Paths Forged
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This story is under complete revision, but I have reposted the old version to make the story readable, no matter how bad it is, until I've finished revising.
Please don't read it.
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The night sky seemed to shimmer with perfection. On this night, there was a Canterlot pony lying in the grass inside of a glass greenhouse. He was alone, but lay with a content smile on his face. To anyone passing by, he seemed to be enjoying himself.
The glass dome surrounding him though blocked any sounds as he spoke quietly under his breath. He lay there, with the grass being almost the same shade of green as his coat. His mane was a shade darker than the grass, made him feel like he was one with the plants around him.
The tone in his voice though, changed altogether with his next few words. He spoke with anger and fear, the latter more than the former. “I don’t understand, what’s the problem?” The unicorn just nodded and sighed. “Well, what do you expect me to do about it?” Again he waited then his face fell. “It was a rhetorical question…” He moaned then stood up to leave. Before he left, he looked back at the greenhouse with one thing left to say. “I’ll prove you wrong, all of you.”
He turned and walked out ignoring the stare of a passerby and walked home to prepare for the next day. When he got there, he gathered his most valuable possessions and hid them in case he was robbed while he was gone. All he did take with him, fit into his suitcase. The contents of the suitcase may have seemed weird to others, but they served their purpose for him.
On the left side, he kept an arranged set of seeds, and a few roots that he planned to grow back into flowers. On the other side, he kept a good amount of bits, his journals on his research, and his gemstone necklace he got from his parents. He’d never worn it before, but decided that a new life would give him a new look.
“I really hope this is all one big joke.” He muttered before turning off the lights and slipping into bed.
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Waking up, he felt peaceful and ready for another day of work. Standing up, he noticed the suitcase and his memories of the previous night returned. He checked the time and grabbing his suitcase and donning on his favorite cloak, he ran into the streets toward the greenhouse.
On his way, he accidentally bumped into two ponies who angry yelled at him as he kept going. It wasn’t until he fell into a manhole that he stopped, and even then it was to apologize as he climbed the ladder and kept going.
When it finally came into sight, he saw his co-workers standing outside waiting for their professor. “Yo Synth, what’s the rush? I didn’t know you liked working here that much.”
“Not now Oliver, Where’s professor Blossom?”
“Don’t know, Why you looking to make a good impression for being early? It’s a little too late for that.”
“Would you know where she is if I told you why I need to see her?”
“That depends, what do you have to say?”
“I’m quitting.”
Oliver’s eyes went large. “Then she’s right behind you.”
Turning his head around, he saw his pink and white haired professor staring at him. She already knew what he wanted to say, so he was waiting for a response. “You want to quit? But you had so much potential…” She looked really sad at this news but tried her best to cover it up.
Synth knew how long he could keep a lie going, which isn’t very long. He decided to put some truth behind his words. “Actually, I’m going to open up a new research center in a new city. I thought that the science fields could use some expansion.” He said this with a hint of a twitch coming on. Maybe he took it a little too far.
The professor seemed to think about this for a second before responding. “Very well, I approve of this ‘expansion’, but try to keep in touch alright? You are going to be missed by your colleagues.”
At this, Synth and Oliver brohoofed and he knew he wasn’t going to forget them. Oliver’s dark green mane and his light blue coat gave them an odd resemblance to each other. While Rose and Prim standing next to him had a palette of red and light yellow. They were twins, but were easily distinguishable because one had the red mane and yellow coat, while the other had a red coat and yellow mane.
As he turned to them, he said his farewell. “Prim, take care of Rose, and Rose, take care of Prim. But Oliver, stay away from them.” He said the last part with a wink and a friendly laugh.
“Come on Synth, I’m better than that. But you’d better stay away from any mares you meet in, whatever town you’re moving to.” Oliver started out playful but ended with a curious tone in his voice.
“It’s Ponyville, that’s where I’m moving. I heard some great things about it.” Synth lied. In fact, after what he learned, it seemed like the worst place he’d want to go to.
