//------------------------------// // Day 25: A Little Lesson About Life // Story: The Problem With Magic // by deathtap //------------------------------// “Rise and shine!” a voice shouted. A policepony stood at the cell door banging his baton against it. Her magical aura was glowing over it, “Sun's just peering over the horizon. Time for you troublemakers to get.” “Five more minutes,” Rye muttered and turned over in his sleep. “No, not five minutes. Not one minute. Not one second. Now!” Suddenly a bucket of water shrouded in the powers of another Unicorn's magic emptied itself into the cell. It was cold. Real cold. Heart stoppingly cold. “Sweet Celestia!” Aiden yelled as the water drenched him. “Holy tamales!” I screamed as the water splashed onto me. Rye screamed like a filly and stood up, “I'm up! I'm up!” “Glad to hear it,” the policepony remarked laughing to herself. Her partner was giggling while holding the now empty bucket. “Now get out of here!” We didn't need to be told twice. Outside I took in the morning air. Dawn was literally just breaking and I was glad to be out of jail. Although it wasn't too bad to be honest. Rye found his way to a park bench and collapsed on it and fell asleep almost immediately. Despite being soaked to the bone, he just crashed out. We both stood there for a moment not sure what to make of the spectacle. How could anyone literally 'drop off' like that? “Breakfast?” Aiden asked, basking in the sun staring at the Pegasus now snoring loudly. “Breakfast,” I replied, nodding in agreement. Without even mentioning where we ought to go, we headed towards Sugarcube Corner. There was no other place in Ponyville that served breakfast as good as the Cake's place. “Good morning!” Pinkie announced as we walked in. “Oh, hello you two. How was jail? Was it fun?” “It had its moments,” I replied, “Did you sleep well?” Pinkie nodded so fast that her head became a blur, “Sure did! I had a wonderfully wonderful sweety sweet filled dream! I ate all sorts of delectable goodies, and then I ate some more delicious cakes with icing and frosting with ice-cream and flavored yogurt and...” She went on, but I tuned her out. I looked over to Mrs Cake who gestured for my favorite blend of coffee to which I nodded. Mr Cake put a cupcake on a plate for me and both the coffee and the cupcake were placed on a tray. I reached for my bit-pouch, and found it empty. “... and that was my dream! Wasn't it just so yummy?” “Yes, yes, very yummy,” I replied looking around my bag (which the police left with me during my night over) for two bits. “You weren't listening to me...” Pinkie moaned with a pouty face. I looked up at her and grinned. “Sure I did. It was a really, really yummy dream with lots of sweets, right?” “Right! Oh. I guess you were listening to me because if you weren't listening you wouldn't have known that unless you know me so well that you can-” Pinkie was interrupted with a hoof on top of her head. “It's okay, Forest. You can pay us later,” Mr Cake said. “We know you're good for it.” “Sorry, Mr Cake, I'll try to pay you back as quick as I can.” He just smiled. “I know you will.” Aiden shook his head and pushed me aside, “I'll cover Forest for this. I need him to do some favors for me anyway.” “You do?” The look he flashed me sent shivers down my spine. He could pull off an evil looking face. After breakfast we wondered around town. Pinkie wanted to come as well, but the Cakes didn't let her go. Apparently she had been slacking off lately and had not helped them bake the right amount of muffins. In a way I found it strange that Pinkie would slack off over something like that. Sure, she was surprisingly air-headed when it came to certain things, but one thing Pinkie was not was forgetful when it came to sweets. I knew her long enough to know that much. Perhaps something was bothering her. “What's eating you, Forest?” Aiden asked as we walked over to where Big Mac was setting up his stall. “Pinkie,” I replied, “Didn't she seem... off to you?” “No.” I shrugged. Maybe I was imagining things. “Mornin',” Big Mac stated as I approached his stand, “Interested in some apples?” “Actually, I was wondering if you had any work I could do, Big Mac,” I replied. “Nope.” Well, that answered that question. “Thanks anyway, Big Mac.” “Eeyup.” We continued on. “You do know you could just use one of your wishing stones for some bits, right?” Aiden informed me, “You could be rich enough to buy the Princesses' castle.” He was right of course, but then again, “I dunno what I'd do with that much money. I'd think that my wishes should be saved for something... special. Different.” “From what I hear, your teammates have already used their wishes up,” Aiden said pausing to look at the market slowly gaining life, “It