Silhouette In The Sky

by The_Dash

Chapter 5: Ephemeral

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Why...why did this happen? The boy thought, sitting in the corner of his dark room. Why did you guys have to leave me? Tears slowly streamed down his face. He looked down at the picture he held, keeping it close, his thoughts raging. Is...is this..all my fault? He gazed upon the warm smiles of his parents forever captured in the photo he cherished, forever ingrained into his heart.

He closed his eyes, thinking back to that day, his parents had dropped him off at school. The way his mom smiled, and waved goodbye. No don’t say goodbye! His father, as always, smiling that goofy smile of his. I want to see you guys again! They drove off, and he was sure they’d be back, he knew they’d be back. He recalled watching them leave, before he went into school. It was one, no two hours...before the principal came and pulled me from class. He could still remember everything so clearly, everything seemed to be forever held, in his mind.

“James.” His principal had said, in a kind voice, once they were in his office. “I have something to tell you okay,” he had asked. James simply nodded in reply, not knowing why he was there, not knowing if he was in trouble. I wish I would have just been in trouble. He sighed as he thought about it all.

“It seems that your parents have been involved in an accident.” He said it so calmly that James almost didn’t believe it, or maybe it just didn’t register. This is all some kinda joke right? He had to be joking. “Seeing as you have no immediate family aside from your parents, someone from the hospital they’re at will be coming along shortly to pick you up...I’m sorry James.”

James sat there, his mouth agape, in disbelief. Just as his principal had said, someone from the hospital picked him up from school. He sat there in the cold sterile waiting room. The sounds of beeping machines, and shuffling feet all around him, overpowering his own soft breaths. He tightly held onto a tattered teddy bear, the bear his dad had won for him.

“I’m sorry but they’re both in very critical condition, I’m afraid I can’t let the boy see them.” That’s what one of the nurses had said. I couldn’t even see you guys...I couldn’t even say goodbye.”

James sat the picture at his side, as he cupped his face, and sobbed. I was only eight. He thought, not wishing to recall the rest. Even now...even after four years...I miss you guys so much. James tried, and failed, to wipe his face clean of the tears he continued to shed. I’ve already been through five different families...none of them wanted me. His eyes were swollen now from crying, and they burned from the tears. They all start out the same. He thought. Oh such a charming boy, of course we’ll take care of him. A sigh escaped James as he thought. He had been able to calm himself, if ever so slightly, and think about the families he’d lived with. They were all nice to me, but I just can’t let go of you guys...and they knew that...they knew I’d never call them mom or dad.

He wiped away a few more tears, as he reached down beside him, and picked the picture of his parents back up. All the families had different reasons for giving me up, but really...they just didn’t want a kid that clung to his dead parents. James sighed, he stared at the picture longingly, thinking about the memories he had of them. I miss you guys...I want to see you again...just one more time. He thought, tears starting to pool at the corner of his eyes, once again.

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“MORNIN’ JAMES!” Shouted Apple Bloom, as she burst in through the door of his room.

“AHHHHH!” James shouted. He sprung up from his bed, landing surprisingly gracefully on all hooves ready to bolt, when he noticed the small filly. “Oh Apple Bloom its just you,” he said with a relieved sigh. “How many times are you gonna burst in here, and almost scare me to death,” he asked, to which the filly only smiled.

“Well lets see here.” Apple Bloom turned her head up in thought mouthing a few words, too quietly for James to hear. “Ah reckon about three more days.” The young filly replied with a beaming smile.

“So that’s when Aj is getting back huh,” James asked.

“Eeyup.” Apple Bloom said, with her very best impression of Big Mac. “The rodeo lasts for two more days. Then it’s a days train ride back from Appleloosa.”

“Oh okay.” James’s eyebrow twitched as he replied. She’s done this for the last four days. He thought. I still don’t know why Aj wouldn't take me with her?

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“Ah’m sorry James, but I can’t take you with me.” Applejack bustled about quickly, making sure she’d packed everything she’d be needing for the trip.

“Why not? I’d really like to see Appleloosa, well and...I’d like to see you compete,” he said, his cheeks slowly becoming red with blush.

Applejack let out a soft laugh, covering her mouth to hide her smile. “Now Ah know you wanna go, but Appleloosa ain’t like Ponyville. There’s a heap more ponies, and Ah don’t want you getting spooked by the crowds at the rodeo.”