“Well Synth, I’m sure they’ll visit you after you get settled in at Ponyville. Right now I have to go inform the higher ups that you’ll need funding for the ‘expansion’.” The professor stated.
The way she said that made Synth feel like she knew he was lying. But she probably did know, and was just playing along with him.
“Well, Goodbye everyone, I can’t wait for you to visit.” Synth turned and left them as they watched him walk away. Most of them with the exception of Oliver could remember first meeting him. He’d been very different since that day. Of course, after a while he loosened up and became more cheerful.
Now, Professor Blossom couldn’t help but wonder how he’d act when he was out of his element. She remembered how long it took for him to tell them his name, and in the beginning, he couldn’t work without dropping things accidentally and causing more harm than good. Hopefully he’d since gotten over that.
As Synth approached the Pony in charge of selling tickets for the train, he saw the smile appear on the pony’s face. “Where you headed this time?”
“One Ticket to Ponyville please.”
“Ah Ponyville, then you’re going to the Everfree Forest? I’d be careful if I were you.”
After he handed him the ticket, Synth decided to at least leave on a good note.
“Actually, I plan to move there. I’ll be doing my studies there now.”
“Well, I’m not surprised. Seems to me from what I heard that it’s perfect. They haven’t had any pollution since they do everything by hoof. I do have to say, I’m sad to see you go. You’ve been a great customer and I’m sure you’ll come back soon.”
Synth could say that he was surprised about the pollution comment. He’s always used the greenhouse because the air outside was very bad for plants. Knowing that he could plant flowers outside could actually be very beneficial.
“Well, I must say it’s been great t-to travel on this train. I’m sure I’ll have to come back and v-visit family, so this isn’t goodbye for good. Farewell for now, Mr. Ticket.”
“Goodbye and safe travels Mr. Meadows.” Mr. Ticket replied before turning to the now long line of ponies waiting to buy a ticket.
Synth walked into the train and sat in the seat directly to the right of the door. He opened his suitcase and made sure it was still organized. Seeing the necklace, he decided now was a good as time as any. He put it on and immediately noticed how some occupants were eying him curiously.
He decided to cover himself even more with his cloak and wait until the train reached its destination. He hoped that his arrival in Ponyville would not attract too much attention. Little did he know that somewhere in the city, a pink pony sneezed and after a few body shudders she walked off like nothing happened.
The train started to slow down. Synth was just finishing his plan to check for any unwanted errors. He decided to do a quick rundown again of what he planned to do. When the train stopped, he would go into town and buy himself a small house. He knew he’d be okay with an apartment or hotel, but decided that if he was going to be living here then he’d go all out.
After that, he would head over to the forest and begin collecting plants to make a simple potion. During all this, he’d be making some friends and gain their trust. When the time comes, they’ll be ready to drink the potion. He needed someone else to assist him, because the potion had a counterpart that negated the fatal effects that came later.
It was risky, but it was all he could think of after finding out something very dangerous was coming to Ponyville. He had to be ready, for anything really.
The train whistle blew and it was time to get the plan into action. He took a step out and his attitude changed completely. The sun was shining and the air was calm. Everything looked like a perfect day. The air felt thin and he found himself breathing deeply. This air was nothing like the Canterlot air.
In Canterlot, the population was reaching its highest in a long time. Factories were made left and right and this created a huge pollution increase. Having been raised up during the first few factories, he lived with pollution most of his life. Even when he went to different towns around Equestria, it was never much of an improvement.
Now, he stood there and breathed in the air calmly. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad living here… He decided that he should focus on the plan before he got off track. Having a goal really determined him to succeed now.
He noticed how there were significantly less ponies here than at the Canterlot Station. As soon as he walked into the town, ponies began waving at him and smiles were thrown his direction. At first he shrugged it off, but eventually he started to go with the flow and wave back. By the time he was reaching the residential area, he was telling ponies his name when they greeted him.
