//------------------------------// // In which Clayton becomes a Pilgrim. // Story: Dream Valley // by Eh //------------------------------// There was a knocking at my door. Every bang at that door felt like a kick to the head. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. The effects of last night were starting to kick like an apple farmer. My stomach felt like it was boiling over a stew, my throat was drier than a desert, and my head felt like it was getting crushed between rocks. That knocking came again and again more pain in my head. From behind the door, a mare shouted, "Are you in there, Mister Clayton?" I forced myself to sit up straight, knocking over some empty bottles of applebrandy and a couple of betting tickets. I suddenly recalled the events of last night in good clarity then. I was drinking, drinking a lot. Someone, the identity eludes me, made a few bets with me. I lost. Judging by the fact that there were several other tickets on the desk along with the others I knocked over, I must have lost a lot of times. Then I spied a note on my desk, hastily written but written as if there was lot of anger behind it. YOU'RE 10,000 BITS SHORT Yeah, I really must have lost a lot of times. How the heck was I going to pay this off? I wasn't exactly swimming in bits at the moment. Did I even live here? I looked around. It truly felt like someone had stolen one of my kidneys. Nothing in this single room but the desk, the chair I fell asleep in, a trunk full of spare clothes, and the mattress. The wallpaper was peeling away, the floorboards were rotting and festering, and even the door didn't look much better. This place felt more at home for hobos, thieves, or batponies. The absolute worst place to raise a family or even to just sleep in. Yep, I definitely lived here. That knocking came again. My head felt like it was going to burst. Summoning all my hungover strength, I shouted at them. "What do you want!?" I knew exactly what they wanted of course. They wanted money. If I couldn't pay, they would probably take my bed or something, or the desk, or maybe something in my trunk. Then again, ten-thousand bits wasn't anything to shake a stick at. The response however, surprised me. "We can wipe away your debt, Mister Clayton!" DREAM VALLEY I really feel like I should be questioning why I'm getting soaked in the rain on a rowboat in the middle of the ocean while the two other occupants of this boat argue about the most meaningless things ever. I could have just not got on the boat in the first place now that I think about it. But you know, there's a time to complain and that's when it feels like the universe is out to get you at every turn and every corner. It would really be terrible if every time you succeed, some idiot moves the goalposts down the field and says you didn't. That's the kind of stuff you can complain about. At least, legitimately complain about. Why am I not complaining? Because I dug myself into this hole, so to speak. I gambled. Now I owe a debt to people that you do not want to owe debts to. I consider myself a cautious stallion. Indeed, unicorns are known for being cautious around everyone that isn't a unicorn. That goes out the window the instant that first drop of applebrandy goes down your throat. I drink too which is probably worse than the gambling. Mixing gambling and alcohol is like trying to put out a fire with fireworks. I was lucky they didn't steal one of my kidneys. And now I'm here. In the ocean between Equestria and Gryphonia. The deal was simple, "Bring us the girl and wipe away the debt". The details eluded me. I'm sure the details didn't matter though. What's done is done, and what's done will be done. I only really wondered what use they had for some mare. Maybe it was family or friends, or perhaps someone they can toy with. I really could care less. As long as the debt was paid and I don't end up dead, I was all for it. "You know," said one of the mares. This mare was rowing the boat alone, grunting in exertion with each stroke. Beneath that bright yellow raincoat and rainhat were a warm straight cut red mane and a brilliant white coat. She continued on saying, "I'd greatly appreciate it if you would assist in the rowing." The other mare, wearing similar rain attire responded with, "I built the boat, Miss Rosetta. I'm sure you can row it on your own. Especially since I see you rowing it as all the stallions in town shout your name as you drift by." This mare had a blonde mane with a similar white coat as Miss Rosetta. They must be related or something. "Are you still bitter about that?" "Perhaps I am. You always get the attention for rowing the boat that I built while all the colts and stallions practically worship you." "Well perhaps you should have been more involved with the boat. You can't just build a boat then not use it. That's like building a house and deciding not to live in it." "Well, why do you even row the