Scar Flank's Journal

It’s been a long time coming but I think this was inevitable. Every foal that leaves home must eventually come back. Maybe now I can find some peace in the time I have left. Still, I have a story to tell before I go. Writing down my life in my remaining time is the least I can do to honor the memory of those I left behind. I need to justify their lives by making sure somepony knows how I became the pegasus I am today. I owe my bro that much. I won’t start this journal from the beginning. I don’t have the courage to relive all those memories. Not yet anyway. I’ll just take it one day at a time for now.

The trip back home took longer than most would be willing to venture. Normal ponies would have paid for a train ticket from Manehatton. I wasn’t so fortunate to have much in the way of bits. My wings had flapped tirelessly for half a day already, my muscles worn from walking the rest and my stomach singing its all too familiar song of hunger. The only energy to move I had left came from seeing that beautiful sign stating “Welcome to Ponyville”. With burdensome pack on my back, I trotted my way through town. The sun was just about to set, the sky orange and clear, stars blinking into existence one by one as they pulled the blanket of night over head.

What little money I did have I used to purchase some semblance of a home. They told me it was meager. A single room shed with a small cooking area in the corner. I had no desire for opulence nor had any means to obtain such. Still I wouldn’t mind something a bit more accommodating. Such a goal would have to wait till I could find work in this town. The shack was still a ways away, just bordering the town and the Everfree forest. It sat next to a steep hill with a tree at the top overlooking some of the forest. It was a nice secluded spot away from most of the other domiciles. At least that way I can be left alone. I don’t need any more friends at this point. I’m not a pony that anypony should be friends with.

I was lucky that there were hardly any other ponies in sight. I’m not too sociable in any stretch of the imagination. I wore my hood to my jacket up all the time if I could help it. I cherish this coat so much. It’s the only thing I have to remember my bro. For now I’ll save that story for another time. My hooves are…. quivering too much thinking about him, and what I… failed to do. Let’s talk about something else then.

It’s probably wise for me to at least talk about myself now. I guess other ponies do that sort of thing with diaries. I don’t have a real name. I sometimes I go by “no name” or “that pony” or “hey you”. Most of the time though ponies refer to me as Scar Flank, sometimes just Scar for short. I hadn’t lived here since I was a foal. My parents died the day they brought me home and I had been badly burned on the sides of my flank where my cutie mark would’ve been. I don’t remember much of that day, just a few images and sounds. But what I do remember I made sure to never ever forget. I was screaming, crying in the shrouds of smoke and fire. All I could see was blackness as the flames danced all around me. I was too young to recall the physical pain of my burns. It was like a terrible nightmare. But this nightmare had a tiny light that shined through. On wide spread wings a fire rescue pony scooped me up from the debris and lifted me up through a hole in the roof. She held me over her shoulder as I watched my burning home shrink into the distance. Sounds of ponies shouting to get the fire under control, sirens blaring. The last image I could recall was when she removed her mask and helmet to coddle me, letting me know it was going to be ok. Long flowing hair as red as the hungry flames she stole me from and bright yellow wings that seemed to glow even in the night sky. I didn’t know the word for what I saw until later down the road of my life, but it was though I had been saved by a phoenix. After that, the earliest memories I had were from my time in an orphanage in the slums of Manehatton. But that’s a story for another time.

After unloading my pack from my aching back I reluctantly made my way to the town hall to inquire about work. The streets were empty, the air dead silent. Life in a small town was far different than a city that never sleeps. I didn’t know any better, I truly wish I did. Though the air was still and silent, it was flooded with a dark aura. Reaching the hall I could see full well why the town was so quiet. It was due to the Summersun Celebration being held in Ponyville. Everypony gathered to witness their beloved Princess Celestia. There was naught I could do but sigh nervously. "Great, so much for that plan. Maybe I can get in and get out with some food in hoof. These things always have food…right? Please don’t let anypony see me."

I guess it should be apparent. I don’t like being looked at most of the time. When somepony looks at me it feels like they are judging me. Staring at my scarred flank, whispering to themselves “What pony does not have a cutie mark? You can’t tell what talent he has. He looks like a thug. I better hide my valuables.” Back then I’d pay no mind to this sort of thing. Somepony once told me that growing out of self-consciousness is very difficult. I guess I had it easier back then. Standing at the archway of the entrance I almost turned tail and ran. Old stomach was in control at this point, and he didn’t have any intention of leaving.

My hoof reached out to open the door just inches away from the handle, the sounds of gasps, thunder and evil laughter escaped the walls of the structure. Before I knew it, the door had swung wide open, shooting forth a shadowy figure knocking me into the air and onto my back, landing in the bushes nearby. It darted here and there before escaping my sight. That landing hurt… a lot. For a while I just laid there, contemplating what this all could mean. Maybe it’s a sign that a peaceful life is not that easy. Maybe this is the final hurdle before I can just live like a normal pony. Maybe I can overlook this happening and let the whole thing go. From the depths of my mind I could hear a familiar voice from my past. "And maybe you can act like a real pony and go KICK THAT THING’S PLOT."

