Hopefyre

By five in the morning, Walt was already out of his door, his clothes and equipment (including his flashlight) all on him. Knowing the sun wouldn’t rise for about another half-hour, meaning that practically the entire city was asleep except for him, he casually walked from the alley where his home was and to the streets, hoping to find the nearest subway station.

Unbeknownst to him, a shadowy figure hid behind a mailbox, peeking its head to observe Walt’s direction. Seeing him continue east, the figure quickly and quietly pranced behind, making sure not to be seen or heard.

Walt soon found himself at the subway station closest to the cave in the tunnel. With it already as dark as it was, Walt unhooked his flashlight from his belt and shone down the stairs, walking down them and continuing onwards. Following his pool of light, the figure crept into the darkness and  stalked Walt.

Despite the gates that Walt had to climb and the stairs he had to descend, the person following him made not a peep as they overcame the same obstacles. Still seeing nothing amiss, Walt finally made it to the tracks, hopping down and walking inside. The figure leapt down too, their landing being as silent as silent could be.

The figure then pulled an object from the side of their belt, slowly aimed it at Walt, placed their hand upon the button, and pressed.

Walt hearing the click and seeing a light flash from behind him, quickly turned around, pulling his grappling gun from his hip and aiming it at the intruder. When his flashlight’s light hit the stalker, he was shocked to find Tracy there, her hand equipped with a flashlight of her own.

Along with that, she too had a set of grappling equipment harnessed to her waist and thighs. However, unlike Walt’s swords there were two shoebox-sized metal cases attached to the wire spools on their longer sides. On the front end of them near the inner corner, a clip to a handgun stuck halfway out.

Walt was more angry than surprised to see her, roughly putting his pistol back onto his hip with a grimace on his face.

“Dammit, Tracy!” shouted Walt. “I could have shot you!”

“Good thing you didn’t,” she said, walking close to him.

“What the hell are you even doing here?”

“Considering that you RUDELY ended our conversation yesterday, I figured I’d come by to see what this fuss was about.”

“Tracy, you’re not supposed to be here.”

“Why’s that? Is this ‘thing’ yours a ‘No Girls Allowed’ sort of deal?”

Walt tried thinking of more ways to get Tracy to leave, but he figured that there was nothing about Twilight’s words the previous day that said he couldn’t bring visitors. He was sure that if he explained to his friends who Tracy was and who she was to him, that they’d be just as accepting of her. Not to mention, he had to get back at her someway for sneaking up on him as she did.

“Okay Tracy,” spoke Walt, “you win. I’m just warning you, what you’re about to see borders on incomprehensible.”

“You know,” said Tracy, “you’re not all that good at propositioning women for–”

“NO!” Walt hissed, “I wasn’t talking about that! I… you j– Just follow me, okay?”

“Whatever you say, boss.”

Tracy, providing a second light for Walt, followed him throughout the tunnel, with Walt periodically scanning the wall on his left, knowing the cave was coming soon. Walt was beginning to feel nervous that the cave had disappeared or that he somehow imagined everything the previous day. However, his fears were unfounded, as he saw the sizable hole that would lead him back to Equestria.

“Alright,” he said. “Here we are.”

Tracy was impressed at the hole. With the buildup that Walt gave, she could only imagine what lied inside of it that could “border on incomprehensible.”

“What’s inside of it?”

“Just follow me, and you’ll see.”

Walt entered inside, immediately followed by Tracy. The unfamiliarity of the cave unnerved Tracy, and although she had no reason not to trust Walt, she couldn’t help but feel pangs of dread the further they went in. Walt, however, unbeknownst to Tracy, was smiling wide knowing exactly what Tracy would be unprepared for.

Taking a left and soon after a right, Walt spotted the exit of the cave at the top of the elevated slope of earth.

“Almost there,” whispered Walt. “Just past that exit.”

“Can hardly wait,” spoke Tracy, her voice filled with sarcasm and slight worry.

