//------------------------------// // A Happier Life? // Story: Finding Peace // by bakersong //------------------------------// I was just another nineteen year old who suffered from a mild case of depression, nothing to serious. I was even looking forward to my twentieth birthday in August. But now, now I know I won't be able to see that birthday, or any other day for that matter. I wasn't happy with my life by a long shot, but I wasn't so unhappy I would kill myself. But then again, why am I laying here with a knife beside me, and my wrist cut open? Was my depression really that bad? And what is that laughter in my head? Why does it taunt me by offering a happier life when I know it's only a trick? But then again, what do I have to lose if I accept the offer? What it was offering though made me think as I laid there bleeding out, it made me think if I was really happy with my life here. I mean, I didn't have very many friend, in fact I don't think I actually have any friends at this point. But then there's my family, which either gave up on me or abused me emotionally in some way. So, was I truly happy with my life here? Even if this laughter is the devil waiting for me to answer so it can drag me to hell, would it be in someway better than to stay here? I mean I've been bullied all throughout my childhood, and even some until high school before I dropped out, and like I said my family has either given up on me or turned to emotionally abuse me. "So, have you made your decision then?" The laughter stopped, and the voice that spoke echoed within my head. "I-I want to b-be happy for once in m-my life..." I answer, tears streaming down my cheeks as I start to lose consciousness. "Good, cause I'm sure you'll be much happier where I'm taking you, and you'll cause a little chaos as well." Was the last thing I heard the voice say before the darkness surrounded me. --- I awoke with a chill running down my spine, and as I sat up feeling groggy and nausea like someone suffering from sea sickness. But as that wore off, I finally took in my surroundings. Only to find that I was in fact surrounded by darkness, but my eyes locked onto something in the distance. A single spot of light, and I started walking towards it. "Ah, it looks like you've finally awoken my little human friend." I heard the voice, not in my mind this time, but like it was a real person talking. Only in the darkness I couldn't tell where it came from as it echoed. "Please, don't panic. If you recall I'm the one who gave you this chance at happiness. But first, before I let you go into this new world to you, I will give you the same choice. You can either go back to your world, and die, or you can still go to this new world and live." "I-I remember, and I'm sticking with my choice!" I yell, feeling a bit frustrated at being reminded of what I did, even if I didn't remember doing it to myself. "Good, good but before I let you continue I'll need to explain a few things first." The voice said. "Explain, explain what?" I ask, frustration giving way to a little panic. "Oh, just a little something about this world you'll be living in from now on." The voice answered, and in a tone that made me shiver for some reason. I let the voice start explaining, and my eyes go wide in surprise and shock. A world full of mythical creatures, and the ones I'll be living with are ponies. Not just any ponies though, some were unicorns, some were pegasi, while some were normal ponies that could talk and have plenty of strength. But the rulers of this land of ponies were known as Alicorns, and there was a total of four. "Any questions?" The voice asked, breaking me out of my thought but I was still in a bit of a haze. "W-will they even accept me? I-I mean I'm not even the best example of what humans could be, after all I did try to kill myself." I said, letting my shoulders sag and I wanted to crawl into a ball. "All the more reason why I decided to bring you here, so you can get over that little issue you have. Don't worry, they even accepted me as a friend even though I tried to take over their world twice and betrayed them." The voice replied, again making my eyes go wide and then narrow. "T-then how can I trust you?" I asked, knowing what the answer was probably going to be. "Because I saved you, and I am fully reformed now. I'm not entirely bad," the voice answered making me give a sigh. "So, are you ready to go into your new home?" "I...I guess," I answer getting up and starting to walk towards the light. "Oh, and a warning before you go." I turn to face away from the light and into the darkness. "Don't be surprised if they do treat you like a monster at first." The voice had what sounded like actual sympathy in it, making me give a hesitant nod. At that moment I felt a sudden force pushing me towards the light I had been walking to with enough speed that my feet left whatever invisible ground there was. As I was coming closer to the light, even with me facing away from it, I had to shut my eyes before it blinded me completely. But soon the light faded, and yet I still refused to open my eyes as I started to get a sense of being weightless and knowing what was about to happen. Though it felt like I was just floating there for a few seconds before