The walk took no more than five minutes, but managed to be beyond amazing. The environment was more than perfect, and the birds happily chirping away, with the scent of flowers filling the air. Everything seemed to all be like one happy dream. This place looks unspeakably cliche, but was tolerable at the same time. I couldn't help myself but walk over to a bushel of flowers to pick a few up, making sure that all of this was real. Unfortunately, I had to stop getting distracted, as Twilight was getting annoyed whenever I stopped to admire the scenery.
The purple dragon named Spike wouldn't stop looking at me in astonishment the entire walk to Ponyville, so I turned to him as we were walking, “Can I help you?” I asked with annoyance in my tone.
Spike jumped, startled by my voice, “Huh? Oh no! No! Nothing at all! It's just a wonder how you can walk on only two legs all the time.”
My mood softened, no longer being annoyed as I chuckled at his curiosity, “Don't you walk on two legs, as well?”
Twilight chuckled as well, “Spike has a lot to learn. He's still just a baby, so don't mind him asking some easy-to-answer questions.”
We've reached the bridge that lead to Ponyville. Right when I was about to cross the bridge, Twilight stopped me, “Now, I need to tell you some rules before we enter Ponyville. Rule one, don't be a threat. Nopony has ever seen or heard of a human, so they will be intimidated by your appearance, especially with your black duster. Rule two, don't do anything irrational. This is a peaceful town, and it would be a shame to see the first human cause trouble here. And rule three, most important of all. Whatever you do, no matter how tempting it is to break it, do NOT break a Pinkie Promise. I cannot imagine the trouble you'll be in, if the first human broke a Pinkie Promise. So whatever you promise to her, make sure you don't break it. Any questions?” she looked up to me, seeing my face in a blank expression.
I walked past her casually, “Yea, I do. Just one, though. Do I have to tie my hands behind my back so I don't cause trouble, just in case?” I asked with a smirk on my face. Twilight acknowledged my sarcastic tone, and the two of us walk into Ponyville.
Fortunately, for me, the sun was almost setting, so there weren't as much ponies walking around in public. However, the few remaining outside stopped what they were doing and kept staring at me as I walked by. Some exchanged whispered words amongst each other, some gave me odd looks, and even some ran away in fear. Knowing all of this was happening behind my back was getting to me, making me feel stressed and agitated.
The first stop of the tour was a building of amazing elegance. All sorts of ribbons and jewels crested this white building; all down to detail with the most finest finish I have ever seen.
“This is Carousel Boutique, Rarity's shop. You should stop by and get some new clothes while you're here. I believe she isn't the only pony to think you might need to change to something a bit more clean.” Twilight assured me, and continued on the next area in Ponyville.
We have made many stops in Ponyville to show me all the places I could go to. All the shops, the library, town hall, and the area where Applejack sells her apples. At last, we reached our final stop, and I could tell Twilight saved it the best for last. A giant bakery called Surgercube Corner, which almost resembled a giant ginger bread house. There was frosting outlining the rooftop, a giant cupcake on the top, and all assortments of candy decorating the house. The inside, however, was all but calm. The bakery was bustling with activity and chatters, but I couldn't see what was going on. I was about to step in the bakery when Twilight stopped me in a panic, and ran in first, telling me to wait outside. After a few seconds, the lights shut off, and there was complete silence within the bakery, which made me raise an eyebrow as Twilight stepped back outside, and beckoned me inside. I stepped inside the now silent bakery.
Stepping inside the dark and silent bakery proved no challenge, but the feeling that someone was in the dark made me feel really uneasy, as I've had to deal with monsters that go bump in the dark. Within a split second, the light switched back on and gave me the biggest startle ever. I couldn't begin to describe how many ponies there were inside the bakery, and how colorful they all are in one place. Some blue, green, red, yellow, every color imaginable is here. What surprised me most was all the pictures on their flanks, each individual picture were all different from one another.
