//------------------------------// // Day 8: From Ponyville to Canterlot // Story: The Problem With Magic // by deathtap //------------------------------// My mouth felt dry. Probably because of those pills I had taken earlier. Waking up from the most uncomfortable position imaginable (my head was on the floor while my rear was comfortably on the sofa) I stood up and stretched my body. The dull ache from before had gone and I felt a million times better. Groggily, I walked into the kitchen and opened the cupboards above the sink looking for a glass. Nope, not there. So I kept on exploring until I eventually found one. As I reached for it I thought I heard something. Curiosity got the better of me, so I put the glass down and walked out of the kitchen. At once I noticed that the door to Fluttershy's room was ajar, so I went to go close it on behalf of the girls. As I approached it, I felt a cold draft blow through the hall. The sudden coolness in the air woke me up and made me notice that the front door was wide open swaying lazily in the night breeze. "Strange," I mumbled aloud. Walking outside, I stood on the front doorstep and looked around. Nothing. It was a nippy night, and I was eager to return to the warmth of the house when I caught some movement from the corner of my eye. Something was flying away from the house in a hurry. No, not something. Someone. More specifically, somepony. A yellow Pony, with a pink mane. "Gaddamit!" I muttered to myself, and gave chase. Even if I didn't follow Fluttershy, it was obvious where she was going. As I reached Angel's final resting place, I caught her starting to dig the grave up with her hooves. It was so sad and pathetic that I couldn't allow her to continue. "He's dead, you know," I said, keeping my distance. She spun around, "He's not dead! He's sleeping!" Her voice was cold, menacing and dangerous. Not like the kind and calm voice from when I had first met her. There was a hint of desperation in that voice as well, a sort of pleading. Denial. "I'm sorry, Fluttershy, but what you're doing is... wrong. He's... dead..." "He's. Not. Dead!" I took a step back despite myself. What do I do? I've never been good with dealing with people (or Ponies), and this was something completely out there. This was... psychotic. She was digging up her dead rabbit thinking that he was still alive. Whether she really believed or wanted to believe that it was irrelevant, something told me that I could not let her continue, a nagging in the back of my head. But telling her the truth was just making it worse. When I said nothing, she started to dig again. "Do you think that Angel would be happy if he saw you right now?" She stopped. "What would he tell you? Do you believe that this is what he would want? To see you like this?" "I... it's... my..." She was incoherent. "You've said good-bye," I said to her, then in a gentle half-whisper, "Let him go." Just then Applejack and Rarity were on either side of me. Rarity made to go to Fluttershy, but I put a hoof in front of her, barring her way. Rarity looked at my hoof, then followed it to my face where she saw me shaking me head. In my mind I knew that what Fluttershy needed was to come to terms with loss herself. How I knew this? Well, I had to come to terms with the loss of my grandmother myself. Although it would have helped if there were other people around me, I understood that you needed to take the first step. After that... well, let's just say I might have turned out to be a better person if someone had been there for me. I turned my attention back to Fluttershy, "He would have wanted you to remember him fondly. To remember the lives you two had. Not to obsess with the past." "But... it hurts so much," Fluttershy said barely audible. "I know, sweetheart," Applejack replied aloud, taking a step forward, "But that's why you live. Go out there, and enjoy your life. That is what Angel would have wanted." We all remained standing in silence for a long moment before Fluttershy stood up. Turning to us, she forced a broken smile on her face, tears streaming down her cheeks, "D-do you really think so?" "I know so," Applejack gave her a sympathetic smile. Fluttershy turned back towards the grave and sat down where she was. Then, gently, she pushed the dirt she had dug up back onto the little grave, her voice saying something. It took me a moment to realize she was singing, "Hush now, quiet now..." Seeing that, I lowered my hoof in front of Rarity, and she instantly ran to her friend holding her in a tight embrace from behind saying nothing as Fluttershy continued to sing, releasing the last vestiges of her grief with each tear. It seemed to free her. We continued to listened to her sing, her gentle voice seemed to help sooth her sadness. There was so much emotion in those words that I couldn't help but get teary as well. She had such a beautiful singing voice. As the stars faded away as the sun's light started to spread across the sky, something had changed. Everything felt right, as if it was meant to be this way. As if a storm had come and gone. This was a new day, a new beginning. Fluttershy's sadness now gave way to a weak smile, as she made peace with herself. "Come, sweetie. Let's get you home," Rarity said quietly and helped her friend up. Together they headed back towards the house, but Fluttershy paused for a moment beside me, "Thank you, whoever you are." I smiled and nodded to her, she looked so delicate and fragile that it felt that if I talked she would shatter from the force of my voice. Letting the two of them go ahead, Applejack and I walked behind them. "Why didn't ya wake us up?" Applejack asked. "I didn't realize what was going on, and I sort of just went with my instincts," I looked at her, "I never realized that I would care so much for a stranger." "Well, what'd you say to her?" I told Applejack what I had said to Fluttershy before she arrived. "Fluttershy really loved her Angel. Guess losin' him was hard. He's been in her life for so long." "He seemed more than a pet." "Well, that's because Angel was more than just a pet to Fluttershy. He was like a child to her." Applejack smiled sadly, "Reminds me of Winona. I miss her." "Winona?" "My dog. She died a couple