I felt gravity take hold, bringing me into a free fall. I didn't even get the chance to scream out of panic, as I suddenly hit the ground with great force. I couldn't move after I hit the ground though, the wind was knocked out of me and I was completely dazed. I managed to open my eyes though to see a beautiful night sky, that had more stars then I ever seen. But soon I started to lose focus as black spots started to dance in my vision, and soon the darkness took me once again. --- I woke up in a coughing fit, my lungs still were on fire from getting the wind knocked out of them. Though, as I started to get up I winced as my entire body was completely sore. Like I had run into a wall multiple times, but as I stood I thought that everything I had been through was some kind of nightmare. That's when I looked my wrist, which now had a scar running across it. My eyes widen and I started to look around, to find I was in some kind of woods. Then I started to remember all that voice had told me, that this land I was in was run by ponies and has a lot more nature in it then what I might have been used to. Though I was a little nervous and skeptical about what the voice told me, I had no choice but to believe it. After all, I apparently was in between dimensions or something like that. I knew that if it was telling the truth, then I would have to just accept it. Even if the main species of this land were talking, mythical ponies, it could have been worse. That and I bet if anyone else were in my shoes, they would have panicked a lot more than I did. But then, what did I have to lose from coming here and panicking? I was apparently more unhappy with my life than I had thought I was, and to be offered a chance to actually be happy for once was all that I needed. I shook my head to get myself out of my thoughts, as I realized I would need to find the nearest town or city. Though, I wasn't exactly the best person to take on a survival trip, I did know a few things. So, I decided to follow what looked like where the sun was rising in hopes that it would lead me, at very least, outside of these woods. It wasn't long before I had come across a trail though, but if the sun was any indication it was a little past noon and already I was tired. Taking that fall last night had done a lot more than I realized, and it doesn't help that I'm overweight. So, I quickly found a tree to rest on for a little bit. I looked up at the nearly clear blue sky, and the few clouds that where hanging around. I take a deep breath letting out a sad sigh, and also realized how fresh the air was. Though as I sat there I wondered about my choice, granted this may have seemed like the better option than going back and dying, but it still made me feel even more alone and sad than I already was. After what I assumed was at least an hour, I finally got up and started down the trail which looked like it was recently ran through by a stamped or something. It made me wonder if these ponies that did this was doing some kind of tradition or if they weren't as smart as what that voice said. Though I guess there's only one way to find out, and that's to follow this trail and hope it leads to some kind of city or town. Though after a little while I start to hear what sounded like a creek, and feeling thirsty I follow the sound. What I come to is in fact a small creek, that looked like it was so pure you could bottle it up right then and there and it'll be ready to sell. Cupping my hands, I dip them in and take a hesitant sip that led into taking an even bigger drink. I soon dipped my face in, feeling some of the weariness go away and getting a good drink. Once I managed to pull my head out of the water I let out a satisfied sigh, now feeling refreshed. I then started my way back the way I came to the trail to continue to see where it leads. Though as far as I knew, these woods could be deeper than what I thought and it could take me more than just a day to get out, even longer to find some kind of town at very least. Though as I walked back to the trail though and looked at the scenery, I still couldn't bring myself to even remotely smile. It was beautiful, especially since with the leaves different colors and spread across the ground giving it a fall feeling. But just thinking about it, once again brought up my inner thoughts. 'Why did I agree to this when I don't deserve to look at this beautiful landscape? Why did I try to kill myself when I wasn't even that depressed? Why would I think these ponies would accept me into their society? And why did that voice decide to give me this chance at a happy life when there are far better people who actually deserve it instead?' I took a moment to take a breath to try to clear my head of these questions, what has been done, has been done. I can't just let my depression win again, not after I did get this chance. Though one last question kept creeping up on me, and that's why am I so accepting that I'm in a world full of ponies and mythical creatures? I guess it could be because that voice explained it and gave me the time to get my head wrapped around it. Maybe I was just more open minded than most people. Maybe a mixture of both, because if I would have just woken up in this world surrounded by