Haunted by his past, and numbed from his responsibilities, Alex is thrown out of his world and into a new one.
Haunted by his past, and numbed from his responsibilities, Alex is thrown out of his world and into a new one. Join in the adventure as Alex is put to the test and driven to the edges of his sanity when he meets Sunshine Smiles. A particularly preppy mare that lives her days like her last, and her sister Moonlight Raven that could only be described as her polar opposite.
Don't like either of these titles? Then don't read the novel simple.
“Who are you? And why are you interrupting this ceremony?” Asked a man in a flashy ceremonial gown.
“I’m Alex?” I responded in kind. “And I was just called up here, like everyone else.” I replied thinking back a couple seconds ago.
The man in the ceremonial gown furrowed his brow as he looked at a sheet of paper situated on top of the podium. When his expression continued to change, I continued my explanation.
“I completed this course, just like the rest of the students here.” A look of confusion started to etch its way onto my face. Did he simply forget my name? I never heard of something like this happening at a graduation. They always seem to be on top of the ball with this type of stuff. Even with small mess up’s they usually carry on like nothing happened and deal with it later.
“I’m going to have to ask you to leave this ceremony Alex. You never completed this course nor have you ever applied to it.” The man stated.
My heart seemed to stop right then and there. All my sweat and tears I put into getting this diploma gone to waste because my name some how disappeared from a list. My mood started to change, all the money and time I spent.
Just thinking about it made my blood boil. I wasn’t going to let this clown take away my diploma now when I’m at my peak.
“I’m not going to leave until I get my diploma! I worked hard for it and I'm dam well going to get it!” I yelled back at the man causing the audience to gasp. “My names Alex. M. Pearson, I suggest that you double check that little sheet of yours again befo-”
“Get off the stage already! You’re ruining the ceremony!” Yelled a familiar voice.
Turning around towards the audience I come to see my class sitting in their respective places. Most of which are stunned completely, while the others looked to be royally pissed off. Yet, that was not the thing that stopped my rebuttal. No, what stopped my little outburst was who said it.
“How can you sit there and watch your best friend get rejected! I sat right next to you in all of our classes!” I yelled out to him. “Hell, I even gave you lifts home!” My anger was quickly subsiding, only to be replaced by doubt and shame.
“I have no idea what the heck your talking about! I have never seen you in my life!” Yelled back my thought-to-be best friend.
Seeing that something’s up I quickly switch my attention to another one of my friends. “For sure you know who I am Kellie. We always went to parties and bars together.” I claimed pointing towards the girl, “You earned the nickname keg stand Kellie on our first night out.” I pleaded for a positive response.
My hopes however were washed away as she simply ignored me. I continued to look out onto the crowd with a thousand-yard stare. It was like I was whipped form realties hard drive. Tears started to flow from my eyes as the walls started to close in on me. All my friends, all my accomplishments meant nothing to anyone anymore.
As the tears started to flow, the man at the podium signaled to one of the guard’s present. Within seconds two of them were grabbing me by the arms and dragging me away from the stage. I screamed and kicked like a two-year-old as I watched the ceremony carry on like I was never there. I couldn’t hold back anymore; this was supposed to be my time to shine! This was my day and I was going to seize it before it slipped through my hands.
With one well placed kick I got one of the guards to loosen his grip, and in doing so I managed to swing my now free arm around and punch the other guard in the stomach. This caused him as well to lose his hold on me. With my body no longer being held back I ran as fast as I could back to the stage. As I ran with everything I had, all the good memories came flooding into my mind.
”You have control.” Greg my flight instructor stated with a smile upon his face.
“I have control.” I responded, my voice shaking from the nerves.
Greg slowly released his hold on the yoke and with that I was flying the plane.
I smiled at the memory, it was my first time flying a plane, and it was something that I would always remember. I haven’t even learned much and here he was trusting me with full control of the plane.
The smile faded however as the stage seemed to be pulled further away from me. The lone spotlight getting smaller and with it my hopes of ever catching up. My mind started to turn on me as my memories twisted and contorted into darker ones.
”Where’s the flare Alex? Did you forget that we need to lose speed before we touch down?” Greg yelled as the plane landed hard on the runway.
“I’m trying but I can’t feel when the plane is buffeting. I just need to work on my timing and perception.” I replied back.
“How do you ever expect to be a pilot when you can’t even land the god dammed plane!” Greg snapped back. “Over shoot and try again, this time make it a full stop. Clearly you haven’t been giving today your all.”
“Alright.” Was all I could say.
Even though I was paying for the flights, I knew that my flight instructor knew what was best for me. If he said today wasn’t a good day for me, then today wasn’t a good day. Yet, that statement alone seemed to leave an everlasting scar.
I tried to shake away the thoughts and focus on the stage, but with it continuing to get further and further away my mind dove back into the dark recesses of my memories.
“Ha, a cadet soloed before you did dude.” Brent stated laughing out loud to his hearts content. “I swear I’m already going to be an airline captain by the time you get your wings.”
I just looked at Brent with a stoic expression on my face. I knew he was jerk, but to openly flaunt my failures in front of all the other pilots present was crossing the line. I however, was never the violent type so I just let it slip and awaited for karma to exact my revenge.
Nevertheless, that didn’t mean it made me feel any better. Brent’s words only served to push salt into my wounds. I was the only one in my class that hadn’t soloed yet and some students were onto getting their commercial pilots license.
The stage was now but a speck in the endless void around me. It’s existence soon to be snuffed out by the now fast approaching runway. The white lines racing past me as the Cessna’s cockpit formed around me. Warnings of all kinds were going off as both the electronic and manual gauges spun around in circles. In a last ditch effort to escape the on coming death I pulled back onto yoke casing the plane to sharply pitch upwards.
It was too late, as I pulled back hard on the yoke the planes tail struck the ground. Sparks flew out freely behind me as the tail of the aircraft ripped off. Fighting to keep the aircraft straight an level proved to be imposable as the down draft from the elevator no longer existed. This in turn caused the aircraft to flip upside down. My panic only worsened as I looked at the fast approaching tarmac. The wind screamed through the now open back, as the alarms bleared their commands. With nothing left to do I pulled my hands in front of my face as I waited for the impact.
~~<>~~
Out of instinct I shot up and out of my bed sheets. The pillows and comforters scattered all around me in a visual display of chaos. My body and face were damp with sweat as my hands shook with fear. I was still in survival mode, and my body refused to let up.
“It was just another dream…” I quietly stated to myself. “Just a dream.” I claimed again one more time to let the words sink in.
Night after night it seemed that these nightmares were getting worse and worse. Yet, this one had to of taken the mantle as it seemed to be a vision of my future. I was still in my first year of college, and to think that this could possibly happen sent shivers down my spine.
