Fate Of The Spirited

"The Vision"

The door flung wide open, and before I knew it there was a swoop of color. I fell back onto the ground in surprise, rubbing my eyes and clambering back to my feet. The bright burning shine of  the sun hammered through the door, as two other ponies entered Twilight's front door. The first pony was orange with a blonde mane and was wearing what appeared to be... A cowboy hat? I mean...I've seen a lot of strange things in my 20 years but never thought I'd ever see a technicolor pony wearing a hat. *Sigh* I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised. After all!  I am in a whole new world! Shortly after the orange pony entered the room, she was followed by another unicorn. Which had a really beautiful white coat, and a well styled purple mane. I smiled as they entered, trying my best to look non threatening as the two creatures trotted into the room and stared at me in a stunning "awe".

"Um.. Alright there! I'm Ryder!" I introduced myself, nervously tucking my shaking hands into my jean pockets.

Just in time to save me, Twilight came back into the room. She was bearing a smile right across her face with a kind of 'you'll never guess what I have!' look. "Oh! It's alright girls! He isn't harmful" Twilight assured her friends, in case they might have thought I was going to eat them or something haha. The two creatures started to look more relaxed shortly after, and began to introduce themselves.

"Howdy! Ma name's Applejack! And I'm the owner of Sweet Apple Acres!" Said the orange pony with a kind-hearted cheer to her voice. I grinned at her and began to relax a bit more, settling myself on the oak chair that laid behind me.

"And my name dear is Rarity! The fine designer of clothing at my boutique!" Bringing a hoof to her chest as she introduced herself. I looked at the white unicorn and and began to reply to both of them when out of the corner of my eye I realized. Hovering right above me and staring at me with such magnificent magenta eyes, was a cyan blue Pegasus. I turned my head to come looking face to face with her, and noticed her rainbow mane draped down the back of her head.

"And who are you?" I smiled the best I could though my mouth hung open ever so slightly with amazement.

"I'm Rainbow Dash! Fastest and greatest flyer in all of Equestria!" She cried out triumphantly with such pride in herself. "What are you supposed to be exactly? And why don't you have any fur?" As she asked, she began to slow the flapping of her wings bringing her gently down to the wooden flooring which now forced me to look down on her.

"Oh...well we do have fur technically...but it's just very short so it isn't easy to see." I began to kneel so she didn't get intimidated. But then again...how could she not be intimidated? A near bald, giant alien creature was knelt right in front of her and she had no idea what it could be capable of. That's why I have to do what I can to show I truly don't want to harm them...hopefully it's the same way from them haha.

Rainbow Dash just smirked slightly and looked me right in the eye. "You really aren't going to hurt us though...are you?"

She said with a kind of cuteness and innocents to her voice.

"Of course not. Right now to be honest I am as frightened as you are!". She continued to smile as the atmosphere in the air became more relaxed. I stood and turned to reply to all of them. "It's a real pleasure to meet you Applejack! And to meet you too Rarity!" I said, kneeling back down closer to them and shaking their hooves.

"The pleasure is all mine darling!" Exclaimed Rarity with an almost humble blush to her face.

"Awwh shucks! Tain't no problem Ryder! It's a real pleasure to meet yah to!". I rose back to my feet once more and turned back to Twilight who was already noting down things in her new book.

"What you writing down then?" I asked, pulling a seat underneath me as all the rest of the mares began to sit around the table also. "Just writing down how you have behaved so far on meeting my friends."

After a good 10 minutes of casual conversation and getting to know them, Rainbow Dash spoke up and asked "What are those things on your hooves?" she stretched out with her hoof and hesitantly began to touch my fingers.

I brought out my hands and laid them on the table, which caused the mares to all lean in with curiosity. Even Twilight, who found it difficult to write and lean in. "These are what we call fingers. We don't have hooves or anything like that. I suppose we have claws and fingers are one of the many things that make us a unique creature where I'm from." I began to wriggle them a bit, causing the curious mares to chuckle slightly. Must have been like a freak show to them haha! Or even a house of wonders at a fair.

