//------------------------------// // Memories: Part 2 // Story: To Exist // by Dsanders17 //------------------------------// It was then, the next morning, as I was instinctively beginning to discard all that had happened the previous night and dismiss it as a dream, when I came upon a shocking sight. Upon waking up, slowly opening my eyes and taking in the now clear and bright visibility of my room provided from the sunlight outside, I soon noticed, much to my surprise; Fluttershy. The winged equine was still here in my room! She was lying at the front of the bed where my feet were rested, just like the night before. It took a few brief moments for my tired brain and rather fuzzy vision to process what was there, but I immediately recognized the colors and abnormalities of the Pegasus as they then came into view. I couldn't understand how exactly that could be; I was beginning to think it was a dream, that it was just a strange hallucination! Before I knew it, more various questions and curious thoughts then rammed their way into my mind. This...this is crazy! The night before, this...this Pegasus...appears to me and speaks to me. Now I wake up and she's still here? So I guess I cross off dreams on my list of possible conclusions... Therefore...it only leaves two possible answers left; she's actually real...or she's a very strong hallucination and I've been taking...something...without me even realizing it...great.. At this point, I was almost certain that I wasn't dreaming, that I was in pure reality...unfortunately. That meant there was 1/2 chance that I could be, perhaps, insane. For further confirmation, I then gave myself a few good pinches and rubbed my eyes a bit before finally coming to accept the complete state of awareness I was now in. The only thing that troubled me was the Pegasus that had yet to seem to leave or poof away. Truth be told, I had, in fact, become more comfortable and accepting of her presence the night before, to the point where I had opened up my home as a place for her to crash but, in the light of a new day, and after a good night's rest, I was beginning to wonder if I had taken leave of my senses due to sheer fatigue. In fact, it was only at this point in time that I became acutely aware that I had just shared my bed with a winged equine. Despite how real it all seemed, what took place that night was too ludicrous for me to truly accept. I was even almost buying more into the possibility that I'd been taking LSD without realizing it over the possibility of her existence. As much as it troubled me, I then remembered the very basis and nature on which even the most skeptical of scientists, especially physicists, followed. I remembered learning and studying the history of physics, how early physicists came across what used to be hard to explain phenomena; Issac Newton, for example, was able to find and formulate an explanation for what seemed to be an unexplainable force that surrounded humanity at that day and age: gravity. Really thinking upon it, science did seem to have the capability to explain just about everything. Regardless of how illogical and ridiculous the situation seemed, it was unprofessional of me to immaturely reject the Pegasus in denial like some dumb skeptic, especially when she was right in my presence. I even told myself that the other night, and now thinking upon it, suggesting the possibility of me taking drugs was even more inane then her supposable realism. Of course I wasn't taking drugs, why would I? Hallucination or not, I was well aware that I needed to figure out the reason for it. Letting out a soft sigh, I then decided to get up and wake up...Fluttershy. I had to let her know that I would be gone at the university for a good portion of the day, sadly. For once, I would very much rather have stayed at the apartment with her, asking her more questions, finding more answers, and other etceteras. "Hey Fluttershy, it's time to wake up...so...um, wake up." I softly and admittedly, awkwardly spoke as I gently shook her sleeping body from her slumber. Gradually lifting her eye lids and leaving me once again in a state of awe, she slowly got up as she then turned to look up at me, revealing those huge deep ocean blue eyes of her's once again, which I admit, was even all the more stunning to see in the clear light of day. Startled upon seeing me, she shifted nervously for a brief moment before settling down and taking recognition of me as the same harmless man from the night before. "Oh...um...hi Matthew." She shyly spoke back, giving a barely noticable smile. I couldn't help but distinguish how likable her soft and innocent voice seemed. It was cute to be honest, puppy dog cute. "Hi. So...um...I have this thing called...um...do you what a school is?" I asked her in an awkwardly manner, with the assumption that she may have no idea what it is. "Why yes I do..." She tiredly asserted, with a rather annoyed tone, lifting a eyebrow. Of course...but what do I know? Well lots actually, but when in regards to her; the sentient talking pegasus with the physique of a bobblehead, I could of only have made my