The Traveling Horseman

Traveler stopped running. He made sure those ponies won't follow him and continued walking. Always looking behind, he thought about his animals.

''So... If I remember well, she went this way. I hope I'm right. Without Map, I'm lost in this damn world...'' He thought.

He felt a bit nervous. He always had his animals with him. He could always look at his map, escape with Sprint and defend himself with Hunter. But now, they were having some useful treatment, that they deserved. The many fights they went through, the non-stop traveling. Sure, they were travelers, but sometimes they have to just sit down, have a rest and have some fun.

Fun... he never had fun. Not like he wants to try it out. He had enough fun in the past. Many years ago. He kinda felt embarrassed, because of his past self. Those little 'holidays' in different and exotic worlds. The great kings, queens, princesses and leaders he met. The ceremonies, where he had a great time, with other great spirits like him.

And not just talk and revel with those big souls. The many interesting creatures. They culture. They history. They...

courting...

''Hehhee... Minerva... you beautiful, young lady. Who would have thought, that the Leader of the Elves likes to do such things.'' He chuckled at the good memory.

He continued thinking about the good old days. He didn't even realize what tune he was humming. It was a really catchy and happy tune...

He checked behind him, when he realized what kind of tune was he hearing. He saw no one. ''Hm? I could hear that pink ones song playing.'' He turned his head forward and continued walking down the dirt road. ''Those ponies are crazy. They song is still playing in my head...''

He continued humming the happy tune. His mind started to catch up with him. His eyes suddenly went wide, when the realization hit him, like a magical shot...

He was humming that song's tune...

''You got to be kidding me! It's following me! Nooo!''

And there ran our hero...

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Somewhere outside Ponyville... Pinkie Pie stopped and started grinning. She slowly lifted her hoof into the air...
Then she took a deep breath and slowly said:

''Success...''

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Traveler finally arrived at the Element of Kindness' little house. He paid no attention to the strange building. He ran up to the door, animals giving him an odd look.

He slammed into the door, nearly blasting it away from it's place. ''Element of Kindness! Where are you?!'' He yelled, his voice was scared and urgent.

If the door slamming against the wall, wasn't enough to attract attention, then his voice was. Because Fluttershy poked her head inside the room, smiling at him.

''Oh! Hello Traveler. Hunter told me about your arrival. Please follow me!''

Traveler was confused. he didn't expected her to be calm. He thought she would be scared of him, because he literally breaking into her house. ''I guess that's my luck... Thank you Hunter!''

He followed Fluttershy. She was mixing some sort of green cream. It smelled like menthol and it was sticky. ''I was just making this nice cream for the animals. It cools down the burning muscles, relaxes the brain and heals the wounds at the same time. My own recipe...'' She explained proudly, then led him upstairs.

She let him inside the bathroom and his jaw dropped...

There was Hunter. Calmly taking a nap, while Map sat on his head. They all looked so clean, refreshed and friendly. Hunter's breathing was peaceful. It was new for Traveler. That wildcat was always ready and he never actually seen him breathing calmly. Hunter's breathing was so quick and quiet, so he could be stealthy.

And there he was. The air escaping through his sharp teeth. His teeth, they looked snow white. And Traveler swear, his wildcat's mouth was turned upwards. ''Hunter? Is he... smiling? How is that even possible?! He's a wildcat... they can't show facial expressions!'' He thought.

''They really enjoy this therapy. Map showed no resistant, to get his feathers washed. While Hunter was a bit nervous to get into the bath. But I told him to calm down and everything will be good.''

''I even pulled that stick out of his paw...''

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Flashback!

''There you go Map! Now your feathers will shine, when you fly. You look nice.'' Fluttershy patted the eagle's head.
''Oh Hunter! Don't worry, I get this stick out of your paw. Just don't move, this will only sting for the tiniest moment...'' She told the wildcat. Hunter remembered what his master said. Do as she says! So he showed her his paw and let her do her work.

...
*Ping*
''RAAAAAAAAWR!'' Hunter raised his claw to hit her...

