//------------------------------// // So dreamy // Story: When Scars Heal // by gelorum //------------------------------// I lay awake in my unfinished home, having surprised myself by digging, pouring, and setting the foundation. Man there is so much work left. Trusses, studs, sheetrocking, flooring, lighting, not to mention the ‘gem hunting’ that still needs to be done for the generator, that still needs built. I thought and thought about the work still to be done until I drifted to sleep, only to find myself in a strange place with floating islands, amazing landscape, beautiful animals, and an assortment of ponies. Why does this place seem so familiar, and why am I not a griffin, I know I went to sleep as one? I simply stood there enjoying the view, when I spotted a very strange butterfly. “Now that is amazing!” I said out loud as it fluttered upwards. This butterfly was very impressive, seemingly made of astral energy like an Ursa, but obviously having true mass, as was proven by physics, in that it would lag slightly in its upward flaps. Now the question is where are you going? Since I was returned to human form and my wings were unbound and strong as ever, I decided I would follow the strange animal. With a powerful thrust of my wings I was airborne and chasing the interesting creature, upward, and onward, or so they tell me. I followed the strange insect for a few minutes and although I was closing in on it, it did not change in its pattern, keeping the same slow, steady, wingbeat. Whatever you are you sure aren’t afraid of things bigger than you hugh? I followed it for about five more minutes, when it finally neared an Island that was above the rest. “What, the others too crowded for ya, or do you just like the view?” I joked as we passed the ridge of said Island, but when I opened my eyes from laughing at my own joke, I nearly dropped from the sky in surprise at the sight before me. I landed on the edge and stood there in awe. An alicorn, almost the same astral signature as the butterfly, stood sniffing roses, playing with other animals, and humming. I was awestruck to the point of being paralyzed as she lifted a hoof for the butterfly to perch upon, spoke to it, listened as I suppose it made a reply, and then turned to face me with a look of surprise as the insect pointed its wing at me. I hope we aren’t going for round three, cause I really am not ready for another strike. “When my friend told me there was a new creature in my world I refused to believe it, that is until she pointed at you directly. So if I may ask, what are you?” Her voice was like silk, and her eyes shone like the moon itself. Making it all the more difficult to concentrate on her words. I soon snapped out of my reverie, shaking my head and slowly flying around her and taking in her appearance in all its... elegance. “I am a human.” I said as I continued to circle her. Which I only did once more before resuming the place I had been prior. “And what pray tell is a human?” She asked in a curious tone. “To tell you the honest truth, I’m not sure anymore.” I say the entire statement being true. “What do you mean ?” She says tilting her head in a confused fashion. “May I approach?” I asked not wanting to overstep any boundaries, seeing as this was not Celestia, and I had no authority anyway. Of course.” She said almost instantly, and I hovered to within about 4 feet away. “When I say I’m not sure, I’m honestly not certain. It used to mean one had morals, standards, decency, and honor. But now, now we are basically born corrupt, think of an awful, horrid, disgusting, and sick act or thought, and we do it on a regular basis. I for one would like to think that I personally ‘Go against that grain’, as the saying goes but one’s personal opinion of themselves means nothing, so I suppose it would be left to the ‘beholder’ what I am.” Now lets just hope that being one hundred percent direct, and honest actually works for her. “It surprises me, to say the least, that one of such a nature would so directly voice their faults as well as their good qualities. Which makes me wonder if you are as you say, human, and if so then why are you in Equestria, a land of Harmony?” I have asked myself the same question and still do not know the answer, though My new found mother Aurora is how I came to be in this land, why is still a mystery.” “So you are not truly human then, more an alicorn of a different design?” She says in a statement/questioning