ponies I doubt I would be calm, and if I did remain calm then how without it being explained? But before I dive in too deep, I take notice that I'm now outside of the woods which were about ten feet behind me. I give a little chuckle at my own getting so into my own thoughts I wasn't even paying attention. That's when I decided to take a look at my new surroundings. Like I said, the woods I just came out of is behind me but not far I can see a green wall of leafs. I felt a shiver as I could have sworn I saw what looked like some kind of pack of wolves running just beyond the trees. But I look away, and as I'm skimming the horizon I can make out what looks like roofs that look like they might be apart of some kind of medieval architecture. Once again, I give a sigh of relief as I know that I won't be lost for days trying to find even just a building. I started walking, and despite my excitement I knew I still had to be cautious about how I approach this town. After all, if they were ponies and a tall creature comes running into their town with a smile that shows their teeth, it wouldn't make the best impression. The sun looked like it was really starting its descent, behind the horizon. Knowing that it would be a bad idea, probably even worse than just running into the town, I decided to find a place to just camp out. I look around and see a nice looking tree, and start heading over to it. Once I sit down and lean against the trunk of the tree, my limbs decided to let me know that they didn't appreciate taking the fall and walking for hours with barely any rest. I knew it was going to be awhile before I can fall asleep, knowing that with me hurting this much would keep my mind active for a little bit. So, until the pain in my limbs and back calm down I look at the night sky. Which now that I could actually look at it, I felt in awe at the many stars in the sky. Not one seemed to be blinked out of existence due to light pollution, and it alone was breath taking. After all, on my world you'll get lucky when you're out in the country to even see half as many stars. Though, the exhaustion finally grabbed hold and I quickly feel asleep. --- "Himm, interesting. I've never encountered your kind before." I opened my eyes to see a dark blue pony standing above me, staring at me intently. "What brings a creature like yourself to Equestria?" "I-I..." I couldn't speak, this pony had a long horn on it's head indicating it was a unicorn, and then my eyes traveled to her wings, and from what the voice had told me I knew this was a princess. But how was this possible? I had just arrived not a day ago, and not one pony knew I was here, and I didn't know what any of these princesses looked like so this couldn't be a dream. Not unless I was just creating what I thought one of them looked like, but why this accurate and why so lucid? "It is a dream creature, I just have the power to enter into them. I noticed your dreams when I was doing my patrol and knew you weren't a pony. Every time I enter a dream, it becomes lucid. And I am one of the rulers of this land. Now, will you answer my question of why you came to Equestria?" She asked again, but before I could answer everything started to break apart. "Curses, you are waking up. Be warned, if you are here to start a battle we will not hesitate to make sure you cannot harm any of our citizens! --- And like that, I woke up in a cold sweat at the alicorns warning. Though I figured it could have just been a lucid dream of my darker side trying to play on my doubts, but seeing as how I heard a voice in my head before dying and having it transport me here was enough proof that made me think it wasn't just a dream. I don't blame that princess for giving me that warning though, I am an unknown creature to them that may present a threat. Though still feeling a little shaken, and quite sore I got up and leaned on the tree holding my head. Feeling like it was about to split open, and feeling like I was going to puke I stayed standing there for a little while. Once my stomach calmed down, and the pain in my head I look around to see that the sun was just now rising. I turn to face the town, and I could now see something that I hadn't either noticed or thought was just a weird shaped tree. But as I looked, I could see that what I saw coming towards the town wasn't just a tree. It was a tree that was made out of some kind of crystal, and looked like some kind of castle. I decide to just chalk my bad vision on the fact that I was dazed, it was getting dark, and I was very tired and hungry. But thinking about my hunger only made my stomach growl, and I realized that was why I might have felt the need to puke. Though I pushed that thought back, and started to walk forward towards the town hoping that they wouldn't just attack me. Once I'm close enough, I stop to sit down and to take a look to see if I can approach them this early without them panicking or trying to attack me. Though I highly doubted it as it seems that the town just now looked like it was just coming to life. Besides, by the way that princess acted made me think this wasn't a good idea. That's when I saw the first pony walking out of their house, with a huge smile on his face as he trotted off towards where