Chapters The air was damp and heavy, it hung around the empty space in a musky haze. Breathing heavily miles desperately tried to scan his surroundings. Adrenaline began to flow freely, but did nothing to help his eyes adjust to the inky blackness that engulfed him. The entirety of his body felt like it had been burned and contorted into some kind of sickly pretzel. All he could do was belly crawl at a piteously slow pace. So he did. For what seemed like hours he crawled. "Next time Alex suggests something stupid I'll pass," Miles weakly muttered. Part of him hoped a voice would respond. But probability won in the end, there was no response. All that could be heard was the shuffling he made as he dragged on. This continued until he reached a murky puddle. Miles had never seen something he wanted so badly in his life. Without hesitation he drank the grimy water, until he thought he could bear to drink no more. Then, exhausted, he rolled over unto his back and passed out.
The next few days all melted into one long, painful, nightmare. He felt nothing save hunger, thirst, and above all fear. He could not perceive night or day, nonetheless feel anything other than the biting cold. His extremities were frozen, just numbness past the joints directly attached to his torso. Sliding in and out of consciousness, dreams were his only solace. The warmth of the sun, the beauty of the moon and stars. He would give anything at this point just to be in his warm room. Or at least to remember how he had arrived at this situation. He grew weaker by the hour. What could only be logically seen as hallucinations began to occur. Dull light, voices, and a constant clippity-clop that echoed through the cavern. Miles cursed at this, what would be his last moment; stuck in a cave, alone and hallucinating. He struggled to hold his eyes open. He breathed in deeply, exhaled and closed his eyes.
Author's Note
Please leave comments and criticism. This is my first extracurricular story ever and I want as much feedback possible. Thank you for taking time to read this!
Bright, blinding light was all that could be perceived. Coughing and sputtering Miles' first words were "if this is the afterlife, then this sucks." But he hurt too much to be dead. As he regained his wits he scanned his surroundings. His father told him that if he always knew what was around, he would always find a way to be ok. These words missed their mark though. All that registered in Miles' head was surprise. He was alive; and from the promising look the sterile hospital room gave him, he was safe as well. Yet as promising as the room was, something wasn't right. Something was unusual about this place, and it frustrated miles; as he could not consciously name it. He was suddenly taken by the growing needs of sleep, and with one last look, he obeyed.
A pony wearing a doctors coat and stethoscope smiled at him pleasantly. The doctor trotted closer, "and how are we this morning?" The comment seemed surreal. All miles could do was hang his mouth open in awe. "Not very talkative are we? Eh...doesn't suprise me, anypony else would have probably been dead after going through what you did. You're one tough stallion!" The last words resonated the loudest. Miles slowly looked down and raised his arms. The sheets slid off and, to his bewilderment, Miles found two orchid hooves. At this his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he blacked out.
He contemplated how to eat it, eventually deciding on the face first approach. After ravenously tearing through the helpless fruit in what could only be 10 seconds flat, he was alone with his thoughts. Miles strained to think back to where he was before the cave. He remembered Alex and Cole, arguing over some equation he could barely comprehend as some blend of JavaScript and advanced physics. Alex frantically turned to Cole and yelled that what they wanted to do was physically impossible. Cole just simply replied with a snide comment and a smirk.This set his brain into overdrive, but it was brought back by a knock at the door. With a reassuring breath he granted entrance to whoever was at the door. The doctor from earlier trotted in, a playful grin on his face.
"Looks like you have a visitor nameless," stated the doctor. "The name is Miles," he replied; confused at the prospect of meeting his rescuer. "Well I'll let you know she was awful worried about you, she was here every day while you were asleep. You're very lucky that she showed up when she did." And with that the mare entered the room.
"I'd like that explanation; when you get out of here come find me, the name is Cloudchaser," and with a smile walked out the door. Miles looked helplessly at the doctor, who only chuckled. "When can I get out of here doc?" Miles queried. "Well, let's give it four days and we'll see how you've progressed."
