Chapter Five “What We Could Have Been”
Rarity happily clapped her hooves together. “I can’t begin to explain how proud of you I am, darling!” She paused, embracing Peter before wiping a tear from her eye. “You’re a knight and you get to reside in Canterlot! I must admit, I’m touch envious.” Rarity eventually parted from the stallion, never losing her enthusiasm. “I’m just so happy that you finally found your place in Equestria, Peter.”
The stallion chuckled, having already packed what little possessions he had into his knapsack. “Thanks, Rarity. Princess Celestia thinks I’m worth the trouble. I’ll make sure that her trust was well placed.”
As if a thought came into mind, Rarity’s brow furrowed. “Just promise me that you’ll try to tidy up a bit.” Her gaze narrowed on Peter’s unkempt mane. “You are now a knight representing Princess Luna and Canterlot itself. It is your duty to look the part, dear. We can’t have you appearing like a meer country bumpkin.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Applejack sharply questioned, arching a brow at the unicorn as she approached. Once hoof-lengths apart, the blonde mare patted the stallion’s shoulder reassuringly and chuckled. “Don’t listen to her, Pete. Just roll with what brought you to the dance.”
Rainbow Dash huffed under her breath. “Anypony that can knock out a dragon in one shot deserves to be a knight. Just remember everything I taught you.” The pegasus hovered by the stallion before folding her hooves. “Speaking of, are you getting some cool armor?”
Peter shook his head. “Not right away. I’m not a fan of bulky armor, and I’m too small to fit anything they have available. I’ll be customizing my own variation over time.” The stallion raised a hoof, pointing it at the knapsack over his back. “For the time being, I’ll be wearing a couple of different variations of my classic costume. It’s just a little something to honor Princess Luna.”
“You are her knight, Peter. You’re supposed to honor her,” Rarity stated in a matter-of-fact tone, pausing before giving the stallion a friendly wink, “but it’s still a sweet gesture, darling.”
Rainbow Dash arched a brow, waving a hoof dismissively. “Who cares about sweet? If you’re gonna be a knight, you’ll need a symbol of battle!” The pegasus posed defensively in midair, smirking. “What are you going to fight with? A sword? A spear? Some magic?”
Peter chuckled slyly. “I’ve been thinking about that, too. I’m working on a little project. Once it’s finished, I’ll show you.” The stallion shifted his gaze skyward. “I’m going to follow an idol’s lead and fight with a shield.”
All eagerness left Rainbow’s features as a blank stare took form. “A shield? Seriously? If you ask me, that actually sounds pretty lame.”
“It’s way cooler than it sounds! Plus, I’ll even have a theme song!” Peter grinned, standing upright onto his hind legs before pointing a hoof dramatically. He cleared his throat while twirling his knapsack around with a hoof. “When Captain Equestria throws his mighty shield, those in his way must choose to fight or yield~!”
Without warning, Pinkie Pie slipped from her seat and burst into wild laughter while Rainbow Dash guffawed, falling from her place in midair. Trixie quietly entered the room, garbed in her signature star-patterned hat and cape. The unicorn merely arched a brow as Rainbow and Pinkie failed to contain their laughter. She made her way to the door and opened it, nodding once a chariot being pulled by two stallions drove up to the front of the Treebrary.
Peter’s eyes widened at the sight. “Hey, Trixie! Where are you going?”
Trixie retrieved a suitcase via telekinesis, levitating it outside before dropping it on the roof of the carriage. “Simple. I no longer have a reason to stay in Ponyville. If a bumbling fool such as yourself can become a personal knight, then the sky’s the limit for me.” A small smile graced Trixie’s stoic features. “I’ll start by resuming my career as a traveling magician. I have tricks in my reserve that can bedazzle any spectators. I’ll just… refrain from using tall tales.”
“Honestly, you have way too much talent to resort to lying,” Peter replied, walking to the mare until they were hoof-lengths apart. Both ponies shared a smile. “It’s been fun, Trixie. If you’re ever in Canterlot, I’ll try to catch one of your shows.”