Walt and Tracy begun to scale the slope leading to the cave’s exit. Walt hurried and waited at the mouth of the cave inside the Everfree Forest. Tracy finally poked her head and arm out, waiting for Walt to pull her out. However, she was too stunned by the new location to help Walt, forcing him to pull her up while she stared at the lush flora, completely paralyzed by wonder and awe.

Tracy took a couple of slow, weak steps, unable to comprehend the forest that realistically shouldn’t have been there. However, Walt found himself scanning the area for his friend that would escort him through the forest.

“Zecora!” called Walt though the trees. “We’re here! Don’t worry. This other one is a close friend of mine! She’s alright!”

Tracy glanced at Walt as if he was crazy, stomping closer to him until her mouth was near his ear.

“What are you doing?” she hissed. “We don’t know what’s out here! Keep your voice down.”

“I know exactly what’s out here,” retorted Walt. “And it’s a friend that I made out here.”

A rustling could then be heard in a nearby bush. Walt couldn’t tell who or what it was, placing his hand upon the handle of his swords to be safe. Tracy, however, stood behind Walt and pulled a Jericho 941 pistol from an inside pocket of her jacket. Noticing Tracy’s weapon being held in his sight, Walt pushed her hand downwards, forcing her aim to go towards the ground.

“Calm down,” spoke Walt. “I’ll let you know when you can start getting scared.”

Hearing Walt suggest that Tracy was “scared” only resolved her to be more calm and collected, walking out behind Walt to better see what was inside the bushes.

Coming out of it, was a cloaked, four-legged figure. Walt could already tell from its hooves and its black-and-white striped pattern that it was Zecora, having him smile contently. Walt decided to meet her halfway for a hand/hoofshake. Tracy was stunned at Walt’s lack of apprehension about the creature he was walking towards. Soon, Zecora took off her hood and presented herself to Tracy.

“Is…” questioned Tracy with uncertainty, “is that a zebra?”

“Good morning, Zecora,” greeted Walt, putting his hand out for a shake.

“And a good morning to you, my dear,” replied Zecora, her moving mouth and audible voice causing Tracy’s eyes and mouth to open wide, “but it seems your friend sees me as something to fear.”

Walt turned around to see Tracy standing still, her wide eyes trained right on Zecora.

“Walt?” she squeaked. “Did the zebra just talk to you?”

“As a matter of fact,” said Walt, “she did. Tracy, I’d like to formally welcome you to the land of Equestria!”

“What?” she gasped in a barely audible whisper.

“Oh, right,” said Walt, stepping aside for Zecora to walk to Tracy, “Zecora, this is my friend Tracy. She decided to follow me here when she saw me leave my house.”

Zecora chuckled warmly as she approached the petrified woman, instilling some ease in her.

“A cheeky one you seem to be,” Zecora spoke, “I now hope you like what you see.”

“This is…” she whimpered sinking to her knees as she scanned around the forest, “this is amazing. Where even is this place? This can’t be Earth.”

“Did you not hear what your friend said? This is Equestria. Try not to lose your head.”

Tracy still doubting her sanity, slowly raised her hand towards Zecora’s face. The zebra was unsure of what she was attempting, but stood her ground, faithful that Tracy’s intentions weren’t harmful. Sure enough, Tracy placed her hand upon Zecora’s cheek and gently stroked it all the way down to the base of her neck where the hood of her cloak began.

Seeing that this was real, her frightened face gave way to a childlike smile and chuckle. Zecora, knowing that she was now fully at ease, smiled back.

“Stand back up, please, my friend,” spoke Zecora, Tracy following her instruction, “a formal greeting I recommend.”

“Right,” spoke Tracy, wiping her hands on her thighs, slightly embarrassed about her act, “I’m Tracy Rodriguez,” she greeted, placing her outstretched hand towards the Zebra. “A very good pleasure to meet you… Zecora was it?”

