I've been wandering through these depressing woods for countless hours. Slowly making my way by using small clearings as a path to travel on while occasionally having to cut through the thicker parts. I make sure to ease through thorns as they scrape along my skin light enough not to draw blood. Sometimes getting tangled in dense collections of vines bringing me to a halt and leaving me defenseless against whatever creatures are hidden within the depths of the moon lit forest. Always keeping calm as I tear through the rough rope-like vines holding me against my will. Most of the time I spend traveling through the taunting vines and thorns in darkness using my senses to maneuver the rough terrain as I struggle to keep a steady pace. A constant feeling of being watched leaves me paranoid as I make it to a slight clearing serving as a pit stop for me to catch my bearings. Looking around I see nothing but a thick overgrowth of tall grass and again more vines traveling from tree to tree, passing as an infestation slowly consuming the dense forest that I'm currently a captive of.
"Why don't I remember anything from before this?" Is the main thought flowing through my mind, already exhausted with questions of where and why I am here from previous hours of self interrogation.
I soon leave my moon lit safety to continue my journey out of here, wherever here is. Traveling through countless patches of brush and past mind numbing amounts of trees have the effects of my fatigue bring me to my knees . My head begins to throb and a feeling of nausea consumes me making me loose the lunch that I never had to begin with. Gasping for air, I struggle to catch my breath as I fight the burning sensation in my lungs from the crisp midnight air. I slowly get to my feet and use some vines to form a make-shift hammock to rest for the night. I lay there gazing skyward through half closed eyelids making me strain my eyes to spot the stars due to the forests' canopy attempting to isolate me from the outside world. Ignoring the abnormal sounds of the nocturnal I find myself slowly drifting to sleep.
...ZZZZzzz...
After another uneventful day of aimless walking I'm forced to scavenge for food in a world completely new to me. Finding several bits of fruit in trees I satisfy my hunger and find the snacks to be pleasant in taste. Their red color appealing and inviting as if wanting to be eaten, once biting into them my taste buds are welcomed with the apples juicy yet sweet taste making me dive in for another bite. I look around and notice that the forest isn't as dense here and the wild jungle life has been maintained in order to keep it from spreading. After my snack I travel further when a faint noise catches my attention, the sound of knocking on wood.
The sound echoes through the trees making it seem like it's coming from every direction. I pick a random path and listen as the sound increases in volume signaling that I'm closing the gap between me and the source. Within minutes I find the suspect causing the racket and am surprised to see a pony. From a distance I observe the pony and notice that that it comes up to my neck in height and is a colorful shade of red. Given the features of a Clydesdale it is miniature in size but makes up with it's strength, on it's flank is a green apple with a small portion of it cut out. With each kick from the pony it sends apples falling from the tree into perfectly placed buckets on the ground below.
"whew...",I sigh in relief knowing that it's just a pony and nothing dangerous, " It's just a horse" I remark quietly under my breath but quickly recoil as the red pony's ears twitch and his movements come to a halt as he listens intently to his surroundings.
"Who's there?" The pony questions in a deep voice letting me know that it's a male. Wait it talks!
"What the hell!" I shout without thinking, my mind completely blown. Taking my outburst as a threat he lowers his stance as he faces in my direction.
"Watch'ya doin on my farm?" The pony ask, obviously taking control of the situation as he stares daggers towards the tree that I'm cowering behind.
"Ummm... my name is Rodney and I honestly have no idea where I am, just trying to find my way home." Still shaken from his ability to speak, that was all that I could come up with. I take a sneak peak and notice that his outward appearance seems to relax. Calmly he answers my statement.
"Well right now yer on my farm, Sweet Apple Acres." With that I step from behind the tree and can see him tense up at the sight of me. His expression goes blank as he stares at me, troubled by the way I look since it wasn't something that he was expecting. Understanding his curiosity I comply and explain further.
"Sorry but I don't remember anything leading up to yesterday, I just remember waking up in there." I say as I point to the forest that I came from. Concern forms on his face as he looks me up and down.
"hmmm..." Deep in thought he stands there thinking about what he should do with me. I just shrug my shoulders and sit down with my legs crossed.