Trixie smirked as she made her way to the carriage, pausing momentarily. “Please do. Maybe you’ll actually have a bit to your name by then.” Using a hoof, the mare tipped her hat to those inside the Treebrary before stepping into the carriage. “Goodbye, everypony.”
Once the door closed, the stallions galloped and led the carriage out of the village. Applejack huffed under her breath as she walked to Peter’s side, sharing a glance with him. “Ya know, I never thought I’d see the day when I would miss that pony.”
“Trixie was a little rough around the edges, no doubt about it, but she was fairly decent,” Peter whispered, shifting his gaze to the horizon.
Spike rushed into the living room, furrowing his gaze before joining the stallion outside. “Wait. Did Trixie just leave, too?” Applejack merely nodded, causing the baby dragon to let out a low sigh. “That’s a real bummer. It’s gonna be quiet around here without you two. I’m gonna miss the extra company.”
Peter chuckled under his breath, placing a hoof over Spike’s shoulder. “Don't let it get to you, kiddo. I’m just up in Canterlot. You can come visit me anytime if you need a break from the girls and need a little guy time. I’ll also try to swing by on my days off.”
Fluttershy quietly walked outside and weakly nodded. “Um, please do. You’ve been with us for a few months now. We’re really going to miss you, Peter.”
“Same here. It’s because of the support that you all have given me that I have this chance in the first place,” Peter softly declared, nodding before his eyes widened at a belated realization. He surveyed his surroundings with a furrowed brow. “It’s almost time for me to go, and I still haven’t seen Twilight today. Where is she?”
Rarity’s eyes softened at the remark, glancing aside. “The poor dear just hasn’t been herself lately. She hasn’t taken the news of your departure well in the slightest.”
“Really?” Peter lightly questioned, tilting his head to the side. The stallion inhaled deeply before sighing, stealing a glance at the watch on his hoof briefly. “Well, I’ve got a couple of minutes to spare before the train leaves. I’ll try to talk to her.”
Meanwhile, Twilight sat in the quaint silence of her room, gazing deeply at nothing in particular. Her mind was lost in a flurry, unable to settle. An unsettling irritation churned at the bottom of her stomach, making the simple act of breathing unusually challenging. There was so much she wanted to say, but fate deigned for her to sulk in silence.
Something lightly tapped against the door before it slowly creaked open, prompting Twilight to lift her weary gaze at the source. The emotions she bore swelled as Peter walked into the room, of agitation and something else she didn’t fully understand. The stallion cautiously slowed to a halt mere hoof-lengths away, acknowledging the mare’s uncharacteristic gloominess. There was something amiss, evident by the distance within Twilight’s gaze.
“Hey. Are you okay?” Peter earnestly questioned, unable to gracefully gauge the mare’s demeanor.
Twilight glanced to the side. “Why do you have to leave?”
Peter blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question. “It’s a job, and I can’t spend my time freeloading here. I’d rather find a way to support myself if I can help it rather than be a squatter in someone else's home.”
Twilight shook her head. “You’re more than welcome to stay here, Peter. You’ve never been a burden to me.”
“I appreciate that, Twi, but it’s okay. If I move to Canterlot, I won’t have to worry about the constant train fares,” Peter whispered, brushing his hooves together.
Twilight quickly centered her gaze to meet the stallion’s. “I can pay for train costs. It’s really no problem.” Her voice quickened, as if falling into a panic. “Princess Celestia provides me with more than enough money to cover my expenses during my study here.”
Peter waved a hoof dismissively. “Come on, Twi. Really. I appreciate it, but Princess Celestia has already finished the accommodations for my new place in Canterlot. If I backed out now, it’d be disrespectful to her.” A long pause passed between the two with an uncomfortable silence. Before too long, Peter glanced to the side before pointing a hoof at the door. “I think I’ve finally found my place here in Equestria. Anyway, I need to get going. My train will be here soon. I’ll be sure to stop by whenever I’m in the area.”
