//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: A Human's New Clothes // Story: A Human's Walk Across Equestria // by JadedandDazed //------------------------------// "He's doin' what now?" Applejack asked as a flustered and clearly upset Twilight stood in front of her. "He's walking from Ponyville to the Crystal Empire," Twilight repeated, annoyance dripping in her voice, "He left a few hours ago... He didn't tell you anything?" "He hadn't said a word about anything to me," Applejack told, "You know how he is. He won't tell you nothing unless you ask all direct," Twilight sighed as she looked down at the ground, her ears folding against her head, "I just... I don't get why he wouldn't listen to me about how dangerous this is. He always listens to me!" Applejack leaned on her cart, giving a small shrug, "Ah certainly don't have a clue what's running through his mind... Maybe ask Fluttershy, I know those two go on walks sometimes." "They do?" Twilight frowned, "I never heard about that!" Applejack nodded as she looked around the plaza the two were standing in, many other ponies visiting the numerous stands situated around, "Ah've seen 'em walking around when I'm packing up. They usually go out late though. Like when nopony's round." "Huh..." Twilight pondered as she gently ran her right front hoof across the ground, "I'll go ask Fluttershy then. Thanks, AJ." "'Course, Twilight. Anytime," Applejack said as she trotted back behind her cart. Twilight sighed as she turned from Applejack and began the quick trek to Fluttershy's cottage. While she walked, she couldn't help but dwell on the fact those two went on walks and she never knew. Phoenix never asked her out for walks, she never knew he even liked going on walks. She would go on walks with him if he asked! Why does he ask Fluttershy and not her?... A small blush crept across Twilight's face as the thoughts ran through her mind. She was jealous and she didn't know why. Phoenix and Fluttershy going on walks was nothing to be jealous of... If she asked Phoenix, he'd certainly agree to go on a walk with her, right? The two could talk the day away, she talking about all the new subjects she learned that day and books she read, he could talk about his past, tell her funny moments he remembered, his favorite memories, what his old world was like in detail... Maybe even- Twilight quickly shook herself out of her deep thoughts as she realized she was in front of Fluttershy's cottage. Taking a breath, she knocked on the door. After a few seconds, the door peeked upon a bit as the shy mare looked outside at who was knocking, opening it up all the way when she saw her purple friend, "Twilight! It's great to see you!" "Great to see you too, Fluttershy," Twilight smiled, "I-I have a few questions I'd like to ask if you're not busy," "Oh, not at all. Please, come in," Fluttershy smiled politely as she stepped aside and cleared the doorway "Thank you, this shouldn't be too long," Twilight assured as she walked inside "So, what is it you wanted to ask?" Fluttershy asked as she closed the door "Did Phoenix every mention anything to you about walking across Equestria?" Twilight asked Fluttershy gave Twilight a confused looks as she blinked before slowly shaking her head, "No, he's never mentioned anything about that... Why?" "Well," Twilight sighed, "I bumped into him a few hours ago and he said he was going on a hike... He gave me a map and said he was walking all the way to the Crystal Empire!" "Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy gasped, "The Crystal Empire? That's awfully far." "I know... I tried to talk him out of it, but he wasn't hearing any of it!" Twilight told, "Applejack told me that sometimes you two went on walks together, so I thought maybe he said something to you." "No, I'm sorry," Fluttershy shook her head, "He... Doesn't really speak much on our walks." Twilight looked up curiously, "He doesn't?" Fluttershy shook her head again, "No, he's as quiet as a mouse. He usually just asks me questions or we walk not saying anything." Twilight frowned at what her friend said. She would think that they would talk, that he'd open up to her. What was the point of walking together then? "Why did you start walking together?" Twilight asked "Well," Fluttershy said as she looked up, reaching into her memories, "We only started a few weeks ago... It was very late at night when I saw him walk by my window... It looked like he was heading towards the Everfree Forest. I went outside and asked what he was doing all the way out here and he said he was going on a walk to clear his head so I asked if I could join him." Twilight nodded, "I see... I'm guessing you two didn't talk during this walk?" Fluttershy shook her head, "No, not much. But it was nice... It was very calm and relaxing outside, so the quiet didn't feel awkward." "So, after that you and Phoenix would go on walks?" Twilight