A Walk Around Town
The next morning, or, rather, late the next morning, Twilight woke up to the welcoming smell of a daisy sandwich. When she opened her eyes, she was greeted by the bright sunlight that flooded her room through the window that was supposed to be covered by the curtains somepony had opened. She blinked at the sudden brightness and let her eyes adjust. The sandwich was placed on her nightstand.
She sat up and yawned groggily. Her thoughts were still in shambles from just waking up, so she didn’t notice the neatly made bed that sat against the opposite wall. She looked at the sandwich. Her belly growled.
“Haha! I guess I missed dinner last night. It sure looks good”, Twilight laughed. She levitated the sandwich over to her and began to satisfy her empty tummy. She was right when she said it looked good. Whoever made it sure knew what they were doing.
When she had the satisfaction of a full stomach, Twilight quickly made her bed and turned to see that the guest bed was empty. She would have freaked out, if she didn’t see Dream Runner’s satchel lying in the middle of the bed.
She heard movement downstairs and decided to check it out. It was brighter on the ground floor. Somepony must have opened all of the windows in the library. The air downstairs was also crisper, as if all of the dust had been removed from the library. The surprises kept getting bigger as Twilight saw more of the first floor.
Everything was spotless, not a book out of place, not a dust bunny to be found. And sitting happily on her favorite reading couch, was Dream Runner, a pile of books beside him and one open in front of him. She blushed upon seeing him. He was so cute sitting there. She shook the thought from her head.
“Dreams are a representation of what a pony experiences in life and thoughts. The most bizarre dreams are said to be real life experiences just torn down and rebuilt into what we want to see most, or fear most”, he read. He sighed, “If only that were true for me.”
He placed the book atop the pile. Only when he walked back to the shelf for another book did he notice Twilight.
“I was wondering when you would wake up.” He smiled warmly. “You can thank Spike for the sandwich. He said that daisies are one of your favorites, so I made it for you.”
“You met Spike?”
“Yeah. He scared me at first. But that was before he told me he wouldn’t eat me”, Dream explained.
Twilight giggled.
“I thought you might laugh at that”, he grinned.
“Did you clean up the library while I was sleeping?” she asked. He grinned even wider, glad she was on the other side of the room.
“I said I would find a better way to thank you.”
“You didn’t have to do this.”
He shook his head. “You brought me in and took care of me. I’m in your debt.”
“No, really, you’ve done too much already.”
The Pegasus sighed. He didn’t want to argue, so he started to put the books he collected back in their rightful places.
To come up with a conversation, Twilight brought up what Dream mentioned the night before. “So, Dream Runner, will you tell me what a Dream Chaser is?” Twilight asked.
He squeezed the final book into position on the shelf. “Sure.”
Twilight sat on the couch and listened to his explanation.
He took a deep breath, unsure about he should go about it. “Okay. A Dream Chaser is a pony that has a special Dream Talent. The talent will tell what kind of Chaser that pony will become. I don’t know what other Dream Talents there are outside my own. I didn’t read that far into it. Anyway, no matter what Dream Talent a Chaser has, they have to follow and abide by it. I have the Dream Talents of Forecast and Scope.
“Forecast dreams tell me the future and where I have to travel next. If it rains in a Forecast dream, then it will rain. If I get hurt, well, I get hurt. Scope dreams pull me into others’ dreams. I don’t exactly have to follow those dreams. There isn’t much use for that Talent unless you want to spy on what others dream about. It’s weird, because a Dream Chaser is only supposed to have one Dream Talent. That’s why I always read about dreams, to find an explanation. I can choose which Talent Dream to have before I sleep, but I have to follow which happens in either of them.” The only reason the Pegasus wasn’t blushing is because he didn’t see Twilight as a mare. He instead saw a listener.
“So you came here because your dreams said to?” Twilight scratched her head, trying to put everything he just said together. If she had to be honest, he didn’t exactly explain it very clearly.
“The last Forecast dream I had showed me traveling east. I never got to see my destination, so I just walked east until I came to a forest. The next thing I knew, I woke up in here”, he answered.