“Indeed it is,” she replied, placing her hoof on Tracy’s hand and letting her shake it, “your memory serves you well. You seem like you’re a good human, I can tell.”

“Like I said,” butted in Walt, “she is my only friend back at home. As of right now, we’re the only survivors that we know that haven’t been taken by Dada and his men, so we stick together.”

“And a good friend to each other you are,” spoke Zecora, “but we need to get to Twilight. She isn’t far.”

“Twilight?” asked Tracy.

“She’s another friend of mine,” answered Walt. “And if you thought a zebra talking was amazing, just wait until you see her.”

“What, is she a talking cow?”

Walt felt a little unhappy about that answer, but just decided to roll with it.

“I think its best that we followed Zecora.”

“Sure.”

“Right, this way, Tracy and Walt,” beckoned Zecora, already walking to the left of their location, “if we are late, it won’t be my fault.”

Tracy and Walt did as they were told, following close behind Zecora through the thick brush of the Everfree Forest.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Walt and Tracy both had their flashlights trained upon the area, scanning the various trees and plants that lined the dirt path that Zecora took them down, forward ahead to see if there was a clear exit in sight, or down at Zecora herself, making sure that they were still following her.

“Do you know how much further?” asked Tracy.

“Not much longer, I’m happy to say,” Zecora replied, “we’ll soon meet Twilight and you can begin your day.”

Tracy leaned her head close to Walt’s ear.

“Does she always rhyme like that?” she asked.

“Yes,” Walt answered simply.

Even in the dusky night, Tracy finally saw that the trees up ahead were finally starting to become less frequent, signaling that the forest was finally coming to an end. Upon entering out, they found themselves in a grassy, hilly field. Tracy and Walt looked upon the green, thriving grass in wonder. Beyond the hills and plains, there was a cozy little town nestled down below, although it was too dark to properly see it. However, Walt was much more concerned about finding Twilight, partially to get her meeting with Tracy out of the way while mostly wanting to get to Canterlot.

“Hey!” quietly called a voice. From the right side of the path.

Walt and Tracy placed their lights over the source of the voice. What they both saw made Tracy drop her flashlight in shock while Walt faltered with his. Standing there was Twilight next to a golden chariot being pulled by two white pegasus stallions with blue manes and tails with golden armor.

While Walt was familiar with Twilight, the regality of the chariot and the armored stallions was truly a sight to behold. However, Tracy hadn’t seen Twilight with her horn or wings before, yet alone the two pegasi with the chariot. Tracy couldn’t help but cup her hands over her mouth and nose as Twilight was busy thanking Zecora for bringing the humans to her. Even the two pegasi, whose demeanor was trained to be perpetually stoic, couldn’t help but stare at the creatures in amazement.

“Oh my god,” she silently exclaimed. “That’s a unicorn, and a pegasus. These creatures are real?”

“Well,” said Walt, placing his hand upon her shoulder, “you’re right about one thing. This certainly isn’t Earth.”

Upon sighting Tracy, Twilight stared at her nervously, unsure of whom she was. Walt, noticing her glare, took the initiative.

“I almost forgot,” spoke Walt, escorting himself and Tracy to Twilight and the chariot, “Twilight. I want you to meet my best friend, Tracy. She followed me here and so I thought I should show her to you.”

“Walt!” scolded Twilight. “You can’t just bring every human that you know down here. I could already be causing trouble today by bringing you to Canterlot. Nopony has ever seen creatures like you before and bringing just you could be enough to cause a panic. I won’t even know what Princess Celestia will think if I bring one more of you than I promised! I just –”

“Twilight,” interrupted Walt. “I promise you everything will be fine. And if Princess Celestia is going to get mad at anyone, she can be mad at me. In the meantime, I’d like you to meet my best friend, Tracy Rodriguez.”

Twilight looked at Tracy, who was continuing to stare her down. Upon realizing that she was supposed to make an introduction, she sheepishly giggled and put her hand out.