Letting out a well needed sigh, I finally got myself to stop shaking. It seemed like today was going to be a rough day with that kind of a start.
Stretching out my limbs I sat up on the side of my bed and looked towards my alarm clock. It’s green numbers piercing through the thick vale of darkness with ease, allowing me to read the information displayed.
“5:45 AM” Was what it read.
“Great, up early on the day I don’t need to.” I mumbled to myself. The cold carpeted floor reminding me of the tasks ahead. While I had the day off, I still needed to catch up on my work. Leaving it for another day would only serve to place me further into the whole.
Just like 2^x my work increased as time went on. Sadly, my mood and drive to complete said work was the derivative of that function. “Oh god, now I’m actually using math.” I claimed in all but a whisper as the daze that sleep had brought me started to ware off.
Knowing that I have a long day of work ahead of me, I started off towards the bathroom. While I couldn’t see a thing due to the non-existent lighting, I relied on my brain to guide me there from memorization.
Now you see that would be a bright idea, but with my head still in it’s dazed state my mind thought that the door to the hallway was two feet to the left. Causing me and it to smash head first into the drywall.
“Ow.” Was all I stated as I rubbed my head and corrected my path.
Entering that bathroom, I quickly tossed up my left arm flicking on the light switch. Ah finally I can see! I commented to myself as I picked up my toothbrush. As I brushed away all the plaque that piled up during the night, I thought over my plans for the day.
Don’t really feel like making a big breakfast, I’ll just have some toast. Gonna need some snacks as well if I’m going to be pumping out late assignments all day. I pondered while rinsing off the tooth brush and picking up the mouth wash. So breakfast first, convenience store second and self induced hell as the third. Seems like a plan. I continued gargling the minty concoction before spitting it all out into the sink.
“Ah, nothing like a minty fresh breath!” I claimed smiling in the mirror at my pearly whites. Having that said and done, I looked back at my plan I had conjured up and followed the first item on the list.
“Breakfast!” I said / half yawned. A small pop was heard as the crisp golden carb bar was released from its temperature controlled prison. Having the peanut butter and jam already in place it was only a matter of seconds before I was heading out towards the door with my key’s in my pocket and my jacket half on. Opening the door with my PB and J in mouth I felt for the first time that day why I disliked the winter.
Because its freaking cold that’s why! I yelled to myself as the door to my humble abode shut closed behind me. The store was a good ten-minute walk and with the wind constantly slapping me in the face it was going to feel a lot longer.
It’s okay PB and J, we got each other and that all that matters. I claimed as I happily took another bight out of it. The rich taste of crunchy goodness with the little tang of strawberry jam, oh how I was in heaven. That is, I was in heaven before another burst of air slapped me across the face again. God I hate winter.
As I continued to whine about the weather, I couldn’t help but get that feeling of doubt and guilt from the back of my mind. The dream I had last night was surly one for the books and I would be lying if I said it wasn’t on my mind.
While most of it was all but what if’s, one thing held merit towards me. I still have yet to go solo, and that’s because I couldn’t get my landings down pat. Every time the plane would be mere feet from the ground, I would get cold feet and mess it up one way or another. My instructor told me that it happens to everyone, but it seemed like it was going to take me way longer to get over the internal fear of crashing and burning on a lowly runway.
It was this thought that seemed to keep me occupied the whole way down the street. The only thing that was able to bring me out of my stupor, was the crosswalk section where I had to press the button. Yet, even that only brought me out of my thoughts for a couple of moments. Once I was sure enough that I was safe I continued where I left off.
What If I get left behind? I asked myself as I tread the snow covered sidewalks. I know I wasn’t alone on this thought as the course itself was rather fast paced. But, what got me thinking was what would happen if I simply could not get over that fear moments before touch down.
My instructor’s words kept playing in my head over and over again.
”How are you going to be a pilot if you can’t land the god dam plane!”
“Go around do it again!”
“This time make it a full stop.”
“CLEARLY, you’re not giving it your all today.”
“Your all today”
“is that all for today?” the cashier stated as I shook my head to get out of my thoughts. “No? what else are you buying sir?” the cashier asked with a puzzled look on her face.
“I mean yes that’s all.” I quickly stated as she punched a couple of buttons on the register. “That’ll be twenty-two-o-five” gestured for me to pay at the machine.
Two thousand two hundred and five dollars! What in gods earth did I buy! I yelled to myself as I looked at the debit machine. Thankfully enough it wasn’t $2205 but instead $22.05. Adverting that small heart attack, I graciously payed with as little as a small tap to the machine with my card. Man I love technology.
Having my snacks for the journey ahead I made my way outside to see that the sun had risen and the local inhabitants were all hustling and bustling around to got to their jobs. Some of the kids were even out playing in the snow, throwing snowballs and building forts.
The little child in me wanted to join them, and be the tide that changes their little war. Sadly, college and responsibilities kept me from doing just that, and like that my mind went back to the dream automatically.
Why can’t I just forget about you. I stated as I scratched the top of my head. The crosswalk signal still blinking its red hand at me. Watch come tomorrow, it’ll all be over. I stated hopefully as the hand switched to the man. My brain followed the signal and crossed the street.
“I guess time will tell.” I stated to myself as I placed my hands in my pockets. The plastic bags swung in the wind as they hung from my arm. Taking this time to clear my mind I looked up into the sky and sighed a heavy sigh of relief. The next sigh wouldn’t be till many hours from now.
“Take this Jason!” A little kid yelled, popping out from behind a small snow bank. His Pom-pom hat the only thing that wasn’t snow covered. With little time to react the kid threw the snowball right at me. I could see the mistake written all over his face the moment he realized that I wasn’t his friend Jason.
However, this didn’t help the fact that I now had a snowball headed right towards… well my head. Even with my reflexes kicking in the ball landed right on its mark. Too bad it was the wrong person, because this kid was going to get another snowball headed his way.
Yet, when I went to remove the snow from my face I couldn’t wipe it off. Getting a bit confused I place my hand out in front of me only to see that they were replaced by an olive green peg.
“What the?!” I yelled out as I felt the sensation of gravity taking a hold of me. The area around was still white and I had no idea what was going on.
I continued to look around but to no avail. The mystery of what happened still yet to be solved. Knowing this, I immediately brought up my ‘arms’ again to once again see two olive green pegs. The feeling of gravity seemed to be lost as I had no idea what direction I was falling in. I soon chalked it up to me actually floating rather than falling.
Having thought of that, a new color soon introduced itself to me. Blue? Dark blue? No more of an ocean blue… ocean… blue… ocean… Great Scott!! Defiantly not floating! I yelled to myself as I exited the fluffy white cloud. The ocean bellow was nice and calm, but then again I was also 2000 meters off the ground so I couldn’t really see how big the waves were.
