//------------------------------// // A change of heart // Story: The Light's Love // by Scremises117 //------------------------------// Flashback: My mother and I sat around a table talking about school and television programs we watched. After a while of talking she was cleaning up the plates from dinner and moving them into the sink. Halfway through her routine our front door seemed to explode open. I looked around and saw her screaming and I ran into my room and grabbed my Balisong (butterfly knife). I had it ready and when I walked out saw her on the floor screaming. “WHERE’S THE FUCKING MONEY?!” the intruder’s voiced boomed and ran through my head like a bullet. He had his back turned to me, so I took advantage of this. I immediately ran behind and slit his throat and watched his AR-15 drop to the ground. As blood filled his lungs he emitted a gurgling sound as he tried to speak I took the knife and pushed it into his heart for extra measure. I immediately sheathed my knife and looked at the world closing in around me. I looked down at my shaking hands and the dead body lying in front of me. The thoughts raced through my head. He could’ve changed, he could’ve been a better person, you could've restrained him. It’s all your fault. The blood that now lies on my hands can never be washed away; I will have to add this to my collection of scars that cover my body. The scars that nobody can see… I was now back to reality with the two royal alicorns in from of me, my hands shaking as I looked down on them. They both look at me with concern and confusion on their face. “What’s wrong?” Celestia asked with concern on her face. “Nothing just...nothing,” I said. “What you did, you did to protect your family,” Celestia said. “I know and I don’t regret it I’m grateful they’re alright. I just don’t want my reputation to precede me here.” “Your secret is safe with us, right dearest sister?” Luna said, not making it sound like a question, but more of a command. “Of course, but before we leave I must apologize if I acted too harshly,” Celestia said. “Well, I accept your apology and it’s alright. You were just doing what is best for the people, and I also must apologize. I was acting very immature.” “I’m glad you understand,” Celestia said. “Sister, if we might cut in for a moment,” Luna said and then turned her gazed to me, “We know what it is like to be alone for much of thy life, and have people look at thou like thou art a monster so just know that thou art not entirely alone in this world.” “Thank you,” I said. “Thou art welcome,” Luna said. “We must be off now I have my court to tend to; it was nice meeting you Paul.” “It was also nice to meet thou too Paul,” Luna said. “It was nice to meet you both,” I said as I stood up to go inside. “Tell Twilight I was running late and I must go,” Celestia said. “Alright, I will,” I said as I walked to the door to the house. I walked into the front door and all eyes were on me. I assumed they all heard what was going on out there. “I see you met the princesses,” Twilight said she said in a less than enthusiastic voice. “Yeah, do you have any more questions? Fluttershy wanted to take me somewhere.” “No I don’t have any more for today but I would like you to come over tomorrow for the body observations.” “Alright I will, Fluttershy do you want to go?” “Sure,” she said then turned to Twilight. “It was nice see you again Twilight.” “It was nice seeing you too Fluttershy.” Twilight said. We stepped outside together and walked to Rarity’s house to get some new clothes for me. On the way there I knew she was looking at me with a look of concern and worry all over her face. “Paul, was what you said true about having to k-kill someone?” she asked and I didn’t want to lie to her, and I wasn’t. “Yes, I’m not a dangerous person though. It was just something I had to do.” “I know you’re not dangerous, I was just wondering if it was true.” “Yes it is, but can we change the topic, please?” “Alright, well, um... I was actually going to suggest for your new clothes Rarity making you something warm since winter will be coming soon.” “Wait what month is it here?” I asked seeing that there was a time difference between the two places. “It’s November right now, why?” “I was just curious.” I thought it strange they use the Gregorian calendar as well. “Yes, well, for the clothes I was thinking a hooded jacket and some longer pants.” Personally I liked a beaked hoodie and some black pants they matched my shoes which were black and white. The jacket covered my face and the pants kept me warm. After thinking about what I wanted we arrived at Rarity’s home. Fluttershy opened the door and we walked