was the talk of the town last night at the bar. Berry's a great place to pick up gossip, and a in a small town like Ponyville news gets around fast. Why don't you just wish for some bits for yourself?” “Nah.” “Then what are you going to wish for?” “To be honest, I don't know, but it just seems like a real waste if I just wished for bits. I find it more rewarding to earn it. Besides, I've got you.” Aiden smiled to himself as we walked along, but the smile on his face seemed forced. “Well... then what about Brian? How about saving his life? Cure him?” Why hadn't I thought of that? That was a perfect wish! It'd make the girls happy, especially Rainbow Dash... “No.” “No?” Aiden furrowed his brow, “Why not?” “Because even if Brian's life would be saved, he'd never forgive me.” Aiden looked at me, then shook his head, “I don't know who told you that, but I find it hard to believe that he'd be angry at you for saving his life.” “You don't understand, Aiden. It isn't about me saving his life, it's about me interfering with it.” The green Unicorn nodded slowly, “You might be right. I know he hated it when Princess Celestia interfered with his life. I think the first time was when she took Rainbow away from his world. After he decided to stay here, she tried to send him back numerous times and failed. I think she even turned him into a Pony at one point. I mean I haven't really read his file... not that I have access to it, of course.” I looked at him, “Access to his file?” “Ignore that.” “Okay. Well, you see what I mean, right? He didn't like it when Princess Celestia did those things to him, what makes you think he'd appreciate me doing something as well? Trust me when I tell you that it'd be a bad, bad, bad  idea. Apart from that... I can't.” “You can't?” “Our MA count, remember? Immune to magic, remember?” “Brian's not immune... at least I don't think he is.” I shrugged, “Still, I don't think it's right. Not unless I ask him first.” “I still say you're crazy, but they're not my stones, so...” “I think that there are also some restrictions as to what I can or cannot wish for. I forget what they were.” Aiden laughed to himself, “That's just so you, Forest.” “I could be wrong about that too.” Aiden rolled his eyes and shook his head at me, which annoyed me a little. “Hey!” a voice shouted from behind us. My heart leapt to my throat. “Hallo, Twi,” I said as I spun around with what had to be a goofy smile on my face. She giggled at me. My heart swooned. She was just so adorable. I wanted to hug her... so I did. It was only after that that I remembered that Aiden was right behind me. I turned to him expecting to see an angry stallion, but instead he just looked rather annoyed. That was a bit better that 'furious Aiden', and I had to admit a little part of me was smugly satisfied that I got to annoy him in return for his earlier comment. “Can't you do that when I'm not around?” “Sorry, Aiden.” I hung my head a little. I knew how he felt. I went through the same thing with Atom and Applejack. I didn't mean to flaunt my affection for Twilight in front of him, it was just that I was so happy that I forgot when I hugged her. “Don't be. Anyway, I'm going back to the hotel to shower and get cleaned off. I'll see you two later,” He didn't wait for a response as he turned and walked away. “So, I heard you spent the night in the lockup. How was it?” Twilight said, putting a hoof on mine. “I'm a changed stallion, Twi. I've done my time. I'm not the same Pony no more...” I leaned in closer, “Jail does things to you.” She grinned and nudged me, “Oh? So you think that spending a few hours in a Ponyville cell you're a tough stallion, huh?” I leaned in closer, “Those hours away from you were painful...” “Hey, Forest.” “S-S-S-Spike!” I blubbered. I hadn't seen him. How does one miss a six foot tall purple Dragon standing right behind a short purple mare was beyond me. He looked at me bemused, “Look, I know you've got a thing for Twilight, but can you not make moves on her when I'm around?” I gasped out loud, “Et tu, Spike?” “Sorry, Forest, don't speak... whatever that language you spoke was...” “Uh... yeah...” I grinned stupidly. Oops. As I laughed nervously, my eyes spotted a certain orange mare sitting on a bench by herself. I frowned, “Isn't that Applejack?” Twilight and Spike turned to look towards where I was pointing. “Hey, yeah. That is Applejack.” Spike headed on over and we followed. It was clear, even before we got close, that she had been crying. Her eyes were red, her fur was matted under her eyes and her entire demeanor was just... so sad. Twilight instantly gave her a hug. I wanted to too, but refrained from doing so. Spike shoved me forwards and gave me a look. I looked at him and his gestured with his