“I’m Tracy,” she spoke, “if you didn’t know already, hehehe…”

Twilight, seeing that she meant no harm, perked up a smile and allowed Tracy to shake her own outstretched hoof.

“A pleasure to meet you, Tracy. My name is Twilight Sparkle. I’m not sure if Walt told you what we’re doing today…”

“As a matter of fact,” spoke Tracy, shooting an icy glare at Walt, “he didn’t!”

“Hey!” Walt retorted, “You were the one who followed me down here, remember? It’s not like I invited you or anything!”

“You could have told me while we were walking in the forest!”

“Please!” interrupted Twilight. “Stop arguing. I’ll happily explain the plan both as a reminder for Walt and for you to know what’s happening.”

“Alright then,” spoke Tracy, her still agitated words prompting an answer.

“We’re now going to be headed to the capital city of Equestria, Canterlot. Once there, you will have an audience with Princess Celestia, who told me herself that she was very eager to meet you. From there, it’s up to her. I hope there’s nothing in your world that needs strenuous tending too; we might be gone for up to a few days before you can return.”

“I anticipated as such,” replied Walt, “so I put some extra water and feed in my gardening-sprinkler system.”

“Wonderful,” spoke Twilight. “Tracy?”

“Nah,” she exclaimed with a shrug. “I got nothing.”

“Great. Then in that case, we’ll be off!”

“Before we leave,” said Walt, before turning to Zecora, “farewell, Zecora! Thank you for your guidance!”

“Farewell, to you, my bipedal friends!” called Zecora. “I’m so glad we could meet again!”

With a wave from both Walt and Tracy, Zecora turned back and went into the thick forest and towards her home.

“Now,” spoke Twilight, “it’s about a three hour flight from Ponyville to Canterlot, so we have some time to learn about each other.”

“Wait, wait,” exclaimed Tracy, putting her finger up for clarification. “Canterlot? Ponyville?”

“And they have a city called Manehattan,” quipped Walt with a serious tone. “We’ll probably hear a lot of that during our stay.”

Tracy gave more of an exasperated shrug, signaling that while the town and city names were ridiculous, she would just have to go with it.

“Anyways,” Twilight butted back in, “let’s not waste any time! Next stop: Canterlot!”

Twilight escorted Walt and Tracy to the chariot. As Twilight opened the door using her magic, the two humans stared at the auras surrounding her horn and the handle of the chariot’s door, watching as the soft glow opened the door by itself. Twilight then looked at the two, who looked stunned.

“That’s right,” she spoke. “I forgot that you humans probably don’t know about magic here, do you?”

Walt and Tracy shook their heads, their answers being clear.

“Well, I suppose that’s just more that we can talk about on the way there.”

“Yes, it will,” spoke Walt beginning to climb into the chariots cabin. However, Walt spotted a small, purple-and-green lizard-like creature sleeping on the back seat, causing him to jump backwards and onto the ground, barking in fear as he fell.

“What is it?” asked Twilight, unsure of what frightened Walt.

“There’s something in the chariot!” he shouted, pointing.

“Something? You mean Spike?”

“What was that?” shouted the purple lizard, his head and torso appearing over the edge of the chariot and scanning the area for the source of the yelp.

Upon seeing both Tracy and Walt there, he screamed as well and slid to the opposite edge of the chariot.

“Please!” he begged, putting his arms up. “Don’t hurt me! I don’t taste all that good, I promise!”

Walt was surprised at how human the creature acted, much like that of a child. Tracy even looked upon it in wonder.

“Spike!” shouted Twilight at the lizard, putting her front hooves over the edge to see him better. “Calm down! These creatures aren’t going to hurt you, remember?”

“Wait,” spoke Spike, creeping out of his defensive stance, “so those are those human things you were talking about?”

“Yes, Spike, and now we’re going to be riding with them, so please make some room.”

“But I thought you said there was only one!”

“Change in plans, Spike. Now, please. Move over.”

