from, and who exactly her friends were, and why I remined her of one of them. Whoever her friends were, she clearly already misses them. I decided to push it aside for tomorrow as I clearly had exhausted all my minds curiousity for the night. As much as I wanted to further question her and continue to be a skeptic on her supposable extistence, which was still mentally debatable for me, I decided to continue to go along with seeing her as 'real' and happily explain to her the "fun of Hamiltonians!" Being the nerd I was of course.
"Well Fluttershy...if your willing to stay up for a few more hours, I will happily explain to you about the Hamiltonian. I'm warning ya, it's not an easy concept to understand..." I was still wondering why she was interested, I mean it's really pointless information for anyone outside the study of physics.
This is so absurd, silly, ludicrous...insane...ridiculous...I don't even......sigh...
"I'm all ears!" She exclaimed softy, with a sparkle in her huge colored eyes, giving off a slight smile for the second time.
As crazy as it sounds, I began to explain the basics of the Hamiltonian to the yellow, pink haired, talking, sentient Pegasus. Deffinitely something one wouldn't hear everday, no, not any day! To my further surprise, Fluttershy didn't seem bored at all as I explained it, and kept asking me questions everytime I would mention a word or concept she didn't understand, every ten seconds roughly. I could evidently tell she wasn't anywhere near smart in physics...or other various subjects. She was more of a curious fellow rather than a knowledgable nerd; to which I was fine with...strangely.
Eventually and finally, I had finished explaining about the concept of the Hamiltonian, after an hour or so, having to answer every single one of the Pegasus's curious but eager to be answered questions. I did feel somewhat appreciated though; even at the possibility of her being just a hallucination, a figment of my mind; it was nonetheless, a wonderful experience just finally talking about the physics I know and love to one who has interest in learning it. It felt amazing. If she were to be really a hallucination, I would be actually wishing she was real. That was the primary concern of mine, the ultimate question in mind, "Is she real?". I admit, I was really close into believing its existence, but all the strange, prodigious, physical abnormalities of the Pegasus hindered my mind from fully buying into it. I needed to first see how the true existence of such a creature with such alien physique would be possible. I needed to find out how she got here first. All these questions, I decided to patiently push them aside for now. I was terribly tired and knew that, no matter what the scenario, my sleep was of great importance too.
"Good night...Fluttershy..." I said to her as I began to shut my eyes.
"Good night Matthew...and um...thanks again for being so nice to me." She responded, still being so grateful to me. I didn't felt like I deserved too much gratitude. It was really all because she appeared to me out of nowhere and explained part of her confusing but sad situation to me that I let her stay here in my apartment room. I didn't know what else i could of done.
I then drifted off to the sleep I've been longing for all night. My conscious thoughts were still barely floating around. Wondering what will happen next. Would she be gone when I wake up? Was it all a dream? For the sake of my sanity, as fractured as it already was, I was hoping for the creature to just vanish and be gone when I'd wake up. I was really contradicting myself at this point; her presence gave me a positive vibe, it was so realistic, the conversation, her way of thinking and reasoning, I wanted to believe; on the other hand, it was so absurd and ridiculous. She was a sentient Pegasus with enormous eyes and other various unrealistic details, that I just lectured to on the subject of physics. It was all seemed just so inane. I wanted to disbelieve.
All that had happened that night was only just the beginning. Little did I know that more of my mind and sanity, was going to further crash down...that the life I once lived...would fall apart.
It was then, the next morning, as I was instinctively beginning to discard all that had happened the previous night and dismiss it as a dream, when I came upon a shocking sight. Upon waking up, slowly opening my eyes and taking in the now clear and bright visibility of my room provided from the sunlight outside, I soon noticed, much to my surprise; Fluttershy. The winged equine was still here in my room! She was lying at the front of the bed where my feet were rested, just like the night before. It took a few brief moments for my tired brain and rather fuzzy vision to process what was there, but I immediately recognized the colors and abnormalities of the Pegasus as they then came into view. I couldn't understand how exactly that could be; I was beginning to think it was a dream, that it was just a strange hallucination! Before I knew it, more various questions and curious thoughts then rammed their way into my mind.
This...this is crazy! The night before, this...this Pegasus...appears to me and speaks to me. Now I wake up and she's still here? So I guess I cross off dreams on my list of possible conclusions... Therefore...it only leaves two possible answers left; she's actually real...or she's a very strong hallucination and I've been taking...something...without me even realizing it...great..