in to Rarity putting the finishing touches on a dress. “Hello, how are both of you doing?” Rarity asked us. “Good,” we said in unison. “Rarity I was wondering if you could get Paul some warmer clothes, seeing it’s getting close to winter.” Fluttershy said as she sat down in a chair in the waiting room. “Oh I would love to, it would be an honor to be the first one to make clothing for a human,” Rarity said. “Thank you very much. I was thinking some longer pants and a beaked hood for my clothes,” I said. “Beaked, what do you mean by that?” Rarity asked setting her drink aside as she levitated a measuring tape. “Well, it’s a jacket that has a beak coming down between my forehead covering some of my face,” I said as I trailed the lines on my face to show where the hood comes down with my finger. “Alright dear, I can do that. But first we much take your measurements.” “Alright,” I said as I removed the clothes I was wearing for my measurements. This wasn’t the first time I had to get my measurements for a suit or clothes. I didn’t really think of how removing my clothes might be a little strange for them. I probably should’ve told them about this. “What are you doing?” Rarity asked with a curious look on her face while Fluttershy hid her blushing face. “Oh, sorry, where I come from you normally strip down to your underwear for the most precise measurements.” “Okay darling, stand still while I take them for you.” “Alright,” I said as I put my arm flat out on the wall and my legs still. When she started to take them I felt her magical aurora around the tape measure. It felt like a warm disembodied hand running across my legs, arms, back, chest, and head. It only took her a few moments to finish up the measurements, but I could tell the measurements were very precise. “Okay, I’m finally done, you can move now dear.” “Thank you very much ma’am. Is there anything I can do to repay you for this?” “That will not be necessary I’m always happy to help.” “As long as it’s alright with you,” I said as I put on my clothes; I already knew I was going to do something to repay her for this. I didn’t want to be a burden on the only people that could help me in this world. “This should be done within two days and I promise you will love it.” “Thank you again ma’am I appreciate this so much.” “You are very welcome Paul. Now if you two would excuse me I must get to work. It was lovely seeing you both.” “It was good to see you too,” Fluttershy said. “It was nice to see you as well Rarity.” With that, we walked out leaving Rarity to get to work. “So what do you want to do now?” I asked her seeing we had done everything on our agenda. “Well, um, I was going to go see if you could help me get some food for my animals today at the market,” Fluttershy said. “I need some help with carrying them back. Normally Rainbow Dash helps me but she has weather duty today.” “Alright, let’s go,” I said as I pulled my iPod out of my pocket to check the time. It read 12:47. It seemed like not that long ago I was in Twilight’s home being interrogated. I started to walk after Fluttershy but I kept my eyes glued onto my iPod to preoccupy my idol hands. As I was looking through my pictures on my iPod I stumbled upon a certain picture that caught my eye. It was me on my 17th birthday but something was different about it. My cross; I immediately put my iPod back into my pocket and reached into my shirt. It was there right under my shirt I’m surprised I didn't realize this earlier. I’ll just leave it out where it belongs right here safe and sound. After a while of twiddling with my cross I looked to see ponies staring at me everywhere. The stares were coming from all directions even a few pegasi stopped to stare at me up in the clouds. I hated being stared at like I was a piece of art on display. I could tell it was affecting Fluttershy as well. She stopped walking and visibly shank in terror of theses eyes glued on her I could tell it was like her world was closing around her. I knelt down and put a hand on her back and whispered into her ear. “It’s alright, I’ll handle this,” I whispered to the shaking Pegasus. “What do you want,” I ask as I stood up straight out and a serious look on my face, “you were told to ask me questions as you please; not stare at me like I am on display. Move on with your day and stop your staring please.” With that they all broke their gazes as they went on with their daily routine. I looked down to see that Fluttershy has stopped her shaking and is back to her old self. “T-thank you,” she said. “You’re welcome, now where is the place to get your pet food?” I asked as I started to follow her in the same direction as