Life of Artby ArthurGabrielChaptersChapter 1: Welcome to PonyvilleChapter 2: The Inquisitive PoniesChapter 3: Studio of DreamsChapter 4: Studio of NightmaresPrologueChapter 1: Welcome to PonyvilleAfter a long day of napping, he slowly woke up and continued his trot towards the road leading into Ponyville; he was hauling a few things from his workshop in Canterlot. He continued his slow and joyful trot over the mound and saw the town of Ponyville. Although he never met any of the ponies, he w could probably guess who they were: Lilac, Golden Harvest, Carrot Top, Rose Luck, Lyra, Bon Bon and few others to mention. He even saw a few fillies in capes trying to juggle while on a traipse wire. For some reason, it seemed that most of the ponies were, taller. As he walked into town passing over the bridge, he felt the sense of being looked down upon: the sense of being judge, tested, and watched, as if his was on thin ice. Arthur used most of his time working, not even considering what he looked like with a few shaves and a trim of his facial hair. He always seemed to be focused on his work, what was on his canvas and what surrounded him. As he continued his trotting and sightseeing, taking in the new surrounding. He saw a small yellow pony fall in front of him. He quickly unstrapped the harness and checked on the little filly. “Are you alright?!” The pony shook her head, looked up, “I’m fine, thanks for asking,” Applebloom said. “What’s your name?” Arthur asked as he sat in front of her. He extended his hoof out and started the convesation, ”My name is Arthur, what’s yours?” She answered as she cleaned her cape, ”Appleblooom, my names Appleblooom." “Applebloom huh, nice name, it’s also a pleasure to meet you.” As she was about to reply, her friends the Cutie Mark Crusaders came running up. “Are you alright AppleBloom,” Sweetie Bell asked, “Yeah you went way high up, higher then I care to imagine,” Scootaloo added. “I’m alright, thanks Arthur.” She joined up with Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo. As they trotted off, "take care now," he shouted as they disappeared into Everfree Forest. As the group faded away Arthur placed his harness back on and continued trotting to Ponyville. He saw a purple mare with pink and purple highlights, looking around; it was Twilight Sparkle and her purple dragon Spike. From what Celestia told him, they weren’t that hard to find. He set his eyes on her, he didn’t know what to think, she was gorgeous to him. With his hearth throbbing with each step he took closer and closer. His heart paced up taking each step towards her. It felt as if his heart was about to jump out of his chest. He slowly trotted over to them and before he could get a word in she turned, “Hello. You must be Arthur.” He heart felt was about to explode at the mention of his name. Confusion, being perplexed, love and bliss took over. He hesitated on whether or not to extend his hoof out. He merely replied, “How do you know, ah....my name?” She chuckled at his notion, “Celestia told me that you were coming.She told me to look for a yellow colt with a bright red vest...seems the description was spot on." As Spike rummaged through what looked like a grocery bag, she continued her statement. "Celestia said you’d have a letter to give me?” He was confused for a bit. He shook it off and looked all over in his satchel. A few moments later, he found the letter Celestia snuck into his bag: he picked it up and handed it to her. She used her magic to remove it from his hoof and unfolded it. She mumbled to herself as she was reading it, rolled it up, “Well then. I guess you’ll be staying with me and Spike until your home is finished getting remodeled.” Arthur merely smiled, “Thank you. I do appreciate it. I can’t thank you enough. I’m sure you might have done it for every other pony, not even to a perfect stranger such as I, Ms. Twilight.” She just rolled her eyes and smiled, “It’s not even that, I help out any pony that I can." As she started her trot, " and please call me Twilight.” He chuckled, “Alright, Twilight, could you take me to your place, I am a bit tired.” She nodded and lead the way as Arthur and Spike followed. He couldn’t believe he was not only in Ponyville, but the fact that the world was much bigger. He was just alone, and excited being outside the castle walls. As he trotted next to her, she then asked him, “Celestia tells me you trotted all the way from Canterlot to here, that sounds like a difficult trip?” He simply replied, “Twilight, things become difficult when you make them, besides I always liked the outback, very calm, and, and its somehow…soothing.” Twilight and Arthur continued exchanging conversation, then Pinkie Pie bursted out of his wagon, “So you must be the new pony in town!!” “Meep!!” Arthur squeaked as he jumped out of his harness and nearly landed on Twilight, even though she caught him with her magic. She drifted him to the side and plopped him on the ground. “Pinkie?! Where did you come from?!” “I came from the wagon ya silly filly.” As she came out of his wagon, he just sat there perplexed and awestruck as thoughts ran through his head ‘was she as random as ponies made her? Could she really be wherever she wants at any time? Was she really in my wagon this whole time?’ As he sat there staring off into space, playing one thousand and one questions with himself. He watched Pinkie Pie and Twilight’s lips move, after a few lip movements, all Arthur saw was Pinkie’s eyes getting big and she vanished in a puff of smoke. Twilight trotted over, trying to talk to him out of his stare, waving her hoof in front of his face, trying to get Arthur’s attention. After that, all he saw was her lips moving and didn’t hear a thing. Next thing Arthur felt was something cold and wet knocking him out of his stare. Twilight stood there levitating an empty bucket, “Are you alright?!” He shook his head, “Yeah… I’m good, who…who was that and what happened?” As she helped him up, “That was Pinkie Pie she has a habit of being…well Pinkie. Anyways, she knows every pony in town and wants to know any new pony. She asked me if she could throw you a party? And after reading some of the letters from Celestia mentioning you, I figured you wouldn’t mind if she throw’s a party for you so every new pony gets to know you. Its something that she does, she even did it with me when I first arrived to Ponyville....anyways, how about we get you back to the library and get you dried up?” He simply looked around, dazed and confused he replied, “I’d like that a whole lot,” rubbing his head feeling a headache come on. As they arrived to her house, he was astounded at how big the tree was. As she opened the door, he was even more astounded at the size of the foyer and the collection of books she had. Twilight then showed him to the study where he would be staying. The room was small, had a window overlooking the town, a few book shelves within it and a writing station. She showed him around the library, introduced Arthur to Owloysius and Spike properly. He then asked, “when will lunch be served? I don't mean to impose, but I’ve had a long trot from Canterlot.” Spike overheard his request, “already on it.“ Arthur chuckled, “thanks Spike. You don’t know how badly I needed it. Also," as did his best to not get the floor wet, "if you don’t mind Twilight, I’d like to retire to the study to dry off for a quick nap.” “No problem here’s the towel.” She trotted to her desk, levitated him a towel and began to start writing a letter to Celestia that he arrived safe and sound. Arthur went into the study and closed the door behind him. As he passed a mirror he never looked in the mirror much or gave much thought on what I looked like. As he dried himself off in front of the mirror with the towel, he looked up and realized a few things about himself: he was small, as if he was the size of a foal. He had a mustache and a trimmed Grizzly Adams like beard, short messy brown hair to match his mane. He saw the small bed. He sighed with relief as he slowly crawled inside it, rustling under the covers. He took off his red vest, draped it over the bed post, and quickly fell to a deep sleep. Chapter 2: The Inquisitive PoniesSometime later, a knock came at the front door. As she finished writing the letter, Twilight opened it and it was Pinkie Pie. She bounced in as she led the pack: Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Rarity. She let herself in and the group shortly followed. “What are you guys doing here?!” Twilight asked and Pinkie quickly replied, “well I thought it would be alright to introduce Arthur the whole gang.” Rarity then added, “Pinkie made this Arthur character sound rather a cute, and gentle like.” As she made her way in, Applejack added in the conversation, “we reckon he was going to introducin' himself sooner or later anyways, so we thought we introduce ourselves to him...Ya know, beat'em to the punchline.” Fluttershy chirped in, “If that's okay with you.” Twilight asked Spike to make more sandwiches, “alright alright, you guys can see him. Just, be quite he’s had a long walk from Canterlot to Ponyville.” Pinkie Pie shouted, “HE WALKED ALLTHEY WAY FROM CANTERLOT TO—“ Fluttershy closed her mouth before she could finish, “We have to be quite, remember.” Pinkie zipped her lip, literally. Twilight led the group to the second library. The door slowly creaked and opened as they walked in, seeing Arthur sleeping under the covers. As he was sleeping he heard the sounds of giggling and small laughter. He blinked his eyes in a sluggish manner, as the mare’s were standing in front of him. He really didn’t know what to say, he quickly opened his eyes and just stared at them from quite some time trying to wake up. Applejack broke the silence, “Somethin’ the matter sugercube?” He blinked out of his stare, “Wha-oh…ah no. Nothings wrong just