//------------------------------// // Chapter One: No I Will Not // Story: True Sight // by Cold Spike //------------------------------// I purchased a one-way ticket to Ponyville, earning myself a few raised eyebrows from the workers behind the counter. I waited for the train to arrive. I had a few hours to spare, but I didn’t feel like doing much of anything except stare at the ground. If I looked up, I would see other ponies and see far too much. Dealing with my mother, the lawyer, city streets full of ponies, the ticket agents, and the bustling train station had been exhausting; at that moment I just wanted to rest. I was happily ignoring the few ponies walking by me, when a mare paused in front of me and spoke. “Are you lost, son?” she asked in a concerned tone. My reverie interrupted, I sighed and looked up. A glance into her eyes gave me all the information I needed to get her to leave me alone forever. “No, Octavia, I am not lost in the slightest.” She tilted her head to the side. “Oh! You must be a fan of-” “I’ve have never been to anyone of your concerts. But I do know of your love for Vinyl and your hatred for not being able to work up the courage to ask her out on a date.” She blinked a few times before letting out and regarded me with a disturbed expression. “Wha- Who in the hay do you think you are-?” “I also know the odd nature of your ‘unique’ lifestyle.” “Is that so?” she scoffed. “Yes. Shall I call you Baby Oct-?” She gasped. “You creep!” She turned and strode off down the platform, somehow managing to lose herself in the small crowd. Creep. Like I’d never heard that one before. But it worked, and she was out of my sight forever. I waited patiently for the next few hours while occasionally sorting through my luggage. I did bring a book, but I wanted to save it for the train. Oh man, do I love books! Fictional books surprise me in so many ways: the characters, the dialogue, the emotions the writers portray. Books have no eyes. I can’t penetrate their souls and just know what they are about in an instant, and that is pure bliss. Even bad books have their charm. Finally the train pulled in. I checked to make sure it was the right one and immediately boarded, ignoring the stares of a few passengers and workers. I was, after all, only eight and a half and was traveling alone. I was not worried; l had my papers with me and could show them off to any authority figure. I found an empty carriage and took a seat. I then dived into my saddlebag and picked out a random book. I began to read, hoping to ignore the world around me until the train reached its destination. That’s when the voices started. Always with the voices. “Is this cabin f-” I looked up and spotted a mare with her family standing just behind her. I decided perhaps a new tactic was necessary, considering we were all stuck on the train and freaking out the other passengers might make my trip even harder than it had to be. “Sorry, miss, my mommy and daddy are just about to come back!” I said in the perkiest tone I could muster. “Oh! Well, sorry to bother you, sweetie!” I kept my fake grin up for a moment after they left and then instantly returned to my book with a grimace. It was a pretty neat book. It wasn’t anything substantial or amazing, but it got the job done. I wasn’t bored on the train ride there, and it kept my thoughts occupied. For once, I actually felt relaxed. That relaxed state lasted for all of about twenty minutes. “Hi!” a voice said in front of me, causing me to startle and drop my book. I could be surprised if I was busy reading, and I hated that. I looked up. Standing before me was a unicorn filly named Dinky Hooves, favorite color green, six years old, mother named Derpy Hooves, no father that she knows of. She was from Ponyville apparently. She tilted her head to the side and stared right back at me. “What’s your name?” “…Veritas,” I replied reluctantly. “I’m Dinky!” she replied cheerfully. “I know that.” “You do?” she asked astonished. I sighed and figured it was time to scare her off. “Yes, Dinky Hooves, daughter of Derpy. You are six years old, your favorite color is green, you are not great at unicorn magic yet, and you live in Ponyville,” I finished with a smug expression. “Oh my gosh, are you psychic?!” she replied in an excited tone. I face hooved; of course I had to find the one pony it would backfire on. “No, I’m just freaky. Now would you kindly leave?” I asked in a hopeful tone. She pondered what I had asked for a long while. My patience was as thin as a tissue paper. “Why?” she asked. “What?!” “Why do you want me to leave?” “I’m trying to read, and I would appreciate it if I was left alone!” “Oh, okay!” she chirped, and then, just as mysteriously as she arrived, she vanished into the cabin right next to mine. I groaned and kept reading my book. Thankfully, there were no other interruptions for the rest of the train ride. Every once in a while I would pause from my book and take a break from my fictional world, which in turn would allow me to sense others’ emotions once more, once I see their eyes that is. I hated that I could not turn it off. I could sense Dinky wanted to talk