"Ow… what happened?"
I groaned as I slowly began to open my eyes, immediately regretting it. The sunshine was bright, way too bright. Seriously, how can something so far away be so bright? I slowly opened them again, but this time they stayed open. I then realized that I was no longer in my queen sized bed with black comforter, and I was most certainly not resting my head on a soft stack of flannel-covered pillows. Instead, I felt the breeze blow the grass I was laying on, and the shadows of the trees were dancing thanks to that same wind. It looked familiar, but I didn't know where I had seen such tall, dark trees before.
"Ugh… what happened?" I asked myself again. "I shouldn't be out here in the middle of the forest… what kind of shit did my brother drug me with?" I immediately pushed myself off of the ground, and began to stand on my legs… only to feel them buckle under stress and I crashed face-first into the ground. "Ow… this is very uncomfortable." I began to get back up but suddenly there was a tug on my forehead, and I couldn't move. "Seriously? I'm stuck? That's just… how am I stuck? How is my forehead stuck to the ground?!" At this point I was freaking out, because it should be impossible for me. I tugged again, and eventually popped out of the ground, landing on my back this time. "Enough with the falling already!"
It was then I felt something hitting my ass. It felt so… light and feathery. Like someone's long hair. I leaned forward a bit to get a look at what was technically molesting me.
Only instead to find that my body was now the shade of an emerald, and my feet were replaced by hooves.
"WHAT?!" I asked in a high pitch voice, sounding much like David Tennant did when he played the Doctor. I just repeated that word over and over again, checking myself all over. Now I was certain I was going crazy. I was also sure that I wasn't dreaming because I specifically remember having a dream the ni-
Wait… how did that dream go again?
Xx Flash X Back xX
My eyes may have been open, but it was so dark I couldn't see my fingers in front of my face. I could feel the cool air hitting my face, and my legs, and despited the fact I was completely nude, I felt… at peace. Like there was no problem now that I was here.
Do you want a new life?
Did I? I don't remember… what life are we talking about again?
A life where your friends abandon you for the simplest mistakes. A world where you must watch your words around your parents in fear that either might start insulting the other. A place where no matter how hard you try, when you screw up, you're never given a second chance. A home that isn't a home. Is that what you want?
How did this voice know of my life? Sure I angst a bit to my friends, but this voice I'm sure I never talked to before. This voice was certainly familiar, but I couldn't place my finger on where I heard it before.
I'm offering you a chance to start over, kind soul. You don't deserve the pain and agony your home gives you, the abandonment your friends force you to feel. I'm offering you a new life, in a new world, one that isn't as harsh as yours. Are you willing to go?
There should have been many reasons that stopped me from saying yes. Yeah, my friends did make me feel like I was abandoned, but given time, they always come back. My family may be broken, an unhappy, but still my parents loved me, with all their hearts. Yeah, I screw up, and some people don't give me a second chance, but it was their fault for passing me up. However, the voice is so soothing, and I've had an especially rough day today. I can't help but nod yes.
Then we will meet soon, my little friend. Enjoy your new life, Emerald.
Xx Present X Time xX
So THAT'S what caused me to be here, stuck in this new body that was unfamiliar. I was dreading what I had become, but I knew I had to check it out sooner or later. I looked around and spotted a small pool of water, just the perfect size for a mirror. On shaky legs… or maybe I should say hooves? No, legs are still legs. It's feet that are hooves now. Ugh, this is gonna be difficult for me to talk here. Anyway, I managed to eventually walk over to the puddle and look at myself.
I gotta admit, I look good.
Looking back at me was definitely a pony. Or more specifically a green unicorn. I had a black mane that seemed to match my old, curly hairstyle perfectly, with it parting down the middle before puffing up, similar to Hoop from the earlier episode. God damn, why did I have to end up in freaking Equestria of all places? Yeah, I loved the show and song and stuff, but couldn't I have been brought to another place?
I inspected myself more, and discovered a few things. One, I also have a cutie mark in the shape of an eighth note. What the heck was that doing on my ass - err, flank? Yeah, I liked to sing, but I wouldn't really consider that my special talent…
Next I discovered were my wings. So, I was definitely an alicorn. This feels like a bad fanfic from my home… anyway, unlike normal pegasi wings, these were more bat-like than anything else. And they had black webbing between the green fingers that kept them in place. Yes, I called them fingers, because they are technically, although they're a lot more limited in what they could do compared to my normal human hands.
Unfortunately, if I'm gonna fit in here until it's time for me to go home, I'll need to hide them. Alicorns aren't very common here in Equestria, and I'll attract way too much attention. I folded them up, then began to think of a way to hide them. I imagined some sort of magic that could cast an illusion on them, making them look like the rest of my body. But how could I do that? The only two ponies I could think of that could do anything like that would be Celestia herself, or her student Twilight Sparkle.