Having a very logical mind the first thing that entered my head was the how long do I have left. Time is the root of 2h/g so… about 30ish seconds! I yelled to myself. Wow I’m such a nerd. Was the second thing that bounced in my mind as the ocean continued to get closer and closer.
Pulling out my ‘arms’ again I braced for the worst, but it seemed that my body found muscles I never knew I had. Within seconds of smashing into the water a pair of wings unfurled themselves from my body.
The first thing I felt was the sheering pain of my muscles attempting to keep the wings up. Nevertheless, through all that pain it seemed to be worth it as the tip of my olive peg skimmed along the surface of the water.
“I’m… I’m… FLYING!” I yelled out a small smile carving its way onto my face, not even caring about how absurd this all was. Taking my eyes away from the ocean for the first time, I come to see a large island in front of me. It’s palm trees swaying in the light summer breeze.
Sail boats were rocking in the calm ocean as the specs of people ran around hulling nets. Their white sails catching the light tropic breeze and propelling them forwards. The whole scene had a such a relaxing vibe to it.
What summer? Tropic? I said to myself. Don’t worry about it now. Worry about getting to the shore first. I quickly told myself as I moved the new muscles causing the two appendages to flap, rewarding me with a little bit of altitude. My mind was really a mess right now, but the little child in me was having a field day.
Flapping a few more times I got myself to a point where I could see the entire island and… and it was beautiful. It wasn’t really that big in all honesty but, thankfully it was inhabited. From here I could see two areas were clearly built up, and even from here I could see even more little specs of people moving around.
It was at this time that I just let my brain run on its own problems as I enjoyed the feeling of flying without a plane. Whether this was a dream or a wicked hallucination educed by a comatose state I didn’t care. There was a clear reason I wanted to be a pilot when I grew up, and this was exactly why.
While it maybe hard to get all the money for the class and stressful when you finally do them. Nothing beats cursing at three thousand feet and watch the world fly underneath you. So it was a no brainer that I simply shut down the logical part of my brain and just simply enjoyed the view.
“If only I could fly like this forever.” I stated.
The stress I put these new muscles through, started to really show its ugly face by the time I was over the island. Sweat was accumulating on my face and every now and then a drop would work its way down and drop onto my muzzle.
Muzzle? Alright logical part, time for you to wake up and smell the roses. I claimed to myself. The warm updraft from the island made the decent quite peaceful as I mimicked a seagull and followed the thermal. Diving in and out in order to control my speed.
Nonetheless, by the time my brain started to work on this new information I was starting to get low enough to get a better look at the locals.
To say I was surprised when I saw multiple technicolored ponies prancing around was an understatement that not many could fathom. Apparently I was not one of them, for when I noticed this my wings seemed to seized up and I started to drop once again like a rock.
Sadly, however my instincts and reflexes took their own little island vacation. Within seconds I was back up to high speeds aiming for a blueish garish mare. Having no time to warn said pony I crashed into the sand causing me to tumble into the mare.
“Oh look, another botched landing.” I huffed away the sand in my mouth. I quickly got myself up and on my legs, however probably due to my dazed state I found myself falling backwards onto my back. Balance was never really one of my strong suits.
Attempting to regain my barring’s, my ears picked up the sound of a female. Her voice was monotone as she spoke “Rough Tide, I thought I told you to stop with the tricks. You’re a fisher pony not a-” Her voice trailed off as I assume she realized I’m not this Rough Tide guy.
“Woh you’re not Rough Tide.” Was the next statement out of her mouth.
Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner. I claimed to myself as I prided my foresight. “Very perceptive of you.” I stated as I continued to stare out towards the clear blue sky. This view however was obscured by the same bluish grayish mare’s face.
“Thanks. Sorry for mistaking you for my friend, it’s just that we rarely get new ponies here. After all we are on one of the Galapagos islands. Anyways I’m Moonlight Raven you are?” The mare above me asks with her stoic expression.
Mare talked… that mare… just talked… I said to myself as I took the next few minutes to freak the hell out!
“Oden as my witness! Did you just talk!” I yelped more then yelled as I shuffled away from the mare that looked down upon me.
The mare in turn just followed me as I shuffled away from her. It wasn’t till my back hit the trunk of a nearby palm tree that she spoke again. “Did you hit your head or something? Of course I can talk, I’m a pony like you.”
Okay brain don’t freak out. Deep breaths here. Come on do it with me now. In… I stated as I breathed in. …and out… “I’M A WHAT NOW!” I yelled out utterly shocked. If you were to put a statue right next to me, you would not be able to tell the difference.
“A pony, are you sure you didn’t hit you head when you crashed into me?” The mare stated again.
“No… well yes.. but that’s not the point!” I retorted as I looked down to see that my body was indeed different. From what I could see of my stomach and legs they were all covered with olive green fur, and if the strands of dark brown hair covering some of my vision was anything to go by I had a mane as well. It seemed that this mare was right, I was indeed pony at the moment.
“I think I should take you to doctor Pin.” The mare stated as she moved closer to me. At this point I noticed a horn on her head. I didn’t even try to think about the idea that a unicorn was actually talking to me right now.
While a doctor would probably be the best course of action for her, I really didn’t feel like being tossed into a loony bin. So I did the only thing I could do at that moment to ensure my safety.
“Hay what’s that over there!” I stated as I pointed to something behind her.
“That’s not going to work on me.” The mare deadpanned.
dam, that was my only ace up my sleeve. I stated defeated as I attempted to get to my pegs which I now see are hooves. “You’re going to take me to doctor Pin aren’t you.” I claimed as I wobbled a bit on all fours before I fell face first into the sand.
“I think that’s wise.” She claimed.
Without even asking her horn glowed a dark blue. The next thing I knew I’m two feet in the air with a dark blue arura around me. My mind went into primitive mode as I started to thrash around attempting to get out of what ever this was.
I bet if Greg was here I would know exactly what he would say. “Clearly today is not your day.” I let a small chuckle escape my lips which was probably not a good idea seeing as Moonlight Raven is now looking at me with a worried expression.
“I’m not insane.” I attempted to salvage my first impression.
“Sure, you keep saying that.” And just like that my first impression was tossed into the incinerator. Sadly, her response told me that any further attempt at changing her view on me would be met with rejection. So I just did what I would normally do when being dragged through the air by a unicorn mare.
“So nice weather you have here.” I mentally face palmed at my attempt to start an actual conversation. way to go flyboy I stated rolling my eyes. Who knows maybe I am actually insane. Insane people don’t know when their insane. Yup definitely not in the right frame of mind right now. I claimed to myself.
Luckily enough Moonlight actually responded. “Yeah, if you’re a tourist your timing is perfect. We just got through our first major storm.” As she said this I looked around to see that the most of the buildings did in fact looked to have taken a beating.
