Chapter 2: To Ponyville...
You sighed as you rose from your luxurious, comforting bed and looked around your morning lit room, scanning about and acknowledging how the decently sized bedchamber is as barren as could be. Of course, sometimes hanging or settling on the countertops, there will be your old and recently collected knickknacks you gathered throughout the years. You analyze them for a bit, reminiscing fond memories acquired from your time here in Equestria before you begrudgingly prop yourself on your elbows on top the comforter. You were just lying down, taking a rejuvenating rest after your little talk with Luna.
In actuality, you chose to sleep afterwards because you wanted to be away from everyone, seeing how it was impossible for anyone to speak with you about anything without someone sounding like they are rejecting you. The same old topics are growing quite sickening. Also, you were just plain tuckered out. Staying up until two in the morning was not a very wise decision. You barely had time to contemplate what Luna voiced.
Browsing one last time around, you began to recall your time back home on Earth, mostly about your interaction with the world. Since you've moved around from house to house in the state of New York alone due to being involved at an orphanage, you weren't concerned about making any friends; mostly because they'd be adopted and left you. You didn't hate them nor held any sympathy for them, but merely felt disappointed that you couldn't see any of them again. Their lives would go on and yours would always remain the same – alone.
However, throughout that time, you miraculously developed a connection with a young girl named Cindy in the orphanage. At the time, you were much older by a range of three years. Regardless of age, you both would always spend time with one another whenever the chance arises, sharing favorite interests or made up stories.
But of course, her life continued on while you stood, paved to the same spot of loneliness. She got adopted. You did not.
“Maybe I should've talked more to her. Hell, seven more years and I'd be able to leave and take her with me as well as adopt her… Back then, even if that was unlikely, I would've crossed that bridge when I got to it.”
You heard a rap on your door during your mental musings, prompting you to end your internal depression and answer the door. You rose from your propped state, beginning to walk over to the door until you reached it. You twisted the knob and opened the door with a sigh; on the other side was your pink pal Cadence.
“Hi Dante,” She greeted, trotting herself in. “I just wanted to congratulate you for finally leaving the castle and moving to Ponyville. I'm sure you'll certainly make some friends there.”
You chuckled at her filly-like enthusiasm and scratched her head behind the ears, making her lean closer to you. “Yeah I'm sure I'll make more friends besides you three princesses and Twilight.” You ended the ear scratching, leading to crossing your arms. “By the way, did you get what I asked you to pick up?”
“Sure did! Here…” She turned her head around to glimpse in her gold colored saddlebags and pulled out a moderately sized box by her teeth. Once she gave it to you, she asked, “What is it by the way? It felt kind ‘a light to be in a box.”
“You'll see. Just go wait for me to pack and shower, alright?” Giving you an exasperated, determined nod, Cadence turned to leave. Shaking your head, chuckling to yourself, you went towards your suitcase and filled it with your usual semi-formal clothes: being slacks, dress shirts, suit vests, and a few pairs of black shoes. Custom made too, since these ponies have never seen feet like yours before, or even heard of them.
The package that Cadence had brought over was a new book written by your favorite author, a stallion going by the name of Gamma Raidtockik. The name was weird, even for all pony names, but he sure was a damn good author. He wrote stories of war – some fictitious and historical. He reminded you of a man in your world who wrote like that, however, you didn't know his name.
One of the books he wrote, of which you’re now grasping, was titled Flashlight, an extremely long book that would take you awhile to finish. It was about a boy who will be willing to do anything to help his sister no matter the costs or consequences. A riveting story, if you dare say so yourself.
Once you have everything settled, you exited your room, bags and other belongings in hand, and trekked towards the throne room. Cadence is by your side, humming joyfully to herself while you both walked by passing guards of either Solar or Lunar branches. When you entered the throne room, you spotted Celestia and Luna conversing about something – probably political subjects that do not condone you. Or, maybe they’re talking about you and your departure. You couldn't necessarily tell what exactly they were talking about, but you didn't really care as much. This whole escapade has left a sour taste in the mouth.