years ago. Took me a long time to get over it. My brother helped me get through it. The girls were there for me as well, but Winona was family and it helped that family was there. Fluttershy doesn't have parents here in Ponyville and they rarely visit her." "I'm sorry for your loss." "It was a long time ago. I've gotten over it, though it took me some time." As we approached Fluttershy's home, I noticed two individuals walking towards us. As they got closer, I felt my blood began to freeze in my veins. Twilight. "Hello you two," She said smiling cheerfully. "Howdy, Twilight. Fluttershy's okay. We're bringin' her back home." "Back? I thought the funeral was yesterday. Was it that long of a service?" Twilight asked looking at us. Applejack explained what happened. Twilight sighed in relief, "Thank goodness everything's alright. I'm sorry I couldn't be there, but I was with the Dash's and then with Princess Celestia after that. By the time I was done with everything it was very late." "How is she?" I asked. "Who? Rainbow? She's having trouble accepting it. We all are. Brian has been a part of our lives for so long, it's hard to think..." Spike patted Twilight on her back as she paused to fight the tears forming in the corner of her eyes, "It's hard to think that he hasn't got long left." Applejack walked over to Twilight and held her. It seemed to help, "You can't get used to somethin' like that." "Anyway, Pinkie's with them." "How is Pinkie?" I asked. "She's doing well. Being good 'ol Pinkie Pie!" Twilight replied, "I think she's taking Brian's condition especially hard - except for Rainbow that is. She knows that she won't be able to make them laugh, but I think Pinkie's presence there helps. She has a certain kind of charm." That was something I couldn't deny, "She certainly does." Poor Pinkie, I felt so sad for her. And for Rainbow Dash as well. "Well, let's go see Fluttershy," Applejack said and turned to go. "Actually, I'm not here to see Fluttershy. I'm here to see Forest." Shit. "What for?" Applejack asked. "Princess Celestia has asked me to bring him to Canterlot." Shit, shit, shit! "What? Why?" Applejack replied, perhaps a little too aggressively. "She just wants to meet Forest. Don't worry, Applejack. Even Brian asked the Princess to go easy on him," Twilight said, more than a little surprised at her friend's reaction. "Wait... what?" I asked doing a double-take. Brian did what? "She's right, Applejack. I was there," Spike said, "Don't get so... bullish." "I ain't bein' bullish!" "You kinda are," My voice made them all turn to me, "Don't worry, Applejack. Nothing bad's going to happen. The Princess sounds kind." And scary, but oh well. Nothing can top Tutela. My words betrayed my emotions, and I knew that Applejack saw something in my expression that gave something away from the way she reacted to me. Well, this was it. My time was running out, and there was nothing I could do about it. The best I can do is to prepare for the inevitable, and make sure that everything goes by without an issues. "Thank you for understanding, Forest. Please follow me," Twilight turned and lead the way. "Aren't you going to see Fluttershy?" I asked, trying to delay the inevitable. "Fluttershy needs time to heal, but she will. I want to get this over and done with as soon as possible," Twilight looked at me and sighed, "I really want to see her, but I've got too many things on my mind. I wouldn't be of any help." Twilight was such a good friend that she understood her limitations. Again she turned to lead the way and I followed without fuss or comment. "Forest..." Applejack stopped me. She looked so sad. Why? Why did she have to look so sad! Why was she looking so sad? Was the events with Fluttershy still too much for her? "Don't worry. I'll be back soon," I said stupidly. "Promise?" Her face! Oh, why did she have that look on her face? It hurt to look at her, "I promise." With that, I turned to again follow Twilight. "Pinkie Promise." "Huh?" "Pinkie Promise me." "Pinky promise?" I was confused. "Just Pinkie Promise me!" She practically shouted at me. "Okay, okay! I pinky-promise you." "Good. Because nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise," And with that she smiled at me. I couldn't help but smile back, "See ya, Applejack." Then it dawned on me. This was probably the last time I would see her. So, I hugged her. What else could I do? She had given me everything, and I had returned nothing. A hug was a small token of my appreciation. I only wished that I could've done more. As I released her, I gave me a small smile and turned away. Twilight had waited patiently through that and when I turned towards her she was walking a little ahead of me. Spike slowed and was walking by my side as we headed towards Ponyville. At the end of the path that led to Fluttershy's house I turned around and saw Applejack standing there. When I reached the end of the path, she was still standing there. She remained there until I could no longer see her. An overwhelming sense of emptiness filled me. Spike leaned in closer, "So, Applejack, huh?" "What?" "You and Applejack. Wouldn't have guessed, well not with you and Pinkie being so intimate," "Don't be stupid. Applejack doesn't see me in that way." Spike just shook his head, "Really? You can't... you don't... never mind. I just want to go on the record here saying that I might not have confessed my feelings, but I'm at least aware of them." "What are you talking about?" "You're pretty clueless," Spike stated bluntly. What was he on? Not really wanting to get into an argument, I change the subject. "Twilight seems a little..." "Don't mind her. She can sometimes get a little obsessive about things, especially when it comes to learning about something new." "Like?" I asked. "You being a human. It was a discussion Twilight and Rainbow had while you were running for the tryouts," Spike replied, "She mentioned that you were very... 