//------------------------------// // One must wait continuously… // Story: A Dream that Never Was can Still Be // by Mechscout //------------------------------// Anon (what kind of name was that anyways? Did it matter?) made his way home as he always did, a long drive through traffic. The grand city life, for all its faults he never could bring himself to move out of the city. So here he was again, on a Friday evening driving home with the same tedium as always. How long had it been since he fell in this routine? The old 9 to 5, tried and true to a fault. He hated it, but it put food on the table and roof over his head. Plus, it let him enjoy his hobbies and outings with friends. Yet, it all felt so empty. Working to live or living to work. “Hell,” he grumbled in exasperation, “I just wanna get home already.” Traffic must be worse than usual if he had time to overthink life. He just had to wait to get home, maybe he’d boot up his PC and play a game. Plenty of his friends were always asking him to game with them. He just often felt too tired to interact with them. He knew they meant well and he loved them dearly, but it all just felt so exhausting. “Is there roadwork? Maybe I should’ve taken a detour.” He turned the radio up, it was blasting some popular music, but he usually found himself enjoying it. It definitely helped quiet down the many thoughts he was plagued with when he had too much time to think. Thoughts like how lonely he felt at times. He had his friends and they were as close as friends could be. It brought him joy knowing that after all these years he could still count on them to hang out and chat. Yet, he still felt something missing. Corny as it was, he did yearn to have someone to love romantically. He had tried some dating apps, as much as he disliked the idea. But nothing came of those. The few dates he did get never really clicked. So, he’d made it pretty far in life as a bachelor, not once being in a relationship. For the most part he’d been fine with that. He had his friends, a stable enough job after lots of searching, and hobbies to occupy his time. Even then, as he achieved his most pressing goals in life, he found the lack of any romance more prominent. Wouldn’t it be nice to share this success with someone by his side? Maybe he should try some more dating apps. Or he could probably go to a bar with a friend or two and see if he could meet someone. For as much as he longed to be in a relationship, he wasn’t well versed in how to even meet someone. Compounded with his earlier focus on just carving out his own life in the city, he could understand why he’d gone so long as a bachelor. “Maybe I should try out a visual novel. I could revisit one of the shorter ones.” He pondered to himself, “oh yeah, they’re finally translating a popular one many years after its initial release. Something to look forward to I suppose.” He smiled slightly, there were always things to keep him going, no matter how minor they may seem. No point in continuing to wallow in his apparent singleness. He had a Friday night to enjoy and like hell was he gonna let depressing thoughts win. He still had so much to live for! “I could go for some PvE with the boys.” He mused, having decided to message them once he got home. How cruel it must’ve seemed then, for that message would never be sent. Those friends would grieve, yet the world would move on. Another tragedy amongst too many. Absorbed in his thoughts and far too accustomed to the monotony of the drive home. Making his way through the intersection was a simple matter of checking if the light was green, which proved to be a fatal mistake. He could only catch a glimpse in his peripheral of the speeding car that rammed into the driver’s side. His brain didn’t even have time to process the pain of having his body crushed. Yet as his neurons fired one last time, he could’ve sworn he saw some beautiful, pink flowers. What the hell…? -{/}- Rarity was closing up her boutique for the day, just as she had for many weeks now. It was another calm Friday night in Ponyville. Just like all the nights before. Now don’t get her wrong, she enjoyed the relative peace, but sometimes she missed the days of adventure. Of friendship problems, monsters, and grand quests she’d embark with her friends. Sometimes hoping to meet a gallant stallion or mare to sweep her off her feet. She was past those days though. Now she got to enjoy the fruits of their labors in this new era of peace and prosperity. Sure, issues cropped up every once in a while, but Princess Twilight quickly got them under control. Plus, she had Spike and the graduates from the School of Friendship to help her out. To think Spike was once such a cute kid, he’d truly grown into strong, dependable young man. She still found it cute when he came to her for dating advice. It warmed her heart seeing him and Gabby being all lovey dovey. So, she always made sure to give him plenty of tips and ideas for gifts. It definitely helped that she knew just the outfits and accessories to bring out Gabby’s beauty and Spike’s handsomeness. “Oh, dear me,” Rarity muttered to herself, “losing myself to thoughts of those two lovebirds. Rarity you old mare, living vicariously through the