All my life, I have never experienced true friendship. My life is filled with lies, betrayal, anger, cruelty and selfishness. I can't seem to find any harmony anywhere. No matter how hard I try, nobody can seem to return the favor. Everyone is too busy caring about themselves to bother with anybody else.
My life is a trench. Everyday, walk to work. Get insulted, harrased. And that's only if I'm lucky. Then, when my shift is done, I walk back home, and sleep. With sadness consuming my heart every time I think about the days that lie ahead. I truly wish it would end. That the pain will all go away. That finally someone, anyone, can help pull me out of this cold dark hell known as life.
There is little that can help me. But there is one TV show I am particularly fond of. My Little Pony. Why? Because it features the things that could make my life better. Loyalty, Kindness, Generosity, Honesty, Laughter and Magic. All such precious things, so valuable, so rare.
Every time I watch them, I would reach out, to feel them flow through me. They were like a little bonfire. Showing me the right way, keeping me warm in the cold dark cave known as my life. I would reach out, to try and feel their warmth, only to have my TV screen stop me.
I was expecting the rest of my life to go on like this. But one fateful night changed my life. Forever.
It was a Monday morning. I awoke to the sound of my alarm clock buzzing. I got up and didn't bother to shut the damn thing off. Instead, I raised a fist and brought it down onto the darn contraption. Plastic and gears flew everywhere. I looked at my fist, a huge gash, but nothing compared to the cold emotional scars that I bear.
I took a cold shower, put on my uniform and exited my little apartment. I took the familiar road to work. Graffiti covered walls, ruined streets, sagging abandoned houses. The tarmac underneath my feet felt like they were going to give any minute. My shoes fell apart with every step I took.
I got to work and took my position behind the counter. It was the same old crap. Different day. I watched as the zombie like customers would come to the counter, toss their cash, then wait for change. They never stopped to say hello, they never asked how life was going. Never exchanged a greeting, nothing.
I finished my shift and walked back to my home. Taking the same route back. I felt my heart and mind weigh me down. They whispered suicidal thoughts to me. Demanding me to end all this suffering. But I ignored them and continued walking.
I eventually arrived at my apartment. I stepped in and made a beeline to my bedroom. I sat on my bed and let out a sigh. My legs felt numb. My mind was just about ready to die. I could've just slept right there, but I summoned the last of my strength and willed myself to get up.
I undressed and tossed my uniform to a corner. I donned a midnight blue hoodie and stone washed jeans, grabbed my wallet, phone, watch and set out to go have dinner.
I found a cheap diner and ordered a cheeseburger and a soda. The food came and I ate in silence. I finished up my meal and payed. I got up, left the diner and made my way back.
On the way, I noticed that the thugs were starting to come out. They had armed themselves with knives, guns and various other weapons. One of them mugged me and I had no choice but to surrender. But he had left me with the $3 watch.
As if that wasn't bad enough, it started to rain. I pulled the hood on and forged on. I heard thunder in the distance. I gave it no attention and continued walking. Out of the blue, a lightning bolt struck the ground in front of me. I backed up and stared at the crater it had just made.
I walked around it and reached my apartment. I stared at the door for awhile. Wondering if I should go back in and fall back into my boring old life. Before I could make a decision, I heard the cracking of lightning and felt jolts of electricity arc through my body.
When I woke up, I was no longer in front of my apartment. Instead, I was in a meadow. Surrounded by lush green grass. I tried to remember if I had been drunk. Maybe I had stumbled into this meadow by accident somehow. I checked my pockets. I still had my watch. Nothing else. I looked around and saw what looked to be a small town illuminated by the moonlight in the distance.
So, armed with only a cheap plastic watch and the clothes on my back I set out towards civilization. Unaware of what was about to happen.
When I did reach, I saw what could have been a dream come true, the residents were all...... ponies.
I stopped in my tracks and gasped at the colorful creatures, and they did the same. I stared at the colts and mares, they stared in shock at me, unsure of what to do.
A tense minute or two passed before anypony said anything. Eventually, I heard a familiar voice from behind.
"Surrender diamond dog!"
I turned around to see the star pupil of Celestia, Twilight Sparkle. Her horn was lit up from the magic. She bared her teeth at me. I raised an eyebrow. The whole situation seemed so surreal. Here I was, standing right in front of a unicorn, ready to die.
"I am no diamond dog. Nor do I mean any harm."
The unicorn wasn't convinced, she kept her horn locked onto me.
"Then what are you?"
I stared off into the horizon, deep thoughts running through my mind.
"Me? I'm just another poor lost soul. Plucked out of his average life and thrown into a universe where he doesn't belong."
I saw a bit of pity in Twilight's face. She lowered her horn.
"I think you should come with me."