'specific' about your needs for something called a 'sofa-bed', something that she says is common on Brian's world. When we checked with Princess Celestia, she used her magic and checked the cities, and found that although it isn't common, there are such items of furniture. But they had strange names. Sleeping-couch, dream-chair... even comfy-snoozer, but no sofa-bed. Coincidence, I'm sure. But Princess Celestia wants to see you to make sure that you aren't from Brian's world." Lowering my voice, I pulled Spike's head down to my level with my hoof, "Then... can't you find some other Pony?" He looked at me confused, then realized what I was alluding to, "No way! You agreed!" "But what if something goes wrong?" "We'll handle that when the time comes..." "You can't be serious! What if I am a human, then what?" I retorted, "Who knows what will happen!" "What are you too whispering about?" Twilight asked suddenly, "I didn't realize you were such good friends." We both grinned nervously, "We're talking about... Rarity!" I said. "Yeah, Rarity!" Spike put in laughing nervously. "Just advising Spike on confessing his feelings for her, right, Spike?" "Yeah, yeah, that's right!" Spike said, and we acted like we were the best of friends, his arm around my neck and mine around his, grinning together in pain as he tried to choke me and I him. Stupid Dragon! Why couldn't he burden some other Pony! Twilight's eyes opened wide, then a nervous smile spread across her face. She slowly raised her hoof, and then gestured behind us. I felt Spike freeze. And I did as well. "She's right behind us, isn't she?" I asked. Spike gulped. Twilight nodded. "She heard everything I just said, didn't she?" Spike gulped again. Twilight nodded. "Oh dear," I muttered. We were in the center of the market place. Rarity could have been going home for all I knew, but the coincidence was ridiculous! Spike didn't turn around. Instead he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and what came happened next was an unexpected surprise, "Rarity, I love you! I've loved you since the day we first met! I couldn't stop thinking about you then, and I can't stop thinking about you now!" Whoah! I thought, backing away from the Romeo. Rarity blushed ferociously. She lowered her head, obviously loving the attention, but also overwhelmed by it as well, "Why, thank you, Spike... I'm..." "I know you fancy somepony else, but I... I just wanted to let you know," Spike now turned around and looked at Rarity, his face was also completely red. I had to remind myself that he was a purple Dragon and not a red one, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." Again, I back away from the scene of action until I was standing next to Twilight. A few other Ponies had come out of their houses now, probably going about their chores or commutes - whatever it is that Ponies did, but they were all keenly interested and paused to watch the events unfold in front of them. Although I had to admit, Spike was pretty cool. Neither Twilight nor I dared to breath as we watched Rarity. "Oh, Spike," Rarity began, "I have always known. But you're..." "A Dragon?" "Too young," Rarity corrected him with an elegant smile, "Too young, Spike," She lifted his chin up with her hoof. "Y-you don't care that I'm a Dragon?" "No, silly. Of course not. Maybe if you were older..." Spike said nothing in response, but he had a huge smile on his face, and a little moisture in his eyes. Rarity looked past Spike to me and Twilight. "Forest, do something," Twilight whispered to me. "Wha-? Oh," I walked over to Spike placing a hoof on his shoulder, "Let's go, buddy." Spike just nodded, and together we walked away from the two Ponies. I had to admit, Spike was pretty badass. He didn't look back once. It would have been even more badass if the tears didn't constantly stream down his cheeks. "She... didn't care, Forest," Spike whispered as we entered the library. "What?" "She said she didn't care that I was a Dragon," He gave me a huge, beaming smile, "Did you hear?" "I heard. I heard it loud and clear." "Too bad I got rejected," Spike sighed. "Yeah, sorry that I forced you to confess like that. That was a pretty... I did bad," Didn't quite know how to put it without swearing. "Don't worry about it. I'm kinda glad it did happen," Spike said, fighting through the pain of rejection. Being a cold-hearted bastard, I couldn't really relate. The function that connects the heart to... oh, who am I kidding. It wasn't that I didn't want to comfort Spike or cheer him up, it was that I didn't know how. I knew that he was hurting. Spike was a lot braver than me, and for that I respected him. He took the leap, he went all the way. I've never confessed my feelings to another person and have never been asked. That was pretty sad on my part. Twilight entered the library a little later. Putting down her things, she turned to me, "Well, that was awkward." "What did Rarity say?" "Rarity was flattered about Spike's feelings, but she just wants to remain good friends." Friendzoned. "Gee, that's too bad." Twilight walked past me and Spike, "Forest, do you want to get anything?" "Like what?" "We'll be in Canterlot for a couple of days," Twilight replied walking towards a stack of books, "So, do you want to pick up some things from your home? We'll leave on the noon train, and we arrive in Canterlot by late afternoon." "A couple of days?" "I'm sorry, Forest, but those are Princess Celestia's orders." "There is something I would like to do, if you don't mind," I replied. "I'll meet you at the train station at noon then. Don't be late," Twilight threatened, "Spike." "Yes, Twilight?" "You're staying here." "Okay, Twilight," Spike replied looking a little glum. She then walked towards a mountain of books, and using her magic slipped a few large ones into a saddlebag. While she was doing that, I sidled up to Spike, "Lucky," I muttered. "Lucky? I'm so embarrassed! Can you imagine how... awkward it's going to be when I see Rarity? I bet everypony already knows!" He groaned, "I was actually hoping I'd be going with you guys." "Meh. You'll be fine. I've found that word spreads around Ponyville pretty quickly, so hopefully it'll be a come-and-go story. By the way, you were so cool walking away without looking back," I grinned. "You think so? It was hard not to turn around." We both laughed lightly. I headed for the front door. "Where are you going now?" Spike asked. "I dunno. I just want to be alone to think for a while." "I know how you feel. Okay, Forest. If