Chains to Freedom

(Zack's POV)
I woke up as the sun showed through the window, shining in my eyes, as I felt the train stop. I’m back home, I thought to myself, looking down at Neon Glow, who was still fast asleep with a smile on her face. I smiled too, getting up carefully, making sure not to wake her. I grabbed all our stuff and gently lifted her onto my back, letting her sleep.

The moment I stepped off the train, the volume around me shot up. Cars, voices, and the clatter of city life assaulted my ears all at once. I let out a sigh.
“Noise—the only thing I don’t like about this place.”

I continued through the bustling city, my wings spread wide to shield Neon from the harsh sunlight as it reflected off the towering buildings. With every step, the weight of the noise and energy around me grew, but I kept moving, hoping she’d stay asleep.

As we passed a nearby construction site, I winced with each loud clang and bang, cringing as steel clattered and machinery roared. I did my best to keep Neon undisturbed, but I couldn't help it when suddenly a pile of metal pipes crashed down onto the ground with a deafening clatter.

Neon jolted awake, eyes wide with panic. Before I could react, she scrambled off my back and bolted into a nearby alley.

(Neon's POV)
I smiled in my sleep, dreaming that Zack and I were at the amusement park, riding rides and eating all the delicious food we could. It felt like the perfect day.

Suddenly, a loud crashing sound snapped me out of my dream. My heart raced as the clanging of metal pipes echoed around me. I wasn’t sure why, but the noise sent a wave of panic through me. My chest tightened, and before I even realized what I was doing, I slipped off Zack’s back and darted into a nearby alley, desperate to escape the sound.

The bustle of the city only made things worse. Ponies talking, hooves clattering against the cobblestone streets, and the constant noise of construction—it all felt too loud, too chaotic. My breathing quickened, and I squeezed into the corner of the alley, curling up as the tears began to fall. I didn’t understand why I was so scared, but I couldn’t stop myself from crying.

“NEON!” Zack called out, his voice cutting through the haze of my panic. I looked up, and relief flooded through me as I saw him rushing over, concern etched on his face. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m here.”

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a warm hug. I buried my face in his shoulder, letting the tears flow freely as I finally felt safe. After a few moments, as I began to calm down, I stammered, “S... sorry, Zack. I just got scared.”

He pulled back slightly, looking me in the eye with a gentle smile. “There’s no need to be sorry,” he said, his tone soothing. “I was basically the same when I first got here. The noise just takes a bit to get used to.”

He carefully lifted me back onto his back, and I clung to him, grateful for his support. The chaos of the city felt a little less daunting with him by my side.

As we walked, the sounds of the city began to fade, replaced by the rhythmic clopping of hooves on cobblestones. After a few minutes, we approached a large, inviting house that stood out among the rest. It had a cheerful blue exterior, with colourful flowers lining the walkway and a welcoming front porch.

“This is where we’re going to live,” Zack said, gesturing toward the house with a bright smile. “I hope you like it!”

I gazed at the house with wide eyes. “Wow, the house is so big!”

“I’m glad you like it.” He shifted slightly under me, adjusting his grip to make sure I was comfortable.

The vibrant flowers swayed gently in the breeze, and the cheerful colours of the house seemed to match the bright blue sky above, filling me with a sense of joy and warmth.

As we reached the front door, Zack carefully set me down before opening it. The door creaked softly as it swung inward, revealing a spacious foyer adorned with marble flooring that gleamed under the light. My eyes widened in awe at the sight of the rich red carpet that led deeper into the house, inviting us to explore.

beautiful mare with flowing black and red hair, warm red eyes, and dark gray fur. I looked at the portrait for a bit before speaking, “Who’s that? She’s so pretty.”

Zack glanced at the portrait, his expression shifting to one of sadness, yet he managed a sweet smile. “That’s my... late wife.”

I looked up at him, confused. “She’s pretty. Where is she?”