youth.” Having finished closing for the night, she would normally head to her bed and read a romance novel before sleeping. But tonight, there was something about the night that called to her. Maybe it had been too long since she’d just taken a walk around Ponyville. Either way, she felt the need to put on a warm coat to step into the chilly night air. It was refreshing in a way, to be out here under the watchful moon. “It sure is beautiful tonight,” She thought to herself as she looked up at the moon. “These old bones could use a nice evening stroll.” With a slight spring in her step, she set off. Walking past familiar sights, such as Sugarcube Corner and the School of Friendship. All full of such heartfelt memories. She loved all her friends dearly; in fact, she had been ecstatic when Rainbow Dash and Applejack came to her for their wedding outfits. The event was still a month away, but she had already put in plenty of work on the designs and crafting them. She had to bring them into the boutique finish the fitting and put the final touches sometime soon. “To think they’ve come so far,” she smiled gently at the memories of their past antics. “Though I wasn’t prepared for them to ask me to be the maid of honor. Really, shouldn’t they have chosen Scootaloo or Applebloom? Truly with those two, choosing an old mare like me.” Her friends had found it strange of her to refer to herself as an old mare. Especially with how obsessed she could be with appearances. Yet, she felt it helped ease the pain of growing old. She had lived a fulfilling life, experiencing more than most other ponies ever would. Living through all that made her feel like quite the weary mare. Despite all her adventures, she still couldn’t help but feel the allure of romance. The one thing that had alluded, and even though she was overjoyed that many of her friends had found love, it hurt just a little. She dearly wished to feel that love too, to find her special somepony. “Oh, but who would love an old mare like myself.” She mumbled to herself as she approached the outskirts of Ponyville. Normally she’d turn right around and head back home, but she saw the most peculiar thing. A singular beautiful, pink flower grew amongst the grass and weeds. Enhancing its allure was the beam of moonlight centered directly above it, giving it an ethereal glow. She couldn’t help but approach it for a closer look, enraptured by its beauty. Just seeing it flooded her mind with all sorts of new designs, like a strike of inspiration. She didn’t even question where such an odd flower had come from, as she’d never seen its kind in all her travels. Especially not around her hometown of Ponyville. Only a few feet away from it, she felt a soft push, bringing her to a halt. Before she could question it, a bright flash came from the flower, blinding her for a moment. “What the hell…?” asked a voice from where the flower had been. Having recovered, Rarity blinked her eyes repeatedly to insure what she was seeing was truly there. Before her sat a strange, lanky, and tall being. They were wearing a disheveled office suit. Were it not for the strange circumstances she’d have a few choice words for the being’s choice in fashion. Just as she had regained enough of her bearings to question the being, it spoke once again. Looking in her direction, his eyes met hers. “I didn’t expect angels to look like beautiful, white ponies. Then again I didn’t put much stock into the afterlife.” His eyes soon moved on, missing the light blush that appeared on the pony’s face, to observe his surroundings. “Huh, heaven looks weirder than anyone I ever talked to about it. Maybe this isn’t heaven, but some other after life. After all, I’m sure I died.” With that final, chilling remark, they began to cry. It didn’t even seem to be aware of the tears streaming down its face as it stared off into the distance. Rarity was brought out of her stupor by the sound of sobs mixed with laughter. Whatever had happened, the being was having an emotional breakdown and she’d be damned if she let it continue to suffer. “Let me assure you darling, you are not dead. Nor are you in some afterlife. You are very much alive and just happened to appear outside of Ponyville.” She approached it cautiously, doing her best no to spook them. How she wished Fluttershy were here to help, she was always the best when it came to consoling strange and lost critters. “Ponyville?” The being turned to her, its eyes regaining some focus. Closer now, she could see more of its strange features. While it was somewhat reminiscent of a minotaur, it lacked the overly muscular build. From what she could gather they were at least a male in voice. Though she’d have to double check later, when he wasn’t emotionally unstable. “That’s right dear,” she laid a gentle hoof on what she presumed was his shoulder. “And you’re safe here. I don’t know what happened to you before you got here, but I can assure you that there’s no danger here.” “Oh,” he continued to stare dumbly at her, processing her words. When she moved her hoof further across his shoulders he didn’t flinch. She took that as a good sign and brought him into a light embrace. Giving him what comfort she could. “I’m sure you’ve been through