head. It was just uncanny how we could communicate like that. Without words, without sentences. I knew what he wanted me to do and with a simple nod he assured me that it was okay. Twilight wouldn't mind. Then, I hugged her as well. Applejack sniffled and reciprocated our hugs with her own. We stayed like that for a little while. It was nice. We were there together as friends. We were there. I think that was the point. Spike came over and wrapped us all up in huge huge arms. He was incredibly strong. “Thanks guys, I needed that.” Applejack sniffled and wiped her eyes with her hoof, “Atom's gone.” “What?” The three of us barked at the same time. “He got on the early mornin' train to Canterlot. I tried to stop him, but... he did wave to me. I think he said he'd be back soon. What am I doin', Twi? I'm so confused. I just... I don't know.” “Well, why don't we go meet him in Canterlot?” Twilight smiled at her friend, “If we leave now, we can be there in time to see him get off the train. Won't he be surprised...” Applejack looked at Twilight, “Y'know, I thought about that too. It just doesn't seem right. I want to, oh Celestia do I want to, but it would seem so... unfair on him if I tried.” “I was going to Canterlot today anyway. I wanted to ask Princess Celestia about the secret guards from the Guard she had stationed here. I don't think it was very fair on us. If we had known that would've been one thing, but...” “Yeah, I wanna know why too.” “Well,” I sighed, “guess I'll be staying here alone then.” “You can come-” I waved my bracelet in front of Twilight. She blushed and rolled her eyes, “I forgot... again. Sorry, Forest.” “Naw, you don't need to apologize. I think it's kinda nice you keep forgetting. Just... don't use any real magic on me. You don't know how badly it burns...” as I said that, I became acutely aware of how little my wrist was burning. “While I go talk to the Princess, you can talk a walk around Canterlot. You know? Visit the place. You never know just who you might run into.” Applejack smiled before laughing softly, “Yeah... ya never know. Okay, Twi. Let's go.” “You'll be fine on your own, Forest?” Twilight asked. “He won't be,” Spike replied, “I'll be staying too.” “Okay, but no Sweetie Belle in the library without me, understood?” “Aw, Twilight.” “Spike?” Twilight said, dragging his name out in a reproachful manner. The Dragon heaved a deep sigh, “Fine.” “Good boy. I'll see you in a couple hours.” Then, in a flash of bright purple light and a pop, they were gone. “So...” Spike began shifting on his feet. “Just go. I think I can take care of myself.” “Thanks, Forest,” Spike said, turning and walking off at a brisk pace. “Tell Sweetie I said hello,” I called after him. Spike waved his hand without turning around as he continued in the general direction of Rarity's boutique. It looked real cool. I wish I was that cool. A fuzzy feeling flowed through my insides. I felt so happy for the Dragon. Spike had finally found someone that he liked, and it was not a lop-sided relationship. Although, I did find it a little weird that he had decided to go after Rarity's younger sister after he failed in capturing the older sibling's heart. Then again, I didn't know the details of their relationship, I just hoped that Spike didn't consider Sweetie as a consolation prize since he could no longer be with Rarity. “Maybe I'm reading too much into it,” I muttered, stroking my chin in thought. “Reading too much what? Don't tell me you're an egghead too,” a voice remarked, mocking me. I didn't bother looking up. “Hi, Rainbow.” “Yo, how's in hangin', Fire?” “Fire?” “I'm getting sick of calling you 'Forest' all the time. Fire's good.” “Sounds cheesy.” “I could call you Flamer if you prefer...” “No. Fire's good. Thanks.” Rainbow giggled, “What are you? Sexist?” “I have nothing against that orientation, it's just that I'm not that orientation.” “I know! Geez, Forest. You don't have to explain the obvious to me. How many mares have you been with since you got here? Three? Four?” That made me look up at her. I tried to give her a bored expression, but it melted away once I saw her face. Something about her was different. I didn't know what. “What are you doing here this time in the morning?” I asked still trying to puzzle out what was different about Rainbow. “Clouds have been getting heavy. If I don't kick 'em, they'd turn into rain clouds, so I gotta make sure they don't rain by kicking 'em. Wanna help?” “Uh... I can't fly...” “That's for sure! The last time you tried, I heard you nearly bit the bucket!” Rainbow rolled onto her back and convulsed in peels of laughter. “The expression is 'kicked the bucket', and yes, I did nearly die.” Rainbow stopped laughing instantly, “Buzz kill.” “That's me. Don't