“They really get that bad here?” I asked generally curious.
“Sometimes, depends on what time of the year they come. If its in the winter, we usually get hammered pretty hard.” She lectured, then did what I never thought she would do. She asked back another question. “So since you know my name, what’s yours? Never really got to hear it since you were having a mental breakdown.”
“Oi you would to if you been through what I just been through.” I stated, but nevertheless continued to answer her question. “Names Alex Pearson, pleasure to meet you.”
“I would say like wise, but then again I am hulling your flank over to doctor Pin so...” The mare stated with a sly smirk hinted towards me.
This mare man, this mare’s got some sass. I told myself as I continued to float there in the air. Which brings me to my next question I relayed to Moonlight. “How are you holding me up anyways? You magical or somthin’?”
Moonlight looked back towards me with an unimpressed look upon her face “Yes, I’m a unicorn.” She stated again with an emotionless tone. Sadly, before I could answer her she released her hold on me and motioned me into a near by building.
As soon as we entered a male’s voice rang out from behind the counter. He had a white doctors coat on whit a brown coat and white mane. “Hay Moonlight what brings you here? Come to chat with an old doctor hmm? Do your good deed for the day?”
My right eye twitched a bit as he stated that. Nonetheless, I was quickly brought out of my stupor as Moonlight spoke up.
“Unfortunately no. Found this guy falling out of the sky on hoof tread trail. Seems to have lost his marbles though. Didn’t even realize he was a pony let alone what magic was.” Moonlight Raven stated my sentence. The sentence that would force me into an asylum for the rest of my days. Oh joyous me!
“Is that true?” Pin stated as he looked over towards me.
I was slightly caught off guard that he would ask a said to be insane person whether they were sane. Nevertheless, I still answered him “Would you believe me if I said I was a completely different species a couple of moments ago. That seemed to just appear here after being hit in the head by a snowball?” I asked.
The doctor just sighed then with a long breath said “No.”
“Thought so.” I stated under my breath. “So what’re you going to do with me doc?” I asked with pleading eyes. Eyes that begged to be set free.
“Nothing, you clearly aren’t insane. I met ponies that are insane, and you by all means do not act like any of them. You’re just really, really stupid.”
I visibly flinched at those words “ouch, rude much.”
“How else was I supposed to say it? To hear that you never knew magic was a perk for being a unicorn. That’s just common sense.” The doctor replied.
“So what now? It’s not like I can just go home, where am I supposed to stay?” I asked the doctor.
At this time both me and the doctor seemed to hatch the same idea. Reveling in this new motion we both turned our heads to where Moonlight used to be standing only to find it vacant. Slowly moving our glance, we come to see her moments away from opening the clinics door.
“Ah horse apples!” Moonlight stated as she turned back around. “Why me!” She stated for the first time in an actual tone other then her monotone one.
“Well you’re the only one I know.” I claim.
“And you could also fill in his gaps of knowledge while he waits for the next ship to the mainland.” At the doctor’s statement I turn around and give him a ‘really you just going to chuck your problems to the mainland’ kind of look.
He returned the look with his own ‘you bet your sweet flank I’m gonna do that.’. I swear males could have entire conversations with just looks. No need for those petty things we call words.
Moonlight seemed to think about what the two of us stated before her own little light bulb appeared over her head. I’m not joking to when I said a light bulb appeared over her head, because it literally did. I’m really starting to rethink my sanity here. I claimed to myself as I watch the light bulb pop out of existence.
“I know; why don’t I just give you to my sister Sunshine Smiles.” Moonlight stated looking over to the doctor.
Following her lead, I turned my attention to the doctor again only to see him giving me the ‘you see even she tosses her problems aside like I do. It’s just the way our reality works, the only thing is to accept it and move on.’ Kind of look.
My follow up was a ‘dude that’s deep.’ Look before the doctor actually voiced his opinion.
“That actually sounds like a sound plan. We all know Sunshine could use somepony to occupy her spare time. Celestia knows what she does after her classes are done.” Pin stated.
Sunshine, wow what a name. I wonder if she knows what Kaneda saw? I once again chuckled. “So this Sunshine pony she a student?” I asked remembering the doc saying something about classes.
Moonlight was the one to answer this time however. “No, she’s the elementary teacher here. So it kinda makes sense that I would hand you over to her. With her you can learn all the basics.”
I didn’t really like the though of being looked down upon, but I could see where they were coming from. Hell if I saw someone that appeared like I did, they would have been in the loony been hours ago. With that in thought I turned towards Moonlight.
“Well if you think that’s what’s best then I don’t see any harm in trying.” I state, my mind still a complete mess from all that has happened. I’m actually quite surprise I’m handling this as well as I am. I thought for sure I would have passed out by now. No doubt I was not going to get any sleep tonight, my thoughts were just too big of a mess.
Moonlight lets a sigh of relief escape her lips. No doubt from the probability of getting rid of me as a responsibility. How do I know? Well that’s because I used to do that exact same sigh almost everyday in my classes.
“Alright so it’s settled, I’m guessing you two will be off to see Sunshine then?” Pin stated as I walked on over to Moonlight, and by walked I mean tripped over my own hooves. Seeing this Moonlight rolled her eyes again and picked me up with her magic.
Before Moonlight could respond, I quickly shot Pin another question that was burning in my mind “Before we go, is Pin really your full name?” I ask.
The doc chuckles before shaking his head. “No that’s just the first part of my name. My full name is Pin Prick.” And when he said that my mouth started to curve into a smile. This however was halted by another one of his looks this one clearly stating ‘get out, before I force you out.’.
Have both me and Moonlight pick up on his look, we headed out of the clinic with haste. Moonlight being the first of us to break the silence. “You’re really lucky you bumped into me and not anypony else. If you did, you would probably be sleeping outside tonight.”
Her words hit me hard, harder then I would have thought. It was true, she was doing me a huge favor and I was being nothing but a literal baggage she had to lug around. One day I would pay her back, but until that day comes I have to live with the guilt.
“Thanks.” I simply stated as I floated next to her, “I really mean it to, thank you for not leaving me out there on the trail.”
Time ticked on, but eventually Moonlight responded to my thanks. “We’ll see how true that statement is when you meet Sunshine.”
I just looked at her with a confused stare. Moonlight seemed to catch on as she continued to explain her reasoning. “You see Sunshine is nice and all, but sometimes her optimism can get a bit… how do I put this… overbearing. I’ll give you two days before I have to take you back to doctor Pin.”
Once again I looked at her; my mind telling me only one thing. What have I gotten myself into?
I never knew just how relaxing chilling with nature can be. Beautiful birds and busy bugs were dancing around me as they sang their silly songs. It all seemed to call out to me with its loving voice, telling me that this place was real. It truly was a serein feeling, yet it was one that my mental-self seemed to dislike.