Sensing your presence was near, Celestia spoke out loud without turning her head, “Ah, Dante, you're here. Are you ready for the journey ahead?”
“Ready as I'll ever be.” You inform her as you give out a small sigh. The sun princess glanced at you, noticing your melancholy tone but remained quiet.
“Do not fret, young Dante,” Luna approached you and gave a gentle nuzzle. “We are surely positive thou shall have a grand time.”
Seeing her small smile brought a short chuckle out of you. “Sure… whatever you say Lulu. I just hope you gals aren't expecting me to bring a mare when I come back in a few weeks.”
Cadence decided to voice her opinion, surprising you slightly due to her being quiet for quite some time. “We all just hope you make a few friends, and go enjoying your life at the quaint little town.” She too gave out a soothing nuzzle. “Just remember, Twilight will support you, along with all of us. Have a great time, Dante; we’ll sincerely miss you.”
You nod to the princesses before bestowing a respectful bow. After giving them gentle hugs and being oh so close to choking to death by Cadence’s death grip, you began to walk out of the castle and towards the train station. The journey there was indeed uneventful, only a few stares here and there, but it was alright. You are the only one of your kind here, it was expected.
When you found the train station, handing over your ticket, and settling in your seat, you chose to take a quick nap – just to past the time.
==================================================================
Waking up for some time, you are now unfortunately experiencing a dastardly headache, probably from the uncomfortable resting spot you chose. The train’s seats were never always a perfect rest stop for tired individuals – what with their cheap polyester layers and uncomfortable angling style. And now you regret your decision, but at least you killed some time, because from rising from your position, you took notice that you have arrived to Ponyville.
The speaker above your head sparked to life with an announcement. “Attention! Attention, passengers! We have arrived at Ponyville’s western station! Please make your way towards the designated doors with your belongings in check – make sure you have not forgotten anything of value! Have a wonderful morning, and thank you for choosing the Friendship Express!”
“Huh… If we have nice, friendly conductors like that back home, there wouldn’t be so much Hell in New York.” You thought to yourself while you situated your belongings and hopped off the train.
Browsing about, you acknowledge the fact that there are absolutely no ponies roaming about. Understandable, since it is still early for them. Ponies weren't really up or around as they'd probably be sleeping and would maybe awaken much time later.
You walked towards the local library; Twilight did say she lives in a place that makes her happy as could be, which, of course, would have to house books. How a girl that gets excited from only literature surprises and disturbs you only slightly. It makes you think: If girls were like that back home, you wouldn’t even try that hard to hook up. All you had to do was to get a library card and wave it around like a damn treat. You could have gotten so many bitches…
During your mental musings of your favorite book worm and odd realization, a gentle yet particularly random breeze is felt during your trek, prompting you to assess the disturbance. Looking around, you spotted a rose and lavender tail poking out of a tree that is conveniently place just by you. This is quite suspicious to you, so you put down your suitcase and slowly approached the pony that was hiding behind the tree.
Deciding to humor yourself and the mysterious pony, you knocked on the trunk of the tree. This got the desired effect, making the pony jump out of the tree’s proximity and fall on her rump. Peering up on you, the little filly squeaked, unceremoniously causing you to take a step back.
The outcome kind ‘a makes you feel like a douche, because the adorable little thing is now cowering a few feet away from you, covering her eyes with her pristine ivory hooves.
Crouching down to her height, you voiced your concerns. “Hey… Are you alright?”
“I wasn't following you!” She shouted before covering her muzzle. She must have misinterpreted your tone with scolding; probably from you still sounding rather raspy, of which, somehow lingered after your uncomfortable awakening back at the train.
You sighed and looked at her as she gasped, finally gazing at your heterochromatic eyes. “Alright… What’s your name, kid?”
“Uh, S-Sweetie Belle, mister,” She answered shyly.