"Holy crap! He's gone!" Cole's words echoed through the empty warehouse, betraying his feelings to a stone faced comrade. "Well at least we know it works..." Alex responded in a voice, so void of emotion, it scared Cole. Cole was shocked, one of his friends had just been vaporized and sent to god knows where. He looked at Alex with a face of surprise and horror. "What are we gonna do man? He's gone and people are gonna know. We can't hide this!" Alex just gave Cole a look of disgust. "Of course we can hide this, everyone knows Miles was a little off the deep end. We'll just hide his car, say he skipped town and no one will be the wiser."
Cole stepped back and searched for a place to sit, finally choosing a dusty gurney that was covered in bowling pins. "So we stash his stuff here and just forget about him? That's cold man! Even for us!" Alex replied without blinking "I never said we would leave him." Without reservation Cole replied "you look like you want to" his voice barely audible." Alex dryly responded "it's not leaving him if we intend to get him back." Cole just shook his head. They both knew they had no idea of how to get Miles back.
Miles was in awe, we was rescued by one of his favorite mares. He had to struggle to keep down a surge of brony excitement. He gained control and introduced himself. "Thanks for the save I'd probably not be here if it wasn't for you." She smiled and replied "Well my sister, Flitter, and I were exploring Everfree. We had gone into the caves with Thunderlane and Lyra; when we found you and we were shocked. We got you here as soon as possible!"
"I'd like that explanation; when you get out of here come find me, the name is Cloudchaser," and with a smile walked out the door. Miles looked helplessly at the doctor, who only chuckled. "When can I get out of here doc?" Miles queried. "Well, let's give it four days and we'll see how you've progressed."
Adjusting
It was the longest four days of Miles' life. Derpy was his roommate suffering from her most recent "accident". As much as he enjoyed her company, she wasn't much for conversation. So he was left mainly left to his own devices. He started assessing his situation. The first time he saw himself in a mirror he almost panicked. No longer could he see a 5"9' Texan pole vaulter. His hazel eyes were now auburn, his body orchid, and his short brown hair was replaced by a choppy sea-foam green mane. An orange streak highlighted the right side of his mane. But what surprised him the most were the wings. He was a pegasus, he always liked the pegasi the most; but never dreamed he'd ever have a pair of wings. He even had a cutie mark. An angled horseshoe with a wing, like the track emblem; ponyfied.
He didn't have the first clue how to fly. It took a half hour just to figure out how to walk on four legs without looking stupid. Once he mastered movement on hoof he turned attention to his wings
Taking a hint, the open mouthed stallion answered " yeah, though I may need some flight training." Taking the comment as a joke Cloudchaser just laughed. "We can try some beginner stuff, but nothing too crazy. You've just started walking." Miles grinned and replied "yeah I'll probably look like it's my first time..." Cloudchaser gave him a funny look "with wings as strong as I saw a second ago, you'll be fine. You look like you could carry a griffon with those." Again feeling self conscious, Miles quickly looked at his wings, then hers. They were noticeably larger than hers. "Yeah they look pretty strong, but I don't.. Uhh.. remember much from before you found me." He was certain Cloudchaser saw through his lie. Her eyes narrowed for a second, then returned to normal. "How about that flight lesson then?" She asked, breaking the tension in the room. "I thought you'd never ask, " was his response as he followed her out of his room and into the hall.
"Look Cole, it's been ten days since we lost Miles. Everyone is busy looking for him elsewhere. No one suspects us; we're off the hook." Alex reassured Cole as they walked into the dim lit warehouse. Over the past year this warehouse had been the site of their frantic experiments. For many years prior it was Miles' secret getaway. They both were reminded of this as they walked past his car and under the massive American flag hung from the rafters.
"Well if there's no heat on us, let's use our time to get him back," Cole said with a look of guilt. Alex looked away "we can't Cole, you know we have no idea what happened. For all we know he really is dead and we're wasting our time." Cole looked down at his shoes like a scolded child. "The machine was supposed to cut wormholes, maybe he's just in another dimension." Alex gave Cole a look of disapproval. "Well isn't that lovely, he's just out in another dimension. Maybe one where dinosaurs are still alive, or he went to the future, ooh!" Cole gave Alex a hurt look "you're an ass Alex."