Time passed even more and I had already covered all I knew about the history of humanity. The sun had crept across the sky as I carried on with my tales. Ranging from different Human cultures and even how certain societies worked. I could see how this was a shock to them...their faces began to fall in a kind of sadness hearing what we have been through and yet what we cause for ourselves.

"Why do you hurt each other but help at the same time? It's soo.. Confusing!" said Pinkie, bowing her head slightly in sad thought. I smirked, knowing how hard it is to truly explain this kind of stuff. They wouldn't truly understand even after I had finished explaining. They would have to have been there and lived through the years to understand. I looked around keeping eye contact with all the mares seated around me and began to explain the best I could about humanity.

"You see...us Humans...we're like living walking yin-yang's."

"Well what do ya mean?" Spoke Applejack, puzzled at what I mean't.

"Well...we are evil by nature...but not evil...we are good by nature...but we aren't good at the same time. Us humans are very unpredictable. We Destroy, but we also create. If I have to sum us up? I guess you could call us the demons of creation." The mares stared at me with anxiousness and concern. "I would never want to cause any harm.. I just want you all to know that. If I have to assure anything, it's that I only seek a place to call home." I hung my head, beginning to worry if they would accept me or not.

Twilight laid down her book, resting the quill back in it's pot of jet black ink and slowly trotted over to me. Resting a hoof on my shoulder she spoke to me in the most kindest voice I had heard in a long time. "You will always be welcome here...we can see you mean no harm and if anything you have been very kind. Consider us your friends!" In that small moment a tear started to form in my eye which I quickly wiped away before they could notice. I turned to her to see a warm smile, which caused the ice around my heart to melt...it felt almost as if a weight was lifted but only a bit.  All of them smiled and gave their own say on what they thought.

"Y'all always be welcome at Sweet Apple Acres!" Chirped Applejack.

"Oh! And of course you'll always have a generous friend right here!" Said Rarity elegantly.

"I'll always be happy to have you around Mr. Ryder..." Said Fluttershy, smiling but still hiding under her pink mane.

My head in that moment seemed to only turn to the Rainbow draped Pegasus. She looked a little embarrassed for a moment, before blurting out "Your pretty cool Ryder! And sure you'll always have me as a friend! Especially with those weird...Finggggeers..?" She struggled on the last bit bless her but none the less she quickly snapped up right and beamed a grin at me. I quickly tussled her mane playfully, when Twilight decided to finish off the moment.

"See. You may have only just got here but consider yourself our responsibility." It was nice to feel as if someone cared for once. I felt like I was wrapped in a blanket of a unique kind of warmth. We spent the next hour or so just laughing and joking. Having fun, you know? Something which I hadn't had in a long time.

The sun began to shift it's position and gently fall into a crimson red sunset. The mares all started to yawn and thought that they should be heading off home. "Come on everypony! We need to let Ryder get his rest" said Applejack. The girls each gave me a cuddle, before setting off home out of the oak door.

"You're going to be in for a busy day tomorrow!". I was actually eating a bar of chocolate I found in my jacket pocket, luckily for me. So on Twilight's words she got a response of a stuffed mouth Ryder!

"Whhhot?" Twilight turned to see me with a mouth full but she got what I said...I think.

"Well I need to take you to Canterlot tomorrow to see princess Celestia. She wants to meet you to find out what you are for herself." Suddenly I grew nervous, taking a gulp and finally clearing my mouth. What if she saw me as a danger? What if she knew what I had done back home?? I didn't want to leave, I barely knew the place but the vibes I have been getting from it are enough to keep me around for awhile at least. Twilight soon noticed my face as I was rubbing my forehead with frustration. "Is anything wrong?" She asked as she approached the table.

Letting out a sigh I turned "I'm just nervous is all. I didn't even know your world had a leader and now I'm about to be brought before her. It's like I'm going to meet my fate or something."

She chuckled, "The princess is the most kind hearted creature in the whole of Equestria. She would never harm you! And besides I'm sure she will like you." I smiled back and scratched my head slightly.

"I really hope so Twily...because if not then I feel like I'm fucked". As I stood once again, pushing the chair in. Twilight said something in a very quiet tone to me before I could start walking away.

"What.. Did you just call me?" In that moment I had a bad feeling.

"What.. You mean fucked?" I queried.