Twilight held the door open again for the two humans, who still took a second to adjust to the fact that she used magic to do so. They both climbed in, Tracy and Walt taking the front seat, with Tracy facing Spike and Walt facing Twilight when she got in, sitting next to Spike.

“Alright, sirs,” she said to the pair of pegasi, “we’re ready to leave.”

With a short whinny and hard pull, the stallions galloped upon the grass. Once they got fast enough, they begun to flap their wings, lifting their bodies slightly off the ground.

“Uh, Twilight?” asked Walt, fearing that the chariot would tip backwards.

“It’s okay, Walt. Just enjoy the ride.”

As the pegasi increased with altitude, so did the chariot, rising higher and higher into the air. However, unlike what Walt had predicted, the chariot was parallel with the hooves of the pegasi as they flew higher into the air as they continued to gallop, as if it were on an invisible track.

Soon, the chariot was just below the clouds in the sky as the pegasi leveled off and flew straight towards their destination. Walt and Tracy leaned over the edge and looked down, seeing the ground high from above.

“Twilight!” exclaimed Walt. “This is incredible!”

“Just wait,” giggled Twilight, amused at Walt’s enthusiasm, “the sun should be rising in a few minutes. That way you can get a better look at the country.”

“I can’t wait.”

“So,” spoke Tracy, her arms crossed and her left leg crossed over her right, “I still can’t understand how a world like this can exist within the subway tunnels of New York, or how that cave brought us here.”

“I’m unsure of that either,” said Twilight, putting her hoof to her chin in deep thought. “However, I’m sure Princess Celestia can offer a reason as to why. She’s very wise.”

“I don’t doubt it, but I’m curious, Twilight. How do you have such connections to high power?”

“That’s easy! She’s my teacher.”

Walt was not only impressed, but slightly relieved. If he and Tracy had made friends with the student of a governing body in this country, he was certain that they would already form a strong rapport with her.

“So,” spoke Spike, his rubbing the back of his head with his hand indicating his shyness and slight apprehension, “I don’t think I introduced myself. My name’s Spike,” he revealed, putting his hand up for Walt or Tracy to shake, “what’s yours?”

Walt smiled at Spike’s uneasiness with his introduction, empathizing it to his own feelings and using them to feel more comfortable in the mutuality of them.

“I’m Walt,” he said, firmly shaking Spike’s hand, “nice to meet you, bud.”

Tracy was next, also shaking the creature’s hand.

“I’m Tracy. And I hate to sound so rude, but what are you?”

The question seemed to perk something inside of Spike, his smile growing wider.

“Me?” queried Spike, putting his fist over his heart. “I’m a dragon!”

Walt had heard and seen a lot in the past few days, but the thought of dragons existing in this fantasy world was increasing his excitement once more.

“Dragons are real here?” Walt asked.

“Of course!” answered Spike. “Why? Don’t they exist where you’re from?”

“Actually, no. Dragons, as well as unicorns and pegasi, are considered myths and legend in our world. In other words, they don’t… well, didn’t exist in our world.”

“Well, that’s… odd.”

“You’re telling me.”

“Guys!” shouted Twilight, her hoof pointed in front of her. “Look!”

Everyone was now looking out at the darkened horizon in front of the chariot. Just visible along the edges of the mountains was an outline of orange and yellow light that looked to be rising with each passing second. The full body of the rising sun was slowly making itself more visible through the gaps in between each of the mountains.

Once, the sun began to rise above the lowest of the peaks, the light began to drape itself down the slopes of the mountains, revealing the purplish-blue color of the titanic summits. Soon, the higher mountains began to reveal their color with the blankets of light that were now forming over the area.

As the sun rose higher and higher, the sky’s darkness was slowly eradicated with shades of red which began to fade into blue. Walt and Tracy had never seen such a beautiful sunrise, even from before the Contagion. Looking a back down, they saw the sheet of sunlight travel from the base of the mountains over the plains, hills, and valleys, showing the vibrant green color of the grass, speckled with the various colors of different flowers.