It was then I noticed my wings were gone. Actually, they weren't because I could feel them folded against my side, and I was guessing anyone who touched my apparently blank ribs would as well. I must've done that by accident, since I don't exactly understand how pony magic works here. I shrugged though. No need to look a gift horse - err, pony in the mouth. Ugh, these phrases will be the death of me.
"Now", I said to myself, secretly relieved that my voice was the same, "what should I do? I'm obviously in the Everfree Forest… and while it's not as bad as some ponies believe, I should still get out of here. I have two options… either find Zacora and have her help me get out of here… or just try to find my way out of here myself." After a few minutes of pondering, I finally decided to just find my way out myself. If I ran into Zacora, that would be fantastic, but I might as well should just keep trying to get out. If I keep heading straight, I should eventually be out of here.
XxXxX
I hate forests.
I tripped thanks to my new forelegs, I rolled down a few deep ditches and covered myself with dirt and mud, then got my horn tangled in about five different kinds of plants. Ugh… this had better be worth it. So far, this supposed "new life" wasn't a whole lot better than what I had. I never got stuck in a freaking tree thanks to an extra appendage, after all…
Finally, I reached the edge, and immediately recognized where I was. This was the path the rhyming zebra used to walk to Ponyville every now and then. Now I should focus on getting to the town… after cleaning myself off, anyway. Where's that spa that the ponies frequented?
Immediately, I shook my head. That won't work. First, I have no way of paying. Two, I may look like a pony, but I'm a few inches taller than them. Not quite the height of Celestia… maybe about Luna sized. That was part of how I kept getting stuck. They're more likely to be afraid of me thanks to my size than they'll be willing to help me. Besides, I don't even know where in the timeline I'm in. Am I at the beginning? Beyond what I know? In the middle of it? It's all so odd… Then I realize that I have to avoid the mane six as much as possible. If I interfere, it could change the whole story.
"Fan-bucking-tastic", I mutter to myself. "Now, to get a home of my own… and some money. Crud… this is gonna be harder than I thought…" I began trotting along, not exactly in a hurry, but still wanting to find a place to clean myself. I just hoped I didn't run into any of the mane characters… that would probably screw me over. I was so busy looking around to make sure I wasn't gonna run into any of them that I didn't pay attention to what was going on in front of me.
CRASH!
Apparently, neither did the other person, because next thing I knew was that I saw a pair of grey legs dangling in front of my eyes. "Um… I sure hope I didn't accidentally gore someone…"
"Nah, it's okay!" said a familiar voice. "I crash all the time! I shoulda been watching where I was going!" I slowly stood up and snatched the tail that was hanging off of my left shoulder, tugging the poor pony that ended up on me safely to the ground. Once I got a good look at her, I was so surprised that the name just slipped out.
"Ditzy Doo?"
Indeed, the pegasus in question was standing in front of me. Her flank showed off her bubble cutie mark, and her crossed eyes were wide in surprise. But soon, a smile formed on her face, and she giggled. "Haven't heard that name in a while. Most ponies call me Derpy nowadays."
At that, I frowned. I remembered that Rainbow Dash called her that, but I didn't think that everyone else did the same. "That's kinda mean, don't you think?"
"Ya get used to it." She then looked at me with those crossed eyes, studying me for a moment. I began getting very nervous, wondering why she was so intent on observing me. Finally, she turned and reached into her mailbag, and to my surprise (not entirely), she pulled out a muffin and offered it to me. Hesitantly, I reached out with my magic, and levitated it, seeing the muffin encased with a green aura. I brought it to my mouth, and chomped into it, tasting it. "Blueberry… my favorite!" I said, smiling. "How did you guess?"
"Just lucky I guess", she said, shrugging. She then nudged my shoulder with her wing. "Come on. You need a place to stay, right?"
That surprised me, yet again. "Um… you don't even now my name yet."
"So? You're new here, and you're obviously trying to avoid Pinkie. Lucky for you she hasn't noticed you next. She's busy setting up a party for the other new pony in town."
So that answers the question of what part of the timeline I was in. Ugh, this was gonna be difficult. I had to avoid them for Celestia knows how long. I groaned a bit, and with not much other option, I followed her back to her home. What the hell did this pegasus know, anyway? Ponies may be kind, but they don't invite people into their homes in the first few minutes that they met.
Something was going on, and I needed to figure out what.