"No...! Well yes but the first thing". She stared at me with a questioning look in her eyes.

"I called you Twily...I thought it fitted you haha!" I said laughing with a sheepish grin on my mug.

I felt relief once she laughed as well and replied "That's just what my brother calls me, It was just a bit of a surprise to hear you call me that is all. You'll get to meet him soon". She looked like she was in thought for a moment, but had a nice little smile on her face to accompany it. "Well it looks like it's bed time for you and me as well! You can sleep in my bed...that's if your species sleeps in beds?"

I laughed before replying "We do but you can have your bed. Besides I don't think I'll be getting any sleep tonight."

She dashed in front of me, jumping up at me slightly "Oh but you must! We will need you in top condition if we are going to go to Canterlot! I'll sleep on the sofa."

Within a moment of having to look at that begging face full of concern I just gave in. "Alright I'll sleep but I'm just going to get some fresh air first" BUT! What I really meant was I was going to have a quick cheeky cigarette. She just smiled and showed me about her home, which was gob-smackingly beautiful and well built. She then proceeded to show me the bedroom before wishing me good night and heading off. "Finally!" I muttered under my breath with a bit of joy.

*Brain: such an addict..*

*Me: Piss off! I know!*

I crept down the stairs and gently opened the front door, closing it behind me carefully as to not make a noise. Lucky me I remembered the pack of cigs I bought the day I...well you know. The only thing was how did it come with me? "Oh well!" I said to myself out loud as I lit the end of it and took a satisfying drag. I sat up for a good while of that night. Just drinking that drink I had with me as well and running through my thoughts about how all this was even possible. It was midnight and the moon was already in the sky, lighting up the night in it's own way. I flicked the butt of the cig away before heading back inside. There laying on the sofa freezing was Twilight. She looked like she was going to freeze to death. I scooped her up as carefully as I could and took her up stairs and laid her back in her own bed. Tucking her in I crept back out bearing a sly grin on my face. "Guess I'll be taking the sofa then!" I grabbed a blanket and headed down stairs, climbing onto the sofa and falling fast asleep. Though I was a bit big for it I managed to just get into what I called "The hedgehog position" which made sleeping on things like this easier.

***

Ryder soon found himself to be dreaming of almost the same blackness as the one he saw the old man in. It felt very real and within moments he was on his feet wondering what was going on. Suddenly the old man appeared once again, stepping out of his corridor of light and closing it behind him. Ryder didn't feel as worried now, or as worried as he was last time. If anything It felt like a good sight but was still weary of what was going on. "Hello Ryder how have your first few hours of the day been in this world? I'm dreadfully sorry I didn't get you here earlier but I guess you aren't bothered about arriving in the afternoon". He chuckled and Ryder didn't really know what to do apart from smile back.

"So why am I here again now?" Asked Ryder, as he approached the old man.

"I'm just here to help give you some "FATE" counseling. Take a seat". Before Ryder could even say "What seat?" a desk and two chairs formed out of a bright beaming light. The both of them sat down and Ryder nodded for him to continue. "Well now...been feeling anything different since you got here?" The old man asked, slouching forward and resting his elbows on the white desk.

"I've been feeling...happier? No I don't know if that's even the correct word...like...lik-" Just before Ryder could finish his sentence.

"Like you're heart is warmer? Then my boy you are happy! And there's more to come than just that haha! You haven't even met the last one of the friends yet." Said the old man cutting in.

"Who's the last friend?" Asked Ryder leaning forward onto the table. Suddenly the old man laid back into his chair, tenting his finger tips together.

"Well let's just say she's a bit...jumpy...you'll love her though she's a fun little thing!" The old man chuckled and ran his fingers through his short white beard.

Ryder became puzzled for a moment, sitting back into his chair himself "Is that it?" deadpanned asking as if he thought there was more.

"Well there is something more important than just that...come closer boy..." Just then Ryder sat forward, closer and closer to the beckoning old man. In a whispered voice he spoke "In a place far from here, deep in it's mist lays a stone ruin. An unspeakable thousand years of fallen souls from all over the cosmos echo through it's halls. There...there you will find an armor...an armor to fulfill a prophecy". Before Ryder could reply the old man smirked and simply faded with only a last echoing sound of his voice, "You will know...when you see it..."