As the light began to travel underneath the chariot, Walt and Tracy hurriedly went to the back of the chariot to see the rest of the magnificent sunrise. The sun’s light eventually hit the chariot and everyone onboard, but the humans were too engrossed to care. The sun continued down through the land as it finally uncovered the small town where they had been picked up.

Tracy and Walt were amazed at the sight of it. For ten years of seeing nothing but abandoned apartments and desolate skyscrapers, the rustic little town of Ponyville was not only a breath of fresh air, but it was stunning and beautiful amongst the green grass that it was perched upon. The sunlight continued on until it was rendered invisible by the horizon. By now, the sun had pierced all darkness from the sky, leaving a vast sky of blue mottled with wispy clouds as far as the eye could see.

With the show now over, Walt and Tracy could finally noticed the feeling of the warm sun’s rays on the back of their jackets. Turning back around, they looked at where they were traveling now, fully immersing themselves in the sheer majesty of the land of Equestria. Walt’s hands were cupped over his face, a couple of tears streaming from his eyes. Tracy was leaning over the edge of the balcony, catching her breath after she had forgotten to breath.

“Holy mother of God,” gasped Walt. “That was… divine. There’s no other word to describe it.”

“Princess Celestia does a good job doesn’t she?” questioned Twilight.

“Princess Celestia?” asked Tracy, turning to face Twilight. “What do you mean ‘Princess Celestia does a good job?’ It’s not like she rose the sun.”

“Actually…” squeaked Twilight with a sheepish smile.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

“Unbelievable!” shouted Walt. “And all you ponies literally ‘clean-up’ winter for spring?”

“Why yes,” answered Twilight. “As a matter fact, I’m quite surprised how different our two worlds are. It seems as if your race just deals with whatever their planet dishes out while us ponies work with the earth and keep it clean and well-managed. It’s almost as if your planet was trying to kick you out of it, per say.”

“Yeah, well,” said Tracy with a more melancholy tone, “we haven’t been the nicest to our planet, so I guess we might have just got what was coming to us.”

“You did mention something about a garden, Walt. That sure sounds like someone who contributes to their home.”

“Well,” said Walt, slightly proud, “it was actually my mother’s garden. Before the Contagion, she ran a garden patch that sold fresh produce throughout the late spring, the summer, and the early fall. People traveled from all over the city for my mother’s fruits and vegetables.

“And she even survived the Contagion after it happened, and her power, surprisingly enough, was to give life to plants and vegetation, which she used to help grow the garden that I tend to today.”

Walt’s voice began to falter slightly, as if the mere mention of his mother was causing him stress. Spike, who stayed mostly silent, was curious and worried with Walt’s disposition at the moment

“Where… where is your mother now?” he gently pried.

Walt’s fists began to clench, knowing that speaking it would not be easy, if not, impossible. He tried to hold it back for as long as he or Twilight’s curiosity would allow. Tracy, who already knew the fate of her friend’s mom, had trouble watching him struggle with an answer. However, a voice broke the silence Walt was causing, breaking him out of his concentration.

“Princess Sparkle!” called one of the pegasi in a gruff voice. “We’ve arrived.”

“Princess?” asked Tracy. “Since when did you–”

“It’s a long story,” answered Twilight, “but I can tell you at another time. We’re here.”

Rounding another mountain, the next sight rendered Walt and Tracy absolutely speechless and amazed. Perched on the side of the next mountain was an ornate ivory-white and lavender-purple palace and city with golden rooftops. The city was halfway surrounded by a moat and pond that dropped off the edge of a cliff in a waterfall, another waterfall from above feeding the water in the pond. Walt and Tracy still couldn’t speak, leaving Twilight to speak up for them.

“My friends,” she declared, “welcome to Canterlot!”

The chariot continued to ride towards the palace, bringing Walt and Tracy ever closer to their fated meeting with the princess of Equestria.