//------------------------------// // Chapter Four // Story: My Dear Shy - Life in Equestria // by Keeper-of-Harmony //------------------------------// The day was nearing its end. The top-half of Celestia's sun merely peeked from the end of the horizon, coloring the sky above an orange, autumn glow. Where it was gradually descending to rest, allowing her sister's moon to take over the spotlight over the great yonder for the rest of the twenty-four-hour cycle. The thin air surrounding me got cold as the breeze brushed coldly against my face's skin. Darkness approached as time elapsed; the moon started to rise from the east by the time the sun fully descended to the west. I was packing up my supplies, then I began hearing crickets chirping and the distinct cries of wolves howling far from a distance. In steady haste, I gathered my stuff, buried the bones of the delectable meal I caught and ate, and made my journey toward home. As I walked, while staring at the black magenta sky, I admired the vast collection of Luna's glimmering stars hanging from the heavens above. Sure the stars in Equestria were no different than Earth's, but it was just... beautiful to watch - a habit I always enjoyed doing. It reminded me of when I used to camp outdoors when I was just a young boy. I remembered how I sat next to a campfire, star-gazing rather than listening to my step-father's shitty stories about his years as a wilderness scout or whatever shit he came up with. Most of the time I ignored him and his stories. Whenever I did pay attention, though, by God did he had a stern, narrating voice. It had me thinking he could have been some sort of narrator for a hero movie. Moving on. Normally I'd venture the usual path that followed the river back to Fluttershy's cottage, but I instead went to Rarity's boutique to bring Spike back to Twilight's place. I told Rarity it'd best we reschedule the appointment for tomorrow, seeing it had gotten late. "Why of course, darling," Rarity happily obliged. "I'll be seeing you later then. Ta-ta!" With a simple nod, I resumed walking out the door with Spike following behind. ---------- After bringing the baby dragon back to Twilight's treehouse, it was no surprise that Twilight had asked if I'd come in for another "friendly conversation". Since I had to get back home before Fluttershy would become more worried, I replied that I'd have no time for another chit-chat. Twilight, excited when she was, was disappointed by my answer but understood it completely. "Well, thank you for bringing Spike back home. I appreciate it," said Twilight, beaming me a gentle smile. I stood for a bit, itching the back of my head idly. "Thanks aren't necessary," I replied, returning her gesture with a grin. Twilight glanced away from me momentarily as if something caught her attention. In a mere few seconds, she swiveled her sight back to me. Her ears slightly pinned back, the purple unicorn raised her head and looked at me again. "Sooo," Twilight started, brushing her right foreleg with her left one as her face's cheeks glowed a faint blush. "You sure I can't convince you to come in for some sweet tea?" she offered. Seeing as it was getting late by the minute, I shook my head, declining her offer. "Sorry, but I have to hurry," I replied. "Fluttershy must be very worried that I've been gone this long, and if I don't return home anytime sooner she'll probably become even more worried sick." "That's true," Twilight agreed, albeit her tone sounded a little discouraged. "You know Fluttershy - always worrying and whatnot." "That's just how she is," I huffed out a weak chuckle to Twilight's remark. "But," I added. "There is something I've been meaning to ask since I came here, yet I was too focused on the "Celestia getting me a license" business." In an instant Twilight's ears stood straight up at attention. "Yes?" she eagerly questioned, her pupils sparkling as she tilted her head forward, listening attentively. "Since I've only been here for about a whole month, I still know nothing about the locations, the stores and whatever in Ponyville. So I was wondering... if you'd like to become my tour guide for a week or two? That is if you don't have any plans." "Hmm," Twilight hummed thoughtfully. She stood there for several seconds, meanwhile rubbing the bottom of her chin thoroughly with a hoof. "Just a sec," motioned Twilight before she closed the door. I thought it seemed strange she told me to wait, but I considered she probably had to check her calendar or something. I rocked my arms back and forth, staring up at the stars while I waited for the purple unicorn. Waiting... If there was one thing I hated