asked "Mhm," Fluttershy nodded, "He'd come and knock on my door and ask if I wanted to go on a walk, then we'd go." Twilight frowned a bit as she looked down, rubbing her hoof against her chin, "That's... Interesting. Did anything ever seem... Odd on those walks?" "Well... On the first walk, he was acting a little weird," Fluttershy admitted "How so?" "He seemed... I'm not sure how to put it... Like he was scared and sad at the same time," Fluttershy said, "I think he was feeling really lonely because when he got back to his house he asked me to stay the night... He said he didn't think he should be alone at the time. You'd think he would've told you about that. He tells you everything," "I know!" Twilight said in exasperation, "That's what I find so odd. He's never said anything about what you said to me... He's never said he didn't want to be alone. He never asked me to stay over... Or to stay over with me. I... I don't know what this all means." "Me neither," Fluttershy said, "I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help." "It's okay, Fluttershy," Twilight smiled, "You've given me a lot of good information," --------- Phoenix stopped as he approached a paved path. Tugging at his bag, he looked up at the night sky; it was as gorgeous as ever. Part of him wanted to stop now and simply lay down and stare at the stars as he had done many times in Equestria before, but another part of him knew that if he laid down, he wouldn't be getting back up until morning. Canterlot, his first destination, was only twenty minutes away. A twenty minute uphill, well more like upmountain, walk. He could stop here and sleep then continue the walk in the morning... No, that'd be too easy. Besides, it's more impressive of a story if he can say that he walked from Ponyville to Canterlot in one day. Trains usually take hours to get there, so the fact he walked there in just hours as well would be a story to tell! With renewed confidence, a determined look and quick slap across the face, Phoenix began to walk up the path. At first, it wasn't too bad, but as he made it further up the mountain, his stamina quickly began to leave him. Each step and breath became labored and his back began to ache. Phoenix refused to stop and take a breath, however. He clenched his teeth and continued to push up the mountain "Why didn't Twilight tell me this was a bad idea?" Phoenix groaned as his steps became less controlled. It had felt like he had been walking for hours, but just by looking behind, he could tell it wasn't nearly as long as he thought it was... Based on the distance between the beginning of the path and where he was now, it was more like five minutes. Though, the view from where he was almost made him forget about the burning pain in his legs... Almost. From here, he had a clear view of Canterlot Castle. Though he had never said it, he thought it was gorgeous. Back on Earth, he had seen his fair share of castles and palaces as he took business trips, stopping to sight see when his business was finished, and he was never a big fan of them. This castle, however, was different, the landscape around it certainly added to the appeal. The rivers and falls around the construction took the sight from pretty to breathtaking. He couldn't help but smile at the sight; he's most likely the first and only human to see such a beautiful sight. Watching the castle and the beautiful landscape around it, the tedious walk seemed to move by quicker, the pain his whole body felt became less. When Phoenix finally broke his gaze from the side of the mountain he realized the top was in sight. Filled with a sense of joy, he took a deep breath in and began to run. When he finally reached the top, he threw both his hands up in victory, jumping on the balls of his feet as he turned to look at the path he just walked. His Rocky-esque victory moment, however, was quickly interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. "Mr. Phoenix?" Phoenix quickly turned back around to meet the voice, seeing a grey Pegasus suited in armor standing there, "Y-yes?" "Princess Celestia sent me to escort you to the castle," The guard informed "How'd she know I was here already?" Phoenix frowned "She... Saw you walking up the mountain," The guard told "Oh... Guess I should've waved," Phoenix laughed, "Lead the way, my good sir," ----- "Sister? I thought you were retiring for the night," Luna said as she spotted her sister roam the halls. Night Court had begun and Celestia had informed her sister of her intentions to go to her private chambers and open a good book with a cup of tea. "Yes, well... You wouldn't guess who I saw trudging up the mountain," Celestia laughed a bit Luna blinked, confused on what she meant before it finally hit her, "He's already here?" "It appears so, it was hard to be certain, but I'm certain that the silhouette had to be his, it's certainly unique," Celestia said, "I've