Then he started purring and licking Fluttershy's face...

''Now, now... that wasn't so bad, was it?'' She giggled.

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And back to Traveler...

Traveler was impressed. He expected his animals to be a huge problem for her. And there she was, everything is under her control. No disaster, no dead critters or burned down house. And all of them was there.

Except one...

''Where is Sprint?'' He asked her, somewhat worried. ''Please tell me he didn't go to another dimension. It took me a lot of time, to find him, when he just ran away...''

''He's in the backyard. He's having fun with the deers and other animals.'' She answered cheerfully, taking care of the other animals, with that cream.

''Well that's a relief...'' He said quietly.

Suddenly, Map screeched and flew downstairs...

''Where is that eagle going?'' Asked out loud Traveler.

''He wants us to follow him...'' Explained Fluttershy and she went after Map. Traveler soon followed her, still confused.

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''I can understand the animals. What they want to say, how are they feeling. They are the best company...''

Fluttershy explained to Traveler, about her ability, while they went outside.

''I agree...'' Replied Traveler.

Fluttershy arrived at the back of the house. Traveler was just about see what's there, when she gasped and stopped him.

''What?''

''Sssshhh... don't interrupt them!'' Fluttershy said quietly.

''Interrupt what?''

''Interrupt nature.'' She answered. ''Let's just go back and let them have fun.'' She smiled and walked back where they came from.

Traveler wanted to see what is happening and peeked into the backyard. There he saw Sprint, lying on his side, while nuzzling a female deer. Other female deers were lying around him and he looked pleased.

Traveler quickly went after Fluttershy, trying hard to forget what he just witnessed. But he couldn't forget the thought of his companion, just got laid in front of his eyes.

And soon... he started grinning like your best friend, when he/her discovers your new crush...

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Inside the house...

''Hy Traveler!''

''AHH!'' Cried out the spirit and dived behind Fluttershy. ''Don't let her close to me!''

''But Traveler, it's not the best time to play hide and seek. I'm here to talk to my two friends.'' Explained Pinkie Pie.

''Oh... that's so nice of you Pinkie...'' Fluttershy commented, happy to see her friend.

''LIES! She's going to drive me crazy!'' Called out traveler, still hiding behind the little pegasi.

''She ain' lyin' sugarcube.'' Applejack trotted inside the living room. ''Pinkie just wants ta see her friends smile...'' She smiled at her friends and him.

''No... no... nonono! You're gonna start singing too! NO!'' Traveler jumped over the girls and was about to ran out of the door, when a purple aura rudely shut the door in front of him. He was knocked out in a second.

The girls looked up and saw the door reopening and in walked their purple, unicorn friend. ''He seriously needs to stop and think...'' Twilight stated, happy to say that to him, like he said this to her last time. Now, they're equals...

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Traveler slowly woke up. He heard the girls in the room. The six Elements were sitting in the living room, chatting about things. He decided to just lay there and wait, until the headache stops. And maybe, the others leave, so he can be alone...

But Rainbow Dash started looking over his stuff. Especially his bow...

''How the hay can he use that?'' She looked at the bow, with raised eyebrows.

He sighed. ''Looks like I have to wake up...'' He sat up and looked over to her. ''With hands, Elements of Loyalty.'' He answered her question.

Rainbow Dash jumped slightly. JUST SLIGHTLY, we're talking about Rainbow Dash! She quickly dropped the bow and pretended innocent. ''Ah, hey Traveler! I, uh... just saw that thing on your stuff and I-I was just curious about it.'' Sh grinned sheepishly.

''It's a bow and it's dangerous...'' He stood up and walked over to her. He picked up the bow and some arrows. ''Follow me! I show you...''

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They walked to the edge of Everfree Forest. Since Fluttershy's animals probably afraid of him and Sprint still have some ladies to satisfy, they walked far away from the house.

''And what is that thing can do?'' Asked the cyan pegasi, eager to know about the dangerous weapon.

''This thing is a bow-''

''You already said that. What can it do? You hit stuff and that's it? Looks odd...'' Frowned Rainbow.

