//------------------------------// // Ch. 4: "Startling Truths" // Story: The Dawn of a bright, new life. // by Hallowedsoul //------------------------------// Chapter Four “Startling Truths” Okay, you are very rarely ever going to hear me use profanity stronger than what I’ve been using, but this moment calls for it. What. The. Fuck. I stopped maybe halfway between her and the table, while both Rarity and Terra looked between us in shock. “How do you know my name?” I asked coldly, forgetting the rules I’d set in place in regards to my knowledge of this world. She blinked, and gave me a confused look. “Why wouldn’t I?” She replied, giving me a warm smile and extending a hand to touch my face, but I stepped quickly out of reach. I noticed at this point that Pinkie had returned with the rest of the Mane Six, and all of them were staring at us while Twilight looked genuinely hurt when I’d backed away from her. “Leon… It’s me, Twilight… Don’t you recognize me?” She asked, quietly. “I know damn well who you are, my question was ‘How the hell do you know who I am’?!” I snapped. I could feel panic rising in my heart, and apparently the others could as well, because Rarity stood up and placed herself between us. “N-now, now I’m certain we can answer everypony’s questions over tea.” She said with a forced smile, but I turned a sharp glare to her. After a moment of silence, I turned back to the table and packed everything I’d pulled out back in my bag, letting Terra hold onto the dolls. “Terra, we need to leave. Now.” I said, slinging the bag over my shoulder and gently pulling her chair out as she stood (I may be losing it, but that’s no excuse to be rough with Terra. She’s done nothing wrong). I saw Twilight’s friends put themselves in front of the door to the bakery and decided I wasn’t getting out that way, because I knew that I wouldn’t last two seconds in a straight up fight against Rainbow Dash or Applejack, let alone both, so I ushered Terra through the door to the kitchen and we left quickly out the back. We ran away from the bakery, following the back roads between the various buildings until I was certain we were alone, at which point I leaned against the wall next to me, breathing heavily. “Leon… are you okay?” Terra asked, placing a hand on my shoulder and looking into my eyes. God, I did not want to see that worried expression on her face, but at the same time I couldn’t lie to her. “I, I don’t… no, Terra, I’m not okay. She… they shouldn’t know who I am, we’ve never met before.” I replied, sliding down the wall until I was sitting against it instead of leaning, my mind still reeling from the fact that Twilight… no, the entire Mane Six, knew who I was! It shouldn’t be possible, I only got roped into this mess maybe a few hours ago, or a few days ago or how the hell was I supposed to know?! I put my hands against my head, which was hurting from the fact that I just couldn’t understand exactly what was going on and it scared the hell out of me. Terra seemed to sense this and wrapped me in a gentle hug. “Its okay, Leon. I’m here for you, just like you were there for me when I needed you most.” She whispered soothingly “Everything’s going to be fine.” “How do you know that, Terra?!” I asked her, my voice shaking in fear “After all that’s happened, how can you tell me everything’s going to be okay?!” “Because…” She replied, her tone gentle “I have faith in you. You’ve just got a lot to deal with, that’s all. One step at a time, okay?” I considered her words carefully, and realized she was right. I couldn’t break now, not after we just started. She needed me to remain whole, because she was afraid and I gave her courage. Looking at me now, I realize I’d also been afraid the whole time. Terrified, really, but I now understood she gave me as much courage as I gave her. I never would have made it this far without her. Don’t get the wrong idea, I am not romantically interested in Terra; she’s too young for me and she inspires the wrong emotions. For me, it’s more of a… familial thing. I feel like she’s my little sister that I have to protect. That’s not to say she’s unattractive; I think she’s very cute. I regulated my breathing and patted Terra on the shoulder. When she broke the embrace and looked at me worriedly, I gave her a winning smile. She stood and stepped back to let me get to my feet, but as I did, I saw Applejack standing about twenty feet away. My first thought was to turn around and run, but I saw the expression on her face and realized she’d probably followed us from the bakery (both Terra and I were too distracted by my near mental-breakdown to really notice) and purposefully stayed well back. I decided to give the cowpony