Alex yelled after him "yeah, and I suppose that means that there's a dimension for StarWars and Superman too!" But no one heard him, he was alone. He grew frustrated to the point of going berserk. The tiny TV and N64 were his first victims, followed by a flashlight, and a collage of track ribbons hung on the wall. With one last enraged howl he flipped Miles' desk and stormed out of the warehouse.
Miles began to get nervous as he followed Cloudchaser out unto the field behind the Ponyville hospital. Cloudchaser spread her wings,"so you wanna take a slow lap to the river and back?" She looked back at Miles who was tentatively flapping his wings. With a quizzical look she asked "you really don't know how to fly do you?" Miles just looked at her sheepishly. "No, as of right now I have no clue," he said; avoiding a direct lie and the entire truth at the same time. "Well I guess we'll start with the basics," said Cloudchaser as she took off and hovered over him.
Giving it his best effort, Miles reared up onto his hind legs and sprang into the air. With a massive flap he ascended. Panicking he tucked his wings at the peak of his ascent, plummeting toward the ground. Instinctively he threw out his wings and began a glide. Cloudchaser swooped in on his left side, they were wingtip to wingtip. "Well the altitude was impressive, but the fall was not. Next time don't freak out, we own the skies." With that she accelerated. Mimicking the movement, Miles began to try weak flaps.
It felt good, hell it was better than good, it was fantastic. It was the best he had felt in a long time. Miles decided to put his body to the test. He began to flap his wings with strong, purposeful rows. He began to pick up speed. Within seconds he had caught up to Cloudchaser. With a cheeky grin she shot him a look that said "gimme your best shot!" She then began to gain altitude. Not to be outdone Miles also ascended. Reaching the safe pegasus flight ceiling they leveled out. Cloudchaser looked back at Miles and yelled "I learned this one at the Wonderbolt Academy!" Suddenly she pitched left, tucked her wings and rolled belly up, initiating a dive. Miles followed suit, gaining massive amounts of speed as he followed her flight path. He tried to squeeze through the neatly bored holes she made in the clouds on the way down, but merely obliterated them with his much larger frame.
As they broke through the last cloud together Miles realized just how fast he was going. Pulling past Cloudchaser, he looked up with is body inverted. He saw the contrails indicating he was about to break the sound barrier if he gained more speed. Cloudchaser gave him a frantic look as she spread her wings and angled up. With this quick example and his impending splatter, Miles did the first thing that came to mind. He threw his wings open and started screaming. Neither made him feel better. His descent was now angled and his speed was dropping to the merely uncontrollable. A vast improvement over the suicide dive he was in moments ago. He began to angle up, but inexperience sent him into a lateral spiral now completely and utterly out of control he looked at his surroundings. Through the haze of up and down playing ring around the rosie he could make out one thing on the horizon; a barn.
Miles reached into his pocket and pulled out his lanyard. He stopped. He shouldn't have pockets or a lanyard. He looked up and froze. He was back in the warehouse. Something was wrong though, he could see himself. Cole and Alex had finished arguing, Miles pulled out a flash drive and walked over to a strange machine. In the other hand his lanyard. Miles realized he was in a hallucination, he must be unconscious, yet again! Now he could figure out how he got here! Cole made a joke, and then... "Wake up! Yer in mah barn you scoundrel!"
He was brought back by Granny Smith's labored drawl. Miles tried to stagger to his hooves, but landed in a heap and a dust pile at the hooves of Granny Smith. "Mac! Big Macintosh get over here! We've got ourselves a visitor!" She called to the massive red stallion. Applejack, hearing the commotion also came over. "Shoot, he put a hole in the barn the family just put up," she commented as she walked. Mac helped Miles to his hooves. With a wobble he stammered an apology,"sorry ma'am, my first flight got a little out of hand," he staggered and was caught by Mac. "I promise I'll help y'all fix it up." Granny Smith commented,"at least this one's got manners," and trotted off, mumbling about young'uns not having a lick of sense. Miles was left with Big Mac and AJ in the barn.