''This weapon, can shoot arrows, at fast speed. The arrows are made to be strong and have this form...'' He showed her how the arrow looks like. '' ... to cut through the air. The point of the arrow, sticks into anything, that can be penetrated with the amount of power you use. The arrow gets more power, when you pull the string harder. You have to steady your hands and aim at the...'' He realized what he said. ''Sorry... hooves... Anyway, you aim, slows down your heartbeat and shut your mind. With this trick, you can focus on your target, so you can easily shoot it down.''

''There are other ways, to shoot perfectly. It's more complicated way, but works every time. You have to know how heavy is your arrow, know how much gravity force are there in the area and how much power you give into one shot. I even remember that book where it explains how to get every information about these things and...'' And he explained to Rainbow Dash, how to find out, how much force the arrow gets, how far it flies, how much gravity are there, without using measure tapes and stuff. So basically, he told her everything he found in the 'NewTomes InterDimensional Physics Recordings' by Newtomes, the Spirit of Physics.

''And that's when his 56, 2 law appears. According to his recordings, he-...'' *Thud* He looked at the now sleeping Rainbow Dash. ''Girl, you're good. I thought you will be out sooner...'' He said quietly and picked her up.

He started walking back to the house and realized how late it was. It already became night and the lights were out in Fluttershy's house. He risked to see if Sprint was still having fun. To his luck he wasn't, so he placed Rainbow Dash beside the big horse and he leaned against Sprint.

He closed his eyes, to take some rest and shut his mind. Even if he couldn't sleep, he can shut down his body and relax like everyone of us...

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Traveler opened his eyes, as he felt the presence of somepony powerful. With one swift move, he attached his claws to his gauntlets and placed it under a hooded Alicorn's neck. The female, midnight colored Alicorn froze in place and Traveler examined her. He couldn't see her face, the robe's hood hid her whole head. He only saw two, glowing, scared eyes and white teeth.

He slowly grabbed the hood and carefully slid it back, revealing the Princess of the Night...

''Have you ever heard about knocking?'' Traveler asked sarcastically.

Luna sheepishly giggled...

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The two left the resting horse and the sleeping Rainbow Dash. They decided to go on a walk, far away from Fluttershy's house. They walked in silence for a while. Then Luna had enough of the walking.

''Can you fly? The night is more beautiful above the clouds...'' Asked Luna.

''No, but if you allow me to ride you, then we can fly wherever you want...'' Replied Traveler.

Luna's face became crimson red. ''Wh-what... are you? I... I-I mean...'' She couldn't find the words to reply to that.

''Something's wrong? Did I said something offensive?'' He raised an eyebrow. He had no idea what is up with these ponies and they being embarrassed about everything.

''Well... no... it's just... I thought we are only partners. Not mates... and... and it was a long time ago, since a stallion tried to court me... let alone...'' She gulped. '' trying to... mount... me...'' She stammered, face turning even more red, as she tried to force these words out.

Traveler's mind raced. He started to place the two together. Every piece started to form the answer. Then finally... he got it.
He broke the awkward silence...

''Oh, for the love of Spiritual elders and all of their great tome! I am deeply sorry Night Princess. I had no idea about these meanings. I apologize...'' He nodded.

Luna nodded back and her blush disappeared. ''It is nothing to be concerned Traveler. You had no idea about these things...''

''But it was obvious. Ponies don't use horses to travel. Other creatures do. If my mind would be the same. Young and fresh, I would probably realize this.'' He explained.

''Aren't you an immortal? Your mind should be the same...'' Asked curiously the Princess.

''Yes... I am an immortal and-... wait! You said 'you' instead of 'tho'...'' He looked at her, trying to find out what happened to the formal Princess.

''Oh... well... my sister told me to let go of the formalities, since my mission is over.'' She explained.

''Mission? You mean, when you had to bring me to Canterlot?'' He asked her, starting to understand the situation.

Luna nodded. ''Yes. So that's why I'm talking more freely.'' She looked at him, smiling. ''And friends are talking to each other like this...''