boat anyway?" "Because I happen to like this boat, Miss Iris. I like rowing it, it's wonderful in the summers and it's a very wonderful exercise." "And yet you don't mind all the stallions who gather by the shore and catcall you." "Not really, they all know I'm married anyway." I should remind you of how utterly monotonous this is. I spent at least two hours listening to them prattle on about things mares talked about. I bet they were nice and dry underneath their raincoats and rainhats while I had sit out here and get drenched. Combined with the fact that we were in the middle of the rain while the waves were rocking us like a chair, I felt about ready to just jump in the ocean and drown. Being rational however, I didn't. "Excuse me," I tried getting their attention. The blonde mare known as Miss Iris looked back at me, as did Miss Rosetta. Even beneath that shadowy hat, I could tell exactly why the stallions were up in hooves over Rosetta and possibly Iris. They looked stunning. I cleared my throat which allowed me some time to clear up my suddenly twisted tongue, then I asked, "How much longer?" Iris shrugged. "Shan't be too long." Iris's blue-green eyes widened for the briefest of seconds, then she reached under her seat and pulled out a box. It was a very simple wooden box, but I spied something that made this box very special. It was a gold labeling on the center of the cover. LANCE CORPORAL CLAYTON HER MAJESTY'S ROYAL GUARD Yep, my name is Clayton. I was part of the Royal Guard. Now that that's out of the way, we can get back to this. I took the box gingerly and opened it up. The first thing that caught my attention was the pistol. I knew what guns were, all Guardsponies did. We were trained in their use in case the griffons ever decided to cross the pond. Being a unicorn, I could use them with a simple magic grip. This particular pistol was a simple revolver in all its faded metal and six shot cylindrical glory. I pulled the cylinder out, and sure enough it was indeed loaded with .22 Caliber. Now that I think about it, I remember a friend of mine in the guard who tried designing a gun that ponies could use. He wound up accidentally wounding another guard because he didn't include a trigger guard. I put the revolver back in the box. That'll be good for emergencies definitely. There were another few things in the box as well. There was a large skeleton key of some kind. On the bottom of the cover was a picture, depicting a sort of brass statue of a rearing alicorn which was labelled, "The Alicorn". I took the picture out and turned it over. Some really hasty writing on there. "You'll find the girl there" it said. There was also a photograph of what I assumed to be the mare I was looking for. A lavender unicorn, probably younger than me. Couldn't make out too many details, but she was recognizable enough, especially with that starburst cutie mark. I spent a full minute looking at that cutie mark before realizing I was just admiring the area around it, then I turned the photo over. "Bring to Canterlot unharmed." At least my employers were specific. Lastly, there was at least five bits inside. Five bits closer to paying off that debt, for it's worth. I closed the box, and right around there my eyes were being blinded by something. Out there in the foggy, rain soaking ocean was some kind of bright light. I have to give you some perspective here, we're in the middle of the ocean between Gryphonia and Equestria. For all I knew, this could've been a freighter or perhaps an airship flying low to dodge the clouds. I was wrong, because as we got closer there was a definite shape of a tower, and at the top was that light. It was a lighthouse on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere. Gotta say, I'm no marine or anything but I don't think there was anything to collide with two-hundred miles from the nearest coast. I heard Rosetta again. "You know, I would still appreciate it if you would help me row, Miss Iris." Iris simply sat there, looking at her hooves pensively. "Perhaps you should ask the stallion, Miss Rosetta." "I would if we could cease this rowing." "Cease this rowing?" "No, cease this rowing." "Ah. I see what you mean." I didn't. The boat pulled up to some stairs coming out of the sea and up to the base of the lighthouse. Iris stated, "We've arrived." Well, obviously. I don't imagine we'd stop at a ghost lighthouse for a coffee run. I took the box and stuffed it into a worn satchel I brought with me. Although I wasn't eager to part the company of two lovely mares, especially one who was single, I was at least eager to get away from their conversations. I stepped off and onto the stairs. Rosetta pushed the boat off away from the lighthouse. "Right, best of luck to you then, Mister Clayton." "Indeed, try not to die or anything." "That's quite blunt of you, Miss Iris." "Well, what should I say then? Just try not to get killed?" "I'm sure he'll