tone. “That would be nice.” I said, as I truly thought being a pony was better than something known for being a monster. “So what is thy name?” She says in a much more lightened tone. “Well on earth I was known as Jordan, but here I am a griffin named Sparrow Feather.” I say my mood lightened greatly. “How is that then?” She asks completely confused. I barely held back the dawww when she asked me. she had tilted her head to the side again but her expression was priceless, being somewhere in the middle of silly and confused. “I can change forms.” I said, and rather than letting her ask another question I morphed into What was sure to become my trademark. A griffin, fairly large yet well built, white feathers with a gray tail, gray socks, the genetic, not wool, and an eye mark that looked like two scars. “Well that’s interesting.” She stated with a broad smile. “It has proven useful before, though I don’t know why you think its interesting.” She sat down and cleared her throat. “I believe it is amazing that you can be whomever you like whenever you like, but you can always be you.” “Thats not really true,if you’ll pardon me, but I can only mimic them, not actually be them.” “Is the griffin you appear to be now, your own design or is it an impersonation?” “Well it is my own design, but I don’t...” I began but she cut me off. “And therefore you are not mimicking anypony, and can be your own pony.” She said, her smile returning to her face just as soon as she stopped talking. No matter how much I mull it over she is right. I let out a sigh as I begin to speak. “You are right.” “Good, now come sit with me, and tell me about yourself.” I hovered closer, but did not sit down as I really wasn’t comfortable with even being around her. Now don’t get me wrong she was gorgeous, drop-dead gorgeous in fact, but I just felt as if my very presence would corrupt not only the world, but her as well. “It’s not polite to keep a lady waiting.” She says with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. Oh now that just ain’t fair. “Alright, I have an idea. What if I give you a tour of the best parts of my world?” I asked a bit skeptical if I should even do something like that, but my fears vanished when she beamed in excitement. “Oh I would enjoy that very much indeed!” She said as she rose to her hooves. “Alrighty then.” I said. Gently landing on the ground in front of her, morphed back, then walking up to her, I place my hands on her neck, right at the curving point. “This won’t hurt a bit.” I said as I closed my eyes, and began slowly shaping her into a human form. When I opened my eyes, the sight was breathtaking. “Well.. How do I look?” She asked. “Amazing..except you ended up with antlers.” “What?!” She says conjuring a mirror out of nowhere. “Made you look.” I said before laughing for a good minute or so, during which she joined me. But in all honesty she was simply exquisite. Flaunting a perfect hourglass figure, adorned by a nice pair of dark jeans, leather riding jacket, Converses, and a plain white tee. Her hair had changed, still a long free flowing astral picture of perfection, and only a little shorter so as not to get caught in something. “No but in all honesty, you look simply amazing.” “Oh, thank you.” She said a slight blush forming on her cheeks. “But what is the purpose of making me human-like, if I could just recall your memories?” “Because as quick as that would be, I like traditions, and tradition calls for a roadtrip.” I said, as brand new, fully functional, Streetbike, appeared out of nowhere. “And that will be our transport?” She asked her face contorted in worry. “Yeah don’t worry, that’s Why I morphed you into a human so you could ride comfortably.” “Well,... alright.” “Good now lets go.” I said as I walked over to the bike. Once I was on the bike I motioned her over, “Come on, time’s a wastin.” she hurried over and climbed on behind me. Once I was sure she was on ,I showed her how to put the helmet on, and tested the comm line. “Can you hear me?” I called through the mic. “Yes I can. Is this what magic is like on your planet?” “No. We don’t have magic, this is science at its era’s best.” I said with a hint of pride at the craftsmanship of humanity. “Well, shall we get going?” She asks in obvious anticipation. “Alright. Put your arms around me and hang on.” “Whatever for?” She asked in hesitant surprise. “Because that’s how this is rode. The bike is my support, and I support you, so