A Heartfelt Thank you
By all the glorious mercy of Celestia herself, it was over.
The end credits rolled for the last time.
There would be no more incredible plots or spell binding songs to sooth the hearts of Bronies and Pegasisters. It was all complete.
Mark sat on his couch and stared helplessly at the black screen as the white lettering zipped by.
“Please”, Mark whispered under his breath. “Please … something happen.”
His heart thumped in his chest, and yet, when the firework with the Hasbro logo appeared, he knew it to be true.
A deep longing waivered in his chest. Mark kept breathing deeply in hopes to knock the terrible sensation from him, yet it refused to go. His eyes watered.
Mark wiped his eyes with his sleeve and rose from the couch. The process of standing felt much more difficult than he had imagined, but he pushed through the brief wave of disorientation. Mark’s stomach growled loudly, so he maneuvered through his little apartment to his even smaller kitchen.
He opened the fridge with a hollow heart and pulled out the jar of pickles so he could get to the plate of pizza he had prepared the day before.
Why did he feel empty? Why did his body radiate with intense sorrow?
Mark answered aloud, even though he stood alone in his dwelling. “I’m losing them forever. I can’t believe it! I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”
Oh sure, Mark could watch the re-runs over and over, but it wasn’t the same. The ponies were the most splendid people he had ever known… even though he never actually knew them. They were like his friends. Perhaps that’s what hurt the most.
At least the series finale had been wondrous. That small consolation did ease his torment a little.
“You’ve got to get it together man,” Mark said. “It’s just a show.”
Those words sounded oily as they careened past his lips. My Little Pony wasn’t just a show, it was a way of life. The philosophies that the most precious of ponies shared held the kind of unity and wisdom that most religions should adopt.
A vexing sound danced on the air, and it took a moment for him to realize the theme song for the next show had already started. Hearing it only heightened the quivering in Mark’s soul. He turned around quickly and struck the pickle jar with his forearm.
It splattered on the unyielding kitchen tile and sent little glass shards everywhere.
“Damn it!” Mark said. He slammed his hand on the flat of the counter and let out a heavy sigh. Mark stared into the cabinet door and let his eyes go unfocused.
“It was a great way to end the series,” he thought. “Truly brilliant… but I want more. Or maybe… maybe I don’t. What do I want?” He opened the cabinet and grabbed the paper towels.
As he turned around, the bottom of his foot pressed on something slick and wet. In an instant, his feet come up from under him. The air seemed to whoosh like a savage gust. Something hard slammed into his skull.
Everything went black.
When Mark fluttered his eyes open, he found himself on the kitchen floor. His pants were soaked with pickle juice, but thankfully the glass shards laid elsewhere. His body ached. Odd silence lingered in the apartment.
Every muscle groaned as he got to his feet and tiptoed out of the kitchen. As he stepped into the living room, a bizarre sight assaulted him.
A peculiar creature sat on his couch and drank from a little porcelain tea cup. The figure appeared to be a hodge podge of different animals all stuck together. It’s long serpentine neck whipped around, and a pair of yellow eyes with red irises fell upon him.
Mark slammed his back against the wall. “Whoa! What the hell are you?”
The creature chuckled and sipped from his tea cup. “Oh come off it, you know exactly what and who I am. Go on and say my name, you weird little thing you.”
A single word echoed in the chasm of Mark’s mind. “It can’t be… you’re not real…”
Discord floated over the couch and lounged on the air as if it were a pillow. “Of course I’m real. Why wouldn’t I be? People believe in me don’t they?” The draconiquis batted his eyes at Mark. “You believe in me, don’t you?”
The insides of Mark’s mouth felt like a desert. He swallowed, but no amount of saliva seemed to sate the sense of astonishment that sucked up the moisture from his tongue.
“W-wh-what are you doing here?” Mark asked.
Discord landed beside him and wrapped a lion arm around Mark’s shoulders.
“I’m here to make you feel better,” Discord replied.
Mark tried to shift away from the larger monster. “You’re lying. You’re the spirit of chaos. You’re trying to play a trick on me.”
Discord disappeared and then appeared right behind Mark. This time, Discord’s eagle talon gently grasped Mark’s arm.