A familiar happy-go-lucky pink pony hopped towards me with the biggest smile I have ever seen, “SURPRRIIISSEEE!!!” Pinkie exclaimed very cheerfully, “I told you I was going to throw a party for you! I've never seen anypony that surprised by a surprise! Never knew humans were so startled, but then again, I never met a human, so I don't know how they work...” she continued to ramble on as I thanked her for this amazing surprise, and walked on to greet myself in front of all the ponies. I could see all of the ponies I have met when I crash landed, all waving at me, and I waved back with a smile. I should crash in backyards more often, if it means getting this warm of a welcome. All sorts of food and beverages were aligned neatly at a long table. Cakes and cupcakes mostly, but also some punch and an assortment of sweets.
I walked over to the food presented to me at the table, trying out a little bit of everything. My mouth watered at the sight of the delicious looking cake, with pink frosting aligned at the edges, with words atop the cake spelling out 'Welcome New Best Friend!' at which I couldn't help but smile at the words presented to me, along with the cake. I took a slice of cake and a few cupcakes, along with a glass of punch. The cake was beyond delicious, almost putting me in a trip of how delicious the cake tasted. The cupcakes were also just as amazing, no words could describe it. If only people back at home could make just as amazing sweets! After wolfing down my food, I took a drink of the purple punch, and the sweet and well mixed drink was more than what I imagined. I snapped out of my little trance when I learned that the place was awfully quiet for a room full of ponies. I turned around to find all the ponies in the room looking at me, with questionable looks. They must have been seeing me enjoying the food too well.
“Oh, hey. Sorry for acting so weird, it's just that I have never tasted such good sweets.” I embarrassingly stuttered. All the ponies sighed and laughed as they now know that I'm alright.
Pinkie trotted up to me in shock, “WHAT!? You never had a good cupcake!?” she shouted disbelief.
I shrugged, “Humans don't really take a lot of things for granted, including baking. Only a few humans out of billions know how to properly make the best foods. Unfortunately, I haven't had that opportunity. Out of five stars, I give this ten billion stars!” all the ponies in the room cheered at my positive attitude, and went to their own business within the party, all dancing and conversing with one another. I don't remember how many ponies I have met, as they all seemed to have a cheery attitude, and surprised to see someone like me. I walked up to the ponies I have met back at where I crash landed, all glad to know I am happy that I had a warm welcome in Ponyville. Though Fluttershy had a hard time to talk to, I was alright with it. After meeting all the ponies at the party, I tended to myself after all the ponies left me alone for the rest of the night. I wasn't really interested in seeking attention.
After all the goodbyes I have given at the end, I left the party. My stomach was full of cake, cupcakes, fruit punch, and other assortments of sweets. My body was completely exhausted from all the dancing, despite me being the worst dancer in existence. I slowly walked down the road to find some sort of hotel, starting to feel drowsy and tired. But to my bad luck, there were no hotels to be found, only houses that are already owned, and it would be terribly rude and illegal of me to sleep in a stranger’s house. I ended up going to a tree in a park near Ponyville, and rested my back against the tree. It wasn't really that cold out; it was actually rather warm, despite it being nighttime. I closed my eyes, rolled myself in my duster, and immediately fell asleep in a heartbeat.
* * *
Dreaming has never been easy for me, ever since the demonic entity Sektor has taken over half my mind and memories. He's become very forceful, finding every chance to make me delve deep into insanity. But I have developed a resistance against him ever since I left Las Vegas. I could hear him this time, and he's...laughing at me. Despite him trying every waking moment to control me, Sektor and I still do small talk. However, this time, I could tell he has a whole lecture prepared for me.
He bellows out a laughing roar, “You have got to be kidding me, Grimmok! Out of all the places Vetis could throw you in, it had to be a place like this!” his solid white eyes glowed even brighter amongst the shadows, “He certainly knows how to make me laugh!”
“Yea, keep it to yourself, Sektor, the least of my worries is your humor. I just gotta find a way out of here.” I snapped at him. When I dream like this, I usually find myself floating in darkness, only seeing Sektor's glowing white eyes and sharp white teeth of a grin. I wouldn't want to look at the rest of him; his physical appearance is very... frightening.
Sektor kept laughing at me, “You are right; you have MUCH more to worry about! You know I can see everything you see?”
“Yes...” I grumbled.
