//------------------------------// // Chapter Eighteen – Cherished Relief Part II // Story: Reality is a Blur // by lLoveRainbowDash //------------------------------// Rainbow opened her eyes and noticed she wasn’t in the room. She quickly sat up while looking around the room she found herself in. “Is everything alright?” Percy asked, sitting across from her, reading papers. “I hope I didn’t startle you.” She was relieved to see that she was just on the sofa in the living room. “H-how did I get here?” she asked. “Last night,” Percy replied. “You fell asleep there, and I didn’t want to move you, so... I grabbed a blanket for you.” “Oh... Thanks.” “You’re welcome. Oh, just to let you know, London is still asleep. Breakfast is on the table if you’re hungry, too.” “I’m not really hungry right now.” “Ah, I see.” Rainbow remained seated, studying the way Percy acted. He picked up a paper on the table in front of him and read through it. After reading, he placed it back down and wrote on it. He then placed the paper to the side and repeated. After a few papers, Rainbow decided to ask a question that had been bothering her since the night prior. “What is Equestria like?” “What was that?” he asked, looking up from a paper. “What is Equestria like?” Rainbow repeated. “Personally, I’ve never been there. My... my s-son has been.” “Is he here?” Percy looked down at the floor. “N-no. He’s... not here.” He closed his eyes. “Is he still in Equestria?” she asked. “Percy?” “He’s not anywhere! He’s gone! I’ll never see them again!” Percy snapped, startling Rainbow. “I... I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have... It’s just that... H-he and my... wife were on their way back here from Equestria... but the airship was... shot down during the war.” Rainbow kept quiet, ignoring the thoughts of asking what an airship was. “I’m sorry for... asking,” she whispered after a while of staring at the floor. “I... I loved them,” Percy spoke softly. “I-if you want, you can go wake London. I’m going to show you around the city. Again, if you want.” Rainbow stood from the sofa and walked into the other room that led to the stairs. After going up the stairs, she opened the door to the room. London was asleep on his bed. She walked over to the window on the far wall and opened the curtains. “It’s time to get up, bud,” Rainbow said, lifting the covers off of London. He yawned, saying, “Are we doing anything today?” “Yeah! We’re gonna go into the city and check everything out.” “What time is it?” London asked, hopping down from the bed. Rainbow walked over to the window and looked around for the sun. “I uh, don’t know.” “It’s about 8 o’clock in the morning. Hurry along now and eat your breakfast, London!” Percy answered from the open door. He was leaned against the door frame. London ran past him and down the stairs. “I’m guessing he really likes breakfast,” Percy said. “Yeah, I guess so,” Rainbow agreed. “You sure you’re not hungry?” “Yes. I had a lot last night.” Percy smiled. “Ah, you did have quite a lot.” “Is there any specific place we’re going to, or...?” “We can go anywhere you and London want to go. I would take London and you outside of the city to show you two something I found, but the North Pyrathian army made an advancement towards the city, so nopony is allowed out unless the mayor says so.” “Can’t you just sneak out?” “I don’t think that would work. The only way out is the front gate... which is closed.” “The gate is the only way out? I’m no expert or anything, but that seems... dumb. Like,” Rainbow sat and started making gestures with her hooves, “somepony, or the North Pyrathian army, could easily come to the gate and trap all of us in. There should be more than one exit, because then we’d have a way of getting out of this place if they guarded the gate.” “Hey, I’m not the one who created the city, so...” Before they could continue, they heard the sound of London running up the stairs. “I’m finished!” he shouted once he made it into the room. “Oh, one thing before we go. You two need to get dressed. It may seem strange, but ponies in this city dress, and look down upon those who don’t. I’ll go get you your clothes, be back in a sec,” Percy said, walking out of the room. Percy returned shortly after carrying different outfits. “Okay, I didn’t know what you two like, but I have this,” he said, setting the clothes down on a small table in the room. “I’ll be waiting downstairs for you two.” Clothes? Rainbow picked up the larger clothes in the pile. She chose to wear a black sweater. When she put it over her