before. When I saw that we were practically in the middle of town I knew that it had to be close because of the sheer number of vendors in the area. “It’s right over there,” Fluttershy said as she pointed to a vendor with a pony behind it surrounded by mounds of animal feed. I assumed Fluttershy was a regular customer because when he saw her he waved to her and smiled tenderly. His face was much different when he saw me. He looked at me with a face mixed with fear and curiosity. I waved to him and tried to pull off a smile but stopped trying and just looked at him with an emotionless face. I could at least pull this one off fine. As we walked up to the stand I heard him say. “Who’s your friend here Fluttershy?” he asked as he looked me over; he played with his short beard as studied me. “This is Paul, he’s new here and is going to help me carry the bags of feed back to my cottage. Paul, this Mr. Feed,” Fluttershy explained, clearing up any confusion. We both just waved at each other and he turned his attention from me to her. “Will it be the regular today Fluttershy?” Mr. Feed asked her. “Yes, I need three bags today of the pellets,” Fluttershy said as she pulled out a small pack of coins. “How much will that be?” “Fifteen bits please,” he said as he help out his hoof and after he put the money in the cash register he pulled the three bags out. They didn't look too heavy but not too light either anyway I was happy to help. “Here you go Fluttershy have a nice day.” “You too Mr. Feed, here you go Paul do you think you could-” “HELP! THIEF!” I heard a mare scream out of my left ear and I saw a blue stallion with a mask on running with an object in his mouth. I figured a good run would do me good anyway. “Hold on Fluttershy,” I said as I took off after him at full speed. I noticed he was going into some forest. I know I can catch him, I was always fast. I was gaining on him and running as fast as my legs could carry me. The faster I went the smaller the gap between us got. The terrain was changing it was growing to be more and more wooded as the chase went on. I was gaining on him and now only a few feet behind. I kept on running now only a few inches behind him this is my best chance and I’m going to take it. “Gotcha,” I said as I reached out grabbing his tail and yanking him back causing him to drop the bag of fruits he stole. I held him up to my face and he was terrified almost to the point of tears. I looked him straight in the eyes which caused his to fill with fear. I pulled off his mask to reveal a grey maned pony. “Oh come on what’s wrong; a hardened criminal like you isn’t afraid of me? Or is what I will do to you?” I asked watching him shake his head. “I-I’m sorry sir please don’t kill me,” he pleaded as he swung in the balance. “I’m not going to kill you; I have much better plans for you.” I said making him grow more worried and terrified. This is going to be fun. “Attention my fellow citizens of Ponyville,” he said as I held him up in the air for everyone to see. “I am here to apologize for being an inconvenience to all of you, and a disgrace to my friends and family. I have made a great mistake and will face the consequences; I would also like to apologize to the mare whom I have stolen theses fruits from,” I pointed to them on the ground next to my feet. “I acted out of sheer stupidity and you do not deserve to be treated in such a way. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.” He said everything I instructed for him to do. I saw two ponies outfitted in armor that were carrying cuffs for him to be put into. At this point his face was riddled in shame and red I almost felt bad for him, but hopefully he learned his lesson. I gave him to the guards and they took him off. I walked over and gave the mare he fruits back she told me thank you and gave me a warm smile. All the people of the town were now looking at me differently not with fear and confusion but gratefulness and gratitude. They talked about how “maybe I wasn't so bad.” I actually felt good for once in a long time and also smiled, and not even a fake one a real smile. I don’t want to be praised for this but I will cherish this moment for the time being. I walked over to Fluttershy who was confused as to what just happened. “Are you ready to go home?” I asked as I bent down to grab the bags of animal feed. I picked them all up and motioned with my head for her to follow me. “Yes, when we get home I think we should talk a little bit more,” she said as walked the path to her home. “I would right now honestly love to talk and mostly to you.” With the events that have transpired I was happy. I can now say that actually meaning it.