The utterance floating through my mind was all too right. The fur on my chest stood on end, my tail stiffened, adrenaline flowed from the tips of my wings down to the soles of my hooves. I have a lot of pent up anger that needs some expelling. That floaty black thing seems like a good place to dump it all. Soon afterward I spotted a purple unicorn rush from the town hall. On fleet of hoof she ran straight to what looked like the town’s library, followed by a myriad multi colored cast of mares eager to understand this madness and the unicorn’s connection to it. Like Tartarus I was about to let some purple know-it-all steal my temporary punching bag for this evening. Following them wouldn’t be easy. The more there were of them the more inconspicuous I’d have to be. Besides, I had no idea where that stupid thing ran off to. Chances are they wouldn’t let me have my way if I went with them. I can just see how that conversation. “Hey, can I come along with you so I can horribly beat whatever that thing was to a bloody pulp?” That does not sound like it would go over too well.

They certainly took their sweet time getting themselves ready to pursue. Lucky for me I could hear the know it all say something “royal castle” and something “sisters”. It all was useless information until she mentioned the Everfree forest. A castle in a forest hmm? Sounded like it would be easy enough to spot….. Nope! Running on angry adrenaline I ascended higher and higher at the edge of town. A clear night sky and full moon would give me all the light I needed to spot this place. My gaze panned from one side to the other.

The confidence I once held in my plan quickly faded as agitation and impatience swelled up within me. "How in Celestia’s name could this place be THAT hard to spot. It’s a freaking castle right? So where is IT!?" I couldn’t keep up the altitude. What surge of energy I had was running out, it was only a matter of time before I dropped 20 something stories to my death. Panting and nearly spitting up my lungs, all I could do was wait to greet the ground once more. At least that was the plan I had at that moment if I didn’t look straight down and spot those 6 mares below me. I had to stay out of sight. I had to figure something out. Closer and closer the ground approached. I was finished, done for. I winced my eyes shut preparing for the inevitable. Then… suddenly… nothing. My descent stopped. How? I then opened my eyes once more and spotted a lone tiny cloud beneath my rump. One cloud in the open starry sky saved me from a troublesome scenario. What blind luck was this? Now I can follow them without being noticed. If I manage to spot the castle before them…well I’ll just have to make quick work of that shadowy thing.

They started to move. It wasn’t until then I noticed another group close by to them. This tiny group consisted of two ponies. One earth pony and one pegasus. What was the deal with those two? Did they have some bone to pick with that dark thing as well? And more importantly, which group would get me their sooner?

I floated on for a while, sticking close over top the first 6. My patience was waning as they made slow progress. At that moment I regretted not following the other 2. The boredom soon shattered as so did the sudden collapse of their footing. Part of me wanted to help. But… I couldn’t bring myself to move. I trembled on my tiny cloud, the cool air kissing my neck at the beads of sweat accumulating. This scenario was all too familiar. I floated with uneasy stare and bated breath as I witnessed the purple one sliding to her imminent demise. The sight of it reminded me of that which I wish to repress for the moment. My mind was screaming "She’ll die. She’ll DIE! Just like he did and there is nothing I can do!"

My fear was quelled in moments seeing the two pegasi catch her mid air, plucking her gingerly from the fangs of death itself. It became apparent I was taking an interest in their well being. I had to remind myself not to care about them. There was no happy ending to that movie, that I can guarantee. Even from nose bleed high seats this show was getting interesting. Despite my prior thoughts on these little fillies they certainly knew how to kick some major plot. Going toe to toe with…. Well whatever that thing was and surviving. All I could do was reminisce about days of my colthood. The time I spent getting into trouble and fighting my way out permeated my thoughts. This all came to a crashing end when one of them approached the towering beast unafraid. At that moment my buzz of excitement died far too quickly to egh! that cute spectacle. If this continued any further I’d blow chucks as colorful as that rainbow one’s mane. I turned my head away in repulsion to this scene only to spot the castle remains hidden amongst a dense fog. Now was my chance, now I could get even with that black apparition.

Fluttering as hard as my tired wings could take me the structure’s distance shrank all too quickly. I discarded the cloud and stretched my wings, taking to full glide crashing through a window to the main hall. My landing was lousy. Luck was never really on my side. With annoyance on my brow I spoke aloud to hear myself think clearly. "Ok, seriously!? I’m on my back again? Just so you know where ever you are! WHEN I’M DONE HERE I AM GOING TO NEED TO SOAK MY HOOVES IN ICE WATER! YOU HEAR ME!!! THAT’S HOW BAD I’M GONNA PUMMEL THAT….WHAT EVER YOU USE AS A FACE!!!" Never did I expect an answer to return to me with clamorous force behind it. "Such a loud little wretch you are." The voice echoed everywhere, surrounding me with unease. I staggered to get to my hooves. My body ached in pain. Hunger seemed to intensify gravity’s crushing pull. It felt like this thing could kill me if it wanted. Thoughts of ending things quickly crept into my mind. Why drag this out? I’m so tired anyway. I’ll finally get to rest in peace. To do that, I decided to provoke my antagonist. Maybe enjoy myself one last time. Grinning from ear to ear, empty of vigor I goaded back "Big talk coming from a pansy. Come on out!"
"Gladly."