more, but I certainly didn’t. I glanced out the passenger window as I had been doing throughout the train ride and noticed that buildings were finally coming into view. I closed my book and waited for the announcement. “Ponyville! The train is pulling into Ponyville! Next stop is Canterlot!” a stallion roared. I gathered up my things and waited in front of one of the doors. I saw Dinky wave but ignored her. Eventually the doors opened up and I dashed for the exit, before being stopped by the stallion who had yelled before. “Whoa, slow down there little colt, why you traveling alone?” “Sir, I’m an emancipated minor, please step aside,” I replied in the most calm manner I could muster. “Emancipated huh? Care to show me your paperwork? Of course it may take a while and the train is leaving…” Now he was getting on my nerves. “You’re cheating on your wife, huh?” “…What?” he said in a flustered tone. His eyes were practically bulging out of their sockets. I knew that look, and I had to act quickly. “You cheat on her a lot, but you won’t be truthful with her. The sad thing is if you just were, she would probably forgive you in a heartbeat, you can tell that she loves you.” And it was true, I looked into his memories and the strongest ones were when this stallion would look away at his wife while he lied, the strongest memories were always the ones that showed up first. “…” He had nothing to reply with and I took that opportunity to jump off the train just as it was leaving. I looked around and sighed, for the first time in my life truly feeling free. Well, as free as I’m going to get. I could already see memories, emotions and names among other things. I groaned and kept my head as low as possible while exiting the train. Looking around everypony’s eyes I noticed most of the train’s occupants lived here. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie and I would-“ One glance into this mare told me everything I needed to know, but a glance more told me too much. She was the Element of Laughter herself, and she was aiming to throw me a party. “Pinkamena Diane Pie, I do not, nor will I ever want to be part of a party, do you understand me?” She blinked a few times before narrowing her eyes, I could tell that she had no clue how I just did what I did but she was not going to take no for an answer. “You will attend my super fabulous party and you will have a great time!” “No and goodbye.” I started walking but could already sense that she was on my tail. “Why are you traveling alone anyway? My Pinkie Sense told me a new colt was coming to town and…” Her voice continued to speak but I was only focused on her Pinkie Sense. It was similar to what I had, in that she could not control it, but I don’t think it was as powerful. She couldn’t sense names or memories, but she did know I was coming. “I’m emancipated, Pinkie, and I know your Pinkie Sense told you that, now please leave me alone.” “But I planned this party just for you!” she whined. “And I don’t have time for a party, goodbye and thank you for the thought...” I watched her leave after a long while, she looked extremely sad and I knew why. She just wants to make others happy, and when she can’t it bothers her deep down. I probably could have bit the bullet and just gone to the stupid party, but I was already going to get enough of ponies at school. I didn’t need an entire party of strangers where a moment’s glance told me too much. It was midday in spring; I could have waited to enroll myself but the laws stated I needed to do it within the coming two weeks and I wanted to get it out of the way. I guessed where the schoolhouse was and gawked at its size, it was super tiny from what I was used to. “I could live with this…” I murmured to nopony. Smaller was better in my opinion. I took a few steps forward and noticed that class was in session, luckily all of the students were reading with the teacher who was sitting quietly at her desk. I slowly walked in and ignored the stares of the other students. “May I help you?” “Hello, my name is Veritas and I’m here to enroll for classes.” She nodded her head slowly. “And where are your guardians for this?” “I’m an emancipated minor, Miss Cheerilee.” “Really? Do you have your…” I was already rummaging into my saddlebag and soon my paperwork was sitting on her desk for her to read. I could sense so many colts and fillies taking curious glances at me but I ignored them. Staring at one pony was bad enough. “Well, this is certainly interesting. I see you have your school placement exams all ready too. Good. When can you start?” “Immediately.” “Well, how about starting tomorrow? It shouldn’t take too long to get you enrolled, but, as you can see, our class is already in session.” “I understand. I’ll see you tomorrow, ma’am.” “And where are you staying?” her voice said, just a bit louder than I would have liked. She stopped me and I groaned. “A hotel,” I replied sarcastically. “And after that?” “I’m shopping for that,” I replied and then left her before the conversation spun out of control. I tended to do that with adults: I lose my temper easily, and things get said that should never be said. Luckily