At this point, I was almost certain that I wasn't dreaming, that I was in pure reality...unfortunately. That meant there was 1/2 chance that I could be, perhaps, insane. For further confirmation, I then gave myself a few good pinches and rubbed my eyes a bit before finally coming to accept the complete state of awareness I was now in. The only thing that troubled me was the Pegasus that had yet to seem to leave or poof away. Truth be told, I had, in fact, become more comfortable and accepting of her presence the night before, to the point where I had opened up my home as a place for her to crash but, in the light of a new day, and after a good night's rest, I was beginning to wonder if I had taken leave of my senses due to sheer fatigue. In fact, it was only at this point in time that I became acutely aware that I had just shared my bed with a winged equine. Despite how real it all seemed, what took place that night was too ludicrous for me to truly accept. I was even almost buying more into the possibility that I'd been taking LSD without realizing it over the possibility of her existence.
As much as it troubled me, I then remembered the very basis and nature on which even the most skeptical of scientists, especially physicists, followed. I remembered learning and studying the history of physics, how early physicists came across what used to be hard to explain phenomena; Issac Newton, for example, was able to find and formulate an explanation for what seemed to be an unexplainable force that surrounded humanity at that day and age: gravity. Really thinking upon it, science did seem to have the capability to explain just about everything. Regardless of how illogical and ridiculous the situation seemed, it was unprofessional of me to immaturely reject the Pegasus in denial like some dumb skeptic, especially when she was right in my presence. I even told myself that the other night, and now thinking upon it, suggesting the possibility of me taking drugs was even more inane then her supposable realism. Of course I wasn't taking drugs, why would I? Hallucination or not, I was well aware that I needed to figure out the reason for it. Letting out a soft sigh, I then decided to get up and wake up...Fluttershy. I had to let her know that I would be gone at the university for a good portion of the day, sadly. For once, I would very much rather have stayed at the apartment with her, asking her more questions, finding more answers, and other etceteras.
"Hey Fluttershy, it's time to wake up...so...um, wake up." I softly and admittedly, awkwardly spoke as I gently shook her sleeping body from her slumber.
Gradually lifting her eye lids and leaving me once again in a state of awe, she slowly got up as she then turned to look up at me, revealing those huge deep ocean blue eyes of her's once again, which I admit, was even all the more stunning to see in the clear light of day. Startled upon seeing me, she shifted nervously for a brief moment before settling down and taking recognition of me as the same harmless man from the night before.
"Oh...um...hi Matthew." She shyly spoke back, giving a barely noticable smile. I couldn't help but distinguish how likable her soft and innocent voice seemed. It was cute to be honest, puppy dog cute.
"Hi. So...um...I have this thing called...um...do you what a school is?" I asked her in an awkwardly manner, with the assumption that she may have no idea what it is.
"Why yes I do..." She tiredly asserted, with a rather annoyed tone, lifting a eyebrow. Of course...but what do I know? Well lots actually, but when in regards to her; the sentient talking pegasus with the physique of a bobblehead, I could of only have made my guesses.
"Yeah...sorry, but since you know...what schools are, I'm assume you know what universities are...right?"
"Well...uh...I'm not sure...I honestly never been to such a thing."
I let out a small but slightly frustrated sigh.
It's going to be awhile till she understands even a good portion of how things work around here..
"Well Fluttershy, a university is a school, defined more preferably as higher education, but the subjects taught at the universities are much more advanced than secondary education, aka High School, which in return, is more advanced than primary education, aka preschool. You understand, right?" I asked, checking to see if she undertstood it all.
"Yes Tw-...erm...Matthew." She replied, stammering a bit. I was a bit perplexed by that, for it seemed as though she had almost called me by a different name before correcting herself. I simply brushed that aside though.
"Okay...well, anyways, it's basically a large school that deals with the more advanced subjects and they're really essential to take if you want to get a high versatile degree in some advanced fields of study. Really important and beneficial for getting a job that has such requirements. In my case, I'm planning on earning my degree in physics and mathmatics by the time I'm finished at the university I currently go to. Hopefully the degree can aid me in finally becoming a theoretical physicist." I finished explicating it all to her.
"Oh...um it all sounds interesting. But what's a theo-..um, theoo-rec-ticol...phiz-zi-zist?" Fluttershy asked as she once again attempted to pronounce what appeared to be a rather challenging word for her to make out. It felt so silly for me to be discussing this with her, but frankly, it felt real... The realism of her was more compelling for me to believe than the other night when first meeting her. I was again, leaning towards believing it, but I wanted more proof, more answers. Unfortunately, I had to get going to the university, and I absolutely did not want to arrive late. I couldn't afford to miss an important lecture, no matter what situation was at hand.