a little tired from the trip still. I’m sure it’ll wear off though.” Arthur removed the covers, realizing that he was naked missing his vest, covered himself up abruptly and asked, “Anypony seen my vest, I feel, practically naked without it.” Applejack looked at him as if lobsters were crawling out of his ear, “ya know we don’t wear cloths right?” “Yeah I know, its just a thing with me.” Rarity with her magic levitated it over, “let the colt have his way dearie, I’m astounded that he has perfect manners, especially for one his, stature to say the least.” Rarity felt the brightly colored vest, “My, my what fabrics were used to make this cute little vest?” Rarity asked as it graced her face and continued its flight to him. He thanked her for the gesture. As he slide back into it, “To be honest, I really don’t know. I got this vest from one of my stepfather’s friends. So you’d have to ask him…if he was still around..." As he looked around the room," Anyways how bout that lunch?” Twilight shoved every pony in the kitchen; he slowly followed them still trying to wake up. Spike was just about finshed setting up the table; seven sandwich’s around the table and a small plate of rocks varying in sizes and colors. It seemed that every pony sat around and left the head of the table open. Guess it’s their way of welcoming the new pony. It didn’t bother him much; he tried deciphering what was on his plate. A sandwich with flowers, spinach, and various other treats between two slices of bread. Fluttershy just asked, “Aren’t you going to eat it, if that’s okay with you?” “Ohh yeah, I just forgot what it was eating something as simple as a sandwich.” Rarity then asked, “So, Twilight tells me you’re from Canterlot?” “Yup, born and raised.” Rainbow Dash interjected, “If you’re from Canterlot, why don’t you act like it?!” The mare’s seemed to get a worried look on their faces. Twilight broke the tension, “Dash! That’s not nice.” Arthur took a bit and simply raised his hoof. He took a sip of some apple juice cleared his throat and answered. “Its alright Twilight, some pony was bound to ask sooner or later. With my size, stature and look, I’m surprised no pony asked that first. But I’ll gladly answer…Dash’s question, right did I get your name right?!” Dash simply chirped yeah. Arthur continued, “I don’t act the part because that’s not who I am. I don’t see my self as a high Canterlotian dope who sees himself as a some pony that’s among the elites and somehow superior to every pony.” Every pony gasped at what he said, “What?! Its true...at least from what I’ve seen.” Twilight then said, “Well, how do you see every pony then?” Arthur looked around as if he was about to spill all the secrets of the Royal Family, “I see myself as some pony that just got the better roll of the dice and was better fortuned. But I really see myself is as a colt who’s level minded, treats others as equal, even though others or you treat me not the same.” Even though it wasn’t the truth, Arthur did feel the fear of being mistreated and abandoned by other ponies, especially his new friends. Twilight replied, “Wow…no pony has ever said that before,” He chuckled, “Guess I’m the first, I tend to be a bit more blunt when I’m honest just to forewarn you…anyways, lets get back to re-introducing ourselves, how bout you all start.” They nodded and started talking about each other. Arthur never realized or thought how important friends could be. After hearing tales of how they saved Equestria from Nightmare Moon and Discord, and helped out Applejack against the FlimFlam brothers, and even were told about how Nyx was Nightmare Moon. After the ties and webs of story telling, they introduced themselves one by one. Once they all finished introducing themselves; they all turned their attention to him. With all eyes gazing upon Arthur, he didn’t know what to expect. Twilight opened up the form, “So, Celestia tells me you’re a renowned artist?” Every pony ooed, Arthur blushed, “Well, I don’t tend to think myself as renowned, more or less highly gifted.” Rarity asked, “What forms of art do you do? If I may ask for such a colt your size.” He gave a little laugh, “Sometimes, size doesn’t have to do with what your capable of. It’s the size of your heart and mind that makes the difference. *Ahem* Anyways back on topic, I’ve done forms of painting, drawing, sculpting, printmaking, some photography…fencing…a little bit of fashion…playing musical instruments—“ “Ohhohh what instruments do you play?!” Pinkie Pie interjected, as Rarity looked at her, Arthur simply replied, “The violin and guitar.” Raritys' attention immediately went back to him as he said in her soothing, romantic voice, “Sounds romantic.” Dash then mumbled, “Sissy stuff.” Applejack then said, “I see you have some schematics in your satchel, are you also a inventor?” He looked at his satchel being opened up, it didn’t bother him that his satchel was open, he didn’t have nothing to hide even though they should’ve asked he thought. Twilight somewhat glared at Spike as he nervously smiled. “Well, when I was still trying to get my cutie mark after my master died, I tried anything I could think of, one of them being a mechanic of some sort. So I invented a series of flying machines, although four of the five flew, nothing happened.” Fluttershy asked, “Then how did you get you cutie mark, if you don’t mind.” He smiled and shook his head; “I got my cutie mark after I painted Celestia a portrait for her and a few close friends to hang in the throne room.” They continued to talk until it was dusk; they realized what time it was. Arthur interjected, “How bout we hold a sleepover, if you’re alright with that Twilight?” The other girls nodded and looked at Twilight with excitement. Twilight finally gave in and said okay. As quick as a flash, the ponies dashed out. He was still trying to contemplate on what just happened. The girls returned with bags and pillows, Twilight levitated the list out, Arthur jumped on over saying, “Put that away Twi.” She was confused, “Wha—why put the list away?” He then trotted up to her, slung his arm over her “Sometimes the best experience is not knowing what’s going to happen…” Twilight pondered over it, “Ahh, why not, we’ll do it your way.” They started the night off making smores, he shared his special recipe on making smores; smooth and creamy, yet soft and crunchy. Although it was a caping thing, it was a treat that could be enjoyed inside the average home. The gang then went onto playing a card game that he was taught, it was poker. He spoke of learning the game after a few airship captians flew in from Fillydeplhia. The girls got a kick out of playing it they played for compliments. To Arthur, it sounded dumbfounded, but it worked…it was better than what he thought it was going to be. They then moved onto to truth or dare, a game that Arthur never played before. To see who went first, they spun a bottle, the bottle rattled and spun on the ground. It eventually stopped and pointed towards Arthur. He was first and he said truth. Applejack asked, “What are your parent’s like?” “Well my stepdad was an retiring artist, as for my stepmom…I didn’t know who my step mom was.” Pinkie Pie asked, “Don’t you know who your mom was?” “Like I said I didn’t know who my mother was.” “Were you adopted? I’m just asking cause you said stepfather and you said that you didn’t have a mother and I knew a filly who had a dad and not a mom was well, I even knew another colt who had two mommies and a filly had two daddies.” Pinkie Pie chirped and rambled on. As her rambling continued, he didn’t know what to say, more or less think. He was confused, terrified and started feeling depressed, he felt his eyes watering up. As he sniffled, Pinkie Pie ceased her rambling as Twilight used her magic to get a hankie and wipe his eyes, “Thanks Twilight, I grew up not knowing who my parents were. All I remember is Celestia taking me in for awhile, she then handed me to one of her patrons, the retiring artist who I considered my master and stepfather.” He sat there, staring at the floor as the thoughts of his only family reoccurred in his head and his eyes watered up again. “I’m sorry I asked that question Art, I didn’t know—“ “Its alright Jack. It was bound to pop up sooner or later.” As he replied, they returned to the game and continued the rest of the night playing games, having fun and ignoring what happened on the truth or dare. The party slowly died down with every pony falling asleep except for him. As he looked up to the moon, he realized that even though he didn’t have a real family, he had friends who considered him to be family just as much as he saw them as the family. With that in mind, he cleaned up his face and drifted off into a deep sleep. Chapter 3: Studio of DreamsHe felt the morning sunray on his face, once the light touched his face he was wide awake and couldn’t fall sleep. Once he was awake, it was pretty hard to fall asleep for him again. He looked the clock, it was 6, he packed his things and wrote a note thanking Twilight for letting him stay at her place while things were getting cleared up with his soon to be workshop. He also wrote that he went to his workshop to check up on it and see if he needed to do anything extra to it. He left the note on the table and as he left; he maneuvered through the sleeping mares and baby dragon to get to the front door. For some reason, the top part of the door wasn’t locked, but the bottom half was. He opened the top and climbed over it, as fun as it was. After that, he closed the door and went towards Sweet Apple Acres. The workshop was a little before the Apple Family farm. It was a big wooden barn, with a yard just as big. He went in and it was empty, dusty and dark. He started taking measurements and making calculations. He tried to figure out what was going to where; he drew