"Follow me." was all he said as he started walking off leaving his work behind. I jump to my feet and follow him to wherever he is taking me. Making sure to keep my distance I ask him
"Well now that you know my name could you tell me yours?" Without much thought he replies
"Big Macintosh but ya can call me Big Mac fur short." Deciding not to ponder why his name makes you hungry I continue to follow him to his mysterious destination.
"Any idea where we are headed Big Mac?"
"To a friend of mine, she might be able ta help with yer problem."
We soon arrive in a town as the sun is setting and head towards what looks like a huge tree house. As Big Mac was knocking on the door I look around to see an abandoned ghost town with nobody in it. All the lights in the houses are off and most of the windows have been boarded shut. I'm pulled from my thoughts by the sound of another voice belonging to a female. I turn around to see Big Mac talking to a purple unicorn.
"First ponies talk to me, now I come face to face with a unicorn. What's next, Dragons?!" I soon regret the thought and know that it will come back to haunt me later.
"So the name is Rodney right?" Observing her further I notice her dark sapphire mane, marked with a strip of violet and pink. The mark on her flank being a cluster of white six pointed stars surrounding a huge pink one.
"Rodney?" Once again I am brought from my thoughts and come back to reality to see both Big Mac and the lavender mare staring at me instantly causing some discomfort.
"Sorry about that, I tend to zone out at times."
"It's alright, my name is Twilight Sparkle by the way. If you don't mind I would like to ask you some questions." A look of interest and fascination withheld on her face showing her curiosity towards me.
"Sure thing, though I don't remember much I will try my best to answer them." Satisfied by my response she wishes Big Mac farewell and thanks him for his generosity. With a simple "Eeyup" he was off and I was invited inside by Twilight. From inside the tree looks so much bigger and appears to be some sort of a library. Yet unexpected it wasn't shocking compared to previous occurrences in this world. The walls are lined with numerous bookshelves holding pieces of literature of varying sizes. Towards the back is another room probably leading to more books. To the left is a staircase built against the outer wall of the tree, curving along with it allowing access to a balcony overhead containing who knows what but irrelevant to me at the moment as I remark
"You have quite the collection of books here." She smiles back at me while taking what I said as a compliment.
"Thanks, reading is my favorite way to pass the time so what better place to work than a library." She says as she chuckles to herself, and with that she guides me to a green sofa at the end of the room.
"Make yourself comfortable Rodney, I have so many questions to ask you." As I sit down it feels like I'm resting on a cloud as I melt into its comfort.
"So Rodney where are you from?"
I mentally face palm as I think "Typical question to start with, should have seen it coming." Out loud I answer
"Sorry Twilight but I don't remember obvious things like that. Just my name, how to speak, and what happened recently." Troubled by my statement her gaze drops to the floor as she thinks of a solution. Within seconds a smile grows on her face and I light bulb appears above her head. No seriously a light bulb is now floating over her head. While I sit there with my lower jaw on the floor and a finger pointing to the bulb in astonishment she continues.
"There is a spell that I know that will allow you into your own subconscious. While there you can access parts of your mind that have been lost and forgotten, mainly being memories and past experiences." I quickly get over the whole light bulb incident and listen to what she is telling me.
"Sounds good to me."
"I've never done this before but don't worry. I have the spell memorized and it doesn't look that difficult." Worried about this I ask
"Wait so this will be your first time trying out the spell?"
"Uh huhh... like I said though, I have it memorized so don't worry." I begin to shift nervously in my seat, sinking little by little into the green sofa with every movement.
Surrounded by pure darkness I find myself confused and alone. As I walk nothing changes, only the sound of my footsteps being present. Out of nowhere I collide with what felt like a wall, sumbling backwards as a loud thud echoes through the abyss. Looking back to the invisible wall I see a chain reaction of square panels flipping over, starting from the point of impact and spreading outward. As my surroundings are revealed to me like an unfinished puzzle, a door now stands infront of me. I turn around to see a long corridor unfolding itself before me, continuing on until the end is just a speck of dust. On either side of the hall are walls covered with doors giving off the appearance of an expensive hotel. The floor is coated with a deep blue carpet outlined in green towards the walls. The walls themselves are white, illuminating the hall even at its low light level. Staring out in awe at the immediate change of enviroment throws you off as you try to grasp your bearings. Returning my attention to the door behind me I notice a name plate with the words Subconsious etched into them, go figure.