“Forest? You mean the Everfree Forest?” Twilight asked. It only made since. It was west of Ponyville.
“I wouldn’t know. I’m not from around here.”
“It had to be. That would explain why you were in such a bad condition last night.”
“Maybe so. I know that I can’t stay for long. My dreams will eventually tell me to move on.”
Twilight frowned at this. “You don’t ever get lonely?” The unicorn looked at him curiously.
“No. In fact, I’m actually quite used to it”, he shrugged. “I’ve been alone for as long as I can remember. No friends, no family.”
“That’s so sad.” Twilight said. “Not even a single friend?”
He shook his head and looked at the floor. Sadness had finally hit his heart. Twilight smiled. For some odd reason, she moved over and hugged him. Instantly, he turned red as a tomato.
Twilight hugged him for several seconds, slightly squeezing him harder. He was so warm. It was meant to be a comforting hug, but she knew that deep down she wanted it to be more than that. All of the mixed feelings she had for him pointed to one thing. She wasn’t even going to deny it. This colt needed friendship and love. And she was going to give it to him.
“Twilight, what are you doing?” Dream managed to ask.
“I’m just trying to make you feel better”, she said, finally letting go and taking a step back. A slight pink hotspot settled on her cheeks.
He waved a hoof in the air. “Like I said: ‘I’m used to it.’”
Twilight thought a second. She needed to get to know him a little better. So she came up with a way to talk with him about that subject.
“Do you want to go see the rest of Ponyville”, she asked.
Dream Runner thought it over. “Sure Twilight, but I need my satchel first.”
The Element of Magic silently cheered. “Okay, I’ll close up the library while you get it.”
Her horn glowed and so did all the windows that were in the library. She snapped them shut. Dream Runner returned with his satchel slung over his shoulder and held in place at his side with his right wing. Twilight noticed that underneath his initials was an elm leaf. It was familiar, but she couldn’t place the emblem. She decided not to think about it for the moment and invited Dream Runner to the now open door.
The two exited the library and entered the warm, sunlit afternoon. A nice breeze was blowing over them, and Dream Runner couldn’t help but close his eyes and take a big whiff of the fresh air.
“Ahh, there’s nothing better than feeling the wind running through your mane”, he sighed.
“Oh, speaking of your mane”, Twilight said, referring to the light pink stripes.
He exhaled grimly. “I suppose you want to make fun of it. You wouldn’t be the first”, he replied solemnly. His face soured a bit.
“No, not at all. I just want to say it’s very unique. Not many colts have a color pattern like yours”, Twilight said quickly.
He brightened a little. “Really? I didn’t think that anypony would find a way to compliment it. Thanks.”
Twilight beamed. She beckoned for him to follow her and they held a light conversation along the way. The Pegasus stared in awe at some of the buildings and shops as they headed to their first destination. Many of the residents turned to look at Twilight and her new companion. He shyly walked close to her to try to seem less noticeable.
Then, out of the blue—or better yet, out of the pink—the inevitable happened. A pink, sugar-fueled blur hit Dream Runner with full force and sent him rolling. After the dust settled, it was revealed that a certain, party-loving pony was standing on top of him, leaving the poor colt confused and terrified. She looked at him curiously.
Dream Runner cowered under her and was shuddering hard. He was nearly crying.
“Please don’t hurt me, please don’t hurt me”, he whimpered over and over again.
Luckily, Twilight came to his rescue. She pulled Pinkie Pie off of the Dream Chaser and a few yards away from him.
“Twilight who is that?” she inquired. She peered over Twilight to see Dream standing up, shaking.
“He’s a traveler that’s staying with me”, answered the unicorn, “and he’s very sensitive.”
“Oh, gotcha Twilight!” Pinkie rushed back over to him. Dream flinched and dashed past her and behind Twilight for protection against the energetic pony.
“It’s okay, Dream Runner. Pinkie Pie may have a rough way of meeting new ponies, but she doesn’t bite”, Twilight half-whispered.