“You’ve seen the show, you know what happened to me. I’m a changed draconiquis. While I still revel in a bit of harmless chaos every now and then, I’ve acquired this peculiar desire to ease the suffering of those around me. You’re suffering, so I’m here to help.”
Discord’s body curled around Mark, but it didn’t actually touch him. Mark stared into Discord’s eyes. They didn’t waiver or sparkle with cunning. The curvature of his mouth reflected a pleasant warmth, even considering his giant fang.
“You’re being serious, aren’t you?” Mark asked.
Discord gave the slightest of nods. “I rewound time while you were unconscious and watched you. You’re upset that you didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, right?”
Mark swallowed. “Y-yeah. I guess that sounds silly, doesn’t it?”
Discord arched an eye brow at him. “And why does that sound silly? Because you’re a grown man and you’re lamenting over not being able to remain in touch with cartoon ponies?” A soft chuckle rumbled up through the draconiquis’s throat. “Look at me, I know about silly. What you’re feeling isn’t silly at all. You care about something and you’re sad to see it ending. That’s normal.”
“But they aren’t real,” Mark said.
Discord’s smile got wider.
A sudden chill danced up Mark’s spine. His skin tingled as if acid coated every inch of his body. Mark’s words trembled as he pushed them past his lips. “Wait… are you saying they’re real too?”
Discord wrapped tighter around Mark. “If you believe in something strong enough, it gives it life. After all, how do you think your kind came about? Weren’t you just the thoughts in some more powerful thing’s head?” Discord rested his head on Mark’s shoulder. “Would you like to tell them goodbye?”
Them.
Mark’s eyes watered a little. “Are you being serious? You had better not be yanking my chain here, Discord.”
The draconiquis scoffed. “Even I have my boundaries. I’m not a monster… even though I look like one. Hold on tight, little human!”
Before Mark could ask what the magical creature meant, Discord snapped his finger.
A massive rainbow colored vortex appeared in the apartment. Bright swirling colors created an optic masterpiece that conveyed both fascination and vertigo within Mark.
Discord lurched forward, and the colors engulfed the both of them.
The wind, if it could be called wind, rushed past Mark’s face as he and Discord soared through the giant kaleidoscope of light. The draconiquis cackled as he looped around and flipped over. Mark’s stomach bounced within him, and yet, it wasn’t a terrible experience. He let out a loud holler of excitement.
“That’s the spirit!” Discord said. The visible delight Mark showed only encouraged the draconiquis to go faster.
In the far distance, a bright white light sparkled with continuous power. As it got closer, the wind appeared to get faster and more savage.
The excitement and anxiety within Mark’s skin ignited, and Mark yelled again.
“This is incredible!” Mark screamed.
“If you think this is incredible, wait till you see Equestria.” Discord reared back his head and bellowed out another bout of riotous laugher.
Much quicker than Mark anticipated, the white light swallowed them whole. When Mark could see again, he and Discord floated in the middle of a bright blue sky.
Clouds floated effortlessly. A warm breeze caressed Mark’s face. Far below them, a land of impossible green stretched as far as Mark could see. Little silhouettes danced among the clouds, and they even moved them about. Buildings stood in the distance. Beyond the buildings, a magnificent castle rose up from the greenery.
“Oh my God,” Mark said. “I’m really here, aren’t I?”
Discord arched an eyebrow at him. “Do you believe you really are?”
Mark couldn’t help but form a wide grin between his cheeks. “I really do.”
“Good. There is so much power in belief, many creatures underestimate it. “Discord pointed to the castle. “Come, they’re probably in the castle as we speak.”
Discord kept a tight grip on Mark, but he floated toward the ground, close enough for Mark to make out the creatures on the ground. Four legged equine creatures moved about their days. Each appeared more splendid than Mark could have imagined. Whereas the show depicted the ponies as shorter and squatter creatures, these ponies looked regal and elegant. Their legs were thinner, and their bodies less bulky. On each of the ponies, wondrous cutie mark designs graced their flanks.
Mark turned a quick eye on Discord. Even he appeared more incredible than what Hasbro and the TV show actually showed. Everything here was more… detailed and beautiful.
