Shine from the Inside out

The sun began to slowly rise, and yet surprisingly, you got up before the sun shone right in your eyes. You were fully dressed in your workout clothes and you left whilst greeting the guards at the same time.

You started to jog down the road and remembered the path to Nelly’s house.

From the moment you met her, you saw how overweight she was, and the way you saw her eat…you saw a bit of yourself in her. You could tell from the mount of food she eats; she went through an experience that she’s hiding from. Whatever was wrong with her, you didn’t know. You’d thought how you would find out from her sooner or later. Whatever it was…you really want to help her.

You were a lot like her when you were younger, only thing was his father was responsible for his misery. You were thankful that your brother came home that day and saved you. But defending you wasn’t the only reason he beat up your father, he beat him up because his dad didn’t tell him his mother passed away, which was beyond messed up in a way no one else could imagine.

He was able to help you set back to the right path, as well as exercising. Before you knew it, after so much hard work, you became who you needed to be because of him. You owe everything to him, and now you wish to do the same for her.

You soon arrive at her house and knocked on the door. After about five minutes, she opened the door and was able to wear what appeared to be clothing for exercise. ‘Wow,’ you thought to yourself, ‘They actually make exercise clothing in that size? I’ve gotta remember to thank the one who came up with the idea.’

“Sorry I took so long,” said Nelly, “Did I keep you waiting?”

“Of course not, you’re right on time.” You replied.

“So, uh…where should we start?” asked Nelly nervously.

“First thing’s first, and I know it’s a very sensitive topic.” You asked her, “But what is your current weight?”

She winced at that, but she was able to whisper it in your ear “275 pounds.”, which you made a mental note of it.

“Alright then,” you said to her, “If you can lose about say, 121 pounds, that will be the goal. We’ll see how much you lose after two weeks. If you’re able to lose a certain amount, then we’ll see how we can go from there.”

“I’m okay with it.” Said Nelly.

“However,” you said to her, “That means no junk food or anything else.”

She again winced at that, but you held onto her shoulder and reassured her that everything will be alright. She nodded to it, and asked “Where do I start first?”

“We’ll start with something simple.” You said to her. “We’ll start with normal walks for the first few days. Then we’ll try some power walks. We’ll do it for the first six miles to the outskirts. Once your body gets used to it, then we’ll be able to push onto further heights. Just be behind me at all times and everything will be okay. Okay?”

“Okay.” Said Nelly as she prepared herself.

“Alright then, let’s do this.” You said to her. “Now then, stay behind me and don’t wander off.”

“Okay then.” Said Nelly as she followed you.

You began to guide her. You thought about it long and hard on how to get it started. You remembered during your exercise routines; you were outside of the city gates of Canterlot. But from above the mountain where you practiced your climbing skills, you spotted a small town ahead. Princess Celestia once explained that the town you saw is called Ponyville. Her former student, Princess Twilight Sparkle, resides in Ponyville. But from what you heard, she plans to let her take the throne, but she’s not ready to take it. This was shortly after they faced one of their enemies. Though you don’t know when, you figured you wouldn’t ask anymore.

But what surprised you, was that there were more humans in Ponyville, as a handful of them have started a few romantic relationships with a few mares. You hope you get to meet them one day. However, you heard that there was another human in another kingdom, and he recently got married to a mare far from here, and she recently gave birth to a pair of fraternal twins. They named their sons Cody and Gregor. Which in a strange way seems very fitting. However, you heard that the mare, whose name is Goldenrod, is pregnant once more, and expecting twins. This time however, they’re girls, which seems to have piqued her interest as she was looking forward to raise a few girls.

You got out of your thoughts and once again tried to keep an eye on Nelly. You noticed that she was eyeing a few eateries, even that one place that looks like it’s cuisine were made by people from India. Thankfully, you were able to get her out of her thoughts and focused on you. Soon enough, you reached the outskirts of the city.

“Alright then,” you replied whilst looking at her. “We’re going to start something simple. But this one, I’ll do a proper test on this one.”

“What kind of test?” asked Nelly.

“To see how far you can go.” You said to her. “Once we do, we’ll be able to determine how far you can go. Then we’ll try that for the next two weeks. But don’t worry, I’ll still be by your side to see your progress. But just promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?” asked Nelly.

You don’t know why, but you walked towards her and placed your hand on her shoulder, whilst you looked at her right in the eyes.