“Aw, but what am I supposed to do while you’re gone,” James had asked.

“Well Rainbow Dash is supposed to be giving you flying lessons,” Aj said, throwing an extra rope in her saddle bags. “So you’ll have Rainbow Dash to hang out with, not to mention Big Mac, and Apple Bloom. Why Ah’m sure you’ll have plenty of things to do.” Applejack smiled, as she patted James on his back.

“Yeah I guess you’re right,” he said with a false smile. “Just make sure you come back with a story or two to share, okay?” James let out a soft laugh as he spoke.

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“Hey James, you listening to me!?” Apple Bloom had jumped up onto James’s bed, while he’d slipped into thought, now standing face to face with the brown pegasus.

“Huh,” James answered. “What were you saying Apple Bloom? Sorry but I kinda drifted off there.” James let out an embarrassed chuckle, scratching the back of his head with a forehoof, as he stared back at the slightly annoyed young filly.

“Ah was just sayin’,” she began. “Granny Smith has breakfast all ready, but if’n you don’t wanna eat, I guess I can just eat yours.” She had a somewhat evil grin spread across her face as she spoke of eating James’s breakfast, and honestly James didn’t know which shocked him more....the grin...or the thought of not eating breakfast.

“Wait a second there Apple Bloom, lets not be hasty, how about we just go eat some breakfast,” James replied quickly. He turned from Apple Bloom, and began walking to his door, when he felt something jump on his back.

“YEEHAW! Giddy-up pegasus!” Apple Bloom smiled as she sat on his back, holding on to his dark brown mane for stability.

Are you serious? James thought, when he looked over his shoulder to the little filly, and smiled. “How about I’ll give you a pony-back ride.” he asked. “But no more of this giddy-up stuff, alright?” James had one eyebrow arched as he stared at her, a somewhat annoyed yet, a happy smile on his face.

“Deal.” she shouted. “Now onward, to breakfast!”

James had to admit she had spirit, perhaps a bit too much at times, but never the less spirit. “Alright, alright, lets go.” James couldn’t help but smile as he headed out of his room. I really do enjoy this. He thought.

James had spent the greater part of the last four days, since Applejacks leaving, getting better acquainted with the rest of his Apple family roommates. The first day he’d tried to help out Big Mac with some of the farm work but quickly found that pulling a plow, or applebucking, was best left to the big guy. Instead James had settled with carrying apple bushels back to the barn, sorting out the good from the bad, and running the cider press. Needless to say by the end of day one, James was more than tired, he was sore as hell. The more he thought about it, the more he’d wished he hadn’t jump right into farm work so soon, the greater his still recovering legs ached. The day had been...a learning experience, to say the least.

Day two was a bit different, except for the soreness and the exhaustion. Rainbow Dash had showed up bright and early that morning, she had even joined James and the Apples’ for breakfast. She had worked things out to get out of her shift for the weather team, which James would later find out meant she had just not went in for the day. Once breakfast was over James cleaned up,with the help of an all too insistent, yet easily bored cyan pegasus. The cyan pegasus in question then proceeded to, what some would call forcibly, drag James out to the fields for a flying lesson. The rest of the day was spent with Rainbow showing James the basics of flying. Which resulted in many a failed attempt, and many faceplants, by the brown pegasus she called her “student”. Eventually James was able to successfully hover a few inches off the ground, but anything else was nothing more than dream for his current skill level. The day ended with Rainbow surprisingly happy with his...simple progress, saying that some progress is better than no progress.

Thankfully day three was a bit more simple...yeah simple. James had spent that whole day pretty much inside, trying to recover from the first two days, but instead spent the better part of it helping Granny Smith. He had to admit he still wasn’t all too sure what he’d helped her with exactly, and he still had no clue why Granny Smith had insisted he wear a giant chicken costume, when they were only supposed to be making dinner. The rest of day three was spent reading, and laying about...after...the chicken suit fiasco, which ended with James covered head to hoof in apple sauce.