tons and different pencil sketch’s on what was going to go where. He was somewhat tired, obviously from getting up early, and fell asleep on the ground where his sketch’s were laid out with various pen’s and pencil’s weighing them down from getting blown into the wind. As he continued sleeping, he smelled Apple’s. It wasn’t like the smell of fresh apple’s but it smelled like, juice. Arthur sniffed the air a bit more and heard some hoof steps. He slowly got up and turned himself around he saw Applejack, Twilight and Rarity standing at the barn door with a cart Apple Family Cider. “Sorry bout’ last night there Art,” Applejack said. “Yes, it was a bit rude of us to ask such a personal question on our first meeting,” Rarity added, handing him a bottle of cider. “Don’t worry about it, no sweat.” Arthur simply replied. “For somewhat getting you emotional last night, I’m quite surprised your taking it well,” Twilight said. Arthur simply replied “Trust me, it takes a lot to offend me. Anyways, what bring you all the way out here,” He questioned them as he took a sip from the pint of cider. Twilight looked at Rarity and Applejack, “We just thought we should check on you, hoping that you somehow weren’t mad?” Arthur interrupted her, “*phft* What—me mad?! Trust me, like I said before it takes a lot for me to get upset,” He replied gesturing for another pint of the sweet cider. Twilight gladly replaced his empty pint with a fresh one, “Glad we got that cleared out.” She looked around the empty barn noticing the scattered papers about the empty and desolate barn. “What are you doing anyways,” She asked looking at the papers with her magic. Arthur replied, “I’m trying to envision what this place would look like, or more or less what this place could looks like. Possibly even what it may look like, I’m still working on the sketch’s.” As Twilight looked at the different papers, she got an idea. “Why not just bring everything over and see what happens. Didn’t you tell me the best experience is not know what’s going to happen?” Arthur was about to reply, but thought that if he said anything he might give the impression of being a hypocrite. He just sat there, drinking, rubbing his chin and puzzling about the situation. After a long debate with himself, “Ahh, why not. Sounds exciting…hey, I got it! How would you girls like to take a train ride to my workshop in Canterlot?” They mare’s looked at each other, after a few gestures and nodding, they agreed. The very next day, Arthur and the girls were waiting at the train station early morning. Pinkie stayed behind to throw one of her Welcome to Ponyville Partys for Arthur. As the train pulled in, Arthur never took the train before. So to him, it was almost like a field trip, and even better he’s doing the field with dear friends. Arthur slept on the train ride up there. The girls sat in the same car with him, a seat behind him to be exact. Each of the mares were hypothesizing what his shop looked like. Rarity thought there would be drawing’s everywhere and horse manikins scattered about with unfinished pieces of fashion. Twilight thought there would be books everywhere, some texts as old as the Canterlot archives. The other’s thought that he might have some sort of dance studio or some sort of giant garage filled with machines. Dash looked over the seat and saw Arthur sleeping, “Is that all he does, sleeping and gloating about himself?!” “Leave him alone Dash, he’s probably tired from this morning, from the note that he left, he was up before any pony was up,” Twilight snapping at Dash, while Rarity was sipping her cup of tea asking, “What time did…or, more or less, do you think he supposedly got up,” She continuied her sip of tea. Twilight replied, “He got up 6.” Raritys' eyes widened up, “He got up that early?! What would posses any pony to do that. I mean honestly.” Fluttershy chirped in, “Maybe he’s an early to rise pony…or, perhaps he couldn’t sleep?” Dash then said, “Why would he get up so early, only to sleep later on in the day?” “I don’t know, maybe because Arthur thought a nap would make the ride go faster,” He replied, sounding agitated. Rarity responded, “Sorry we woke you dearie, we didn’t realize we were being that loud.” Arthur chuckled, “Its alright, I was hoping one of you were going to wake me.” He continued his statement hopping on the other seat and turning to them. “You guys talking about me and workshop got me excited a bit.” The train finally arrived to Canterlot. Arthur led the gang and was greeted by some of the ponies as they trotted behind Arthur. After hearing a few compliments, shout out’s and various turns around corners. They finally came to his workshop; it was a couple of stories high. A big sign dangled above the studio door that had a paint palette on it, colored in purple and yellow. The sign reading, "Arthur's Art," slowly swung and creaked against the light wind breeze. Arthur pulled the keys from his satchel and unlocked the door. He trotted in and the girls followed, they were amazed at what they saw it was all of their visions combined into one. The nearest corner on the left had a library: a small nook with a writing station, to the right of it. There was a small dresser of various fabrics and a manikin. Further back the room was split into two: one side being the art studio, and the other having the various flying machines Arthur invented. The mare’s looked, and awed at the free, individual and creative atmosphere. Rarity bolted to the mini wardrobe studio even quicker than what Dash would ever think. Twilight trotted over to his library and Fluttershy followed her. Applejack and Rainbow Dash followed Arthur toward the back of the room, he found the light switch, flicked it and the studio brightened up. Twilight noticed that all the walls and the floor were painted a dark grey, almost like burnt wood that wasn’t completely chard. “Why is the room so dark, even with the light’s on,” Twilight asked as she eyed and looked around the room. Arthur simply turned, “Keeps my eyes from going bad. When you work with bright colors, ya wanna look at something darker.” Arthur continued to talk about how he inherited the studio and how he works, he talked about some of the daily routines and how his latest creations became to be and how he gets inspired. He overlooked her and saw a dark creamed color unicorn sticking her head in from outside. Arthur galloped up and hugged her, she simply replied with a hug back. “Good to see you Arty,” “Good to see ya too Serenity.” The other mare’s were confused about the unusual greeting. Arthur remembered there were other mares in the room. “I almost forgot this is my close friend Serenity Lights. Lights, these are friends from Ponyville.” He named them all as he pointed them out, “That’s Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. There’s another one, Pinkie Pie, but she couldn’t take the train up here, still she would be here.” “Of course I’m here,” She said standing right behind Serenity. He jumped up and she caught him, “Celestia! Put a bell around her neck!!” The five mares simply chuckled, “That’s Pinkie Pie for you,” Rainbow Dash said. Arthur and Pinkie Pie came in and the group gathered around a large drafting table. Arthur gestured Serenity to join them. She trotted in and her right back leg was hissing, and clanking with each step. The other mare’s tried ignoring that she was missing a leg. Arthur simply gestured her to come beside him. The group of ponies continued to talk and Serenity chirped in once in awhile. Arthur looked around and said, “Would your girls help me pack some of this stuff in my ship. I’ll make you guys lunch, dinner if we’re out here longer?” The girls looked at each other, and nodded in replying to his question. Arthur led them to the back, where there was a platform. He told the girls to load the flying machines first, except for “bats” as he called it. They group loaded some of the draft tables, the wardrobe studio, some of the library collection and some of the art studio. The gang finished for the day and as Arthur promised, made them lunch. He made his special potato soup and veggie sandwich all washed down with a lemonade tea brew. As weird as it sounded, it was delicious to the mare’s taste. Serenity thanked Arthur for the free lunch and trotted out the door, leaving Arthur and his company a sense of privacy and closeness. Chapter 4: Studio of NightmaresHe closed and locked the studio door as he gestured the girls to join him where the airship was. Rainbow Dash grumbled and said, “Where is this airship you so mentioned?!” Arthur chuckled, he pulled the lever and the lights turned on: it revealed a long garbage barge like ship, with wooden walls and a cabin up front. There was a small hole were light rained down through. Written on the side was Air Fare. Dash said, “That’s it?! That’s your airship. I expected it to be big and fancy looking, like a yacht.” Arthur looked at Dash, “Dash, I’m a pony of functionality and quantity, not aesthetics and quality. Now if wouldn’t so mind as help me start loading these boxes in, please?” The ponies started loading the barge with boxes, as Arthur loaded a box he saw the ray of light dim. “Girls, continue loading the barge, I gotta, check on the weather.” Arthur ran off and up a set of stairs and out the door. He opened the door and stepped into a weather room. The room had a compass, a wind reader, several different gages, and various objects measuring the weather. He read the gages and looked outside, it got dark, the wind picked up and clouds rolled in. He placed a set of headsets on and turned the radio on. It was static as chatters were scanned across the channel. The radio mentioned that there was a storm coming with high winds and heavy rain. It also mentioned a possible flash flood and advised a tornado watch. He flicked the switch and on