worry, Rainbow, I know you didn't mean anything by it. I mean, you-” “Isn't that Trixie?” Rainbow talked right over me. “Fine, just ignore what I was saying,” I mumbled to myself as I looked over towards the direction where Rainbow was pointing. Sure enough there was Trixie skipping along towards the hospital, in her mouth she held a bouquet of flowers while on her rump was a box of brightly colored paraphernalia. In the grip of her magic she was carrying what looked like a long rectangular box. “She get a date?” I asked. Rainbow shook her head. “She's heading towards the hospital. C'mon, I wanna see what she's up to.” “Still don't trust her?” I asked. “Nope.” She zipped off in a multicolor blur. Rainbow waited by the entrance and was saying something to Trixie. The Unicorn was looking up at her and replying. By the time I arrived Trixie had already gone on ahead. “What was that about?” I asked Rainbow. She looked at me, “She's visiting somepony else.” We entered the hospital together, and Rainbow walked off in the direction of Brian's room. I still felt a little famished, but as much as I wanted to eat, the fact that I had no bits made that seem like a far off dream. Still, maybe, just maybe, I could get something if I begged. That was when I heard a scream. It was a cry of anguish. It froze my blood. It wasn't the kind of high-pitch scream someone would make when they were frightened; no, this scream was different. It was painful. You could feel the strain in the voice. Trixie's voice. There was a huge crowd down the hall where her voice had come from. I tried to push through, but it was an impregnable wall of curious Ponies. I could still hear Trixie, but she was too far away for me to make out exactly what she was saying. “Oh, that poor thing,” one of the Ponies in front of me said. “What? Why? What makes her a 'poor thing?'” I asked. The mare looked over to me, “Didn't you hear?” I shook my head. She looked at me, then her eyes drifted upwards, then back down to my face. “Why don't you turn your ears forward so you can hear then?” “Wait, I can do tha-” I swiveled my ears forwards and suddenly everything was clear. How could I not know how to do this before?  Why didn't anyone tell me you could? This would have been so helpful if I had known about it before. “... but he was just here yesterday.” Trixie sniffled. “I know, dear.” That was Redheart's voice. I would know her voice anywhere. “I... I don't understand.” “Forest,” Rainbow whispered from behind me, “there you are.” “Here I am.” I swiveled my ears to their default position. I liked that. Swinging them. It was a weird feeling, to be able to move your ears that way. The thing was, I never really realized it until it was pointed out to me, and it felt good. Like stretching your back out. It was a relaxing feeling, coupled with the strangeness of hearing things in varying degrees of volume as my ears found new sources of noises. I swung them a little more before stopping. Rainbow's expression was a mix of emotions, all of which pointed to me to stop goofing off and be serious. “What's wrong?” “Trixie's having a meltdown. I've never seen her like this. Actually, I've never seen her act like anything except as a showoff until yesterday,” Rainbow had muttered the last part to herself. Curious, I turned back towards the light blue mare. The crowd had disperse somewhat, and I saw Trixie being hugged from behind by Redheart on the floor. The nurse was rocking her gently, shushing her with a comforting embrace while Trixie was shaking. I couldn't help but feel so sad for her. Slowly I walked over to the two of them, Rainbow hovering just behind me. “B-b-b-but... he was fine yesterday... Trixie does not understand... I don't understand...” On the floor were the flowers and an empty box -- it's contents of bright ribbons, confetti and other decorations were all over the floor. It was the box that Trixie had carried on her rear. Next to me was the wrapped box. A present, and on it in red marker, were the words 'To Sun Beam'. I knelt down and picked it up and placed it into Trixie's hooves. She held it for a moment before hugging it tightly to her chest, her tears flowing harder than before. She looked up at me and met my eyes. “He's gone, Forest.” “Who's gone, Trixie,” I replied gently. “Su-” she hiccuped, “Sun Beam. I-” She couldn't finish. Instead she hugged the present even tighter to herself. Redheart shushed the weeping Trixie and gently stroked her hair, “It's okay, Trixie.” “But... but I promised...” “There's nothing you can do, Trixie. It was just his time.” I understood. The weight of those words were heavy. I had heard them before a long time ago. A very long time ago. When Na-na died. I sat down on my rear and stared at the floor. Memories of