I don't see you... well, it's been nice knowing you." "Spike, about that... thing you gave me, are you sure you can't find someone else?" "Very sure. I'm sure that when the time comes, you'll be able to do whatever needs to be done. And don't worry about me. I feel... content now," Spike gave me a thumbs up. "Well, be seein' ya, big guy," And with that I walked out of the library, the door closing behind me. In town, I looked at the large clock tower. It was just past eight in the morning. How long have I slept for? Oh well, better make the most of the time I had. After all, it wouldn't be long now. I thought I could hear Tutela laughing away from somewhere, but I decided that was my mind playing tricks on me. I now had to make the most of the time I had left here in this world. So I wandered around Ponyville, taking in the sites and places again. A part of me worried about Lavenderhoof, she said that she wanted to teach me how to swim, and little Applebloom. I never did get a chance to tell her about her talent nor see Sweetie Belle sing. During my musings, I ended up in the most unlikeliest of places; Sugarcube Corner. "Oh, hi, Forest!" Mr. Cake said, scaring the living shit out of me as he came around the corner where the loading area was, "How're feeling? Heard you got sick." "Better now, thanks. Yeah, had a fever." "Pinkie isn't here. She's at the hospital. Sad about Brian. I really like him," Mr. Cake sighed, "It's difficult to imagine that he hasn't got long left. Things aren't going to be the same without him." "Sir?" "Yes, Forest?" "Do you mind if I have some of that delicious coffee?" "For our favorite racer? Anything!" In my own way, I said good-bye to the Cakes. They were a family I wish I had. Kind, loyal, strong, caring, everything a family should be. They told me to give their best to the Princess when I saw her - yes, I told them I was going to Canterlot. I didn't tell them why, though. I think that would have been unfair to burden them with that knowledge. Wondering around town, I still had a couple of hours left to kill. So I wondered around the marketplace. Big Mac was there selling apples. A part of me was glad that I didn't see Applebloom, I didn't want to say good-bye to her. I felt that it would have been too painful to do so, after abandoning her several times already. Yet, even after all that she still made an effort to befriend me. Couldn't fault her in any way, she was a good soul through and through, like her older sister Applejack. Making my way across town, I paused for a moment in front of Rarity's boutique. This was where I had first met Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Rarity - and also acquired my first job! Funny how that happened, and it was not even that long ago. Granted, I didn't really care at the time, but now it seemed so precious. Another fond memory I would keep. Then, for some reason, I was standing outside the hospital. Why had I come here? Quickly, I turned and started to walk away. "Forest?" A voice said from behind me. I closed my eyes. I knew that voice very well. I didn't even have to turn around to see, "Hello, Pinkie." Pinkie launched herself into the air, knocking me down on the ground. Despite the suddenness of the 'attack', I couldn't help but smile. It was Pinkie Pie after all, you just had to accept her. "Ohmygosh! Are you here to see Brian? Brian will be so happy that you came! Rainbow too!" "I doubt that they'd really be happy to see me, Pinkie," I replied scratching the back of my head. "Don't be silly! Why wouldn't he want you to come see him?" Her mood started to slow down, "Why wouldn't you want to go see him?" "Okay! If you say so then it must be true!" I said excitedly, although in truth my heart died. It couldn't stand seeing Pinkie frown like that. However, my sudden optimistic outlook cheered Pinkie up. The reaction was almost instant. She got off of me and I pulled myself up from the ground and together we walked into the hospital. Nurse Redheart spotted me and walked over, "How are you, Forest? I heard that Dr. Stable did a house-call for you." "Yes, ma'am, but I wasn't coherent at the time. You'll have to ask Applejack for more details." "You were sick, Forest?" Pinkie asked, her eyes wide open. "Yeah, but I'm fine now," I struck a pose for dramatic effect. Pinkie loved it. Nurse Redheart on the other hand didn't approve as much. "Dr. Stable said that you were put into an ice bath to reduce your fever," The nurse replied. Pinkie eyes opened wide in shock as she gasped - and when Pinkie gasps, she gasps, "Oh-my-gosh-Forest-are-you-okay? Did-you-feel-cold?" "Yes, Pinkie, I'm fine. And like I said, Applejack took good care of me." "Oh goody! Nurse Readheart, can we go and see Brian?" Pinkie asked. "Okay, but only for a little while, he needs his rest." Pinkie led me down the hall and we went up a couple flights of stairs. Outside the door to the private ward was a small sign that read 'Brian Dash', and then all around it were cards and get-well soon stickers. It was incredible! He was pretty popular, perhaps that was not only because he was a human, but that he was also the father of one of the Wonderbolts. Nervously, I watched as Pinkie knocked on the door. "Come in," A voice called from inside. It was Rainbow's. She pushed the door wide open and gestured me to go inside. I looked at her. She just smiled and nudged me towards the door. Resigning myself to the inevitable, I walked inside, "Excuse me..." I said quietly. Rainbow was in shock, I could tell by the way her mouth hung open. Brian was also a little shocked and he glared at me for a moment, just a moment, before his gaze softened. "Say something," Pinkie said, nudging me again. "Um... hi, Brian. I... was just coming to see how you were." "Thank you, Forest. As you can see, I've had better days." D-did he just make a joke? "S-s-sorry I didn't help you sooner in that trailer. I had no idea what to expect." "Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you were there at all. Who knows what would've happened. But tell me, how did you know where to find me?" It didn't take me long to regale the story of how I had tracked him down. How I had to extort information from Cyan Crystal, and then how