Twilight bit her lip in frustration. The many conflicting thoughts and emotions that swam within her only stirred more as Peter turned to leave. The mare suddenly realized that it was now or never. While she herself didn’t quite understand her feelings fully, she knew that she may not get another chance after this moment.
“Wait!” Twilight blurted out, causing the stallion to turn back to her. “Please don’t go, Peter! I really want you to stay!” Twilight quickly took a step forward, bringing a forehoof to her chest. “I really enjoy your company. Things won’t be the same without you here. I… won’t be the same.”
Peter sheepishly chuckled. “You’ll be fine, Twilight. You’ll have more room in the Treebrary like you used to. I’ve only been here for a few months, but I’ll miss it here. You can even get your sofa back and put a bookshelf back in its place.”
“I don’t want a bookshelf! I want you!” Twilight exclaimed, pausing as the temperature in her face grew immensely. “I never really understood it until now, but I’m in love with you! That’s why I don’t want you to go. So please… ”
Peter’s heart practically stopped at the mare’s words, and he could only stare at her in silence for what felt like eons. A part of himself wanted to chastise his own density for failing to see what was right in front of him. However, the stallion bit down on his lip and shook his head. Had he heard this weeks ago, there might’ve been a chance he would’ve responded to those feelings in mutual earnest.
Peter glanced to the side, scratching the back of his head. “I’m really sorry, Twilight. That means a lot, really, but there’s someone else that I like.” A long silence filled the air for what seemed like ages. Twilight blinked in response before turning her head away. Letting out a defeated sigh, Peter frowned as he turned to leave. “I don’t want to miss the train, but I want you to know that we can still be friends.”
Twilight forced a laugh at the stallion’s reply to her feelings. “Just friends… ” The mare’s gaze narrowed, sharpening venomously as her gaze met Peter’s. “Did you ever once consider that I might’ve liked you? That maybe I’ve been trying to get your attention? The past few weeks, it’s been like I never existed to you at all!”
Peter craned his neck back as he blinked, taken aback by the mare’s suddenly now harsh tone. “Whoa. Where did that come from? You’re a great friend, Twilight.” He stood firm, holding a hoof out to the side. “I think that I finally found something I can be good at here in Equestria. If Princess Celestia and Luna believe in me, then I think I have a real shot at this.”
“You never thought about the possibility of us for a second!” Twilight exclaimed, sharply pointing a hoof at the stallion with a glare. She stood from her seat suddenly, gritting her teeth. Like the raging waters against a breaking dam, Twilight could no longer contain her emotions as she threw a hoof over her chest. “I love you! Is that really not good enough for you? Is Princess Luna that much better than me that you’re going to leave without ever giving me a chance?”
Peter’s eyes softened as he stared somberly at Twilight. He knew her position all too well, looking from the outside in at someone who couldn’t respond to the emotions given. Love was as unapologetically cruel as it was sensually satisfying. The stallion let out a defeated sigh. He was on damage control right now, and nothing he could say would salvage the situation. Peter could only turn and take his leave, knowing silence was the less damaging response he could give.
Twilight offered no response, unable to lift her gaze. The inside of her chest tightened as if her very heart was breaking. The corner of her mouth twitched while her eyes ached and grew moist. Fortunately, Peter sensed her distress and quietly exited the room. A broken heart was something that could not be so easily mended with words. It would need time and space to recover. That much he knew, at least. However, Twilight steadily fell into an abyss of despair.
The feeling of rejection was one the mare had never felt on a level even remotely close to this moment. Her chest ached with a heavy pain, as if her heart had been torn from her chest. Gritting her teeth, Twilight’s expression sank to depths matching the feeling in her stomach. The mare brought a hoof to her mouth, choking back a sob as her eyes burned with tears.
“It should’ve been me… ” she cried out weakly, her wavering voice cracking as tears streamed down her face. “This isn’t fair… ”
To be continued...