sent a guard to meet him. I'm sure he must be tired, hungry, and... Probably dirty, so I was heading to make sure all those needs would be tended it." "I see..." Luna nodded, "Well, when he arrives please let me know, I'd be very interested in speaking with him," "I'll be sure to do tha-" Celestia began, but was interrupted as the sound of two beings walking filled the hall. One was the familiar sound of hooves on marble, the other was a much softer and foreign sound, "...That was fast." "Princess Celestia, I've brought the human," A voice said. The two Princesses turned toward the voice. There stood two beings, one the Pegasus guard Celestia had sent to meet the human. The other was the smiling, sweaty human himself. "I see," Celestia smiled, "Thank you, that will be all." The guard saluted before turning and walking off, leaving just the Human and the two Alicorns together. "Princess Celestia. Princess Luna," The human bowed with a small smile. "...I'm sorry?" Luna frowned, taken aback by his formality, "Since when did you begin calling us Princess?" "...Am I not supposed to?" Phoenix asked as he straightened back up "It's not that you're not supposed to," Celestia said, "It's just... In the nearly two and a half years you've been here you've never called us by our titles." "Well, figured now that I'm a permanent resident, I should probably start... Unless you don't want me to." "At this point it feels about odd to hear you say it," Celestia admitted "Just Celestia and Luna it is then," Phoenix laughed, "So, why may I ask was I so suddenly summoned?" Celestia laughed a bit, "You think you can just come to Canterlot and we wouldn't welcome you?" "I suppose it was a bit naïve of me to think so," Phoenix smiled, "I'm guessing you two know why I'm here in the first place?" "Yes, we do," Celestia nodded, "Please, come with me. I was just going to get your accommodations set up." "Thank you, but you really don't have to," Phoenix assured "I know, but I'm still going to," Celestia hummed, "Come along, now." "Whatever you say," Phoenix laughed as he followed next to the princess, flanked by her sister on his other side "Phoenix, if you could humor us for a moment. My sister and I are having a bit of a debate," Luna said as she glanced to Celestia "...I didn't study for this test," Phoenix said "My, you really do spend a lot of time with Twilight, don't you?" Celestia laughed, "It's not that kind of debate... We wanted to know more about your... Walk... Besides sightseeing like you said, is there a deeper meaning behind it?" Phoenix fell silent as he tried to think about how to approach his answer, "...Have you ever heard the story of the Emperor's New Clothes?" "I can't say I have. Have you?" Celestia asked as she looked to Luna, who shook her head. "Well, it's about this emperor who's just obsessed with fashion. He spent nearly 20% of the empire's treasury on clothing. He just had to have the most beautiful and fashionable clothes," Phoenix told, "One day, the emperor was approached by two travelers who said they wanted to make clothes for him, but not just any clothes. These clothes would be so beautiful, so gorgeous and fashionable that only those smart enough to understand its beauty would be able to see it and that stupid people wouldn't see anything. The emperor immediately agreed, willing to pay whatever these two travelers wanted. The travelers and the emperor agreed on a price and on one condition. That he wasn't allowed to see them making the clothes." "What exactly does this has to do about our question?" Luna asked "Hold on, I'm getting there," Phoenix smiled, "So, the two travelers got to work. They went into the basement and setup looms and sewing stations and everything they needed to get started... However, these two travelers weren't fashion designers or semesters. They were scam artists. They never actually intended to make any clothes, but they knew that the emperor would most likely send guards out so they would stand at their stations and pretend to work. When the guards came down to check on them, they saw the two working, but didn't see any string or cloth or anything be used. So guess what happened when the guards went back to the emperor to tell them how his amazing clothes were coming along?" "I'm assuming they told the emperor they saw nothing," Celestia said "Well, you know what they say about assuming," Phoenix laughed, "You make an ass out of you and me... Heh, get it? Ass? U? Me?" Celestia laughed as she rolled her eyes, "Yes, I get it..." "Anyways, you're wrong," Phoenix said, "They went and told the emperor that the clothes looked amazing! The those two travelers really were fashion geniuses... So the emperor would send different guards down and they would come back with the same thing. The clothes were gorgeous." "Why would they do that if they couldn't see the clothes?" Luna frowned "Well, let me tell the