Day four was by far the easiest, even though it was spent with Apple Bloom, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Apple Bloom had burst into his room that morning, accompanied by an orange pegasus, and a white unicorn. They both seemed to be Apple Bloom’s age, and they all shared something in common with James...they didn’t have cutie marks. James really hadn’t given it much thought, nor had he really noticed until the three filly’s brought it up, but everypony in ponyville had one of those cutie marks. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom...or as they emphatically called themselves “The Cutie Mark Crusaders” explained the strange marks to him...or at least the best they could. James spent the day with them, laughing at the odd situations they found themselves in, while trying to obtain their cutie marks. They even managed to drag James into a few, which lead to him receiving more than a couple “lectures” from a few ponies in town, telling him he should know better, and that he should be setting an example for the young filly’s instead of encouraging them. The day ended with James becoming an official member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“Look he’s doing it again,” Apple Bloom shouted, from her seat next to Granny Smith. “You reckon somethings wrong with him?”

The next thing James knew, he was brought out of his daze, by a swift bop on his head. “Ow.” He shouted, his forehoofs quickly covering his head out of instinct, when he turned his head to stare at Big Mac.

“Nope.” The red stallion said simply to Apple Bloom, before standing from the table, and putting his plate next to the sink.

“What was that for Big Mac,” James asked.

“He was just making sure you was alright,” Apple Bloom said, quickly finishing her flapjacks. “You’ve barely touched your breakfast...just been sitting there staring off into space.”

“Oh..I..Uh sorry, I was just thinking,” James replied quietly, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. James smiled after a moment, before digging into his breakfast, finishing it rather quickly and standing.

“Where you heading to in such a hurry James?” Granny Smith was standing by the sink, washing her plate, as she called to James.

“Oh well nowhere really, thought about heading into town for a little bit.” James sat his plate on top of Big Mac’s, offering Granny Smith a smile as he spoke.

“Well if that’s the case, you mind walking half-pint here to school?”

“Ah don’t need anypony to walk me to school Granny,” Apple Bloom replied curtly, causing Granny Smith to cast her an uncharastically stern look.

“I don’t mind, really it would be my pleasure,” James chimed in quickly, a nervous smile on his face. I didn’t think Granny Smith knew how to sound like that...let alone make that serious of a face. He thought.

“Well then you two scoot, Ah got a kitchen to clean an the...zZzZzZz.”

“Wow did she really just fall asleep standing there,” James asked. He had seen her fall asleep mid sentence before, but never standing in the kitchen.

“Yeah she does that from time to time,” Apple Bloom said. “So you really don’t mind to walk me to school,” She asked with a smile.

“Nah I don’t mind, now come on, we don’t want you to be late.” James turned from the sink, and the sleeping elderly mare, when he felt the all too familiar weight of Apple Bloom on his back. James just shook his head, turning to look at Big Mac, who was trying to figure out what to do about Granny Smith. “Well, I’ll see you later Big Mac.”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied, trying to decided if he should bring Granny’s rocker in the kitchen.

“Yeah Ah’ll see you later too.” The young filly called from atop James’s back. Waving to her older brother, as they made their way out of the kitchen.

“So I guess you’re gonna just stay up there until you get to school,” James asked, knowing full well Apple Bloom’s answer, which was confirmed by her smile. “Alright, well lets go.”

James, or perhaps the Pegasus Express was a more fitting name, made his way out the door. Apple Bloom simply smiled, and hummed what she dubbed the CMC theme song, as she sat contently on his back. They made their way down through the orchard, following the very same path Applejack had lead James down on his first trip to Ponyville, enjoying the warm sunshine.

“So James can I ask you somethin?” Apple Bloom asked after a few minutes, leaning forward as she spoke, careful not to put any weight on James’s wings.

“Yeah sure,” James replied, as he saw Ponyville slowly come into view.

“Ah know you’re new here and all, and that you ain’t got no memories...but doesn’t it bother you that you don’t got a cutie mark?”

James continued walking, though his mind was now searching for an answer for the young filly. “Well...not really.” He answered after a few moments thought. “Up until you and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders’ brought it up, I’d never really thought about it. Even now I don’t really think about it, I mean it’s kinda hard to think about something I’ve never had.” James shot Apple Bloom a quick smile over his shoulder. “Plus if I had one, I wouldn’t be a Cutie Mark Crusader...would I?”

“No...I guess you wouldn’t, but still...don’t you wonder what your special talent is,” she asked in response.

“Hey I got no problem not knowing my special talent, it just means I’m good at something, and I’ll be all the happier when I find it out.” James stopped after he spoke, looking over his shoulder to Apple Bloom. “Well, this is your stop.”