hold on.” I explained. I focused on my home, and we appeared in the driveway. “Where are we?” “We are on earth, year 2012 A.D, the town of Henrietta, in the state of Missouri, on the continent of North America, my grandparents home.” “I thought we were going on a trip?” “Well we are, this is just our start point.” I said as I started the engine and we took off. I turned onto the highway, and headed north towards our first stop. Along the way we talked about several topics, including food, culture, games, and music. It was strange to find she didn’t have a favorite type of music, or song, as she had only heard one. I also learned her name was Dreams. Well that is funny, The ‘Mare of dreams’, is the mare of my dreams. “Were here.” I said as I pulled into the parking lot and shut the bike off. “Panera bread?” She asked as she slid her helmet off.” And what pray tell is Panera bread?” “It’s a place to eat that we can both eat at, without bothering the other with our diet.” I said as I walked to the door and held it open, gesturing for her to walk inside. We walked in and I ordered for us both, “Mornin Miss P, 2 of my regulars please.” “Sure thing Jo.” She said with a smile, tossing me two glasses and a table marker. I spotted my booth, and led Dreams to it and told her I would be back in a moment with drinks. I marked the table, and proceeded to the fountain, grabbing two Dr. Peppers and zipping right back. “Hey pretty lady.” I heard a slightly familiar voice say from somewhere near my table, I looked up to see a dark haired fool looming over Dreams. “Oi, Ronny, what the devil you think your doin?” I said as I realized who it was. “Oh I just thought I’d see if this lady is interested in a little romp.” He said wagging his eyebrows. “I am giving you ten seconds, and ten seconds only, to get out of my sight before I owe Miss P for repairs.” I said seething in anger at what he was thinking. “Alright, whatever.” He says turning around, then abruptly spinning back taking a swing at me. “Ten!” I said grabbing his fist and slipping him into a sleeper hold. “You are so lucky I’m busy, or I would have done worse.” I said as he finally went limp, I dragged him to the end booth and sat him up in it, then walked back and sat down. “You didn’t kill him, did you?” She asked an almost pleading expression on her face. “Of course not, just made him pass out.” “What would you have done, if you weren’t ‘busy’?” “He wouldn’t be asking another girl to romp with him, ever.” “Oh. And what is a romp?” She asks truly oblivious as to what she just asked. “I am not answering that, other than to inform you it’s disgusting.” “Here ya go kids.” Miss P said coming over with our food. “Thank you Miss P.” I called as she walked back to the counter. “Oh by the way, Ronny Davis is out cold in the back.” I said thumbing towards the end booth. She acknowledged and went back to work. “Now that we are alone, I have to ask, why are we eating when this is a dream, and will not have a sense of taste?” “Try the soup and find out.” I watched as she rose a spoonful to her mouth, and saw the steam rising from the hot liquid. “Are you sure?” She asks with a look of worry on her face. I simply nod my head and watch as the hot food enters her mouth, with a look of surprise she slides the spoon out and swallows the savory brew. “What is this wonderful dish called, and how is it that I can taste it if this is only a dream?” “It’s potato soup, and that’s because It’s real soup. Now I have a more pressing question.” “Do you mind if I eat whilst we discuss?” “That good eh?” not very surprisingly all I got was a nod as she continued to eat the soup. “Well It seems that I’m not in complete control over this dream, because if I were, Ronny wouldn’t have been here. And if I am in control than why did he show up?” She sat there sipping the last of her soup, and finishing off her bread bowl. Man she can eat. “It would appear that nightmares are slipping through a crack somewhere.” “What?” I asked in no uncertain amount of cluelessness. “You have full control over this dream, but somewhere is a crack and nightmares are slipping through. Or at least that’s what it would appear to be, seeing as he wasn’t supposed to be here.” I began to let the dream fade and warp back into the Island we were on, slowly letting it melt away until all that was left was the booth and her drink. “You should drink that, don’t let it go to waste.” I said getting up and walking away