guesses. "Yeah...sorry, but since you know...what schools are, I'm assume you know what universities are...right?" "Well...uh...I'm not sure...I honestly never been to such a thing." I let out a small but slightly frustrated sigh. It's going to be awhile till she understands even a good portion of how things work around here.. "Well Fluttershy, a university is a school, defined more preferably as higher education, but the subjects taught at the universities are much more advanced than secondary education, aka High School, which in return, is more advanced than primary education, aka preschool. You understand, right?" I asked, checking to see if she undertstood it all. "Yes Tw-...erm...Matthew." She replied, stammering a bit. I was a bit perplexed by that, for it seemed as though she had almost called me by a different name before correcting herself. I simply brushed that aside though. "Okay...well, anyways, it's basically a large school that deals with the more advanced subjects and they're really essential to take if you want to get a high versatile degree in some advanced fields of study. Really important and beneficial for getting a job that has such requirements. In my case, I'm planning on earning my degree in physics and mathmatics by the time I'm finished at the university I currently go to. Hopefully the degree can aid me in finally becoming a theoretical physicist." I finished explicating it all to her. "Oh...um it all sounds interesting. But what's a theo-..um, theoo-rec-ticol...phiz-zi-zist?" Fluttershy asked as she once again attempted to pronounce what appeared to be a rather challenging word for her to make out. It felt so silly for me to be discussing this with her, but frankly, it felt real... The realism of her was more compelling for me to believe than the other night when first meeting her. I was again, leaning towards believing it, but I wanted more proof, more answers. Unfortunately, I had to get going to the university, and I absolutely did not want to arrive late. I couldn't afford to miss an important lecture, no matter what situation was at hand. "As much as I would love to go on and on about what a theoretical physicist is, I'm afraid I'm running out of time Fluttershy. I'm sorry...but I have to get going to the university, and I really can't be late. " I said to her in a dissapointed tone. There was a brief silence as she then turned her huge eyes towards mine, with her eagered and curious expression turning into one of slight disappoinment also. "Oh...okay...um...when will you be back?" She asked curiously. "Till...around five o'clock. Roughly...ten hours from now." I sighed. I was also a bit surprised at her disappointed reaction. That's what I get for being naturally generous to others. I just simply felt bad leaving her at my appartment all day long. I never owned a pet so no extra company for her, I didn't even have a T.V., and I really couldn't have her go outside. Basically and bluntly, she couldn't have any fun. These were facts that further made me feel a little more sorry for the Pegasus. I pondered carefully on the matter. If she were to go outside, and if she were to supposably exist then others would easily see her...and take her most likely. I can't afford to deal with that... Considering she doesn't talk much anyways...maybe she would be fine being by herself? But seeing her disappointment...she doesn't seem to like me leaving her. Again with her slight but sudden growing care for me...why? I had to do what I could to calm her down...I didn't ask for her...she's nothing more than...than a guest...hell, an experiment of research for me. She could potentially provide me with new answers and discoveries that can forever impact the world of science! Again...that is if she were to exist.. I did really comtemplate on whether or not I should show her to anyone else, nevermind the scientists. As with most of my concerns and ponderous questions, I just pushed that all aside for dealing with later on. I turned my attention back to Fluttershy, who was still looking up at me with much curiousity and a hint of noticable saddness. "Well...if you have to go...then you have go..." She replied blandly, sitting herself back on the bed, still looking straight up at me with those huge confused eyes of her's. What is with her? "I-I'll be back soon...just promise you will stay indoors at all times. You've surprised me enough last night and I have a well maintained and intact mind...just think how others like me, who are less understandable and kind would react." I explained to her rather sternly. "Okay..." "And...um, when I come back, we can talk about...well, a lot of stuff." I reassured her, hoping to change the slightly depressing atmosphere for her and lighten up her mood. To some success, the Pegasus' sadden expression dimmed up and her eyes now had a hint of optimism. "Well okay then...I'll look forward to that! I do have a bunch of questions for you..." Fluttershy cheerful responded...surprisenly. "Me too...well I have to get going now. It may be a long day for you, and you've been through a lot since last night...um...you should get some