"So you mean to tell me a pegasus, almost as big as my brother and as old as me has never flown before?" Applejack's question turned Miles' rattled brain on. There was no lying his way out of this one, he was totally rattled and was face to face with the element of honesty. Choosing his words as carefully as somepony who just crashed through a barn could. "Yeah, I'm not from around here." He didn't think about what he said until AJ gave him a suspicious look.
He was about to reply with another brilliant answer, but Cloudchaser swept in. "Oh Celestia! Is he ok?" She frantically cried as she galloped over to where the group was gathered. "Erm... I'm as ok as you can be after severe dehydration and punching through a barn. I just owe Big Mac and Applejack a new barn," he said as calmly as possible. AJ suddenly turned toward him," I never told you my name!" Realizing he had just blown any cover he had retained he tried to recover. All three of the other ponies stared at him intently. With a sigh Miles gave in," I guess it's time for those answers Cloudchaser." "Eyyup," Big Mac spoke everypony when he said that. "All right, but what I say stays between us four," Miles demanded; he looked each pony in the eyes.
"Simply put, I'm not from here. I've never had wings, a tail, or hooves. But I'm here now. I really don't remember exactly how I got here or exactly what I was doing. All I know is that my friends and I were doing an experiment, it went wrong, and now I'm a pony." Applejack spoke first, the other two had looks of awe on their faces. "That still doesn't explain how you knew my name." Miles took a deep breath, this was the hardest part. "Well where I come from y'all are characters in a show. I watch the show, so therefore I know about you. I also know about your friends." By now all their eyes were wide open. "Prove it," was Applejack's response. Miles began to recount the discord incident, her sleepover at Twilight's, and the Winter Wrap Up. All of their mouths were wide open along with their eyes. "So you know our life story? We're not real?" Applejack was the only one who could even move at this point. Miles thought about this for a second.
"No, you're real and I'm real. I'm also going to assume that where I'm from is real too. Which means my theory is correct! When we create an idea an alternate reality is created to house it! Do you know what this means!" Miles' excitement was lost on everypony else. "No sugar cube, I have no idea what your fancy talk means. But I know someone who will." Applejack's suggestion sunk in. "Ok," Miles agreed. He knew that his only way home was going to be with a skilled magician. He didn't see any unicorns on Sweet Apple Acres. "Let's go find Twilight," Miles said with an air of excitement. With that he and the two mares departed for Ponyville. Big Mac stayed behind to fix the barn, and with a groan headed to the woodshed.
White sunglasses
As Miles and his companions strode into Ponyville they were met by warm smiles. New faces were a rarity in the placid town. Miles marveled at the sights. The pleasant sound of voices mingled with the noise of daily living on every corner. He turned to ask Applejack how to get to Twilight's tree, but was met by her open mouthed stare. With a pang of dismay he followed her gaze. Before him he saw something he was quite unprepared for.
A blur of pink bounced towards them like a Mach 1 paddle ball. "He's new! He's new! He's new! What's his name? Gee, he's big! I'm Pinkie Pie! Ha-oof!" Applejack's hoof put a swift end to the effusion of questions. "This is Miles, he's not from around here and he needs some help. He just got out of the hospital and can't remember how to get home. Ya know where Twilight is?" Applejack waited to pull her hoof out of Pinkie's mouth until she had calmed down. "I don't know exactly where she is, but I do know she is leaving for Canterlot tommorow. She said it was some new magic emergency thingy," her voice had retained its exuberance and began to rise with excitement. "I know! We can have a goodbye Twi- welcome Miles party tonight! Ohh, I'm gonna make this happen!" With that she bounced out of sight, making Mach 2 look lazy.
"Well it looks like you are in for a treat. A Pinkie Pie party is always unforgettable," Cloudchaser jested. Miles' wide eyed panic finally registered to Applejack,"he doesn't look like the partying type, but he should go anyway. This is his last chance to see Twilight for a while. Besides he looks like he needs to relive some stress, a party is good for that." Miles' look contradicted her last statement. "Cloudchaser, can you take our bewildered friend to go get cleaned up? I need to finish some chores on the farm before the party. I'll see y'all there." Applejack didn't wait for a reply, and began to trot back to Sweet Apple Acres.