rest of the story and maybe you'll get it," Phoenix said, "Three days later, the travelers emerged and said the clothes were done. They went to the emperor, pretending to be holding this elaborate clothing, and put it on display... The emperor looked and said that they were the most gorgeous clothing he had ever seen in his life. So good in fact, he want the entire empire to see it. So he scheduled a parade where he would be carried through his empire wearing the clothes to show them off. When the day comes, the travelers dress the emperor and send him on his way to the parade. When he goes to the streets, proudly wearing his new clothes, he's immediately met with cheers and applause. Everyone loves his new clothing... That is until a small child shouts out 'The Emperor has no clothes' and the crowd goes silent." "Well, the child is right, aren't they? The emperor doesn't have clothes!" Celestia said "They are!... And people start realize that they're right. The reason they're not seeing the Emperor's clothes isn't because they're not smart enough to see the clothes. They're not seeing the clothes because they don't exist." Phoenix said with a small smile "I see," Celestia nods, "...I suppose that answers our question." "I told you~" Luna hummed, her head held high. -------- "So, Phoenix," Celestia hummed as she watched the human devour the food she had the chefs make for him Phoenix looked up to the Princess and blushed a bit, wiping his mouth his a napkin and swallowing, "Yes?" "I've come to realize that despite our numerous talks over your stay... I don't actually know that much about you," Celestia said "Yes... That was kinda on purpose," Phoenix admitted as he scratched his head. "Oh?" Celestia frowned "W-Well, it's just that... When I first realized I'd be here for a while and that I might be going home, I... I didn't really wanna make any connections. I thought the more people knew about me, the more attached I'd get to them and if I was gonna leave... I didn't want that. But now I'm here forever, so! I'm not hiding anything anymore," Phoenix said, "Had something you wanted to ask?" Celestia's smile returned to her face as she nodded, "Yes, you often said a lot about your old world, but... Never really said anything meaningful about it. I was wondering if you could tell us more about it, if that doesn't make you uncomfortable." "Not at all," Phoenix assured, "Where do I even begin?... How about with a question, how many ponies are in Equestria?" "According to our last census, somewhere around 40 million," Celestia told "Really? Huh, I thought it'd be more," Phoenix said, "Let's put my world into context. You've got 40 million here... We've got over 7 billion humans on Earth." "Billion?!" Luna gasped in shock "Mhm, of those 7 billion, 150 million are homeless, 1.6 billion don't have adequate shelter," Phoenix said, "736 million live below the poverty line. 690 million people don't know if they'll be able to eat from day to day. One person commits suicide every 40 seconds. When I left Earth and came here, there were 16 different wars going on... We've had a war where the death toll near doubled the population of Equestria... Does that paint a good enough picture?" The room fell dead silent as Phoenix leaned back in his seat and lightly tapped on the table. He shook his head and sighed, "Sorry, I got myself a little worked up there." "That's... A lot to take in," Luna said as she took a deep breath "Tell me about it," Phoenix mumbled, "The worst part of all of that?... You tell a person on Earth those numbers and they won't care. At all." "...Why do you know those numbers?" Celestia asked Phoenix laughed a bit as he took another bite of his food and swallowed, "Back on Earth, I ran a charity... Worked on a few others along with some interest groups... When you work with so many different organizations you gotta remember all that stuff." "Oh, is that what you meant when you told us you helped run organizations?" Celestia asked, "Despite... How awful it sounds to live in such a world where those statics are reality, I think it's very commendable that you worked to ease the suffering of your fellow humans." "Yeah," Phoenix sighed as he looked down, "If only any of it actually mattered..." Celestia frowned at the dejected human as he forced a smile, "Are you alright?" "I am now," He said, meeting her gaze, "I'm here now. I'm in a world where that's not reality. It's the world I wished I could help make Earth like." "What do you mean 'if only any of it mattered?'" Luna asked, "It sounds like you worked tirelessly" "I did," Phoenix nodded, "But it never really did anything. For some reason, anything I did was like trying to fill up a dried up ocean by spitting in a pit. Nothing ever changed... The only thing I learned was the people who I thought wanted the same thing as me didn't actually care... They just wanted the money and the fame... They