extra rest. If your feeling hungry...then there some food avaliable in the fridge right down the hall to the kitchen." I told her as I got up and opened the door, pointing out where the kitchen was. "Well...okay, I'll see you later then.." After a few minutes of changing my clothes, and getting myself in the right state of mind, I said my goodbye and same with her. However, I could of sworn I heard Fluttershy softly mumbling to herself just as I closed the door behind me. I stopped and took a brief moment to listen. "...oh how I hate being alone...well I'm used to it anyways...I just really miss my friends...and my animals...those poor..poor critters...I-I can't even be there for them..." I could barely make out what exactly she was mumbling about but it seemed like she was already whinning. Two of the words I was able to hear clear enough, friends and animals, sparked up more questions and concerns in my head. My thoughts on the matter were then interupted by the sounds of whimpers and muffled crying coming from inside. Not only did my sympathy for her grew at that point, but the same with my pity on her. It was pathetic to be honest. Not even the neediest of animals would need so much attention; yet, at the same time, she seemed very introverted. It made my head hurt just thinking this all out. I had to just simply push every single concern of mine aside from now, and find the answers later on, despite it being very close to an infinitive list of questions to go through at this point. Now going to school that morning, was hell for me. The lack of sleep was really beginning to affect my attention span in class, listening to the two hour long lectures. I hardly took any notes that day and was close to falling asleep numerous times. Thankfully but only causing my mind to wander off and be distracted, I was barely kept awake by my consistent thoughts of Fluttershy and the numerous questions and concerns I found myself mentally debating on. What am I going to do with that yellow Pegasus? Should I turn her in to the scientific community? What would they do to her...like I care really anyways. Ahh...I'm contradicting myself again...especially since I feel as if I do care for her...a little. Is it just my sympathy? Do I really care for her? Well why shouldn't I? I mean I'm positive there is not one creature on this planet that looks anyway near like her, which makes her so geunine...so is she of some kind of alien species? It would appear so, and if so, I really wonder as to where she came from. What star system? What coordinates in relation to Earth? Our Solar System? She did mention Equestia... From going through all my scattered thoughts, I was able to make one certain conclusion: she is, without a doubt, not from this world and must have came from somewhere out in the depths of space. It was a ridiculous theory to me, but it seemed to be the only possible and logical idea I could come up in relation to her presence here in this world, nevermind in my bedroom. I knew I had to do a lot of research to find exactly the reason and explanation on how she got here...scratch that...I wanted to do research on everything about her; her physique, how she could speak, reason, have personality, and possess the ability to learn as efficient as the average human mind. All of which were great mysteries to me. Eventually and to my relief, I was able to survive through the rest of the lectures, unfortunately I couldn't help but have my thoughts continue to get the best of me through each class, which resulted in one of my professors noticing and calling me out at one time; as embarassing as it was, I knew I deserved it. I was able to get out just around the time I expected and hoped; around five. As relieving as it was for me to not have too much homework to work on that day, I knew that by the time I got back to the apartment, Fluttershy would be eager to see me and bombard me with countless questions. I just knew that there would indeed be much to discuss. Driving my way back to the apartment, I couldn't help but wonder and be curious as to how Fluttershy was doing on her own for the past ten hours. I figured it wasn't pleasant noting how she already felt upon me leaving. I then kept in mind some things that I could do to help her better handle the days in which I had school. Maybe I could buy her a pet with the money I have saved? Eventually the apartment came within view, just as the skies were beginning to lightly pour rain. Upon arriving, I carefully parked my car as I began to head inside the apartment, already having a good idea of what to expect. Pacing my way up the stairs, I finally made my way to the front door of my apartment room, which for some obscure reason, was emanating a rich orange-mint scent . As I entered, I immediately took notice on the fact that my room had been wiped clear of all mess, my desk was now free of any dust and even my computer screen was crystal clean. My clothers, which I admit, were once laying all around my room, were now neatly folded on the top of my bed. The bed itself, had been neatly made and the pillows were nicely fluffed. I then