Ditzy's home was a lot larger than he expected. Then again, we never did see where most people live, besides the mane six, so I shouldn't have been surprised. I looked around, admiring the wooden furniture and wondering what kind of pony would figure out that carpentry is their special talent. Eventually she led me into the kitchen, and ordered me to sit. Which took a moment; my legs were a good amount longer than hers, and I wasn't completely used to them yet, so I had to focus on bending them right so I didn't look completely ridiculous for sitting like this.
Soon, the mail-mare joined me at the table, a muffin of her own. After she nibbled on it a bit, she turned to me and gave me a contagious smile that I soon wore on my face. "So, where are you from?"
"Well", I began, looking at my horn and scratching my mane. "I came from Fillydelphia. I used to be an entertainer there. Nothing big time, though, not a lot of ponys knew my name. I ended up leaving to try to see if I can find some slower pace place for me to live in. Not being surrounded by some popular names."
As I spoke, Ditzy nodded, looking at me with interest… or confusion. I can't tell since her eyes are crossed. Eventually she interrupted my story, and shook her head, smiling. "You don't have to lie to me, Mr. Hutton. I already know who you are. Although you do have a really good backup story." My shocked, horrified face must have been pretty funny looking, because she began giggling. "Surprised? Don't you remember that according to those fanfics, I know more than I let on?"
I felt my cheeks flush in embarrassment. That was true, most of the time Ditzy seemed to have a special kind of sight that allowed her to see things most ponies ignore or try to hide. Or at least, that was what the fan base seemed to believe. It was interesting to learn that this part of the fan base was true. Maybe it was from the intense stare she had given me before she invited me to her home? "So… do you know how I got here?"
At this, she frowned for the first time, and something about it… unnerved me. "Nope. I'm sorry, but I don't know how magic works. And besides, I'm just a pegasus that sees the world differently. Doesn't mean that I understand how it ticks."
I slumped, whimpering a teeny bit. "And here I thought I was getting out of here…"
Ditzy patted my mane reassuringly, making sure to avoid my horn. "It's okay. Now, if you're gonna stay here, you're gonna need a proper name. No matter how much you wanna avoid her, you're gonna run into Pinkie Pie sooner or later, and then the whole town will know you're here."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" I asked, sighing. "Here I am in an awesome world that I dreamed of, and you're telling me nothing I do will prevent the story from changing."
That comment made her put her hoof to her chin. "Maybe you should think of it like this; whatever brought you here put you in at this point for a purpose. Maybe you're supposed to run into them?"
That piqued my interest. "I am?" I scratched my chin next (albeit with some difficulty, since I didn't have fingers anymore… I'm really gonna miss those buggers.) "Maybe I should just… act like I usually do?"
This made Ditzy smile again, with her lopsided grin. It was rather comical, with her eyes crossed like that. "I wish you luck… but before you go, what's your name?"
Of course, she meant the name that I was supposed to pick for myself, seeing as she already knew my useless human name. I thought for a moment, before I looked at my rump again, spotting that bass clef cutie mark once more. I smiled, and looked back at her. "Emerald Elegy."
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Elegy", she said. "I wish I could let you stay, but unfortunately, I live with my daughter, Dinky, and… well…"
"No problem, Miss Doo", I said, standing up. "I better get going. I need to find some work before I do anything else… I think it's off to Sweet Apple Acres for me."
She smiled, and quickly gave me a second muffin, this one chocolate chip. "For good luck", she told me, before she escorted me to the door. We said our farewells, and like that, I was munching on a delicious muffin, heading out to the town of Ponyville once more.
XxXxX
It took me a minute, but soon I found the path to Sweet Apple Acres. And everyone would have laughed at my amazed expression. This place had way more trees than I'd ever seen before! I had never been to an apple orchard, and if this was any indications, as soon as I get home, I definitely plan to make more trips out into the country.
When I got up there, I saw all the ponies working in the field. Obviously, either Twilight already arrived, or hadn't yet. Judging by the size of Granny Smith's belly, though, I'd have to say that they already had lunch and Twilight was no doubt either on her way to meet Rainbow Dash or getting her mane fixed by Rarity. Applejack was helping clean up the table that Twilight had eaten at when I managed to step on the only stick in the middle of my path. Her head shot up faster than a dog hearing his owner call his name, and immediately her green eyes made contact with my yellow ones. "Another 'un?" she said, obviously surprised. "We seem to be gettin' a lot of new ponies around here." She smiled as she walked over here. "So, what's yer name, stranger?"
"Emerald Elegy", I replied, bowing my head a bit. "I'm assuming that I'm at Sweet Apple Acres then, since there are so many beautiful apple trees?"
