Gateway to Harmony

It was peaceful in the capitol city of Canterlot. Night had taken over the sky and the moon had been raised beaming light to the humble citizens as the laid down to slumber. All rested in tranquility dreams engulfing their minds. Save for a single soul, but not one of a pony, rather a human. As he rested his mind slipped into unconsciousness unaware of the coming visions.

FLASH

I awoke to the blaring of sirens blasting in the streets. Frantically I looked around trying to discover where I was. It hit me light a freight train. This was my childhood home… on Earth.

“Oh please not again, please no more!” My eyes began to well up in tears before I was interrupted. The door to my bedroom slammed open. Standing there was none other than my mother, distraught and fear showed on her worried face. Fear for the safety of her son.

“RJ get up we need to leave!” Before I could say something another voice chimed in.

“Anna we need to go now, get Robert forget the luggage!”

“Get the car started we will be right there!”  She advanced for me. As I felt her touch my senses dissipated and vision blurred as my surroundings dissolved around me.

FLASH

I regained my composure. I was now in a car, hurtling down an abandoned highway. Looking out the window I saw dozens of abandoned automobiles. I glanced up and gasped as I caught sight of the sky. It emitted a blood red aura that sent a ghostly chill down my spine.

“Mom?” I asked in confusion.

“Everything is going to be okay sweetie we’re almost there.” She stuttered holding back the tears.

FLASH

I was floating no not floating something was holding me, and we were running. Finally I came to my senses. My father was holding me in his arms chasing after my mother who was already ahead of us.

“Charles, hurry there closing the gates!”

“I’m running as fast as I can, those bastards why won’t they wait!” My father yells angrily.

FLASH

I was in a room. Surrounding me were hundreds of people, all having that same look of fear, worry, and sadness in their eyes. Getting up I take deep breaths attempting to get myself together.

“Where am I?” I mumble.

“Provide your name and date of birth please.” A cold voice emanated from behind me. I turn to see a metal face with a singular luminescent eye scrutinizing me.

“Huh? What, where are my parents they were just here?!” I ask a twinge of sadness in my voice.

“Provide your name and date of birth please.” The android asks once again.

“Where are my parents!?” I ask furiously.  The android stares at me with the same emotionless face before peaking again.

“Provide your name and date of birth-.”

“WHERE ARE THEY WHAT HAPPENED!?” I scream at the top of my lungs before breaking down crying. For I knew what had happened, I had already lived this moment.

My eyes still closed when a chuckle started to sound next to me. The chuckle sent a chill through my body. Darkness now surrounded me. The evil entity continued to laugh. Every time it did it felt like someone was pushing a needle into my mind.

“WHAT ARE YOU, SHOW YOURSELF!” I lash out in anger only to be greeted by the same laughter. I grab my head in agony.

“Oh what depression, what fury it’s so… delicious.” Venom dripped from its voice as the entity spoke.

“WHO ARE YOU?!”

“There is no need to take such a tone I am not your enemy. In fact I might be your greatest ally if you let me. As to who I am you will find out soon enough human.” The voice chuckled again as the darkness around me vanished, I had woken up.

Instantly I fling myself upwards and inspect the area. I am in the suite.

“It was just a nightmare.” I say as I bring my hand to my forehead. I am sweating profusely.

‘No, no there was something else. Argh, it was just… my imagination. Maybe the stress of all this is finally getting to me.’

KNOCK

KNOCK

KNOCK

My thought was interrupted as someone knocked on the bedroom door.

“Captain, you have been requested by the Princesses to join them for breakfast in the dining hall.” At this point I was already at the door.

Behind it was standing a royal guard who when I exited the room simply began walking away. I followed him to the dining hall where two other day guards opened the doors so I could enter. When I passed they slammed shut behind me.

I advance for the table several familiar faces were present. Celestia and Luna were sitting at their usual spot in the center, next to them was prince Blueblood, and across from them was, Shining Armor. When I went to sit down the captain of the royal guard had already turned to see the visitor. When he gained sight of me a scowl formed on his face. The tension was broken when Celestia spoke up.

“Ah RJ, I am glad you were able to join us. I will have the maids prepare a platter for you.” She said with a smile as two maids had already begun advancing for the buffet table.

“That won’t be necessary I am more than capable.” The two maids stopped and headed back to their normal posts.

“Oh well alright, help yourself.”

After I gathered a simple breakfast of a blueberry muffin, some strawberries, and a small glass of what I think is a pony variation of coffee I went to sit down in my usual spot next to the two princesses. When I sat down the two princesses smiled then looked to Shining Armor who was still staring daggers at me.

“Ah hem, Shining Armor I realize you two might have met on unique circumstances and I feel a need to clear the air. This is Captain Robert Bellitto. He will be staying in the castle until we can properly get introduced to the general public.” Shining’s expression loosened but still had a show of disapproval.

I sat up and extended my hand across the table for a shake.

“I hope we can put our past differences behind us.”

Shining at first was hesitant but reluctantly he returned the gesture.

“Wonderful, now captain speaking of your introduction ceremony I would like to begin planning for it later today.” Celestia spoke.

“Yes, I think the earlier we get the planning done the faster I can get out of your hair or mane as it is.” Luna replied to this.

“Oh RJ neither of us is trying to get you out of the castle, we both enjoy your company very much it’s just that we want-.”

“Luna it was just a joke. I know you aren’t trying to get rid of me, I just feel like I am kind of freeloading. I mean you have fed me and given me a place to sleep while I haven’t done anything in return.”

“Hmph, yes count yourself lucky a creature like yourself has been shown suck generosity.” Blueblood spoke gaining obvious looks of disapproval from both princesses.

“RJ, we do not at all want you to feel that way. Like I said it is the least we can do.”

“Alright, but I am just saying if there is anything you need assistance with I would be more than happy to help.”

“Well if you are that insistent on helping I am sure we could find you something for you to do.”

“Thank you for you agreeing with me princess.” I said as I continued to consume my muffin completing breakfast.

‘Well at least there is something I can do to give back. They have done so much for me and I will do anything to repay them.’ As I finished my thought an all too familiar chuckle clouded my mind. I winced at the pain it caused. Both princesses noticed this.

“RJ, are you alright.” They asked in unison.

“Yes I fine. I’m alright… I think.”