heard some ruckus coming from the kitchen. Still awefully bewildered by the cleanliness and fresh scent of my bedroom, I slowly made my way down the hall, following the noise. As I got closer and closer to the kitchen area, I began to hear the sounds of water running and what seemed to be the scrubbing of dishes. I was in utter disbelief and shock as to what I saw upon entering the kitchen. It was Fluttershy; she was standing like a biped on her hind legs, washing the dishes in the sink, using her two front legs as if they were also arms. I gave a few blinks before realizing she was infact washing the dishes, that she was one who had left my bedroom absolutely clean and spotless. "Uh...uh...um...hey F-Fluttershy." I managed to say to her, still utmost surprised. "Matthew! Your back! I hope you don't mind...I um...did a little cleaning around." Fluttershy shyly replied, seeming a little surprised herself as she turned around to face me. She put the rest of the dishes away as she quickly finished scrubbing them. "Yeah, clearly..." I replied, giving a little chuckle. "So thanks...I mean you didn't have to-" "Oh but it's the least I could do, seeing how you've been so nice to me, letting me stay here." She quickly responded in a happy sort of tone, cutting me off. I was really surprised and concerned for her as to how well she was handling...the dilemma. It seemed as though she was looking up to me as if I were some beacon of hope, that I was for sure going to help her get home soon and get her back with her...friends. I decided against asking her about it, as it may have been too personal for her. If she's being so comfortable and trustworthy towards me just because she thinks that I could really take her home...then I feel aweful. Yes, I did say I would help...but I don't even think I could help her get home...I mean if she's really from another world...which she most likely is...as crazy as that sounds...then it would be impossible for me help her get there... "So...um...I mean if it's alright with you...that I can...um..." Fluttershy shyly began to speak as she interupted the flow of my wandering thoughts, once again. "Ask me some questions?" I finished the question for her. "Yes! I want to ask you some questions." She responded somewhat eagerly. We then made our way to the nearby couch in the living room, sitting ourselves and getting comfortable, knowing that the series of answering and exchanging questions would most likely go on for the rest of the day. I had my fair share of questions for the Pegasus as well, but I decided to take joy in answering all her questions first. "Well ask away...I'll do my best to answer as much as I can." I responded rather enthusiastically; I was little excited to show off all of what I learned to the curious Pegasus. The Pegasus gave a small smile, to which I reciprocated with a smile of my own. "Well...first off...um...what is your kind like? I should of known that would be one of her first questions. I pondered heavily for a bit on how I should describe the human race to her. Although I had no idea where she came from, I figured she wouldn't be happy hearing about the monstrosities and evil nature of mankind throughout history. I decided to explain to her how humans are as a whole in a mostly positive light. "Well, it's not so easy to exactly explain as all humans are different in a way. Overall, as an entire species, we are, for the most part, very intelligent and highly sophisticated. In fact, we are the most advanced beings on Earth. I for one, used to think there was no other life out there, nevermind life as sentient as us...but...well...your presence seems to state otherwise." I explained to her as briefly as I could. "Oh my, that sounds all so interesting. So this...world I'm in...it's called Earth?" Fluttershy asked. "That's correct.." I nodded. "Oh...okay...so where exactly is this...Earth?" "I'm not sure if you would understand...but at least try; Earth is located in a roughly circular orbit that is about one hundred and fifty million kilometers, preferably one astronomical unit, away from our sun out in the sky. Its orbit is between two other rocky planets, Venus and Mercury, which also revolve around the sun. There are about eight total planets orbiting our sun. Together, all the planets and our sun make up what is known as the Solar System. Can you grasp what I'm saying so far?" "Mostly...somethings you said sound a little confusing...but do go on.." She replied happily with her soft tone of voice. I was still awefully surprised at her fascination but at the same time, it thrilled me. "Well here, let me draw it out for you." I said as I quickly got up and headed off to my room. I then returned just moments later with a few sheets of blank paper and a pen. It was a rather crude drawing, but overall, I was able to decently depict the eight rings of orbit, the eight planets and the sun in the very center. "So...this Earth...and all the other planets...um...are attached to giant rings?" She pointed her hoof at the rough circular rings I drew out. I for one, couldn't help but laugh a bit. "No no Fluttershy...theses