I followed Twilight, she led me to the library. Other ponies kept glancing at me from time to time, staring at me as I passed by. Eventually we arrived at the library. She entered the Library, no problem. I had to crouch to get in. There was plenty of room for me though.
I entered and saw five other ponies. The other five elements of harmony. There was Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and last but not least, Pinkie Pie.
The five mares stared at me, eyes wide with fear. Then in a flash of cyan blue, I was pinned to the ground by Rainbow Dash.
"What are you doing here diamond dog?!"
I stared into her tender magenta eyes, she seemed pretty mad.
"Rainbow, take it easy. He's not a diamond dog."
The pegasus gave me one last look that said: "Do anything wrong and I swear I will murder you". I got up and sat indian style. Across the room from the mane 6. They looked at me suspiciously, waiting for me to do something, anything.
Instead I sat there, motionless. I was still quite confused, scared even. I kept my head low the whole time. Wondering what my next move would be.
"So, Twilight." Rainbow Dash said.
"If he isn't a diamond dog, then what exactly is he?"
Twilight tried to give an answer. She herself didn't know what species I was, I had simply told her that I was lost. I saved Twilight her humiliation and spoke up.
"I don't think that's important for the time being."
The six mares looked at me, stunned that I had finally said something. They left the topic alone and sat there in awkward silence. I stared at the 6 elements of harmony.
"Well, I guess we'd better send you back-"
"No."
Twilight stared at me, shocked by my reply. I simply kept my head down and waited for an answer.
"Why not?"
I looked up with a dead serious look on my face.
"I don't want to go back to that cold, dull life. I've always looked for a way out of the trench I walk. And now finally, I have escaped. I am not going back."
I could see a bit of pity in the eyes of the mares.
"But Princess Celestia won't allow it! She'll make me send you back anyways!"
"She doesn't have to know. Does she?"
Twilight looked at me, unsure of whether she should extend her hoof in hospitality. She looked at her friends.
"So, what do you girls think?"
They shifted uncomfortably. They huddled together in a circle and made a decision.
"Yes."
I breathed a sigh of relief and thanked the six ponies.
"But, where are you sleeping?" Fluttershy asked
I pondered that thought for a while, she was right. I had no place to stay.
"He could stay at the library."
I stared at Twilight Sparkle for a while, unsure if I had gone deaf. Here I was, a mysterious creature, in their world. And here they were, willing to help.
I thanked Twilight Sparkle and sat in a corner waiting for the ponies to finish chatting. I had to settle down and take it all in before I was willing to talk or interact with them. They stayed on one side of the library, I stayed on the other.
Once they all left, Twilight shut the lights and went up to sleep. I stayed downstairs, curled up into a ball to preserve my body heat, at least I didn't have to worry about being alone, or work anymore.
It's been two weeks since I first came to Equestria. I have settled down quite nicely, I eat salad everyday and get my daily dose of protein from eggs. Everyday I hang out with the mane 6, usually go on a adventure or two with them. One might even call me the new member of the gang.
They call me down mostly to help them out with lifting, or any other problem that requires hands or brute force. I was definitely willing to help them, and during my time with them, I have learnt more about harmony then I ever have in my whole life.
Everyday I spend time with them, slowly building up my knowledge of friendship. I have truly been humbled by their complete lack of violence. If two ponies needed something, they would share it. If somepony did something wrong, they would apologize. It truly was peaceful here.
It was quite weird at first, but I have eventually gotten used to it. And I now look forward to the days that lie ahead, though I knew I was going to have to leave eventually, after all, no good thing last forever.
Ever since I knew how time worked, I would always wait for the year to slowly creep away. So that a newer, fresher year may replace it. Today is the day I first came to Equestria. I've gotten myself a job in a moving company. Helping haul the heavier furniture. It was much better then my old job, the employees were helpful, the pay was good. And the job was easy.
I still hang out with the six. Everyday we get closer and closer. By now they were completely comfortable with my existence in their universe. They didn't question it, they didn't care. I helped them whenever I could, I did whatever I could to help them. And it was the best feeling in the world to know that I've just helped one of my favorite cartoon characters.
I have had a couple of close calls with Princess Celestia though. She comes to visit the town once in a while. She usually came to give a speech or two, check on the town, then leave. During her time here, I would hide in Fluttershy's place. Then when Celestia left I would get back on with my life.
I sound as if I'm going to stay here forever. Ha...... as if. I was leaving, when? I don't know exactly when. How? I didn't know that either, I just knew, that it was going to happen.
I am officially living everybrony's dream. I have been living in Equestria for four years now. And my relationship with the ponies has only gotten closer. They have accepted me into their realm. They were no longer intimidated by me, they were no longer scared.