"As much as I would love to go on and on about what a theoretical physicist is, I'm afraid I'm running out of time Fluttershy. I'm sorry...but I have to get going to the university, and I really can't be late. " I said to her in a dissapointed tone. There was a brief silence as she then turned her huge eyes towards mine, with her eagered and curious expression turning into one of slight disappoinment also.
"Oh...okay...um...when will you be back?" She asked curiously.
"Till...around five o'clock. Roughly...ten hours from now." I sighed. I was also a bit surprised at her disappointed reaction. That's what I get for being naturally generous to others. I just simply felt bad leaving her at my appartment all day long. I never owned a pet so no extra company for her, I didn't even have a T.V., and I really couldn't have her go outside. Basically and bluntly, she couldn't have any fun. These were facts that further made me feel a little more sorry for the Pegasus. I pondered carefully on the matter.
If she were to go outside, and if she were to supposably exist then others would easily see her...and take her most likely. I can't afford to deal with that... Considering she doesn't talk much anyways...maybe she would be fine being by herself? But seeing her disappointment...she doesn't seem to like me leaving her. Again with her slight but sudden growing care for me...why? I had to do what I could to calm her down...I didn't ask for her...she's nothing more than...than a guest...hell, an experiment of research for me. She could potentially provide me with new answers and discoveries that can forever impact the world of science! Again...that is if she were to exist..
I did really comtemplate on whether or not I should show her to anyone else, nevermind the scientists. As with most of my concerns and ponderous questions, I just pushed that all aside for dealing with later on. I turned my attention back to Fluttershy, who was still looking up at me with much curiousity and a hint of noticable saddness.
"Well...if you have to go...then you have go..." She replied blandly, sitting herself back on the bed, still looking straight up at me with those huge confused eyes of her's.
What is with her?
"I-I'll be back soon...just promise you will stay indoors at all times. You've surprised me enough last night and I have a well maintained and intact mind...just think how others like me, who are less understandable and kind would react." I explained to her rather sternly.
"Okay..."
"And...um, when I come back, we can talk about...well, a lot of stuff." I reassured her, hoping to change the slightly depressing atmosphere for her and lighten up her mood. To some success, the Pegasus' sadden expression dimmed up and her eyes now had a hint of optimism.
"Well okay then...I'll look forward to that! I do have a bunch of questions for you..." Fluttershy cheerful responded...surprisenly.
"Me too...well I have to get going now. It may be a long day for you, and you've been through a lot since last night...um...you should get some extra rest. If your feeling hungry...then there some food avaliable in the fridge right down the hall to the kitchen." I told her as I got up and opened the door, pointing out where the kitchen was.
"Well...okay, I'll see you later then.."
After a few minutes of changing my clothes, and getting myself in the right state of mind, I said my goodbye and same with her. However, I could of sworn I heard Fluttershy softly mumbling to herself just as I closed the door behind me. I stopped and took a brief moment to listen.
"...oh how I hate being alone...well I'm used to it anyways...I just really miss my friends...and my animals...those poor..poor critters...I-I can't even be there for them..."
I could barely make out what exactly she was mumbling about but it seemed like she was already whinning. Two of the words I was able to hear clear enough, friends and animals, sparked up more questions and concerns in my head. My thoughts on the matter were then interupted by the sounds of whimpers and muffled crying coming from inside. Not only did my sympathy for her grew at that point, but the same with my pity on her. It was pathetic to be honest. Not even the neediest of animals would need so much attention; yet, at the same time, she seemed very introverted. It made my head hurt just thinking this all out. I had to just simply push every single concern of mine aside from now, and find the answers later on, despite it being very close to an infinitive list of questions to go through at this point.
Now going to school that morning, was hell for me. The lack of sleep was really beginning to affect my attention span in class, listening to the two hour long lectures. I hardly took any notes that day and was close to falling asleep numerous times. Thankfully but only causing my mind to wander off and be distracted, I was barely kept awake by my consistent thoughts of Fluttershy and the numerous questions and concerns I found myself mentally debating on.
What am I going to do with that yellow Pegasus? Should I turn her in to the scientific community? What would they do to her...like I care really anyways. Ahh...I'm contradicting myself again...especially since I feel as if I do care for her...a little. Is it just my sympathy? Do I really care for her? Well why shouldn't I? I mean I'm positive there is not one creature on this planet that looks anyway near like her, which makes her so geunine...so is she of some kind of alien species? It would appear so, and if so, I really wonder as to where she came from. What star system? What coordinates in relation to Earth? Our Solar System? She did mention Equestia...