Apple Bloom climbed down from James’s back, and walked around to stand in front of him. “Thanks James.” She said with a smile, before she turned and ran off towards Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, who waited happily for her in the schoolyard.

James waved goodbye to the girls, and headed off down the cobblestone path into town. I’ve had a good couple days. He thought with a smile. James passed through the market, stopping here and there, inspecting the stalls that he passed. Life here was simply, it was easy, and beautiful. The ponies hustled and bustled about, voices rang out drawing customers to stalls, and everything was so serene. James could feel a sort of peace blanket him, a peace he felt like he’d craved for a long time...even though he didn’t really know why. Come to think of it...I’ve felt this way...ever since that one night. He thought back to the day he’d met Rainbow Dash, and how that night he’d felt the urge to just stare up at the moon...as if waiting for something. Ever since then, he couldn’t shake the feeling of something...like an unseen presence watching him. He really couldn’t describe it, and he really didn’t want to, but he did know one thing. Whatever this thing was, it brought him peace.

James was lost in thought once again, as he continued to walk down the street. The cobblestone clicking lightly beneath his hooves. I’ve only been here for about a week...but this place feels like home. He thought, when he was hit by a sobering thought. I don’t even know where home is. He hung his head, thinking about his sudden realization, when he was forced back into reality...once again. This time it wasn’t a quick knock to his noggin that jolted him, but a head on collision with a white mare.

“Oh my I’m so sorry, here let me help you up,” she said. James was about to protest, when he became enveloped by a light blue aura, and sat back on his hooves. “I’m so sorry darling, are you alright?”

James quickly inspected himself, knocking a bit of dirt from one of his wings, before turning his attention to the pony he’d run into. “Uh, yeah I’m fine.” He had to admit, he was a bit lost for words. Wow. He thought staring into a pair of sapphire eyes, partially hidden by a beautifully kept purple mane, that only accentuated her marshmallow coat.

“Well that’s good.” She flipped her mane as she spoke, with a refined accent, very much unlike that of Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s. “Well this is odd, I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting?”

James was speechless for a moment, before he suddenly realized she was speaking. Man I really need to stop zoning out. He thought, before smiling. “Actually I’m new in town, I’ve only been here for about a week. My name is James.”

“Well it’s a pleasure James,” she said with a smile. “I’m Rarity, proprietor of Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique, and magnifique.”
“What’s that?” James was admittedly a bit confused.

Rarity let out an astonished gasp, dramatically placing the back of one of her forehooves to her forehead. “Darling! Are you saying you’ve never heard of The Carousel Boutique?”

“Yeah...but like I said I’m new here so.” James stood there silently as he watched Rarity. Did I upset her?

“No, no, no this will never do,” Rarity said quickly. Her horn began to glow a faint blue, the same faint blue that had enveloped James earlier, as she levitated a planner from her saddle bag. “Now let me see here...,” she began.

“Hey, how are you doing that?” James was more than a bit entranced by the spectacle before him. How is she doing that? He thought, before noticing Rarity’s stare.

“This is magic darling, surely you know that,” She asked, casting James an odd look.

“Nope sorry, I didn’t know that...I mean I’ve passed by and seen other unicorns using magic...but I never actually knew it was magic.” James had to admit to himself, he must sound like some looney that crawled out from under a rock. Applejack had explained to him the three different kinds of ponies in Equestria. He knew that Rainbow Dash and himself were Pegasi, and that Applejack and her family were considered Earth Ponies...but he’d yet to meet a Unicorn...well until now that is.

“My word, I don’t mean to sound rude darling, but where exactly are you from?” She looked confused. He looks to be in his early twenties...and yet he hasn’t heard of The Carousel Boutique, or magic? She thought, before returning the planner to her saddle bag.

“Well, that’s a bit hard to explain.” James trailed off with a nervous laugh, his face turning red with embarrassment, unable to answer Rarity’s question. “In fact, it would take a while to explain.”

Rarity studied James for a moment, before she smiled and let out a soft laugh. “Wonderful,” she said, causing James to give her a confused look. “I was just checking my planner, and fortunate for you I have some free time today. How about I show you my shop, and you can tell me about yourself?’

James nodded in reply wondering how such a refined, and more than likely rational pony, would take his somewhat irrational story. “Sounds like a plan Miss Rarity,” he said after a moment.

Rarity covered her mouth as she laughed softly, waving her hoof playfully. “Now, now darling there's no need for such formality between friends.”

