//------------------------------// // Revisiting the past // Story: Fighting the Past // by Citius //------------------------------// I opened my eyes to another day. The Celestial sun lighting my room revealing a messy room with pieces of clothing on the floor. I got up from my bed, leaving my blanket unfolded and the pillows crumpled. The mirror that stood in front of me showed a stallion with blue fur and a darker blue mane, those crimson red eyes staring down against me as I did to him. “What’s the use…… I can’t fix this relationship…” I sighed. A thought crossed my mind as I looked back to the regrettable past. What if you should just…. Let it go? I gulped at the thought. You must be really tired. How long has this been going? “3 years…..” I answered back softly. Holding unto the grudges and regrets of the past will continue to dread you. You will be in an unrecognizable despair. What will you do? “I-I don’t know….” Below the mirror stood two set of toothbrushes, one with red and the other blue with a rainbow colored thunderbolt. Do you still love her? Memories of my past began to play. Memories of me and the rainbow maned mare eating ice cream together, watching the stars, racing, fighting…… and breaking up. “Yes….. I still do.” I answered weakly. Then do something about it. You can’t keep this going forever you know? I looked up at myself. A side of me told me to continue and the other told me to keep it in. She probably has another stallion by now. My eyes widened. “Yeah….. You’re right. I should start getting shit done and stop sulking about these things. Who am I to think that I can’t move past something? I’m Dan Jester!" So, what’s your plan now? “I don’t know…” How about cleaning your room for a start? “I guess your right.” I smiled as I looked at my messy room. I moved all of the clothing on the floor towards the laundry bin from where a pony will have them washed, cleaned up the beer cans and bottles and fixed my bed. To my left showed a picture of me carrying Rainbow on my back. I took it and admired the look of the cyan mare. Shouldn’t you get going? “O-Oh yeah. You’re right about that.” I placed the picture down and went out of my door into the outside world. Carriages being held by drivers on the road, ponies walking down the street sides, and huge skyscrapers. This is Manehatten. “I’m going to pay Ponyville a visit then maybe grab some lunch there too. I’ll see what to do from there.” I said inside my head. Fair enough. I saw the train station with an empty queue as it was a Monday where work is inevitable for most ponies. I gave 10 bits for 1 ticket and waited for the colorful train to arrive. What are you going to do there? “Honestly, I don’t know.” I looked above the blue sunny sky as pegasus ponies clear it even more by pushing the clouds. “I just feel like going to places I like. Not really know what I’m gonna do there. But, revisiting the place seems pretty exciting.” I smiled at the memories of when I first arrived at Ponyville. I befriended Rainbow so easily and got to know her friends. You might just regret this. “I got nothing to lose. I lost too much already and there's nothing I can do about it.” The train stopped in front of me and opened its doors. “Train to Ponyville!” The train attendant shouted. I entered and took a seat on an empty area, facing the window. The train began to finally move. Several passengers entered the train and sat on their respective seats. I closed my eyes and began to think of a song. I lightly tapped my leg on the ground. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJOTlE1K90k) - [For those who don't know the song] Spent 24 hours, I need more hours with you You spent the weekends getting even, ooh We spent the late nights making things right between us But now it’s all good, babe Roll that backwood, babe And play me close I think you’re starting attract attention bud. I didn’t listen and continued with the rhythm of my tapping. Cause mares like you run around with guys like me Til sun down when I come through I need a mare like you, yeah yeah Mares like you love fun, and yeah, me too What I want when I come through I need a mares like you, yeah yeah I opened my eyes to see ponies looking at me. Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah I need a mare like you, yeah yeah Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah I need a mare like you A guitar began to strum to my side. I looked to find a mare holding her guitar and pick while smiling at me. I smiled at her back and continued with the song. I spent last night on the last flight to you Took a whole day up trying to get way up, ooh We spent the daylight trying to make things right between us But it’s all good, babe Roll that backwood, babe And play me close A group of stallions and mares began to hum to the rhythm of my tapping and guitar. Cause mares like you run around with guys like me Til sun down when I come through I need a mare like you, yeah yeah Mares like you love fun, and yeah, me too What I want when I come through I need a mares like you, yeah yeah Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah I need a mare like you, yeah yeah Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah I need a mare like you I raised my hoof up and the group slowly faded the instrumentals. Maybe it’s 6:35 Maybe I’m barely alive Maybe you’ve taken my shift for the last time, yeah Maybe I know that I’m drunk Maybe I know you’re the one Maybe thinking it’s better if you fly I let go of my hoof and the everypony began to hum and play with the vocal. Cause mares like you run around with guys like me Til sun down when I come through I need a mare like you, yeah yeah Mares like you love fun, and yeah, me too What I want when I come through I need a mares like you, yeah yeah Everypony in the train began to sing along with me. Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah I need a mare like you, yeah yeah Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah I need a mare like you The train stopped and the view outside the window showed the Ponyville I remembered. I looked at the ponies and saw them pack up and leave the train. Those guys were good. “You don’t have to tell me that.” I exited as well and inhaled the air of the memorable place. But, the huge tree that I used to stay in before now became a huge crystalline tree house. What happened here? “Dunno,, but I guess I can grab some info on my way. “ I walked through the streets and got stares from several ponies. But something felt weird. There was nopony to see for a mile from where I stood. No noises were made, only the wind blowing through the trees and bushes. I looked behind to see the group of talented ponies disappear. What’s happening here? “I don’t know.” I walked around Ponyville for a good 30 minutes, visiting Fluttershy’s hut, Sweet Apple Acres, Carousel Boutique, Sugarcube corner. I looked above the clear sky to see….. Rainbow’s house. My heart began to beat quick again. I looked forward and moved towards the train from where I came. Where are you going? “I…. I just feel like going home right now…” Memories of the fight between Rainbow began to play. I knocked down picture frames, flower pots, glasses, and even her trophies. Before I could think any longer, a tap was felt on my shoulder. I looked to my left to see the mare from before holding her guitar. Behind her stood 3 ponies. A stallion who held lots of bags with his magic, a mare who held another guitar which looked to be a bass on her neck, and lastly was a white mare with headphones and sunglasses. “What are you guys doing here?” I asked. “Don’t be like that. For starters we would like to introduce ourselves.” The bright orange mare cleared her throat, “I am Solar Haze, the main guitarist of the band.” The stallion who held his bags slowly lowered them and came up. He was tall with grey fur and a black mane. “My name is Emyr Bigstone, the drummer of the band.” That’s what the bags are for…. A dark blue mare with cyan mane came in between the two, “My name is Moonlight Sona, the bassist of the band.” The last pony lowered her glasses revealing magenta colored eyes. She gave me a worried look while I gave her a rather confused one. “Dan… Do you remember me?” She asked. “Umm…. Sorry but who are you again?” I gave a dumbfound look. “O-Oh….. Nevermind then….” Her voice was shaking. Small tear drops dropped from her cheeks. “Sorry about that. This is Vinyl Scrath, our music mind, producer, and dubstep artist.” Solar gave her a quick pat on her back before returning to me. “Sorry to quickly ask but would you come and play as our vocalist?” She asked with a smile. “What? Why me?” I questioned. “Well, you see…. Our vocalist kind of….Umm…. Disappeared.” She answered. I raised my brow. “She is sick so to say and we are in kind of a pinch here before we get to our concert. Oh, and of course your voice! It was just amazing back there!” She exclaimed. I scratched the back of my head and blushed a bit from the compliment. But, a part of me wanted to decline her request. C’mon Dan…. You finally broke away from that hopeless books and stories you wrote. Now it’s time for you to shine and break from your shell. Tell everypony how you feel and embrace the ovations. I sighed in defeat. “You’re right…. I really need to do something about my life…” I said in my head. That’s the spirit. “Sooooo…. Is that a yes or a no.” She had a nervous smile. “Yup. I’ll come and play as your vocalist.” I said with a smile. “Hurray! Thank you so much for doing so! Ooooh! I got so much things to ask you!” She grew excited. Everypony cheered as well