rings represent each of the planet's orbit. The sun's gravititational pull causes the planets to revolve around the sun in a circular motion, which is represented by those imaginary rings." I enunciated to Fluttershy, who responded with a nod. "Alright, so this may be more difficult to explain clearly to you, so just try and listen carefully. The Solar System itself is located around twenty six thousand light years away from the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way." I illustrated on another piece of paper, a decent sketch of the galaxy and drew a little dot on one of its arms, representing the Solar System. "Wow...I-I never knew there was such a thing as a galaxy...it seems so big..." Fluttershy managed to reply, as her eyes widened in amazement. "um...and...w-what's a light year?" "Oh...well it's approximately how long it takes for light to travel in a year." "Which is...?" "Well most scientists give it an estimate of around, 9,460,730,472,580,800 meters." I replied, taking much delight in the Pegasus' surprised reactions and awe. "W-What!? And it takes light...a year...to travel that far? Um...how fast is light anyways...if you don't mind me asking?" The Pegasus asked, still shocked with some disbelief. "Around one hundred and eighty six thousand miles a second." I answered with much enthusiasm, being the avid nerd I was. "No....way! T-That's...faster than Rainbow Dash!" For the first time ever, she spoke in what appeared to be, her rare but average volume. However, what also surprised me was her mentioning...this Rainbow Dash. Could she or he be one of her friends back home? Despite my curiousity for the matter, I pushed it aside along with my other concerns that I would want to ask her about later on. "Yeah...so anyways, the Milky Way in turn is one of the three large galaxies in a group of galaxies known as the Local Group. The other two galaxies are the Andromeda Galaxy and Triangulum Galaxy." I continued to explain to her as I then drew a rough sketch of the three galaxies, adding a small dot on the one depicting the Milky Way, representing the coordinates of our location. The Pegasus, still astonished and amazed just gave a nod. "The Local Group in turn is located on the far reaches of a galactic supercluster called the Virgo Supercluster, whose center is about seventy five light years away in the direction of the constellation Virgo." I then drew out a big messy blob with a multitude of random dots representing the countless galaxies. I also drew an arrow pointing to one of the dots, labeling it as the Milky Way. "Oh and get this, the Virgo Supercluster itself comprises of around at least forty seven thousand galaxies..." Just as I anticipated, the Pegasus' mind was now blown. There was another brief period of silence as she gave me such a questionable wide-eyed look of confusion, shock, and disbelief. I just gave a slight chuckle in return. That's exactly how I felt when first meeting you...and realizing you could talk. I guess this makes us even now. "T-that's amazing!" She finally managed to respond in her soft tone of voice. "But wait! There's more! The Virgo Supercluster itself is located around a billion light years from the Sloan Great Wall. Which is the largest known structure in the entire universe, that's smaller than the universe itself if I must add." I finished my lecture, which I feared had left the poor Pegasus' mind overwhelmed. I guess I did get a little carried away; nonetheless I had quite the fun. "A-Are you done...answering my question?" Fluttershy shyly asked, still in a state of awe from my lecture. "Yeah. So...um sorry it seemed rather tedious explaining it all to you, but that's pretty much the best way I can describe our location in the universe...well, the observable universe really." I replied, giving off a sheepish smile. "Oh no, it wasn't boring at all! It was very interesting, and rather shocking considering I never knew such things. But, none of what you explained sounded familar to me...so um I can't really say that it really answer...my question." "Oh...well I'm sorry about that." I responded, feeling a bit disappointed. So basically...that was a waste of time.. "It's alright. Um...I was also really wondering...w-why are you being so kind to me? I know it seems like a random question...but I'm just really curious." She asked, looking at me rather curiously, tilting her head slightly. "Oh...well, I mean you seem very harmless when you first...appeared to me last night. You seemed so confused, you seemed somewhat saddened and lonely realizing you weren't at your home anymore...that you weren't with...your friends anymore. I just felt like I had to...be there...for you." I nervously answered. I felt a sense of attachment gradually growing between me and the yellow Pegasus, which was ridiculous as it had barely only been a day. "Oh...well thank you. I don't know what I would do if it...wasn't for your kindness." Fluttershy shyly responded as she slightly blushed, giving off a grateful smile. "Yeah...hey, if you don't mind, tell me a bit about where your from, and about your..friends?" I asked curiously, wanting