***

I shot up in sweat, gasping as if I had suddenly been stabbed with an Epipen of adrenaline. My heart raced but soon came back down to a calm beat. I turned my head to gaze out of the window and saw that the sun was just rising. I let out a grunt knowing I was not getting back to sleep anytime soon. Slipping on my trousers and the rest of my tattered clothes, I reenacted the morning ritual. Twilight came down stairs with an angry glare on her face. Puzzled for a moment I then remembered why "Why did you do that!?" Shouted Twilight.

"Alright calm down, calm down! I did it because you were freezing and I didn't want to see you have to deal with that". As I finished my sentence I saw her angry face drop to more of a blush.

"You didn't have to do it though" spoke Twilight, gazing at the floor and tracing a hoof about it.

I smiled and just sat back down on the sofa, moving the folded blanket I had slept in. "You didn't have to take me in and be my friend...but you did". She looked up at me and beamed a smile. "So what's first on our list?" I said, bring my hands down to my knees.

Suddenly Twilight's horn started to glow and out came a scroll which unrolled across the entire floor. I stared with wide eyes before Twilight started on her list. "Well first off it's breakfast and then we need to go to meet Pinkie Pie at exa-"

I interrupted her quickly with "Alright the short version Twilight!" I laughed.

She then took up a sheepish grin and apologized "Well we are having breakfast first though...what do you want?" I felt my stomach grumble something insane!

This I looked forward to! "Well you know my diet as much as it made you drop your quill...haha...so are eggs out of the question then?" I flashed a grin in hope that maybe...JUST MAYBE...I might get some eggs.

Twilight lit up! "We have eggs! So that and toast?" I just nodded and got up to head for the table.

Time flew by and before I knew it we had already finished our food and began to head through the streets of Ponyville.

I could already feel the glares and stares of the creatures around me. Stares of fear, stares of curiosity, stares of displeasure and even stares of your old time classic...shock! I just kept my head down even though that wouldn't work for a bipedal creature roaming about the place. It wasn't too long before we were already standing at Sugar Cube Corner. I gently patted my belly and let out a small belch, covering my face with my arm so "nopony?" could notice. I noticed once again the beauty that was around me, the vibrant technicolor and the beautiful blue skies that held the scent of spring. Shortly after standing at the corner for a couple of minutes, the mares all began to show up. "Alright girls! How's it going?" I said with glee at seeing the faces of my new friends.

"We're all doing pretty good Fingers." Said Rainbow Dash, with a sinister smiling grin on her face.

"Fingers? That your little pet name for me now or something?" I smiled back with a cheeky smirk and folding my arms.

Rainbow Dash's face started to redden for a small second "N-no! It's just funny! And true".

I let out a single jolt of a chuckle, shaking my head and just continuing forward towards the building "This the place then?"

Rainbow Dash began to hang her head, almost as if she thought she had upset me. I reached out my hand and like the first time I met her, I ran my fingers through and tussled her mane. Her head leaned back up with a small smile, which was met with a warm grin from me.

"This is the place! Prepare to meet Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow spoke up flying to catch up with the group and answering before anyone else could. We entered the store and within an instant I was tackled down by the most insane creature I had ever came across. For a moment I even thought I was about to get raped!!

The pink pony pressed her face real close to mine and blurted out a whirlwind of words. "Himynameispinkiepie! AreyouhumanoooooohIheardsomuchaboutyouandi'mreaalyreallyexcitedtofinallymeetyouan-"

As quickly as I could I reached up and gently grasped her snout. "It is lovely to meet you too Pinkie Pie. I'm Ryder...now chill out and get off me! hahaha!"

The creature jumped off of me and said with a huge, almost scary smile on her face still "Oooops! My bad! HEEEY!! Do you like cupcakes!?"

I glanced back at Applejack with a concerned look and as if to question how I should respond. Applejack simply nodded as if to say "just say yes and she'll cool it". We were finally sitting down and eating once again! My stomach won't be able to take this but...challenge accepted! I kept on eating my muffin and explaining once again who I was and what I was but this time Pinkie was the only one it was really for. I could tell she didn't like the horrible truths about my people but how could any creature here be relaxed about it. The worst thing that could happen here would be like...an apple shortage?