From going through all my scattered thoughts, I was able to make one certain conclusion: she is, without a doubt, not from this world and must have came from somewhere out in the depths of space. It was a ridiculous theory to me, but it seemed to be the only possible and logical idea I could come up in relation to her presence here in this world, nevermind in my bedroom. I knew I had to do a lot of research to find exactly the reason and explanation on how she got here...scratch that...I wanted to do research on everything about her; her physique, how she could speak, reason, have personality, and possess the ability to learn as efficient as the average human mind. All of which were great mysteries to me.
Eventually and to my relief, I was able to survive through the rest of the lectures, unfortunately I couldn't help but have my thoughts continue to get the best of me through each class, which resulted in one of my professors noticing and calling me out at one time; as embarassing as it was, I knew I deserved it. I was able to get out just around the time I expected and hoped; around five. As relieving as it was for me to not have too much homework to work on that day, I knew that by the time I got back to the apartment, Fluttershy would be eager to see me and bombard me with countless questions. I just knew that there would indeed be much to discuss. Driving my way back to the apartment, I couldn't help but wonder and be curious as to how Fluttershy was doing on her own for the past ten hours. I figured it wasn't pleasant noting how she already felt upon me leaving. I then kept in mind some things that I could do to help her better handle the days in which I had school.
Maybe I could buy her a pet with the money I have saved?
Eventually the apartment came within view, just as the skies were beginning to lightly pour rain. Upon arriving, I carefully parked my car as I began to head inside the apartment, already having a good idea of what to expect. Pacing my way up the stairs, I finally made my way to the front door of my apartment room, which for some obscure reason, was emanating a rich orange-mint scent . As I entered, I immediately took notice on the fact that my room had been wiped clear of all mess, my desk was now free of any dust and even my computer screen was crystal clean. My clothers, which I admit, were once laying all around my room, were now neatly folded on the top of my bed. The bed itself, had been neatly made and the pillows were nicely fluffed. I then heard some ruckus coming from the kitchen.
Still awefully bewildered by the cleanliness and fresh scent of my bedroom, I slowly made my way down the hall, following the noise. As I got closer and closer to the kitchen area, I began to hear the sounds of water running and what seemed to be the scrubbing of dishes. I was in utter disbelief and shock as to what I saw upon entering the kitchen. It was Fluttershy; she was standing like a biped on her hind legs, washing the dishes in the sink, using her two front legs as if they were also arms. I gave a few blinks before realizing she was infact washing the dishes, that she was one who had left my bedroom absolutely clean and spotless.
"Uh...uh...um...hey F-Fluttershy." I managed to say to her, still utmost surprised.
"Matthew! Your back! I hope you don't mind...I um...did a little cleaning around." Fluttershy shyly replied, seeming a little surprised herself as she turned around to face me. She put the rest of the dishes away as she quickly finished scrubbing them.
"Yeah, clearly..." I replied, giving a little chuckle. "So thanks...I mean you didn't have to-"
"Oh but it's the least I could do, seeing how you've been so nice to me, letting me stay here." She quickly responded in a happy sort of tone, cutting me off.
I was really surprised and concerned for her as to how well she was handling...the dilemma. It seemed as though she was looking up to me as if I were some beacon of hope, that I was for sure going to help her get home soon and get her back with her...friends. I decided against asking her about it, as it may have been too personal for her.
If she's being so comfortable and trustworthy towards me just because she thinks that I could really take her home...then I feel aweful. Yes, I did say I would help...but I don't even think I could help her get home...I mean if she's really from another world...which she most likely is...as crazy as that sounds...then it would be impossible for me help her get there...
"So...um...I mean if it's alright with you...that I can...um..." Fluttershy shyly began to speak as she interupted the flow of my wandering thoughts, once again.
"Ask me some questions?" I finished the question for her.
"Yes! I want to ask you some questions." She responded somewhat eagerly.
We then made our way to the nearby couch in the living room, sitting ourselves and getting comfortable, knowing that the series of answering and exchanging questions would most likely go on for the rest of the day. I had my fair share of questions for the Pegasus as well, but I decided to take joy in answering all her questions first.
"Well ask away...I'll do my best to answer as much as I can." I responded rather enthusiastically; I was little excited to show off all of what I learned to the curious Pegasus.
The Pegasus gave a small smile, to which I reciprocated with a smile of my own.
"Well...first off...um...what is your kind like?
I should of known that would be one of her first questions. I pondered heavily for a bit on how I should describe the human race to her. Although I had no idea where she came from, I figured she wouldn't be happy hearing about the monstrosities and evil nature of mankind throughout history. I decided to explain to her how humans are as a whole in a mostly positive light.
"Well, it's not so easy to exactly explain as all humans are different in a way. Overall, as an entire species, we are, for the most part, very intelligent and highly sophisticated. In fact, we are the most advanced beings on Earth. I for one, used to think there was no other life out there, nevermind life as sentient as us...but...well...your presence seems to state otherwise." I explained to her as briefly as I could.