At least she was modest, as she blushed and kicked the dirt with her right fore-hoof, a small smile on her face. "Shucks, it ain't that impressive."
"Of course it is!" I said, smiling. "I've never seen so many apple trees in one spot! But…" At this, I looked at her, concerned. "Isn't it kinda hard, bucking all these apples?"
She shook her head, to my surprise (and disappointment), smiling. "Naw, we got Big Macintosh", she said, pointing at the red stallion. "He's stronger than ten stallions, and can buck a good chunk every day. As long as he's healthy, we'll be just fine." She then seemed to realize something, and giggled sheepishly. "I almost forgot! My name's Applejack. I'm the owner around here. So what brings you to Sweet Apple Acres?"
I look at the ground. It was my turn to kick the dirt, looking a little depressed. "I WAS going to ask if I could have a job here, but by the sound of it, you don't need anyone."
"Oh", she replied, looking a bit upset. "Well… I'm sorry, Mr. Elegy. But we got all the help we need. I'm sure you're a hard worker, but… Sweet Apple Acres is a family business. I can't give you a job here."
I sighed. Well, there goes that idea. Then again, I shouldn't be surprised. I never saw anyone ever work here in the show that wasn't a member of her family, not counting the episode that the rest of the mane six helped her with. So, why should I assume that the orchard hires outside workers? "It's okay, Miss Applejack", I said, smiling a bit sheepishly. "It was rude of me to assume that I could get a job here." I bowed my head. "I'd best get back to Ponyville and find someone else who can get me a job. I need a place to stay too…"
"You do?" she said, surprised. "Wow, you must be BRAND new if you don't got a place to rest your rump. Y'know, you can stay here if ya like."
I shook my head, smiling. "Thank you, but I can't. If I'm not gonna work here, then I shouldn't take advantage of your generosity and take a bed that I didn't earn. If I can't find a place to stay before tomorrow night, then I'll be back to see if your offer is still open." I started to trot back to Ponyville, not intending to return the next day. "See you at the Summer Sun Celebration, Miss Applejack!"
As I headed away, I sighed, once I was certain the Element of Honesty wasn't near. I really did want to stay in the barn, since it was such a generous offer after meeting me five minutes ago. But first, it was a cliche I had seen way too many times in some stories, and I couldn't bring myself to it. Plus, my damn pride got in my way, and I wouldn't let myself do it without earning my place, as I said before.
… did I call her Miss Applejack?
XxXxX
So, on to my next location, the Carousel Boutique. I was hoping to run into Twilight Sparkle, since she may be the only one besides Celestia herself that might have an idea of what happened to me. Of course, I was caught up by Rarity, who was determined to find me an outfit that would match my natural color of emerald green (all the while being insulted for having such an ugly birth color. "Not that there's anything wrong with that!" she says…)
Finally, I stormed out, unable to take so many poorly concealed insults at once, and grumbled angrily. I understand that she was being generous and offering to make me some new clothes to wear, but still, green is my favorite color. And plus, it's the color I am now, so I can't help but be angry. The sun had set at this point, so it meant that Pinkie Pie's party for Twilight most likely had begun. And I definitely didn't want to run into that pink hyperactive pony, so instead, I headed for the pavilion, where Night Mare Moon was bound to return. I sat far away from the actual structure, unwilling to look at it. I already knew how it would play out.
"Hey, stranger", I heard a voice say, and turned to see Ditzy nearby, smiling at me with her eyes crossed. "So, how did it go at Sweet Apple Acres?"
"I can't work there because I'm not a member of the family", I replied, sighing. "Again, I'd probably be allowed to volunteer, but I can't work for money."
"Aw, that's too bad", she said, sitting down next to me. "So, who're you gonna ask next?"
"Definitely not Rarity", I grounded out, talking with clenched teeth. "I understand she doesn't like the color green, but still, she didn't have to insult it so much." I then thought some more, and groaned. "I can't work at Sugar Cube Corner… Pinkie would drive me crazy with her randomness and singing… Her songs may be catchy, but her voice… ugh…"
"Well, looks like you're hard-pressed for a job", Ditsy said, putting a hoof to her chin. "And only pegasi can be mail-ponies, so I can't help you out there… Ooh! I got it! Why don't you ask Fluttershy? I'm sure she could use some help with all of those rowdy pets she has to watch over."
At that, I immediately felt my face flush. Fluttershy was one of my favorite ponies when I was human… and to be honest, I think I'd try to avoid her so I wouldn't end up scaring her or insulting her by accident. I tended to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, so it was something I wasn't so sure of. But I didn't have much of a choice at the moment; I didn't know what else I could do. I didn't even know my special talent was (although judging from my cutie mark, had something to do with music).