"Twilight wasn't kidding." I mumble through slightly parted lips as I reatch for the doorknob. I lightly grasp the door doorknob and prepare myself for what lies beyond it. I twist my hand only to have the knob not budge and I realize that it's locked. I hear a light ring sound off from behind me as something drops to the floor. I turn my head and search the hall for whatever caused the noise but nothing is there. I look down to the ground next to me and find a black skeleton key.
"Well things could be alot worse."Knowing that it wasn't there before I pick it up and use it on the stubborn door. I turn the key and hear the tublers line up and let out a satisfying click. With that I open the door and are consumed by a blinding white light.
The only sounds present being the crickets softly chirping away in the background. My chest rising ever so slightly as I try to watch my breath, the chilled night air stinging my lungs with each inhale and exhale.
"Some dream that was." I rubbed the back of my neck as I chuckled from the thought of the dream. Looking around the room I made out the silhouette of a small table next to the bed that I'm laying in. Multiple bookshelves cover the walls of the small room, each stuffed with as many books as possible. The sheets of the bed are damp from my constant sweating throughout the night. I lay down and try to get back to sleep, drowning in the bed's warmth. Flashes of the dream are present as my eyes shoot open.
"Nonononono...this can not be happening." I quickly jump to my feet and bolt for the door. I burst through the door and enter a dark hallway, heading right full speed ahead quickly approaching a railing.
"I'm back in the library" I yell at the top of my lungs, as the sound of my voice echoes through the open room as I panic from the balcony's edge. Leaning over the railing I can see the forest green couch from earlier exposed to the moonlight through one of the library's many floor to ceiling windows. Across from it being the stool that Twilight sat upon, all of these things seeming to pop in my head as they occurred. I take a step back in disbelief of what is happening around me. After a few more steps I run out floor and soon find myself tumbling down the stairs head first. The sound of rails snapping loud as I continue rolling down the stairs. I finally reach the bottom and the room falls silent, the pain from the fall quickly making it's presence known as I got to my feet.
Twilight's Perspective
I wake up to the sound of something crashing downstairs. My curiosity consuming me as I drag myself from under the warm covers of my bed. Once the covers are lifted from me I am hit by a wall of cold air sending chills down my spine. With my horn casting a light spell I can clearly see the door and make my way into the hall. The sound of shuffling still heard downstairs causing me to proceed with caution. Moonlight draining into the hallway from the open guest room door where Rodney is sleeping.
"Rodney!" I shout as I carefully make my way down the stairs, avoiding the debris as best I can.
Rodney's Perspective
"Rodney!" I look up to see a purple pony tip-toeing down the stairs. It's horn is lit up to act as some sort of flashlight, making her descent easier and less painful than my own.
A series of sharp pains shoot through my side like bolts of electricity, bringing a gasp from my lips as I fight for air. I wrap my arm around my side and fight back the pain to hide it from Twilight.
"I'm okay Twilight" in no time she was standing before me as disbelief spread across her face.
"Are you sure Rodney?" I can obviously tell that she is worried about me.
"Yeah, I'm sure" looking around I notice the mess I made during my episode. "I'm really sorry about the stairs Twilight, I'll get to fixing it right away." I apologize as I reach down and start picking up the severed pieces of wood. OCD kicking in as I pick up the larger chunks and work my way down. Every time I bend over to pick up another piece my side screams out in pain forcing me to slow down my movements. "It's ok Rodney, I will clean it up." Trying to convince me to take it easy but I made the mess so I can clean it.
"I've got it Twilight, you can go back to bed if you want." I already know that she isn't going to give up that easily so I continue with my work.
Twilight sighs in defeat and leaves it at that. I soon hear her walking off and let her destination remain a mystery to me. After I finish cleaning the stairs I've somewhat adjusted to the pain in my side. I settle down on the comfy green couch from earlier. The stairs only taking maybe 10 minutes to clean leave me with nothing to pass the time.
