//------------------------------// // Purpose // Story: Obligation to the World // by Tranquil Stone //------------------------------// "Woo hoo! I'm flying!!" I yelled, suspended midair, flailing my hooves around desperately. And if you're wondering, yes, as Kirin like me is trying to fly. And not succeeding. But wasn't going to stop anytime soon. I was almost there- people can take the easy way, but I'm determined. Fern Fare stared at me, wincing every time I fell. "Um, Autumn Blaze? Maybe you should TAKE A BREAK?" she suggested, yelling the last part. Realising, she covered her mouth, blushing. I giggled, climbing off the tree. Us Kirin were getting used to using our voices, and it was a little tough. The occasional outburst or whisper was common these days. "Sorry. But you should focus on other less dangerous things" advised Fern, "Like knitting" She pulled out a red and blue coloured scarf with a heart in the centre and bits of fray sticking out. I rolled my eyes. Typical Kern- just looking for happiness in simplicity. But that wasn't me. I want more than I have, more than this small town. "Thanks for the advice. But I'll just stick to other stuff, like..." I thought for a moment. Huh, I really don't have much to occupy myself with, "Um something" I trotted towards my home, feeling little curious. Hah, who am I kidding? I'm always curious! I arrived in front of my house, and I know it sounded like a bit of a walk, but honestly, our whole town is very small. And cosy. My house is probably the most...outgoing. It has the same structure as the others, made out of a tree and everything. But it does have its modifications. For example, I have a balcony at the second floor, decorated with roses and daisies, my favourite. Instead of just staying down near the stump, my home reaches up into the canopies. Of course, all this cost a lot. No Kirin wants to do anything out the ordinary, so I had to hire Griffin workers, but they weren't nice, and wanted bits for everything. Seriously- everything. I walked inside, and took a seat on my couch. Yeah, the one that didn't fit through the door because it was too big. But it is super comfy. I lazily sank into my seat, pulling my favourite book from the stands, 'Out of the Woods' It's about a pony who always feels incomplete, and gets her cutie mark and bam! All her problems were solved. I heard a cough from behind me. Two Kirin stood behind me- Mom and Dad. My mom's was similar looking to me, except she has a bright neon green mane. My dad on the other hoof, had the same auburn hair as me, but had a chocolate brown coat. "Mom? Dad? So...good to see you too" I said, pausing to think for an appropriate word. My dad's eyes narrowed, while my mom's softened with concern. "Look honey, we want you to be happy. But sometimes, standing out isn't the way to do that" said my mom, giving a look to my dad. "What we mean is, that you shouldn't try all that new stuff. Take over our family import-export business and live a peaceful life. Look at your brother- he tried new stuff, and look what happened to him" My heart sank at mention of my bother. Hayseed Blaze was a kirin like no other, but he always wanted to explore, and venture out. One day, he declared he was going to a place I had never heard of. Ponyville, I think off the top the top of my head? Anyhow, he went out, and was never heard from again. All these years I've tried to hear from him, but it's like he vanished, without a trace. I guess my parents couldn't bare with loosing their second child to passion and drive as well. "I know you're worried, but I want to find my own place in the world guys. Have fun, and enjoy life! When I get old and boring like you too, then I'll think about settling down" I chuckled, light-hearted. My mother sighed, "I know you Autumn. Just...do whatever you want. But be careful, alright? We don't want anything to happen to you" She gave me a faded smile, before heading out the door. My father stayed, giving me a stern look. As always. It quickly melted away, and he looked at me, worry built up in his eyes. "We both love you Autumn. I was like you, always wanted adventure, and more than this small town could offer. And you know how that turned out for me" Dad looked down at the wooden flooring of my house, "Just promise me you'll stay safe? Away from trouble?" I nodded, smiling slowly. My dad extended his hoof. I hesitated a little, before taking it, and shaking hooves with him. My dad embraced me, before trotting out the door, closing the door behind him. The loud door banged, re-emphasising the loneness in my home. I promised dad I would stay out of trouble, but our definitions of 'trouble' varied. Largely. I took a deep breath in. Part of me wanted to agree with them. Be like my ancestors and continue the family traditions. But that's not what my heart tells me. I want to try everything until I find what I really love. I'll search and search until I do everything I can to find my purpose in life. I do know why Dad stopped me. When he was young, he and his friend ventured out into the Dragonlands for fun. His best friend was killed by the dragons, while he watched helplessly. There's still a scar on his right eye, reminding the town how important it is to stay in formation and not explore. I want to be that obedient kid. The child every parent wants- but that's just now who I am. Something in me wants to go out there, and explore. I heard a knock at the door, and unwillingly got up. I lazily trotted to the door, and opened it to see and overly energetic griffin right in my face. "Oh my gosh! My first Kirin delivery!" squealed the griffin. She had dark grey large wings, and her coat's shade lightened up to her excited face. She had these huge turquoise eyes that just gleamed with hope, happiness and heart. She had a small tie binding her excess feathers neatly. "Nice to meet ya! I'm Gabby" she said bouncing around, extending a claw. I didn't hesitiate and shook it happily. "Hi Gabby! I'm Autumn Blaze! Is that letter for me?" I asked, craning my next to peer at the letter in her claw. Gabby nodded, "Yep, it's from Applejack. Something about inviting you over this Thursday to Ponyville. I can't wait for you to meet all the nice ponies there" "You've been to Ponyville? That is awesome!" "Yeah! That's where I got this here cutie mark" Gabby said, face softening to admire the sparkling badge on her bag. I thought to myself. Cutie mark...isn't that the mark thing AJ and Fluttershy had? Telling them what their purpose in life was? Something in my snapped, as I hopped around, and Gabby stared at me in confusion. "I'M GOING TO GET A CUTIE MARK!" I exclaimed, jumping. Gabby lit up in excitement, and joined in on the fun, jumping with me. "I love jumping around!!" she said, grinning a bright smile. I stopped jumping around. Finally, I would find out what I'm meant to do. Someone in Ponyville had to know about those marks. After meeting Applejack and Fluttershy, I realised I missed something. I needed something they had. A cutie mark. Those incredible marks...the things that would end all my questions. Make me feel satisfied. The voice inside finally silenced. This was it. The chance to give life a purpose.