His heart was beating rapidly from the attention. He never really liked too much of it. It wasn’t his style. So, walking into a quiet room made him feel a lot better. As he entered the housing agent’s home, he began feeling more like himself. The agent came to the counter and gave him a warm smile. Not another one… Synth thought.
“Welcome to Ponyville. How may I help you?” The clerk looked happy to see him, like most of the others in town.
“I ‘m h-here to b-buy a h-house.” Synth looked away ashamed of his nervousness.
“Well certainly, we can have one built for you somewhere in town, or you can purchase an existing property. Unfortunately, we only have one property open right now. It’s just on the outskirts of town. Next to the-“
“I’ll take it.” Synth responded confident.
The agent seemed unsure. “Well, are you sure? You haven’t even seen it yet.”
“Trust me; I’m sure I’ll love it.” Synth said placing almost all of his bits on the table making the agent smile wide for a second.
“My n-name is S-synth, Synth Meadows. It’s a pleasure m-meeting you.” She looked a little confused but handed him a key and directions to the house.
“Well, okay then Mr. Meadows. Have a nice day. Let me get you some change.”
Synth waved it away. “That’s a-alright, keep the change.” Then he walked out.
Walking out of the shop, his eyes feel upon the scenery once again. It all looked so natural. Nothing compared to Canterlot. He started walking in direction to where he thought his house was. His eyes slowly moved from the cobblestone road to the trees and the vegetation all around him. It was so much to take in, he didn’t notice something streak across the sky.
It hit him like a train. At first he got was sliding across the road but then started to bounce on the road as well. It all ended when he hit the side of a fruit stand. Turning half of it to firewood and covering the body of the colt. Luckily the owner was away, but that didn’t help the amount of pain he felt after he stopped.
“Wow, that’s the second time that’s happened today. Maybe I should fly a little higher…” Rainbow was standing in front of the half broken stand and was peering at the damage. She had almost no marks on her, probably because he softened the impact.
“Hey man, you okay?” She started to sound a little worried when he didn’t move. “Ya know, it’s rude not to answer when you are asked a question.” The pile of lumber moved and he poked his head out.
“It… hurts…” Just a little to his left was his briefcase. “B-briefcase … p-please …” He couldn’t form many words because his body was full of pain.
Rainbow seemed not to understand, but she handed him the briefcase nonetheless. More out of curiosity than urgency, she decided to stay quiet. When he could see it, he used his magic to open and levitate out some pink seeds. When he put them in his mouth, Rainbow seemed to gag. “Those don’t look very good. Ya sure that’s a good idea?”
After a few seconds of chewing, his body stress loosened. His legs were starting to get some of their functions again. He looked towards the cyan Pegasus, annoyance in his voice. “W-what was that for?”
Rainbow seemed confused. “Well you said to get you the briefcase, How’d I know you’d eat those things?” Synth sighed.
“Not the briefcase, I’m talking about sending me fifty feet across town.” Synth was still feeling the effects the hit had on his body.
“Look, I lost control after I was practicing my moves, it happens all the time… okay well maybe just today…” Rainbow seemed genuinely sorry, so he let it slide.
“Well, a-anyway my n-name is Synth Meadows and you are?” Rainbow stood up tall and pushed her chest out.
“Name’s Rainbow Dash. I’m the fastest flyer in Equestria and I already proved myself once today.
Synth rolled his eyes. “Well, Miss D-dash I guess I’ll have to t-take your word for it.” Synth rolled his eyes as he walked away.
“Hey Synth, I got two things to say. One, just call me Rainbow. None of that Miss stuff; two, don’t be such a smart ass.” Rainbow had a smile in the corner of her face. Synth stopped and looked at her. He knew she was just playing around, and he decided to go along with it.
“Okay Rainbow, I’ll try to be normal from now on.” Rainbow’s smile turned into a grin and Synth broke out into a smile for once since he got to the town.
“But I see you’re getting over your stuttering. Ya know, you’re alright for a colt. See ya around Synth, and watch out for Pinkie.” Rainbow flew off and Synth was left to walk in the other direction wondering who Pinkie was. He didn’t have long to think though, before he heard a squeal and was pulled into a shop of some kind. His body still aching from the crash that he didn’t try to resist as he was pulled into a chair and was studied by a white unicorn.