my past came flooding into me. “Forest. He's gone, Forest. I couldn't keep my promise to him...” “What happened?” I asked. “Sun had a terminal illness. It was just his time. He went peacefully last night.” Redheart smiled gently, “You gave him so much happiness and joy, Trixie. I know that he was so happy after your show. He had such a wonderful time with you.” Trixie reached leaned over and hugged me and put her head over my shoulder. I couldn't see her face, but the way she shook in my grip, I knew she was crying. I didn't get it. How could this affect her so much? She had only seen the colt for a few hours yesterday... Who was I kidding? I understood her feelings. I would feel the same way if someone had changed my life so much in such a short amount of time. To have someone so happy and full of life ripped away like that. How could I not understand? How could I understand? I knew of her pain and yet at the same time I couldn't relate to her. The only thing that I could do was sit there and let her cry. “He was so young,” Trixie whispered, “So, so young. He knew, you know. He knew that he didn't have long left. I saw it. I felt it. You know how I know? What he said yesterday. He didn't make me promise to see him. He made me promise to continue doing what I did. He never let me promise him. I made those promises... I made them, and he knew that he wouldn't... would-” I hugged her tighter. I don't know how long I held her for, but I didn't care. Time passed by. Ponies walked on. Life continued. Life went on. “Thank you, Forest. I needed that,” Trixie said as she came out of the bathroom. Her face was damp, and her eyes were still red and looked sore from before. She had washed her face and freshened up. “No problem.” “I just wish I could see him one more time, you know? See him smile. The Great and Powerful Trixie feels so... oh, who am I kidding. I'm not that great or powerful. I'm just a loser with no friends and-” “No.” I didn't say that. “No, you're not a loser and you do have friends.” “R-R-Rainbow?” Trixie stared at the cyan Pegasus with a confused expression on her face. Rainbow walked past me, “Look, when I first met you all those years ago, I didn't like you. Then, when you came back later on, again, I didn't like you. After you hurt my father, I hated you. Yet, after all that, somehow, I don't. I'm not your friend, but I'm not an idiot. You do have at least one friend. A Pony who was there for you when you needed him.” Trixie's eyes went wide and she turned to me. I looked around to make sure she was looking at me and not as someone else. “Am... am I your friend, Forest?” I couldn't help but smile. The way she asked me that was just adorable. “You bet!” And that smile. Oh Celestia, she gave me a cavity. It was so sweet. “Careful Trix. He's taken,” Rainbow warned jokingly. At least, I think she meant it as a joke. “Maybe, but that won't stop me from trying,” Trixie replied coyly, giving me a massive wink. I chuckled at that, earning a glare from Rainbow that made my chuckles die in my throat. I swallowed them in fear. “I'm only joking, Rainbow Dash.” Trixie walked around me and wrapped a tail around my chin pulling my head her way, “Or am I?” “Trixie!” Rainbow barked. I blushed and looked away. When I looked back at Trixie, I saw kindness in those eyes. “Forest, I know this might seem a tad... corny, but I want to thank you. You made me come back here. You made me understand how important it is to bring closure to somepony. You taught me something and I will never forget it. Trixie thanks you.” “Again with the third person?” I sighed, rolling my eyes. Trixie giggled, “If it amuses, then it has its uses.” “Where will you go?” I asked walking along side her towards the hospital's exit. She stopped, “I'm not sure. The Great and Powerful Trixie might take her show back on the road. Before I was captured, I was going to Zebrica. I still might. I think they'd like my magic show there.” “Good luck, Trixie. I hope that you have a wonderful time.” She paused for a moment, then walked back to me. “Come with me, Forest. Come and see the world with me.” “Me? But you hardly know me, Trixie. How can you just ask me to-” Trixie cut me off by placing her hoof on my mouth, “I think of you as my friend, Forest...” “Me too,” I mumbled, trying to talk around her hoof. “You also saved my life. In more ways than one might I add. You taught me how important it is to do the right thing, to do what is needed and to face the consequences with a clear conscience. You not only saved my life, you changed it as well. You let me meet Sun Beam, and he gave me a new purpose, a new direction.” I had no idea I had done all these things. “You better stop it, Trix. You'll make Forest's head explode. He's already got a