Dream was still shook up by the event, but he hesitantly moved around to meet Pinkie Pie. She was grinning from ear to ear.
“I knew you were new in town! I know everypony in Ponyville! Are you staying long? Did you move here? What’s your name?!” she asked at the top of her lungs.
“I’m Dream Runner”, he said softly, “It’s nice to meet you…”
She held out a hoof, “I’m Pinkie Pie! I love making new friends! That reminds me!” Before Dream Runner could even start to raise his hoof to shake hers, she took off, no doubt heading for her room in Sugarcube Corner.
“That’s Pinkie Pie for you”, sighed Twilight. “Shall we continue?”
He blinked, “S-sure Twilight.”
“I’m sorry you had to meet her like that.”
Dream faked a relaxed chuckled, “It wouldn’t be my first time getting pounced on. I’m glad that it was a friendly tackle.” Then he added under his breath, “Not that I knew what one was until now…”
They walked on in silence. Until they came upon Ponyville’s antique shop. Dream stopped and dashed over to peer into the display window.
“Twilight, can we?” he asked brightly.
Twilight held in a giggle. “You sound like a filly outside a candy store”, she commented, “But sure, of course.”
He walked in first, and she trailed behind.
“Welcome to Old Antiques, where new arrivals are just as old as me!” greeted the salespony behind the counter.
Dream Runner poured over the shelves, looking for any rare objects. Twilight watched him in amusement. His smile was one of pure excitement.
“Would that be your coltfriend?” the salespony asked.
Twilight blushed a few shades of pink at the thought. “No, just a friend. I’m showing him around.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. You two would make a very cute couple.” The salespony watched the overexcited Pegasus from behind her glasses. “A very energetic one, isn’t he?”
“I’ve never seen him like this”, Twilight replied, ignoring the previous comment, “One minute he’s quiet and shy, and now…”
“Oh, hohoho! It seems we have a treasure hunter in our presence”, the pale blue pony laughed, “They tend to do that around items of age and rarity such as the ones here.”
Dream Runner was only focused on finding a very rare item he had been hunting for a very long time. The odds of one being here were almost zero to none, but that wouldn’t stop him from looking. He zipped passed a shelf, only to slowly walk back and gaze at a small, glowing white orb. He examined it, making sure it was the real thing. It was just barely bigger than a gumball and was sitting in a ruby red case. A ghostly white aura was swirling around inside it. He slid it onto his wing and carried it to the counter.
“I would like this”, he stated, holding the small box out on his wing.
“I’m very surprised that somepony would take interest in that. That small sphere has been in my shop for quite some time. However, it is rather expensive…” the shopkeeper said.
Dream set the case on the counter. “I have no money, but I am willing to trade.” He opened his satchel and started to dig for something of equal value. A loud banging noise came from within it. “I’m okay”, he called. “Stupid shelf…”
“I don’t think that-” she started to protest. Her mouth stopped in shock of what Dream Runner had pulled from his satchel.
He held in his mouth—amazingly—a gold nugget that was about the size of a basketball. He strained his neck as he placed it on the counter. “Pure gold, no other metals mixed in. I hope that will be enough to trade.”
“How did you get that?” Twilight asked in amazement. “Better yet, how did that even fit in your bag?”
“Cave exploring. When you do it as often as I do, you come across a few abandoned mineshafts.” He beamed proudly. “And to answer your second question, my satchel is enchanted. It can carry almost an infinite number of objects. How do you think I manage to fit inside it all the time?”
Twilight nodded in comprehension. Enchanted clothes and equipment weren’t exactly rare, but it wasn’t as if everypony carried them around.
“I think that my whole shop is worth less than this nugget! I can’t possibly trade you—” the salespony started.
“Ma’am, if you knew exactly what this little pebble is, you would understand”, he interjected.
“If you insist…then it’s yours”, she said.
Dream Runner nodded a “thank you” and put the case that contained the orb into his satchel.
“What exactly could that thing be for you to trade a clump of gold that big for?” Twilight asked.
They were outside now, and continuing to Twilight’s first decided destination. She watched him walk with pride. It certainly was valuable whatever it was.