I had spotted Trixie being suspicious in the woods, following her to her trailer, spying on her and eventually saving his life. But in the back of my mind, all through my story I was wondering; why did his condition suddenly get worse? "Thanks, Forest. I owe you for saving my pop," Rainbow hovered next to me, and gave her dad that adoring look that only daughters could give, yet there was sadness in her eyes. "No, you've already done a lot for me. Making me feel welcome here in Ponyville, and helping me without question. You don't owe me anything," My eyes caught the clock. It was almost eleven, and the train was leaving for Canterlot at noon, I had better start making a move, "Well, I've got a train to catch. Seems that Princess Celestia herself has requested my presence. Can't disappoint." Rainbow and Brian shared a look. "Well, good luck, Forest. Whatever happens, you've certainly made things interesting," Brian replied. I nodded respectfully and turned to go. "Forest is our runner for the Race! He's the fastest Pony in Ponyville!" Pinkie suddenly said, and threw her hoof around me, turning me around, "He won the tryouts!" "Well, that's great!" Brian exclaimed, and clapped his hands. I blushed, "Thank you." "Hello," A voice said knocking gently on the door. A winged Pegasus walked in wearing the Wonderbolt uniform, "Am I interrupting?" "Spitfire!" Rainbow rushed past me, "What are you doing here?" "I came to see my favorite human," Spitfire grinned at Brian, "So, how's the patient?" "The patient is fine..." They all continued to talk and joke with each other. Slowly, I backed out of the room not wanting to disturb them. When I was clear, I turned away and walked down the stairs. I had already said my good-byes in my own way, plus they had a celebrity visitor with them. But a part of me was glad; I got to talk with Brian properly. No accusations, no word games, and no attempts at trying to suss me out. In a way, I think we made pace. If not that, a sort of truce. "Forest! Forest!" "Hi, Pinkie," I replied still continuing to walk away from the hospital. "Why'd you leave? I was planning on throwing a party!" "I have to get to the train station, you silly Mare." Pinkie walked with me for a bit in silence, then stopped, "Can I come?" "What?" "Can I come?" My mind went blank. Why would she want to come? "You'll have to ask Twilight, Pinkie." Pinkie looked at me, "Oh. Okeedokeelokee!" And she hopped up again. The level of optimism she possessed... it was both refreshing and a delight, "Well, then, let's go catch a train." We walked together having a mock 'race', a fake speed-walking one that I let her win mainly because I didn't know how to get to the train station. I think Pinkie was acutely aware that if I actually tried, it wouldn't be much of a race, but we had a ball together anyway. It was amazing to me how the simple act of walking together was so fun with Pinkie. We reached the station with plenty of time to spare. I saw Twilight standing on the tracks talking to another Pony that I'd not yet met. As I approached, the white Unicorn turned to look at me. Then he pointed at me with his hoof. "Him?" "Yep," Twilight replied smiling. "Yes. Apparently, I'm 'him'," I replied grinning stupidly. "This isn't 'Him', it's Forest!" Pinkie giggled. Now, normally when someone says a stupid joke like that I would roll my eyes and shake my head, but when Pinkie does it you cannot help but laugh. "Hello, Forest. I'm Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard of Canterlot," He bowed his head slightly, "And more importantly, I'm Twilight's older brother." That startled me a bit. I had no idea, they looked nothing alike, apart from both being Ponies. "I was on my way back from Manehattan and decided to drop by and surprise my little sister," He gave Twilight a playful nudge against her body. She nudged him right back, "Well, I was the one surprised, as I just got my new orders and from my own little sister herself! I am to escort you and my sister to the palace," Shining Armor looked at me, "And by escort, I mean make sure you're on the train. Twilight, Cadence is looking forward to seeing you again after so long..." The two of them continued their personal conversation in front of me and Pinkie. They were talking about whom I could only guess was Shining Armor's wife. She seemed to be someone very important, not just to the two of them but on the whole. After a few more minutes they turned their attention back to us. Pinkie opened her mouth and inhaled a breath. "Pinkie, you can't come," Twilight said before she could even ask. "Why not?" Pinkie protested. "Because it's an important meeting, and you'd be too much of a distraction," Twilight looked over to me. "D-don't look at me! She asked if she could come and I said she had to ask you." "But how did you meet with Pinkie? She's supposed to be with Brian and Rainbow at the hospital," Twilight said, a little disappointed at seeing her best friend hanging out with me - well, at least it looked like she was disappointed about that. "Silly, that's where he went! He came to visit Brian." "You did what?" Twilight asked, obviously shocked. Of course that wasn't the reason at all. My walk just made me end up there. Isn't that strange? "Yeah. We... talked. It was nice to... get past certain issues." "Like the issue that you might be a human?" Twilight replied smirking. "He's a human?" Shining asked, his eyes opening wide. "We don't know that, and that's the reason why we're taking him to the palace. To put an end to that mystery once and for all," Twilight inhaled, "Don't think I'm doing this because I don't like you, Forest." "I know. You're just being careful," Just because I knew that didn't mean it didn't sting. "In light of this revelation, I think it would be better if Forest goes alone," Shining said, looking at Pinkie. Pinkie wouldn't take no for an answer. And the more they tried to dissuade her, the more she wanted to come. A part of me was secretly delighted that she wanted to come and yet I also didn't want her to be there. What would she say if she found out that I actually was a human and that I'd been lying to her all along. Would she hate me? It wasn't something I wanted to risk. Not with