//------------------------------// // All I Ask Of You // Story: Pony of the Theater // by Arondight2016 //------------------------------// As promised, she waited on the theater's rooftop until midnight struck. Maris then walked out from the shadows and sat next to Gale. "You've read my letter?" "I answer when needed." "I wanted to apologize for my rude behavior the other day." "No, I should be one to apologize. I know now why you didn't want me to see it." "Melody told you about me?" "From what she could remember, yes." He then sigh and started to tell her why he received it. Ever since he was born, that mark was given to him due to abusive parents. While he fled from his home of Maris, he then met Bohemian gypsies who had beliefs of freedom, beauty, truth, and love. Though they stated that their beliefs were genuine, the pony who took care of him believed that no pony would care for him because of that mark. Then, when they came to Manehattan, the mark became so terrifying when ponies harmed him, he would lose control. However, as each beating was severe, his temper was short-lived. That all changed when he met Melody and how she shown a different light in his eyes. Sadly, she never saw him even since her sister's death. For he believed that she had other ponies and the theater to take care of before him. Then his Master, Monsieur Star, met him during rehearsal and told him that he would care for him in exchange to not appear on stage again. Though he was promised by Harmony when first appearing on her steps, he sadly agreed and helped with performances that he never had the chance to perform. "He shouldn't have told you that." Gale respond after hearing his backstory. "He has to: he's my master." "So, you were promised something you had kept to not do the promise you were told before? I need to help you keep that promise." "Why?" She then held on his hoof and smiled. "Because that's what friends do: help reach their dreams." He then shook his hoof off of hers and walked away. "How do you know about dreams? They're not real, not even love." "Love? What does that have to do anything with it?" "I just don't believe in it." "Why not?" "They're a waste of time and doesn't care of consequences." "But...a life without love...that's terrible." "You sound just like them: Believing that love is a splendid thing. Believing love is real no matter what the other pony looks like. Well, guess what? I am not one that any pony would love." "That's not true. Do you know why?" She came close to him once more and looked into his eyes. "When you mentioned to me that you were a monster, I don't see one at all. You are a pony, just like me." He silently walked back for a moment, thinking of those exact words. While he pondered for a moment, she reached her hoof towards the mask. Without thinking, as the mask was removed, he reacted so terribly he pushed her to the side so she wouldn't see his horrifying mark. After he stopped reacting, she came closer as before and glanced carefully at his mark. Ever since his fillyhood, his mark was scathed as blood started to run towards the ground and his skin would be drastic. Except now, the mark is now scarred on his eye and all over his face. Without a word, she started to glance and touch his mark calmly. Though it scared him a bit, he hesitated a bit. A few moments later, his fear then turned into peace. Never in his life had he felt safe around her. Suddenly, as he continued feeling this peace, he then started to walk away from her quickly. "What's wrong?" she asked curiously. "Nothing." he responded bluntly. "I must go." With a quick turn towards the door, he ran as fast as he could, but failed to get the mask back from her. She looked at the mask which he wore the entire time and noticed that there were things that she didn't need to go from here. All night, she thought of what he said, what he's been through and knew that her words will not work. As she thought carefully, Gale knew for certain that he wasn't the one that attacked the victim. Suddenly, as she walked down the stairs, a sudden short of breath started to strike her young heart. While Gale tried to breathe lightly, her body started to fall towards the bottom of the stairs due to her minor illness. Gale's eyes closed lightly as she expected the outcome. However, her body didn't feel any pain. Instead, she felt a soft, warm body filling her entire soul. She then opened her eyes lightly, noticing Maris holding her tightly. "I'm sorry..." he whispered lightly. "I... I haven't met any pony like you before." Gale, trying her best to speak, felt the breath trying to become harder as he held on to her. "I hope you can forgive me." "I would..." Gale said lightly, "...but... I can't-" Trying to understand, Maris noticed her face turning a different color. Quickly realizing her condition, he released her, allowing her to breathe. "Sorry!" apologized Maris. "It's fine..." she replied while breathing slowly. As her breath returned as before, Maris hugged lightly behind her as she stood there calmly. "Would you be able to teach me?" Maris whispered in her ear. "About friendship?" While she knew her heart would belong to him, friendship was a good start for him. Gale nodded and remained by his side. However, without their knowledge, a hidden shadow noticed their attraction between each other. With rage, the eyes started to glow with hatred. 'You'll pay for that!' a voice vowed as it disappeared within the night.