"Oh my, that sounds all so interesting. So this...world I'm in...it's called Earth?" Fluttershy asked.
"That's correct.." I nodded.
"Oh...okay...so where exactly is this...Earth?"
"I'm not sure if you would understand...but at least try; Earth is located in a roughly circular orbit that is about one hundred and fifty million kilometers, preferably one astronomical unit, away from our sun out in the sky. Its orbit is between two other rocky planets, Venus and Mercury, which also revolve around the sun. There are about eight total planets orbiting our sun. Together, all the planets and our sun make up what is known as the Solar System. Can you grasp what I'm saying so far?"
"Mostly...somethings you said sound a little confusing...but do go on.." She replied happily with her soft tone of voice. I was still awefully surprised at her fascination but at the same time, it thrilled me.
"Well here, let me draw it out for you." I said as I quickly got up and headed off to my room. I then returned just moments later with a few sheets of blank paper and a pen.
It was a rather crude drawing, but overall, I was able to decently depict the eight rings of orbit, the eight planets and the sun in the very center.
"So...this Earth...and all the other planets...um...are attached to giant rings?" She pointed her hoof at the rough circular rings I drew out. I for one, couldn't help but laugh a bit.
"No no Fluttershy...theses rings represent each of the planet's orbit. The sun's gravititational pull causes the planets to revolve around the sun in a circular motion, which is represented by those imaginary rings." I enunciated to Fluttershy, who responded with a nod.
"Alright, so this may be more difficult to explain clearly to you, so just try and listen carefully. The Solar System itself is located around twenty six thousand light years away from the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way." I illustrated on another piece of paper, a decent sketch of the galaxy and drew a little dot on one of its arms, representing the Solar System.
"Wow...I-I never knew there was such a thing as a galaxy...it seems so big..." Fluttershy managed to reply, as her eyes widened in amazement. "um...and...w-what's a light year?"
"Oh...well it's approximately how long it takes for light to travel in a year."
"Which is...?"
"Well most scientists give it an estimate of around, 9,460,730,472,580,800 meters." I replied, taking much delight in the Pegasus' surprised reactions and awe.
"W-What!? And it takes light...a year...to travel that far? Um...how fast is light anyways...if you don't mind me asking?" The Pegasus asked, still shocked with some disbelief.
"Around one hundred and eighty six thousand miles a second." I answered with much enthusiasm, being the avid nerd I was.
"No....way! T-That's...faster than Rainbow Dash!" For the first time ever, she spoke in what appeared to be, her rare but average volume. However, what also surprised me was her mentioning...this Rainbow Dash. Could she or he be one of her friends back home? Despite my curiousity for the matter, I pushed it aside along with my other concerns that I would want to ask her about later on.
"Yeah...so anyways, the Milky Way in turn is one of the three large galaxies in a group of galaxies known as the Local Group. The other two galaxies are the Andromeda Galaxy and Triangulum Galaxy." I continued to explain to her as I then drew a rough sketch of the three galaxies, adding a small dot on the one depicting the Milky Way, representing the coordinates of our location. The Pegasus, still astonished and amazed just gave a nod.
"The Local Group in turn is located on the far reaches of a galactic supercluster called the Virgo Supercluster, whose center is about seventy five light years away in the direction of the constellation Virgo." I then drew out a big messy blob with a multitude of random dots representing the countless galaxies. I also drew an arrow pointing to one of the dots, labeling it as the Milky Way.
"Oh and get this, the Virgo Supercluster itself comprises of around at least forty seven thousand galaxies..." Just as I anticipated, the Pegasus' mind was now blown. There was another brief period of silence as she gave me such a questionable wide-eyed look of confusion, shock, and disbelief. I just gave a slight chuckle in return.
That's exactly how I felt when first meeting you...and realizing you could talk. I guess this makes us even now.
"T-that's amazing!" She finally managed to respond in her soft tone of voice.
"But wait! There's more! The Virgo Supercluster itself is located around a billion light years from the Sloan Great Wall. Which is the largest known structure in the entire universe, that's smaller than the universe itself if I must add." I finished my lecture, which I feared had left the poor Pegasus' mind overwhelmed. I guess I did get a little carried away; nonetheless I had quite the fun.
"A-Are you done...answering my question?" Fluttershy shyly asked, still in a state of awe from my lecture.
"Yeah. So...um sorry it seemed rather tedious explaining it all to you, but that's pretty much the best way I can describe our location in the universe...well, the observable universe really." I replied, giving off a sheepish smile.