He looked around at how busy it was getting around them. “I’ll tell you later”, Dream said, now shy again. The stares were starting to grow more intense as they ventured deeper into the marketplace. He couldn’t fight the heat that burned his cheeks. They were as red as can be, mainly because he was walking so close to Twilight. Every so many feet, their flanks would brush, causing them to move away slightly.
Dream Runner was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he didn’t notice the new shop in front of them. He almost bumped into Twilight, who managed to get ahead of him.
“Here we are”, Twilight announced.
He looked up to see a very decorated and clean building. “Uh…why would you bring me to a dress shop?”
His tone almost made Twilight laugh. He sounded like she was going to force him into a dress! “This is Carousel Boutique. I want you to meet one of my friends. She owns the shop.”
“Oh, that’s better”, he sighed in relief.
Twilight rolled her eyes sarcastically. “After you.”
“No, mares first”, he replied. He moved and held the door open for her.
“You’re such a gentlecolt.”
“Thanks.” He smiled, blushing lightly.
The bell rang as they entered the shop.
“Welcome to the Carousel Boutique—oh! Twilight, how nice of you to stop by!” Rarity quickly crossed the boutique and hugged her fellow Element.
Dream Runner tried to make himself as small as possible. He wished Twilight’s friends weren’t so loud and energetic. Well, with the exception of Fluttershy.
Rarity peered over Twilight’s head to see Dream Runner sitting as quietly as he could. “Twilight, who is this?”
“Rarity, I want you to meet my new friend. This is Dream Runner. He’s going to be staying at the library with me so I decided to show him around.”
“Hi.” Dream whispered.
“Oh, there’s no reason to be shy I assure you. I’m no stranger.” Rarity said. She held out her hoof. “I am Rarity.”
“Dream Runner. It’s very nice to meet you”, Dream replied.
Rarity noticed his mane. “Are these your natural colors?” She held part of his mane up in her hoof, admiring the shades.
Dream nodded. “Most ponies make fun of me for it…”
“They must indeed be blind. These mixed hues are unquestionably rare. Certainly, a pattern such as this should only be complimented. Why, I’ve never seen such—”
“Pardon me Rarity, but I think Dream gets the point.” Twilight grinned.
Dream was smiling and staring off into space.
“Come on, Dream, let’s go meet the others. It was nice seeing you Rarity.” Twilight pulled Dream along with her to the door. “Sorry to leave so soon.”
“It’s fine Twilight. It was nice to see you too, Twilight. I hope to see the two of you again soon!” Rarity called as the door to the boutique closed.
Dream didn’t say anything as they walked again through Ponyville.
Twilight decided to make conversation. “How do you like the town so far, Dream Runner?”
“It’s very peaceful. I would love to live here.” He looked at Twilight and smiled.
“Then why don’t you? There’s room in the library. I’m sure we can squeeze you in as the assistant librarian.” Twilight waited for his answer anxiously.
“I wish I could”, he said sadly. Dream stopped. “And I will, so long as I don’t have a Forecast Dream that tells me to move on. It’s unlikely though. Whenever I find something that makes me even a little happy, a Forecast Dream comes along and ruins it for me.”
“Can’t you just ignore them?” The unicorn asked.
He shook his head. “I can’t. It’s like a curse. If I try to ignore it, my body will act on its own to fulfill the dream. I have no choice.”
“Is there a way to break this…curse?” Twilight asked, ignoring the funny feeling the word left on her tongue.
“Not that I know of.”
Twilight pondered their options for a moment. “I know!” Twilight exclaimed. “I can ask the Princess. She’ll definitely know how!”
“Princess…Do you mean Princess Celestia?” Dream stared in awe.
“Yes. I happen to be her most faithful student!” Twilight smiled brightly at him.
Dream’s cheeks became violet as the pink of a blush settled on them. Twilight’s smile always made him think that she only smiled for him.
“Where are we going next?” he asked.
“I’m going to introduce you to my good friend Applejack. You shouldn’t have to worry, she isn’t as energetic as Pinkie Pie. She does like to make new friends, so I may have to speak with her before you actually meet her.” Twilight explained.