to alreadly change the awkward and somewhat sappy subject. "Oh, okay. Well I come from Equestria...which is probably far away from...this um...Earth." She began nervously. "I live in a cottage which is near the Everfree Forest, like I told you about the other night." I simply gave a nod. "I'm a animal caretaker...I work at my cottage to help all the sick and poor critters who need tender love and care-" I decided to briefly cut her off. "Considering your sentient and able to talk, think, reason like me....wouldn't other animals, nevermind the ones similar to your species be able to talk and think clearly...therefore, not need care?" I asked skeptically, thinking of how ironic it all seemed. "They can't talk or think like us ponies can mister...just like you said about humans being the most advanced on Earth...ponies are the most advanced in Equestria." She answered. I remembered her mentioning that she is pony from the night before, to which I still found rather inane. "Ponies? How are you a pony? You look much more like a Pegasus if anything... a rather strange looking one too." "But I am a pony...I'm a pegasus pony. In Equestria, there's around four different kinds of ponies. There's pegasus ponies, there's earth ponies and there's unicorn poni-" She tried explaining to me before I cut her off again, as what she was saying was starting too silly for me to believe. "There's more of your kind? A-And there's u-unicorns? Flutteshy, you can't expect to believe that you come from a world full of pegasi and unicorns. Especially sentient talking pegasi and unicorns!" I retorted. It was now really beginning to sound insane to believe, I couldn't any logical or probable way as to how it could even make sense. "I'm not joking...I swear. And I'm a talking pegasus...why wouldn't there be more like me?" "That's also hard for me to believe Fluttershy! I d-don't know how you even seem so real...I don't get how your..erm...wings could even support your body weight. I mean looking at from the side...they're clearly too small in proportion to your physique to give you enough lift, and you body isn't even aerodynamic enough.." I vented out. My innate understanding of physics was beginning to get the best of me. I almost on the edge of denying her existence once again. "Y-You don't know...if I'm real?" Fluttershy managed to ask, seemingly heartbroken upon hearing that. "I-I...I'm not sure if your real...yes." I struggled but knew I couldn't lie. "I...I want to believe though. I really do but...your existence simply does not make sure.." "W-why doesn't it make any sense...um...I am here...I am right beside you...right?" "Well yeah...but...somewhere deep down inside...I feel like your just...a hallucination." I sighed. "Oh you poor thing. A-Are you really that shocked? I mean you scared me too at first but I didn't-" "It's not really that...it's just...I don't know how to put it into words at the moment. I feel so happy talking with you, really...your really friendly and nice to me Fluttershy...even though I've only known you for not even a day. It's just the fact that your a pegasus, a creature thought to only be mythological. Along with that...you able to talk, you have such a personality...that almost reminds me of my previous girlfriend." I sadly explained, realizing the last statement to be true. God damnit...it's getting awkward again... My girlfriend was one of the kindest individuals I knew and she had such an interest in learning new things, despite not really understanding the subject, and she too...was also shy. Now thinking about it, the resemblence between Fluttershy's and my girlfriend's personality was truly uncanny. Fluttershy looked me curious for a few moments before her eyes widened, most likely from thinking about the sentence I said, as she then blushed. "Oh...I-I don't what to say...I've never-" "Don't take it the wrong way...your personality reminds me of her...that's all." I blandly responded, correcting her before she would get the wrong idea. "Um...if you don't mind me asking...what happened with..your mare...I mean girlfriend?" She cautiously asked, as she scooted herself closer to me on the couch, much to my surprise. Her question, however, struck me like a speeding train. "I-I can't answer...that...Flutter...shy...I really just can't right now." I stammered, on the verge of tears. Despite how hard I fought to resist, I eventually broke down sobbing, turning away from the pegasus. It was embarassing, especially as Fluttershy only continued to look at me, her expression changing from one of confusion to one of great saddness and sympathy. "D-Did I make you cry? I...I never meant to hurt you! I'm so s-sorry!" Fluttershy quavered. I felt more humilated, and I took notice that she was appearing to feel guilty thinking that she was the reason for my dismay. "F-Fluttershy, it's not your fault...I...just, have these memories...unpleasent ones...and when they come back to haunt me, I always end up...well like this..." I manage to explain to her through my sobbing, still facing away. Fluttershy, although she seemed a bit more in relief, she still had much