The ponies noticed Discord and Mark. Many gasped and pointed. Others shouted and laughed out loud.
One pony in particular ran underneath them and hopped about with such glee and splendor. This pony was a unicorn and had mint green fur. Its mane was light green and white, and the image of a golden lyre sparkled on her body.
Mark knew it was a mare, and in fact knew her by name.
Lyra Heartstrings screamed out “I knew they were real! I never doubted once.”
Discord chuckled softly and whispered just loud enough for Mark to hear. “If you believe in something enough, it gives it life.”
Before Mark could ask what he meant, Discord and Mark got ever closer to the grand purple crystal castle. The mere sight of it stole Mark’s attention. The mid-afternoon sun shined brightly and caused the shimmery edges of the castle to light up. Rather than use the front door, Discord flew in through a balcony window.
They soared through several corridors until they came to a central chamber with seven thrones. All of the thrones were occupied.
The purple alicorn rose from her seat. “Discord! What are you doing?!” She paused and stared directly at Mark. “And what have you got with you?”
Discord swirled around to the center of the thrones and set Mark down gently.
Seven pairs of eyes rested on Mark. As he looked around at each of them, he saw so many emotions flare within those beautiful eyes. Confusion, curiosity, fear, and apprehension.
A great swelling came over him, and Mark couldn’t help but fall to his knees. He brought his hands to his face and he couldn’t hold back the sobbing.
For many years, these six individuals comforted him when the despairs of life sought to bring him down. They made him laugh, they made him feel complete, and they taught him to love himself. Now that he had finally met them, they stared at him as if he were a stranger. Granted, he was a stranger to them. To him, and to countless Bronies and Pegasisters, they were among his best friends. Despite the fact that they were cartoons, they were more real than many of the fake people who treated Mark badly sometimes. Actually being around them now in the flesh… it was more wonderful than anything he could have imagined.
A soft hoof landed on Mark’s shoulder. When he pulled his hands away from his face, he saw that each of the ponies had gotten much closer to him. They were all right beside him, all gazing at him with a sense of pity, even greater confusion, and a yearning desire to comfort.
The hoof belonged to Twilight Sparkle. Her ears lay flat, and her purple and pink hair fell from her long face. “Why are you crying?” Her words were soft and gentle.
Mark wiped his face on his sleeve. “I’m sorry. I’m being ridiculous. I’m just so happy… and yet, I’m sad too.”
Pinkie Pie gasped. “Oh No! You’re Sahappy? That’s terrible. There’s only one thing to do!”
She hopped into the air, but Apple Jack slammed her back on to the ground. “Easy there, Sugar Cube. Now’s not the time to throw a party.”
Pinkie Pie sank her head down. “Awww… but parties always make me less sahappy and more super duper joyfuliscious.”
Rainbow Dash flapped her wings above the others, but she stared down with the same sense of concern.
All of them cared about him… even though he was an unknown creature amidst their home. More tears rolled down Mark’s cheeks.
Twilight Sparkle wrapped a wing around Mark. Compared to him, all of the ponies were the same size as he was.
“Let’s start off with the positive, shall we?” Twilight Sparkle said. “Why are you happy?”
Mark locked eyes with the purple alicorn princess. Her wing felt warm on his back.
“It’s because…” Mark said. “It’s because of you all.”
“Us?” Rarity asked. “I’m sorry, but have we met before? I’m terribly sorry, but I don’t recall ever meeting a… what are you exactly?”
A loud voice answered her.
“It’s a human!” Lyra said as she ran into the audience chamber. “It’s a real life human! I knew they were real. I just knew it.”
Rainbow dash floated down ever closer. “A human? I thought that was just a bunch of made up crap you kept spouting out.”
The mint green unicorn bounced in place as she stood on the perimeter of the ring of thrones. “I have so many questions.”
Fluttershy moved in front of Lyra. Her demure voice made the air tingle with sweetness.
“Um… I’m sorry, but you’re questions are going to have to wait. The human is really upset.”
Lyra blinked a couple of times. “Upset? Is there anything I can do?”
Rarity moved over to her. “No thank you, darling. I think we have this covered. Why don’t you wait in the foyer until we sort all of this out?”