The darkness swirled into a twister before me. Flashes of lightning struck left and right, thunder roared like as though they were trumpets announcing the arrival of a monarch. Before me stood tall and proud like a dark queen the first alicorn my eyes ever witnessed. With glaring eyes it spoke forth "Feast your eyes upon me you lowly pony. Behold your once princess of the night. Behold your coming end. Behold-" I couldn't bare to listen to this thing prolong the end. I responded with enthusiastic sarcasm "Blah blah blah. Are you gonna talk all night or are you gonna just spit your name out? How many times do I have to read this in comics I stole or see this in movies I snuck into? ‘Behold mortal at my dark and evil butt!’ Bored now!"
"How dare you! For that I will make your end slow and enjoyable for me. I shall take my time making you scream and moan… IN AGONY!!!!"
"Oh thank Celestia. Ha ha whew! For a second there I thought you were coming on to me. Thanks for finishing that sentence. I was about to say. I don’t really dig older mares."

Her face turned red. She retreated one step in confusion and embarrassment to my remark before stamping hard to the ground forward, cracking it with ease beneath her hooves. Dark smoke snorted from her snout "You insolent fool. You dare to speak that way to me, NIGHTMARE MOON!?!? FORMER PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA AND BRINGER OF ETERNAL NIGHT!!! "
"FINALLY! Took you long enough to say your name. Wait a second… who are you? Am I suppose to know who you are? Actually, better idea. I don’t give a buck. Nope, no bucks to give at this moment. See my left hoof here? His name is lefty and he also says there are no more bucks to give. Isn’t that right lefty? 'oh yes no more bucks, sorry.' "

Her face grew ever so full of rage and in my weakened condition it was just tickling me to no end. She could at any moment snap me in half like a little twig… I kept going with it of course. "Also, this 'eternal night' stuff. Here is the twist ending to that movie. No pony gives a buck! It was just good enough to get a sequel. Guess how that one ends. It ends with you getting a hobby."

She let out a terrible yell. I guess I managed to really tick her off. As cocky as I was hours ago I had no strength to defend myself or escape. This was it. At least I got to enjoy one little laugh before the end. Her advancing shook the stone floor beneath me, eyes seeming to glow red. I was done for this time. I always knew my big mouth would land me in deep deadly trouble. But this time…he wasn’t here to dig me out of it. Closer and closer she drew, till she was inches from my snout. I could feel the heat of her fury through my coat. I calmly closed my eyes. It was a long time coming indeed. Perhaps this too was inevitable. My eyes opened welcoming the sweet release only to see my would-be executioner distracted by the sounds of other ponies outside the ruin walls. Before I could speak again her darkness enshrouded me. Was this it? Was this how it ends? Her face and image were gone but her voice echoed in the darkness "I have no time for a tiny whelp like yourself. Consider this a reprieve for now. But once I am done with those other fools, I AM COMING FOR YOU!"

I don’t understand how but I was transported by her magic outside, trees all around me. No… not just any trees, apple trees as far as the eye could see. My eyes widened, drool flowed like rushing river waters from the corners of my mouth. Maybe I was dead. Maybe I was just good enough to go to heaven. Shaking my head in disbelief the image of a farm came to view in the darkness, lights aglow in the windows. No pony was around and no pony would miss a few apples. Vigor surged to my hooves as I leapt from tree to tree, engorging myself on apple after apple right from the stems. The whole farm would be desolate of these apples had not some massive stallion showed up to chase me off the grounds. He certainly was a big fellow, but when it came to food for this empty stomach he could have been twice the size of the barn he emerged from. He gave chase in futility as my speed and stamina had returned to me. Tried as he might, staying out of the light was just too fun. Swinging to and fro the lantern just could not give him the glimpse he needed to identify me. I should know. I still write this journal even now. No pony has come knocking at my tiny shed door. In the confusion however, he did end up falling into a ditch and hurt himself pretty good. I would feel much guiltier, but these apples are SOO good.

I will admit. I do wish I could have had my little fight with that alicorn. Saddest part of the whole thing… it had to be a mare. As dirty as these hooves have gotten I never once would raise them against a female. And I don’t plan to start. Ever! The town was abuzz with joy and jubilation. To the east the sun rose bright and shining. Against my better judgment to stay out of view of everypony and remain in anonymity I could not help but go see the fuss. Thankfully the shadows of a distant ally-way provided the best vantage point. The crowds gathered to witness their princess ride forth on a guard drawn carriage. As much as scenes like these turn my now full stomach I could not help but feel warm inside at this picturesque moment. My vision shifted from the princess to the slightly smaller pony next to her. Another alicorn? She looks so… familiar. Something in my mind flipped its switch. My heart raced. It… couldn’t be… That dark alicorn from the ruins was none other than….Nightmare Moon! To my confusion they kept referring to her as Princess Luna. Her glance pointed dead at me, squinting in my direction.

At that point I bolted straight home. I tell you this now. If anypony had gotten in my way… I think they would be a bright and colorful cloud of pony fur. I just have to stay out of sight a little longer. Maybe I’ll come back out at night… in a few days.