saddness and sympathy for me. To my utmost surprise, without even noticing, she leaned in closer to me, and placed her hoof gently on my back. Immediately I was remined of that very action I so bravely took the other night when she first appeared to me, when she was in her most terrified, lost, and hopeless state. I couldn't get enough of these contradictions. How could I have accepted her into my home so generously, so kindly despite not even knowing where she came from or what exactly she is, yet at the same time doubt her existence? How could I have even had said, to her very face...that I was uncertain of her realism, ultimately dismissing all of the earlier day and the prior night as if none of which that had appeared to occur, occur? Why did I had to always go through these sporadic periods of acceptance and doubt? My sobbing dwindled down a bit, though of course I was still feeling awefully depressed, but now, thanks to Fluttershy, her unusual care for me was gradually mitigating my saddness. It felt a little odd for me, considering she still seemed like a stranger, a homeless stranger who had unexpectedly appeared in my apartment room, as ridiculous as it sounds. Normally I would of kicked such a stranger out, taking it as a buglary attempt, even as someone so foreign, especially if it were to be a pegasus, to which I would of imaginary being even a more chaotic scenario. However, for some obscure reason, it was as if she emitted a strong influential aura of innocence...and kindness, and I just couldn't seem bring myself to abandon her like that. Yes, it sounds as cliche as hell, but I have no better way of describing it. As I noticed Fluttershy still had her hoof on my back, I couldn't help but express how thankful I was for her care; I kindly reciprocated as I then placed my hand on her back. No hesitation this time? She already has full trust in me...and it's been barely just over a day...and her back...her fur, I'm really touching it, my hand doesn't seem to phase through her. All just like last night. Her care, her sympathy, her saddness, her happiness...all the emotions she's expressed...how she can have all that and not be real? This is crazy...this sounds so crazy...but there is, there has to be...a real sentient yellow, pink haired pegasus...pony right beside me. That's the only conclusion that seems to make sense! I didn't know how, I couldn't understand how, but she was really right there, she was really offering me comfort, she really had her hoof upon me, and I really felt her the fur on her back; just like the other night. She was too geuine, she was too unique to even be a hallucination of me, and her kindness was overwhelming; it couldn't have been my imagination, heck, I couldn't even comprehend such a depth of kindness like her's. It was, how I would describe, as ethereal. We shared a few minutes of silence, just enjoying each other's presence and comfort. I didn't feel like breaking out of it just yet, and apparently the same with her. After a few more moments, I then decided to speak. "Um...thanks Fluttershy, you really didn't have to be so nice.." I said, giving her a slight but grateful smile. "Oh...but I wanted to. I always try my best to be so nice and kind to everypony." She warmly smiled back. Everypony? Eh...not my concern right now... "Well you certainly do a good job." I replied light-heartedly. "Thank you...I rarely get compliments on my kindness alone.." She modestly responded. "Yeah, you deffinitely are kind...more than that really. It's crazy, but I was really beginning to think you were some kind of strange...psychological manifestation of my girlfriend." I slightly chuckled, though still a little uneasy with mentioning her. "Oh...well I'm not sure what that means, but I guess I understand...why you don't really believe...in me existing." She sighed, bowing her head down slightly. The guilt swept over me once again. Smooth move Matthew... "Fluttershy...I-I...I'm sorry fo-" I tried to apologized before the pegasus then cut me off. "I-It's alright...I don't blame you...I-I'm fine...I used to most ponies seeing me as mostly invisible anyways, acting as if...like I don't exist." She explained to me, as I saw a few tears roll down her cheeks. "Really? Back...home, that's how others treated you?" I asked with much concern. I began to gently stroke the fur on her back as I tried to provide her with more comfort. "Well...not everypony. Not exacty...um...most just liked to take advantage of my shyness...some were really mean and insensitive. I just really don't understand how they can be like that...I-I mean what did I ever to them?" I had a good idea what she was refering to. I then let out a soft sigh. At her home...Equestria, where she claims to have came from, I figured she must of been bullied often. I know how it feels, I've had to deal with bullies throughout my early life as well, however, I was utmost surprised to see that she had more in common with me than I had originally thought. "Fluttershy...wow...I never knew. I also really don't get how some...p-people can treat you like that. I don't see you as invisible...and