//------------------------------// // Chapter II: Lights // Story: A Guitar In A Thunderstorm // by Maerx //------------------------------// Chapter 2: Lights I reached Sweet Apple Acres after roughly 10 minutes of solid walking. Ponyville was a quiet and simple town, and I guess that’s why I loved it. Back on Earth, I lived in the equivalent of Canterlot. But I didn’t love it, rather despised it actually. I’ve always been a country boy per say, loving wide open spaces. My eyes followed the white picketed fence up to the red barn accompanied by the farmhouse. Sweet Apple Acres was a cozy farm nestled in the southwest corner of Ponyville. I always loved taking walks out here or hanging out with Applejack. “Hiya Jackson!” a female voice shouted with a cute southern drawl. I turned my head slightly to the right to see a sweating Applejack trotting towards me. Her blonde mane was a mess from constant hard work. Her hooves were covered in dirt, partly dried. She was very attractive for a pony, and I’ve been getting used to the fact that there are no human females in Equestria. So I guess I’ll have to get used to mares instead. “Hey A.J.,” I replied happily. “What’s up?” The orange earth pony blinked once and uttered a hearty laugh, slapping me on the shoulder. “Ah was just ‘bought tah ask ya the same thing. Ya aren’t scheduled for work today silly!” I blinked a couple times, before chuckling to myself and putting a hand behind my head. “Well shoot, A.J. That’s what I was coming by to check,” I retorted. The orange mare winked at me and playfully boxed me on the shoulder again. “Go on, get! Ya’ll aren’t scheduled to work till Monday.” A ray of sunshine shot through me as my face spread with a smile. I gave the earth pony a nod and set off back towards the town. Letting myself run through my mind, I realized that I didn't have any plans for the rest of the day, afloat like a free leaf with no agenda. With no heading at all, I absentmindedly wandered near the Ponyville school, the fillies and colts out for lunch. It was a nice sight to see, their care free souls bouncing in little balls of energy. I cracked a slight smiled and shivered as a crisp autumn breeze blew through my long, brown hair. I had grown it out just long enough to fall past my eyebrows when straightened. I had Rarity to thank for that: the fashionista of Ponyville always had a good word for me, always complimenting my appearance. She had been fascinated by human fashion ever since I came here, even using some of my clothes for templates for one of her lines. My eyes followed one particular filly, an orange pegasus with a purple mane. Why she was trotting around with her friends rather than flying was beyond me, but I'm sure she had a good reason to. A cherry lavender mare that appeared to be their teacher called them back into the classroom, the students glumly filing in single file. Seeing nothing else of interest, I continued my aimless walk around Ponyville. Fancy the fact that I had felt calm in my walks. I suppose it helped me clear my mind and get stuff straight. I glanced at my watch. 12:32PM. I shrugged and sauntered back towards my home. It might be wise to catch up on some sleep before I meet the girls at the movies tonight. ______________________________________________________________________________ 7:24PM That's the time my bedside clock read as I slid out of bed. My hair was ruffled and sticking out of my head at all angles and needed to be taken care of. As I made my way towards the bathroom, I guided my hazy gaze around my room. The walls were a dark blue tone with white blind shades. The bed, quite comfortable was made of silk and cotton sheets matched perfectly with a super comfy comforter and pillow top. It was big enough for me and one other person, or pony I should say. But I haven't had anyone sleep over since I got here. Reaching the bathroom, I opened the bottom drawer of my cabinets to reveal the glistening iron. It was silver and black, with an electrical outlet to match for power. After a few minutes, it came to life, radiating with heat. As I got myself ready, I shot another glance at the clock. 