Cloudchaser turned and looked at Miles. He was a sweaty, hay-covered mess with dried blood on his head and muzzle. "Well let's take you to Aloe and Vera's spa, they'll get you looking like new. Then we can go to Rarity's boutique. She won't let you in looking like that." Cloudchaser's analysis brought back Miles' troubled mind. "Did I hear spa? I did not just hear spa. You are going to need a whole lot more than yourself to get me into a spa," he reared onto his back legs and jabbed like a boxer. "How about we find a bar of soap and a spot along the river, then we can skip Rarity's and just chill until the party?" Cloudchaser did not look pleased with this plan.
"You want to bathe in the river, are you nuts? I have a shower at home. I'll cut you a deal though, if you use my shower you have to wear whatever Rarity suggests to the party." Miles imagined the possibilities, Rarity's outfits were known to become gaudy. There were many ways that it could turn negative. Yet, she was known for style. Miles put his faith in Rarity and took the deal.
As the last wisps of steam curled away Miles inspected himself in the mirror. The cut on his muzzle had scabbed over, but would most likely scar. His hair was back under control and he no longer smelled like he had gone 3 rounds with a gym locker in the middle of a cow pasture. Pleased with what he saw he struck a pose. From the corner of his eye he caught a flash of light blue and white. This deflated his majestic pose into a juvenile grin and an akward rubbing of his right fore hoof across to his left shoulder. Cloudchaser toppled backwards in a fit of uncontrollable giggling. His face was hot enough to cook on.
"I didn't spy on you when you were in the shower." His complaint only widened her grin. "Good 'cuz if you did I'd have to kick your tail!" He inflated his chest and extended his wings, with regained confidence he quipped,"just try me small fry." Her eyes betrayed an emotion Miles had been failing to recognize. "Now there's a stallion who can take me to a party! I should've left you dirty, now all the mares in Ponyville will want you!" The intended wisecrack came off much more sincere than intended. She quickly rolled up and exited the house.
As the pair strolled through town they noticed a lot more commotion than usual. News of the rapidly approaching party must have spread fast. The epicenter of the commotion, Sugarcube Corner, was like a crumb surrounded by ants. Judging by the amount of work going into it, the party was going to be massive. They flew over a jungle of wires being pulled in every direction by Vinyl Scratch, who was setting up her soundboard. "Wow, Pinkie must really like you or something bigger is going on. This is almost as big as the Gala, except not all fancy. Tonight is gonna be crazy!"
Miles was slightly worried by the first comment, but let his anxiety melt away. He was starting to look forward to the coming night, even if he had to wear a ridiculous getup. Coincidentally, they had just come into sight of Rarity's boutique. He arrived at the door, straightened himself up, and walked in.
His eyes were greeted by the pleasant sight of wonderfully crafted dresses. Their quality was sublime and their materials exquisite. Though Miles had only a small appreciation of fashion, he knew this was a temple to style. His gawking was ended by a sing-song "who is it?" He was face to face with Ponyville's fashionista. "He is here to represent you Rarity. Whatever you decide, no matter how flashy; he's all yours." Cloudchaser's explanation worried Miles just a hair. "Well let's get a good look at him then."
Without delay Rarity began to inspect, poking and prodding, while she muttered. "Large wings, large stature, large everything... well, he's not much of a little pony at all," she gave a little chortle as she continued. "Defined musculature, but not defined by his muscles. Quite the stallion indeed... what to do? What to do? Ah, yes!" A blue aura formed around her horn as things began to levitate around the room. Before he knew I he was standing in front of a mirror.
He looked into the mirror and saw himself wearing a black collared shirt with wing holes, a white and blue pinstriped tie, and a pair of white sunglasses with blue lenses. It wasn't his style, but he didn't think he looked bad either. He tried to gauge how Rarity and Cloudchaser felt about the new clothes. Rarity ws looking pleased as ever and Cloudchaser's eyes seemed to have been more interested in his haunches than his shades. Her eyes auickly darted up and she gave a nod of approval. "Wow, this looks great Rarity. I don't know how I'll repay you, it's starting to look like I'm going to owe everyone something by the end of the day." Miles' comment contained a hint of shame with his gratitude. "Oh he's so precious! Wherever did you find him? It's a gift darling, your thanks is plenty. Consider it a welcome to Ponyville run along now, I need to finish this if I'm going to make it to the party."