I shook off the feeling of my face blushing and conversed with Ditsy Doo. As we spoke, we barely noticed the pavilion being filled with ponies of all kinds until the Mayor went to the stage and began the festival. While everyone else was distracted, I took the moment to sneak out. There was no point in staying here since I knew what was going to happen.
As soon as I was outside, I heard that chilling laugh, and immediately took off in a gallop toward the library. Canon or not, I needed to do something about it. I was here now, and I should help however I can.
I needed to help end Night Mare Moon's eternal night.
"Elements… elements… elements… ugh, where is that book?!"
It hadn't taken much to sneak into the library. No doubt Spike was already asleep, being a baby dragon. I know I had told myself not to interfere with the story, but how much had changed with my insertion at this exact point in time? After all, something must have put me here for a reason. Maybe I was supposed to change the story? But why? What's so wrong with this one?
Ugh, I'm over thinking this. I might as well help if I can; I'm going to be stuck here for who knows how long. Might as well should do what I could to help, right? And that meant helping stop Nightmare Moon from stopping the sun from ever again. Now where was that darn book?!
"Hey! What are you doing here?!"
Ah crap. I must have taken longer than I thought, because next thing I knew, I had to turn around and face the purple unicorn herself, Twilight Sparkle. I grumbled angrily to myself, then thought a quick story. "Well, you saw that creepy alicorn out there!" I said, pretending not to know who it was. "I figured if there was anything that could help stop her from keeping the sun down, it would be in a book in the library!"
Obviously, she didn't believe me, as her horn glowed a bit. "Who are you, anyway? I don't remember seeing you around Ponyville at all today. And all of a sudden, you're interested in my library when Nightmare Moon escapes?"
At that I swallowed. "Okay, maybe that doesn't exactly look good… but trust me! I'm a good colt, okay? I'm trying to STOP Nightmare Moon!"
At that, she let her eyes widen a bit, and her horn stopped glowing. "You are? Oh thank goodness! I thought no one else believed in the Nightmare Moon curse! So, what did you learn?"
It was a rather sudden change, I had to admit, but time was of the essence, so I didn't have time to be surprised. I was about to say "Nothing" when Rainbow Dash confronted her. I couldn't help but watch as the Mane Six interacted with each other, pretty much ignoring me. At least, until it was about time for the book to be found, when a certain vane pony spotted me.
"Oh", she said, looking a little disgusted. "It's you."
"Rarity", I said, dryly. "Thinking of new ways to insult my natural color?"
"Oh, don't be so narcissistic", she said, gently tossing her mane. "It's not always about you, you know."
"What happened to the customer is right?" I growled, pawing the ground.
"Hold it!" Applejack said, stepping in front of me. "Ain't you the feller that asked me for a job today? What were you doin' at Carrousel Boutique?"
"Minding my own business", I said, growling a bit. "At least until she dragged me inside and attempted to find some way to 'hide' my 'disgusting' color!"
"I never!"
I huffed and turned around. "That's besides the point!" I growled. "I came here to find a way to stop that crazy pony that took our princess."
It was then I suddenly felt a gust of wind by my face, and all of a sudden, I was looking into the violet eyes of Rainbow Dash. "Hold it!" she said, growling a bit. "You're just as suspicious! At least all of us have met Twilight! Who ARE you, tall guy?!"
At this, I growled a bit, and stepped forward. Were these ponies idiots?! I just said I wanted to STOP Nightmare Moon! "My name is Emerald Elegy!" I said, using my height to intimidate her. Easily she cowed down, but only for a second as she stood at her own full height in an attempt to make me back off. "I'm a newcomer to Ponyville, and I want Princess Celestia to come back just as much as you do, Rainbow Dash!"
"Oh really? If you're new to Ponyville, then how do you know my name?!"
At that, I had to think of something new, and quickly came up with a decision. "Ditzy Doo was the first to welcome me to Ponyville. She told me a bit about all of you… except for you, that is", I said, pointing at the purple unicorn. "I'm assuming you're new as well?"
"Yeah… my name is Twilight Sparkle. I'm Princess Celestia's student", she said, introducing herself.
"Pleased to meet you", I said, bowing my head. I finally backed down, and ignored Rainbow Dash's smug grin. "Look, we could all just stay here and sit on our flanks and wait for something to happen… or we can find those Elements of Harmony that Twilight is looking for."
"The only problem is that I can't find any book that tells me anything about them!"
"Elements of Harmony; A Reference Guide", came the bubbly voice of Pinkie Pie. Twilight immediately dashed over, shoving Pinkie out of the way and staring in awe.