develop feet of clay if we just tell him he might wind up a skeleton." As they slowly rowed away, I decided to look at this lighthouse in better detail. And what detail it was. It was octagonal, probably seven stories, and I immediately noticed the light wasn't the most conventional light you'd see on a lighthouse. Rather say a gigantic torch, it was actually a gigantic lightbulb which shined in every direction, completely exposed to the elements. The walls were also polished and clean, as if it was just built yesterday. It probably was because I don't remember there being random lighthouses scattered around everywhere. I stepped up the marble stairs. Marble, just more evidence that this thing didn't belong here. I eventually came up to a door. Wooden, simple, very unlike the rest of the lighthouse. What caught my attention more however was the note nailed to it. CLAY BRING US THE GIRL AND WIPE AWAY THE DEBT THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!!! Multiple exclamation points. I'm so scared. I gently pushed the door open, and it creaked loudly as if it hadn't been opened in years. As I stepped inside, it looked like nopony's even been in here for years either. It was darker than a batpony's heart in the lighthouse, I could barely see anything. Then, as I cleared the door, it shut with an immense bang. I nearly jumped in surprise, not fright, surprise. I grit my teeth and lit a light with my horn. Now, one of things you learn being on the Royal Guard is how to operate a lighthouse. Why? Because lighthouses are instrumental to navigation in stormy weather where visibility becomes such that you become legally blind if you stick your head out a window. Rogue storms are actually quite frequent around Equestria, and in case of emergencies there is a network of over dozen lighthouses built inland for the pegasi's safety. Before actually becoming a guard, every trainee spends a week manning one of these lighthouses. Boring, but necessary work. One thing we definitely hated was the spiraling staircases going up because if we tripped we'd end up going flank over hoof all the way to the bottom. Indeed, what really unnerved me wasn't the fact that there wasn't a spiral staircase going up. It was the fact that there was a spiral staircase, it was just going down. Down into some kind of basement or lower area, maybe under the sea or something. I swallowed hard, then slowly and steadily I walked down the stairs. The only source of illumination was from my horn. Wasn't the best torch as I could only see about a couple of feet in front of me, but it was better than nothing. Certainly better than just mucking around in the dark like a batpony. I have to admit however, every clang that's caused by me stepping on one of these metal stairsteps was raising hairs and I was sure that something was gonna burst out of the darkness and eat me. Thankfully, there wasn't. After two full revolutions on the stairs, I made it to a more comfortable wooden floor. I will admit this, the one thing I'm probably most afraid of is heights, and going down those stairs not knowing where the bottom was was kind of stressful. The walls here were clearly stone, and there was a distinct smell of moss in the air. Probably a leak or something. That's what you get for building a lighthouse like this I suppose. I stepped towards what I assumed to be the center, and immediately found myself face to face with something. It was a rusty metal pod, big enough to fit a couple of ponies or a single panda. The door leading inside it was open and thus I peered inside. Cloth seating, a deactivated light on the ceiling, a lever opposite the door, it all seemed innocent enough. "This must be how employers expect me to get there," I said to no one in particular. One thing I learned, talking to yourself was a great way to stave off fear and loneliness. I guess that's why most people who talk to themselves are insane too. I stepped inside, and the immediate thing was that I suddenly felt like I was on an elevator. That feeling of being on something hanging in the middle of a pit, and I have to say that I dread elevators. Always did. I took the towel and began drying myself off, then I took the note up and read it aloud to myself. Clay, do not do anything fancy. Bring us the girl and wipe away the debt. Do not allow your presence to be known to anyone who looks important. Whatever you do, do not pick #23. - Rosetta Wait. The mare on the boat? I thought about for a minute, and I chalked it up to just her working for the guys I was indebted to. Then again, this was particularly cryptic. Why shouldn't I pick #23? Seems like a lucky number, at least in comparison to seventy-seven or three. I placed the note on the seat and I sat down next to the lever. So this was it. The deciding moment. Well, not really a deciding moment. I really had to go through with this. It was either sit in this fancy pod, find some girl