//------------------------------// // Where the Rainbow ends (Part 1) // Story: Colorless Magic // by SparkStone //------------------------------// Monochrome and Fluttershy spent time together at the library. They have been meeting there a lot recently when Rainbow Dash and Gilda started hanging out afterschool practicing flight tricks. The two didn’t just read, but also talked about their day. Today however, Fluttershy seemed a bit more down than usual. Monochrome couldn’t let that slide however. “What’s wrong Fluttershy?” “O-Oh, I was just thinking…” She muttered. “I was thinking about my cutie mark.” “What about it?” “I was wondering… If I’ll ever get one.” “I’m sure you will. Rainbow hasn’t found hers yet either, and besides, there’s no race.” “I guess you’re right…” “Yeah, you’ll find your special meaning, I’m sure.” He smiled in assurance. A moment passes and suddenly, a thought crosses his mind. He looks at a reflection of himself from one of the windows and thought aloud. “What… About me though…?” “Huh? What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked. “What am I going to do in the future?” He asked. “What special talent do I have?” “Well, of course you’re special Mono!” Fluttershy stated. “You’re not like other ponies. You’re also smart and really nice too!” “But… I can’t even fly in a city of flying creatures…” He said. “Why… Why am I even here?” “Monochrome…” At the dinner table, Rainbow and the rest of the family were eating. Monochrome was looking down at his plate, a steak that was given to him by Gilda’s family for his protein. The mother managed to notice his expression and bumped the dad’s shoulder to get his attention. The father cleared his throat before saying, “What’s wrong sport?” “… Did it matter if I came here or not?” Silence was his answer. Rainbow stopped eating as she gave her brother a confused look. “Uh, yeah, it does dude.” “Ponies get cutie marks. They have a talent that will lead them to something they may do for the rest of their life. But I don’t know if I can do anything a pony can. I read that they’re magical or special, but I haven’t done anything like that.” The parents looked at each other, unsure of what to say. The father however tried to say whatever came to mind. “Well, you see, you don’t need a mark to tell you what you’re going to do forever. I mean, look at your griffon friend, Gilda. She’s good at flying and… stuff. So she has opportunities too.” “But griffons are strong and can fly.” Monochrome pointed out. “I don’t even know much about humans. I only know that I am one.” The parents only got more worried for him. Even Rainbow didn’t know what to say for her brother as he became more distant from reality. For now, the only thing they could do is let it slide. Hopefully, it will either sort itself out or they’ll figure something out. Monochrome was with Rainbow and the others at school again. He was watching the kids line up for a special checkup. Several adults he has never seen before were overseeing the facility. The checkup focused on the wellbeing of the children’s physical, magical, and other measurable masses. Rainbow and Gilda finished up with reasonable readings. Their flight speed was estimated to go even faster by the day, and may even have a chance to aim for higher goals if they so wished. Rainbow was proud of her fitness so far. Fluttershy however left with somewhat below average readings. Physical stats were lower than normal and she has yet to build the muscles to fly very high or at all. She walked to the rest of her friends with her head lowered in shame. “Relax Flutters, if you start working hard, maybe you’ll catch up with us!” Rainbow reasoned. Gilda looked at the solemn Monochrome just looking so down, like a zombie. She didn’t like this on her friend. She looked at the pegasus adults looking at a clipboard and thought of something. “Hey, why don’t you have your reading too?” “Huh?” Monochrome looked up, wondering what Gilda was talking about. “Oh yeah! We don’t know much about what you can do, right?” Rainbow thought. “You should get yourself checked up and see what you got!” “A-Alright then.” Monochrome accepted. He walked to the adult pony and stood in front of him. The stallion looked at the kid and raised an eyebrow before looking back at the clipboard. “Um… Do you go to this school?” “My sister does.” He responded. “Uh… Good enough, I guess?” He shrugged. “Head behind those curtains.” Monochrome nodded and did as told. There, a mare was waiting for him. “Hello there! Let’s begin the checkup. Sit on this bed.” “Okay…” The mare guided Monochrome through the procedure. She placed a bracelet on his upper arm and checked the readings. The test began and started to produce the results. The mare looked at it for a moment before she too raised an eyebrow. “… Please wait here…” The mare left the area for a moment. Monochrome was puzzled at her reaction. The way she left felt like something was wrong. It wasn’t too long until she came back with another adult. A middle-aged stallion with thick glasses. He was reading the results and looked back to Monochrome. “What are you, sonny?” He asked. “I’m a human.” Monochrome answered. “Do humans usually have little magic?” “I’m surprised if I had any at all.” “Do