another channel, it was saying that the train was shutting down and all airships and balloons had to be grounded. Arthur didn’t know how to break the news to the girls. He never liked breaking the news to any pony, it seemed like a cheap cop out to him. He mustered up the courage, locked the door and went inside. Arthur saw the mare’s sitting on the edge of the platform. Applejack trotted up, “When are we clear for take off Art?” “Yeah, about that, walk with me,” Arthur replied. The orange mare followed closely as he got closer to the platform. He then said, “Got some bad news. It seems the weather got bad outside and their stopping the train and grounding all airships of any kind.” The girls were somewhat disappointed and Arthur tried to figure out how to cheer them up. He got it, “How bout’ I treat you to MY hospitality. Spend the night at my place; I’ll feed you girls sweets that’ll give you the sugar rush of the life time.” The girls started to smile; Arthur smiled with them, “Great!! Come back with me into the studio. I’ll get some bed’s set up and we can have fun.” The colt and filly’s ate sweets and treats beyond their wildest dreams. The night finally drew to a close, the mares were situated inside the studio and Arthur set himself on top of a platform, near the front part of the studio. As the night became darker and longer Arthur’s face twitched and he moaned as he was having a nightmare, “...it wasn’t my fault…I didn’t do it… ITS NOT MY FAUL—“ He yelled as he fell off the platform and smacked against the floor. The girls were awoken by his shriek, Twilight being the first to look at him, “Are you alright Arthur?!” Twilight’s only response was a groan. She, Rarity and Applejack rushed down to see if he was all right. Twilight saw a small pool of blood, fearing the worst thinking he might of cracked his head open. She turned him over and sighed with relief as she saw that his nose was the cause of blood. “Are ya alright there Art,” Applejack asked as she trotted to the other side of him. He lied there lifeless as Applejack nuzzled him. Rarity added, “Come on Arthur, at least make some sort of response,” As she pulled a hanky out Arthur closed his eyes, re opened them again looking at the three mares, “Mind helpin’ me up. Kinda hard when you slammed your face on tiled floor and your neck hurts, a lot.” The girls sighed with relief as life went into him. Twilight and Rarity helped him up while Applejack got the first aid-kit. Rarity cleaned his nuzzle as Twilight was pulling out some bandages and cotton swabs. Rarity left the stained hankie, as the girls were looking away, he slipped the hankie in his pocket. Applejack and Rarity went back to sleep as Twilight cleaned Arthur up. As she pulled a swab and a bandage out, she hesitated at first, “Um…Arthur…are you alright?” “Yeah, just a bad dream I guess.” Twilight used her magic to find any broken or fractured bones and asked, “Do you wanna talk about it?” “I’d prefer not to, to be quite honest with you.” Arthur simply stared off into space. Twilight continued her scan and asked, “You can tell me, I won’t judge you for what you’ve done.” Arthur snapped out of his daze, “You promise?” “I promise, cross my heart, hope to fly and stick a cupcake in my eye,” Twilight making the gestures as he replied with a mere chuckle, “I like that.” As he continued his statement, “You remember that mare, Serenity.” “Yeah, why?” “What if I told you that she lost her leg cause of me,” Arthur said as he was trying to recollect his thoughts. As he did, Twilight was a little panicked at first, but keeping her promise and not judging him, “…Go on.” “Well, way back when we were little ponies. She was my one and only true friend growing up. One day, we went out playing, right across from the train station. We were chasing each other and it was my turn to chase her. I guess it was tag, I never really asked. She slipped on the tracks, I tagged her and she fell onto the track. I ran off as she was trying to get up. I heard the horn blowing from the train. I turned and her hoof was stuck in the tracks. I ran over and tried pulling her out. It was no good, I ran to try and find another pony, but had no luck. As the train drew in closer and closer, I tried pulling her out. As I did, she got loose, but I...I wasn’t fast enough. Her hoof got mangled as the train passed. I never heard a pony scream, and cry as much as she did.” He became lost in thought as his eyes began to water up. Twilight really didn’t know what to say, she tried to think of something in her head. Arthur continued his tragic story, “I put her on my back and took her to the hospital right away. Her folks came in and forbid me from seeing her and I was to stay away from her. They went as far as having the royal guard outside my house and following her around.” He finally broke down as the waves of guilt, sorrow and misery over took him, “Ever since that day, I lost my only friend. Shortly after that, my father died. In my stage of grievance, I sought to see forgiveness and redemption from Serenity and her parents; I made that leg for her. Although she saw the forgiveness and the gesture in my heart, her parents never did, even to this day still, they despise me. Ever since then, she comes by when she can, for either getting something better, or simple repairs. Other than that, I was truly alone in this world. I had no special pony, not even Celestia who took me in.” Twilight then said, “It wasn’t you fault. There was nothing you could’ve done, you did your best.” His eyebrows furrowed, “Best?! MY…BEST!! Listen here Twilight, just because you did what ever you could doesn’t make it enough. I had to grow up, alone, scared, terrified, and miserable and be reminded of my mistake every single day Twilight. Do you know what it’s like, being reminded of your mistake?!” Twilight did know what it was like for a while. She never made a mistake that she had to see, every single day. She simply placed the bandage on his nose and then she hugged him. Arthur didn’t know how to response, he didn’t know whether or not to push her away, or enjoy the moment of being braced by another an emotion he haven’t felt in a long time. “You...I may not know what its like. But I do know this, as long as you have your friends by your side, you can surpass anything. And I mean, anything. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about.” Arthur felt an emotion of guilt that slammed his chest. He simply hugged back, “Sorry for snapping at you Twilight. It’s, hard trying not to be emotional about this.” “I don’t blame you Arthur, no pony can. If a pony is willing to work hard, and do what ever it takes to ask for forgiveness, that pony shouldn’t be judged. Now, lets get some sleep, we have a big day tomorrow, don’t we.” Arthur gave a small smile, “Yeah...yeah we do.” With that, Twilight nuzzled him and trotted off to bed. Arthur remained in the darkness as what Twilight said echoed inside his head. He slowly trotted off, once on the platform he moved off of it. As he tried looking for a new spot to sleep, he grabbed his blanket, placed it next to Twilight, and slept right beside her. He muttered thanks, and she simply replied and she didn’t seem to care that he was next to her. PrologueArthur vaguely remembers who he is. Other than his name, Arthur Gabriel; he's an artist, muscician, and well balanced in the art field. Most ponies in Canterlot called him Art or Artie. He remembers seeing a few things as a small colt. He remember two ponies: the white alicorn Princess Celestia, and his step-father, the pony who many referred to as Leo. He recalls an old pony, his coat was a faded brown, his cutie mark was a pencil with a triangle, and his mane as white as snow. His stepfather taught him everything her knows, from painting, sculpting, tastes in fashion, and a splash of music. As Arthur got older, his father became even more ill and just over all, getting in a worse condition. After his father died, Arthur grew up alone, not a whole lot of friends to call his own. He had the feeling of being empty, almost like a peanut shell without the peanut. After that, although somewhat lifeless, he continued learning his trade as an artisan. Arthur did various things: from paintings, drawings and photo-shoots, to even sculpting, he did a little bit of everything. Throughout his career, he still had that feeling of being lonely, he missed the affections of being loved. Although he became popular with the Canterlotians, he still felt empty. He eventually got the attention of Celestia. After that he became more passionate about his trade. He became so passionate that he was determined to make the greatest piece of his time. He even remembers how he got his cutie mark. He was asked to do the biggest commission of his life: a portrait of the Royal Family and a few close patrons. As his mind and heart filled with excitement and anticipation getting more and more comissions. The ponies in the portrait were: Celestia, Luna her younger sister, a few other ponies, and a small purple pony named Twilight. At first, he didn’t realize who she was, or even this signifcance until he meet her later on. After such a big and success turnaround, he got his cutie mark; a paintbrush with a palette on it. After that, his heart filled with adventure, and curiosity. He packed up what he can, hauling it in a wagon and made his long, exhausting trot to Ponyville. Although he was very grateful of Celestia for the support, even wanting to pay for his train ticket. He refused the offer. After a week of preparation, he left Canterlot and took the journey. In the three days of nonstop traveling, seeing the rising of the sun and the moon. There was something magical, very relaxing, yet mystical about Equestria’s nature. On the fourth day, he found himself a bit weary and decided to take a nap outside of Ponyville. He threw a blanket under a tree and rested under its leaf like shelter.