He and Cloudchaser thanked her on the way out, he was amazed at her generosity. He was amazed at how wonderful this community was. He had been here for almost 2 weeks and had recceived more kindness than in 2 years back home. He almost made a comment to Cloudchaser but stopped. He knew he shouldn't get attached. He needed to get home, it was where he belonged and should have never left. Yet, he knew his home was nowhere near as wonderful as this place. His thoughts were interrupted by bass. The sun had begun to set and the party must be starting. He gave Cloudchaser an eager look and they hurried toward Sugarcube Corner.
They arrived to a scene he had not anticipated. Ponies were everywhere. Pegasi danced on the ground and in the sky, gyrating like broken agitators. Earth ponies and unicorns packed the streets and an open bar. Berry Punch was already looking a little tipsy and the party had just begun.
Hanging above the the doorway was a sign that read "Bye Twilight- Welcome Miles". Cloudchaser and Miles entered the bakery to find it less packed than the plaza outside. They found Pinkie pouring hot sauce into a bowl of punch. "Here, the hot sauce gives it a kick the booze just can't," she stated merrily as she gave each a glass. Miles could taste both in an odd spicy-fruity drink. He enjoyed it and drank more. "That's the spirit! I like him already, hot sauce goes on anything!" Miles nodded in agreement,"you bet it does. By the way have you seen Twilight?
"Yeah, she's in the kitchen."
This set the tone for the next 2 hours. They followed her through shops and courtyards, always a step or two behind. Like a scene from Scooby Doo they followed her in and out, missing her by seconds. Eventually they followed her into the mosh pit in front of town hall. They were forced to fly out and had completely lost her. At this point they split up in hopes of covering more ground. Another hour passed and Miles was no closer to finding Twilight. With a howl of frustration he sat on a bench and brooded. He was tired, Twilight was nowhere to be found, and above all he was alone and missed most of the party.
The sound of beating wings raised his eyes. "Hey, there you are I've been looking all over for you! Aww, don't look so down, we'll find her." Cloudchaser landed and sat on the bench next to Miles. He took a breath and straightened up. "Yeah, I know we will, that's the thing." He looked back at the ground. "What's the matter? Can I help?" She moved closer and put her wing around him. He looked up, the moon was out and the stars were iridescent. The neon lights from the party looked like an epileptic's worst nightmare. "Let's have an unforgettable night. We'll worry about Twilight tommorow."
They headed back together to a different party. The wubs had given way to softer music and the area had cleared out, leaving only a handfull of ponies in the square. They stepped over a collapsed Berry Punch at the bar and called for drinks. A less than steady Pinkie Pie was happy to oblige. "Two punch, one hot slauced!" She slurred as she poured, most of the punch missing the cup. She then stumbled backwards and passed out. Deciding against the drinks, the pair walked to the dance floor.
With a flourish of his wings he bowed,"may I have this dance?" She reared onto her back legs and unfurled her wings. He did the same and put his hooves to hers. They moved slowly with the beat. Around and around they went until he noticed they were no longer on the ground. He looked down then back up, about to speak, he was silenced by Cloudchaser's hoof. "Don't think, don't talk, come closer." He went with his gut and leaned in. They didn't part until they were on the ground. "I'm glad you screwed up that test." She said this earnestly, staring into his auburn eyes. "I can't begin to tell you how glad I am to have met you." They were inseparable for the rest of the night.
He woke up to the sounds of progress. The party was being cleaned up. He looked beside him. Cloudchaser was waking up too. They had fallen asleep beneath a tree in the park. He was about to wish her good morning, but the look in her eye stopped him. He quickly scanned to find the source of the problem. He found it. "Oh crap, that cannot be bueno. She does not look happy, Neither do they."