“That you won’t give up, no matter what. What matters is that no matter what they say, you’re strong no matter what.”

Nelly didn’t know why, but she felt flustered whilst her heart was beating fast at the same time.

You released her shoulder and said “Come on, let’s get going.”

You walked ahead whilst Nelly looked at you. She couldn’t help but smile and followed suit.

You began to mark from where the two of you started. You started from the city gates and began from there. You started to walk for about the first three miles. You looked back and saw that she was doing a good job at keeping up with you. You just hope that she won’t collapse from exhaustion, as you remember people with that amount of weight don’t last long when it comes to going the distance. So, you walked beside her to make sure she would be okay.

You then reached to six miles, and you noticed that she was sweating. Which was a good sign, for you wanted to make sure that she would get used to it. You could hear her breathing heavily, which got you worried.

“You know, we could stop if you…” you said, before you were cut off.

“No,” said Nelly, “I can…do this.”

You nodded, for you were glad that even though with her current weight, she’s showing that she doesn’t want to give up.

By the time you reached the tenth mile, you saw clearly that she wasn’t going to last long. The two of you stopped whilst she rested on a chunk of grass whilst she took a breath.

“Alright then,” you said to her, “You’ve done well. You were able to reach ten miles. Most who exercise on their first time wouldn’t last long. But clearly you impressed me.”

“Thanks.” Said Nelly as she panted a few times.

Thankfully you packed in some water and gave some to her, which she accepted and drank it whilst she was trying to quench her thirst at the same time. She sighed in relief as she was happy that her throat could take in some water.

“So, how do you feel?” you asked her.

“Exhausted for one thing.” Said Nelly, “I’ve never felt this tired before.”

“But does it feel like a bit of a burden is lifted from you?” you asked her.

“Well…” said Nelly as she thought about it. Though strangely…she sort of did. “Huh, now that you mention it, I do feel better for some reason. Though…”

“You’re not comfortable with doing this?” you asked her, “Because you’re not comfortable with the walking?”

Nelly looked at you surprised. “How did you…?”

“Call it a hunch.” You replied. You slapped your knees before getting up, and said “Now then, should we head back?”

“Sure thing.” Said Nelly as she stood up.

The two of them made their way back, with the same amount of mileage for their walking. You have to admit, Nelly is doing a good job with her workout. To make sure that she didn’t cheat or anything, you were able to help her get rid of every inch of junk food in the house, whilst also trying to get her some healthy ones. You even offered to help cook her something healthy. Thankfully, you knew how to make them tasty and delicious in case they would complain.

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For the next two weeks, you did the same thing with her routines, but this time, with a much farther distance, as well as healthier foods. You also made sure she didn’t overdo her eating habits, which was one of the few things that can lead to further weight gain.

And as promised, you were able to make a parfait for her, the healthy treat that you promised her, to which she enjoyed it, whilst at the same time, you tried to ensure that she would enjoy it by savoring it and not devouring it. You could tell she really enjoyed it.

You also began to weigh her. And to your surprise, she lost fifteen pounds. Which was great progress.

However, one day, as you were on your way to her, you saw her sneaking around. You had a feeling what she was doing, so you followed her from a distance and to make sure that she didn’t see you. When you turned to a corner, you saw she had entered a pizza place.

“Oh no.” you muttered, for somehow you had a feeling something like this was going to happen.

You walked close to it and you saw her standing by the counter, taking a pizza order. About thirty minutes later, she took a large box and headed out, but you chose to hide in order for her not to spot you. You decided to follow her from a distance in order to keep an eye on her. But as you followed, you saw her sitting at a secret spot and took a big slice.

You couldn’t take it anymore and you walked over to her. Before she could take a bite, you grabbed her by the arm, which shocked her when she saw you.

“What do you think you’re doing?” you asked her sternly, but also trying to be fair with her at the same time.

“Uh, I was just…” said Nelly.

“You were cheating from what we had planned.” You told her.

Before she could react, you grabbed the slice and the pizza and tossed it in the garbage, much to her dismay.

“What the heck? We were doing so well, why are you doing this?” you asked her.

“Well…”

“Ha, look at that!!”

You looked at their direction and saw a handful of unicorns, and from the looks of it, they were bullies.

“Look at the fat hideous hippo!! Eating like the big fat pig she is.” Taunted the second one, causing all of them to laugh at her.