something horrific, but its over now. Just take your time to relax, you’ll be safe.” Her gentle and comforting words worked wonders. She could feel the beings erratic breathing slow down, settling into a comfortable cadence. They remained there for a few for more moments, a strange sight. A bipedal stranger leaning into a white unicorn’s caring embrace. “Thank you,” his mind having finally calmed down, he could take proper stock of his situation. First, he was surprised to find himself in the warm, soft floof of a pony. Secondly, he didn’t know where or how the hell he even ended up here. He was sure he’d died, being rammed by a speedy car usually spells the end for squishy humans like him. Yet here he was, being comforted by an admittedly beautiful mare. “Are you sure you’re not an angel?” “While I appreciate the thought, I am not an angel, darling.” A light blush still graced her cheeks as she let the being sit-up, leaving her embrace. “Now, are you feeling better?” “Yeah, and uh, sorry about the waterworks.” He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “I did not mean to breakdown in front of a stranger, must’ve been really awkward for you. So sorry about that!” He bowed his head slightly in apology, but she just put her hoof on his shoulder. “Don’t worry darling, it wasn’t bad at all. Trust me, I’ve been through a lot more awkward situations in my life. If anything, I’m glad I was here to help you out. It would’ve been terrible for you to appear here only to discover you were all alone.” “Thanks all the same, I honestly don’t know how I could repay you for your kindness.” He gave her a grateful smile, before looking around again. “Not to abuse your charity, but could you tell me where I am? I know you said we’re in Ponyville, but I’ve never heard of this place. Not to mention I’ve never met a talking pony. Best I can assume is I’m far from home.” He let out a nervous little laugh at the last bit, which concerned Rarity. It wouldn’t do for him to relapse. “Well Ponyville is located in the country of Equestria, a land predominately populated by ponies. I could honestly say the same about you, I’ve never met a being like yourself before. And trust me, I am a well-traveled mare, been all over the world with my friends and not once had I met somecreature like yourself.” She cringed a bit as that last fact seemed to cause them to begin hyperventilate a little. “Not to mean that you have no way back, I’m sure my good friend Princess Twilight would be delighted to help you return home.” She added quickly to reassure the poor lad. Thankfully it seemed to work as he visibly calmed down again. “Then I’d love to meet her, though I’m not sure what I can offer in return. I mean I already owe you for your help, but I don’t really have much to give unfortunately.” He felt around his pants, locating his phone, wallet, and keys. Though he couldn’t be certain any of them would be of any use. “Oh, good heaven’s darling! You owe me nothing! It would be remiss of me to not lend a hoof to a creature in need. I’m sure Princess Twilight will feel the same way. So don’t worry about trying to repay us.” “If that’s how you truly feel then I’ll still offer you my profound thanks.” “I do feel that way dear, and I’ll gladly take your thanks as enough of a reward. Now, its quite dark and we’ll have to get up bright and early to speak with Twilight as soon as possible. If you would follow me, you can sleep in one of my guest rooms tonight.” “You’re really too kind!” His embarrassment grew, to think he’d rely so heavily on a stranger. It ate at him a bit to cause someone so much trouble. “None of this now, darling. You will take my generosity and accept it if you really want to be grateful.” “Thank you!” He bowed once more, this time from the waist up, before standing up and giving her a beaming smile. A smile she couldn’t help but find beautiful in its sincerity. “You are most welcome, darling.” She gave a smile of her own in return. A smile equally as beautiful to the man, so much so that he felt something click in his mind. He wasn’t sure nor even aware of it, but seeing her smile like that felt like seeing the end of a long journey. “Oh! Where are my manners!” She turned to him fully, standing up straight with such regality as she declared, “my name is Rarity and it is wonderful to meet you.” “Ah! Right, introductions, completely forgot about that.” He rubbed the back of his head again, but still held himself tall and proud as he greeted in return, “my name is Anonymous and I am very thankful to have met you.” With that out of the way, they made their way quietly to Rarity’s boutique. Rarity showed Anon to his room and bid him a goodnight before heading to her own room. This night had been more eventful than any in the past months. It reminded her of those good old days with her greatest friends. That night she fell asleep with a wide smile, dreaming of what once was and near the end of those dream of what may yet be. Anon found himself equally enraptured in dreams of a future yet untold. Both were sound asleep, yet their joy was clear to any who saw them. Despite the harrowing circumstances, they couldn’t help but feel a spark of hope and joy they hadn't felt in a while.