Zack’s gaze lingered on the portrait for a moment longer. “She, uh... she’s no longer with us. She died a few months ago,” he said, his voice slightly strained as he wiped away a tear that had formed in his eyes. My heart ached for him as I sensed the weight of his loss. “But that’s enough about her. Come on, I have to get you some breakfast.”

I nodded and began to follow alongside him, our hooves echoing on the marble flooring as we walked. Eventually, we made it to the kitchen, but it looked different from the last house. It had a cozy cabin feel, with warm wooden floors and log-patterned walls that added a sense of warmth and homeliness.

Standing in the kitchen was a pony I hadn’t seen before, a light brown stallion with a white apron tied around his waist. He was busy stirring a pot on the stove, but as we entered, he turned to us with a friendly smile. “Ah, good morning, Chef Maple!” Zack called out, his mood lifting slightly.

“Morning, Zack! And who’s this little gem?” Chef Maple said, his eyes twinkling as he looked at me. “This is Neon Glow,” Zack introduced me, gesturing toward me with a warm smile. “She’s going to be living with us from now on.” “Welcome to the family, Neon!

” Chef Maple said, stepping away from the stove and extending a hoof toward me. “I’m Chef Maple, and I’ll be making sure you have all the delicious meals you could ever want!”

I smiled back at him, feeling a little more at ease. “Thank you! It’s nice to meet you!”

Chef Maple beamed at me before turning to Zack. “So, what can I whip up for you both this morning?”

Zack pondered for a moment, glancing between Chef Maple and me. “I think I’ll have some eggs and bacon,” he said. “How about you, Neon?”

I thought for a second, my mouth watering at the thought of breakfast. “Can I have eggs and bacon too? And maybe some French toast?” I asked, a hopeful smile on my face.

“Of course! One order of eggs and bacon, and a stack of French toast coming right up!” Chef Maple replied enthusiastically, moving back to the stove with a spring in his step. “You’re going to love it, trust me!”

As he began to crack eggs into a pan and sizzle the bacon, the delicious smells filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl even louder.

Zack chuckled at the sound. “I think someone’s ready to eat!” He looked at me with a playful grin. “Are you excited for breakfast?”

“Definitely!” I exclaimed, watching Chef Maple work with a sense of awe. “Everything smells amazing!”

Chef Maple glanced back at us, his expression warm. “You two are going to be well-fed here, no doubt about that!”

With the sounds of sizzling food and the aroma wafting through the air, I felt a sense of comfort and belonging wash over me. This place was starting to feel like home.

After a short while, Chef Maple placed our plates in front of us, and my eyes widened at the sight. The eggs were fluffy, the bacon crispy, and the French toast was piled high with a dusting of powdered sugar.

“This looks incredible!” I exclaimed, my mouth watering as I picked up my fork.

“Dig in!” Zack encouraged, taking a bite of his breakfast.

As we ate, we chatted about little things—favourite foods, what we were looking forward to, and how much I was going to love living here. With each bite, I felt more and more at home.

Once we finished breakfast, Zack suggested we head out to get some things for my room. “I want to make it cozy for you,” he said with a smile.

After a quick stop at a nearby store, we gathered some essentials—soft blankets, a few stuffed animals, and some bright wall decorations that would reflect my personality. One of Zack’s servants, a gentle mare named Willow, helped us carry everything back to the house.

When we entered my new room, I was amazed by how spacious it was. With Willow’s help, we quickly arranged everything, setting up the bed in the center, hanging the decorations on the walls, and making sure the blankets were fluffed just right.

After we finished decorating, Zack took a moment to settle me into bed. “Here you go, all set,” he said, tucking me in with a gentle smile.

“Thank you, Zack. I love it!” I replied, feeling a wave of comfort wash over me as I sank into the soft sheets.

“Get some rest, okay? You’ve had a big day, and tomorrow is Thanksgiving,” he said, giving my hoof a reassuring squeeze before heading towards the door as he turned back saying "I'll be right out here if you need me," After saying that he closed the door.

I smiled lying there, surrounded by my new things, I felt safe and happy. I closed my eyes, ready to drift off into a peaceful sleep, knowing that I was finally home.