except for one, Vinyl Scratch. Her face grew almost so worried. Like this was a bad choice….. Not for the group but for something else…. I stood up and tried to walk my way to her only to be pulled into the train that stopped in front of us by Solar. “So!So! First question! What was the song you sang earlier?” She asked with excitement. I looked at her then down at my hands. I smiled and gave her the truthful answer. “Well, it was a song that I made right on the spot. You see, I had a fight with this mare long ago and it didn’t go so well. We tried making things even by doing something horrible to one another if not worse. I’m just trying to live my past is all.” I answered with weak smile. “Oh…… Sorry. I didn’t know it was that deep.” Her expression immidieatly grew sad. “No, no. It’s okay. The past is the past. Creating songs like that really helps me relieve the weight.” I said as I looked out of the window. We were headed towards Canterlot. “Ummm….. Before you ask any questions, where are we going?” I asked. “Oh right, forgot to tell you. Some special pony got lucky and was asked out to the wedding. Pretty rad at this point of day right?” Solar facehooved herself. I gave her a brow. “Oh, we don’t know who it is. We were asked to create a lyrics that represent true love and the hardships to get there!” Her smile stayed. “And…. That’s why I’m here.” I said. “Well, mostly for being our vocalist… and helping with out with the lyrics?” She asked with squeak at the end of her nervous smile. I sighed, “Fine, show it to me…” “Yes! I knew you’d say that!” She grabbed a piece of paper out of her bag and gave it to me. “This is the lyrics, it doesn’t seem a little too romantic if you ask me. Our formal vocalist just loves making songs about how great Equestria is. Not that it’s a bad thing.” I looked at the lyrics only to notice that it literally talks about Celestia and non-other. I gave a stern look and deadpanned. “Oh right, he also likes Celestia a lot.” She said. I sighed and gave her the paper back. “Woah what’s wrong?” She asked. “Just paly the music to your heart’s content. I’ll figure out a way to make the lyrics. Don’t worry about it.” I said. “You heard him gang! We get to play our style!” Everypony cheered. “Maybe less of a dubstep drop Vinyl.” I said. Vinyl’s eyes widened and dropped a tear from her cheek. She quickly wiped it off and gave me nod, a smile, and a determined look. You think she is kind of weird? “Nope, I think that’s just her personality.” I said to myself. Hours later and we arrived to Canterlot where everypony from Ponyville roamed its streets. The sun began to set without me realizing it. Upon entering through the gate, I was met with an arch of flowers of different colors and a huge space with a stage that held a two big speakers. “Come this way, it’s only for VIPs.” Solar led the gang behind the stage area. To the corner of my eyes, I saw where everypony was heading to. I turned to see the wedding in progress with a stallion waiting for his mare in front of everypony. Celestia, Luna, Twilight and her gang… Except Rainbow Dash? Wonder where she could be? I was instantly grabbed by Solar again to the back of the stage. “So, have you thought of the lyrics yet?” She asked as the band begins to unpack their instruments. “I told you I can make it on the spot. Just make sure to get the music right with a chill but no so chill theme.” I said. “Got it boss!” She ran off to her group. I took a glimpse of the two ponies kissing and everypony cheering behind them. Good for them, they must be pretty damn happy. “Yeah, but I just don’t know who that is…” “Everypony ready? They will becoming soon!” The curtains closed “Yup!” Solar shouted followed by the rest of her gang. I stood ion front of the mic in the middle of the stage. Hoofsteps could be heard gathering in front of the stage. I braced myself for the amount of audience I was about to get. For the first time, I would sing infront of my former friends, allies…. And enemies…. I sighed and looked ahead from which the curtain unfolded. The lights revealed the stage and the band. I opened my eyes and saw everypony. Twilight Sparkle who has now gained everypony’s loyalty as being a princess, AJ with her usual western hat, Fluttershy with her crown of flowers, Rarity leaning against Prince Blueblood Pinkie holding her party hats and party poppers. And lastly….. Rainbow Dash with….. a blue pegasi. My eyes immediately widened and my heart shattered in thousands of pieces. Everypony on stage gave me a staredown. Some gasped while others gossiped to each other. “Hey isn’t that….” “Oh right…. He saved Equestria before… But was banished by Princess Celestia..” “Why is he here?” “Shouldn’t he be leaving!?” “Get him out!” “Where is the real vocalist!?” The enraged crowd threw cakes at me. I