Not even one day, and I had already convinced myself that this place was not real. It was just too perfect to be real. The colorful birds, clear blue skies on a tropical island. Without me turning into a pony I would have thought this to be a dream vacation. One that you would read about in stories and see in movies. Alas this was not the time to tread towards such dark paths, it was early in the afternoon, the perfect time to act!
It was this thought that roused me from my thousand-yard-stare, the loose gravel road beneath me slowly wafting by. That’s right Moonlight’s carrying me. I stated to myself as I looked at said pony.
She had that emotionless vibe going on again as she walked up hoof tread trail. The soft sound of crunching rocks made themselves known as she gracefully stepped upon them. Let’s not make this into another awkward situation. I stated to myself. Hopefully, I wasn’t day dreaming that long.
“So how far is it from Sunshine’s place to the village?” I asked as I slowly reoriented myself. I was now floating with my face towards her. A position that was actually quite uncomfortable, even though I was practically laying down on air.
“Just a couple leagues,” Moonlight answered, her tone sinking right back down to her usual monotone voice. “she never really cared much about the village life.” She continued.
I suppressed a chuckle at the mention of village life. I wonder if it could be said to be the same thing as city life, but I somehow doubt it. At least I could say I was getting some information about this mystery mare.
With all these tidbits of information I was starting to paint myself a nice little picture in my head on what this mare was going to be like. After all I really don’t want to walk up there and have everything dumped on me at once.
Using those tidbits, I mulled over the image in my head. As far I know she’s very optimistic which seems to match her name. I also know that she’s a teacher here on the island. Even though it is at the elementary level, I’m sure she’s very knowledgeable. I’m sure we’re going to be talking a lot if she takes me in.
That just leads me to conclude that she’s probably a really easy going kind-of-a-person. Then again, you kind of have to be when working around children.
Satisfied with my mental picture I continued the conversation where we left off. I would rather not drag this awkward silence any longer than it already has.
“So I’m assuming were pretty close?” I ask again, we had already been walking for the better part of ten minutes. The village that we were once in was long since gone. Even the smoke stacks from the chimneys were blocked out by the tropical canopy.
“And you would be right in thinking that.” Moonlight Raven stated as we passed by an old fence. The tropical forest seemed to be taking over this area of the island. As evident from the long twisting vines overgrowing the path. “Her house is just up ahead and over this little hill.” She continued.
Moving around again in the dark blue arura I positioned myself to look forwards. In doing so I took sight of the small hill we were walking up to. It’s elevation just high enough to obscure what laid behind it.
“So does she own this house? Or do you girls all live together?” I questioned as we breached the crest of the hill. The house that came into view could be described with only one-word ‘cozy’. This house looks like it was meant to be lived in 24/7.
From the outside it was a small log home, with windows littering its length. I could already see the small garden on the side growing all sorts of fruits and vegetables. The only problem with the house is that it looked a bit run down. Time had definitely not been kind to its walls.
Then again it all kind made sense in the end if I think about it. Raven and Pin both stated before that they have no idea what she does in her spare time. Mostly hinting that she rarely leaves her house; and if she does it’s either for work or forging. Which brings me to think that she must be very dependable if she is able to live so far off from the village all alone.
Moonlight cracked a small smile as she looked on towards the house. It’s small chimney bellowing out puffs of white smoke, signaling that someone was home.
“Yeah, she owns the place. Bought it off an old couple that decided to live off in the mainland. Ever since she moved in she’s been renovating the place and making it better and better.” Moonlight stated as we both arrived at the front of the house.
Without waiting for any reply Moonlight rapped on the door a couple of times before taking a small step back. “You think she’s gonna let me stay here?” I asked truthfully as we both waited patiently for the owner of said establishment to come to the door.
“Ehh, you have about a twenty-five percent chance she’ll say yes.” Moonlight stated with a sly smile.
25% chance! I thought my odds were higher than that. I commented to myself as the sound of hoof steps made themselves know. Once the sound stopped, Moonlight Raven slowly lowered me to the ground before releasing me entirely.
All right, lets bump these odds with a good first impression! Give ‘er the good old Pearson charm. I told myself as I got mentally prepared for what was about to come. That being said the door to the small home opened, a light pink pony with a blond mane stood under the door frame. Her eyes however, were a different story. Their dark green color seemed to pull at me.
At this point my mind was having another breakdown. Thoughts off all sorts started popping up and disappearing. The little people in my brain started running around with massive amounts of paper, while others were rolling on the floor on fire.
This however, was all hidden by my neutral expression. Many years of networking in the piloting industry lead me to this useful state. From an outside I would look like anyone else, but on the inside I was slowly being burned alive.
“Oh hay Moonlight!” Came the chipper tone of Sunshine as she moved out and gave her sister a hug. This was met sadly with resistance as Moonlight pushed herself out of the hug. Clearly she was not the one for physical affection. “What brings you here? I see you’ve brought another visitor as well.”
“Actually I’m here to ask a favor from you.” Moonlight replied, “I would prefer it if we talked about it inside.” Moonlight stated with a hoof above her eyes successfully blocking out the sun. One of which has conveniently placed itself in the most annoying place imaginable.
You know like when you’re driving and it somehow finds that one spot where your shades can cover. Man I really hated when that happened.
Sunshine on the other hand, did as the last part of her name would entail and cracked a small smile. “Oh of course, come right in.” She said as both of the mares walked into the house, leaving me still outside.
Sunshine seemed to catch my immobility and voiced her concern. “You coming?”
Hearing her question, I jostled myself out of my stupor. Sadly, I was not very fast as she once again asked “Can you walk?” a confused look appearing on her face.
Quickly before you ruin your first impression My mind screamed at me. With that thought in mind, my mouth opened and I spoke my first words to her. “Yes, I can walk pretty girl-” WHAT! My brain yelled at me as the people in my head started to jump off the massive piles of paperwork they’ve been hulling around.
Thinking fast I quickly fixed my sentence. “I mean pretty good… I can walk pretty good.” I stated with a sheepish smile. To show the truth behind my words I brought my right forehoof in front of me. Yet, as this world likes to do it threw another curveball my way as I suddenly remembered why I was carried all the way here.
With nothing left to do to avoid the inevitable, my forehoof slipped from its place kicking my left forehoof out from under me. All compiling into one giant trip which caused me to roll rather than walk into the house.
Welp there goes first impressions. In fact I’m pretty sure I butchered that 25% percent chance. I told myself as I got myself back onto my hooves. Sunshine Smiles was covering her mouth with a hoof unsuccessfully hiding her giggling, while Moonlight on the other hand just face hoofed.