"Oh no, it wasn't boring at all! It was very interesting, and rather shocking considering I never knew such things. But, none of what you explained sounded familar to me...so um I can't really say that it really answer...my question."
"Oh...well I'm sorry about that." I responded, feeling a bit disappointed.
So basically...that was a waste of time..
"It's alright. Um...I was also really wondering...w-why are you being so kind to me? I know it seems like a random question...but I'm just really curious." She asked, looking at me rather curiously, tilting her head slightly.
"Oh...well, I mean you seem very harmless when you first...appeared to me last night. You seemed so confused, you seemed somewhat saddened and lonely realizing you weren't at your home anymore...that you weren't with...your friends anymore. I just felt like I had to...be there...for you." I nervously answered. I felt a sense of attachment gradually growing between me and the yellow Pegasus, which was ridiculous as it had barely only been a day.
"Oh...well thank you. I don't know what I would do if it...wasn't for your kindness." Fluttershy shyly responded as she slightly blushed, giving off a grateful smile.
"Yeah...hey, if you don't mind, tell me a bit about where your from, and about your..friends?" I asked curiously, wanting to alreadly change the awkward and somewhat sappy subject.
"Oh, okay. Well I come from Equestria...which is probably far away from...this um...Earth." She began nervously. "I live in a cottage which is near the Everfree Forest, like I told you about the other night." I simply gave a nod.
"I'm a animal caretaker...I work at my cottage to help all the sick and poor critters who need tender love and care-" I decided to briefly cut her off.
"Considering your sentient and able to talk, think, reason like me....wouldn't other animals, nevermind the ones similar to your species be able to talk and think clearly...therefore, not need care?" I asked skeptically, thinking of how ironic it all seemed.
"They can't talk or think like us ponies can mister...just like you said about humans being the most advanced on Earth...ponies are the most advanced in Equestria." She answered. I remembered her mentioning that she is pony from the night before, to which I still found rather inane.
"Ponies? How are you a pony? You look much more like a Pegasus if anything... a rather strange looking one too."
"But I am a pony...I'm a pegasus pony. In Equestria, there's around four different kinds of ponies. There's pegasus ponies, there's earth ponies and there's unicorn poni-" She tried explaining to me before I cut her off again, as what she was saying was starting too silly for me to believe.
"There's more of your kind? A-And there's u-unicorns? Flutteshy, you can't expect to believe that you come from a world full of pegasi and unicorns. Especially sentient talking pegasi and unicorns!" I retorted. It was now really beginning to sound insane to believe, I couldn't any logical or probable way as to how it could even make sense.
"I'm not joking...I swear. And I'm a talking pegasus...why wouldn't there be more like me?"
"That's also hard for me to believe Fluttershy! I d-don't know how you even seem so real...I don't get how your..erm...wings could even support your body weight. I mean looking at from the side...they're clearly too small in proportion to your physique to give you enough lift, and you body isn't even aerodynamic enough.." I vented out. My innate understanding of physics was beginning to get the best of me. I almost on the edge of denying her existence once again.
"Y-You don't know...if I'm real?" Fluttershy managed to ask, seemingly heartbroken upon hearing that.
"I-I...I'm not sure if your real...yes." I struggled but knew I couldn't lie. "I...I want to believe though. I really do but...your existence simply does not make sure.."
"W-why doesn't it make any sense...um...I am here...I am right beside you...right?"
"Well yeah...but...somewhere deep down inside...I feel like your just...a hallucination." I sighed.
"Oh you poor thing. A-Are you really that shocked? I mean you scared me too at first but I didn't-"
"It's not really that...it's just...I don't know how to put it into words at the moment. I feel so happy talking with you, really...your really friendly and nice to me Fluttershy...even though I've only known you for not even a day. It's just the fact that your a pegasus, a creature thought to only be mythological. Along with that...you able to talk, you have such a personality...that almost reminds me of my previous girlfriend." I sadly explained, realizing the last statement to be true.
God damnit...it's getting awkward again...
My girlfriend was one of the kindest individuals I knew and she had such an interest in learning new things, despite not really understanding the subject, and she too...was also shy. Now thinking about it, the resemblence between Fluttershy's and my girlfriend's personality was truly uncanny.
Fluttershy looked me curious for a few moments before her eyes widened, most likely from thinking about the sentence I said, as she then blushed.
"Oh...I-I don't what to say...I've never-"
"Don't take it the wrong way...your personality reminds me of her...that's all." I blandly responded, correcting her before she would get the wrong idea.
"Um...if you don't mind me asking...what happened with..your mare...I mean girlfriend?" She cautiously asked, as she scooted herself closer to me on the couch, much to my surprise. Her question, however, struck me like a speeding train.