was able to dodge some only to be hit by another. I was about to cry of the amount of hatred that was still kept amongst the ponies but Celestia flew in front of them and placed her hooves in front, signaling them to stop. She looks at me with the same look she gave me when I left but nodded afterwards. Twilight’s friends along herself cringed at the sight. I looked at Rainbow Dash through a tiny hole of cake and saw her with an almost surprised expression. I cleared my face of the cake and sighed. I signaled the cringed band mates to begin the song. Let’s show them, how you really feel! “Let’s show them, how I really feel!” The song began to play with a piano being played by Vinyl. My eyes widened as I recognized this song. I looked at Rainbow through the crowd as she too was as shocked as me. Isn’t this….. “The music I used to dance with Rainbow.” I said in my head. Well now you have to sing your emotions out buddy. I took a deep breath and began my song. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHHLHGNpCSA) Where there’s a will, there’s a way, kinda beautiful And every night has its day, so magical And if there’s love in this life, there’s no obstacle That can’t be defeated I sang deeply from the heart as I remembered the countless adventures me and Rainbow have conquered. I embraced those memories as I sang. For every tyrant a tear for the vulnerable In every lost soul the bones of the miracle For every dreamer a dream we’re unstoppable With something to believe in I slowly opened my eyes. Staring at everypony, most especially Rainbow Dash. Monday left me broken Tuesday I was through with hopin Wednesday my empty arms were open Thursday waiting for love, waiting for love Thank the stars it’s Friday I’m burning like a fire gone wild on Saturday Guess I won’t be coming to visit on Sunday Ill be waiting for love Waiting for love to come around The music began to amp up as Vinyl hit all the right notes to go with the song. The bass kept the melody smooth and the drums to give it more kick. The guitar by far wrecks it all with its cool unchanging sound. I saw some heads bobbing to the music while others stomped their hooves on the ground. Twilight’s gang smiled. I looked down at Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor. We’re one of a kind, irreplaceable How did I get so blind and so cynical? If there’s love in this life we’re unstoppable No, we can’t be defeated Lights lit up towards the two love birds of the wedding. Monday left me broken Tuesday I was through with hopin Wednesday my empty arms were open Thursday waiting for love, waiting for love Thank the stars it’s Friday I’m burning like a fire gone wild on Saturday Guess I won’t be coming to visit on Sunday I’ll be waiting for love Waiting for love to come around From then on, the crowd cheered, shouted, and danced. I saw Rainbow drop a tear but her stallion encouraged her to dance to the music as well. She wiped it off and danced with him. Celestia looked at me and gave me a warm smile, something I haven’t seen her do since I left 3 years ago. Once the music ended, everypony walked towards the snacks bar and food area to have feast on tonight’s wedding day. For me, I sat alone on top of a small hill not so far from Canterlot. I watched the beautiful night as the stars shunned and the big full moon gave light to the wilderness below. That must be a big let down huh…. You saw her being with another stallion…. “I mean…. What can I do? 3 years for not coming back….. Besides, we fought. As long as she is happy I’m happy as well.” I said softly. I grabbed the guitar from which I borrowed from Solar and began to strum the strings. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDglMK9sgIQ) Under the tree where the grass don’t grow We made a promise to never get old You had a chance and you took it on me And I made a promise that I couldn’t keep I looked up into the starry night and the stars resembled that of a heart. Heartache, heartbreaks all over town But something flipped like a switch when you came around And I’m in pieces, pick me and put me together. (guitar strums slowly increases) These are the days we’ve been waiting for On days like these who could ask for more Keep them coming cause we’re not done yet These are the days we won’t regret These are the days we won’t forget These are the days we’ve been waiting for Rattle the cage and slam that door And the world is calling us but not just yet These are the days we won’t regret These are the days we won’t forget I continued my strumming as I let out all my emotions to the birds of the night and moon of Luna. I heard somepony behind me but ignored them as I continued strumming. Out on the midnight the wild ones howl The last of the lost boys have thrown on the towel We used to believe we were stars aligned