huge ego.” Rainbow ruffled my mane. “Not as big as yours, Rainblur.” “Rainblur?” She put me in a headlock and gave me a noogie again, “You still don't get who's boss.” It hurt. A lot. “You are! Ow! Stop!” “I... I may or may not have feelings for you!” Trixie's voice made both Rainbow and I stop being stupid and look at her. My mouth was hanging open in shock. “I am willing to discover if these feelings are true... if you come with me.” The way she looked at me, those eyes, that voice. In an instant I saw Trixie in a very, very different light. “See the world with me, Forest. Just you and me,” She purred, coming within inches of my face. I was flattered. I really was. “Sorry, Trixie. I can't.” Trixie sighed and smiled at me. “I understand. Once again Twilight Sparkle has bested me.” “Huh?” Trixie ran a hoof across my cheek, giggling, “I just think it would've been fun traveling the world with you. Just the two of us.” “Sorry, Trixie, but I can't go anywhere,” I replied as gently as I could. “It's complicated.” She just giggled lightly. “Oh well. Perhaps next time I can make you change your mind. If you happen to see Twilight, tell her that she's a lucky mare to have somepony like you.” “I think I'm a lucky stallion to have somepony like her.” “You'd be luckier with the Great and Powerful... with me. Oh well. Farewell, Forest. Until the next time we meet.” We won't. “Goodbye, Trixie,” I said and hugged her. We held each other for a moment before she released me and took a step back. She gave Rainbow a nod, turned round and walked out of the hospital and into the Equestrian day with a skip in her step. She paused and looked up at the sky and smiled. For a moment a ray of light seemed to focus on her, like a faint spotlight. She basked in it for a moment and took a deep breath with her eyes closed tightly. As she exhaled, it seemed that a burden had exited from her body. Something about her was new, different. Fresh. There was a new lightness that exuded from her and had nothing to do with the color of her coat. “Well, would you look at that,” Rainbow whispered. “What?” I asked. “She was standing in a ray of light.” I felt warm on the inside and a smile formed across my maw. “It's a sun beam.” “It most certainly is.” Trixie continued to walk into the distance and just like that, just like Stormy and her family, she was gone from my life. I felt a little sad, but also glad. Sad that I would never see her again and glad that I had the pleasure of meeting her. A part of me couldn't believe she had wanted me to leave Twilight and see the world with her, of course I didn't know whether she wanted to do that because she really did care for me, or if she just wanted to get back at Twilight. Was that what she meant by being clueless? No. The way she looked at me didn't look like she had any wrongful intentions. “Well, I gotta fly. I'll see you later.” “Okay, Rainbow. See you.” Rainbow hovered over the ground in front of me for a moment. It looked like she wanted to say something, but instead she let out an annoyed grunt, turned around and floated away. I watched her go for a moment wondering what was up with her. There was definitely something different about her. Something... feminine. More feminine. “Wait. Was she wearing makeup? Nah. Couldn't be...” For the next few hours, I wandered around the hospital aimlessly. I had no idea why I did that, but I just didn't feel like going into town. Perhaps it was because my face still felt a little sore from the previous days. Perhaps it was because while I was at the hospital, somehow I did not get hurt. My stomach growled. Loud. “Did you have dinner, Forest?” Redheart asked interrupting my tummy growling. She was walking down the hall near one of the few waiting rooms near the main lobby area. I spun around to face her, “Huh? No, not yet. Why?” “I could tell.” Redheart giggled at my stomach rumbling again. “You want to have dinner with me? I want to talk to you about something.” “Sure. I'd love to.” “Great! Let's go.” The two of us headed towards the canteen. Already it was a hustle bustle as Ponies were going about their lives. No matter how many times I came here, it was always strange to me to see the hospital such a busy place. I kept expecting it to be quiet, but this was always not the case. “What would you like, Forest?” Redheart asked, gesturing to all the delicious food choices. The buffet at the canteen was just as impressive as always. I think they had everything you could imagine a buffet to have. Well, with the exception of meat. There was a distinct lack of animals flesh there, but everything else was available. Today I noticed that there were a few other creatures eating to one side. Minotaurs, I knew, but it was still really weird seeing them. I had