You saw how hurt Nelly was. And then you saw it, you saw yourself, being tortured by your father. You then gripped your hands, for this had gone on long enough. You walked over to them whilst secretly holding a large rock behind your back. They continued to taunt Nelly, whilst not noticing you at the same time.

“Hey, asshole!!” you shouted.

Before one of them could react, you used the rock to bash the first pony’s head with it, making him fall over, much to their shock. You then grabbed the second one’s arm and dislocated it, kicked him at the back of the leg whilst it also dislocated, then punched his lights out.

During the fight, Nelly was both shocked and surprised at the same time, seeing the bullies being beat up. The sixth one he ended up punching so hard, the said pony landed against the wall and onto the ground with his face bruised and bleeding nose, before collapsing on the ground, as the other five were in no shape either.

You dusted your hands after you defeated the bullies. You then walked over to Nelly and presented your hand to her. Though she was a little frightened, but the way you defended her from her tormentors, she accepted your hand, allowing the both of you to leave for her house.

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After they got back to her house, Nelly sat on her bed and looked down, greatly ashamed for what she did, but also sort of relieved not to be near her tormentors and bullies. You sat next to her. Though you’re not mad at her, you were somewhat disappointed by what she was trying to do.

“Nelly,” you began, which made her wince as she looked down in shame, “Why did you do it? We were making such good progress. And you were trying to go behind my back and do something like this. So why…why did you do it?”

Nelly sighed a bit and decided to come clean.

“For me…it was sometimes to help take the pain away.” She said, “When I was little, I was constantly bullied because everypony took one good look at me and thought I was worthless. I tried to tell my father, but he wouldn’t hear it. And whenever my mother wasn’t around, he would constantly verbally abuse me. So, every now and then I would sneak away and eat as much as I can. Cause sometimes food can make you feel better, but he just wouldn’t stop, same with the bullies.”

Nelly began to shed a few tears, “When my mother found out, she immediately divorced and threw him out of the house. But because of him, I developed an eating disorder. And after I graduated, I tried to live my life as best I could, but no matter how hard I tried, it just wouldn’t stop. And I’ve been trying to cope with it ever since.”

She looked away and said “I assume you’re going to judge me because of it, too?”

You then remembered your time back on your world, how you were miserable because of your father. But thanks to your brother, you were able to turn your life around. Now you want to so the same for her.

“Not really, considering I’ve been there.” You replied, making her look back at you in shock.

“What?” she asked confusingly.

“I’ve been through the exact same way you were.” You told her. You looked ahead and decided to tell her your story.

“When I was little, my father was constantly cruel with me. I didn’t even do anything wrong; I tried my best to be a good son, but he just kept beating me, made me miserable. I even ended up developing an eating disorder because of it. My mother couldn’t do anything because she passed away when I was eight, and my older brother was in the army overseas. But when I was twelve, my older brother came back. When he saw what my dad did to me, as well as him not telling that our mother that she died, he was furious. So, he ended up beating my father so badly, he was crippled for life, which he mocked our dad, saying that he was worthless.”

“Oh my.” Said Nelly surprised.

“But my dad couldn’t make the charges stick because my dad was charged for child abuse, so they sent him far away where he couldn’t find us.” You told her. “After that, my brother and I moved to Hawaii. My brother decided to help me get my life on track, even helped train me and I ended up losing weight. It was a lot of hard work, but in the end, it was very worth it. Afterwards, he opened a gym, and I became one of the trainers. But I also took a study in psychology to help others out. We both helped out a lot of folks who had the same problem like I did, and I helped people. And every day for what I did, it made my brother happy.”

He looked at her with compassion and said “Now I want to do the same for you. Because you went through the same thing, and there was no one to support and help you whenever you were in trouble. So that I could help you get your life back on track.”

“Is…is that why you wanted to help me?” asked Nelly, which you nodded. “Is that the reason?”

“One of them.” You told her, “And the other…”

You don’t know what came over you, but you slowly leaned towards Nelly, and you placed your lips on hers, which left her shocked and flustered. You then broke the kiss and looked directly at her.

“Because you’re worth it.”

Nelly couldn’t help but be in tears as happiness began to wash her over. She then kissed him back and gave him a hug at the same time. For she was happy that another came to help her, and thought she was worth it.

“I promise you.” Said Nelly, “I’ll take my training seriously. And I’m glad that you’re here to keep an eye on me to do it.”

You couldn’t help but smile and hugged her back. For you were glad to hear it. And know that you were in the right direction to help her. Because if you couldn’t, who else would?