7:30 Shoot, I mused. Need to hurry. Don't wanna be late. But what was Pinkie saying earlier.... It's all too obvious to the rest of us? My house was quiet but my mind was racing a mile a minute, abuzz with questions. While I had become accustomed to the customs and social standards in Equestria, I didn't fully understand the underlying stuff: like when a mare marks you to be hers or when a mare thinks you are attractive. Stuff like that. I'm sure it was reflective of Earth, but I suppose I didn't have time for that. Then again, it always nagged at the back of my head. What would it feel like... to love a pony? It sounds wierd, but I'm not in Earth anymore. A soft rapping at my door interrupted my train of thought just as I was finishing with my hair. I hastily stashed away the iron and looked myself over before making for the door. Opening it, I saw a sight that a grin was almost impossible to not respond with. There stood Colgate, her blue eyes gazing up at me. Her body, sleek and silky was much shinier than usual, her mane expertly styled. Rarity. She too sported a wide grin, not a toothy one mind you, just happy. "Hey Jackson," she said as I knelt down to give her a gentle hug. Her fur was soft and velvety. I tried not to make it obvious but, I ran my fingers through her fur gently before we broke the hug. Sweet Celestia, I had never felt anything that soft before that moment. "Hiya Minuette," I replied, not totally dismissing the intimate moment, but rather keeping it in the back of my mind for safe keeping. "Ready to get going?" Her voice was soft and gentle, almost motherly in a sense. It was so soothing to hear her speak in that tone, I couldn't get enough of it. I nodded in response, motioning for her to follow me as I locked the front door behind me. The evening light was still hanging in the sky, but was accompanied by tiny stars that bounced and twinkled as we walked towards Ponyville Square. We walked in relative silence, as it was only a short walk. She occasionally poked me jokingly, giggling and she strode along. My eyes wandered over her slim figure, soaking in every detail. A soft giggle escaped her lips as my wandering eyes met hers, a huge full blown red blush appearing over my face. I decided to make nothing of the situation and continued walking until she and I were at Ponyville's main square where the move was being held. Lots of ponies had shown up that evening, including everypony Pinkie spoke of. Minuette and I sauntered towards the crowd. The blue mare went over to greet her friends, exchanging little bumps of the hoof or the head. I thought that was absolutely cute as I strode towards the refreshments vendor. Grabbing two drinks and tipping the vendor, I trotted back towards the crowd of ponies, Minuette beckoning me to sit with them. A slight smile flashed across my face as I saw the blue mare's mane flowing gently in the evening's breeze. The sunset behind us glowed, like the sky was on fire. I saw two pegasi, a colt and a mare chasing each other playfully in the air, circling around the fly in theater. They finally landed, the colt nuzzling the mare. A second glance confirmed my suspicions: they were a couple. The colt was a dark ash color with brilliant shining crimson eyes, his wings fully spread. His mane, a two tone black and white, blew in the breeze gently as the dim purple mare landed next to him. She had a mint green mane accompanying her gentle body, and unusual color combination. I shrugged the image off, and turned my attention back to the screen. The movie was about to start. ______________________________________________________________________________ The light was nearly gone from the sky when I arrived at the field. I loved the night, it always brought me calm. I glanced around the field, the grass slowly rolling in the night breeze. I knew I was alone but still. I couldn’t shake the feeling that somepony was watching me. But I didn’t care. I closed my eyes and let my mind slip away. I was wearing a black sweatshirt, black workout shorts and a grey undershirt, so I guess I blended in. But I still couldn’t shake the feeling of somepony watching me. Then I heard a rustle behind me, the sound of a body brushing against the shrubbery. I turned around to see Colgate standing there, looking at me. With a rather confused look on her face I might add. I turned my head around and stared at the moon as it was rising. I still heard her behind me, and she was walking not towards me, but away from me, with her head turned to her right, watching me closely. I settled back down into the soft grass, closing my eyes again, and fiddled with the pendant that was draped around my neck. It was from Earth; a tribal dagger pendant that had special emotional significance to me. It was gleaming silver with accented black, and a black rubber choker chain to held it around my neck. I loved it, wore it ever day. Not many ponies came to comment on it, but a few did, and they were always awestruck with my explanation. I tuned my MP3 Player to A Skylit Drive’s “Just Stay”. Amazing song. Weirdly human technology worked here in Equestria. I didn’t think it was possible, but it was. Just then, I hear another rustling behind me, this time moving