never really got to talk to them, and from the wide berth the other Ponies made, it seemed that perhaps they weren't the most social of creatures. “What's wrong, Forest?” “Hm? Oh, nothing. Was just wondering why there's no one sitting next to the Minotaurs.” “No pony, you mean.” “Hm?” “You said no one. While that is correct, we Ponies would say 'no pony'.” I blinked. “So, how are you finding Equestria? You've been here for almost a month now?” I blinked again. “Let's sit here. I'm sure they won't mind,” Redheart gestured to the Minotaurs with her head. We sat down at a nearby table. I never took my eyes off of her. “Forest?” I just stared. “Stop that. It's creepy.” I ceased it at once looking away from the mare. “How did you find out?” “It wasn't too hard. I've been taking care of Brian for a long, long time. Granted, when you first came and these ideas went through my head, I got scared. You know? I mean, there's a lot of things I didn't understand back then that I do now. You're not from this world. No, you don't need to deny it. Yesterday you gave yourself away.” Redheart took a generous bite of lettuce and looked at me. “I just want you to know that you never needed to conceal it at all.” “How long have you... known?” “Like I said, you gave yourself away yesterday, and the fact that you haven't denied it confirms my suspicions. Besides, there are a few other Ponies that have kinda figured you out. I've always known you weren't a Pony, I just had no idea what you were until our conversation about 'mind altering substances.' Besides that, there were numerous other little things. It all adds up, you know.” “Little things like what?” She shrugged, “The way you talked, the way you said things, how things you say always sound strange to us... you weren't very good at fooling anypony. Well, maybe except Rainbow, but she's also an excellent judge of character. I know that about her. If she doesn't like you, she'll tell it to your face. You saw with Trixie, right?” I nodded. “So, she didn't care. Nor do I. Like I said, you didn't need to hide. So, what's your real name?” I looked up at her. For a moment I thought about it, then smiled, “Forest. My real name is Forest.” Redheart looked at me confused for a second, then realized what I was trying to say. She nodded, “So that's your real name now, hm? Well, once again, welcome to Equestria. Your secret's safe with me. You should eat your food before it gets cold.” I looked down at my salad. “You know what I mean.” “I don't want hot salad...” “Just eat it.” “Hot salad is gross.” “Forest!” Redheart barked. I couldn't help but laugh at her expense. “Really?” Twilight asked, “Redheart thinks you're a human too?” “That's what she said. Anyway, it doesn't matter. What matters is that we're alone now,” I leaned in and kissed her cheek. Nervously, Twilight nodded slowly, “Don't you want to know what happened in Canterlot today?” “Yes,” I lied, “of course I do.” “Well, after we arrived, Applejack went to look for Atom, while I talked with the Princess. We talked about many things, but our conversation eventually revolved around you.” “Oh?” “We talked again about you being a Changeling, and...” “What's wrong, Twilight?” I asked. “Are you really going away and never coming back?” I didn't know what to say to that. I just stared at her. “Forest?” What could I say to her? I couldn't lie to her. Not again. Not after she had discerned everything. “Forest!” “Twilight,” I tried to sound neutral, “when the time comes, I will have to go. Yes. I am leaving. I promised.” “I know you promised, Forest. I talked to Tutela.” “You what?” I shouted the question. A couple of Ponies glanced our way making me blush. We were sitting on a bench near the river, just across from Rarity's place. Spike was still there helping out the sisters. “I talked to her,” Twilight whispered, “I don't know who she is, but her magic is really strong. I talked to Celestia about it, and she said that she'd look into it...” “No, Twilight. You can't do that!” “Why not?” she asked. “Because... well, because I just can't stay. I can't do it. It's not right. I'd be-” “Do you want to leave us, Forest? Leave me?” “Well, no, but that doesn't mean...” “You can't leave, Forest. It's one thing going away for a little while, but not forever. You can't go. We'd miss you so much. Especially me.” I died. I really died on the inside. I had to keep my promise to Tutela. Every bone in my body screamed at me to let Twilight try and save me, but it felt wrong to do that. It was Tutela that gave me this life. It was Tutela that saved me. She brought me to Ponyville. If I broke a promise to her, it felt like everything would have been a lie. My entire existence seemed like it'd be for nothing. I owed her. “Really, Twilight? Tutela