"How did you find it?" I asked, surprised. I didn't remember this part of that episode.
"It was under E", she sang, bouncing around the library. I then smacked my hoof to my head, groaning. How could I forget that corny little line?
"There are seven Elements of Harmony", a voice said, snapping me out of it. I didn't hear much of her next little bit, my head reeling. Seven?! There were SEVEN elements?! Crap, my being here has changed the story so much more than I thought! "… and Humility." So, that was my element. But that only confused me even more. Why would I be given the element of Humility? I didn't have any special talents. I was never really good at anything I did, and I never felt true pride for anything I did. I was the least humble because I had no gifts to include with the group!
Now that I knew what was changed, it was only a matter of time before we headed for…
XxXxX
"… the Everfree Forest!"
I couldn't help but roll my eyes. This reminded me of the most basic human fear of the unknown. I guess my world and the pony world isn't too much alike.
"Whee! Let's go!" Pinkie Pie said, about to take some steps forward when I stopped her by stepping on her fluffy tail. Ugh, this was gonna take a long time.
"Not so fast", Twilight said, stepping forward. "Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'd really rather do this on my own."
"No can do, sugarcube", Applejack shot back, starting to walk into the forest. "We sure ain't letting any friend of ours into that creepy place on their own." I noticed the purple unicorn flinch, and couldn't help but chuckle a bit. She really was a shut in. "We're stuck to you like caramel on a candy apple."
"Especially if there are candy apples in there!" I couldn't help but groan loudly, and Pinkie shot me a look. "What? Those things are good." She then trotted to catch up with the others, while Twilight and I were left in the back. She sighed, and slowly began walking, when I stepped by her.
"I'm guessing you don't get out much?" I asked, smiling at her. She shot me a surprised look, then sighed and nodded.
"No. I'm so busy with my studies and sending my reports to Princess Celestia that I don't really have time to myself. Not that I don't mind; I think it's fun to have all those books to myself."
"I wouldn't know", I replied. "The most I read are the occasional story, but mainly music."
"What kind of songs do you know?"
"All kinds, but my favorite are musical numbers." As we spoke, we caught up with the others, and I'm certain the others could hear me. "It's something I found interesting, and I've been singing them ever since I was a colt. Even as a foal, if my parents told me right."
The girls giggled a bit, and I couldn't help but blush and immediately clam up. Which immediately prompted Rainbow Dash to tease me for a few minutes until we got much deeper in the forest, when I finally noticed that it was getting to be very eerie. I guess it's a little scarier up close and personal…
"So, none of you have been in here before?" Twilight asked, a twinge of nervousness in her voice.
"Are you kidding? Heavens no! Just look at it! It's dreadful!" I rolled my eyes once again at Rarity, but she did have a point. The forest certainly had an ominous feel to it.
"And besides that, it just ain't natural", Applejack added. I suddenly realized what was happening, and quickly moved back. There wasn't any time to warn them, and they were too distracted by Rainbow attempting to scare them anyway. And just as soon as I was safe and out of the way, the cliff broke away, letting the flightless girls slide down while Fluttershy and the cyan pegasus raced down, attempting to save them. I watched, and slowly stepped onto the slope, allowing myself to slide down with ease. As soon as I reached the bottom, Applejack had already convinced Twilight to let go and was climbing down herself.
"Sorry, girls. I'm not used to carrying more than a bunny or two", I heard the calm voice of Fluttershy say, and couldn't help but smile. She still sounded cute, even to my new equine ears. Once I was on the ground, I immediately had a face full of blue as Rainbow Dash flew in front of me, glaring.
"And where were you?!" she asked, a hint of a snarl on her face. "What were you doing while me and Fluttershy were saving everypony else?!"
"It was just bad luck", I said, turning my muzzle up. "I had no idea that it was going to give away like that. And if I had known, I would have warned everyone… if you weren't so busy trying to scare their tails off." At that, she backed off, looking a little ashamed. I could tell, though, that she definitely didn't trust me. And judging by the other's, they weren't better off.
Whatever was going to be said next was cut off immediately by the sound of a roar, and I couldn't help but cower a bit. The manticore was certainly intimidating, and I could feel my knees shake as Rarity charged, dodging a strike from its right paw. Suddenly, my fear was gone, as I observed what was going on. Despite the fact that it was moving around easily, I could see it was favoring it's left forepaw, where the thorn was. I would have done something, but I'm not good with animals other than dogs, so I was kind of useless here. The most I could do was look at Fluttershy and silently beg for her to intervene. Of course, right on time, she did, stopping an all out attack from the other five mares. She then calmly walked over to the manticore and calmed it down enough to remove the thorn, earning a purr and a lick in thanks. The rest of us trotted by, not wanting to be nearby if the mythological beast decided it still didn't like us all that much.