My friendship with the elements of harmony has gotten even closer, up to the point that one might even consider me their brother. I would stand up for them anytime they were insulted or offended. I would stay by their side and support them no matter what their choice.
My job has really paid off. I have gotten enough money to get myself my own house, just right for me. Though it didn't come cheap, at least I didn't have to sleep on the cold floors of the library anymore. It was located at the edge of the Everfree forest, close to Fluttershy's cottage. So that Celestia wouldn't notice it.
By now, I'm not so sure that I'll be leaving at all. And I have to say that I am in quite a peaceful life. And I hope it stays that way.
Eight years ago, if anybody walked up to me and told me that they were living in a cartoon world with talking ponies, I would've called the straightjacket patrol.
But now, that is very much my life. And I'm proud of it. I have truly understood the elements of harmony, and I can conclude that my life is just so much more better because of that. I go about Ponyville, spreading friendliness and peace everywhere. It was just so surreal to know that I was living in what was considered a TV show.
Celestia has been getting a lot more suspicious of Ponyville. But I didn't care. I knew that she would never find me. I was starting to think that my fears were for not and that I was staying here forever. But my nightmares would convince me otherwise.
By now I have been promoted to the GM of the company. I get an easy 500 bits every day. About 300 more than Rainbow's salary. And because of this I was starting to get rich. I eventually had to start giving my money to the mane six so that my house wouldn't overflow.
It's been close to 12 years since I first came. But it felt like I was here forever.
I was closer to the elements then ever, more of a stepfather than a friend. I would always protect them. A manticore threatening them? I would put myself in between. They had a problem? I would help them fix it. They were going on a adventure? I would follow to protect them.
Everyday my fear of leaving would grow. I was just, so afraid that they would leave. That I would leave. Eventually I got paranoid and I checked on them everyday. They didn't mind though.
I hid myself best I could from Celestia. Whenever she came I would hide in my house, I would gather leaves, tree branches to cover my huge home.
As for my pay, I was literally wallowing in bits by now. I had been giving a portion of my pay to keep it down. And it definitely helped.
And now, I sit in my home, wondering, just thinking. What if, I do go back? What happens then?
Well, only time will tell.
Today I finally understood every parents pain when they tell their child: "No."
It truly was hard, and now their gone.
It started when Twilight and the gang wanted to go deep into the forest for a camping trip. It was suicidal. There was a reason why it was declared off limits to campers.
I tried to persuade her out of this. But she didn't budge.
"Twilight, think about this, you and the gang are going into one of the darkest, densest forest there is."
"I appreciate your concern. But I think we can take care of ourselves."
"C'mon Twilight. You're supposed to be smart."
The lavender mare paid me no attention and walked around me, her friends in tow. I knew she could protect herself. the problem was if she could protect them all.
Maybe Twilight was right. Maybe I had been a little clingy.
I hate myself.
I hate myself for not being more assertive. It's been a week since the gang left for their little camping trip. It was only scheduled for four days. They've been gone for a week. My greatest fears were coming through.
Then, I had an idea. But it would require me to sacrifice my being here. If I went through with this plan, I would have to leave Equestria. Forever.
I decided to leave by dawn, and I would reach by noon. I packed up whatever I had and set out. I wasn't sure how the Canterlot folk would react to me being there. But I had no choice. I was doing it for the ponies. If I charged into the woods I would get lost along with them. I needed someone more experienced, someone more familiar with this place then I was.
I hated my idea. And I knew I was going to have to say my goodbyes once this was all over, but it would be worth it.
I entered the royal city known as Canterlot. I looked around as the citizens stared at me, mouth agape, eyes wide with shock, but they remained still. Eventually somepony decided to call the guards.
Two muscular white colts sprang out from nowhere, they lashed a rope around my wrist and brought me down. I didn't exactly mind however. Now, all I needed to do was wait for them to bring me to Princess Celestia.
The guards brought me to the castle of Princess Celestia. They opened the doors and dragged me through the hallways. I kept glancing around at the castle, everything from the walls, the decorations, everything seemed grand. Eventually they brought me to Princess Celestia.
The white alicorn sat on her throne, checking things off a list. She didn't seem to notice that I was there.
"Your majesty, we have found an intruder."
The Princess lowered her scroll and her expression told it all. She was stunned, scared even. She stared at me, eyes wide with disbelief. She stared at me for awhile. I broke the silence.
"Your Majesty, I mean no harm. I come on behalf of the Elements of Harmony."
The guards approached me to try and shut me up. But the Princess halted them. She ushered me to continue.
"Princess, they have gone missing after going into the Everfree forest. And I need your help."
The princess thought about it for a while. She stood up and walked down her throne. She stood in front of me, and for the first time in 12 years. I was scared.
The majestic alicorn looked me down with her eyes.