“Huh… Sweetie Belle? It sounds… surprisingly adorable.” You abruptly shook your head as you realized that you were muttering instead of thinking. “Why were you following me?”
“I wasn't following you...” She muttered quietly with protest. This is getting nowhere so you attempted to pry info from her by giving her a glare, not a real one, but one that shows you are certainly perturbed with a mix of bemusement.
The action worked for she reeled back slightly and answered, bestowing a small pout. “I wanted to see if you were dangerous… and I also thought I'd get a monster hunting cutie mark.” You face palmed from her thinking you were a monster, but still find her curiosity cute. Moving closer, you began to pet her mane, making her lean closer to your hand. God bless those hands.
“Look, kid, I'm not dangerous or a threat. I'm here to visit a friend, and then get the hell out of this town.”
“What's hell?” She asked, tilting her head.
You mentally face-palmed from your forgetfulness, you are talking to a child and is now plaguing her mind. “Ugh… Nothing… Just don't do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Trampling buildings beneath your hooves?”
You gave her a deadpan. “For the last and final time, I’m not a monster. I’m not going to hurt anyone.” You got up to your respective height, however, brought out a gasp from the marshmallow pony. “Also, I have feet, not hooves.” You turned away and resumed your trek.
“So what are you?” It looks like she is going to follow you.
“Human.”
“What's a human?” Anger is heating up, desperate distraction is rising.
“Don't you have to go to school?”
“No. What's a human?” Frustrations are now at a boiling point.
“…A species...”
“What kind of species?” Dear Lord, she isn’t going to leave it be.
Her constant questioning is tipping you over the edge, but you somehow find her determination acknowledging. Her determination… is surprisingly alright; all the more reason to like this little pony. It’s the barrage of questions that’s frustrating.
Either way, it’s time for a subject change. “Hey kid, want to do a favor for me?”
“Oh! S-Sure mister,” She brought her trot to a more leisure pace, signaling that she has your full attention. “What do you have in mind?”
“Alright, I want you to tell your friends that the scary looking biped with clothes is not a bad guy.” She tilted her head to that.
“Uh, what I mean is… Inform them that I am not a monster seeking for trouble. Say that I'm a nice and reasonable guy who is at least willing to help the best I can.”
“Why?”
“I’m just trying to prevent a disaster to happen, kid. Ever seen a whole town go into panic because of a mysterious creature that decides to walk around populated streets?” She shakes her head. “Well, I don’t want that to happen. Would you?” The filly made a ‘oh’ sound; you guess she gets it now. “Good... Do we have a deal?”
“OK Mr. Human!” Sweetie Belle gave a determined nod as she ran off on her ‘mission’. Slightly chuckling to yourself, you picked up your belongings and resumed the trek towards Twilights’.
Once you found it, you slowed your pace, because the sight to behold is… surprising to say the least. The entire structure is a tree, literally a treehouse. What’s more astounding is the fact that the tree itself is still alive. Although, the other known fact that it is a library, kind of destroys the purpose of housing, let alone protecting, the literature it withholds.
Meh… Knowing Twilight and how she operates, she might have found a solution for that most apparent issue.
When you got to the front door, you steeled yourself, contemplating if this whole escapade is worth your time. Reluctantly, you decided to give it a whirl. “Let's get this shit over with.”
After giving three knocks on the door, it opens to reveal your old friend, Twilight. Seeing her now brings you way back, to when you first arrived in the pastel pony world. From then to now, you still see her as the same beautiful unicorn you long ago befriended. She is indeed special, in her own right.
Her features automatically flipped from confused to excite from just laying her amethyst eyes on you.
“Dante! You made it!”
What happened next brought a loud laugh out of you. She used her magic to lift you and float you inside without even a warning.
Afterwards, she tackled you with an expected hug, but the very unexpected and weird kiss on the cheek kind of altered your amused laugh to an awkward chuckle.