Chapter 1: Welcome to PonyvilleAfter a long day of napping, he slowly woke up and continued his trot towards the road leading into Ponyville; he was hauling a few things from his workshop in Canterlot. He continued his slow and joyful trot over the mound and saw the town of Ponyville. Although he never met any of the ponies, he w could probably guess who they were: Lilac, Golden Harvest, Carrot Top, Rose Luck, Lyra, Bon Bon and few others to mention. He even saw a few fillies in capes trying to juggle while on a traipse wire. For some reason, it seemed that most of the ponies were, taller. As he walked into town passing over the bridge, he felt the sense of being looked down upon: the sense of being judge, tested, and watched, as if his was on thin ice. Arthur used most of his time working, not even considering what he looked like with a few shaves and a trim of his facial hair. He always seemed to be focused on his work, what was on his canvas and what surrounded him. As he continued his trotting and sightseeing, taking in the new surrounding. He saw a small yellow pony fall in front of him. He quickly unstrapped the harness and checked on the little filly. “Are you alright?!” The pony shook her head, looked up, “I’m fine, thanks for asking,” Applebloom said. “What’s your name?” Arthur asked as he sat in front of her. He extended his hoof out and started the convesation, ”My name is Arthur, what’s yours?” She answered as she cleaned her cape, ”Appleblooom, my names Appleblooom." “Applebloom huh, nice name, it’s also a pleasure to meet you.” As she was about to reply, her friends the Cutie Mark Crusaders came running up. “Are you alright AppleBloom,” Sweetie Bell asked, “Yeah you went way high up, higher then I care to imagine,” Scootaloo added. “I’m alright, thanks Arthur.” She joined up with Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo. As they trotted off, "take care now," he shouted as they disappeared into Everfree Forest. As the group faded away Arthur placed his harness back on and continued trotting to Ponyville. He saw a purple mare with pink and purple highlights, looking around; it was Twilight Sparkle and her purple dragon Spike. From what Celestia told him, they weren’t that hard to find. He set his eyes on her, he didn’t know what to think, she was gorgeous to him. With his hearth throbbing with each step he took closer and closer. His heart paced up taking each step towards her. It felt as if his heart was about to jump out of his chest. He slowly trotted over to them and before he could get a word in she turned, “Hello. You must be Arthur.” He heart felt was about to explode at the mention of his name. Confusion, being perplexed, love and bliss took over. He hesitated on whether or not to extend his hoof out. He merely replied, “How do you know, ah....my name?” She chuckled at his notion, “Celestia told me that you were coming.She told me to look for a yellow colt with a bright red vest...seems the description was spot on." As Spike rummaged through what looked like a grocery bag, she continued her statement. "Celestia said you’d have a letter to give me?” He was confused for a bit. He shook it off and looked all over in his satchel. A few moments later, he found the letter Celestia snuck into his bag: he picked it up and handed it to her. She used her magic to remove it from his hoof and unfolded it. She mumbled to herself as she was reading it, rolled it up, “Well then. I guess you’ll be staying with me and Spike until your home is finished getting remodeled.” Arthur merely smiled, “Thank you. I do appreciate it. I can’t thank you enough. I’m sure you might have done it for every other pony, not even to a perfect stranger such as I, Ms. Twilight.” She just rolled her eyes and smiled, “It’s not even that, I help out any pony that I can." As she started her trot, " and please call me Twilight.” He chuckled, “Alright, Twilight, could you take me to your place, I am a bit tired.” She nodded and lead the way as Arthur and Spike followed. He couldn’t believe he was not only in Ponyville, but the fact that the world was much bigger. He was just alone, and excited being outside the castle walls. As he trotted next to her, she then asked him, “Celestia tells me you trotted all the way from Canterlot to here, that sounds like a difficult trip?” He simply replied, “Twilight, things become difficult when you make them, besides I always liked the outback, very calm, and, and its somehow…soothing.” Twilight and Arthur continued exchanging conversation, then Pinkie Pie bursted out of his wagon, “So you must be the new pony in town!!” “Meep!!” Arthur squeaked as he jumped out of his harness and nearly landed on Twilight, even though she caught him with her magic. She drifted him to the side and plopped him on the ground. “Pinkie?! Where did you come from?!” “I came from the wagon ya silly filly.” As she came out of his wagon, he just sat there perplexed and awestruck as thoughts ran through his head ‘was she as random as ponies made her? Could she really be wherever she wants at any time? Was she really in my wagon this whole time?’ As he sat there staring off into space, playing one thousand and one questions with himself. He watched Pinkie Pie and Twilight’s lips move, after a few lip movements, all Arthur saw was Pinkie’s eyes getting big and she vanished in a puff of smoke. Twilight trotted over, trying to talk to him out of his stare, waving her hoof in front of his face, trying to get Arthur’s attention. After that, all he saw was her lips moving and didn’t hear a thing. Next thing Arthur felt was something cold and wet knocking him out of his stare. Twilight stood there levitating an empty bucket, “Are you alright?!” He shook his head, “Yeah… I’m good, who…who was that and what happened?” As she helped him up, “That was Pinkie Pie she has a habit of being…well Pinkie. Anyways, she knows every pony in town and wants to know any new pony. She asked me if she could throw you a party? And after reading some of the letters from Celestia mentioning you, I figured you wouldn’t mind if she throw’s a party for you so every new pony gets to know you. Its something that she does, she even did it with me when I first arrived to Ponyville....anyways, how about we get you back to the library and get you dried up?” He simply looked around, dazed and confused he replied, “I’d like that a whole lot,” rubbing his head feeling a headache come on. As they arrived to her house, he was astounded at how big the tree was. As she opened the door, he was even more astounded at the size of the foyer and the collection of books she had. Twilight then showed him to the study where he would be staying. The room was small, had a window overlooking the town, a few book shelves within it and a writing station. She showed him around the library, introduced Arthur to Owloysius and Spike properly. He then asked, “when will lunch be served? I don't mean to impose, but I’ve had a long trot from Canterlot.” Spike overheard his request, “already on it.“ Arthur chuckled, “thanks Spike. You don’t know how badly I needed it. Also," as did his best to not get the floor wet, "if you don’t mind Twilight, I’d like to retire to the study to dry off for a quick nap.” “No problem here’s the towel.” She trotted to her desk, levitated him a towel and began to start writing a letter to Celestia that he arrived safe and sound. Arthur went into the study and closed the door behind him. As he passed a mirror he never looked in the mirror much or gave much thought on what I looked like. As he dried himself off in front of the mirror with the towel, he looked up and realized a few things about himself: he was small, as if he was the size of a foal. He had a mustache and a trimmed Grizzly Adams like beard, short messy brown hair to match his mane. He saw the small bed. He sighed with relief as he slowly crawled inside it, rustling under the covers. He took off his red vest, draped it over the bed post, and quickly fell to a deep sleep.
Chapter 2: The Inquisitive PoniesSometime later, a knock came at the front door. As she finished writing the letter, Twilight opened it and it was Pinkie Pie. She bounced in as she led the pack: Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Rarity. She let herself in and the group shortly followed. “What are you guys doing here?!” Twilight asked and Pinkie quickly replied, “well I thought it would be alright to introduce Arthur the whole gang.” Rarity then added, “Pinkie made this Arthur character sound rather a cute, and gentle like.” As she made her way in, Applejack added in the conversation, “we reckon he was going to introducin' himself sooner or later anyways, so we thought we introduce ourselves to him...Ya know, beat'em to the punchline.” Fluttershy chirped in, “If that's okay with you.” Twilight asked Spike to make more sandwiches, “alright alright, you guys can see him. Just, be quite he’s had a long walk from Canterlot to Ponyville.” Pinkie Pie shouted, “HE WALKED ALLTHEY WAY FROM CANTERLOT TO—“ Fluttershy closed her mouth before she could finish, “We have to be quite, remember.” Pinkie zipped her lip, literally. Twilight led the group to the second library. The door slowly creaked and opened as they walked in, seeing Arthur sleeping under the covers. As he was sleeping he heard the sounds of giggling and small laughter. He blinked his eyes in a sluggish manner, as the mare’s were standing in front of him. He really didn’t know what to say, he quickly opened his eyes and just stared at them from quite some time trying to wake up. Applejack broke the silence, “Somethin’ the matter sugercube?” He blinked out of his stare, “Wha-oh…ah no. Nothings wrong just a little tired from the trip still. I’m sure it’ll wear off though.” Arthur removed