> Without memory > by norwegian-brony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Did that horse just talk ? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I woke up with a massive headache and pain on different places on my body. I rose from my from the bed I laid in, that was a mistake the headache became worse and it felt like my death was close. My eyes shot open in pain and the first thing that I Realized was that I had no clue where I was, the room looked like it was parted in two because of the iron bars in the middle of room and there were a door on the other side of the bars. '' Where am I? '' I asked my self. '' This looks like a prison cell?'' said a thought in my head I started walking around the room and trying to figure out where i was, after making possible the 10 circle in the middle of my part of this cell I climbed on my bed and looked out the window. What I saw surprised me a beautiful city but with a strange architecture the houses was small, but that was not what caught my attention that was I saw no one like me just some horses with some markings on their behinds and they were multicolored. The weak sound of footsteps broke my little breakdown, quickly I decided to pretend to sleep so I climbed quickly down from the window and back in my bed and closed my eyes. ''Are thou sure that he was awake? It looks he is still asleep'' said a voice '' I am so sorry my princess I thought I heard movement and voices from this cell'' said another voice but this one was a lot more nervous. ''Should I pretend to wake up or should I just pretend to sleep ?'' I started to say inside my head I decided to fake my sleep for a while more, this headache made it impossible to sleep anyway I shot open and tried to get a look on the creatures that talked. I failed to get a good look but I could see something that waved .... what could it be ? I thought, the door swung open and something walked in and it looked like a horse. It was wearing something that looked like iron plating but it was a black color. From the hallway on the other side of the door there was footsteps (hoofsteps?) the horse that entered my room closed the door and I think he locked it, he walked up to the iron bars and inspected me with his eyes and I closed my eyes and hope that he didn't notice that they were open. He looked at me for a while i think before me he walked probably to the chair that was on the other side of the room. '' I really hope you are worth all this trouble you made look like a fool in front of the princess '' said the horse guard. Well this disturbed me because I'm sure horses could not talk ... Did that Horse just talk or am I going nuts ? '' You know that I know that you are faking your sleep '' Said the guard irritated '' At least I tried ... can you tell me where I am ?'' I replied '' You are in Equestria you fool, now stay where you are while i get the princess'' the guard strictly said '' Stay where i am ...was that a bad joke ??'' I said to my self. I rose from my bed before i just sat down on it again, the guard left the door open I wonder why but before I could think of a answer I heard hoofsteps again there was eight no four... two different beings that walked towards the open door. I closed my eyes before I heard a booming sound and went momentarily deaf, '' WHAT !!'' I SHOUTED '' I am Luna the princess of the night and whom are thee '' said a much calmer voice and much lower one too, I got my hearing back and i saw a dark horse with flowing hair. '' m-m-my name is ... my name is .. my name is Ben.. my name is Ben'' I said trying to remember '' It is a pleasure to meet you Ben, I'm sorry for we had to put you behind bars but we don't know if you are dangerous or can be trusted.'' said Luna still holding a straight face, Luna eyed me like see was looking for something or expected something. '' Is Something there something you want yo ask me princess Luna '' I asked nervous '' Yes there is something .. what are you '' asked Luna '' What am I ?? .. I .. I .. I don't know I cant remember anything, I don't know i came here'' I said realizing my memory loss, Luna looked at me briefly. '' We cannot tell you where you came from and we also can't tell you how you came here but you was found on the edge off the everfree forest. '' Princess I do not wish to be rude but can I get some time alone ?'' I said weakly, Luna nodded for answer my question. she and her guard walked out of the room '' Just call the guard if you want to continue our conversation.'' said Luna before she exited the room. I sat alone in the room as i felt everything breakdown i couldn't remember anything, i tried to remember but all i saw was faces of people that i didn't knew. I felt a tear run down my face my memory was terminated all i could remember was my name and the princess name .. not much else. '' What have i done to deserve this?..'' I stuttered, I looked at the door where the guard most likely stood i wanted to talk to the princess but I couldn't make any sound.. I needed to rest .. yes this was a dream just a bad dream. I Laid down on my bed and closed my eyes trying to sleep and trying to remember what I am and where I came from. > A new day and old memories > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I woke up the sound of iron hitting iron. Not the most pleasant sound to wake up to but it would do. As I opened my eyes, I realized that I was in the same prison cell as before. My head turned to see what made the sound that forced me to wake up, and it was a guard here to give me what looked a bit like food. He roughly tossed an iron bowl filled with slightly wilted leaves at me. ''It’s breakfast. The princess made sure you got something that looked like an edible meal. Trust me, you do not wish to see what we feed prisoners,'' the guard said and I took his word for it. ''How long was I sleeping before yesterday?'' I asked, looking at the bowl of green food. ''Four days. Got to hand it to ya, it isn't easy sleeping in Canterlot,'' chuckled the guard. I looked towards him for a brief moment before I stared down at the bowl he gave me.   ''Aw, what’s the matter? Don't know how to eat a salad?'' the guard mocked. ''Shut your mouth... I can barely remember anything at all,'' I replied quickly. ''Look, since you obviously don’t realize your place here, I’ll be nice this one time and explain. You are in no position to tell me what I can and cannot do, pal,'' the guard started to say. ''But I AM , and we do not take it lightly when our guards start abusing their authority,'' said Princess Luna as she entered the room. She presented an air of authority, boldly striding in the prison. Her dark fur pristine and purple mane perfect as she confronted the guard. ''Princess! Um... The prisoner!” he said as he pointed a hoof at me. “He began ... started ... erhm... He started acting violent…’’ The guard stuttered nervously.   ''Is this true?'' the princess asked, flipping her mane in the guard’s face as she turned towards me. ''Well, if you count responding after being mocked aggressively or violently, I'm guilty as charged,'' I replied. ''Well, to tell you the truth, I am very disappointed in thou, lieutenant Night wing,” she said strictly, glancing back at the guard pony, “and thou can go back to the barracks.” The guard nodded before he left the room. Luna turned around and faced me before her horn engulfed itself in a dark light and sent over a knife and fork. ''Thank you princess Luna. Now I don't won’t to be rude, but what are those markings you have on your butt?'' I asked, hoping she didn't take it the wrong way.         '' That's my cutie mark'' said Luna proudly ‘‘Cutie mark?'' I asked   ‘’ You humans don’t- ‘’ started Luna before she stopped herself. ‘’I don’t remember much, but I don’t think we have one,’’ I said looking at Luna. The princess blushed and turned away. “Hey Luna. I mean, princess. Look, I don’t know everything about myself, but I wouldn’t hold it against somebody if they asked me about it. Of course, it’s a little sad, but it wouldn’t stop me,” I explained. Luna looked at me for a moment. I started eating the food I was given but found it difficult to use the knife and fork Luna gave to me earlier. I quickly learned how to use it, though I could hear Luna chuckling at my struggle.   ‘’Well, a Cutie mark shows what that pony’s special ability is,’’ explained Luna with good spirit.  ‘’So you’re special ability is the moon and stars?’’ I asked ‘’You could say that. I move the moon, to be more precise,’’ answered Luna. ‘’I’m sorry, but did you say move...?’’ I asked in disbelief. Luna nodded to answer my question. I finished my breakfast and looked around the cell. Luna opened the cell door and levitated a chest with her as she walked in. ‘’This is some off your belongings. My sister and I have agreed to give you some of your things back now,’’ explained Luna as she placed the chest before me. The Lunar princess opened it, taking out a bracelet and shirt before she closed the chest. I took the bracelet and shirt before looking at Luna.  ‘’Is this all my things?’’ I said, a little disappointed.    ‘’No, but this is all we agreed on giving back for the moment,‘’ replied Luna. I understood their decision, but I didn’t like it. I strapped on my bracelet and admired its design. The bracelet was leather and it had a triangle in the middle. I was not sure what it meant, but I thought it looked cool, and that’s probably why I choose it the first time. When I put on the shirt, a sudden rush of images flashed before my eyes, ending at a scene on the rooftop. Voices flooded my head, unfriendly ones taunting and teasing me. ‘’ Now, Ben, this part is easy. Just jump to that roof top over there and no fancy tricks or flips, okay? ’’ said an unfamiliar voice.     ‘’ Look ***** I’m not sure about that. What if I slip?’’ I heard my voice say nervously.  ‘’Relax, Ben. Worst case scenario is if you slip, you’ll break your arms, maybe legs, and can’t do this for a while,’’ said the first voice. He sounded relaxed but still spoke with a serious tone. “Look, I will do it first so you can just follow me. The pictures of the rooftops ended.  ‘’BEN?!  Are you there?’’ asked Luna nervously. ‘’Yeah I just got a flashback or something‘’ I said as I came back to reality. I gave the princess a reassuring look, explaining that I did space out but I saw a beautiful city and a beautiful sunset. ‘’My sister wish to speak with thee now,’’ said Luna ‘’Sister? Do you have a sister?’’ I stuttered, Luna nodded and walked out of my cell. I followed shortly after. It was short walk, and I couldn’t stop being amazed over what must have been the throne room. Romanesque pillars supported the dome ceiling. This grand and magnificent room had a large red carpet leading up to the two thrones. Luna took her spot in one seat, and a large white pony was waiting in the other. This pony had a long bright blue mane with pink streaks. She also had a horn and wings, like Luna. Their contrasting colors seemed as if they were opposites. ‘’ My name is Celestia, and I’m the Solar Princess of Equestria,’’ the white pony anounced.         > Royal meeting > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ‘’ My name is Celestia, and I am the Solar Princess of Equestria,’’ the white pony announced. I stood still, not knowing what to say. All I managed to do was to stand still and slowly nod. ‘’ My name is Ben Winther,’’ I said ‘’ I’m pleased to meet you, Ben Winther. I have a couple of questions for you, if you don’t mind my asking, ‘’ Celestia said warmly. ‘’ Go ahead and ask as many questions you want,’’ I replied. Celestia smiled at my answer.   ‘’ What are you?’’ Celestia announced as her first question. ‘’ I am a human, ‘’ I replied. ‘’ Can you remember how you got here?’’ asked Luna. ‘’ No I cannot, ‘’ I said dejectedly. ‘’ Do you remember what you used to do before you got here?’’ Celestia enquired. ‘’ I think I did something with running and jumping maybe something else but I don’t remember so much,’’ I explained.   ‘’ Maybe he was an athlete, Tia,’’ Luna whispered in Celestia ear. ‘’ Do you have any question to ask me? ‘’ asked Celestia.  ‘’ Yes, I have a few questions. First of all, can you restore my memory?’’ I questioned the white pony princess. ‘’ I can and I cannot restore your memory. You see, I cannot restore the memory that is completely lost, but I can restore the little memory you have already manage to recover,’’ Celestia answered. I didn’t understand much of what Celestia just said, but I could see Celestia saw that I was confused. ‘’ Those memories are like loose pieces in your mind, and I can reconnect them so they will be one sentient memory. I can restore what you manage to remember, but for the ones still in the dark, I cannot help you. Those are for you to find,’’ Celestia explained with a motherly voice. It still didn’t make too much sense, but I think I better understood what she said. ‘’ Can you help me get back to my own world?’’ I asked Celestia. ‘’ I will look for a spell that can get you home, but I don’t know if such a spell exists. I never heard of one that can send someone across dimensions or other worlds,’’ Celestia stated seriously. I looked down on the floor after hearing Celestias answer. Did she just say I’m possible stuck here forever? I heard hoofsteps coming my way. I looked up and saw Celestia walking towards me. She had a warm smile on her face, her soft expression eliminated all the doubt in my head. ‘’ I will look for a spell that can take you home, so don’t throw away all hope,’’ she said with a reassuring tone.  I nodded before looking around the throne room. It was amazing: a bright beam of light shot from the floor to the ceiling, and the two beautiful thrones in the end of the room, one golden and the other midnight black, were incredible. ‘’Would you like to look around the castle?’’  Celestia asked. I nodded in response. Celestia began walking out of the throne room, and I ran to catch up to her. Our first stop was inside a huge library, and by the looks of it, the building probably housed over 100,000 books. ‘’ This is the royal library. It contains books of all sorts, ever since princess Platinum ruled here. This is where I will look for the spell that can get you home,’’ Celestia explained. ‘’ This library is huge, princess... Have you read all the books in here? ‘’ I asked in astonishment. ‘’ No, but my student Twilight Sparkle read most of these books’’ Celestia declared    happily and proudly. ‘’ Your student, eh? Is there a chance that I would meet her? ‘’ I asked with a little smile. ‘’One day you will,’’ replied Celestia.  Celestia and I continued the grand tour of the castle grounds. In the middle of the walk to the castle garden, I noticed that Celestia was slightly shorter than me; it was weird that I didn’t notice it in the library. I let my thoughts escape as we entered the garden. I had never seen such a beautiful garden and so big too (or at least one that I can remember). ‘’ This is the royal garden. It’s where my sister and I spent a lot of our free time together,’’ Celestia said with a small smile. Yet again, I was astonished by how beautiful it all looked. I started to stroll around, looking at all the flowers and plants, enjoying the bird songs as I walked. It was incredible, but there was something that looked out-of-place. There was a tree in the middle of the garden, standing alone, far away from everything else. Why would a tree just stand there by itself? Is there a purpose for it? ‘’ That tree is where Luna takes her naps during the day. It’s is supposed to be a secret location, ‘’ Celestia whispered in my ear. I looked at Celestia and noticed she had a smug smile on her face. I chuckled a little as I turned around and saw a weird statue. ‘’ Um princess...What is that?’’ I asked as I pointed at the strange statue.  Celestia gestured that I should follow her. When we were next to the statue, Celestia gave it a long look before she started to explain. ‘’ That statue is Discord, the god of chaos. He was ruler of Equestria before me and my sister. When he ruled, well, it was chaos in all of Equestria. His chaotic magic knows no limit. With a snap of his fingers, he could make it rain chocolate milk and make the clouds cotton candy,’’ Celestia explained ‘’ So in short, Discord was a prankster and master of chaos?” I asked. Celestia nodded. ‘’ When my sister and I confronted him, we had gathered the kingdom’s most powerful weapons: the elements of harmony. We imprisoned him in stone, and he stayed there ever since,’’ Celestia finished. I was impressed of this epic tale. I had never guessed that Celestia and Luna was such big badasses. ‘’ That is the end of the tour. The rest of the castle is the barracks and the prison cells and the royal chambers and guests rooms and the dining hall,’’ Celestia said. ‘’ Will I still be sleeping in the prison cell?’’ I asked her. ‘’ No. From now on, you will have your own room as long you are here in Canterlot, but I wish that you will stay inside the castle grounds for the time being,’’ said Celestia. I only nodded to respond to her wish. She and I made our way to the dining hall and to the room that I would be sleeping in from now. I walked inside my room and looked around. It was much better than my old prison cell and definitely much bigger. ‘’ Princess, you said you could restore my memory, right? … Can you do it now, if it isn’t too much to ask for?’’ I tried to sound as humble as I could. ‘’ Yes, of course I can. I had almost forgotten to do it! We were having such a good time. And, please, you can just call me Celestia ‘’ she said. She always had a smile, spreading her good mood and happiness. I smiled a little as she finished talking. Celestia’s horn started to glow, and it was qucikly engulfed in a yellow light. Her horn touched my head, and in an instant, my mind was absorbed in the light, flashing my memories through my head. I could see places and remember the names of them. I remembered a lot of the things I saw earlier. ‘’ Thank you Celestia,’’ I said with smile as she walked out of the room.                       > Reunion > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I heard the door close behind me. As I looked around the room Celestia had just shown me, I was amazed they gave such a grand room to me. I looked back expecting Celestia or someone standing there, but it was just me in the room. I went to bed and noticed a little night table and bookshelf next to it. Climbing into bed, it only took a minute or so to get comfortable, and I quickly came to the conclusion that this was in fact the most comfortable bed ever made in recorded history, possibly in the universe. After maybe five minutes of napping, I slowly crawled out of bed and started to look through the rest of the room. It didn’t take long to discover that they did in fact use showers here in Equestria. I slowly inspected the bathroom and everything seems to be in order here, too. I walked out of the bathroom and back in to the main part of the room. ‘’This seems almost like an apartment,’’ I said to myself. I walked around for a while trying to figure out what to do. I noticed a chest in front of the bed and quickly recognized that it as the same one Luna had when I still was in the prison cell. I rushed to the chest and sat down in front of it. As I opened it, I saw a moon crest on it. ‘’ This chest must be Luna’s,’’ I mumbled. I gave it no more thought because I itched to see my old stuff. I opened the chest, and to my surprise, I had a lot of junk with me: a couple of pens, notebooks, and a camera. After I had successfully moved and organized everything, I double checked to make sure I didn’t forget anything and saw one other thing. It was indistinguishable, wrapped up in some sort of cloth. Suddenly, I heard something scream, but it sounded like it came from whatever’s in the cloth. The scream was weak, but it was still unbearable, the sound piercing my head like a bullet. It felt it screamed to me, begging me to me to unwrap it. I quick pulled it out to stop the screaming, and it let out a sighed of relief. It was a pitch black sword with a small black chain on the end of the handle, more like a katana, to be precise. ‘’ It was you that screamed wasn’t it?’’ I asked the sword.   Checking the point, I cut myself on its sharp edge, a small prick on my finger. I got a good grip on the handle before I stood up and tried to swing the sword a couple of times My blood spilled on the handle, and before I could react, my heart beat slowed, pounding into my chest as if it was attacking me. I looked back at the sword and swore it glowed a dark red. The handle shook a bit, imprinting itself into my hand, pulsating with my blood. I dropped the sword, feeling like shit. I ran to the bathroom and wrapped paper towel around my cut. Looking into the bathroom mirror, I expected to see myself, a bit worn but still recognizable. Instead, I saw a figure with my body but white skin, black and yellow eyes, and a sinister smirk.  ‘’ What’s the matter? Felling sick or are you dying?’’ asked the reflection.  ‘’W-w-who are you and what have you done to my reflection?’’ I stuttered. ‘’ Unlike you, I have no name, but I’m sure you will remember me soon enough,’’ explained my reflection. ‘’ ANSWER ME, DAMMIT!’’ I yelled to the mirror. But I suddenly saw just me, not that other thing. The headache from the first day had returned. I walked back to my bed, staring back at the black katana before sitting down. I had a feeling that the thing in the mirror wasn’t looking at me, but at the sword instead. I walked over to the sword and wielded it again. I swung it a couple of times before I had decided the name of the sword: Black Flame. As I admired Black Flame a bit more, the door to the hallway opened as Luna came in. ‘’ Hello Ben. Art thou feeling well?’’ asked Luna friendly. ‘’ Actually, no. I am not feeling well,’’ I said, facing the chest. ‘’ Oh? ’’ Luna said concerned. I gripped Black Flame in my hand. ‘’ This is the reason,’’ I said, turning towards Luna. ‘’ We do not see why that is the reason for-‘’ Luna stopped. She examined the blade before she closed her eyes and opened them again. ‘’ Can we borrow the blade for a while?’’  She asked, giving me a serious look. ‘’ Yeah, sure. I was just about to take a rest,’’ I said as I made a gesture to the bed behind me. I held the blade until it was engulfed with the same light as Luna’s horn, but once I removed my hand from under the blade, I saw Luna’s head and the sword fall to the floor. I quickly caught the blade as it fell, and Luna’s fall also stopped. ‘’ Thank you Ben... um, the blade was … how to put it... It was heavy,’’ Luna said with a weak blush. ‘’ You really think so? I find it very light... Well heavy enough to be some sort of iron, but not heavy’’ I explained.   I quickly remembered the cloth the sword was in when I found it. I rewrapped the Black Flame and gave it to Luna.   ‘’ Maybe this will make it better,’’ I said with a little goofy smile. The wrapped sword was engulfed with the light from Luna’s horn again, and once again, I removed my hand from under the sword. This time, Luna managed to keep it in the air. She walked out of the room and down the hallway. I closed the door behind her before I jumped to the bed and fell asleep. P.O.V. Luna    I didn’t know how I could miss this amount of chaotic and dark energy when I went through his belongings; my sister mentioned he housed a great source of it, but I never thought this sword could have so much. And by the looks of it, Ben had managed to cut himself with this blade even though it was blunt when the royal blacksmith tested it. I entered the dining hall where my sister had her royal cake; she was in love with cake ever since she could chew on her own. I trotted over to her with the wrapped blade. ‘’ Tia, we bring news of a discovery made by Ben,’’ I said trying to get her attention. ‘’ And that discovery is wrapped in bed sheets?’’ she asked, still focused on the cake. I unwrapped the blade, and Tia turned towards the sword. She eyed the sword and what caught my attention was Tia had the same facial expression as me when I felt it. ‘’ I haven’t felt this much dark energy since … Nightmare moon...’’ Celestia said nervously. “How could you have missed it when you checked his belongings?” ‘’ I’m not sure, but it didn’t have any traces of dark nor chaotic energy when I checked it, ‘’ I explained to my sister.              I started to hear something screaming; it was very weak but I still heard it. I looked around for what could have been the source of the cry, but I didn’t see anything that could have been screaming. ‘’ Tia, do you hear something? Like screeching?’’ I asked Tia nodded, but she was more focused on the blade than anything else. I looked at the sword and realized it was the blade that screamed for Ben. > dreams and nightmares > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- P.O.V. Luna Location: Dream realm. I entered the realm of dreams and found Ben. I opened the door that led into his mind. As I looked around, I was truly shocked, not because of what he dreamt, but because he didn’t dream at all. I entered a large white room with no content. Just four big white walls, nothing else. I walked inside the empty room. After all these years of watching ponies’ dreams, I have never seen anything like this. The door the hallway of dreams closed behind me. I looked around for Ben. After all, this was his dream, and that meant he had to be here. ‘’ So you are the Lunar princess that finds a sword too heavy to wield,’’ a voice said mockingly. ‘’ Who is there? ’’ I called out. ‘’ I didn’t except visitors. I didn’t except anyone else than Ben to find this place,’’ said the mysterious voice. ‘’ Show thee self or face extermination,’’ I warned. ‘’ Kill me here and you have killed Ben,’’ the voice replied to my threat. I stopped and looked down in defeat. If this was Bens dream, I could have done it anyway, but after hearing his warning, I needed to be careful. I looked around the room to find whoever that was talking but it was just me here. ‘’ This is my home and my prison. This is where Ben locked me up,’’ the voice said. ‘’Where are we?’’ I asked. ‘’ The place where you would lock up evil,’’ said the voice. Right after the voice finished, the entire room changed. It transformed into something that looked like Manehattan, but as I peered down from the top of a building, there was no one around. ‘’ The place where I would lock up evil … ‘’ I said to myself. I saw a figure coming at me on the rooftop; he looked the same as Ben except with white skin, and his eyes were pure black with yellow in the center. ‘’ Haven’t figured it out yet? … Seems like I overestimated you, Luna, ‘’ the man said. ‘’ Do not talk to me like I was a fool,’’ I said, starting to get angry. ‘’ Then why haven’t you realized where we are? ‘’ the man said. The white man raised his arm so it pointed at me. Then I felt it: the same thing I felt when I saw Ben’s blade. I had now found the source of the dark energy. ‘’ We are in,’’ I started before I was interrupted. ‘’ FINALLY you are getting it,’’ the figure said. I looked at him with a stare that could kill. He was still smiling like a lunatic. His hand had formed a grip, and it looked like it was holding something. Before I could speak, I saw that he had conjured up a sword that looked like Ben’s, but instead of being completely black, this one was white and had a longer chain on the end of the handle.   ‘’ If you don’t leave this place now, I will have no other option but to kill you,’’ he said. ‘’ You dare challenge me to a fight?’’ I asked him. ‘’ If you are just going to stand there, I will kill you, Luna,’’ the white figure said while changing his stance. Before I or he could do anything, another figure came to life. The other man looked like Ben, but this man was dressed in black. He walked over to the white one and grabbed his blade. ‘’ No don’t do that,’’ the one in black said. ‘’ You can’t stop me. You aren’t here,’’ the white one said angry. The one in black made the white blade disappear and conjured some chains that he connected to the white one. ‘’As long as the king has his might and power, I’m in control,’’ the black one said with a serious tone. ‘’ This isn’t fair … If that bitch over there hadn’t given you back, I would be the one who ruled this place,’’ said the one angrily and trying to make a gesture at me.  The one in black snapped his fingers and made the one in white disappear. He turned and walked slowly towards me. I tried to talk, but I couldn’t. I was afraid. I knew that he couldn’t kill me, but the way he talked to the other one made me afraid. ‘’ I-I-I-I was just w-w-wondering what Ben dreamt of… I didn’t try to do a-a-anything’’ I stuttered. The one in black didn’t speak; he just walked towards me. Why was I afraid? … No, I wasn’t afraid. I was terrified. The black one now stood right in front of me. I was now on the verge of tears. The one in front of me, he wasn’t scary or intimidating, but I stilled feared him. He opened his mouth. ‘’ Lulu, are you okay? You need to wake up,’’ he said. Location: Luna’s chambers   I woke up in my bed, feeling sweat covering my face. I quickly noticed Tia sitting next to me. ‘’ Lulu, are you okay?’’ Celestia asked. ‘’ I-I-I had a nightmare,’’ I lied.         ‘’ What was it about? ‘’ Tia asked concerned. ‘’ Sombra’s returned, and the gates of Tatarus are opening, ’’ I continued the lie. I hugged my sister as if there was no tomorrow. She was a little surprised at first, but she hugged me back. ‘’ Lulu it time to lower the moon,’’ Celestia said after she ended the hug. I climbed out of the bed and walked out on the balcony with my sister. As I lowered the moon, she raised the sun. ‘’ What’s on today’s agenda?’’ I asked Tia as we entered my chambers. ‘’ Twilight and her friends are going to be introduced to Ben today,’’ Tia said with a warm smile. I nodded and walked over to the mirror, giving my morning mane a good look.                   > tea with harmony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- P.O.V.:  Ben Location: Canterlot Castle I woke up by the sound of someone banging my door, causing an explosion in my ears. I jumped out of my bed and quickly grabbed my t-shirt before rushing to the door. The one guilty of killing my dreams was an orange colored guard. ‘’ The princess has requested your presence in the dining hall,’’ the guard said. ‘’ Princess Celestia wants me to eat breakfast with her?’’ I asked him. ‘’ Yes, and I would recommend that you hurry!’’ the guard said strictly. ‘’ Tell her I’ll be there soon,’’ I said as I closed the door. I walked around the room and picked up my pants that were curled up against the wall. After fixing my hair in the mirror and hoping I looked presentable, I rushed out the door and began the short walk towards the dining hall.     As I entered the dining hall, all eyes were on me. It felt awesome, but it also made me nervous, even though it was just the princesses and a few guards. I took the seat that had my name on a tag. It was next to Celestia, probably so she could keep a close eye on me, but I didn’t mind. ‘’ We are a little unsure of what you are used to eating, but the doctors said you are an omnivore,’’ Celestia said.   ‘’ That is true, but don’t worry. I’m not too fond of eating meat anyway,’’ I said as I looked down at my salad. After a short time of chitchat between me and the princesses I found out that the Elements of Harmony are coming for a visit so they could formally meet me. Technically, they did see me, for they were the ones that found me unconscious seven days ago, but they wanted a proper introduction. After a very big breakfast, I walked back to my room. Upon entry, I noticed something that looked like a package. ‘’A package to me? Weird. I don’t know anybody here except the two Princesses’’ I said to myself I ignored it as I walked past and straight to the bathroom. After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I went back in the main part of my room. My mind was now set on the package. I opened it and saw Black Flame with a sheath. The sheath was black with red stripes. I think it matches Black Flame perfectly, both cool and awesome. I admired the sword’s new sheath for a short while before I took the sword out and gave it a couple of swings. As I finished sword practice, I heard someone knocking at the door. I opened it and saw Celestia standing out there. ‘’ The Elements are here and wish to speak to you, ‘’ Celestia said with her usually warm smile. I simply nodded as I closed the door behind me and followed her to the garden. As we stepped outside, the sun shone down on all the vibrant plants. The weather was mild with a warm, gentle breeze. It was truly a beautiful day. When we entered the garden, the Elements of Harmony were talking to each other around a small table. They were served tea or coffee by the looks of the cups they were using. As I sat down on the other side, they all looked at me. I wasn’t the grand master to start a conversation, but luckily, Celestia started talking. ‘’ This is Ben, and he is a human. He is staying here until I or my sister can find a way to get him home,’’ Celestia explained. ‘’ Hello. I am Twilight Sparkle, and I’m the one of the Elements of Harmony. It’s nice to meet you, Ben,’’ said the purple unicorn.     ‘’ It’s nice to meet you, too, Twilight Sparkle,’’ I said. ‘’ I’m Pinkie Pie, ‘’ said the pink pony eagerly and with a huge smile.  ‘’ Hello, Pinkie Pie,’’ I replied politely. ‘’ Ah am Apple Jack,” said the orange pony with the Stetson hat. ‘’ It nice to meet you, Apple Jack,’’ I said with a smile.   ‘’ I’m Rainbow Dash, and I’m the fastest flyer in Equestria!’’ said the cyan pony with rainbow hair. ‘’ I am Rarity, and it is a pleasure to meet you, Ben,’’ the white pony with a well-kept mane said. ‘’ The pleasure is all mine, ‘’ I said with a smile. ‘’ I’m Fluttershy,’’ said the yellow pony a little voice, though still audible to me. ‘’ It nice to meet you, Fluttershy,’’ I replied softly. ‘’ It is nice to meet you all,” I beamed, “but which one of you found me first? ‘’ ‘’It was me,’’ Fluttershy said weakly ‘’ Thank you, Fluttershy. You may have saved my life, and for that, I owe you,’’ I said directly to her. “What do you think of Canterlot so far?” Twilight asked. “ Well, I have mostly been in a prison cell, this garden, and my room I was given so I haven’t seen so much of the actual city yet, but I still almost consider this place home.’’ After a while of drinking tea and getting to know Elements of Harmony, I found out that Pinkie is the party pony of Ponyvile, and Twilight lived in the local library. Applejack was an apple farmer, and Rarity was a dressmaker. Fluttershy cared for animals, and Rainbow was leader of the weather team in Ponyvile.   ‘’ Hey, um, what is that? ‘’ asked Rainbow as she pointed to my sheath. ‘’ Oh, this is my sword, Black Flame, ‘’ I explained as I took it out.   ‘’ Black Flame?  You gave your sword a name? Why? ‘’asked Twilight. ‘’ Well, it sounds a little cool, and I feel it is some kind of connection between me and the sword,’’ I explained, holding the sword towards the sun. ‘’That sword can’t be sharp. I held that blade in my mouth when we carried you to the library,‘’ explained Rainbow. “You know, after we found you.” ‘’ I managed to cut myself with it yesterday, ‘’ said while showing the closed wound from yesterday. There was a mutual gasp between all ponies, even the Princesses. As I held up my wound, I got a massive headache. It felt like death was coming for me.. ‘’ Ben, are you alright? ’’ asked Twilight, worried. ‘’ Yeah, it is just this dammed headache that’s been bothering me since day one,’’ I told her. The ponies let out a small gasp at my swearing, and that was the last I heard before I blacked out. I opened my eyes, and I was on a rooftop on a skyscraper. I looked around for any sight of life. After a while, I saw my sword laying on the edge of the roof. Thank god, someone was there! I dashed for Black Flame and cradled it in my arms. Though happy for my reuinion with my precious sword, I was compelled to turn around after a chill ran down my spine, as if someone’s eyes were trying to pierce my back. A white figure from yesterday was there. ‘’ This is it. You are too weak to control yourself and me. Just hand me your soul, and this will be easy. If you resist, I’m forced to kill the king’’ said the same figure. I followed my instincts and pointed Black Flame at the white figure. ‘’ Please don’t try to fight me. You don’t know how to control your own power, so why try to control me? … Nothing? No response? Are you truly that dense? Or are you trying to be a comedian?’’ said the white figure with a devilish smile. ‘’ Let me go, and we don’t have to fight, ‘’ I warned him. ‘’Fight? Me against you? That sounds more like slaughter to me,’’ chuckled the white man. ‘’ Let me go. I don’t want to fight you,’’ I told him. The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. I needed to fight him and win FAST. The white man started laughing like a lunatic, making me more nervous and unsettled. ‘’ Man, I wonder what your friends are doing,’’ the man said before he snapped his fingers. ‘’ Hello? Ben? Can you hear me? Are you there? Come on, answer me! Please!’’ said a panicked voice that sounded like Twilight.   ‘’ You should give them a sign that you are alright, ‘’ said the man now mere inches away from me.     I felt something going right through my gut.                 > Battle with my self > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I looked down at the source of pain, and I have indeed been stabbed. I turned my head around and saw that the white man’s sword had pierced my body. ‘’ So how do you like to be bitten by White Fang?’’ asked the man.  ‘’ He bites like a baby dog,’’ I joked. As the figure pulled the sword out of me, blood spewed out of my mouth, splattering on the floor. My head became foggy as I lost the feeling in my limbs. ‘’ What’s the matter, big boy? Are you all talk and no play?’’ the white figure said mockingly. I looked at him, and he had the same lunatic smile as before, that taunting smirk. I hated it and I hated him.  I wanted to kill him here and now; I knew that I could almost wield the sword correctly, and I also knew there was a chance here. I rushed towards him, leading with Black Flame. He smiled as he put himself in a defensive stance. I started swinging my sword and tried to hit him, but he seemed to deflect all my attacks, almost like he could see what was coming. I knew there had to be an opening somewhere in his defense. I tried to penetrate his defense, reaching to stab his chest, but the white figure took my move as his opening. He grabbed my head and tossed me in the skyscraper next to us, leaving me stuck in the wall. ‘’ It is really a shame that you can’t fight. It wastes such good talent,’’ the white figure said as he moved closer to me. “But don’t you worry. When I take control over you, there would be plenty of good ability left.’’ ‘’ I will kill you if it’s the last I do,’’ I said as I tried to stand up. ‘’ You can’t kill me. Do you want to know why? It is because you lack something. That little something is what I called instinct. You got that-‘’ the white figure said before I flew off the building and stabbed his shoulder. I removed my sword from his wound and then cut his left arm off. He screamed in pain as his armed was severed from his body and hit the floor. The limb didn't spew out red blood like my wounds but instead bled black. ‘’ Don’t tell me what I lack. You should concentrate on what you are doing instead of talking to me,’’ I said as he got back up. ‘’I can kill you with one arm,’’ he said before a new arm shot out from the stub from his last arm. ‘’But it would be a hell of a drag to do that.’’ I looked at his newly regenerated limb as he stretched it. His flawless arm was proof of his powers; this would not be easy. ‘’ Let us see if you have this ability as well,’’ he said, raising his sword arm. I swung my sword at his new arm and hit it but failed to cut it off. It still gave me a small opportunity to hit him again. I cleaved through his shoulder and down to his chest. ‘’ I don’t know if you have noticed, but I can’t be killed off that easily,’’ said the white figure smiling. He disappeared. Where could he be? I looked around, but I couldn't find him. I knew, however, he could be anywhere. ‘’ CHEW HIM TO BITS, WHITE FANG!’’  I heard him yell from a distance. I turned around and saw a white beam coming towards me in an alarming speed. I jumped out of the way just in time, but when I looked in front of me, there was another beam. There was no way I could dodge this, so I used Black Flame and tried to block it. The moment that the white beam hit the sword, I was pushed backwards. I could feel my feet sliding backwards on the ground as it tried to break my defense. After the beam stopped and I could move forwards again, I was immediately attacked by the white figure, quickly swinging Black Flame in front of me again and blocking his sword, White Fang. I suddenly felt a massive surge of power pulsating through me. I lost all self control, yet I was gaining the advantage of this duel. The white figure didn't know what happened, unable to block my attacks now. I felt the energy spreading through me, almost begging me to fight him, to kill him, and to win. I felt my new found strength surround me, then swallow me. As it took full control, everything vanished into the air before coming back, an entirely new scene in front of me. I quickly noticed that the white figure was bleeding from multiple places and stared at me in disbelief. I raised my sword above my head and glared at his miserable face. ‘’ Burn him to ash, Black Flame,’’ I said before I swung my sword in an arch and sent a black beam at him. He burned on contact, and the white man was set ablaze. Shortly after he caught fire, he fell to the ground, screaming out in agony. Then he vanished out of existence. I still had my guard up. I have no clue what I just did, but even though it was awesome, I didn't think the white man would fall. I suddenly heard footsteps behind me, but they were too calm the be his. It was slow, and after a few moments, it stopped right behind me. I quickly turned around and swung my sword, though my attack was quickly stopped. I looked up and saw a black figure. If he was an enemy, I couldn't win; he stopped my sword with his bare hands, possibly stronger than the white figure. ‘’ Is that a way the greet others?’’ he asked me. ‘’ Who are you?’’ I asked, stepping back into my fighting stance. ‘’ I’m the spiritual manifestation of your sword, ‘’ he said. “I am Black Flame.” I stared at him at him in disbelief. There was no way he could be Black Flame… But the way he looked, dark hair with red stripes in it and a cold face, it was like my sword. ‘’ Who was the other guy? ‘’ I asked, slightly lowering my guard. ‘’ He was the spiritual manifestation of your soul,” the man said. Before I could answer, everything went white. When I finally could see again I was in a bed. It wasn't mine but someone else’s room. I looked around and quickly figured that I was in a hospital               > Hospital party and a grim reminder > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I sat up in my bed and looked around. I heard the door opened, and a pony in a white coat entered my room. “You’re awake. That’s good,” said the pony. “After a while, we thought we were going to lose you.” “Where am I?” I asked him. “You are in the most advance hospital in Equestria, and you are very lucky to be alive.” I thought back on my battle that I just finished. It was kind of bloody and brutal, but I didn’t think it would damage my physical body. “What happened to me?” I asked him.     “We don’t know, but when you arrived here, you had been escorted by both the princesses and the Elements of Harmony. You were in pretty bad shape, bleeding in several places and out cold,” the doctor explained. “Where is the princesses?” I asked him. “They are back in the castle,” the doctor answer. “How long was I out?” I asked him again. “About five days,” he said while checking some charts. I gulped. It felt like just five minutes in the other place, yet it was five days in this place. That also meant one minute in the other place was one day in the real world. I wondered how everybody was doing. Everyone was probably worried sick about me. I tried to stand up but my body protested quickly. “You are in no place to leave your bed for another few weeks, mister,” the doctor said. “You have serious cuts on your body that have to heal completely, and also, you have serious injuries on your arms and a few bruised ribs.” “A few weeks?!” I asked in disbelief. “You are very lucky to be alive in the first place, so you shouldn’t complain about a few more weeks. I will tell the princesses that you have woken up,” the doctor said with a small smile. I sunk back into my bed and sighed, not knowing what to do for the next few weeks. I swear if I had something to write on, I could make so many awesome books right now. I faced reality and accepted I had nothing to write on. The real let down I have faced so far as I can remember. I closed my eyes and listened to the sound of the hospital outside my room. I suddenly got a flashback: “So you messed up and fell down. Now both of your legs and your left arm are broken, so what I’ll give you is seven months before you are fully recovered and back on the roof tops, Ben,” said the person in front of me with a cocky smile “I fell from the 4th floor… Do you have any idea how betrayed I feel? You said just follow me and you won’t fall down … I am lucky to have this conversation with you,” I almost shouted.   “I didn’t say you wouldn’t mess up. I said if you do what I do, it is most likely you won’t mess up, and by the way, you fell from the 3rd floor, not the 4th. I guarantee you, another story up would have killed you, though that isn’t much of a loss,”  said the person in front  of me with a more serious tone in his voice. “My bones are pointing out of my arm, and I can swear the bones in my legs are pulverized,” I said. “Look, I will call Kim and tell her about what happened. I’ll also tell her to be angry at me and not you,” the person said. “She’ll kills us both, anyway,” I chuckled. The flashback ended, and I found myself back in the hospital bed. I wonder who the person that I was talking to was and who that Kim girl also was. Maybe I had some kind of relationship with her or something.  I now had a memory that didn’t connect to any other memories. A slow melody played inside my head as the memory took form. It felt nostalgic yet so new.   *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuVibzM6Y4w * “Once upon a time,” I mumbled before the door opened slowly. I turned my head around and saw Twilight and her friends enter my room. Luna entered my room last, and she closed the door. “We heard you woke up,” said Twilight. “Yeah it was about … six minutes ago, so you are late for the party,” I chuckled. “No, silly. We brought the party here,” said before she took out a canon out of her hair. Before anyone could react, the shot already fired and my eardrums have got a grim reminder of what fear really is. A doctor bashed door in to see what happened and to his surprise no one was killed. “What in Equestria happened here?!” he shouted.   “I fired my party canon. It’s a waking up party for Ben!” said Pinkie with a big smile on her face. The doctor looked at her with a glare that could kill. He walked out and slammed the door behind him. I was still in a shock after the artillery round, and I swear if my soul doesn’t kill me, these ponies will. When I finally came to my senses, everyone was wearing party hats and having a bit of small talk, waiting for me. “I’m not sure you know this, but my ribs have been broken, and my body has been injured, so yeah, let’s just have a calm party,” I told them. They all seemed very happy that I was okay but a little sad to hear about my poor condition. “What really happened to thou?” asked Luna as she started walking towards me. “I’m not completely sure, but I can tell you what happened.” *A couple of minutes later * “That’s horrible,” moaned Rarity. “Why would your own soul do that to you?” asked Rainbow.   “Interesting,” said Twilight.   “You sure showed that meanie who’s boss!” exclaimed Pinkie. Fluttershy stood silent with her nose pointing down as if she was about to cry. I took my hand and patted her on the head “Hey Fluttershy, I’m okay. I won that battle... I didn’t kill him, and he didn’t kill me,” I said with a reassuring tone in my voice. Fluttershy let out a small sniffle and smiled. I smiled back and turn to the group. Pinkie somehow managed to get some cupcakes here, and she was passing them out to everyone. I looked at the cupcake before I ate it. That cupcake was the most delicious thing I have ever had the honor to eat, and I think my face said it, too, because they all laughed. “What is it?” I asked. “I take it that you liked my cupcakes,” giggled Pinkie.   “Liked them? No, I didn’t like them... I loved them!” I said with a big smile. “Pinkie Pie, your cupcakes are delicious,” said Luna. After a while of small talk, a nurse came and said I needed rest. She sent home the others, but Luna asked for a little extra time. The nurse accepted the request. “Please come back to the castle soon. It is … eh … somewhat boring without you there,” Luna said rather uneasily and with a small blush.  “So you’re saying you miss me?” I asked her. “No... I mean, yes … erhm … It can be a little boring just talking to Tia al the time,” Luna said, her face slowly becoming a bright red. “Not that I do miss you… or….”   “Luna, I can keep this up all day. Just say you miss me,” I said with a smile. “Fine … I miss you,” Luna said quickly before I pulled her in an enormous hug which made her blush even more. “Was that so hard, Luna?” I asked her. “No, it wasn’t. Well, I have to go now. Good bye and have a healthy recovery,” Luna stuttered before she teleported.      I looked out the window. The sun was still shining, and I wasn’t tired … This could be a problem for me, spending these next few weeks without jack shit. It would be indeed very bored and very slow paced. I sunk back in my bed and tried to get some sleep. Maybe I could have a pleasant dream for once.