His jaw dropped, she was the pinnacle of perfection. Her mane, her coat, her eyes- wait, was he really thinking this? Before he could say anything, the unicorn smiled. “Hello there I’m sorry for bringing you in like this, but I couldn’t resist myself. Your coat is the perfect shade for a new fashion line I’ve been making.” Synth looked down to see his cloak that he kept around himself was to the side and revealed almost his entire coat now.
It must have moved when he was tackled. He was going to move it back but a hoof stopped him. “Please, allow me.” Rarity then took the cloak off him and moved a stack of clothes next to him. “May we begin?” Synth was going to argue, but a flutter of the eyelids and he was turned speechless. Was he really falling for her?
“My name is Rarity and I’m the owner of this establishment. No, this isn’t right…” Synth brought himself to talk, not to complain because he knew that he’d never be able to find a way out of this now, but just because he didn’t want to come off as strange.
“H-hello Miss R-rarity, I’m Synth M-meadows. I’d like to s-say it’s my p-pleasure to help you.” Synth smiled awkwardly and tried not to sweat. He was still staring at her, but she didn’t seem to notice or she didn’t care.
“My, you have such manners. You must have been very well raised.” Rarity said as she found placed a suit on him that made him feel like a millionaire. Synth couldn’t help but feel a little sad. “Yes, my parents wanted me to be the best I could be.” Rarity smiled and started to put a tie on him. “Well, I haven’t seen you around here before dear, are you new?”
“Actually, I j-just moved here from C-Canterlot and I-“He was cut off as he was starting to be choked. Rarity was going on a tangent about how she’d always wanted to go there.
The tie she’d been putting around his neck was cutting off his circulation. Even though she used magic, she took the tie with her while she walked forward fantasizing about Canterlot. He swung his hooves out randomly as his oxygen deprivation was getting to him. His vision blurred, his hearing stopped, and his neck was being tightened. He stopped struggling. It wouldn’t be long until-
Rarity finished and realized what she’d done. “Oh, my. I’m so sorry about that, are you okay?” She undid the knot around his neck and Synth started gasping for air. If she’d taken one more step, she could have broken his neck.
“I’m *cough* o…okay.” Synth was wheezing as he finally heard her question after she repeated it a few times. His hearing and his vision were coming back, that was a good sign. Standing up, he saw himself in a mirror and he gasped.
“What’s wrong? Are you sure you’re okay, dear? Maybe we should get you some medical attention…”
Synth shook his head and replied. “M-miss Rarity, it l-looks amazing.”
Rarity sighed. “Oh, I know dear, especially on you. It really fits your Neck...Lace…” Rarity trailed off and her eyes went wide. “Where…did you get that?” Synth looked to see the necklace still where he put it.
“I-it was a going away present from my mom. It means a lot to me, just like my cloak. It was a present from my dad.”
“That necklace must be worth a fortune. It’s made from baby gems!” Rarity looked at it with admiration. “W-want a closer look?” Synth decided there was no harm in letting her touch them. Rarity nodded and Synth levitated it to her. When she touched the baby Diamond, it glowed and even when she removed her hoof, it continued to glow.
“My, baby gems sure are rather unique.” Rarity said touching the other five in turn. None of them glowed except for the Diamond. Synth continued to look at the suit. It was a good color for him. A little red here and there with blue making up the outline and yellow for the rest of it. Complimentary colors were a good idea; they really brought out his coat.
“Well, this is a very fine suit, but I think should be taking my leave now.” Rarity gave back his necklace and he took off the suit handing it back to Rarity and putting the necklace and cloak on.
“It was nice meeting you Synth.”
“Likewise, Miss Rarity and I would be glad if you informed me when this suit will come out for sale.” Rarity Smiled.