the covers, realizing that he was naked missing his vest, covered himself up abruptly and asked, “Anypony seen my vest, I feel, practically naked without it.” Applejack looked at him as if lobsters were crawling out of his ear, “ya know we don’t wear cloths right?” “Yeah I know, its just a thing with me.” Rarity with her magic levitated it over, “let the colt have his way dearie, I’m astounded that he has perfect manners, especially for one his, stature to say the least.” Rarity felt the brightly colored vest, “My, my what fabrics were used to make this cute little vest?” Rarity asked as it graced her face and continued its flight to him. He thanked her for the gesture. As he slide back into it, “To be honest, I really don’t know. I got this vest from one of my stepfather’s friends. So you’d have to ask him…if he was still around..." As he looked around the room," Anyways how bout that lunch?” Twilight shoved every pony in the kitchen; he slowly followed them still trying to wake up. Spike was just about finshed setting up the table; seven sandwich’s around the table and a small plate of rocks varying in sizes and colors. It seemed that every pony sat around and left the head of the table open. Guess it’s their way of welcoming the new pony. It didn’t bother him much; he tried deciphering what was on his plate. A sandwich with flowers, spinach, and various other treats between two slices of bread. Fluttershy just asked, “Aren’t you going to eat it, if that’s okay with you?” “Ohh yeah, I just forgot what it was eating something as simple as a sandwich.” Rarity then asked, “So, Twilight tells me you’re from Canterlot?” “Yup, born and raised.” Rainbow Dash interjected, “If you’re from Canterlot, why don’t you act like it?!” The mare’s seemed to get a worried look on their faces. Twilight broke the tension, “Dash! That’s not nice.” Arthur took a bit and simply raised his hoof. He took a sip of some apple juice cleared his throat and answered. “Its alright Twilight, some pony was bound to ask sooner or later. With my size, stature and look, I’m surprised no pony asked that first. But I’ll gladly answer…Dash’s question, right did I get your name right?!” Dash simply chirped yeah. Arthur continued, “I don’t act the part because that’s not who I am. I don’t see my self as a high Canterlotian dope who sees himself as a some pony that’s among the elites and somehow superior to every pony.” Every pony gasped at what he said, “What?! Its true...at least from what I’ve seen.” Twilight then said, “Well, how do you see every pony then?” Arthur looked around as if he was about to spill all the secrets of the Royal Family, “I see myself as some pony that just got the better roll of the dice and was better fortuned. But I really see myself is as a colt who’s level minded, treats others as equal, even though others or you treat me not the same.” Even though it wasn’t the truth, Arthur did feel the fear of being mistreated and abandoned by other ponies, especially his new friends. Twilight replied, “Wow…no pony has ever said that before,” He chuckled, “Guess I’m the first, I tend to be a bit more blunt when I’m honest just to forewarn you…anyways, lets get back to re-introducing ourselves, how bout you all start.” They nodded and started talking about each other. Arthur never realized or thought how important friends could be. After hearing tales of how they saved Equestria from Nightmare Moon and Discord, and helped out Applejack against the FlimFlam brothers, and even were told about how Nyx was Nightmare Moon. After the ties and webs of story telling, they introduced themselves one by one. Once they all finished introducing themselves; they all turned their attention to him. With all eyes gazing upon Arthur, he didn’t know what to expect. Twilight opened up the form, “So, Celestia tells me you’re a renowned artist?” Every pony ooed, Arthur blushed, “Well, I don’t tend to think myself as renowned, more or less highly gifted.” Rarity asked, “What forms of art do you do? If I may ask for such a colt your size.” He gave a little laugh, “Sometimes, size doesn’t have to do with what your capable of. It’s the size of your heart and mind that makes the difference. *Ahem* Anyways back on topic, I’ve done forms of painting, drawing, sculpting, printmaking, some photography…fencing…a little bit of fashion…playing musical instruments—“ “Ohhohh what instruments do you play?!” Pinkie Pie interjected, as Rarity looked at her, Arthur simply replied, “The violin and guitar.” Raritys' attention immediately went back to him as he said in her soothing, romantic voice, “Sounds romantic.” Dash then mumbled, “Sissy stuff.” Applejack then said, “I see you have some schematics in your satchel, are you also a inventor?” He looked at his satchel being opened up, it didn’t bother him that his satchel was open, he didn’t have nothing to hide even though they should’ve asked he thought. Twilight somewhat glared at Spike as he nervously smiled. “Well, when I was still trying to get my cutie mark after my master died, I tried anything I could think of, one of them being a mechanic of some sort. So I invented a series of flying machines, although four of the five flew, nothing happened.” Fluttershy asked, “Then how did you get you cutie mark, if you don’t mind.” He smiled and shook his head; “I got my cutie mark after I painted Celestia a portrait for her and a few close friends to hang in the throne room.” They continued to talk until it was dusk; they realized what time it was. Arthur interjected, “How bout we hold a sleepover, if you’re alright with that Twilight?” The other girls nodded and looked at Twilight with excitement. Twilight finally gave in and said okay. As quick as a flash, the ponies dashed out. He was still trying to contemplate on what just happened. The girls returned with bags and pillows, Twilight levitated the list out, Arthur jumped on over saying, “Put that away Twi.” She was confused, “Wha—why put the list away?” He then trotted up to her, slung his arm over her “Sometimes the best experience is not knowing what’s going to happen…” Twilight pondered over it, “Ahh, why not, we’ll do it your way.” They started the night off making smores, he shared his special recipe on making smores; smooth and creamy, yet soft and crunchy. Although it was a caping thing, it was a treat that could be enjoyed inside the average home. The gang then went onto playing a card game that he was taught, it was poker. He spoke of learning the game after a few airship captians flew in from Fillydeplhia. The girls got a kick out of playing it they played for compliments. To Arthur, it sounded dumbfounded, but it worked…it was better than what he thought it was going to be. They then moved onto to truth or dare, a game that Arthur never played before. To see who went first, they spun a bottle, the bottle rattled and spun on the ground. It eventually stopped and pointed towards Arthur. He was first and he said truth. Applejack asked, “What are your parent’s like?” “Well my stepdad was an retiring artist, as for my stepmom…I didn’t know who my step mom was.” Pinkie Pie asked, “Don’t you know who your mom was?” “Like I said I didn’t know who my mother was.” “Were you adopted? I’m just asking cause you said stepfather and you said that you didn’t have a mother and I knew a filly who had a dad and not a mom was well, I even knew another colt who had two mommies and a filly had two daddies.” Pinkie Pie chirped and rambled on. As her rambling continued, he didn’t know what to say, more or less think. He was confused, terrified and started feeling depressed, he felt his eyes watering up. As he sniffled, Pinkie Pie ceased her rambling as Twilight used her magic to get a hankie and wipe his eyes, “Thanks Twilight, I grew up not knowing who my parents were. All I remember is Celestia taking me in for awhile, she then handed me to one of her patrons, the retiring artist who I considered my master and stepfather.” He sat there, staring at the floor as the thoughts of his only family reoccurred in his head and his eyes watered up again. “I’m sorry I asked that question Art, I didn’t know—“ “Its alright Jack. It was bound to pop up sooner or later.” As he replied, they returned to the game and continued the rest of the night playing games, having fun and ignoring what happened on the truth or dare. The party slowly died down with every pony falling asleep except for him. As he looked up to the moon, he realized that even though he didn’t have a real family, he had friends who considered him to be family just as much as he saw them as the family. With that in mind, he cleaned up his face and drifted off into a deep sleep.