“Yeah your ri...wait friends?”

“Why of course, I wouldn’t just invite anyone into The Boutique,” she said with a smile. “Now shall we?”

James walked beside Rarity as they walked through town, James telling her his story, and Rarity responding with the occasional gasp or exaggerated statement. Soon they came upon Rarity’s home, and place of business, Carousel Boutique. Once inside, Rarity gave James a bit of a tour, taking the opportunity to show off a few of her latest creations. After she had her fill of showboating, Rarity lead James into the kitchen, where she had him sit at the table while she prepared some tea.

“Well James I honestly don’t know how you’re coping with all you’re going through, I mean to have no memories, and to find yourself in a strange place.” Rarity paused, taking a delicate sip of her tea, thinking over James’s story.

“Well I will admit the first few days were a bit rough, but since the Apple family has taken me in, and I’ve become friends with Applejack and Rainbow Dash it’s not so bad.” James sat silently in thought for a moment, staring down at the cup of tea between his hooves. “Having friends makes it a lot easier, and besides...” James paused letting out a soft sigh.

“Besides what darling, you know it’s not nice to keep a lady waiting,” Rarity said.

“Besides,” James said with a sigh. “If I can’t get back my memories, then I guess they weren’t worth remembering...so I’ll just make new ones.”

“Well that’s very touching, but I must correct you on one thing.”

“Oh and what would that be,” James asked, his brow raised in curiosity.
“I’m your friend as well, and you are always welcome at Carousel Boutique darling.” Her smile was pure, and kind. James couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle, a smile quickly spreading across his face as he did.

“Well I thank you,” he said, before taking another sip of his tea.

James sat at the boutique, talking to Rarity, for what seemed like hours before he finally stood from the table. He thanked Rarity for the tea, as well as the company, not to mention her friendship. They briefly discussed plans for lunch the next day, in which Rarity added in possibly taking James to the spa. After they had made their plans James bid Rarity farewell, so that she could begin work on a new dress for some noble pony.

“Goodbye James, don’t forget about lunch and the spa tomorrow.” Rarity called from the doorway.

“I won’t forget.” James called back, thinking that he’d figure out how to get out of the spa later.

James made his way back through Ponyville, heading towards Sweet Apple Acres. The sun was beginning to set on the horizon, and the sky was covered by the beautiful orange glow of the setting sun, as it made way for the moon. James knew that undoubtedly Apple Bloom had made her way home, but still he passed by the school, just to be sure. He walked the path he’d come to know very well, and almost let out a sigh of comfort as the cobblestone gave way to dirt. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity...plus Aj’s family, and The Cutie Mark Crusaders...seems like I’m getting some pretty good friends. James thought, as he caught sight of the first silver rays of the moon. He smiled, feeling the sense of warmth that d welled within him all day grow. Maybe not having any memories isn't so bad...and like I've said...I can always make new ones.

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“I’m so proud of you my friend.” Luna whispered, as she hovered in the sky, just out of sight. “It seems like bringing you here was the right choice, then again...it was the only choice.”

Luna landed gracefully on the hill she’d come to sit at every night, so that she could wish James goodnight. She would sit there patiently each and every night, as James would eat dinner with the Apples’, then wash up. She would smile and think of the times they laughed together, as she’d see him step into his room, and nearly cry as she watched him set by the window and stare up into the moon. I guess old habits are hard to break. She thought as the cycle repeated itself, and she watched James walk into his room, and sit by the window.

My dear friend, I wish I could show myself...I wish that I could appear...so you’d no longer have to sit and wait for me. She thought, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

Luna watched with a smile, brushing away her tears, as James climbed up into bed. Knowing you’re safe and happy though, makes everything better though. Luna chuckled softly as she watched James kick his covers off in his sleep. “You always did have an issue with blankets... didn't you?” She cooed softly, speaking to herself, knowing that James couldn't hear her. She did as she had many nights before, and her horn began glowing, as she used her magic to pull James’s blankets back over him. She was delighted by the small smile that graced his lips at the sudden warmth of the blankets, and yet...she felt empty.

“One day my friend...one day you and I will meet again...I promise.” Luna stood, slowly from her spot on the hill, casting one more glance into James’s room. “I’m always with you.” She whispered before spreading her wings, and taking flight once more, vanishing into the dark of the night sky.