her. "Pinkie, I think it might be best if I went without... you," The other Ponies hushed up when I talked. Looking at me as if I had betrayed her, she spoke to me in a soft, squeaky voice, "Why don't you want me to go?" "Because..." I couldn't think of a good reason. Wait! There was one, "Brian needs you. He needs you to make him laugh and smile, Pinkie. Only you can do that." Looking somewhat dejected, but accepting, Pinkie nodded, "You're right!" A whistle blared aloud just then, and I saw something I had never expected to see in real life; a steam engine! In all my life I had never seen one - except for the ones in a museum. It was such an amazing machine. As it stopped in front of us it let off a loud hiss and bellowed steam. "Train to Canterlot! Train to Canterlot, calling at," The Station Master rattled off some names of towns the train would be stopping at along the way. Canterlot was at the end of the list. Twilight boarded first, and walked into the train sitting in one of the stalls, then Shining went in and followed her, and last of all me. However, before I could get up onto the train, I felt a hoof on my flank preventing me from boarding. Turning around, I saw Pinkie holding me. Something in her eyes told me that I had to say something to her. Something to sooth her. Anything. "I pinky-promised Applejack I'd come back," I said, "So don't worry..." "All aboard! All aboard!" The Station Master called, and blew a whistle letting everyone know that the train would be leaving pretty soon. Ponyville was only a small stop. "Did you do it properly?" Pinkie asked ignoring the Station Master's announcement. "Eh?" "Did you do it properly?" "I-I think so," There was a proper way? She hopped back a step, then said, "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye," She shoved one of her hooves into her eye. I copied her, mumbling the phrase. It was embarrassing! Every Pony on that platform was staring at me. "Louder..." Pinkie insisted. I repeated it, a little louder. "Louder!" Pinkie demanded. Fuck it. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" I shouted as loud as I could, punching myself in the eye. Pinkie grinned in response. The Station Master blew his whistle, and after a few moments the train started to move. I placed the rest of my body onto the train, and turned around. Pinkie ran along parallel to me on the platform, "Remember! You promised!" "Bye, Pinkie!" I shouted back, not really knowing what else to say. I watched her run to the end of the platform and when she stopped at the platform's edge. She sat down at the end of the platform as I peered out the train's open door (just like in the old movies), waving to her as the train took me further and further away until it curved gently to the left and the carriages obscured my view. "Bye, Pinkie," I whispered before pulling myself into the train and closing the door behind me. Walking through the compartment, a few Ponies looked at me and grinned. They had seen the little display and thought it was highly amusing. Fighting hard the urge to blush I walked past them. Eventually I found Shining and Twilight sitting together near the middle and I sat down next to the white Unicorn. "So, Forest, Twilight has told me that you've lost your memories," Shining gave me a sympathetic smile, "I know how you feel." "You didn't loose you memory, dear brother. You were brainwashed by a Changeling Queen," Twilight corrected. "Must you always ruin my image?" Shining frowned, "You and Cadence never let it go." "Do you blame us?" Twilight asked. Shining laughed nervously. "Can you tell me about the Changelings?" I asked Twilight. Twilight explained to me what they knew of Changelings. A lot of it was old news thanks to Tutela. I had already known about how they fed and about their leader who was a queen. Twilight then explained to me that during her brothers wedding, the Changelings had actually attack Canterlot and a war ensued, the root of which had something to do with Shining's love. To be honest, I had no idea what she was talking about, but it helped me gain a clear picture that Changelings were a pretty horrible bunch. A part of me wondered if Tutela was the same, was she a just using me? For what purpose and to what gain? But then again, she did bring me to Equestria. So, in my head she wasn't bad, more eccentric. "So, Forest, how have you liked Ponyville so far?" Shining asked. "It's been really great." "I could never live in a small town like that," Shining admitted, "I'd get too bored. Need bright lights, never-ending nights, and noise!" We both laughed as Twilight shook her head, "Not me. I like Ponyville. When I first went though, I thought it was too strange and the Ponies were too weird. I guess it was thanks to the girls that I eventually got used to it." For the next several hours, Twilight told me about how she had met with Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow, Pinkie and Applejack. Their adventures together, how they had defeated a creature known as Discord - twice, she was very insistent that I remember that it was twice - and how she was Princess Celestia's number one pupil. She was simply amazing and intelligent. It was a pleasure to talk to her. As they saying goes, 'time flies when you're having fun' and we arrived in Caterlot Central just after five in the evening. As I disembarked, my eyes were hit with the most astonishing display of architecture I had ever seen in my life. If you thought Grand Central was a spectacular sight, then you ain't seen nothing. The first thing that catches your attention is the ceiling that stretched high up into the air as if you were looking up a chimney shaped like an upturned funnel. Smoke and steam from the trains rose high up into the vaulted ceiling. The clouds were obviously put there on purpose and I noticed that it would collect the steam vapor and the smoke. Coal-black clouds were removed and replaced by bright white ones, all done by Pegasi in green colored clothing with yellow or gold trimmings. As we walked I noticed that there were plenty of Earth Ponies and Unicorns in red uniform with gold trimmings, obviously porters to help with luggage. As we walked down the platform I noticed that the high ceiling