Chapter 3: Studio of DreamsHe felt the morning sunray on his face, once the light touched his face he was wide awake and couldn’t fall sleep. Once he was awake, it was pretty hard to fall asleep for him again. He looked the clock, it was 6, he packed his things and wrote a note thanking Twilight for letting him stay at her place while things were getting cleared up with his soon to be workshop. He also wrote that he went to his workshop to check up on it and see if he needed to do anything extra to it. He left the note on the table and as he left; he maneuvered through the sleeping mares and baby dragon to get to the front door. For some reason, the top part of the door wasn’t locked, but the bottom half was. He opened the top and climbed over it, as fun as it was. After that, he closed the door and went towards Sweet Apple Acres. The workshop was a little before the Apple Family farm. It was a big wooden barn, with a yard just as big. He went in and it was empty, dusty and dark. He started taking measurements and making calculations. He tried to figure out what was going to where; he drew tons and different pencil sketch’s on what was going to go where. He was somewhat tired, obviously from getting up early, and fell asleep on the ground where his sketch’s were laid out with various pen’s and pencil’s weighing them down from getting blown into the wind. As he continued sleeping, he smelled Apple’s. It wasn’t like the smell of fresh apple’s but it smelled like, juice. Arthur sniffed the air a bit more and heard some hoof steps. He slowly got up and turned himself around he saw Applejack, Twilight and Rarity standing at the barn door with a cart Apple Family Cider. “Sorry bout’ last night there Art,” Applejack said. “Yes, it was a bit rude of us to ask such a personal question on our first meeting,” Rarity added, handing him a bottle of cider. “Don’t worry about it, no sweat.” Arthur simply replied. “For somewhat getting you emotional last night, I’m quite surprised your taking it well,” Twilight said. Arthur simply replied “Trust me, it takes a lot to offend me. Anyways, what bring you all the way out here,” He questioned them as he took a sip from the pint of cider. Twilight looked at Rarity and Applejack, “We just thought we should check on you, hoping that you somehow weren’t mad?” Arthur interrupted her, “*phft* What—me mad?! Trust me, like I said before it takes a lot for me to get upset,” He replied gesturing for another pint of the sweet cider. Twilight gladly replaced his empty pint with a fresh one, “Glad we got that cleared out.” She looked around the empty barn noticing the scattered papers about the empty and desolate barn. “What are you doing anyways,” She asked looking at the papers with her magic. Arthur replied, “I’m trying to envision what this place would look like, or more or less what this place could looks like. Possibly even what it may look like, I’m still working on the sketch’s.” As Twilight looked at the different papers, she got an idea. “Why not just bring everything over and see what happens. Didn’t you tell me the best experience is not know what’s going to happen?” Arthur was about to reply, but thought that if he said anything he might give the impression of being a hypocrite. He just sat there, drinking, rubbing his chin and puzzling about the situation. After a long debate with himself, “Ahh, why not. Sounds exciting…hey, I got it! How would you girls like to take a train ride to my workshop in Canterlot?” They mare’s looked at each other, after a few gestures and nodding, they agreed. The very next day, Arthur and the girls were waiting at the train station early morning. Pinkie stayed behind to throw one of her Welcome to Ponyville Partys for Arthur. As the train pulled in, Arthur never took the train before. So to him, it was almost like a field trip, and even better he’s doing the field with dear friends. Arthur slept on the train ride up there. The girls sat in the same car with him, a seat behind him to be exact. Each of the mares were hypothesizing what his shop looked like. Rarity thought there would be drawing’s everywhere and horse manikins scattered about with unfinished pieces of fashion. Twilight thought there would be books everywhere, some texts as old as the Canterlot archives. The other’s thought that he might have some sort of dance studio or some sort of giant garage filled with machines. Dash looked over the seat and saw Arthur sleeping, “Is that all he does, sleeping and gloating about himself?!” “Leave him alone Dash, he’s probably tired from this morning, from the note that he left, he was up before any pony was up,” Twilight snapping at Dash, while Rarity was sipping her cup of tea asking, “What time did…or, more or less, do you think he supposedly got up,” She continuied her sip of tea. Twilight replied, “He got up 6.” Raritys' eyes widened up, “He got up that early?! What would posses any pony to do that. I mean honestly.” Fluttershy chirped in, “Maybe he’s an early to rise pony…or, perhaps he couldn’t sleep?” Dash then said, “Why would he get up so early, only to sleep later on in the day?” “I don’t know, maybe because Arthur thought a nap would make the ride go faster,” He replied, sounding agitated. Rarity responded, “Sorry we woke you dearie, we didn’t realize we were being that loud.” Arthur chuckled, “Its alright, I was hoping one of you were going to wake me.” He continued his statement hopping on the other seat and turning to them. “You guys talking about me and workshop got me excited a bit.” The train finally arrived to Canterlot. Arthur led the gang and was greeted by some of the ponies as they trotted behind Arthur. After hearing a few compliments, shout out’s and various turns around corners. They finally came to his workshop; it was a couple of stories high. A big sign dangled above the studio door that had a paint palette on it, colored in purple and yellow. The sign reading, "Arthur's Art," slowly swung and creaked against the light wind breeze. Arthur pulled the keys from his satchel and unlocked the door. He trotted in and the girls followed, they were amazed at what they saw it was all of their visions combined into one. The nearest corner on the left had a library: a small nook with a writing station, to the right of it. There was a small dresser of various fabrics and a manikin. Further back the room was split into two: one side being the art studio, and the other having the various flying machines Arthur invented. The mare’s looked, and awed at the free, individual and creative atmosphere. Rarity bolted to the mini wardrobe studio even quicker than what Dash would ever think. Twilight trotted over to his library and Fluttershy followed her. Applejack and Rainbow Dash followed Arthur toward the back of the room, he found the light switch, flicked it and the studio brightened up. Twilight noticed that all the walls and the floor were painted a dark grey, almost like burnt wood that wasn’t completely chard. “Why is the room so dark, even with the light’s on,” Twilight asked as she eyed and looked around the room. Arthur simply turned, “Keeps my eyes from going bad. When you work with bright colors, ya wanna look at something darker.” Arthur continued to talk about how he inherited the studio and how he works, he talked about some of the daily routines and how his latest creations became to be and how he gets inspired. He overlooked her and saw a dark creamed color unicorn sticking her head in from outside. Arthur galloped up and hugged her, she simply replied with a hug back. “Good to see you Arty,” “Good to see ya too Serenity.” The other mare’s were confused about the unusual greeting. Arthur remembered there were other mares in the room. “I almost forgot this is my close friend Serenity Lights. Lights, these are friends from Ponyville.” He named them all as he pointed them out, “That’s Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. There’s another one, Pinkie Pie, but she couldn’t take the train up here, still she would be here.” “Of course I’m here,” She said standing right behind Serenity. He jumped up and she caught him, “Celestia! Put a bell around her neck!!” The five mares simply chuckled, “That’s Pinkie Pie for you,” Rainbow Dash said. Arthur and Pinkie Pie came in and the group gathered around a large drafting table. Arthur gestured Serenity to join them. She trotted in and her right back leg was hissing, and clanking with each step. The other mare’s tried ignoring that she was missing a leg. Arthur simply gestured her to come beside him. The group of ponies continued to talk and Serenity chirped in once in awhile. Arthur looked around and said, “Would your girls help me pack some of this stuff in my ship. I’ll make you guys lunch, dinner if we’re out here longer?” The girls looked at each other, and nodded in replying to his question. Arthur led them to the back, where there was a platform. He told the girls to load the flying machines first, except for “bats” as he called it. They group loaded some of the draft tables, the wardrobe studio, some of the library collection and some of the art studio. The gang finished for the day and as Arthur promised, made them lunch. He made his special potato soup and veggie sandwich all washed down with a lemonade tea brew. As weird as it sounded, it was delicious to the mare’s taste. Serenity thanked Arthur for the free lunch and trotted out the door, leaving Arthur and his company a sense of privacy and closeness.
Chapter 4: Studio of NightmaresHe closed and locked the studio door as he gestured the girls to join him where the airship was. Rainbow Dash grumbled and said, “Where is this airship you so mentioned?!” Arthur chuckled, he pulled the lever and the lights turned on: it revealed a long garbage barge like ship, with wooden walls and a cabin up front. There was a small hole were light rained down through. Written on the side was Air Fare. Dash said, “That’s it?! That’s your airship. I expected it to be big and fancy looking, like a yacht.” Arthur looked at Dash, “Dash, I’m a pony of functionality and quantity, not aesthetics and quality. Now if wouldn’t so mind as help me start loading these boxes in, please?” The ponies started loading the barge with boxes, as Arthur loaded a box he saw the ray of light dim. “Girls, continue loading the barge, I gotta, check on the weather.” Arthur ran off and up a set of stairs and out the door. He opened the door and stepped into a weather room. The room had a compass, a wind reader, several different gages, and various objects measuring the weather. He read the gages and looked outside, it got dark, the wind picked up and clouds rolled in. He placed a set of headsets on and turned the radio on. It was static as chatters were scanned across the channel. The radio mentioned that there was a storm coming with high winds and heavy rain. It also mentioned a possible flash flood and advised a tornado watch. He flicked the switch and on another channel, it was saying that the train was shutting down and all airships