“Now, your manners are well expressed and your stuttering is getting better. I’ll gladly let you know when it’s ready. Until then, keep an eye out for Pinkie.” Rarity then turned and walked into a different room.Synth walked outside wondering who Pinkie was.
He looked down both streets and forgot which way he came from and which way he was going. After a good few minutes of wandering, Synth decided to face facts. He was lost. He stopped and formulated a plan. He knew the house was on the outskirts of town. So if he went to the edge, and then walked the perimeter he would find it eventually.
“Well I’ve wasted enough time already…” Synth muttered to himself as he ran down a street as fast as he could. It wasn’t long before his mind wandered to all of the houses. They seemed to be two storied and spacious. The gardens and roads seemed to be well taken care of, too and the sky-
Synth went horn first into a tree. He groaned and he felt like his mind hit a blank wall, which was pretty close to what he actually hit. He slid down and his brain turned off for a few seconds.
He could hear voices now. They were muffled voices, but they were there. There was also a sharp pain in his head. The voices seemed to be getting louder and more urgent. Now there was a clear voice that seemed to be inside his head as well. “Well, you’ve scared them enough already. Get up before you end up in the hospital.”
Synth’s eyes opened wide and his blurred eyes landed on three mares that were looking at him. The orange one was wincing at his injury, and the yellow one was gasping. They had a worried expression, except for the pink one. She was jumping up and down and, as his vision cleared, was smiling.
“Oh, that was no good, you’ll have to try harder next time.” The pink pony said. Synth was still feeling the vibration in his skull and what the pink pony said didn’t help him.
“Pinkie, what are you going on about? Can’t you see he’s hurt?” he heard the orange one say with an accent.
“Wait…I think he’s waking up…” He barely heard the yellow pony say. His vision was almost back to normal and he could make out the wings by her side. She was a Pegasus, hopefully not like the other one he met…but she seemed to be naturally quiet.She was a complete opposite to the pink earth pony jumping up and down smiling.
“Yah think he’s okay?” The orange one asked the others.
“Well, duh. Oh course he’s okay. I saw everything. He was charging at that tree and he hit it dead on. He pulled off a good layer of the bark but this round goes to the tree. Get up Mister for Round 2. Show that tree who’s boss. That last round was just a warm up; you’ll get your comeuppance.” She said the last statement to the tree who didn’t reply, of course.
Synth found a break from her talking to say something. “I didn’t plan to hit the tree. I didn’t see it is all. Now, could somepony get me my suitcase? It should be around here somewhere…”
“Ah found it. What’s in this here anyhow? It feels mighty heavy.” Synth desperately needed the contents, so he told her to open it.
After a few seconds of fiddling with the lock, she managed to use her teeth to open it. Note to self, get an easier to open lock. Synth thought to himself as the pain in his head continued to grow. “So, what am Ah looking for in this here mess ah grass?” Synth wanted to tell her what they really were, but he’d wait until his head wasn’t about to explode.
“Find the red and yellow striped seeds. There should be three of them.” Applejack shifted through the seeds and with Fluttershy’s help, they managed to find all three.
“Okay, we got ‘em. What now?” Applejack looked to Synth and saw him beckoning her over.
When she was in close enough, he continued. “Could you… put them in my mouth? I can’t use magic right now…” Synth knew this was a hard request, but there were no unicorns as far as he could see. She just nodded and dropped them in his mouth.
“Hope yah know what yer doin’.” Synth swallowed them whole and breathed in and out a few times. His mind was getting cleared up and he brought himself to stand.
On impact, his legs also hit the tree, but just clearing his head was enough for him to be satisfied. “Thank you Miss…” Synth was very appreciative about what she did.
“Applejack, that’s mah name and ahm sticking to it.” She smiled and Synth turned to the other two. “And you two are?” Synth still felt grateful they cared about him without even knowing who he was.
“I’m Pinkie Pie! It’s great to see a new pony in town!” So, this was the legendary Pinkie he’s been hearing about…
“Um…I’m Fluttershy…Are you, sure…you should be …standing up…?” Fluttershy said seeing him stand up after being helpless moments before. Synth smiled after he barely caught her name. It suited her. Now he was going to have to explain himself.
