//------------------------------// // XXIII. // Story: The Nobody's Regret // by Synthetic Soul //------------------------------// It had been a few weeks since Twilight and her new friends defeated Nightmare Moon, and in that time, Twilight had been on a few misadventures in the town of Ponyville. The ticket incident, as well convincing Applejack to allow outside help for apple bucking season were quit exhausting. But, Twilight hoped that things would soon settle down, and she’d be able to live a relatively peaceful life in Ponyville along with her friends, free of any more super villains or monster attacks. But she hoped it didn’t get TOO calm, or she’d have no friendship reports to make to Celestia. After waking up bright and early, Twilight made her way to the main floor, where Spike was preparing breakfast. She sat down at the table with a clean plate resting on the table in front of her. “Good morning Spike!” greeted the unicorn. “Moring Twi,” replied the dragon. Spike, who had just finished frying up some French toast, turned and placed the food on her plate. “You’re looking good, considering how hectic this week has been.” “Yeah, it seems Ponyville can get pretty wild. But at least that gives me plenty of stuff to write to Celestia about. Besides, I’m sure things will slow down a bit.” Just as the two got started on their breakfast, Spike felt a pressure rising in his gut. He burped out a cloud of sparkling smoke, where a wrapped parcel materialized, and fell into his open claws. “Oh, letter for you Twi!” Spike handed Twilight the letter, which she unwrapped with excitement. “From the Princess? So soon?” The unicorn mare used her magic to unravel the scroll, and began reading aloud. “Dear Twilight, I found your letters to be very enlightening, and I’m so proud of how much you’ve been learning in Ponyville! You and your friends seem to be becoming very close, and I cannot wait to see how much you grow together! On that note, I would like to ask you a favor. You see Roxas; our friend that you met during the Summer Sun Celebration has been acting a bit weird. In the time he’s been back and living with us at the castle, he has been uncharacteristically high-strung, and rarely seems to relax. There are times when he disappears entirely, and we don’t see him for hours upon hours. We’ve tried to talk to him, and find out what’s wrong, but he so far, we have not been able to get anything out of him. This is worrying, as in the past we have usually been able to trust and confide with each other. To be honest, Luna and I are worried about him. So, we’ve been thinking that perhaps it would do him some good to go down to Ponyville and spend some time with you and your friends. We talked to him, and he seemed to like that idea. He will be coming down tomorrow, and I was hoping you could meet him when he arrives. Thank you so much. Best wishes; Princess Celestia.” The unicorn put the letter down, as spike stared at her. “He’s coming here? Tomorrow! Oh, this is such a great opportunity!” exclaimed Twilight. “Uh, opportunity?” questioned Spike. “Of course!” replied Twilight as she got up from her seat, and started scrambling around. “The only human in Equestria is coming here! This will be the perfect chance to study him! Take blood samples, collect hair fiber, maybe do a magic reserve study! I could also-“ “Uh Twilight, aren’t you supposed to be helping him relax and stuff, not treating him like a lab rat?” questioned Spike. Twilight, who now held several beakers and notebooks in her fore hooves, set them down carefully, and cleared her throat. “Y-yes…of course.” “Listen Twi, I know you’ve got a thing for science but this Roxas guy is just a person like you and me. You probably shouldn’t do anything he’s not comfortable with.” “You’re right Spike. You’re right, you’re right, you’re right.” Twilight used her magic to clear away her equipment, before she returned to her seat at the breakfast table. The two sat down, and resumed their breakfast. After a few moments of silence, Twilight spoke up again. “Do you think he’d let me extract some of his spinal fluid?” Griffonstone, the once proud and prosperous Griffon Kingdom, was now a beat down and desperately ravaged city, housing a race of now morally decrepit, grouchy and selfish creatures known as the Griffons. This kingdom was very different from Equestria. In Griffonstone, there was almost no friendship. The Griffons were greedy, and often conning each other for bits. In a way, it was a survival of the fittest scenario. In this city, the residents boarded themselves away in their homes, only interacting with others if it benefitted them. In one run down shack, lived a young adult Griffon known as Gilda. She had a light brown body of lion fur, with a white and pink feather set decorating her head. Like most of her kind, she could be mean, anti-social, and a bit of a thug. But as she packed her suitcase, her thoughts filled her heart with a warm and fuzzy feeling. She was packing because she would soon be departing her wretched home, to visit the only friend she’d ever known: Rainbow Dash. Friends since childhood, the blue pony was the only friend Gilda had ever really known. The only creature she had fond memories of. And why wouldn’t she? Back at flight school, Rainbow was the first one to approach her. Back when she was a lonely and timid youngling. In many ways, Rainbow was just like Gilda. They both had a need for speed, and a taste for action. If it wasn’t for the fact they were different species, they could have very well have been sisters. Gilda shut her suitcase, and prepared to leave, with a smile on her face. This wasn’t just a trip for her. Gilda was sick and tired of Griffonstone, and had been for years. This was her chance to see the real Equestria, and possibly find a new place to call home. She was nervous, but she knew her friend would make her feel welcome. And if things went well, then just maybe Gilda would have the final sign that Equestria was were she was supposed to be. She’d pack up everything, and move, so she could finally find happiness with the support of her one and only friend. Gilda left her house, and locked the door. She then took to the sky, gripping the suitcase tight. ‘This is going to be the start of something wonderful,’ she thought. ‘I can feel it in my heart!’