I've never met, and take her to some very unscrupulous people, or don't then get lamed by a bunch of griffons in an alleyway. What choice did I have? Sometimes in life, you just don't get a choice it seems. I pulled the lever down. The door immediately snapped shut. I tensed up as the pod suddenly felt like it was about to fall. That's just what it did. The pod began descending at slow pace, and soon I was now alone. The basement in the lighthouse was replaced with an ascending wall of rocks and stone. Now, the pod's single light lit up and I was able to give my horn a rest. I took a deep breath and waited. It's an interesting experience seeing that you're going down in what could potentially be a metal coffin. I wouldn't recommend it though. Then the pod began speeding up. I leaned back into the seat, gritting my teeth. The pod rumbled and shook as it roared down the shaft. I felt like I was actually falling, which would be really bad if I was because then the First Law of Motion would make paste out of me when we hit the bottom. I just noticed there was a sign above the door. It appeared to be magic of some kind because the sign was measuring how deep I was going in real time. I had already passed three klicks, or kilometers in civilian terms. I really was going fast. I realized that I actually might die if this thing were to fail to slow down. I wondered how long this thing went on for. About five minutes later when the sign reached ten klicks, the pod finally began slowing down. Suddenly, a projection screen lowered down from the ceiling, obscuring the window. A beam of light came in from opposite the screen, projecting a square of white. I then realized it was a film projector. Sometimes you're just slow to realize things I suppose. An image came on the screen. It was an image of a unicorn on a cliff, looking over a city far into the distance. Her coat was orange and her mane was a fiery mix of red and yellow. No cutie mark, strangely enough. On the bottom of this image were the words, "The words of Princess Sunset Shimmer." A feminine voice, confident and intelligent sounding, came from a hidden speaker in the pod and said, "Welcome, Pilgrim. I am Princess Sunset Shimmer. I congratulate you for undertaking this great journey." The image stayed, but I could just tell that there was more this mare had to say. "Let me ask you a question, Pilgrim. Is a person not entitled to be more? Are we not entitled to be able to become more than just merely a stamp on our flank? Are we to just lay down our lives in the name of a 'special talent' or a destiny in life just because someone said so? Will we just go to our graves like beds, unfulfilled, not knowing we could become more than just a simple farmer or a carpenter or a musician? "I am here to answer that question. I rejected that promise, the promise of a so called 'fulfilled' life doing what a stamp told me and forever going about my life knowing I can be more than just that. With our blood, sweat, and tears, we can be more than just that. We can become more than ponies in Equestria serving underneath some pitiable alicorn with delusions of grandeur. We can become much, much, more, Pilgrim. "And so I welcome you, Pilgrim, to our herd and to this new land. A land where you may become whomever you want to be. Where you will not be constrained by a stamp or a defined destiny. Where great thinkers and noble people are made rather than born. Where the gods are such because they made themselves so." The screen retracted upwards. I was blinded by the sudden influx of light. Quietly, Sunset said, "I welcome you, to Dream Valley." As my eyes settled to this new light, I saw before me a city. I could barely make words for it. There was a sky, a great blue sky complete with clouds and a sun. Four great huge columns jutted up from each corner of the city and up up into sky. They were smooth, round, almost metallic looking in shape with chain-like grooves ascending down to their base. The city itself as well was huge, definitely bigger than Manehattan or Canterlot with skyscrapers and other huge buildings. The great rearing alicorn towered over the city as if it were a watchful protector. An airship obscured my view of the city as it drifted by with two wings of propellers. On the side was a poster, a giant portrait of Sunset Shimmer. Below this portrait were the words, "OUR PRINCESS SUNSET SHIMMER". A troop of pegasi flew by as well, towing flags celebrating "FOUNDING DAY" and "OUR HARD WORK FAILS NOT TO REWARD US". For the longest time as I descended down into this city, I didn't think I was nearly ten klicks underground or as the sign read a full thirty klicks. I couldn't even think of anything else. I'm sure my jaw was hanging open like an ajar door. It was the most magnificent thing I had ever laid my eyes on. I thought I had entered some kind of heaven. The pod rumbled to a stop, then began descending down into new darkness.