I know now that you are real...you are real. You do exist...don't think otherwise." I frankly was a little surprised at myself for saying all that, but nonetheless, I knew saying all that would really comfort Fluttershy. "You really mean all that?" She asked as she gently lifted her head to look up towards me. "Yeah...well I've been bullied quite a lot too in my prior years. People always enjoyed to pick on me just cause I knew so much and loved to study. I was...and will always be a nerd. But you know what...I'm proud!" I happily exclaimed to her, trying my best at attempting to lighten up the mood. "Really? That's aweful that you've been picked on! But it's good that your proud who you are...I proud of who I am." Fluttershy replied to me, giving a slight smile. "Yeah, and if you don't mind me asking this...but um, who exactly are your friends? You've never explained about these...sigh...your pony friends to me." I was embarassed by saying that but I decided to just go along with everything Fluttershy states as truth, I wasn't really in the mood to argue anymore, nevermind talk about physics. "Oh...umm, wel okay. You not going to d-doubt what I'll say...are you?" She said, clearly at a little unease after going through...rough moments. Again, I didn't blame her. "I promise I won't be skeptical or critical of what you'll say...no matter how silly it would appear." I responded,with reassurance. "Pinkie promise?" "Um, I would...believe me, but you don't have any pinky finger..." I stated, quite confused by whatever she meant." "Huh? I'm talking about this promise a special friend of mine made up...it's like a super sincere promise." "Why is it called a pinky promise then?" "It's named after my friend who made it up, Pinkie Pie." She answered, to which left me quite confused again, but this time with a little urge to laugh at the name. Fluttershy? Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie? What's next? Applejack?? I thought, laughing a bit on the inside. The names she was mentioning, including her's, were so ridiculous and cheesy. They deffinently were not helping me believe her. However, seeing how the pegasus was in a rough spot at the time, I just brushed aside all my debating thoughts. "Oh so you want me to pinkie promise you?" I asked, the pegasus responded with a nod. "So how does it work?" "Well it goes something like this, cross my heart...um...hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye..." She shyly explained, as she also showed the hand gestures while doing so. Once again, I felt like laughing and shaking my head in this maddness, but it seemed like going along with everything made her happy and feel somewhat closer with her friends, so I did as so. So for the next few hours, she explained to me all about her...pony friends; as ridiculous as it sounds. I couldn't bring myself to believe what she was saying. I was afraid that if I did condescend myself to actually buy this inane childish sounding stories of her's to be real, my mind would crack and thus, I would have cross the boundary line into pure insanity. For instance, she tried explaining to be that this "Rainbow Dash" was, not only a pegasus, but one who can fly faster than the speed of sound, and instead of a sonic boom, her passage through beyond terminal velocity creates a "sonic rainboom". She also told me about her "unicorn friends", as well as these "elements of harmony", to which she claimed to be one. As crazy it was listening to all the nonsense coming out of her mouth, as much as I didn't buy a word she said, it was however really making her happy and full of glee. I was still surprised by her astonishing growth of comfort around me; I still couldn't seem to understand, and it had only been just two days since we first encountered eachother. I was exceedingly leaning towards accepting her existence; really high up there infact, if there were to be an "actual scale" as to how much I believed in her existence. So after she was finish sharing her rambling nonsense about her "pony friends", we exchanged a few more questions and words here and there. Before I knew it, I was begining to get extremely tired, and from checking the time on my phone, I realized we had been up chatting past midnight; it almost one o'clock in the morning. Lacking the strength to get to my room, I decided to just lazily take comfort on my couch for the night. Fluttershy tried scooting close to me, to which I didn't understand why and frankly was also a little awkward, so I urged her to just sleep on the floor. Reluctantly, she did as told. "Good night...Fluttershy. It was...um...nice talking to you." "Good night Matthew...I know I say this a lot...but thanks again." She responded shyly and tiredly as she went off into her peaceful slumber. Another mind blowing day awaits... I thought just as my eyelids began to gradually close. My thoughts wandered for a few more moments before I finally fell asleep. I feel like I forgot something...what was it? Was it something I had to do? Something I had to work on? My assignme-......you have got to be freaking kidding me! I forgot again...screw it...