The smell of pancakes bring me out of my coma- like state and back on my feet. Even though it's late in the night my hunger is overbearing as I make my way to what I hope is the kitchen. I open the door next to the stairs, finding Twilight holding a plate towered with pancakes. Each a rich golden color, cooked to perfection. I take a huge whiff of air but am overcome by the feeling of my ribs shifting. I let out a strained grunt as my legs start to give our forcing me to catch myself on the doorway.
Twilight's Perspective
I turn around to find Rodney propped against the doorway. One hand holding him up while the other is wrapped around his side. I quickly set the plate down, sound of the plate meeting the counter being heard as the tower of pancakes wobble. With my magic I pick Rodney up and carry him back into the main room. After gently setting him down on the couch. I look him over, he's still grasping at his side, his face being strained from him clenching his eyes shut.
"Rodney what's wrong with you?" I'm really worried about him even if I barely know him he is a living creature. Now I know how Fluttershy feels when she is caring for her animals.
Thinking to herself "If anybody can help him it would have to be Fluttershy."
The idea seemed to calm me since I know where to get help. I glance back towards Rodney as he sits up, still having his arms wrapped around his side. He takes his legs and hangs them over the edge of the couch. With his feet now on the floor he leans forward and rests his elbows on his legs, using his arms to support himself.
"Rodney?" He just sits there slouched over with his face in his... hooves? He has been breathing heavily since he sat up but has been easing up as time passes. I head back to the kitchen with a glass of water in mind. With my magic I take hold of a cup and set it in the sink, The moonlight shining through the window behind the sink giving the room a blue tint. I quickly fill the glass with water and make my way back to the main room.
"Here, I know you have to be thirsty." He lifts his head from his hands and reaches out for the glass. His face is flushed and sweat is dripping from his chin. He lifts the cup to his mouth and drinks it without hesitation, not even taking time to taste it.
"Now tell me what's wrong with you." I demand once he finishes the drink, gasping for air as he does so. He turns to face me and calmly answers.
"It's nothing Twilight." Aaaggh, he is stubborn. Since he won't tell me what is wrong with him I cast a spell instead. The spell soon finishes it's task and fills me in on what it found. Rodney broke 3 ribs on his right side explaining why he can barely move without hissing in pain.
"I could understand if it was just some bruising but broken ribs. Why are you hiding it from me?" He looks at me, pain and slight shock in his expression, searching for an answer.
"If you already knew that then why bother asking?" This was the only retort that come out and sounded slightly agitated. "I already broke your railings so I don't want to trouble you any further. Besides, you barely even know me." Even if he has a point, I can't just let him suffer.
"Because, you are hurt and need help. If you would just fill me in then it wouldn't be a problem but by leaving me in the dark you're only making things worse."
Rodney's Perspective
Why is Twilight so worried about someone she doesn't even know? Are people here really this nice or am I just an exception? Whatever, I guess I can go along with it for now.
"I broke several ribs but they can only be fixed with time." I chuckle on the inside as Twilight's chest fills with pride from getting me to cave. "There really isn't anything that can be done about it other than letting it heal on its own so don't worry your head off." If it were possible though then she would probably manage to do it.
"We will see about that Rodney, we will see..." and with that Twilight wondered back to her room for the night leaving me to her riddle. "Twilight!" I shout after several minutes of silence only for no one to answer. I'm not comfortable with what she said before walking off.
After pondering the different things that Twilight's curiosity may hold I drag myself upstairs. Once reaching the top, my side is on fire and the neck of my shirt is damp with sweat, a result of my pathetic attempt to climb the staircase. In a fit of frustration I curse under my breath while mumbling things along the line of "couldn't she at least help me out, she has magic co it wouldn't even be too much of a hassle." Even though in my pitiful excuse for a brain I know I told her not to worry about me so this should have been expected. Either that or this is just some cruel way to get back at me for breaking the stairs.
Eventually I manage to find the guest room and sit on the edge of the bed, wide awake regardless of the time. Looking behind me the sky is still a vast canvas of dark blue freckled with countless stars that seem to awe striking to be natural. My thoughts taking in all of things that I "re-learned" from Twilight's spell. My eyes widen as I realize what is in my pocket that I paid no attention to before now. Something that, if my memory serves correct, is something that I used to depend on for my well being. Something that made me stand out from everyone else I know, or knew. What made me special.