ever. From what I could tell, he looked to stand around my waist, maybe even stomach given as to how far away I am. But if that's so, then these ponies are a little bigger than the ones on Earth. I waited for awhile until I thought the town was completely awake and started to move closer. Though with every step, I feel a little slower and slower, until I come to a stop by the edge of the town. Not one of them have spotted me, and maybe that was a good thing. Maybe I could head back to the woods, and either try to survive there or die starving. But, before I could turn around I heard a scream. "What is that over there?!" A frightened voice cut across, and the near by ponies turned their gaze to see what she was screaming at and my eyes widened in fear, frozen by the stares. For a good moment, everything was silent in the immediate area with only the wind blowing in a nice little chill in the air. Before any of them could act, I finally broke free and started to make my way back to the woods. Though my path was cut off by a group of ponies, pegasi by the looks of their wings, staring the same shocked and some what frightened expressions. "Somepony call the guard!" I heard the voice of a male call, and after that everything that I was worried about came to be. "Please, don't call the guard, I'm friendly!" I scream in panic, hoping that they listen but that only made them go into a riot. I soon found myself somehow moving into the town, most likely because I was running on blind panic hoping to find at least one of these ponies who would listen. But by the time I got to what I would assume was the town market place, everyone of them were in a panic. I look around, and see what looked like stallions in golden armor coming towards me, but then I took noticed what looked like a mare with a pale yellow coat and a purple mane, with a light purple steak in it looking at me with surprise. Though, that wasn't what actually caught my attention fully as I saw one of the market carts seemingly moving on it's own accord. I stared for a second to see if my eyes were playing tricks on me, but the cart seemed to be leaning further and further. The mare was right by it, still focused on me to realized she was in danger. "Hey, get out of the way!" I yelled, and started to run towards her, having to push my way pass many of the panic induced ponies. I feel something hit me in the back, but kept running knowing if I didn't do something this mare would be crushed by this cart. Knowing it would be my fault for causing this panic, which the pony running the cart had left in a panic jumping over it and making it start to tilt somehow. Yet another force hit me, this time on my right leg, though like the last one I ignore it and the mare is only a few feet away, she now wore one of horror. Everything happened in a blur, I remember tackling the mare out of the way of the tilting cart in enough time when a panicked pony ran and bumped into it making it fall. I was on top of this mare, who was still staring at me with horror, but her eyes drifted from me to where she had stood. But before she could speak to me, I'm pulled off and tossed back. The guards that I saw finally caught up, staring at me making me shrivel back in fear. They had looks in their eyes that told me that they intend to kill me, tear flowing down my face. I hadn't wanted to die, that was the whole point of me choosing to come here, to avoid dying. Though, I guess that's what I wanted in the first place, but then what did I actually do to deserve death? All of this panic was brought on by mob mentality, not by me. They started to move towards me, and I was about to run in panic before I gave a yelp of pain as I tried to put weight on my right leg. I looked down, and see a deep gash in it making me pale, and then the pain in my back made me completely fall. The guards were on me before I could even move a muscle, hooves striking my body, making me wonder again what I did to deserve this. "Stop! You'll kill them!" I could barely make out a female voice. "Get back, we have to deal with this thing before it can cause any more damage." I heard a guard say, restraining the mare who was trying to pry the guards off of me. Though, why didn't they just finish me if that's what they were going to do, didn't they have weapons? "Please stop, it didn't do anything!" The mare yelled, and from the tone she was crying. "It started a riot, and some say it was trying to attack some of the citizens." The guard restraining her snapped. "No, it didn't! I was there when it came into town, we caused the riot ourselves by panicking! And I know it didn't try to attack anypony, it was running away from being attacked!" The mare yelled back, breaking free of the guard and managing to pry off one of the guards before they restrained her again. I don't know how I was still conscious after being beaten like this, and from how I arrived and to the injuries I gained from trying to save that mare. Though, one punch sent black spots throughout my vision and I started coughing as I grabbed my neck where the punch had landed, most likely crushing my wind pipe. After that, I blacked out yet again the last thing I felt was a warm body on top of mine, and barely hearing a booming voice.