curved down slowly so that it merged with the main ticket hall. On the wall was a huge mural depicting a map of all of Equestria, and the many cities within. However, no matter where I looked I couldn't find one named on there - Ponyville. "Where's Ponyville?" I asked gesturing at the huge map. Twilight looked up, "Ponyville is too new. It won't be up there. Maybe it will be added later on." The ticketing hall was beautiful. Nowhere did I see a corner or sharp angle. Everything was curved and flowy, the walls merged gently with the ceiling, and the floor, and there were little cubicle-like stalls built into the walls where a variety of items were being sold. Accessories, clothes, and pastries - it was almost like a regular mall. There were plenty of Ponies here, but a few other creatures as well. Griffins, a Dragon or two - small ones, Minotaurs and some I couldn't even begin to guess. All through our walk, I had to pretend as if I've seen these creatures before and act casual, but I seriously wanted to just oogle at them. I've never seen anything like it, and probably never will considering that my time in Equestria was soon to be over. Leaving the station, we were met by a group of Ponies in armor who saluted Shining and bowed in respect towards Twilight. Together we walked up a street towards a huge building that was precariously built over a cliff. The Royal Palace. "Isn't that not a smart idea? What if there's an earthquake?" "Actually it's quite sound," Shining replied, "Some of the greatest architects in history have worked on the palace. I know that it seems precarious, but you won't find a safer place in all of Equestria." We walked straight to the palace from the station, which was more or less of a straight walk down a large main road. Carts were going back and forth on the street and they even had traffic lights. Go figure. Probably powered by magic. Finally we reached a tall fence painted in black. The high fence bordered the palatial grounds and was adorned with the Equestrian coat of arms every few paces. There were spikes just above the symbols them that resembled the Unicorn horn. The grounds had a slow incline as the palace was a little more elevated than the rest of Canterlot. We walked along side the fence as the road curved around in a slow climb upwards. The guards with us were giving reports to Shining most of the time although once or twice they would talk to his sister and asked for her opinions on certain things. Finally we got to the front gates, and as we entered the guards at the gate bowed their heads to Shining and Twilight. "I'll see you Ponies later. I've got to check up with a few things before getting home," Shining said once we past the gates. "Don't keep Cadence waiting," Twilight replied, "I'll see you later." Shining nodded and turned and went off with the group of guards that had come with us from the station. That surprised me, I had thought they were there to ensure that I didn't run away. I was glad that I thought wrong, or perhaps that now that I was on the palatial grounds running away was futile. "Follow me, don't lag too far behind or you'll get lost," Twilight said to me. I walked behind Twilight as she led me through the palace. There were guards everywhere, as was expected for a Royal Palace, but I was surprised by just how many there were. Twilight saw me scanning the guards and decided to comment. "There's been rumors of another attack by the Changelings, that is why there are a lot more guards on duty," Twilight sighed, "I just wish that it didn't have to come to another battle." "War still occurs in Equestria? Everything seems so peaceful..." "Not war, Forest, there hasn't been a war in Equestria for centuries," She looked at me, "Are you interested in learning more?" "Sure. I like learning new things," That was true, I've always had an obsession with knowing things, which was probably why I always had to try something new or read something. Twilight began to tell me about the history of Equestria, starting from the beginning. How the three types of Ponies were actually three separated kingdoms that used one another for resources. It wasn't a long story, but it was nonetheless fascinating. After she was done, I had to admit that the Earth Ponies seemed to always get the raw end of the deal but also held all the cards in their hands, because no matter how much magic you had without food you couldn't do shit. After a while she took me to a large room with a shit-ton of books. Another library, no doubt, but a lot bigger (obviously) than the one in Ponyville. A few Ponies bowed their heads when Twilight walked in, and she bowed her head back and rolled her eyes. "You don't like it when they bow to you?" I asked. "It's silly really. My brother is married to Cadence... oh, sorry, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Just because my brother is married to a Royal Princess doesn't make me one," Twilight sighed, "But I'm tired of explaining, so I just go along with it now." Using her magic, Twilight took the books she had packed into her saddlebag and placed them on the librarian's table. The librarian did a double-take when she spotted Twilight, but before she could bow or whatever, Twilight had already started walking towards the far end of the library. Not wanting to be left behind, I had to job a few steps to catch up to her. We walked through a small gate and entered another area of the library where ancient looking books sat on shelves. "Here," She pulled a book from one of the shelves, and placed it on a table in front of me, "This book is what I had used to perform the spell that sent Rainbow to your - sorry - Brian's world." Curious, I peeked at it. Even if I had wanted to read it, I couldn't because the language was written in some strange script that I couldn't read. But the images looked strangely familiar to me. Where had I seen them before? "This picture here, the illustration looks strangely familiar to me," I said pointing it out, "I know I've seen that before." Walking over to the book she peered at the image, "That's probably because that's part of the mural in the train station." "No. I don't think that's where I've seen this. Somewhere else," Where was it? "It is