most, it had to be waiting. Patience hasn't been particularly my thing. Even when I used to be young I hated it. Take for an example on my previous log in my diary; that dumbass register guy had it coming when he couldn't scan a damn carton of milk; he'd be better off scooping manure at a farm than working at a grocery store. Dismissing that little rant there, I watched as the misty clouds shifted to reveal a full moon casting its passionate, lunar gaze down at me. Its radiance so bright, it formed my very own shadow. Said shadow only lied there, flat across the ground, mimicking whatever action I did like a mirror. Whenever I raised an arm or made a single step, it'd do the same. After a single minute had gone by, Twilight finally opened the door and said, "I took your request into consideration." "And?" I said, raising a brow. "And I'll be glad to be your tour guide for a whole week, starting tomorrow at noon." Twilight cheerily finished. "Great!" I said. "That'll give me enough time for my errands in the morning. I'll see you tomorrow." "Safe travels, and good night." Twilight waved before closing the door once again. Then, I overheard Twilight saying something beyond her door. I swore for a second I heard her squealing 'Yes!' repeatedly. Not sure why she was getting pretty excited, but I chalked it up that being a tour guide must've been exciting for her. I'd probably be happy too if I got to be something I never was. Sadly, me becoming an author continued to remain a fantasy; a dream I believed could never come true. But a man could dream, couldn't he? I turned around, humming a tune -- 'Time of Your Life' by Green Day -- to myself while treading toward to Sugarcube Corner, hoping I'd make it there before it'd close. It was four weeks ago -- the second day after my arrival in Equestria -- that I first came to Sugarcube Corner when me, Fluttershy, Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, including Spike, were invited to Pinkie Pie's 'Welcome to Ponyville' party - a special party dedicated to me staying in their world. The building was a bakery and confectionery, decked out like what you'd expect a gingerbread house to be. Except it wasn't made out of candy, or at least I hoped not. Speaking of Pinkie Pie, boy I'll tell ya, she was quite the most bubbly character I had ever met in my entire life. The minute she'd gotten all hyperactive there was no telling when she'd stop talking. She'd go blabbering on and on and on, I imagined she would have to stop to breathe. But no, she'd go on talking for hours. Centuries, if that were even possible. Thing was, she was incredibly annoying when she wouldn't keep her yapper shut. Just... people of that kind tick me off. They feel the need to talk about anything unnecessary, whether the topics were pointless or not. I would love nothing more than give the right mind to punch them in the face just so they would shut the hell up. Of course, I wouldn't do such a thing to Pinkie Pie (much as I wanted to) because after all, she's one of my daughter's closest friends. If I had to say one thing I liked about Pinkie Pie, it would be her sense of humor - a personality I could relate to. Replacing Celestia's ink with invisible ink, a bouquet rigged with sneezing powder, painting the apples of Appleacres of random colors. All those pranks Rainbow Dash told me were funny. Not as "comedy-gold" funny but simply funny nonetheless. Anyway. When I arrived at Sugarcube Corner it was closed, so I resumed walking home, disappointed that I couldn't bring the cupcakes I promised to Fluttershy. While walking, I thought about Discord's interesting riddle. Assuming it was a riddle. Perhaps they have or perhaps they haven't. Was there some other human besides me? Would I not be only the only human living in Equestria? Given the confused, scrutinizing looks from the pony-folk, I would say that they hadn't seen anything like me, so I didn't know what Discord meant by what he said. Then again, Discord was always a very strange one. Another concern did cross my mind. The weapon Discord mentioned; the revolver inside my suitcase. I knew very well the consequences of possessing a lethal gun, but I wasn't going to stay in a world without any protection. What if I went out to the Everfree Forest (heaven forbid) for whatever reason alone? There's no telling what foul, mythical creatures lie in that forest. I could get attacked and the only thing I'd have to defend myself with would be an ineffective wooden spear and a couple of flints. That's why I brought the revolver. If anything or anyone dared to try to harm me or my daughter they'd get a .44 lodged in their skull.