"I-I can't answer...that...Flutter...shy...I really just can't right now." I stammered, on the verge of tears. Despite how hard I fought to resist, I eventually broke down sobbing, turning away from the pegasus. It was embarassing, especially as Fluttershy only continued to look at me, her expression changing from one of confusion to one of great saddness and sympathy.
"D-Did I make you cry? I...I never meant to hurt you! I'm so s-sorry!" Fluttershy quavered. I felt more humilated, and I took notice that she was appearing to feel guilty thinking that she was the reason for my dismay.
"F-Fluttershy, it's not your fault...I...just, have these memories...unpleasent ones...and when they come back to haunt me, I always end up...well like this..." I manage to explain to her through my sobbing, still facing away.
Fluttershy, although she seemed a bit more in relief, she still had much saddness and sympathy for me. To my utmost surprise, without even noticing, she leaned in closer to me, and placed her hoof gently on my back. Immediately I was remined of that very action I so bravely took the other night when she first appeared to me, when she was in her most terrified, lost, and hopeless state. I couldn't get enough of these contradictions. How could I have accepted her into my home so generously, so kindly despite not even knowing where she came from or what exactly she is, yet at the same time doubt her existence? How could I have even had said, to her very face...that I was uncertain of her realism, ultimately dismissing all of the earlier day and the prior night as if none of which that had appeared to occur, occur? Why did I had to always go through these sporadic periods of acceptance and doubt?
My sobbing dwindled down a bit, though of course I was still feeling awefully depressed, but now, thanks to Fluttershy, her unusual care for me was gradually mitigating my saddness. It felt a little odd for me, considering she still seemed like a stranger, a homeless stranger who had unexpectedly appeared in my apartment room, as ridiculous as it sounds. Normally I would of kicked such a stranger out, taking it as a buglary attempt, even as someone so foreign, especially if it were to be a pegasus, to which I would of imaginary being even a more chaotic scenario. However, for some obscure reason, it was as if she emitted a strong influential aura of innocence...and kindness, and I just couldn't seem bring myself to abandon her like that. Yes, it sounds as cliche as hell, but I have no better way of describing it. As I noticed Fluttershy still had her hoof on my back, I couldn't help but express how thankful I was for her care; I kindly reciprocated as I then placed my hand on her back.
No hesitation this time? She already has full trust in me...and it's been barely just over a day...and her back...her fur, I'm really touching it, my hand doesn't seem to phase through her. All just like last night. Her care, her sympathy, her saddness, her happiness...all the emotions she's expressed...how she can have all that and not be real? This is crazy...this sounds so crazy...but there is, there has to be...a real sentient yellow, pink haired pegasus...pony right beside me. That's the only conclusion that seems to make sense!
I didn't know how, I couldn't understand how, but she was really right there, she was really offering me comfort, she really had her hoof upon me, and I really felt her the fur on her back; just like the other night. She was too geuine, she was too unique to even be a hallucination of me, and her kindness was overwhelming; it couldn't have been my imagination, heck, I couldn't even comprehend such a depth of kindness like her's. It was, how I would describe, as ethereal. We shared a few minutes of silence, just enjoying each other's presence and comfort. I didn't feel like breaking out of it just yet, and apparently the same with her. After a few more moments, I then decided to speak.
"Um...thanks Fluttershy, you really didn't have to be so nice.." I said, giving her a slight but grateful smile.
"Oh...but I wanted to. I always try my best to be so nice and kind to everypony." She warmly smiled back.
Everypony? Eh...not my concern right now...
"Well you certainly do a good job." I replied light-heartedly.
"Thank you...I rarely get compliments on my kindness alone.." She modestly responded.
"Yeah, you deffinitely are kind...more than that really. It's crazy, but I was really beginning to think you were some kind of strange...psychological manifestation of my girlfriend." I slightly chuckled, though still a little uneasy with mentioning her.
"Oh...well I'm not sure what that means, but I guess I understand...why you don't really believe...in me existing." She sighed, bowing her head down slightly. The guilt swept over me once again.
Smooth move Matthew...
"Fluttershy...I-I...I'm sorry fo-" I tried to apologized before the pegasus then cut me off.
"I-It's alright...I don't blame you...I-I'm fine...I used to most ponies seeing me as mostly invisible anyways, acting as if...like I don't exist." She explained to me, as I saw a few tears roll down her cheeks.
"Really? Back...home, that's how others treated you?" I asked with much concern. I began to gently stroke the fur on her back as I tried to provide her with more comfort.
"Well...not everypony. Not exacty...um...most just liked to take advantage of my shyness...some were really mean and insensitive. I just really don't understand how they can be like that...I-I mean what did I ever to them?"