Getting back to my hooves with a deep blush on my face I looked around the interior of the house. “Wow, it’s even cozier on the inside.” I stated, trying to change the subject to something other than what had just happened.
“I know right!” Sunshine Smile beamed. “Took me a while to get everything to look this way, but it was all worth it in the end.” She continued closing the door.
As Sunshine made her way over to what I assumed was the living room, Moonlight glanced over to me. A look of ‘I’m going to have to carry you there aren’t I’ etched across her face. When I had failed to answer her, she let out a sigh and fired up her horn.
What happened next I was not prepared for. The world around me turned completely white as my body was squished to the size of a needles point before being pulled. As I flew across the white expanse I started to twist and turn, the feelings all too familiar.
”You think it’s going to get easier?” Gregs voice filled my mind.
“No, bu-” I attempted to reply.
“No but’s! This is only going to get harder for you Alex. For the rest of your life you need to be able to do these sorts of things!” Greg yelled out with a frustrated tone.
“I know!” I replied, I was really starting to get angry now.
“Then man up and stop messing up theses stalls!” Greg yelled as our plane recovered and turned towards the airport.
“I guess that’s it for today?” I asked, my anger subsiding only to be replaced by shame. However, before I could say anything else the plane jerked right and up causing it to enter a spin.
“Recover!” Greg yelled at me as I fumbled with the yoke. The pressure of it all starting to build up around me. “You’re not going to have the luxury of knowing when a stalls going to happen! Now fix it before we hit 1000ft” Greg commanded.
My mind was going a mile a minute as I ran through the recovery process in my mind. The dial on the dash spinning endlessly along with the plane. The view outside was left unseen as I focused everything on the recovery.
Warnings of all kinds were beeping and buzzing telling me everything that was wrong. So many things, so little time. So much responsibility, so little courage.
Just like that the white expanse vanished tossing me forcefully onto a couch not ten feet away. As I looked around the spinning room I came to see two blears. One light pink and the other gray, both of which looking right at me.
“Woah are you okay?” I heard the voice of Moonlight Raven speak up. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” She continued.
I let out a weak smile, “I-I’m okay, I never knew you had pet birds Sunshine.” I stated looking up to see three birds circling my head.
“I don’t.” Sunshine stated.
“Oh…” I replied, “Then you wouldn’t min-” And that’s as far as I got before I let my bowels exert their contents all over the nice wooden floor.
Moonlight was the first to speak up, after my little display “I can’t believe you just did that. You really are hopeless.”
”A pilot who can’t land. You really are hopeless.” Greg’s voice once again screamed in my head. I felt my blood run cold. At this rate these ponies would be the end of me. The constant reminders of my failures were enough when I had them once a month. To have them fire one after another in one day seemed to push me to the edges of my sanity.
“Woah, woah, woah, Moonlight don’t be so hard on him.” Sunshine stated as she sat down next to me. “Can’t you see what just happened?” She continued.
Moonlight who from my perspective still looked like a gray brush stroke across a painter’s canvas replied, “Yeah, he vomited all over your floor.”
“Well… yeah, but this is obviously the symptoms from a first time teleport.” She continued on but my mind was too busy thinking about what she had just said to listen further.
Teleport! Man this girls cray! Floating sure, some smoke and mirrors could be the reasonable explanation. Teleport ah hell no, no way. I retorted in my mind as my sense of hearing seemed to come back to me.
“-ime” Was all I got to hear from Sunshine before her sister Moonlight spoke.
“Yeah, but he’s a full grown Pegasus. You’re telling me that never in his life has he ever had a unicorn teleport him around.” Moonlight stated. My vision was finally getting better; Moonlights face was now at least the shape it should be.
Sunshine was silent for a moment before she sighed in defeat. It seemed like she wanted to drop this topic and move on. As if to act on that thought her horn lit up and there was another flash. This one to me seemed rather useless as nothing seemed to have changed from my perspective.
“So anyways, what brings you two here?” Sunshine finally asked. My odds were already out the window, but Moonlight bit the bullet and asked anyways.
“Alex over here crashed into me on my way to the market. Once I got him to his hooves he claimed all sorts of crazy things. However, taking him to the doctor revealed that he’s perfectly sane.” Moonlight Raven stated before whispering under her breath something.
Sunshine looked at me with a curious expression before nodded for Moonlight to continue, “Since he was all fine from a first glance by the doc, he came up with the idea of staying with me until the next ship to the mainland comes.” Moonlight signed, she knew the rejection was coming. “I have a lot of work that needs to be done, and I didn’t want to just let him to sleep with no roof over his head. So I was wondering if you could take him in?”
The silence was thick, no scratch that the silence was in a solid state. It felt like I was being crushed by the awkward moment as it seemed to stretch on for hours. Thankfully, however it was just my imagination playing tricks on me as Sunshine replied.
“Why me?” She simply asked. “I’m sure there are many other ponies in Blue Water that are better suited then I am.”
Moonlight rolled her eyes at her sister. “That’s where you’re wrong. You are the best pony for the job. You see, Alex here claims that he was never a pony before today. He doesn’t even know how to walk!” Moonlight stated.
The pieces started to click in Sunshine’s mind as her mouth took on the classical ‘oh’ shape. “So that’s why I came to you first. Not only can you keep him off the streets, but you can also teach him.” Moonlight once again sighed. “I know I’m asking a lot. I wouldn’t put it past you if you said no.”
I’m not very fond of being talked about while I’m sitting right here; but even I have to admit that Moonlight did a pretty good job of portraying the severity of my current state. So in turn I just simply let that one slide and turned my attention over to Sunshine.
“Well… in that case… I don’t think I have any other choice.” Sunshine stated as she nodded her head. “You can count on me sis; Alex here will be back too normal in no time!”
“Hay, who’s to say I’m not normal right now?” I finally put in my two bits.
The response I got however could rival my flight instructors. Moonlight Raven’s eyes seemed to have a flame burning inside as she tore me apart with her menacing stare.
Letting out a large gulp I quickly fixed my sentence. “W-what I meant to say was ‘thank you so much Sunshine! You are one of the most helpful ponies I have had the pleasure to meet in my short time here.’” I stated with sweat starting to drip down my face.
Moonlight’s glare didn’t end there in fact she pushed it harder causing me to yelp and continue my sugar coated thank you speech.
“And of course thank you Moonlight for carrying my sorry flank around all day.” I stated, this time Moonlight’s glare let up as she let out the first genuine smile I have seen her make.
“Well now that, that’s taken care of I got some important studying I need to do.” And just like that Moonlight’s horn lit up and with a satisfying pop disappeared.
Oh god and here comes the cliché awkward silence. I stated to myself as I turned myself around to look at Sunshine. Please don’t be two faced, please be just as hart warming as when your sister was here. I pleaded.