towards me. I turned to my right to see Applejack literally bouncing towards me, a look of mixed happiness and concern on her face. Applejack had always been super nice to me when I arrived. “Hiya Jackson! What’re ya doin’ out here at this late hour?” Applejack’ voice was cheery and optimistic as always. It brought a smile to my face. I stood up to greet her with a hug. She was almost as tall as me when she stood on her hind legs. “Hey Applejack. Just out enjoying the evening,” I replied. “What brings you out here?” “Well Jackson, we needa talk,” she added with her cute southern drawl. She walked over sitting next to me. I was generally shocked at how her attitude was. Her voice still had bits of happiness in it, but it was overcome by sadness and concern now. “Ok A.J. What’s up?” “Well, Colgate just came and got me. Told me you were out here by yerself. Ah reckoned ah’d come see if your ok.” I chuckled a bit. “Why would Colgate be concerned about me? I thought she doesn’t do mushy crap.” Applejack responded by a hearty slap on my back. “Jackson, ya may not know this, but she cares for ya. And ah don’t mean as a friend.” My eyes went wide as I pulled both my headphones out and turned off my music, turning to face her full on. “W-What??!” I couldn’t form a full sentence, since I was too shocked and confused. The blonde mare literally belted out laughing, rolling on her back, holding her hat over her face, unable to control her emotions. Unaware of my stare, she continued for another 30 seconds roughly, before regaining composure. “Ah swear, ya humans can be dense as a rock sometimes. But ah can’t lie Jackson. Ah’m tellin the truth.” “Now lookee here. Ah know some ponies can be vicious and even downright cruel, but that’s no reason tah give up love! Ya may be… different, but ah’ve seen how nice you can be! And tuh be honest, ya’ll aren’t that hard on the eyes either,” she said with a friendly wink. I responded with a heavy blush and looking at the grass between my legs. “Ok A.J. I’ll bite. Why me, of all the poni..err things in Equestria. Why me?" Applejack shook her head, and put a hoof on my shoulder, her emerald eyes staring deep into mine. She smiled a little, tilting her head to the left. “There’s somethin’ special she sees in ya. Jackson, imma be blunt here, but bear with me.” I nodded. “Ya don’t try to make yerself stand out in the crowd; ya don’t do flamboyant nonsense to get her attention. And that’s exactly what has.” “Applejack, I’m just being myself.” “EXACTLY!!” She almost yelled in my ear. “That’s what ah’m tryin to say! That’s why she’s takin an interest in ya! Yer being yerself. That’s what makes ya special.” “I still don’t get it A.J. I think I’d bore her. I can’t fly or do any fancy things. I’m just me…. Boring old me…” I dipped my head between my legs, closing my eyes. Applejack tapped her chin for a couple minutes, clearly thinking about something. “By the way partner, what’s with that necklace you keep wearing? Ah think it’s beautiful.” She was commenting on my pendant, which was rare. I smiled, holding it close to my chest, feeling the cold pewter against my chest. “It’s a special tribal necklace from my home world. It was given to me by a late loved one...” Applejack tilted her head to the right, her eyes softening with sympathy. “Does it have a back story?” I nodded. “It stands for learning from your mistakes and moving forward. It’s uh..,” my voice trailed off as I clutched it again. “It’s precious to me.” She nodded her head in understanding. “Ah think it accents ya very well. Kinda gives ya an exotic and tribal look,” she said with a grin. I blushed in response. “All right A.J. I’m gonna head back home. Oh and by the way… thanks for the talk,” I said with a smile. She fidgeted to her hooves, and tipped her hat to me. “Anythin to help a friend, partner. Good night.” “Good night.” We parted ways, me heading towards my home in Ponyville. It was a small place, big enough for me. It had a bedroom, kitchen and all the necessities. I walked along the dirt streets of Ponyville, my eyes shifting to each of the buildings as I passed them. Ponies were out populating the town, enjoying their night life, happily chatting amongst themselves oblivious to my presence. I didn’t even try to avoid them, just walked casually back to my house. The night felt so comfortable and relaxing that I really didn't want to go to bed. I'd much rather prefer to stay out and enjoy it. But the sad thing was I had nopony to enjoy it with. Maybe Applejack's right.... I made for my front door, glancing around for no apparent reason, then slid inside the door. I'm pretty sure I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.