For a moment, it appeared as if Lyra were about to protest. Her mouth opened to say something, but then she closed it and silently trotted out of the chamber.
Twilight kept her wing around Mark, but she stared up at Discord.
She asked “Where did you find a human? And why did you bring it to us?”
Discord lounged on the air as if he were on a couch. “He wanted to come to see you.”
Once more, all eyes, including that of a gangly tall purple dragon, locked on Mark.
“So why did you want to see us?” Apple Jack asked.
Mark stood up and took a deep breath. “My name is Mark, and I’m a Brony.”
Pinky said “I thought you were a human.”
“Well, I am a human… and I’m a Brony.” Mark rubbed the back of his head. “Bronies are male fans of the show ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.’ Where I’m from, your world is the subject of a TV show.”
The ponies glanced back at one another.
Rainbow Dash placed her nose next to Mark’s. “What’s a TV show? And what does this have to do with us?”
Mark took the next hour explaining what MLP:FIM was. He recounted each of the season finales, the major enemies, and finally described the series finale.
Fluttershy placed a hoof to her mouth. “B-but that just happened last week.”
Mark frowned “Wow… it’s already been a week since it happened? I can’t believe it.”
Twilight Sparkle rose on all fours. “Okay…. I think I understand why you’re happy. You’re a big fan of us. Are you sad because the … show is ending? And if it ends, what does that mean for us?”
Mark shrugged. “I guess it means you all go on with your lives without having humans watch you anymore. As for why I’m sad, it’s not because the show is ending. It’s because… “ Mark’s eyes started watering again.
Pinky Pie gently bumped Mark’s shoulder. “It’s okay. You can tell us. We won’t judge you.”
Mark grinned. “I know you won’t.” He sighed. “I’m sad because I’m going to miss you.”
A heavy silence filled the audience chamber.
Mark closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, his lower eyelids were filled with tears. “I know this sounds stupid, but I care about all of you. I want to know how you’re doing. I want to know that you’re all leading happy lives. For a long time, you all were there for me when I needed you. You’re … special to me.”
The ponies just stared at him.
“Discord brought me here so I could have a chance to say goodbye,” Mark said. “I …”
Discord floated down beside Mark and gave him a gentle nudge. “Come on, you can do it.”
Mark peered at the draconiquis, but then he regarded each of the ponies. Their colors were brighter than the show suggested. Each of them stood there, with warm smiles and friendly demeanors.
“I wanted to say from the depths of my heart and on behalf of all of Brony and Pegasister kind… “Mark said. “Thank you. Thank you for all that you have taught us. Thank you for being there for us when many of us needed you. Thank you for cheering us up when we found ourselves in the deepest pits of despair. Thank you for teaching us to love ourselves. You mean so much to so many people.”
The ponies just stood there, studying Mark as if he were a strange spectacle. Hell, considering he was a human in Equestria, he was a strange spectacle.
Twilight Sparkle hugged him first. Pinkie Pie wrapped around him next. The rest of the girls joined in too. Equine faces pressed against Mark’s. Incredible warmth surrounded him. Mark closed his eyes as his tears rolled down his cheeks.
When Mark opened his eyes, he found himself on the floor of his kitchen. His pants were soaked with pickle juice, but thankfully the glass shards laid elsewhere. His body ached. Odd silence lingered in the apartment.
A tangible tickle of anguish gripped his insides. He sobbed as he managed to stand in the kitchen. His muscles groaned as he moved out into the living room.
Mark was alone. No draconiquis. No ponies. Nothing.
Mark moved around the couch, but then stopped in utter astonishment.
Resting on the coffee table sat a three tiered pink cake. Little candy shapes of six unique cutie marks adorned the pink frosting. A small blue envelope rested beside the cake.
Mark’s hands wobbled as he picked up the envelope and opened it. Inside, he found a little card.
Inside the card, he found a special message.
Dear Mark:
Thank you for believing in us. You, and all Bronies and Pegasisters, are important to us too. Regardless of the worlds that separate us, you are all loved.
Sincerely,
Pinkie Pie
Apple Jack
Rainbow Dash
Rarity
Spike
Fluttershy
Twilight Sparkle
The End