adult humans usually possess strength equal to that of an earth pony?” “I don’t know.” “Do you know the general ability of humans? What their main magic capability is?” Monochrome became more befuddled than before. The adults exchanged glances before the stallion continued. “Here’s an example. Pegasus have a natural magic of fiddling with clouds and flight. Unicorns can freely use magic to create spells. And Earth ponies can grow plants very well. Ponies also have cutie marks as another form of magic to add to their abilities. But here in Equestria, all creatures have some form of magic, and that would include humans.” “Humans have magic?” Monochrome asked, shocked to hear all of this. “Yes, and one of your abilities seem to be like pegasus and the cloud fiddling. But you have no wings.” “Where did you come from?” The mare asked. “I don’t know. I know it wasn’t here though, before I got adopted.” “I see…” The stallion nodded. “In any case, I’m very curious to learn more about humans. I was hoping if you could come with me to Canterlot.” “Canterlot?” “It’s one of the most important and prestigious cities in Equestria.” The mare explained. “There, the doctors and professors would like to know more about human capability. If you accept, we will also allow you to travel around the city, and even the castle where Princess Celestia resides. This is purely for research, but we believe there is an incredible ability within you, something very unique. We can’t do more with the equipment we have now.” “Really?” “Yes, but we of course would like your permission. This is something you should talk to your parents about. Consider everything before calling us. We will be at this school for a few more days.” “… Alright then…” Monochrome nodded. “I’ll check with everyone to make sure this is okay.” “Okay. Well, best be on your way for now.” Monochrome left the ponies and returned to his companions. The three turned to him and saw Monochromes solemn expression gone as a sign of fortunate news. “Well? How was it?” Gilda asked. “Don’t tell me! You’re super strong!” Rainbow guessed. “Hmm… Something like that.” Monochrome chuckled. “I’m just glad you’re okay.” Fluttershy stated. “Sorry for making you all worry.” Monochrome apologized. “I guess I shouldn’t have thought about it too much.” “It’s cool.” Gilda assured him. “But you should tell us what they found out.” Monochrome decided to tell them what they had discussed earlier. They were somewhat surprised of the news, but had a confident smile as if they knew the whole time. “Well, yeah, we told you that you were special.” Rainbow laughed. “Do you think Mom and Dad will let me go to Canterlot?” “Heck yeah! We should all go together!” “But Rainbow Dash, we’re supposed to attend Summer Flight Camp in a few days.” Fluttershy reminded her. “You signed up to attend it, remember?” “Oh shoot!” Rainbow realized. “Crud, I really wanted to go.” “You might have to go by yourself.” Gilda thought. “Yeah, Mom and Dad are too big of fans of Rainbow.” Monochrome stated. “It’d be hard to bring them along.” “Sorry Mono.” Rainbow sighed. “It’s fine.” He simply laughed. “But I guess I won’t be here for a while. Is that okay with you?” “Um… Well, it’ll be a bit lonely, but I think we can manage.” Fluttershy thought. “Yeah, so be sure to come back quick.” Gilda told him. “Got it?” “Yeah, I understand.” Monochrome responded. After their talk, it was about time to go home. As they went their separate ways, Rainbow and Monochrome returned with news to their parents. The Mother and Father hugged the two with such pride and tightness. Rainbow tried to reach out for air while Monochrome tried to endure it. “I’m so proud of you two!” the father said with such happiness. “Our little kids are growing up so fast!” The mother chimed in. Once the two were released, Monochrome used his chance to speak. “So, anyways… I’m planning on going with them. I wanted to ask if it was okay.” “Well, if you really want to go, then we’ll allow it.” The mother assured him. “The stallion with those big glasses came to your school, right? He’s a friend of your father, so we’re sure you’ll be safe.” “But if you want one of us to come, we’ll gladly follow.” Monochrome was a bit surprised to hear this. He looked at the two to make sure they weren’t pulling his leg. “Are you being honest? What about Rainbow’s Summer Flight Camp?” “Well, of course we’d love to watch our Rainbow Dash go to the Summer Flight Camp!” his mother told him. “But we still see you as our son. And we’ll be there if you ever need us.” Monochrome was taken back by this. He knew that his parents cared for him, but perhaps he took them for granted. They’re happily offering him company if he so wishes. As joyful as he was to be given the choice, feeling content in his mind was more than enough. “It’s alright. I can go by myself.” Monochrome told them. “I want to try going by myself. Is… that okay?” “Of course sweetie.” His mom told him, kissing him on the forehead. “We’re so happy for you.” The day ends with a new tomorrow. Soon, Monochrome will be heading to Canterlot for a while and learn more about humans. What are the abilities of humans when they are in Equestria? There is hope in the young boy as he searches his meaning in this world.