//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Destiny // by Jinadan //------------------------------// A/N : This is just a small test, and I don't know if I'll continue this. No prereaders on this one, anyways, feedback would be nice! Destiny My name is Bailey. I am a simple earth pony living in Ponyville. How’s my life? That depends on your point of view. If you compare me with the rich and famous ponies in Canterlot, I am probably leading a very pathetic life. However, if you compare my life with a pony that has not been emotionally fulfilled, then my life cannot be more perfect. My point of view? Frankly, until I voice it out now, I have never thought of that question. So, I do not have much of an idea. Like any other ponies, I have a dream. It sounds out of reach, but I tell myself that it is not impossible. I wish that one day I could be a hero, somepony who would save the world. Sounds immature? But, I believe that the best dreams usually spring from passion. I once wondered if this silly dream of mine will fade off, but oddly, it grew more intense over time. I was brought up single-hoofedly by my mother. For the longest time, I did not know what happened to my father. Mum has always told me that he died in a car accident when I was still a foal. I left it at that. I did not bring up the issue ever again for fear that it might upset my mum. Bad things usually collide in full force in a series. A few years after my father’s demise, my mum began to encounter serious problems with her kidneys. The doctors told us that it was a serious case of kidney failure. After her first operation, my mother was prescribed with oral medication. But, over time, her condition visibly deteriorated. Eventually, she was instructed to go for kidney dialysis three times per week. My mother would cry silently in her room everyday since then. As always, whenever I open the door, she would try to wipe away her tears. But, her red eyes always give her away. I have always yearned to lessen her pain. Since I was young, I had wanted to quit school to work. But, she turned livid at my suggestion and told me she would never allow that to happen. And so, life went on like before. We tried our best to skimp and save, spending our money mainly on food. I rejected every social invitation from my friends because I knew that involved too much money. Of course, I came up with a horde of excuses: I need to stay home to finish my homework, my mum grounded me… Any excuse that you can think of, I would have used it before. I secretly started work as a part-time waiter in a restaurant. I only told my mum much later. She was unhappy, but had to accept it. Around that time, I made it into the Music Stream in the Ponyville College. Thus, it became an after-school routine to rush to work, neglecting my friends and homework. What does every teenage pony do with their money? They would probably go clubbing, buy the most ‘in’ fashion, smoke and drink. What about me? I buy bread, apples, occasionally some cupcakes and settle the household bills... Life has always been tough. Every minute, I would ponder over what might happen next because I never have enough money for three decent meals. I did apply for a bursary, but was rejected because I dropped out of school. Somehow, every life has a turning point. I never expected mine to come when I met a lavender unicorn one fine day. ~~~~ That day, was like any other, Celestia’s sun was high up in the air. Lessons ended late that day. It would be a twenty minute walk to get to the diner. Walking has always been a relaxing hobby of mine, I liked letting thoughts run through my mind as I walk. Just my luck. Upon arriving at the diner, my boss said that I was not needed that day since they had a special last-minute function and needed banquet workers only. Naturally, I volunteered for it. Unfortunately, I was rejected because I was untrained. With a dazed mind, fuming over all the spare time I suddenly had, I decided to take a small walk on the cliff that overlooked Ponyville. I made my way to the top, to find some respite. I surveyed the cliff. All I saw was the unfinished road, a few bushes and rocks. There was nothing exciting up here. Just as I was about to settle for a quiet spot, I caught sight of a figure at the edge of the cliff. It seemed to be a mare. Upon closer scrutiny, I could tell she had a horn protruding from her forehead. Her purple mane was staging a wild dance in the wind. Curiosity piqued, I inspected her every movement, listening to every sound that came from her direction. I swore that I heard a soft sobbing earlier on. I watched her take a step closer to the cliff with every passing moment, gazing skywards. “No!” I screamed. Trembling, she turned to face me directly. Her eyes were large and round, expressing nothing but shock. Wow! She sure was beautiful. Tears were falling copiously from her red swollen eyes. “Who are you?” she asked, her voice as sweet as she looked. Her question left a big question mark on my mind. How should I answer? Was I supposed to say my name, or just tell her that I was a mere passerby? “My name