“Well you certainly have met quite some interesting characters here. And the way you look now, it cracks me up every time! I wonder what that white horse with the purple hair is going to give you. A tuxedo, maybe? Or perhaps something much more upper class, considering her choice of 'fashion'.” he snickered.
I frowned at Sektor, “You can laugh all you want, but at the end of the day, you're just a simple entity that got trapped in this body against his own will. I will always have the last laugh, you pathetic excuse for a monster.”
His smile faded away, now seething with rage, “It will be such a tragedy when I manage to take control of you and your mind, and see this world for myself.” his face moves closer to me, “Just imagine it, Grimmok, every one of your little 'friends' will eventually see who you really are, and what sort of monster you cage within yourself. They'll try their every waking moment to destroy you, which will surely end in their demise. Once I have complete control over you, whether it be here or back on Earth, everyone...will DIE!”
* * *
I shot up from under the tree screaming. I began to breathe heavily while sitting up, beads of sweat coming down my face. Sektor's laughter could be heard as if I was still dreaming, and remembering the last words he said. I hid my face behind my knees, trying to get the voice of Sektor out of my head. I can't let Sektor be unleashed in this place; I will not allow it to happen. But he sounded so determined to get out, like he is going to completely control me and my actions, “I can't possibly let this happen.” I thought aloud, “These ponies are innocent, and don't deserve such horror...”
I was cut off by a soft voice in front me, “Sven? I'm sorry if you are sleeping or don't want to be bothered, but are you alright?” the soft voice asked with concern. I quickly looked up, shocked and startled by the out-of-nowhere but familiar voice. In front of me was Fluttershy, with a worried look on her face, “Oh, I'm terribly sorry; I didn't mean to wake you up... I'll just go somewhere else.” she began to turn around and walk away.
I shook my head, raising a hand to halt her, “No... No, I was already awake, no need to go anywhere.” I sniffed.
She gasped as if she saw something horrible, “Oh my gosh! Are you crying!?” Fluttershy's face grew even more concerned.
I looked at her in confusion, “Crying?” I placed my right on my cheeks, and I could feel the moist trail tears leave behind. I quickly wiped any traces of me crying, deeply exhaling in embarrassment, “I'm alright, don't worry about me. But what are you doing out at night? It must be pretty late.” I asked, changing the subject.
She looked behind her, and I noticed a couple of owls on her back, “Well, I am here to find new spots for my owl friends to sleep before the sun rose.” she says as one of the owls rubs his face on hers, “They need some help to find a new spot, but as I came over to this tree they wanted, I found you sitting here. Do you not have a place to stay?”
I looked away, “I don't. But I will move for the owls and find another spot.” I stood up lazily, still groggy from my short sleep, “Don't worry, I've spent many nights under the stars, it's nothing new.” I assured Fluttershy, and walked past her to go sleep on the park bench. I was almost near the park bench when I heard more hoofsteps coming towards me. I looked over to see if Fluttershy was walking towards me, but she was tending to the owls. I looked back in front of me to find Twilight moving towards me, a tired look on her face.
“Sven? Was it you making all that yelling and screaming?” Twilight asked.
“Yelling and screaming?” I was confused, not knowing what happened when I was asleep. I have made a little yelp when I woke up, but it wasn't loud enough for any of the ponies to hear all the way from Ponyville.
She looked back at Ponyville, “I was up studying when I heard screams in the night, almost like cries for help.” she looks back to me, “I ran out and tried to find the source as fast as possible, and the cries led to here.”
Sektor must have made me cry out in terror while I was asleep, most likely for his own twisted entertainment. I sighed at Twilight, “I must have had a bad dream. Not a big deal.”
Twilight looked at me horrified, “Not a big deal? It IS a big deal if I can hear you across Ponyville!” she began to push me towards Ponyville, “Come with me back to the library, I think I can help you with your night terrors.” she says with a determined look. I shook my head, but obediently followed her.