You made a wish and I fell out of The hoofsteps grew closer. I ignored them as I continued to look towards the beautiful peaceful sky. Time flew, cut through all over town You made me bleed when I look up and you’re not around But I’m in pieces, pick me up and put me together I strummed harder than before as a tear fell out of my eye. I yelled at the top of my lungs. These are the days we’ve been waiting for Neither of us knows what’s in store You just roll your window down and place your bets These are the days we won’t regret These are the days we will never forget I continued strumming and slowly the song that I sang faded into the windy night. “That was…. Beautiful.” I heard a familiar voice behind me. I turned my head behind and saw the mare that I interpreted in my song. “Uhm…. Thanks...” I said as I turned to face the sky. She came over to my side and sad with me. “We used to look at the stars back then.” I didn’t answer as the heart shaped star disappeared from the abundance of stars. “Hey Dan… Do you still remember… The day from which Celestia banished you from Ponyville. Even though we fought against each other… You saved me no matter how bad it was.” She looked at me and I looked at her. Her bright magenta eyes shining against the moon’s light. “I don’t understand why Princess Celestia did that to you… Just breaking one rule to save one of her ponies…” “Then we had a fight you and I. Thinking about the punishment whether it will be severe or not. You claimed that we should run away together, but I claimed that you should enjoy life with your friends…” I said still looking up. “But why? I thought you loved me?” She stood up. “That was the reason why I did that…. For you to be happy.” “But I wasn’t! You left me heartbroken…” She teared. “And that is why you searched for a new one… right?” I asked with a weak smile. She got nothing to say. Only staring at me with those charming eyes filled with tears flowing down to her cheeks. “Then why….. Why did you come back today….. Why today…. Why in my wedding?” Her face now filled with anger. “I was brought here by that band there. I was never supposed to come here in the first place…” I said. “Dashie! The party is about to finish! Let’s dance to our heart’s content cuz this music was when we first met 2 years ago!” What sounded to be her husband called to her. “Sounds like you need to get going. I wonder if he bites more than I do.” I chuckled. She continued to cry. I’ve got nothing to do with her life anymore. She’s got a stallion better than me, she’s living a life happier than me, and she needs to forget me…. I’m nothing more but that stepping stone into a better life at the start. “If this is really what you want… T-Then I should leave…” She wipes her tears away and looks at me one more time. “I didn’t say this before you left 3 years ago…. Thank you…. For everything you’ve done… And….I love you Dan.” Just like that, the cyan mare ran to the loud party. My eyes widened at the last response she gave. Many thoughts crossed my mind. Whether or not she meant it. Just move on dude! You’ve done this countless of times and you’re still going back to it? I sighed and looked up to the stars, “You’re right….” I stood up and stretched my body. “I guess I should head back as well.” I looked behind to see everypony partying to Vinyl Scratch’s dubstep. I took a step forward only to be stopped by a voice. It was familiar….. “Hello there, Dan Jester.” Celestia spoke. “I should’ve known…” I sighed. I looked behind me again to see the tall white Alicorn staring down on me. “What is it?” I questioned without the slightest of hesitations. “Oh, am I not allowed to stroll around my own garden for once in a while?” She chuckled. “Whatever, I’m going.” I said as I looked away and walked towards the party. “Wait!” She exclaimed. I stopped. “What happened 3 years ago was something that was uncalled for. I was forced to banish you from Ponyville…. But, I didn’t know your relationship with Rainbow back then.” She sounded ashamed. “But, because you’ve proved yourself to gain everypony’s trust here. I’m honoring a favor and a request for you.” I continued to look away with bits of my rage and anger kept in one cage of my body. “Will you please come back to Ponyville?” She asked with a warm smile. What a request from the Princess herself! So, what will it be Dan? Staying with ponies from which you are familiar with or stay in that one damn room forever. I sighed. “I’m heading home….” I continued to walk away. I could feel her sadness already. I walked past the party, getting one glance from Rainbow as I did to her. I walked to the gates and towards the train station from where the train waited for me. Oh…… So you’re taking this route huh. “Yeah. I have no regrets..... I’ve seen enough.” I said as I entered the train.