I had a good idea what she was refering to. I then let out a soft sigh. At her home...Equestria, where she claims to have came from, I figured she must of been bullied often. I know how it feels, I've had to deal with bullies throughout my early life as well, however, I was utmost surprised to see that she had more in common with me than I had originally thought.
"Fluttershy...wow...I never knew. I also really don't get how some...p-people can treat you like that. I don't see you as invisible...and I know now that you are real...you are real. You do exist...don't think otherwise." I frankly was a little surprised at myself for saying all that, but nonetheless, I knew saying all that would really comfort Fluttershy.
"You really mean all that?" She asked as she gently lifted her head to look up towards me.
"Yeah...well I've been bullied quite a lot too in my prior years. People always enjoyed to pick on me just cause I knew so much and loved to study. I was...and will always be a nerd. But you know what...I'm proud!" I happily exclaimed to her, trying my best at attempting to lighten up the mood.
"Really? That's aweful that you've been picked on! But it's good that your proud who you are...I proud of who I am." Fluttershy replied to me, giving a slight smile.
"Yeah, and if you don't mind me asking this...but um, who exactly are your friends? You've never explained about these...sigh...your pony friends to me." I was embarassed by saying that but I decided to just go along with everything Fluttershy states as truth, I wasn't really in the mood to argue anymore, nevermind talk about physics.
"Oh...umm, wel okay. You not going to d-doubt what I'll say...are you?" She said, clearly at a little unease after going through...rough moments. Again, I didn't blame her.
"I promise I won't be skeptical or critical of what you'll say...no matter how silly it would appear." I responded,with reassurance.
"Pinkie promise?"
"Um, I would...believe me, but you don't have any pinky finger..." I stated, quite confused by whatever she meant."
"Huh? I'm talking about this promise a special friend of mine made up...it's like a super sincere promise."
"Why is it called a pinky promise then?"
"It's named after my friend who made it up, Pinkie Pie." She answered, to which left me quite confused again, but this time with a little urge to laugh at the name.
Fluttershy? Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie? What's next? Applejack?? I thought, laughing a bit on the inside. The names she was mentioning, including her's, were so ridiculous and cheesy. They deffinently were not helping me believe her. However, seeing how the pegasus was in a rough spot at the time, I just brushed aside all my debating thoughts.
"Oh so you want me to pinkie promise you?" I asked, the pegasus responded with a nod.
"So how does it work?"
"Well it goes something like this, cross my heart...um...hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye..." She shyly explained, as she also showed the hand gestures while doing so. Once again, I felt like laughing and shaking my head in this maddness, but it seemed like going along with everything made her happy and feel somewhat closer with her friends, so I did as so.
So for the next few hours, she explained to me all about her...pony friends; as ridiculous as it sounds. I couldn't bring myself to believe what she was saying. I was afraid that if I did condescend myself to actually buy this inane childish sounding stories of her's to be real, my mind would crack and thus, I would have cross the boundary line into pure insanity. For instance, she tried explaining to be that this "Rainbow Dash" was, not only a pegasus, but one who can fly faster than the speed of sound, and instead of a sonic boom, her passage through beyond terminal velocity creates a "sonic rainboom". She also told me about her "unicorn friends", as well as these "elements of harmony", to which she claimed to be one. As crazy it was listening to all the nonsense coming out of her mouth, as much as I didn't buy a word she said, it was however really making her happy and full of glee.
I was still surprised by her astonishing growth of comfort around me; I still couldn't seem to understand, and it had only been just two days since we first encountered eachother. I was exceedingly leaning towards accepting her existence; really high up there infact, if there were to be an "actual scale" as to how much I believed in her existence. So after she was finish sharing her rambling nonsense about her "pony friends", we exchanged a few more questions and words here and there. Before I knew it, I was begining to get extremely tired, and from checking the time on my phone, I realized we had been up chatting past midnight; it almost one o'clock in the morning. Lacking the strength to get to my room, I decided to just lazily take comfort on my couch for the night. Fluttershy tried scooting close to me, to which I didn't understand why and frankly was also a little awkward, so I urged her to just sleep on the floor. Reluctantly, she did as told.
"Good night...Fluttershy. It was...um...nice talking to you."
"Good night Matthew...I know I say this a lot...but thanks again." She responded shyly and tiredly as she went off into her peaceful slumber.
Another mind blowing day awaits... I thought just as my eyelids began to gradually close. My thoughts wandered for a few more moments before I finally fell asleep.
I feel like I forgot something...what was it? Was it something I had to do? Something I had to work on? My assignme-......you have got to be freaking kidding me! I forgot again...screw it...