We reached a giant tree, but has been hollowed out for any of the ponies to live in. A book sign in front of the giant tree indicated that this place must be the library Twilight showed me earlier. I walked inside to find shelves full of books that looked foreign and alien to me. Twilight lit some candles to provide some light in the main room, and went off to the kitchen area, presumably to find some refreshments. While Twilight was off in the other room to get me something to drink, I picked up one of the books off a random shelf out of curiosity. The title of the book read The Basic Fundamentals of Magic: Volume One. Magic is possible in this place as well? First talking colorful equines, talking dragons, and now magic? What doesn't this place have? I opened the book, but was immediately hit by a brick wall of confusion when I tried to read the contents in the book. It was all illegible to my eyes; everything in the book was all in weird symbols. The only thing I could get out of the book were little pictures showing up every now and then, which were picture instructions done by small Unicorn fillies. One of the pictures showed a small orange filly levitating a small number block with his magic, his horn glowing an orange aura. The next picture shows instructions on how to move the block in all directions. Each new picture was a higher tier of magic, eventually leading to pushing or pulling heavy objects with great force.
While I was intrigued by the use of magic in this world, I heard a door open and close behind me. I turned around to find Twilight coming out from the kitchen area, levitating a glass of water with her magic, her horn glowing a pink aura. She stopped when she noticed I'm reading one of the books in the library, “Do you like reading?” she asked.
I closed the book, “I never really had the luxury to take the time to sit down and read.” I then waved the book around in my hand, “Are all books written like this?”
Twilight set the glass of water down on a nearby wooden table, and levitated the book from my hands. She took one look at the title, and began to giggle, “Of course not. This book is just very special.” she levitates the book back on the shelf, and pulls out another book from a different shelf, “I think you might like this one, and understand it as well.”
She hands me the book with her magic, and I looked at the book title. Creatures of the World is what the title read. I opened the book, and was relieved when I saw the text was written in the English language. I looked at Twilight with half a smile, “I think this book will do. It might help me understand what's in this world.” my smile then faded to a frown, “But I don't think you brought me here to check out books.”
Twilight nodded informed me to sit on a wooden chair behind me, and I did so willingly. As I sat down, she gave me the glass of water, the glass gently levitating to my hand. I forgot how much my dreams drain me, and I chug the water down, leaving no room to breathe.
As I set the glass down, Twilight informed me to look at her, “I'm going to use my magic to go into your mind to find out what is making you have horrible outbursts of screams while you sleep.” She closed her eyes and began to concentrate. Her horn began to glow a pink aura, and I could feel her trying to come into my mind. Right as I could feel her trying to come in my mind, I could see Sektor in my very train of thought. He was smiling devilishly, as he knew what was going on. I could tell he was preparing for something twisted and horrifying. I had to figure out something, and fast; if Twilight continues to investigate the very core of my thoughts and memories, she will come across the entity, and I just know that won't end well.
There was only one thing I could think of to get out of this situation, where both Twilight and I would be unharmed. I quickly moved out of my chair, and ran across the room in a panic, “NO!” I cried, “You can't!”
Twilight became shocked at how afraid I was, “Sven, I need to do this. Please, they're just nightmares. They're not real, they're fake.” she attempted to calm me down, “I want to know what's wrong, so I can help you!”
I shook my head multiple times, “I just can't let you get into my head, for your safety, for all the innocents safety! You have to understand, there are many burdens I carry that this world is better off not witnessing.”
Twilight looked puzzled, “What do you mean, Sven?”
I continued to shake my head, slowly reaching for the door, “If I let you roam inside my head freely, you would not be the same person you were once before.” and I ran as fast as I could, out from the library, and under the moonlight, hearing Twilight call out my name multiple times.
I kept running until I was out of Ponyville, and then some. I didn't care for my sides burning with pain and exhaustion; I just wanted to get away from the public eye. Once I felt I was safe, I slowed my pace from sprinting to walking, looking all around me to find a place to hide. I found myself on the outskirts of a forest, which was a perfect place to hide. I climbed to the top of a tree that didn't have any animals that occupied the place, and rested against it, using my duster as a blanket. It may not be the best way to sleep, but at least I will not be interrupted by ponies until the morning, because I know I'm going to be busy tomorrow. I closed my eyes, hoping to ignore Sektor so I could get some sleep. Before I was completely in slumber, I could hear the laughter of the accursed entity echoing in my skull. At that exact moment, I knew I was going to be in for a long night.