is Bailey. I’m just passing by.” I said both. “What do you want?” her voice was now shrill. “What do you want?” I shot back. Interesting. She glanced at me for a long time, expecting me to answer my own question. Then, with a sweep of her hooves, she shrieked, “Go away!” “I won’t. I’d never leave a mare to die like this.” She inhaled deeply and then froze and, for a moment, I thought she was going to explode. “What do you want?” she repeated, apparently confused. I inched forward. “Let me help.” I offered, lifting my hooves up. “No… You won’t understand.” She cupped her face with her hooves and wailed. Then, without any warning, she repeated loudly, “You won’t understand!” “If you don’t even try, how would you know?” I fought an internal battle to stay calm. The worst thing to what could happen now was to see the mare jump off right before my eyes. “Nopony can help me.” “That’s because you refuse to let others help you.” I insisted, my tone so serious that even I was surprised. “If you’re willing to let others help you, there is hope yet. Trust me.” An anxious silence ensued. “So, how old are you?” Ah, shit! Mares hated ponies to ask about their age… But, it was too late! The words had already been spoken. With a tinge of playfulness, she replied curtly, “Don’t you know a mare’s age is always a secret?” Without her knowing, I had took a few steps forward. Two more steps, and I would be standing close to her. “I’m sorry.” I apologised sheepishly. I realized she had stopped crying. “It’s okay..” she replied nonchalantly. One more step. “I see.” With lightning-quick speed, I grabbed her hind legs. As expected, she struggled to break free from my grasp. But, her strength was no match for my will power to control her. “Let me help!” I commanded as loudly as I could. She stopped struggling as her eyes closed in on mine. “Who do you think you are? You really think you can help?” “Look! I’ve taken a lot of steps to reach you. And, I’m not letting you go unless you accept my help.” She started sobbing again. Just as I fumbled for a hooferchief, she lurched forward to hug me, all of a sudden. ~~~~ We sat at a table in Sugarcube Corner in silence. The air was laced with the smell of freshly baked goods, a few other ponies scattered around enjoying a small break from their day. She never said anything. I said nothing, as well. Occasionally, I stole peeks at her. Without a word, she stood up and headed for the counter. Within minutes, she was back levitating two cupcakes. She swayed them unsteadily and looked as if she was going to smash them on my face. “Just kidding!” she bellowed, as she sat down, gracefully landing them on the table. I took a bite of the cupcake. Sweet. In between small bites, she continued softly, “You’ve changed my thinking.” Actually, I still had the burning question: Why does she want to commit suicide? She looks so pretty, so healthy… what could have driven her to the edge? As if sensing my thoughts, she shook her head vehemently. “Don’t ask me why, okay?” “I didn’t ask.” I muttered, taking my another bite of my cupcake. She nodded, and then tossed her head from side to side, as if she was trying to figure out something. “You look and talk pretty mature.” I blushed, taking it as a compliment. There was nothing much to add. I did not know what to add, and neither did she. We continued eating in silence, each eyeing the surroundings and trying not to make eye contact. “Aren’t you going to ask anything about me?” she remarked out of the blue. “Well, erm…” I began with the basics. “What’s your name?” “Twilight. Twilight Sparkle.” she answered. “You’re Bailey, right? I remember your name.” “Yep.” While I picked my brains for the next question, she cut in, “So what are you doing at the cliff?” “I… erm… I was just passing by.” I stammered, wondering if it sounded weird. She laughed out loud. “Passing by the cliff? Hmm…” Awkward silince. Not knowing what to do, I decided to divert my attention to the long line of customers queuing up. “Looking for your marefriend?” she teased. “I’ve got no marefriend!” I protested. “I’ve got no coltfriend, as well.” she answered quickly. Now, I was getting more interested. “Why?” I asked, a little too eagerly. “Because destiny has written my life.” I had no idea what she was hinting at. “I see.” I took another bite while considering what to say. “Do you believe in destiny?” she asked meekly. “I believe we write our own destiny.” I said dryly. She hung her head low, as if she was trying to digest my answer. “Hey, Bailey, thanks for everything.” This time, I could feel the sincerity in her voice. “You’re a nice colt.” With that, she stood up. “I’d better be going. Bye.” I nodded in compliance. She walked off, leaving me alone in the pastry shop. As I watched her disappear into the distance, I was devoured by this intense feeling… It is that feeling that eats into you when you miss someone. Was I missing her? Buck! She was just a mare I barely knew. To make matters worse, she was a unicorn! Impossible! It was until I lay in bed that night then, I realized her image still haunted my mind. I did miss her, after all.