"How did you know about the thorn?" I heard Twilight ask, and smiled at the shy pegasus' response.
"I didn't. Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness."
XxXxX
I admit, it was definitely a little break from all the gloom hearing the girls laugh, but I was obviously not amused. I stood there, staring at them with a blank look as I sighed. The faces weren't that scary in the first place, so I was unaffected. Plus, the song was pointless, and not to mention annoying. Which Pinkie seemed to notice, because she seemed to glare at me a bit. Finally, as they finally calmed down, I decided to confront Pinkie. "What's your problem? You 'giggled at the ghosties'. Shouldn't you still be all smiles?"
"Why didn't you laugh?" she asked, looking suspicious.
"First, I wasn't even scared, so there was no reason for me to laugh. Second… I hate to say this, but I didn't like that song." I shook my head, feeling a little ashamed to say that to one of the Mane Six.
"Oh, and I suppose you're a lot better?" Rainbow said, sticking up for Pinkie. I rolled my eyes. "If you're so good, why don't you sing for us, Mountain Stallion?" she challenged.
"I don't think so", I said, immediately backing down. "Look, I'm sorry, okay?"
"What for? For not singing? I bet you can't even sing that well!"
At this point, I began ignoring her. The others, though, I couldn't help but notice. I'm sure they were thinking the same thing as me. I haven't really done much to help them in their quest, and there was a lot that I wasn't telling them. That I COULDN'T tell them.
I spaced out for a good long while, mainly ignoring everything while Rarity gave her tail to the poor Serpent that lost his beloved mustache. And I didn't pay attention when Rainbow Dash crossed to the other side of the foggy chasm, repairing the bridge. It was during this point I felt something tap my shoulder, and jumped, my eyes going wide as I gasped.
"Oh… I'm sorry… did I scare you?" a familiar voice asked, and when I turned, there was the yellow pegasi. I immediately swallowed nervously, since Fluttershy was the only one that I hadn't interacted with.
"N-no, sorry… I was just kinda spacing out there", I told her. "Is there something you wanted?"
"W-Well, I was just wondering… Mister Elegy, where did you come from? I mean, if you don't mind me asking…"
I couldn't help but blush at the adorable look on her face. "It's okay, I'll tell. Just call me Emerald, Miss Fluttershy", I told her, smiling. "I was born in Manehatten, and that's where I lived for a good portion of my life. I'm an actor."
"So, why do you guard yourself?" she asked, and immediately I stiffened. "Oh… I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry."
"N-No, it's okay", I say, smiling a bit. "It's just… I don't know all of you that well, so I don't think I should be telling everypony my back story yet." She seemed to accept that, and right on time too. Rainbow Dash was coming back, and it was time to get moving again. That was close, though… if she kept pushing, she'd have figure out there's more to me than usual… and that's not exactly something I want to give up yet.
Finally, the Castle of the Two Sisters came into view. Finally! I couldn't handle another minute of this freaking forest! It was just so stressful! Once this was all over, I was going to need a nice long nap.
"Halt!"
Oh god, why?! Why would this happen now?! As I groaned loudly, two opaque ponies appeared, looking very old and wearing brown cloaks with orange emblems on them. On the left, a pony with a handlebar mustache and a small, italicized b on his flank. The other had a shorter mustache, with a pound sign, and immediately I knew who they were.
"We are the musician brothers! Flat…" began the one on the left.
"… and Sharp!" the second finished.
"If you wish to enter Her Highness' castle", Flat started.
"Then you will have to move our hearts with a song!"
I groaned again, shaking my head. And apparently, I wasn't the only one getting sick of all of this foolishness.
"Well, look's like it's time for another song!" Pinkie said, bouncing up. "When I was just a filly and the sun was go-"
My hoof firmly placed itself onto her mouth, silencing her. "Please, Pinkie… I don't think that it will move them like it moved your friends", I said. "If these guys are looking for a song, then we'll need something with a little more… oomph." I turned to the twins, and sighed. "Would it matter if a stallion sang for you?"
"No", Flat said, shaking his head.
"We were the songwriters of the court in our life", Sharp stated. "If no one was available to sing for the princesses, then we would sing ourselves."
"Then… I guess I'll be singing", I said. "Although I won't be able to do it alone." I turned to everyone, and thought long and hard. Finally, I stopped on Twilight herself. "Twilight Sparkle, would you please sing with me?"
"Wh-what?" she asked, surprised. "B-but, you barely know me! I-I'm not that good at singing."