from the booth, allowing my side to melt. “Thanks for the night out, I don’t get many visitors.” “Maybe you should visit me next time instead!” I said as a mere suggestion. “If only I could, but I do not have a true physical form that could transfer between realms.” “Well then, we’ll just have to see about that, won’t we.” I said. Looking back long enough to wink, I turned back and launched myself off the edge willing myself to wake up as I entered freefall. I woke to something bouncing on my chest. “Hey it’s time to get up sleepy head!” Scoots said impacting every word with a bounce. “Morning squirt.” “What’s for breakfast?” “Well that all depends on what you want Scoots.” I said with an ever growing grin. “In that case, I want Ice cream!” She beamed with excitement. “Any particular kind of Ice-cream you want?” “Nope just Ice-cream!” “Okay then, here ya go, one Peanut Buster Parfait.” I said just randomly choosing a type to give her. Her face was priceless as a table and her treat appeared out of nowhere. “How did you do that?” “Magic.” “But griffins don’t have magic!” “And you know that I’m not a griffin.” I said making a milkshake poof into reality in my hand. She sat down and began to woof her breakfast, when I started talking again. “In case you’re wondering, today we can do one of two things. We can either go shopping for stuff for your room, or you can go crusading and I can work longer on the house.” She just ignored me, kept eating her parfait, and loving it the entire time. “I want to go crusading with my friends, I was gone for a day and a half, so we fell behind schedule a little bit.” “Okay then honey, just take lil’ Macintosh with you so nopony comes to bug you on your way out of the forest. Oh and be near town hall at noon, and I will bring lunch for you and your friends. “Come on lil’ Mac, By Dad!” She hopped through one of the unfinished walls, and sped off down the forest path. “Bye Honey.” Did she really just call me dad. “Well It’s time to get to work.” I said as I got out the materials needed to finish the walls and roof supports. And so the monster sets to work on his new home. ______________________________________________________________________________ 2 Hours 30 Minutes Later. “Yay the walls are up!” I whooped, “Now I can take a ten minute break and start on the floor supports, and the wiring.” I pulled out a list I had written last night and went over it again. “Foundation: Dug and set. Supports: Set and locked. Wiring: Incomplete. Generator and Gem hunt: Incomplete. Trusses: Still need raised. Outer walls: Next.” I look up then down to my watch to be sure of the time. “Okay it’s 8:30, so I’ve got about, eh, 3 hours till I need to leave to take the girls lunch. Onward & Upwards Alon-sy!” I got back to work and went at a furious pace, I had a lot to get done in three hours. Another three hours later. “Alrighty dighty, time to go to lunch.” I said as I put all the tools and materials away. I morphed back to griffin form and brought a table out of my i-list, then strapped it to my back and made my way towards town. I hadn’t really went deep into the forest, as I simply went behind the schoolhouse and went straight back into the woods till I found a clearing and set up. “Looks like I’m gonna be a bit early for lunch, wonder what the girls did for today’s crusade?” I reached the schoolhouse that was unsurprisingly deserted, and continued through the schoolyard. “Sparrow Feather?” “Hugh?” I said turning around to see who would be there on a saturday “Oh Sparrow it is you, how are you doing today!” “Lovely Miss Cheerilee, just lovely, and yourself?” I asked realizing how stupid it was to think the schoolhouse was deserted. “Splendid, I just finished grading schoolwork, and was headed home for lunch.” “Is that so, well I’m headed for lunch, care to join me?” I asked for no real reason in particular, just a kind gesture. “Well I suppose I could accompany you, seeing as the rest of my day is free.” “Wonderful, Onwards & Upwards! Alon-sy!” I hollered and took off jogging toward town hall, Cheerilee following close behind. As we neared town hall I could hear the whispering of other ponies, and feel their eyes staring at me. “Ah, here we are, Town Hall Now where could those fillies be?” “Fillies!?” She asked as though it surprised her. “Uhm, yes. Why, I told Scoots I would feed her and her friends.” “You mean the crusaders?” “Sure do.” What? I know what they’re like, and they really