a chance to talk, and I beckoned her over. Okay, you can probably guess what an anthro version of Applejack would be wearing, but I’ll describe the attire regardless (to the best of my abilities, I never was great at descriptions). Apart from her brown Stetson, she wore a white tank top with a red-checkered blouse over it, undone to maybe halfway down the shirt. She also wore a pair of jeans that accented her well toned legs (these ponies are gonna give me a crazy leg fetish, I swear to God) with a belt not unlike my own, along with a sturdy pair of ranch boots made from something that looked like leather but was most definitely not. A sturdy pair of gloves were tucked into the lip of her pants just over her right leg. She was fairly tall, too, just a couple of inches shorter than me. All in all, she looked like the kind of girl city boys drooled at the thought of and fought themselves over. At least she had the good grace to look embarrassed as she approached. “So… Ah guess the cat’s already outta the bag, huh?” She said, with a forced smile on her face while she rubbed the back of her head. “Not all of them, Applejack, but I intend to collect the rest soon enough.” I replied coolly. She took a deep breath and exhaled, crossing her arms over her chest. “Alright, we can explain over at the library. Do ya know where it’s at, Sugarcube?” She asked, but I shook my head. “I never once saw a concrete map of Ponyville; things tended to change a lot back home.” I said, removing my hat and rubbing my head (No point being subtle when they already knew I have prior knowledge of them). “Yeah, that’s what he said, too.” Applejack replied with a small chuckle, but her face grew solemn. ‘Crap… That’s not good.’ “Take me to the library, AJ.” I said, determination in my voice “If I’m gonna be here awhile around a bunch of ponies who know more about what’s happening than I do, I’m gonna need the whole story or things are gonna get more awkward around here than they already are.” “Ah hear ya on that one.” The cowpony replied with a nod, then gestured for Terra and I to follow her. I took one step and felt Terra grab my hand. When I looked back at her, she gave me a reassuring smile and nodded. Feeling more confidant, we followed Applejack through town to the library. We stopped at the door and AJ looked back at us. “Are ya ready, Sugarcube? This ain’t gonna be a pretty tale and ya might not believe most a’ it.” She said, her hand positioned on the knob to open the door to perhaps the one thing I should not know, but absolutely had to “We’d completely understand If’n ya want Celestia ta send ya back home an’ ferget this all happened.” “I’ll decide what I want once I hear the story.” I replied firmly, but I squeezed Terra’s hand to let her know just how terrified I was “One way or the other, I have to know. I don’t want to, but I have to.” Applejack nodded grimly at me and opened the door to the library, allowing Terra and I to cross before closing it behind us and locking it. I looked around at the main room of the library, first noting that it was completely clear of any furniture save for several chairs arranged in a circle, then noting that nearly all of the chairs were occupied by ponies. I saw two empty chairs which were placed strategically across from Twilight Sparkle, who was staring at the ground, and led Terra over to them and we sat down. Once we were situated, I took a head count of all the ponies present. There was Pinkie Pie sitting next to me opposite Terra, Applejack took the last empty chair which was next to Rainbow Dash, with Rarity sitting between Terra and Fluttershy. Twilight was directly opposite me and was flanked on either side by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, neither of whom looked pleased. Before I go further, I should explain something. I’m somewhat of a Brony, the kind that likes the show, watches the fan videos, reads the fanfics and wears t-shirts with Vinyl Scratch on them (because Vinyl Scratch is awesome, don’t let anyone tell you differently). However, I don’t go to conventions and I generally won’t say anything about being a Brony unless someone asks me “who’s best pony?” to which you probably know my answer. Anyway, now that I’ve explained how I know who each pony is (in case you hadn’t figured it out), I’ll describe the rest of the ponies in the room. Rainbow Dash was wearing a pair of sky blue track pants (which fit her out very well, if I must say, and I’ve finally crossed the border into fetish-land) with a pair of sky blue running shoes on her hooves and a sky blue wind jacket unzipped to reveal a white tank top not unlike Applejack’s. Fluttershy was wearing a pale yellow sundress that went down to a point between her knees and hooves, wearing what appeared to be sandals on her hooves, and was also wearing a light pink sweater. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were both wearing the kind of outfits you’d see on depictions of Roman Goddesses, each colored to best represent the wearer. Both were extremely beautiful and Terra whispered as much to me, though she blushed when both Princesses gave her a gentle smile as soon as she did (in case you’re wondering why I didn’t gawk at them like I did Rarity, it’s because I’m focused on more important matters right now). Oh, as for ages? I’m not entirely sure, but most of them seemed to be more or less around my age. If anything, Pinkie Pie seemed youngest, closer to Terra’s age than my own followed by Rainbow Dash. Celestia looked oldest, though I use that term loosely, at maybe just getting into her thirties (I know, I know, immortal Sun Goddess and all that, she probably knew Jesus from when he was in diapers). I gave each of the gathered ponies a stony glare, waiting for one of them to speak. When none of them did, I crossed my arms over my chest. “Is somepony gonna explain to me how Twilight knew who I was, or am I just gonna have Princess Celestia send Terra and I home now and wash my hands of this weirdness?” I asked, coolly. Twilight’s head shot up and the look on her face was alarmed. “No, you can’t!” She yelled, but then looked back at the ground when Celestia put a hand on her shoulder. The Sun Princess sighed and looked me in the eyes, her expression weary. “I suppose we should start at the beginning, then. You see, you were not the first human we’ve had visit our world.” She began carefully “He, too, knew about our existence before ever coming here, which he explained was the result of watching a TV show back in his world, though he told us that there were significant differences between the show and this world…” Okay, I’m gonna skip the conversation and just explain to you what she told me. There was another guy that came to this exact Equestria, who was also called Leon and he was apparently a great hero who travelled the different dimensions like some weird combination of Doctor Who and Sora from Kingdom Hearts. Turns out he’d been living in Ponyville for a couple of years before Twilight came and defeated Nightmare Moon, after which he became friends with the girls and was a great help when Discord broke free and caused all kinds of hell in Ponyville. However a couple of months ago, something happened and Equestria came under threat from something not of the world and it took everything they had to stop it, but it wasn’t without cost. Apparently, in the closing moments something went wrong and the other Leon had to stay behind, which ended in him giving his life to make sure Equestria would never come under outside threat ever again. Celestia and Luna claimed they did not know what it was that brought me there, but as I looked at Twilight, I noticed she was gripping her skirt tightly in her hands and her head was bowed in such a way that I couldn’t see her face. However, I did see her body give a slight spasm every few seconds. ‘Oh, damn… She’s crying, which means only one thing…’ I sighed and put a hand to my face. “I think I know what happened.” I said calmly, and everypony (and Terra) looked at me in surprise, except for Twilight. I leaned forward and steepled my hands in front of me. “There was a crucial piece of information you neglected to tell me, which was that Twilight Sparkle and the other Leon were in a relationship.” I stated, which caused everypony (save for Twilight once again, who only lowered her head further) to glance away solemnly. I stood and walked over to the lavender unicorn and crouched down in front of her. “You miss him, to such an extent that you spent countless hours researching spells until eventually you found one that could be used to summon an individual from across the Void between worlds.” I murmured to her “You thought that maybe you could use it to bring him back and the two of you could be together again.” The unicorn said nothing and only gave a slight nod. I sighed and looked at her sadly, as I took one of her hands and held it gently. “Twilight… you need to understand that he’s gone, and no amount of wishing is going to change it.” I said, which caused her to look at me with a glare that was furious and sorrowful at the same time. “No, my spell worked, it brought you back!” She retorted, her voice full of desperation. “No it didn’t, Twilight, because I’m not him!” I snapped angrily “I may look like him and speak like him, but I. Am. Not. Him!” She looked away from me, refusing to believe what