Dark-Castles story, "The Gates" was literally the reason I even began writing for fimFic. As such, I felt it was appropriate to write up a small one shot at the very least for him. I hope you all enjoy reading this.
Everything was dark now. No more pain, suffering. Everything was dark, yet he still felt something. It was...relaxing. Like something unseen was warmly embracing him. Oscar tried to move, but found he couldn't. It was as though his body only existed in his mind at this point. Even his mind felt scattered, making it hard to focus on the nothingness around him.
"Oscar." A familiar voice called out to his mind. "You've suffered so much Oscar, it's time."
He could feel his thoughts come forward, sharpening as the words were spoken into his mind. "It's...time?" he replied confused. "Time for what?" Before him an image appeared. He could not make it out, however, as he was only aware enough to make out a large colorful outline.
"You've been longing for a world of love and tolerance. I am here to guide you to it." The voice was that of a woman. Soothing, yet stern. Just hearing it was putting him at ease. "You have earned a second chance at life, but this life will be different from your old one. In this new world, you shall find your happiness."
Oscar remained silent for a moment. "Why?" he began. "Why would I get something like this? I don't deserve happiness..." A wave of doubt washed over his mind, taking over his thoughts and making it harder to focus.
The voice too remained silent for a moment. "Of those I have seen in your world, there are few actually as deserving as you. You've made many friends, ones who now mourn your passing. You may have chosen the wrong path, but even so they still care for you. It is the will of many that has granted you a second chance at life, you need but accept their gift."
"But," he paused. Oscar began to recall his final message to his friends. "They really did this...for me? I don't understand..."
"You still doubt your deserving this. Perhaps that alone should be reason why you deserve it. You were- no, you are a good person. Memories of you shall remain in your world. Good memories of your deeds, your work, and your words. It is because of these memories, that a magic stronger than any other has come to you."
The voice truly resonated with him. Images of his life flashed before him. All the good, bad, and everything in between. Oscar could see what the voice was talking about. Despite him being gone from the world, there would be those who remember him. Maybe not all of them knew him personally, but the fact that they would still have him in mind was more than enough.
"So," the voice began once more. "are you ready?" The voice almost sounded...expectant. Like she knew what the answer already was.
He contemplated the question for a moment. It was a simple and straightforward one, yet it held so much weight to it. A new life in a new world, is anyone really ready for such a thing. Maybe not, but Oscar knew what he needed to say. "Yeah," he replied. "Just...one question first. Who are you?" The thought had been pecking at the back of his mind for time time now. "I could swear I've heard your voice before."
"You already know who I am, and some day I'm sure we'll meet face to face." The voice let out a soft laugh. "Now lets get you to your new home." The voice spoke a few unintelligible words, then all became silent. It was dark. The silence made that all the more clear.
Time passed as he began to wonder if he had spoken with anyone at all, or if it was all just an illusion, a dream. "No it couldn't have been." he thought to himself. "Her voice was so...real."
As if to answer his question for him, a light appeared before Oscar. It was faint, but it still felt close. He reached out to it as is slowly began to fill his vision. It was...warm. He could feel it begin to flow through him, filling him with a familiar feeling. Life. The doubt that had plagued him earlier was gone, like it was being washed away by the sudden stream of light. The light faded out, and all was black again.
Oscar shifted around, he could tell he was on the ground. "Was it...was it all just a dream?" he thought to himself. He could feel a warm breeze gently blowing as he lied in place. He opened his eyes to find himself in an apple orchard. The grass beneath him glistened with morning dew as the suns rays reflected from it. He could see the top of a large red barn off in the distance, as well as voices coming from that direction. "This place seems so familiar. Have I been here before?" As he tried to stand up, he quickly lost his balance and fell on his face. As he brought his hand to his head, he felt something different. Looking at his hands he saw that they were not there, but had something else in their place. Hooves.
Once more, the voice could be heard in his mind. "Here, you will find many wondrous things. Many will cross your path, all of whom have the potential to change your life, and you to change theirs. There will be merriment, hardships, and countless unforgettable moments. Welcome to the world of magic, friendship, and love. Welcome, Oscar Mulrooney-Côté, to Equestria."
A/N: If possible I'd like to see this story take on a life of its own, with a completed story made up of chapters by as many different authors as we can. If anyone would like to continue this story with a new chapter please feel free to message me.
The link in the title leads to his page, where his final words have been posted. If you have a moment, please take the time to send your love his way and check out his stories. We'll miss you Oscar. R.I.P
If anyone from Equestria Daily is reading this, I'd like to make the request that a story of his be posted on the site. He really wanted to get there and now the chance for him has passed. Any one of his stories are worth the read, and all of them are easily worthy of being posted there. I'm sure it would mean the world to him.