Traveler 'hummed' and allowed himself a small smile. ''I see...''

They arrived at a hill, that looked over the wide, flower fields. The place, where he first stepped into Equestria. Luna sat down on the hill and Traveler laid down next to her, looking at the constellations.

''So... what did you mean by... 'your mind would be the same'?'' Asked Luna.

Traveler stayed silent for a few moments. Then thinking over what he wanted to say, he began...

''Before I started my search, for a place to fall into eternal slumber, I lived my eternal life freely. They called me Traveler, because I went to other dimensions and worlds. But not to find that sleeping place. I had fun. A lot. I met with other Spirits like me. Every one of them have a special talent, ability and special powers. They get their titles from these...''

''I spent my first years with my animals. I had to learn my powers on my own. I did research, to find out who I really am and what powers I possess. I soon learned how to travel through these portals, that Map and Sprint can open. At first, I only traveled and ran away from worlds, if the citizens and inhabitants were not so friendly.''

''Later, the Followers started to attack me. And I needed something to protect myself. I made my armor, weapons and tore apart Map's soul. That's how Hunter became my third companion...
I was able to defend myself and survive. And I became braver, to travel to more dimensions.''

''That's when I started to meet with other Spirits. I helped another horseman, to find his brother. Death... that was his name.
I helped out The Great King Spirit, when his world and kingdom was in trouble.
I fought with the Beasts Leader and I obtained it's claws.
An other Horseman, War... he was kind enough to help me defeat an army of Followers. He even made my ultimate weapon. He taught me how to use those blades and I was on my way to another world.
After I became stronger, I led the human world's protector through the Bridge of Memories. They called him Dhuradhan or Dhanthas, but as everyone know him... The Balance...''

''I soon became well known amongst the immortals. Heh... some of them even invited me to their wedding or other celebrations...
Alywa, the most charming girl... I think they called her... The Entice. She was searching for The Balance back then, when the Ruler of the Hell died by his hands. She needed someone else, to fulfill her desires, since she used to be with the Ruler of the Hell. Then... she found me, to ease herself...
And there was Minerva. The Leader of the Elves. She has some strange fetishes...''

''But the point is... I enjoyed life. I had everything I wanted. But I soon had enough. My immortality became... boring I think. But that's not just it. I saw many dimensions and worlds being destroyed in front of my eyes. The Followers did it, because they wanted to kill me. And while they tried to find me, they killed the inhabitants of those worlds...

... or I killed them...''

Luna listened in interest. He had so much to say, so exiting life and he just wants to end it. And his last sentence...

''You... killed them... why?''

''It was because they left me no choice. They were too dangerous, to just leave them. They were planning on destroying other worlds. I had to stop them.
But in the end... it was just sad, to see a world, being destroyed by my and others hands. That's why I want to stop this. Maybe... a few thousand years later, I'll wake up and continue traveling...''

Traveler placed his hands behind his head. ''Now tell me... you make those beautiful constellations up there on your own?'' He smirked at her. He know she will gladly talk about the night. And... ''I know she likes to make the night beautiful. Might as well give her some credit. As long as she's happy... well... I don't really know... Hehhe, I'm like my past self.''

Luna's eyes gleamed with glee and she happily started explaining the various constellations...

Good to be back again. Sorry for the waiting, I had another story, that I had to take care of. You probably saw that in the feature box. Man, I made a big mess, by writing it...

From now, I try to not get distracted with other ideas. I'm just gonna continue with this story.
Schools starts to become harder, so don't expect me to write that much. This one, was a 'comeback' chapter. I spent my whole day, writing it...

Also, some of you might notice some references from my other story and something else. I wonder who will find it... :P

There will be one last chapter and the new adventure begins. This means, I have to think about more ideas, more dialogue and action. CHALLENGE BUCKING ACCEPTED! >:D

As a little side note, I found my family's long ago bought from Austria, black bow, with arrows. This will help me with the fighting scenes... and maybe I can shoot someone down. XD

Thanks for the patients and have a nice day! ;)