is a nice gal and all, I think she'd let me come visit you every once in a while.” “That's not what she said,” the Unicorn replied. “She says that you're hers and that nopony, not even Celestia, can do anything about it.” “She's just angry. Give her a little while, and she'll see reason.” “You think so?” No. “Yeah. She's not all bad.” “You're not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?” “Me?” I didn't know what to say to that. “Forest, I know you think you're being kind and generous, but you don't understand. Tutela doesn't really care about you like that. Not like I do.” I laughed dryly, “I hope not.” “Then why go back?” “I made a promise. I intend to keep it.” “Please, Forest. Just hear me out. You tell Celestia about Tutela. Tell us how you came to be here. Let us help you.” Something seemed off about that. “Twilight, you still think I'm a Changeling?” “Of course, Forest. You can't be a human. It's just not possible. The portals were closed-” Placing a hoof on her lips, I shook my head, “Then let's not talk about it. Let's just... savor our moment together for now.” “Forest, please, I don't want to lose you-” “You know, Trixie asked me if I wanted to see the world with her. Just the two of us.” “I don-” She blinked. “Wait, what?” “You heard me.” “I know, but why would she ask you that?” “Because,” I leaned in closer and nuzzled her neck, “I'm adorable.” Twilight giggled and pushed me back gently, “You're so silly.” “I am, aren't I?” “Forest, please. I'm trying to have a serious conversation with you.” Wiggling my eyebrows, I leaned in closer, “Let me take you home.” “Forest Fire, are you asking me, Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's faithful student, to go home with you, a single stallion, without any supervision?” “Yes.” Maybe I said it too quickly. She blushed in such a way that made my heart swoon, “I-I-I'm, uh, that is to say... do you love me, Forest?” I looked at Twilight, peered into those wonderful eyes, those kind, loving, warm, pure, kind eyes. My heart started to beat faster. The feeling of life. I had felt this before. Yesterday.  A song. I wanted to sing. I wanted to sing to her. I wanted to tell her that I, Forest Fire... My wrist burned. My head spun. I felt dizzy. I felt sick. My heart felt like it was going to beat itself out of my chest. “Forest?” My guts felt like it was twisting around on my insides. “What's wrong?” Twilight asked, fear in her voice. “He-help me...” I whispered, it felt like I was having a heart attack. “Forest!” Twilight screamed. “Somepony, help me!” Spike was there, he was carrying me in his arms. Did I just faint again? Did I just pass out? I hated it when I did that. Seems like I always pass out. Why do I pass out so often. I growled in agony. My head was killing me. My chest felt like it was twisting around. What was going on? This pain was horrible. Then it stopped. “What... what was that?” I asked, opening my eyes and sitting up slowly. “Oh, Forest!” Twilight threw herself at me, “I was so scared.” “You and me both.” As I moved, my muscles felt sore, like how they felt after I had run the Race. “That was painful.” Spike put his claw on my brow, “What happened?” “I don't know. I haven't felt anything like that-” Then I remembered. I did feel something like that. A long time ago. Well, about a month ago, but this time it was much more painful. A lot more painful. There was just no comparison. It was the same pain I had felt from when Tutela turned me into a Pony. The way every cell in my body ached. The way every inch of my being agonized at being changed into something I was not. No. That wasn't it. It was the other way round. It made perfect sense. I was a human. There was no use denying that. Twilight's theory that I am a Changeling is wrong. It was all so clear now. Changeling magic changed me from a human to a Pony. That is why she thought I was one of them. The magic altered me and for the past month I had been living in a magical land with magical Ponies. I became an Equestrian. I was not a human any longer. I was one of them. I was a Pony. I was... “I'm a Pony.” “What?” Twilight whispered. “I'm a Pony, Twi. I'm a...” I felt sick. I wanted to throw up. Twilight released me from her embrace, “We were going to take you to the hospital.” “No need. I'm feeling better already.” “Then let's get you home, Forest.” Spike helped me onto my feet. “Home?” I asked. Spike grinned, “You're staying with us now, remember?” I nodded, “Yes. I remember.” Together, the three of us walked home under Luna's beautiful stars. Her moon providing light enough to guide us. On my right, my best friend. On my left, the most beautiful Unicorn I knew. They were taking me back to my new home. Home. I liked that. I really, really did.