"I suggest you go back to Twilight's library, I'll talk to you later."
the guards released me and I bowed for the Princess before leaving. I made my way back to Ponyville. Not easy considering I was lugging a bag full of bits.
I managed to make it to Twilight's library, tired and sore. While waiting for the princess, I wondered what cruel fate awaited me. What if my prediction was wrong? What if Celestia decided that she wanted another victim in the dungeon? I shoved those thoughts aside, only to have them creep back into my mind.
Twilight eventually entered, followed by her five friends. Their manes were ruined and caked with mud. Their coat of fur was in similar condition. But they looked quite relieved to be out of the forest.
Princess Celestia followed close behind. She had a stern look on her face. Eventually, when everypony found somewhere comfortable to sit, the princess finally spoke.
"What were you thinking my little ponies?"
Twilight hung her head in shame, and so did the other five.
"I am not mad at you for going into the forest. I am mad that you would hide him-" Celestia pointed a hoof at me.
"-from me."
They hung their heads in shame. I couldn't just let them take the blame can I?
"It was my fault."
The princess turned her attention to me.
"I didn't want to leave. It was my fault, not theirs. If there's anypony here that deserves a scolding. It's me."
Celestia stared at me for a while. She looked quite mad. But suddenly, she hung her head in shame.
"I guess it was partially my fault."
I looked up at the princess, unsure of what I had just heard.
"Princess, you've had no part-"
"Yes I have." The Princess hung her head low, not daring to face me.
"It was I who cast the lightning bolt that brought you here."
"But why?"
"Because I have seen your kind, I decided to see what would happen if I brought you here. It worked out better than I thought it would. But, instead of ending up in my castle, you ended up in Ponyville."
The Princess looked extremely guilty. I couldn't blame her. I guess royal duties tended to get boring after a while. The princess eventually looked up again. She stared at me with her royal gaze.
"I think it's time you returned to your own dimension."
I nodded. I've had a fun run in Equestria, but all good things must come to an end.
"Just give me sometime to say goodbye."
I knelt down and the six mares made a circle around me. I addressed them all at once instead of giving each of them goodbyes so that they wouldn't think I was playing favorites.
"Now, now my little ponies. My time here is running out, and as I spend my final moments on Equestria, I would like to thank you all. For you have taught me the true meaning of friendship and harmony. Without you six, I don't think I'd be able to make it this far. Just keep in mind, that wherever you are, whatever you do, you will always stay in my heart."
"What are you going to do when you get back?"
I turned to see Fluttershy, tears were already streaming down her face.
"I guess I've lost everything I've had. But I'm not dead, at least not yet. I still have my life in front of me, and I intend on living it to the fullest."
I saw a bit of tears well up in their eyes, I was on the verge of crying myself. I embraced them all in one last hug and felt their tears soak my shirt. I eventually got them to let go and let me stand up. They released and I rose, turning to face Celestia. She still kept that stern look on her face.
"Are you ready?"
I nodded. The tip of her horn lit up with magic, I saw it coming towards me as I braced myself.
"WAIT!"
I opened my eyes to see Celestia just as shocked as me, I turned to the ponies, Fluttershy had a envelope in her mouth. She walked over, put it in my pocket, and walked back to join her friends. I turned back to Celestia and nodded once more. Signalling that I was ready.
Her horn lit up once more, and this time without interruption, she sent me back to earth. I passed out as I left the supposedly fictional world known as Equestria.
When I woke up, I was on a hill in a grass field on the outskirts of my town. Instead of making my way back to the city, I sat on the hill for a while, watching the sunrise. I eventually took out the envelope Fluttershy had given me. I opened it and read the letter.
It's the Elements of Harmony here. Just here to say goodbye and thank you. Your help will not be forgotten, your deeds will forever live in our memories. And now as we write this farewell letter, we truly are glad to have met you. We wish you the best in the rest of your life. And once again, farewell.
from The Elements of Harmony
I read the letter and couldn't help but feel a tear well up in my eye and drop onto the paper. I folded it up again and put it in the envelope, but I found something else of interest.
I saw a picture. I took it out and stared at it. It was a picture of the mane six waving goodbye. I turned it around to see that they had all signed it. I put the picture back into the white envelope alongside the letter. I put the envelope into my pocket and sighed. I stared at my watch, I had left during 2012, the watch read 2024.
But I'm not home, I'm not lost, still holding on to what I got, there isn't much left. There's so much that's been stolen.
I got up and wiped the tears. Sure I had just left Equestria, but I hadn't left empty handed. During my time there, I had learned more about harmony and friendship then anyone has in their whole life.
And so, with my new found knowledge and a picture to remember them by, I got up and walked towards the city, ready to spread harmony to the world.
THE END