were willing to abandon ship any time things got tough... I don't blame them really. The amount of hate we got for our work was overwhelming" "You got hate?... For doing charity?" Celestia frowned "You'd be surprised just how much humans hate others they don't even know..." Phoenix said, "They're not like ponies... Or at least most ponies." "Phoenix, I'm... I'm so sorry," Celestia said "Don't be. You didn't make Earth a hellscape," Phoenix waved off, a smile taking his face, "Besides, it wasn't a complete waste. I learned a lot of things. I learned how to work with people. I learned how to speak in public and to reporters. I learned how to write well. I learned how to read people. That's something I still do a lot." "Ah, is that how you always manage to tell what people are feeling?" Celestia asked, "I first noticed it when... When I gave you the news. You saw right through my smile," Phoenix nodded as he took a quick sip of water, "Mhm, exactly. I could tell the smile was fake because when someone forces a smile, your face starts having a tiny little battle with itself. The smile is trying its hardest to run away while you try to keep it in place. That causes a little twitching around the lips." "Really? I've never noticed," Celestia said, "That's very interesting." "Reading ponies is pretty easy in my experience. You've all got those big, big eyes which make every little movement obvious," Phoenix laughed a bit, "It's almost hard not to notice." "I suppose you'll have to teach me those tricks one day," Celestia smiled "It'd be my pleasure," Phoenix smiled back, "Oh! Before I forget, can I ask a quick favor? I have a letter I wrote Twilight and I was wondering if you could, y'know, magic it to her." "I'd be more than happy to," Celestia assured as Phoenix dug around in his bag "Here," Phoenix mumbled as he took out a few sheet of paper and opened it. As he scanned it, he quickly blushed as he folded the papers back up and laughed nervously, "W-wrong letter..." He quickly put it back in his bag and fished out another pile of folded sheets, "This is the right one." "I'll send it right away," Celestia assured as she took the letter in her magic. Luna glanced suspiciously at the human. His breath seemed to have quickened and his cheeks had turned read. Whatever letter he almost gave to Celestia certainly scared him, "Would you mind if I asked what flustered you so badly about the other letter you just put away?" "I would," Phoenix said "Pardon?" Luna frowned "I would mind if you asked," Phoenix said as he cleared his throat nervously, "Sorry, I don't mean to be rude... It's just something personal." "I see..." Luna nodded. The room remained silent for a moment before Luna stood up and headed towards the door, "Well, it's been a pleasure catching up, but I must return to my duties. Celestia, Phoenix. I wish you both a good night," "Thank you, Luna," Phoenix smiled, "Again, sorry about what I-" "You don't have to apologize," Luna interrupted, "I shouldn't have intruded." --------- Dear Twilight, Hey, it's me. You know, the weird monkey thing named after a magic bird. I've been walking for a few hours now. I just sat down for a little break and I figured I'd get a head start on my first letter. I was thinking about when we last talked. When I made the joke about you wishing I was dead and you screamed it wasn't funny. I just kind of realized that you probably weren't joking when you said that... Listen, I never said I was smart. I want to say I'm sorry about that. I know you care about me and don't want me to get hurt, but this is something I just have to do... Don't ask me why. I do want you to know that I do love you. You're my closest and best friend in this world. I hope you can forgive me... I guess I'll find out when this little adventure of mine is over. Anyways, onto how this adventure is going: Good. I've actually made some good headway, I'm guessing I can make it to Canterlot sometimes this night! That is if I don't spend too long on this break. Surprisingly, I'm not really tired despite walking for hours... It's actually pretty invigorating. Let's hope I can keep this energy up for the whole trip because I'll need it! Kinda regretting the no inn rule I made, but oh well. I made my proverbial bed and now I've got to sleep in it. I emphasis proverbial as I won't have a bed this whole time... You probably didn't need that explanation, but you know me. That's kinda scary, actually... Out of everypony, you know the most about me... And I've barley told you anything. We'll have to change that when I get back. I hope everything's doing well back home. Tell everyone I say hi!... and that I'm sorry for not saying goodbye, I kinda figured if I went to everyonepony and told them what I was doing that they'd all try and stop me. Wow, I'm really annoying, aren't I? I'll never understand how or why you put up with me. Thinking of you always, Phoenix