head, she had some troubles getting it all the way on. Once it was fully on, she looked at herself in a mirror that was on the back of the door. The sweater covered most of her body and her forelegs. It also covered her wings, which she had hoped to cover up in the first place. She also noticed an extra piece of cloth that stuck out of the back. She lifted it up and noticed that it was supposed to cover her head. Once she put it on, she felt... oddly comfortable. Having the hood over her head felt like she was being protected. Rainbow looked over to London, who was already done. He was dressed in a small suit. It was light brown in colour with a black tie. “Let’s go, bud,” Rainbow said, reaching towards him. They opened the door and walked down the stairs to meet with Percy. “We’re done!” London shouted. “Well then, let’s not wait any longer! Is everypony ready?” Percy asked, looking towards Rainbow. She smiled, “Yes, I am.” They walked out of the room and down the stairs. Percy held the door open for the two to exit, and locked it once they were all out. “Where to?” he asked. London looked up at Rainbow. “Go for it, London,” she said, ruffling his mane. “Let’s go this way!” London shouted, taking the lead to walk down the road. It was the first time Rainbow had been outside since being sold. She looked back at Percy’s house, along with all of the other houses on the street. Each house had the same style implemented into the structure. Above the door was a large archway. On the outer walls of the house stood tall pillars that were perfectly rounded. The houses were also made up of bricks. In front of the houses was a small yard of grass. There was also a tree in the middle of each yard. They walked on a sidewalk, as Percy had called it. The sidewalk ran alongside a road, which was used for wagons and carriages. The sky was a very bright, light shade of blue; it almost appeared white. Even though the sky was so bright, Rainbow could still make out clouds that drifted alone. There was a small breeze that felt refreshing each time it brushed past. Once they reached a crossing in the road, London changed the direction. They were now walking straight towards the largest building in sight. The building towered above all other buildings in the city. It looked like it had the most amount of detail as well. “Whoa, what is that?” Rainbow asked. “That is the Pyrathian Centre. Tallest building in the city. It’s the place where other cities in the country send important documents and things like that. It’s also the place where some of the other countries’ leaders come to meet up and talk about important stuff,” Percy answered, fixing his hat. “Wow, it’s... impressive,” Rainbow thought out loud. “Yeah, it needs to be presentable if other leaders come to discuss important matters. It’s sort of expected in a city this large.” “Are we allowed in?” London asked, slowing his pace. “Sadly, no,” Percy answered. “Oh, let’s go this way then!” London yelled, heading towards the large flat field. “Percy, can I ask you a question?” Rainbow asked. “Yes, what is it?” “What’s outside of the city?” “Well, there’s cities everywhere around the Pyrathian Kingdom, but other than that, it’s mostly just a large desert. You were lucky to have spent your time in the mountains. Those are the only ones that this country has.” “Really?” Rainbow asked. “Yup. Oh, fun fact about their name. Those mountains are named the Moment Mountains because of how dangerous they are. Every moment counts on those mountains, so I’m glad you’re okay, Rainbow.” “Me too. I’m just glad I was able to get out of them.” “We’re here!” London shouted. “Can I go play with the other ponies?” “Of course you can, bud!” Rainbow replied. She took a seat on a nearby bench to watch him play at the small park. Percy followed. “You know... ever since I brought you to my home... I can’t help but notice... how much you two remind me of... my family,” Percy said softly. “I’m sorry about your... family.” Rainbow looked up and saw that the sun was just about right above. She then looked back towards the park. There was about five other ponies playing at the park. She saw how easy London was able to fit in, especially since his wings were hidden under his suit. “Percy... thank you for doing this for us. I wish there was something I could do to repay you,” Rainbow said after a few minutes of silence. “It’s all okay, really,” he responded. “I’ve had my doubts about this city, but maybe I can actually get used to living here. Everything is great here, other than the slavery for pegasi.”