because of this spell that I sent Rainbow to Brian's world. It tore a sort of doorway from this world to his, but the doorway was pulling our worlds together, slowly merging them. We had no choice but to close off the doorway once and for all. The source of this new power was Rainbow, and so we convinced her to shut the doorway behind her. But she still had a little magic left, and after years of getting her to tell me, she said that she had cast a hidden spell, to buy time for Brian to choose. Our world with his daughter, or his world without." "Not a difficult choice," To me, I would have done the same thing. "The funny thing was that when Brian first appeared here in Equestria, Princess Celestia was furious," Twilight chuckled, "But no matter what she tried she couldn't replicate my spell, and could not send Brian back. Over the years thought Brian has grown on her, and now you could even say that they're friends. Actually, I'm glad that Brian entered our lives and settled in Ponyville. If it hadn't been for that, Rainbow would have probably moved out of Ponyville a long time ago." "Isn't there anything the Princess can do?" I asked. Twilight shook her head, "There is, but Brian won't do it. Princess Celestia has offered to change him into a Pony, that would have renewed his life... oh my. Look at me talking about Brian with you. Sorry, Forest, I don't think it's appropriate." "No harm done. But why wouldn't Brian choose becoming a Pony if it meant more time with his daughter?" "I think he just wants to live the life he's had the way he knows. Sometimes you get set in your ways," Twilight sighed, "He's a lot like Rainbow. They can be really stubborn when it comes to things like this." "I think I understand. He's a man of principals," And in a way, I envied Brian for that. "Look, I have to go get a book. Do you mind waiting here?" "Not at all." Twilight left me and with nothing to do I walked over to a large window and peered outside. The city was beautiful. It was a majestic city with a quaint charm to it that felt both homely and regal at the same time. The Ponies here looked a lot different from the ones I was familiar with in Ponyville. Guess that boiled down to the difference between city and country folk. My eyes were starting to feel heavy, I had not slept properly. It was hard to imagine that just this morning I was sleeping on Fluttershy's sofa, and now I was gazing outside of the royal palace. Looking out into the distance, I found myself searching for a small town in a certain valley. A part of me hoped to see Ponyville, but I had no idea where to look or if I even was on the right side of the palace. "Forest, wake up," Twilight shook me. I woke up with a jolt, "Wha-? Oh. Did I fall asleep?" "Apparently. Come on, the Princess wants to meet us now," Twilight turned and lead the way again. I followed. First we went down this huge corridor, before cutting across several twisting hallways. Eventually we ended up on a large balcony overlooking a large flat area, it was a perfect place to hold outdoor dos. At the end of the balcony was a strange sculpture shaped like a golden sun cut in half on a golden pole. "Does that symbol ring any bells?" Twilight asked, making herself comfortable on some huge cushions near the edge of the balcony, "Sit." Plopping my rear where I stood, I looked at the sculpture, "No. Doesn't ring any bells." "This is where Princess Celestia raises the sun during the Summer Sun Celebration. That symbol represents our Princess and her guiding light. You must know this." "I'd be lying if I said I did," I replied. Just then two guards appeared from the same entrance we came from and stood on either side of the door as a while Unicorn-Pegasus Pony (an Alicorn) walked regally towards us, but she also had an aura of warm tenderness. She did not make me feel bad for not being royalty and I strangely felt welcome, despite the fact that she might imprison me or worse. "So you're the famous Forest Fire I've been hearing about," She smiled at me, "Your reputation precedes you." "I hope that they are all good things, your majesty," I bowed my head. "So, shall we get straight to the point?" This is it. Well, can't say it hasn't been fun. "Yes, your highness," I replied politely. "I'm going to use a spell that will tell me if you're not a Pony," Princess Celestia smiled gently at me, "Will this be okay?" "Yes," I replied and readied myself. Standing up I waited for the inevitable. The princess' Unicorn horn then began to glow yellow as the spell spread across my body. Now, it is hard to describe what happened next, but I will attempt to do so. Ever been hit by something really hard? Like a car? When the magic surrounded me that was exactly what it felt like. So, try to Imagine getting hit by a car, or jumping off a high-diving board and landing on your stomach or back. but being propelled through the air at the same time. Essentially that is what happened. The magic literally hit me with enough force that I was airborne for a few seconds. I couldn't tell because my entire body felt as if it was on fire and I had lost consciousness somewhere along the way. This felt nothing like before when I was sick and delirious, this really felt as if fire was burning my skin, and needles were being shoved into every inch of me. I might have screamed or shouted, but my ears had stopped working so I didn't know. After a few minutes my vision cleared and I was looking at Twilight's worried face staring at me from above. I saw her mouth move, but I couldn't hear her voice. The ringing in my ears slowly started to subside. "Are you okay?" The voice repeated faintly. It sounded as if she were very far away, "Quickly! We must get him to the infirmary!" If I could have answered, I would have, but instead my mind decided to faint instead. As I lay my head on the ground, I felt a liquid goo on the floor. As I looked at it with the corner of my eye, I realized what it was. Blood. My blood. How I knew? No idea, I just knew. What the hell had happened? Did Princess Celestia just kill me? Darkness slowly started to take over and I faded out of consciousness. In the back of my mind there was only one thought that pestered me. I never did get a glass of water.