for her I found that her record was pretty clean. Looking into her was actually nice for once. “I better go find City Hall and ask about that house….” Finding the place was easy; not gawking at the unique designs of all the buildings surrounding it was not. I resisted the urge to explore, entered the building, and quickly found a receptionist sitting at a desk. “May I help you, young stallion?” “Yes,” I replied and paused to find the document that I needed. “I was looking to purchase this property.” “…What?” I sighed and realized this was going to take more explaining. Unfortunately for her, my patience was gone. “Look, I’m an emancipated minor. You can read the documents right here. Now you can spend your day arguing with me on how legal all of this is and if I’m actually emancipated or not, but all that is going to do is waste both of our time. So, would you kindly get the proper documents for me to purchase this particular property, and would you kindly do it, like, now?” She scowled and replied, “And what if I don’t?” “I’ll tell the mayor how long and how often you’ve been stealing office supplies.” She stammered, and before I knew it I had made a bank transaction to purchase the property in question. It cost me all of five hundred bits. I was warned that it was very worn down, but I could live with that. The property was on the edge of town, which I could also live with. The property description indicated that it was located inside something called the Whitetail Woods. I had to pass through a park as I walked toward my new home. Tons of children were playing since it was just after class. Some invited me to play, but I declined and continued to search for the woods. I found it odd that these woods had no signposts, yet the paths to the dangerous Everfree were clearly marked. Eventually, I found the right path. When I entered the Whitetail Woods, I discovered that this part of town was extremely secluded. I was thankful for that. The trail was calm and peaceful, and, again, that suited me just fine. Eventually, I found the place; it was a small cottage that looked pretty run down. Now I knew why it only cost five hundred bits! It was very weathered and worn, but intact, with no noticeable holes in the walls or roofing, thankfully. I timed the trip back into town, and it took about twenty minutes: not terrible for a walking distance, and I was used to it after living in the city. I figured food was my first priority, and I spotted several stands that were just closing up shop. I hurried over. “Well howdy there, little fella! You need somethin’?” I raised an eyebrow. Apparently, all of the Elements of Harmony just lived in this town. Either that, or my sight is on the fritz. I could do with some apples though. “A dozen apples, please.” “Sure thing. That’ll be six bits.” I gave her the bits, and she poured the apples into a lunch box I had. “Thank you,” I replied and left her be. I was glad that she didn’t question me on anything. I sensed so much guilt and pain in her eyes over the loss of her parents that it’s a wonder that she was ever happy. Huh. Should I be freaked out that, thanks to the Element of Honesty, I already know everything I would ever want to know and more about one of my classmates? Maybe, but I was so used to this crud at this point that I just didn’t care. I also purchased a loaf of bread for tomorrow and some vegetables. I then paused and logged everything in my journal. That way, I ensured that I never over-spent during each week. I had enough bits to last a lifetime, but you could never be too careful. I looked around saw ponies heading home for the day. I had nothing better to do, so I searched for the local library, hoping to find some books to read later. As luck would have it, I arrived exactly twenty minutes before closing. I opened the door, came in, and gently shut it behind me. I looked around and spotted what I assumed was a dragon shelving books. One look in his eyes was enough to confirm that. And, wow, did this little guy have issues! I thought I was bad. Spike, aged nine, favorite color white, in love with Rarity Belle, regrets not knowing his real mother and regrets never working up the courage to call Twilight Sparkle his mother. He fears his own dragon greed and almost destroyed the town once… overall I’d say we are about even in terms of how severe both of our issues go. “Welcome to Ponyville Library, can I help you?” Spike asked from his latter. I pondered his question before shrugging. “Yes, do you have any books on fiction that you would recommend for somepony who is bored?” “Um, well there’s the Darring Do series-“ “Read them,” I interrupted in a quiet tone. That was another thing about me, I love to interrupt anyone but I try to do it in a calm manner without sounding too rude. “Well, we have the Legendary Series by –“ “Read those too.” He scratched his head a few times. I had to hand it to him; he was remaining awfully patient for somepony who was being awfully rude. “How about some romance novels maybe?” I paused and actually considered it for a moment. True, it wasn’t something I would ever ask for but I had been reading an