and balloons had to be grounded. Arthur didn’t know how to break the news to the girls. He never liked breaking the news to any pony, it seemed like a cheap cop out to him. He mustered up the courage, locked the door and went inside. Arthur saw the mare’s sitting on the edge of the platform. Applejack trotted up, “When are we clear for take off Art?” “Yeah, about that, walk with me,” Arthur replied. The orange mare followed closely as he got closer to the platform. He then said, “Got some bad news. It seems the weather got bad outside and their stopping the train and grounding all airships of any kind.” The girls were somewhat disappointed and Arthur tried to figure out how to cheer them up. He got it, “How bout’ I treat you to MY hospitality. Spend the night at my place; I’ll feed you girls sweets that’ll give you the sugar rush of the life time.” The girls started to smile; Arthur smiled with them, “Great!! Come back with me into the studio. I’ll get some bed’s set up and we can have fun.” The colt and filly’s ate sweets and treats beyond their wildest dreams. The night finally drew to a close, the mares were situated inside the studio and Arthur set himself on top of a platform, near the front part of the studio. As the night became darker and longer Arthur’s face twitched and he moaned as he was having a nightmare, “...it wasn’t my fault…I didn’t do it… ITS NOT MY FAUL—“ He yelled as he fell off the platform and smacked against the floor. The girls were awoken by his shriek, Twilight being the first to look at him, “Are you alright Arthur?!” Twilight’s only response was a groan. She, Rarity and Applejack rushed down to see if he was all right. Twilight saw a small pool of blood, fearing the worst thinking he might of cracked his head open. She turned him over and sighed with relief as she saw that his nose was the cause of blood. “Are ya alright there Art,” Applejack asked as she trotted to the other side of him. He lied there lifeless as Applejack nuzzled him. Rarity added, “Come on Arthur, at least make some sort of response,” As she pulled a hanky out Arthur closed his eyes, re opened them again looking at the three mares, “Mind helpin’ me up. Kinda hard when you slammed your face on tiled floor and your neck hurts, a lot.” The girls sighed with relief as life went into him. Twilight and Rarity helped him up while Applejack got the first aid-kit. Rarity cleaned his nuzzle as Twilight was pulling out some bandages and cotton swabs. Rarity left the stained hankie, as the girls were looking away, he slipped the hankie in his pocket. Applejack and Rarity went back to sleep as Twilight cleaned Arthur up. As she pulled a swab and a bandage out, she hesitated at first, “Um…Arthur…are you alright?” “Yeah, just a bad dream I guess.” Twilight used her magic to find any broken or fractured bones and asked, “Do you wanna talk about it?” “I’d prefer not to, to be quite honest with you.” Arthur simply stared off into space. Twilight continued her scan and asked, “You can tell me, I won’t judge you for what you’ve done.” Arthur snapped out of his daze, “You promise?” “I promise, cross my heart, hope to fly and stick a cupcake in my eye,” Twilight making the gestures as he replied with a mere chuckle, “I like that.” As he continued his statement, “You remember that mare, Serenity.” “Yeah, why?” “What if I told you that she lost her leg cause of me,” Arthur said as he was trying to recollect his thoughts. As he did, Twilight was a little panicked at first, but keeping her promise and not judging him, “…Go on.” “Well, way back when we were little ponies. She was my one and only true friend growing up. One day, we went out playing, right across from the train station. We were chasing each other and it was my turn to chase her. I guess it was tag, I never really asked. She slipped on the tracks, I tagged her and she fell onto the track. I ran off as she was trying to get up. I heard the horn blowing from the train. I turned and her hoof was stuck in the tracks. I ran over and tried pulling her out. It was no good, I ran to try and find another pony, but had no luck. As the train drew in closer and closer, I tried pulling her out. As I did, she got loose, but I...I wasn’t fast enough. Her hoof got mangled as the train passed. I never heard a pony scream, and cry as much as she did.” He became lost in thought as his eyes began to water up. Twilight really didn’t know what to say, she tried to think of something in her head. Arthur continued his tragic story, “I put her on my back and took her to the hospital right away. Her folks came in and forbid me from seeing her and I was to stay away from her. They went as far as having the royal guard outside my house and following her around.” He finally broke down as the waves of guilt, sorrow and misery over took him, “Ever since that day, I lost my only friend. Shortly after that, my father died. In my stage of grievance, I sought to see forgiveness and redemption from Serenity and her parents; I made that leg for her. Although she saw the forgiveness and the gesture in my heart, her parents never did, even to this day still, they despise me. Ever since then, she comes by when she can, for either getting something better, or simple repairs. Other than that, I was truly alone in this world. I had no special pony, not even Celestia who took me in.” Twilight then said, “It wasn’t you fault. There was nothing you could’ve done, you did your best.” His eyebrows furrowed, “Best?! MY…BEST!! Listen here Twilight, just because you did what ever you could doesn’t make it enough. I had to grow up, alone, scared, terrified, and miserable and be reminded of my mistake every single day Twilight. Do you know what it’s like, being reminded of your mistake?!” Twilight did know what it was like for a while. She never made a mistake that she had to see, every single day. She simply placed the bandage on his nose and then she hugged him. Arthur didn’t know how to response, he didn’t know whether or not to push her away, or enjoy the moment of being braced by another an emotion he haven’t felt in a long time. “You...I may not know what its like. But I do know this, as long as you have your friends by your side, you can surpass anything. And I mean, anything. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about.” Arthur felt an emotion of guilt that slammed his chest. He simply hugged back, “Sorry for snapping at you Twilight. It’s, hard trying not to be emotional about this.” “I don’t blame you Arthur, no pony can. If a pony is willing to work hard, and do what ever it takes to ask for forgiveness, that pony shouldn’t be judged. Now, lets get some sleep, we have a big day tomorrow, don’t we.” Arthur gave a small smile, “Yeah...yeah we do.” With that, Twilight nuzzled him and trotted off to bed. Arthur remained in the darkness as what Twilight said echoed inside his head. He slowly trotted off, once on the platform he moved off of it. As he tried looking for a new spot to sleep, he grabbed his blanket, placed it next to Twilight, and slept right beside her. He muttered thanks, and she simply replied and she didn’t seem to care that he was next to her.
PrologueArthur vaguely remembers who he is. Other than his name, Arthur Gabriel; he's an artist, muscician, and well balanced in the art field. Most ponies in Canterlot called him Art or Artie. He remembers seeing a few things as a small colt. He remember two ponies: the white alicorn Princess Celestia, and his step-father, the pony who many referred to as Leo. He recalls an old pony, his coat was a faded brown, his cutie mark was a pencil with a triangle, and his mane as white as snow. His stepfather taught him everything her knows, from painting, sculpting, tastes in fashion, and a splash of music. As Arthur got older, his father became even more ill and just over all, getting in a worse condition. After his father died, Arthur grew up alone, not a whole lot of friends to call his own. He had the feeling of being empty, almost like a peanut shell without the peanut. After that, although somewhat lifeless, he continued learning his trade as an artisan. Arthur did various things: from paintings, drawings and photo-shoots, to even sculpting, he did a little bit of everything. Throughout his career, he still had that feeling of being lonely, he missed the affections of being loved. Although he became popular with the Canterlotians, he still felt empty. He eventually got the attention of Celestia. After that he became more passionate about his trade. He became so passionate that he was determined to make the greatest piece of his time. He even remembers how he got his cutie mark. He was asked to do the biggest commission of his life: a portrait of the Royal Family and a few close patrons. As his mind and heart filled with excitement and anticipation getting more and more comissions. The ponies in the portrait were: Celestia, Luna her younger sister, a few other ponies, and a small purple pony named Twilight. At first, he didn’t realize who she was, or even this signifcance until he meet her later on. After such a big and success turnaround, he got his cutie mark; a paintbrush with a palette on it. After that, his heart filled with adventure, and curiosity. He packed up what he can, hauling it in a wagon and made his long, exhausting trot to Ponyville. Although he was very grateful of Celestia for the support, even wanting to pay for his train ticket. He refused the offer. After a week of preparation, he left Canterlot and took the journey. In the three days of nonstop traveling, seeing the rising of the sun and the moon. There was something magical, very relaxing, yet mystical about Equestria’s nature. On the fourth day, he found himself a bit weary and decided to take a nap outside of Ponyville. He threw a blanket under a tree and rested under its leaf like shelter.