Glancing up from a crumb filled plate, the only thing Pinkie truly had to ask me was "Do you humans like parties?!"

I just laughed and nodded my head "Yeah we love them but they aren't always great back where I'm from" considering the last party I went to was at a mate of mine's place..Jacob his name was, the only thing I can recall from that night was shaggin some girl up stairs and getting thrown out his living room window. Fun times right!?

A good hour passed and though I was absolutely stuffed, I still found the smell of Pinkie's place enticing. Twilight levitating a napkin to her mouth and then dropping it to the plate, finally spoke up "Come on Ryder. Time to head to Canterlot."

I looked at the rest of the girls with a stone look and waited "Sorry dear but this is for you and Twilight I'm afraid. We will see you later on! Oh and those...clothes you have on...come by the Carousel Boutique and we can measure you up for something a bit more new." said Rarity staring at my slightly damp and torn up clothes.

I simply nodded, getting to my feet and heading out the store with Twilight. "See ya girls I'll catch you soon!" I said, accompanied by their returned waves and cheers of fair well. The journey was fairly long and it involved having to board a train, which was powered by ponies pulling it at the front. I'll need to try and get this world, things still don't make sense here and there. Learning experience I guess! The ride was smooth and there was still more amazing sights to witness out the window, I saw the pristine emerald green planes and even blistering deserts as far as the eye can see. We eventually pulled into the station at what Twilight said was the capital city and home to the Princess herself. We left the train and walked through the elegant city...now this place was reeeallly posh. Proper upper class ponies the creatures round here looked. We finally made it to the castle, which was massive! This thing made Windsor look like a kids play house. We walked across the bridge and headed through the castle until we reached these big main doors. Guarded by two ponies which I assumed where the Royal guard that Twily told me all about. "Alright fellas!" I said with a devilish grin on my face. They just stood there stone faced and opened the doors. "Fair enough...bored of you guys anyways." I said, thinking I was funny before heading in.

In front of me stood a rather tall creature, an Alicorn with flowing multicolored hair and purple eyes. I froze up, nervous of what was about to happen. Twilight just nudged me forward and whispered "It's alright, I'm right here". I kept on carefully approaching the throne, my heart thumping inside of me like it was about to bust out.

"Come closer human..." Spoke the princess with a soft, motherly tone. I finally got to the foot of the throne and stood before her, my hands shaking with nerve.

"W-what can I do for you?" I asked, hoping to break the eyes in some weird way.

"I know why you are here now and I know what you are like so far. My student has been informing me of your character and so far it seems you are no danger at all." Celestia spoke assuring me that it wasn't anything bad...at least I still hope it isn't. Suddenly a small purple dragon came scurrying along from another room, holding books. He walked over to Twilight and started to shove the books into her saddle bags. I got side tracked from the princess and kept on staring at the small creature.

"Ryder I'd like you to meet my number one assistant, Spike." Said Twilight, leaning her head towards the dragon.

Spike just traced his foot along the floor before running over and shaking my hand with a sheepish shy grin. "Nice to meet ya!" cried Spike.

I continued to shake his hand and replied "And nice to meet you too. How come I haven't seen you before?"

Celestia spoke up, making me shoot back 'round realizing the real reason I was there "He has been here helping me over the past few days. It has been very busy since you have arrived in our world." I felt puzzled for a moment, what did she mean by it's been busy? I looked up at the princess who was smiling down at me.

"How come it's been so busy? And what do I have to do with that?"

"Well Ryder, my ponies are very interested to know more about you. So we have to arrange for you to speak in front of them in Ponyville. I assume the elements of harmony have been looking after you?" When the princess finished I began to wonder to myself. Elements of harmony?

"What are the Elements princess?"

"The Elements are what each one of the mares you have met stand for. Twilight resembles magic, Rarity resembles generosity, Applejack stands for honesty, Pinkie pie for laughter, Fluttershy kindness and Rainbow Dash...loyalty". I stood really intrigued by what the princess had told me but soon realized there is something she still has not told me yet.