“Looks like we’re going to be roomies from now on. This is going to be so much fun!” Sunshine smiled as she got up from the couch. “Come on,” She stated nudging her head towards the rest of the house. “I’ll show you around the house.” She stated, but never let me respond as she continued, “If you thought this is cozy wait till you see the other rooms!”
Once again for the second time today I was left behind as Sunshine walked into the other room. “Umm Ms. Sunshine?” I called out.
It took a couple of seconds, but Sunshine came back into the living room. “You don’t have to call me Ms. We’ll be living with each other for the next month.” Sunshine stated rolling her eyes. “Now come on, I want to show you my favorite room.” Sunshine claimed as she waited for me to get up.
I just looked at her with a ‘really’ kind of a look. I had tripped into her house not seconds ago, does she really not remember that I don’t know how to walk in this form. I mean I myself always thought that being a quadruped would be pretty easy, but let me tell you it really isn’t.
“Well come on, I don’t got all day!” Sunshine stated tapping her hoof on the hard wood floor.
Sighing I finally stated, “I don’t know how to walk. Moonlight literally told you this not seconds ago.”
Sunshine just smiled at me before saying, “That’s what naysayers say. Now come on and walk with me.” She stated in a calm and relaxing tone.
“Alright, but if I crash into you it’s not my fault.” I said as I slowly slid off the couch and onto all fours.
“Actually it will be your fault, the only way to learn is by pushing yourself. If you want to continue pushing responsibilities to other ponies and hid behind your walls of insecurity, you’ll only end up hurting yourself.” Sunshine lectured.
I looked at her with wide eyes. “Wow, that was pretty deep.” I commented as I took my first step.
With the confidence her little speech gave me, I took my forehoof and placed it in front of the other. and soon you’ll be walking out the doo- Oh god just shut it brain. I stated to myself as I started to walk for the first time ever as a pony. I’m doing it! I’m actually walking!
“You going to hurry up or what?” Sunshine stated in a bland tone.
Being caught off guard by her sudden input, my left forehoof missed its spot causing me to once again tumble onto the floor. And now I’m back to square one. I stated as I let out a large huff. Out of nowhere my ears swiveled on top my head and pointed towards Sunshine. Getting back up I came to see her covering her mouth in an attempt to once again silence her giggles.
Letting out another huff, this time in frustration I spoke out, “Oh, I suppose this is funny for you.”
I knew that she was my angel in times of darkness, but if an angel laughed at all your failed attempts you would get pretty mad as well.
“Just a tiny bit funny.” Sunshine claimed as she walked over to me. “But, I’m glad you gave it your all. Here I’ll help you.” Sunshine stated as her horn glow a nice shade of green. Within seconds I came to see the same glow surround my hooves.
“Now, when you go to move your hooves make sure to take turns. Like this.” Sunshine’s horn glowed brighter as my hooves moved on their own. I took this as the example as I studied the movements.
Having a general idea of how the proper way to walk should go I let Sunshine know. “I think I got it.” I stated as she let go of my hooves.
“Alrighty then, let’s see what you got hot shot.” She smiled as she walked towards the door.
Without wasting anytime, I got my hooves moving again. The memory of her guidance fresh in my mind, as well the muscle movements. With the two working in sync with each other, I found myself arriving next to Sunshine in no time at all.
“Ha! I did it!” I stated to myself. You never know how much you rely on walking until it’s taken away from you. All I wanted to do now was walk, and thankfully Sunshine was willing to comply as she leads me to the next room.
“That you did Alex, nice work.” She chimed.
Once again, I felt like I was being talked down to. I was being treated like a two-year-old, but then again I was kinda acting like one as I was learning to walk again. I guess the inner teacher in her must of taken hold, but it wasn’t for long as I took sight of the first room we walked into.
“Woah, what’s this place?” I asked.
I had some ballpark ideas of what this room was just by looking at it, but I rather just ask then do the thinking myself. After all my mind was far behind. still trying to figure out if this was all real or not.
Sunshine seemed to perk up the minute she heard those words. “This is my drawing room!” She stated excitedly. “Whenever I get a spark of inspiration, I come in here and draw it out. This is why it’s my favorite room, because it the place I come to when I’m happy.”
“What about when you’re sad?” I asked.
“What’s this sad you speak of?” Sunshine stated with a wink.
Nice one, way to stick to what your good at. I claimed to myself as I looked around the room, taking it all in.
It really was a nice room too. There were three windows outcropped in a trapezoid fashion, these windows openly displayed the side of the house. One of which had a small creak running through the small garden she had planted there.
In the middle of all the windows was a nice flat area with cushions and blankets. The place seemed to scream cozy. Further in the room was a painting stand, on it was a fresh canvas yet to be touched by Sunshine’s inspiration.
Other than that you would have a hard time fitting anything else in this room. The warm afternoon light flowed through the open windows freely; seemingly bringing this place alive in a way you can only describe by being there.
“I can see why this room is your favorite.” I commented as I brought my attention back to the light pink mare. “Did you paint these pictures?” I stated pointing to one.
Sunshine seemed to have dazed off at some point as she shook her head and looked towards me before saying, “what? Sorry didn’t quite catch that.”
“I said if you painted these.” I claimed again pointing to one of the pictures on the wall.
“Yeah, I did.” She claimed walking up next to me as we both stared at the picture on the wall. It was one depicting a lonely mountain as the clouds circled around its peak. The sky was a bright orange, as the sun set off in the distance.
The cool colors of the mountain however, seemed to clash with the warm colors of the sky in a way that looked like they were fighting for dominance over the canvas.
“What was the inspiration behind this one?” I asked.
“Couldn’t decide whether to buy sweet potatoes or regular potato’s at the market one day. Hence the orange and brown colors.” Claimed Sunshine.
“Stated like a true artist.” I commented. “What one did you pick in the end?”
“Sweet potatoes, just couldn’t resist. I always had a sweet tooth.” Sunshine stated before continuing, “So we going to move on or are you just going to keep looking at this picture.”
Taring my gaze away from the picture I replied, “Yeah, let’s move on before I get hungry.” I stated once again bringing forth the memory of how to walk.
Sunshine smiled at my response and walked out of the inspiration room and into another. This one was quite obvious what it was. In fact, I even saw it while I was in the living room. This was none other than the kitchen. The only thing separating the two was a small island with a couple of cushions surrounding it.
“Well just in case you do get hungry, this is the kitchen.” Sunshine stated as she used my statement from before to Segway perfectly into this room. “I got all the basics. Fruit, vegies, wheat, you name it. Most of which are home grown might I add. Nothing like homemade food I always like to say.”
As she said that she opened the fridge nearby revealing all of the things she listed off, except for the wheat. One of which was displayed perfectly on the wooden counter.