It was somewhat known, her having a crush on you. You’ve never believed of anyone, or anypony for that matter, who would develop relations with you.
You noticed her affections a long time ago, but you’ve never said anything otherwise. Other than the princesses teasing you about it, all in all, it has always humored you.
However, the idea to actual share the same wavelength of feelings with Twilight will never come to be. Viewed as a friend, and only a friend, was how you acknowledge about her.
Returning the hug, you said, “Well, Celestia, Cadence, and their almighty thought processes thought that this would be what’s best for me, staying here for the time being. Including Luna, they want me to make an effort to make a few new friends.” Breaking the embrace, you moved towards the couch and dropped off your belongings. “Removing my Anti-social vibe is also what they planned for me.”
She raised a brow, followed by an amused look. “Hmmm… I wonder how they guilt tripped you into coming here. You're usually hard headed about any idea of change.” She ended that statement with a giggle.
“I have no idea either, but you know what? I'm not going to question them; they might have an actual plan.” You exhaled a long sigh. “Let’s just say it was dumb luck on their half... I’m not going to complain this time, and just roll with it. Hopefully, something decent will come out of this.”
Giving a hesitant nod, Twilight trotted to you with much concern. It always warms your heart to see someone like Twilight actually caring about you and your plights.
Before she reached you, an annoyed child-like voice was heard upstairs, “Hey Twi’! Do you mind keeping it down?! Someponies are trying to sleep!”
You looked towards the stairs to see Spike rub his eyes as he tiredly yawned.
Turning your attention from the lavender librarian to the other presence in the tree, you see another one of your guy friends, the purple drake dubbed Spike.
His whole stature expresses exhaustion, his spines slightly drooped and his tail is tiredly dragged behind him when he started to walk to the kitchen.
“Sorry Spike…” Twilight apologized with a hint of a blush.
“Did we wake you up?”
"Well, seeing me walking about and talking, kind ‘a gives you the answer, huh?” Ha! This kid gives you stitches.
The purple librarian pointed her muzzle upwards and away from the drake. “Don’t be rude Spike.”
Chuckling to yourself, you decided to question your coldblooded pal while he waddled to the kitchen.
“So Spike, how's life treating you?”
Not knowing that you rose from your seat and walking towards him, he answered. “Pretty good, I guess…” He abruptly froze up on the spot, his claw still in the fridge as he realized who he had just started talking to.
“Wait… Dante, is that you?” He glanced behind himself to see you standing there, his eyes widening from surprise.
Kneeling down to his height, you patted his scaled head. “Relax bro’. It’s just me.”
He shook his head a bit and scratched the side of his head.
“Sorry dude… It’s just… Wow. A few months in and I am still not used to your eyes.”
You feel slightly hurt but you just can’t get mad at the little guy, so you chuckled playfully.
“Gee, thanks Spike. I always enjoy the things you say about me. I certainly feel touched.” You give Spike another pat on the head, making him chuckle as well.
Leaving him be to resume his food plundering, you returned to the spot on the couch, Twilight resting by your side. Once settled, you took out your book and focused back on the page you left off on.
“Dante…” Twilight grabbed your attention. “Aren’t you suppose to – oh I don’t know – go out and make some friends right now?”
“I got a whole week to do that, Twi’. I got plenty of time to make some later.”
Apparently that wasn’t the answer she wanted, because her response was to magic your book closed and lift you off the couch.
Proceeding then to prod you with her horn, Twilight sighed, “Go and find some friends. Your time starts now.”
Forced towards the front door, you whined, “But Twiii’… I don’t wannaaa.”
“Go and find somepony to talk to!” As you are pushed out, the purple pony closed the door behind you. Well… more like slammed it closed.
That was completely unnecessary.
As you let out a small sigh, you journeyed out into the town with no destination in mind.
During your travel, whispers from ponies around you are heard. They are mostly whispering about you – the lies they are conjuring up that could possibly address you as a bad egg.