awful lot lately and I needed something new. I nodded and he gathered up a few for me. “You’ll need a library card, name?” “Veritas.” “Location or address?” “Cottage in The White Tail Woods, it doesn’t have a-“ “No problem got it right there. Age?” “Eight.” “Perfect, just be sure to return those within two weeks.” He was smiling, when he gave me the books and for once I actually did feel like helping somepony instead of using my ‘curse’ to get my way. But I thought better of it, I was going to advise him that this Twilight would probably not mind being called mother but that would require making friends most likely and I was feeling too tired to care as much. It sucks too because that little dragon was hurting inside. I left the library and checked my saddlebags. I had a sleeping bag and a pillow along with some bathroom supplies. I figured that would be enough for the next few days so I was all set. I spent a quiet trip back and thanked Celestia that the place had some oil lanterns. Not that I was afraid of the dark, but in a sense I was because that meant I wouldn’t be able to read my books! The first novel was just so cliché, at least in my opinion it was. I mean the writer built up to the love parts but they seemed forced. I tossed it aside and tried the other. The second book was better; I relaxed again finally and was glad that nopony was going to bother me out here. I couldn’t even hear any animals, come to think about it I didn’t see any out in town. Oh well. I brushed my teeth and went to bed, or as close as I was going to get. I hated sleeping because then the dreams would start. Not so many nightmares, but something far more sinister. Memories, so many memories from all the ponies I had ever laid eyes on. I knew that dreams were the brain's way of managing everything that you see in a day and sometimes you would remember them while other times you don’t. I always remember them, even if I didn’t there would still be the memories I had gained from all the ponies. Tartarus, I still felt kind of guilty for not helping out Spike after waking up in the morning. It would pass though, it always does. I had no clock but I figured it was six when I woke up. I stretched and ate one apple for breakfast, and then made my lunch for my first school day. I sighed when I realized I was going to be carrying around my saddlebags filled to the brim with my stuff all around until I found better locks for my doors and windows. I just now realized I had windows as well with the sun coming up. School was at eight so I had plenty of time to get ready. I looked in my saddlebags and realized that I was ready, kind of made me wish I’d of slept in but oh well. I found, to my amazement, that I had a shower that worked, just no hot water. That secretary did mention I would have water bills but I would worry about that later. I took a quick shower in solitude and walked into town with my head held down. Shops were being set up, ponies were getting ready to head to work and I was utterly bored out of my mind. I figured I should start looking up at this point, it’s going to happen one way or the other. The first pony I spot was a mare, named Lyra Heartstrings who obsessed with some fictional creatures, special talent is mostly music related and I guess she is playing for the other team, hmm. I was glad she had no guilt-ridden past or anything. I looked to her right and spotted a stallion. His name was Dr. Whooves, I have no clue how to describe this guy, it was almost scary but in an exciting way. Too bad he looked down at this watch and ran off like no tomorrow. I spotted another, Twilight Sparkle, what a mess. She’s insecure about her own abilities despite being able to stop Nightmare Moon and Discord and the changelings and so many other things. So she compensates by pleasing the princess in any way she can. She loves Spike -no surprise there- and somewhat wishes he would call her mother… I groaned as the guilt built up more. Maybe I could write them an anonymous letter and just leave it at the library? I figured it had a shot so I wrote that down in my journal to try later. Then I spotted Derpy, the mother of Dinky. I felt, pride? Yes, she was proud of her daughter and proud of herself despite all of her shortcomings. It was an odd feeling and made me shudder almost. I checked the time on the clock tower and noticed it was nearing eight so I made a dash for class. Along the way, two fillies stopped me. “Well, well, well if it isn’t-“ “Stop, Diamond Tiara I have no interest in joining your stupid gang and it would just be best if you left me be.” I tried to walk around them but the other filly, Silver Spoon stopped me. Now that was interesting, Silver Spoon was not her real name, hmm… “Now, where do you think you’re going-“ “Silver Delight,” I replied which caused her to freeze up in response, “move, now!” She moved slightly but was still frozen in shock of my knowledge of her name, a name she kept quiet even from her best friend. “Silver Spoon! What the hay?!” I heard Diamond Tiara yell, but then I was out of sight in a hurry. I only hoped that class was not going to be any trouble. Hope never works.