"Princess is there anything else you want me to know?"

The atmosphere grew still and silent, the princess turned her head slowly telling Twilight and Spike to leave for Ponyville and wait for me. Twilight just smiled at me and began to wave with her hoof before trotting away with the little dragon on her back. The doors finally closed and the princess beckoned me to stand next to her.

"There is a darkness in our lands Ryder Saxon...it's nothing to do with your arrival I'm sure...but an ancient evil has returned, defeated before only returning stronger..." sounded like a bad case of thrush to me! Oh where are my manners? Please forgive your humble narrator. Princess Celestia continued to stare out of one of the many glorious windows which stood tall and along side a row of stain glassed ones.

"And this evil...is there not anything I can do to help?" I asked, with my hands still held behind my back.

The princess glanced at me before returning her stare to the window, smirking she replied "I'm afraid there isn't anything you can do...and it's not your place to do anything." before I could respond she had already turned around and spoke again before me.

"Now go Ryder. Head back to Ponyville, you have my subjects to indulge with your presence." On that note I just nodded and said my good byes before turning to exit along the dark red carpet.

I finally exited the towering castle, gazing off the bridge I was stood on and into the distance. The sky had already been soaked in a dye of golden orange as the sun began to set. It was remarkable what Pinkie Pie told me about how Celestia controls it with her magic. Truly magical this place is. Before I could carry on walking to the station I noticed something in the distance...cyan blue with a polychromatic trail...and coming in fast! I did the only instinctive thing I could think of in that moment. I dove to the floor and shouted "Take cover!"

Whilst laying on the floor face down with my hands behind my head I heard hooves softly land "Umm...Ryder? Why are you on the floor?"

I turned over and shot to my feet noticing Dash standing over me "Oh umm, I was just being a bit of an idiot really!" I smiled as she placed her hoof over her mouth and laughed a little bit. "Well what can I do for you anyways Dash? What you doing out here?" I saw her head cock slightly with a questioning look in her eye.

"Oh so my pet name is Dash now huh?" She said, thinking she had got me back from earlier.

"Bang on my dear! Or Dashie...which ever tickles my fancy at the time!" still beaming a huge smile I dragged on.

Dash shook her head and jokingly replied "You ARE an Idiot! Come on I'm taking you back to Ponyville."

"How are you going to take me back?!" But before I could open a debate she had already tucked her forelegs under my arms, bit down on my collar and began to lift me up. Shooting off into the air, I did what any other man would of done...I screamed...but in the good way of course! "YEAH!!! HAHA! FUCKING HELL! WOOOO!"

We finally touched down in Ponyville, Dash glaring at me as if I was a twit "I have never been flown about like that before in my defense Dash!"

"Whatever!" Said Dash smirking as she playfully jabbed my arm with her hoof. We started to walk together in the growing night, darkness was creeping up on us but was followed up by beaming moonlight on the town. Ponyville lit up with all it's inhabitants having their lights on and I knew once again I had another big day a head of me in the morrow.

"I suppose I've got to head off now to Twilight's." I said, looking down at Dash.

She looked to the ground and back up at me "Hey Ryder...can we hang out tomorrow? If your cool with that?"

I thought about it but also remembered the shit I had to do the next day "I'm not sure, got a lot of things on my to do list." suddenly her face began to sink. I could see the sadness and disappointment in her magenta eyes. I quickly knelt down a little bit and placed my hand under her chin, raising her face to look at mine "Hey...don't be down Dashie. Look we'll hang alright? You can come with me to help me to the thing's I need to do as well."

Her face grew full of color as I was quickly winded with a huge pony hug from the Pegasus "Thanks Ryder...I just really want to spend a bit of time with you. Get to know you for myself is all. I'll see you tomorrow then?" said Rainbow Dash letting go and stepping back.

"I understand and I'd like the same thing...and yeah you'll see me tomorrow." We both smiled at each other as we both turned to go our separate ways. I glanced back at her and gave her a little wink, causing the Pegasus to blush as she took off in a huge gust of wind. All I could do was keep grinning, I couldn't get it off my face! And as I headed back to Twilight's house I just did what I did when I was back on Earth...I stared at the stars.