Dream nodded. A sweet smell drifted to his nose. He stopped, wondering just what that could have been. He looked around, but didn’t see a bakery nearby, nor did he spot any fruit stands or shops. He tested the direction of the wind. It was blowing lightly into his face. He looked around again, but chose to dismiss it after seeing nothing. Twilight was starting to gain some distance and he didn’t want to be stuck alone in a town he had just arrived in.
He quickly made it next to her side again. She hadn’t noticed he was gone. It seemed that the more they walked around, the more stares that the other ponies gave them. The attention was actually starting to frighten the Pegasus. He moved even closer to Twilight until she had no choice but to point it out.
“Dream Runner, why are you walking so close to me?” She looked down at him.
He smiled shyly. “I-It’s just that all the stares we’re getting are scaring me.”
That was so cute that Twilight really had to subdue a giggle.
“It’s okay, Dream. They’re just…curious. Ponyville is so small that a new pony is easily recognized”, Twilight explained.
“Oh”, Dream replied. He moved a couple inches away from Twilight, but still made sure to stay close enough for protection.
They continued through the town until they came upon an apple cart.
“Thank y’all, come again, ya here.” Applejack called to a customer who was walking away with some apples. She noticed the unicorn and smiled wide. “Twilight! Did y’all come all the way to Stirrup Street just to visit me?”
As the two walked nearer, she noticed the skittish Pegasus that hugged Twilight’s right side.
“Well, howdy there!” Applejack darted over, only to be held back by Twilight.
“Applejack, you have to be gentle around him. He’s very panicky.” Twilight whispered to Applejack.
“Gotcha Twi’”, Applejack replied.
Applejack approached the Pegasus.
“Howdy, Ah’m Applejack”, the Earth pony greeted.
Dream shook her hoof. “I’m Dream Runner”, he whispered.
“Now don’t be shy. Ah don’t bite”, Applejack laughed.
Dream managed a smile. “Neither do I. Much.”
The three snickered at his poorly made joke.
“So…Applejack, you sell apples?” he asked, trying to make small talk. Very small talk.
“You bet your tail Ah do!”
Applejack looked over at Twilight. She smiled after seeing the twinkle in the unicorn’s eyes as she watched the Pegasus. “Dream Runner, do you mahnd if Ah have a little talk with Twilight for a sec?”
“No, not at all.” He sat, and rummaged through his satchel. Something inside crashed. “Ouch! I’m fine! …dumb statue.”
“What is it, Applejack?” Twilight said after the Earth pony pulled her aside.
“So…when are you going to tell’im?” Applejack flashed Twilight a sly smile.
“Tell him what?” Twilight tried to keep her cool. She knew playing dumb with Applejack would only fly about as far as Rainbow Dash with a sprained wing.
“C’mon Twi’. I seen the way you were lookin’ at’im. Go on and tell’im.” Applejack nodded towards Dream Runner, who was inspecting the orb that he bought earlier.
“No, I don’t think the time is right.” Twilight smiled sheepishly in the direction of the Pegasus in question. “I’ll tell him when it is.”
Applejack looked at her sternly. “You’d better, or Ah’ll do it for you”, she threatened. She quickly brightened up. “Haha! Ah’m just messin’ with y’all Twilight!”
The librarian sighed in relief. “That wasn’t very nice, Applejack.”
“Heehee! Ah know, but y’all shoulda seen the look on your face!” she laughed. Deciding playtime was over, she turned around and started back to work. “It was nahce meetin’ y’all, but Ah hafta be gettin’ back to the cart”, Applejack said as she passed Dream Runner. “Ah’ll see y’all later!”
Before Twilight and Dream turned, the unicorn saw Applejack give her another look. She sighed. As far as she knew one of her friends could see right through her.
“Where to now?” Dream asked.
“Now we’re going to see my friend Rainbow Dash”, Twilight replied. She knew she could persuade Rainbow Dash to be calm around Dream Runner.
Nothing could go wrong.