“Ya, yah sure yer okay? We got ourselves a hospital nearby we could take yah to.” He decided he should explain himself before they thought he was a lunatic.
“I’m alright; it was those seeds I ate. I know all about them and they help with brain problems. It’s my special talent to know what all of the plants do.” At this the others seemed to relax but Pinkie giggled.
“Well, if you knew how tough that tree was, then why’d you try to beat it?” Synth felt like tearing his mane out. “I…didn’t…-“Applejack cut in before he continued.
“Don’t worry bout her Sugarcube, she’s got her own explanation for everythin’.”
Synth sighed and let it go. “Alright, so them seeds did the trick? Those must’ve delicious if they could do that.” Applejack said.
Synth gagged. “Actually they were pretty old and they don’t taste very good anyways.” Pinkie stepped in front of him and shoved a cupcake down his throat.
“There! That’ll wash down that taste in your mouth.” She said giggling.
Synth was choking on the cupcake and had to use his magic to create an opening for the air to go in. “*Cough* Pinkie, what *cough* was that for *cough*?”
Pinkie smiled, well duh, who doesn’t like the taste of a cupcake?” Synth just decided that she meant well and shrugged it off, even though the cupcake completely missed his tongue.
“Well, anyways. Those were my last seeds, so I’ll need to get more. Could you girls tell me where the Everfree Forest is?” Their faces turned into ones of fear.
“The Everfree Forest?” Until he said that, they were starting to look like he was a normal pony, now they looked at him like he was crazy. “Are yah crazy?” Well, at least he learned he was great at reading emotions… And his body recoiled at the outburst. Being yelled at wasn’t his cup of tea.
Naturally, his body went defensive and turned to being a smart ass. “Actually, I’m quite sane… Those seeds ensured that.” Applejack looked like she was ready to buck him in the face after that.
“Waddaya Thinking? Goin’ to the Everfree Forest?” He thought she was overreacting and decided to turn to the Pegasus for her judgment on the situation.
She was cowering behind the pink pony and he noticed the pink pony had a frown for the first time he’s seen since meeting her. “Well, if you all think it’s so dangerous… I’ll just make do without it.” Synth said knowing they’d never let him go if he argued about it anyways. Applejack smiled at him, believing him to keep his word. He didn’t look like a liar.
“Well great, glad that’s cleared up.” Applejack said. “But Synth, you got somewhere you’re staying for the night?”
Synth nodded then frowned. “Yes, but um… Miss Applejack, could you show me where this is?”
Applejack chuckled, “Applejack’s fine. Don’t gotta go all fancy on meh. Say, are yah from Canterlot?”
Synth was shocked. “Yeah, how’d you guess?” Applejack smiled. “Ah just met someone this mornin’ from there. You act a lot like her. Her name’s Twilight, know her?”
Synth couldn’t say he wasn’t surprised. “No, but I’ve heard her name before today, and it sounds awfully familiar…”
Applejack smiled, “well anyway, what is it yah wanted to ask meh?”
Synth had to remember what she was talking about then remembered his predicament. “Do you happen to know where this address is?” Applejack looked at the piece of paper and a smile appeared on her face.
“Sugarcube… Look behind you.” Synth’s stomach fell. He turned and peering behind the tree saw the house sitting there with a SOLD sign in front.
“Well, that just happened…” He felt humiliated and covered most of his face with his cloak so they didn’t see his face turn red. He walked towards the front door.
“W-wait Synth!” Synth looked up just as he walked into the tree again. It didn’t hurt him, just his pride. His face was now completely red as he walked around the tree and towards his house.
He heard Applejack laughing apparently unable to hold herself. Even Fluttershy couldn’t stifle a giggle, Synth heard it clearly. Pinkie on the other hand was unfazed. He still heard her words to him as he stepped inside the house. “Round 2 goes to the tree.” Then he slammed the door and slumped on the floor trying to figure out everything that’s happened since then.