I chuckled, and shook my head. "Miss Twilight, my special talent is music itself. I can tell that you're perfect for this song." I approached her, leaning my head down a bit. "I know you and I don't know each other very well, and I haven't exactly been a good friend the whole time… but you need to trust me on this. Please, sing with me."
She stared for a bit, looking horrified, but slowly nodded. "What song are we singing?"
"Just… hold on…" My horn glowed, and like that, I knew how to cast the spell. My knowledge spread to hers, and just like that, she knew what to do. I turned to Flat and Sharp, and concentrated hard. Suddenly, the wind began to pick up, and what sounded like an organ began to drift into my ears. All the while, Twilight was counting to herself, until she opened her mouth and began to sing.
In sleep he sang to me, in dreams he came
The voice which called to me and speaks my name
Now do I dream again? For now I find
The Phantom of the Opera is there inside my mind
No doubt the other girls were surprised, with how wide their eyes were. I smirked, then began to focus. I remembered my training, and closed my eyes, working on keeping my mouth tall, even when my lips weren't opened. Finally, I began singing my verse.
Sing once again with me, our strange duet
My power over you grows stronger yet
And though you turn from me to glance behind
The Phantom of the Opera is there inside your mind
I wasn't even paying attention to anything but the song as the key changed again. I didn't imagine what the ghosts looked like; just the story that the song conveyed.
Those who have seen your face draw back in fear
I am the mask you wear
It's me they hear
My spirit and your voice in one combined
Your spirit and my voice in one combined
The Phantom of the Opera is there inside my/your mind
In all your fantasies you always knew
The man and mystery
Were both in you
And in this labyrinth where night is blind
The Phantom of the Opera is there inside my/your mind.
Finally, our voices died, and we heard the cheering of the other girls, plus the clapping of Flat and Sharp.
"Stupendous!" Sharp cried.
"That is the best music that we have heard in centuries!" Flat continued. "You are certainly amazing musicians yourselves!"
I felt my cheeks heat up, and I began hoofing the ground. "It wasn't that amazing…"
"And humble! Brother, I think that this is the best we'll ever hear, don't you agree?" Sharp asked, a smile on his face.
"I believe you're right, Brother. I feel… so at ease now! I think we may move on now!" Flat said, fading away already.
Just like that, they were gone, and the girls were surrounding me, giving me undeserved praise. My cheeks heated up as we headed inside, and finally claimed our prize…
… Six hunks of useless rocks. Of course. I grumbled a bit, but sat there. While Twilight attempted to activate the elements, Applejack nodded her head to the door, and I followed the rest of the Mane Six outside to give her some privacy.
Once outside, I felt a tap on my flank, and turned to see Applejack and Rainbow Dash standing there. "Um… can I help you?"
"Don't ya have something to say, Rainbow?" the farm pony asked nudging her cyan friend.
"Don't push it, farm hick."
I chuckled at their talking, and immediately knew what was going on. But I decided to bite my tongue and keep quiet as the Element of Loyalty looked at me, her usual confidence gone. "Look, big guy… I don't really know how to say this… but… I was a bit of a jerk… you were only trying to help and… well… what I mean to say is… ugh, why is this so hard to say?"
"Apology accepted Rainbow Dash", I said smiling. "I understand. My way of helping left… something to be desired. But next time you think you could trust me a bit more?"
"I think I can do that", Rainbow said, smiling. It was then that we heard the laughter of Nightmare Moon, and immediately I knew where to go.
"Come on, everypony! Twilight needs our help! Follow me!" I immediately began charging for the tower, since that was where Nightmare Moon had taken our precious Elements and our friend. We began calling for her as we got close to the top, and gave her the spark she needed to activate the Elements of Harmony.
Soon, our necks adorned six gold necklaces, with our Cutie Marks made of gems fixed in the center. And with a wave of bright magic, we took out Nightmare Moon, revealing the young princess trapped underneath. And once Celestia arrived and nuzzled Luna, it was our cue to head back to Ponyville. But only as we head back did a voice stop me.
"Emerald Elegy? May I please have a word with you?"
I stopped right in my tracks, and turned to Princess Celestia, the one who stopped me. How did she know my name? "Um… s-sure, Your Majesty."
Twilight paused as well, looking at both of us. "Is there something wrong, Princess?"
"No, my faithful student", Celestia said, smiling at the purple unicorn. "Don't worry, we shall catch up later. I just need a word with your new friend."
As Twilight left, I couldn't help but swallow nervously. None of this made sense. First, I get sucked into this world. Second, it adapts to include me into the episodes that I saw back on my home world. Third, Princess Celestia knows a name that I made up for myself.
I didn't like this one bit.