“Seems like you could live out here without any trips to the village.” I stated with a tone that hinted towards what Pin and Moonlight had both told me. “Why stay away from the village so much?” I pressed.
Sunshine looked at me with a quizzical look before trotting into the next room. “Up next is the bedrooms. The spare is a bit of a mess at the moment, but I’m pretty sure with your help we can clear it and have you sleeping in it in no time at all.” Stated eagerly.
Weird, but I guess she has her reasons. I pondered to myself as I followed her into an equally cozy room as the living room. The bed looked to be king sized in proportion to the pony’s body. The walls were once again decorated with many paintings.
The windows were all pointing to the front of the house. Each of which were semi-covered with heavy beige curtains. Out of the windows the same river could be seen. Its deep blue water rushed along towards its destination.
“This is my room. Nothing else to say really.” Sunshine stated as she turned around and headed towards a door opposite of hers.
“And this is you’re soon to be room.” She claimed.
Walking next to her I peeked into the room to see it practically filled with boxes of all shapes and sizes. This however, didn’t deter me from seeing the rooms beauty. It was pretty much the same as Sunshine’s room, but the main difference was what laid outside of the windows.
From here I could see a couple of feet before a sudden drop off. After that I could see the ocean spread out as far as the eye can see. The waves calmly making their way towards the island.
“Why didn’t you make this your room, the view is to die for!” I exclaimed walking up to the window.
Sunshine however stayed put looking out towards the drop off. “Never really did well with height’s.” She claimed as she took a step back from the door.
“I guess it’s your loss then.” I claimed with a smile as I made my way back to the hallway.
Sunshine wasted no time at all closing the door. “Last stops the bathroom. I only have one so we’re going to have to share.” She stated.
I rolled my eye’s at her. “I think I can manage.” I stated in deadpan tone.
“You might be able to.” Sunshine stated with a small little giggle. “Anyways it’s right in here.” She claimed opening the door to show a pretty standard bathroom.
It had your essentials, bath/shower, sink, toilet and mirror. This all of course was made to look like the coziest bathroom ever. I could probably spend hours in here, this house really was that cozy.
Turning back into the hallway I noticed one other door that we had yet to visit. Seeing this I spoke up, “Hay Sunshine where does this lead to.”
“Oh that, that just leads to basement. That’s where I put all the dead bodies.” Sunshine stated nonchalantly.
I looked at the door with an emotionless stare. “Oh, ok.” I shrugged moving back towards the kitchen. “Wait what!” I back pedaled, just now hearing what she said in my head.
Turning around in the kitchen I was met with Sunshine holding an evil smirk a led pipe floating next to her. Next thing I know she yelled boo and I’m jumping ten feet into the air before falling flat on my flank. Seeing this, Sunshine’s smile only widens further.
She seems to keep her giggling in check with her hoof shoved in her mouth. It looks as if she was going to explode at any moment from keeping all that laughter in. I however was attempting to slow my heart rate down. I now know how horrifying it would be to see colonel mustard.
After a while Sunshine seems to calm down before speaking up, “I haven’t seen something that funny in a long time. I think we’re going to get along just fine.” Sunshine stated as the led pipe popped out of existence.
As she made her way into the kitchen Sunshine glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. “Wow, three thirty already!”
“Have somewhere to be?” I ask looking at the clock as well.
Sunshine shakes her head, “No, but I do need to get started on marking the tests I gave out yesterday.” She claims.
“What was the test on?” I ask curiously.
“Nothing special, just some mathematics.” She sighed. “My least favorite subject, you’re either right or you’re wrong. There is no in-between.”
“If you want I can grade those papers for you.” I offered. I was pretty good at math in college and I had no doubt in my mind that I could answer simple elementary questions.
Sunshine gave me another confused look, “You’re telling me that you don’t know how to walk, but you know how to do math?” She asked, her tone was skeptical.
“Yes.” Was my simple response.
“6*6?” She stated.
“36” was my answer.
“tan 45?” She asked again
“1” I responded.
“y = x^3 is a what function?”
“cubic function,” now it was my time to have some fun. “you done being a d^3x/dt^3”
“Yes and FWI I love d/dx intax f(t) = f(x)” Sunshine stated.
“Do I really need to know calculus to do what I’m assuming is only going to be arithmetic.” I stated rolling my eyes for the umpteenth time today.
Sunshine once again giggled into her hoof. “No, but you were the one that started it.”
“So will you let me help you, it’s the least I can do after I rolled into your life.” I claimed.
“You also vomited as well.” Sunshine added.
“Just answer the question.” I stated in a deadpan expression.
Sunshine’s horn glowed bright green before two stacks of papers floated themselves in-between the two of us. “I guess it would be nice to have some help, here.” she stated giving me one of the stacks. “Care to join me in the living room?” She stated.
“Not like I could mark it anywhere else.” I stated as a problem presented itself to me. How the flying flapjacks am I going to walk over to the living room with only three hooves? Sunshine was already sitting down in the living room by the time I had thought of the problem.
“Is Mr. Mathematician having some trouble over there?” Sunshine called out.
Oh this mare can just shove these papers right up there. I stated to myself as I looked at the papers then to the seat a couple of feet away. Challenge accepted. I claimed with determination.
Lifting my free left hoof to take the first step my mind immediately regretted the decision. Having no forehooves on the ground caused me to once again face plant into the floor. This of course sent all the papers that were neatly stacked on, flying into the air.
Thankfully, Sunshine seemed to have thought ahead and in a matter of minutes I and all the papers were floating towards the living room table. The whole way there Sunshine was stifling her giggles. I swear this mare giggles at everything.
Within seconds I was seated upon a cushion across the table from Sunshine. The table had all the required materials in order to mark. Ink well, feather, papers, it was all here, leading me to my third problem of the day. How the hell am I going to write with no hands! I yelled to myself as I plucked the feather from the ink well with my mouth.
well here goes nothing. I stated as I read the first question.
’42 + 63 = 105’ With a satisfied nod I went down and checked it perfectly. Which in turn annoyed me slightly.
“Whsh ish dish easay and walking ish not” I stated furrowing my brow and went down the page marking each and every question accordingly.
“The world has funny ways of presenting itself sometimes.” Sunshine stated as she placed the first finished test in-between the two of us.
That statement held so much truth, with all that I had been through in the last couple of hours. Hearing those wise words brought me back to my thoughts. My mind auto-marking the papers in front of me as I did so.
Was this real? Will I wake up tomorrow in my bed? This all being one weird dream. What would I do if this all turned out to be real?” I asked myself, ”Maybe I’m overthinking this situation? I’m sure there has to be a logical solution to all of this. Just like in math. Question after question fired in my mind. The only thing making sounds however, where the quills scratching on parchment, as me and Sunshine continued to marked late into the night.
