//------------------------------// // A Friend or Killer // Story: Pony of the Theater // by Arondight2016 //------------------------------// Weeks passed since the incident and the theater had to close down for a while until the issue was gone for good. Gale, who was shocked of that night, remained in her room, pondering of the incident that night. She then analyzed carefully regarding who could've done this. Suddenly, as she was deep in thought, a knock on the door snapped her into reality. "Come in..." she called. As the door opened, it was Angel who entered the room with a concerned look in her eyes. "Are you okay?" her friend asked. "Y-yes...I am." Gale respond lightly. "W-why do you ask?" "You haven't left your room since...you know." "I'm sorry. It's just-" Though she would've mentioned her issue to Angel, Gale dismissed the idea. Believing it was not important to say, Night Gale decided to talk about something else. "I'm worried about Stage." "Yeah," Angel agreed. "From what my mother told me, he's fine. Stage's improving, but there seems to be a problem with his memory. He doesn't remember how he was paralyzed or who attacked him that night." "Would that mean the Theater will be shut down for good?" "I don't know. Mother mentioned that she doesn't want that to happen. Considering that it was her and my aunt's theater, I would understand that clearly." "I guess." "For whomever attacked him that night, I want to know how they did so. From what I can tell, most ponies were there at the theater and not one moved from their position..." As she continued on and on regarding that night, Gale then thought carefully of what her friend said before: '...most ponies were there at the theater and not one moved from their position that night...' Then, it suddenly hit her. Not every pony was there that night, but it couldn't be whom she thought it was, could it? While Gale stood up from her bed shocked, Angel stopped talking for a moment and noticed her friend in fear. "Is something wrong?" Although she didn't want to believe that it was her friend, Gale wanted to make sure directly. Without another word, Gale fled from her room and towards the Theater rooftops. As soon as she reached her destination, Gale looked around for a moment, but no pony was there at all. Giving up all hope for a moment, she started to walk towards the exit quietly. However, as she reached her hoof towards the door, a shadow appeared behind her. "Why are you here?" Maris asked, "you know you shouldn't be here." "I wanted to talk to you personally." "No pony just talks to me for anything." "Why not? Is it because of your Master?" He stated nothing for he didn't want to say anything he'll regret. Maris then turned aside to not look at her. Though she wanted to know why he's acting like this, Gale took a deep breath and continued. "Look, I know he stated things that you didn't want to hear, but I know that there are things that aren't true." "He states the truth as it is, Gale." he sharply stated, "I am a monster to those who see me." "Is it because of the mask you wear? It cannot be the reason alone. If you would let me see-" "NO!" he roared with eyes as red as blood. With fear in her eyes, she trembled towards the ground. As he noticed her scared, he took a deep breath and calmed down for a moment. "I'm sorry, but I cannot let you see it." "If I may ask, why can't I?" "I am a cursed pony who lives life as it is." "How are you cursed?" "These questions you are asking is making me a bit uncomfortable. Why are you asking me these?" "I want to know who you really are: A friend or a killer?" The word 'Killer' was one Gale should not have used in front of Maris. Though he never expected to kill anyone due to self defense, he completely ignored her questions from here on out. "I want you to leave." "But-" "Listen to me. I want you to go." Knowing that she may have said something that may have harmed him on a certain level, she obeyed and walked away, never looking back. Days passed and the theater was back in order. The Theater Ghost, whom they feared, was silent for the moment. Not knowing why, they continued the process as before. One day, however, as Gale decided to prepare for Adele's dress, she noticed a note by her own locker. As she opened the letter, it stated: Meet me at the rooftops at midnight. I have something to say to you. - MS Not knowing if it was a prank or not, she ignored for a while and continued helping out with the performance. That afternoon, as the ponies started to prepare for the next scene, Melody stopped Gale for a moment. "Gale, may I speak with you in my office?" "Yes ma'am. Am I in trouble?" "Trouble? No. I have just something to tell you privately." Not knowing what it may be, she agreed and followed her in her office. Since her and Angel's arrival, not once had Gale been requested to be in the office of her friend's mother. Though the room was not as she expected, she sat on one of the chairs available and wait for Melody to speak. "I know you have met Maris for the past month, correct?" That realization hit her. How did Ms. Tune found out about their secret? Did Monsieur Star tell her about it? "Don't worry, dear. I know about it based on the smile you bring everyday after break. I actually want to let you know that Maris is not the killer." "How did you-" "I know Maris well enough more than any pony of this theater. He and I have been friends since this theater started. Not once had he ever thought of killing some pony for fun. That is not in his nature to do so." "Then, if it wasn't him, then who-" "I may not know who it was that night, but I will tell you this: Maris is a pony like you and me. We all are one who could make mistakes. Though they are not perfect, we cannot choose that route forever. We can change for good." "Change?" "Did he tell you personally that he wanted to be in theater?" "Yes. When we talked about the play he's working on." "Then that means, he's keeping that promise." "Promise, ma'am?" "One that my sister told him when he first came here. You see..." She then explained to Gale of his current incident in the past from what she saw. Melody even explained how the mark he hid under his mask. For he feared that no pony would love him for who he was if he removed it at all. Though Gale understood that matter, it caused her to think carefully of what happened since their encounter and realized something. She started to fall in love with him and wanted his dream to come true. "Thank you, Ms Tune." "You're welcome. Now, since you will be meeting him soon, I want you to tell him exactly how you feel. If he accepts, then he'll show it to you. If not, then that's okay. It's not the end of the world for you." "Okay. Thank you!" She then walked out of the room as Melody smiled lightly. "Maris," she spoke to herself, "take care of her."