aren’t that big a hassle. “Well here they come.” She said nodding toward the aforementioned ponies. “Right!” I said as I flipped the table off my shoulders, set it up, and set some folding chairs around it. “That’s handy.” She says, as she tests the strength of one of the chairs. “Hey Scoots! What can I get you and your friends?” “Can I get more ice-cream?” She asks, all three of them instantly give me the eyes. Well it isn’t hot out, and the eyes, oh sister the eyes. “Sure Honey, same as this morning?” “Uh Huh!” She says shaking her head. “How many do we need then?” “Make it 3 Dad!” “Okie Dokie Lokie!” I said, I whipped out an apron, laid out a tablecloth, and went to work putting on a show while making the ice-cream. “So while I’m laying out cups and spoons, are you gonna introduce me to your friends?” Not that I don’t already know them. “Dad. This is Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and over there on the end is Feather Weight.” “Nice to meet ya’ll, now what can I get you Feather Weight?” “Huh, oh, I’ll have whatever their having, Sir.” Egh, someone is clearly misled, and he is as readable as an open book. “Okay. Your funeral mate.” I said as I got another set out, grabbed a ½ gallon of vanilla, and the rest of the ingredients needed. “Miss Cheerilee, can I interest you in a parfait as well, or will you go against the flow?” “Oh, I believe I will go against the grain, can I get a shake?” “As long as it isn’t a hay shake, I think I can do that.” I said with a smile and grabbed a ½ gallon of neapolitan. “Okie Dokie. Now I need an assistant, who wants to help?” I asked. Instantly all three girls raised their hooves. “Scoots smash these cookies into little bits. Sweetie, go get your sister and her friends. Apple Bloom, please get Miss Cheerilee and I a glass of water!” They took off to their designated destinations, and I got out the rest of the ingredients. “What are the gloves for?” Feather Weight asked “I’m going to put on a show while I cook.” A moment later the girls came running back. “Alright that was quick. Now let the magic begin!” I began by taking the vanilla ice-cream and splitting it in half. Next I set the halves beside each other, and began to levitate them. “How are you doing that!?” Cheerilee asks. “A good magician never tells his secrets!” I said spinning the ice-cream in a twister like fashion. “Okay Scoots, add the cookies. Sweetie the nuts. And last but not least, Apple Bloom, will you add the syrup please?” “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER PARFAIT MAKERS, YAY!” After barely surviving their chant, I threw the ice-cream in the air. “Oh boy, you’re gonna have one big mess to clean up.” Cheerilee pipes in. I quickly reached under the table, grabbed 8 more cups, grabbed the ones on the table, and threw them all in the air. Splitting the ice-cream to fit each cup perfectly, I lowered them down and gave one to each pony present, beside Cheerilee and I. “That was amazing!” Scoots said. “Your welcome honey. Miss Cheerilee, thank you for having lunch with us.” I said, walking away. “But what about my milkshake?!” “Umm. Miss Cheerilee, It’s right in front of you.” Sweetie bell said. “I’ll pick you up from Apple Bloom’s house at sundown Scoots!” I called back. “Don’t be late Dad!” “I won’t.” I said as I continued on my way, grinning like a mad man. “Um, Mister Sparrow was it?” “Eh?” I said looking up to see an older stallion addressing me. “My name is Steel Mane. I’m the local blacksmith, and was wondering if I might have a word with you?” I know exactly what he wants. “You want to make a deal about the folding chairs don’t you?” “Yes, yes I would, they could make me a great deal of money.” “Okay then, here’s the deal. I sell you the chairs I have over at the table for a quick profit of 24 bits. But I also give you the rights to the design and the knowledge to make them, for 5% commision on any profit made by the design. This giving a long term supply of money,which my daughter can use to buy whatever she wants or needs. Does that sound fair enough to you Mr. Steel Mane?” “That sounds wonderful!” “Good. Now give the money for the chairs to the orange filly at the table, grab a parfait, and have a nice day. Oh and you can have the table, I don’t need it.” “Thanks Mr. Sparrow!” He called as I began walking on my way home again. I simply waved and kept walking. And the rest of my walk was uneventful. “Alright girl, lets get you trussed up like a turkey.”