I’d told her. I sighed heavily and calmed myself. “The dead cannot be brought back to life, Twilight. And if I know that, so did he, and he wouldn’t want you wasting your life trying to bring someone back who’s resting in peace.” I said gently, but she didn’t look at me, only gave a small sob. “I can’t… I won’t let him go, because if I do…” She murmured. “Twilight, even if there was a spell that could bring him back, do you think he’d want to return?” I asked her, turning her head to look at me, though her eyes glanced away “He had no regrets when he died and he went proudly. He’d tell you exactly what I’m telling you, which is to move on with your life.” I stood up and returned to my seat. There was a heavy silence in the room, eventually broken by Celestia, who’d been staring at her prized student sorrowfully. “This is truly unfortunate. I’m terribly sorry we put you through this, Leon.” She said, holding her hands in her lap “If you wish, I know a spell that can send you home and make you forget everything that has transpired.” Twilight gave a small twitch, but said nothing. I very heavily considered it. I’d been taken from my home against my will by a heartbroken mare and put through more crap than I thought I deserved, it was well within my right to turn around and go back home if I so desired. There was just one problem… I didn’t want to go back. I knew what waited for me back there, an empty world ready to collapse in on itself. Ever since I awoke in that hotel room, I’ve had more fun than I’d ever experienced back home and I was not eager to end my adventure so soon… or face that emptiness again. It was decided then. “No.” I stated, which caused all of the ponies and Terra to look at me in shock “I want to see what this world has to show me, because I have no future waiting for me back in mine.” Twilight looked up at me, her puffy eyes glowing with something that seemed hopeful, but I held up a finger. “However, I would like to know the offer will still stand if I ever feel I should need it.” I said, looking at Celestia, who smiled and nodded. “Of course it will. You are free to leave at any time you feel you must.” She replied, warmly. “Great!” I said, bringing me to my next question “Can you send Terra home the same way?” I asked, gesturing towards the girl sitting next to me. Celestia gave her a thoughtful look. “Hm, perhaps, but it could take some time.” She replied “I would need to find the frequency of the world she’s attuned to and then make sure it is the right version of her world. It could take a long time, but I can make it a priority if you so desire.” I looked at Terra, who glanced at me before looking back at Celestia. I couldn’t answer this question for her; she had to decide for herself. “Oh, there is no hurry. I’d like to stay and see this world as well.” She said with a small smile, and Celestia nodded. “It is settled then!” She exclaimed “I wish to be the first to welcome you to Equestria! We shall need to find suitable living arrangements for the both of you since you shall be staying in Ponyville for an extended period of time.” “I could take them.” Twilight ventured, but I shook my head (a part of me was… disappointed that I’d refused). “Considering your history, Twilight, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I said, but I put a hand up to my chin in thought “Did the other Leon have a home in town?” “He did, but we ain’t been able ta get inside since…” Applejack replied, but couldn’t finish the sentence and I understood why. Every pony in the room had been affected in some way with the other guy’s passing. Then it hit me. I unclipped my keychain from my belt loop and stared at the archaic key. It couldn’t be mere coincidence that I’d wake up with it. “I think I should go check it out anyway.” I said, then looked around the room “Anypony willing to show me where it is?” Pinkie jumped out of her chair with her hand held high “Oh, oh, oh I am! I am, pick me!” I smiled “Alright then. Oh, and Pinkie?” I said, holding up a hand “No fast travel. You made Terra slightly ill last time.” The party pony looked crestfallen and gave an embarrassed apology to Terra, who gave her a sweet smile and told her it was okay, which caused Pinkie to hug her. Terra and I said our goodbyes to the Princesses and the other girls, with Rarity extending an invitation for us to come by Carousel Boutique to be fitted for outfits once we were settled. I paused a moment to look at Twilight once more, who was heading up to her room. I felt truly sorry for her and wanted to help, but I was certain there was nothing I could do to make her feel better. It was then we left with Pinkie to be shown the home of the other Leon.