Ignoring them for now, you walked to the point where you are now currently standing at the center of town, probably the market district.
Seeing how standing at the busiest sector of town for no reason at all is certainly weird, you decided to move from your spot towards a place to rest.
Continuing your trek, you heard even more whispers, but for some reason, these particular ones have caught your interests. The ponies behind them are silently speaking about you, out of curiosity rather than fear.
As you turned around to see the very ponies to that are attempting to be discreet, you looked upon three mares. One mare that has a cream colored coat with a two-toned red wine mane, another with a sea foam green colored coat with a two-toned mint mane, and the last with a slate grey coat and a charcoal mane.
When you saw them, they froze in their place, gazing out in a thousand yard stare. Apparently, you seem to spook them just a tad. Oh, look at that, the grey one has a bow tie and collar. How quaint.
As they continue to stare, you shook your head slightly and walked to a small bench to relax. While you are relaxing, the mint mare decided to sit next to you… in the same fashion as you are.
Feeling a tad perplexed, you waved, “Uh, hey.”
“Hi!” Not even a damn second and you see that she is chipper to you… Better watch yourself. It can be sketchy.
She continued, “So what's your name?”
“And you care why?” She began to pout from your rudeness.
Feeling like a total ass, you readjusted yourself.
“Ugh… If you really must know, my name is-”
“First of all,” She interrupted you with a raised hoof.
“If you think that I just want to know you out of pity, you are wrong, so please calm yourself.” The mint mare dropped her hoof.
“My name is Heartstrings, but you can call me Lyra.”
Her lighthearted smile at the end caught you off guard, but it didn’t surprise you enough to drop the attitude. It’s still early after all.
You sighed, “Alright, the name is Dante, but you can call me Dante.” She giggled at your half-ass joke.
“And if you are wondering what I am, I’m a human.” You got up from your spot on the bench.
“Uh… Care to join me to the park, Ms. Heartstrings?”
She smiled up at you, “Of course, and its Lyra if you want.”
“Well alright then, Lyra. Let’s shove off.”
You two began to walk for a bit through the park, conversations were bleak, mostly about the weather. It was at a certain point where you thought it was a good idea to announce that Ms. Heartstrings, Lyra, could be considered a friend.
“So, Lyra… You seem to have become my first friend in Ponyville. How does that sound to you?”
The only response you had was silence. “Lyra?”
Turning to your mint friend, you notice she is no longer by your side; although, she is currently being dragged towards her friends. Well… you couldn’t really tell that they are even considered acquaintances, due to the fact that they are now in a loud argument in not even five damn seconds. It appears to be a heated discussion involving you, because Lyra is shouting at the apparent naysayers whether she can be around you or not. The bowtie adorned pony isn’t much into the argument as the cream mare, but she is impressively stoic throughout the entire debate. Interesting…
After all wants going on, you couldn’t do much help – only to shrug and walk away from the scene.
Finding a tree, you sat down and leaned against the trunk, watching the surprisingly amusing scuttle between your new friend and her friends. You close your eyes for a moment, attempting to ease the upcoming pressure that is arising on your face. What brought you out of your actions was the slight poking sensation coming from your side. Looking to that side, you see the ivory palette pony, Sweetie Belle, poking you with her horn.
“Hi!” She exclaimed happily.
“Huh, hey there kid. What's up?”
She tilted her head. “What are you doing out here? I thought you were visiting a friend.”
“I am but she kicked me out until the day ends, so I got all this time to sleep.” She smiled cutely and prodded you with her tiny horn again.
“What?” You asked, annoyed by her persistence for attention.
“Well, a deals a deal!”
You grew quite confused. “Deal, what deal?”
“Yup!” She put on a coy smirk.
“Now… what’s a human?”
You felt two tiny hooves pressed against your chest. As you looked down, Sweetie brought her muzzle right up to your nose; resulting to have no choice but to look into her squinted eyes, followed up by her determined, serious expression.
“And don’t lie…”
… Well, Shit.