//------------------------------// // S2 Chapter 2, They are waiting // Story: Friendship is Life // by alejin //------------------------------// It was a great day in Ponyville. Birds were singing, the sun was shining high above the blue sky. Pinkie Pie was baking some delicious cupcakes and after 20 minutes they were ready. Their smell was amazing! She was thankful for the good friend who gave her this Chocolate Chips recipe. She put the cupcakes in a little box which she stored in her saddle bag and then proceeded to go the place she went every Tuesday. She was enjoying the beautiful day and greeting everypony on her way; after some minutes, she arrived at her destination: the entrance to the Everfree Forest. A few meters away from there, sitting on a Picnic blanket, Fluttershy was looking at the entrance with enthusiasm and tiredness in her eyes. Pinkie Pie smiled, she had to acknowledge her friend’s passion; she always spent a couple of hours in this place, either staring at the entrance or reading a book. Sometimes Pinkie Pie or the rest of the girls were with her but this time she was alone. “Hi Fluttershy! Any luck today?” “No Pinkie . . . not yet!” “Oh! That’s too bad! Today I used the recipe he gave. I wanted him to try them and see how much I’ve improved” Pinkie Pie said while taking the box out of the saddle bag. “I know he would have loved them!” Fluttershy said while smelling the content of the small box. “Fluttershy. . .” Pinkie Pie said “I don’t want to be a party pooper but, don’t you think it’s time for this . . . this party to be over?” “Pinkie Pie . . . you don’t have to be here if you don’t want to…” Fluttershy answered. “It’s not that . . . it’s just . . . it’s been like six weeks already, I want to believe he will comeback. In fact, I have everything ready for his third welcome party but. . .” “But?” Fluttershy asked. “But I’m not sure if we’ll ever have that party. Please Fluttershy, stop doing this to you, he would have wanted you to be happy!” “Pinkie, please leave me alone. I know you made a huge effort in coming here and baking these delicious cupcakes, but I don’t want to lose my hopes” Pinkie Pie didn’t say anything else. She sat next to Fluttershy and ate a cupcake, waiting for a miracle to happen. After waiting for a couple of hours, they packed everything and went back to their homes. Once in sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie noticed her friends were waiting for her. Applejack was the first to talk: “So, what happened? Yah managed to convince her? “No, she’ll keep going the…” “Oh C’mon! Why does she have to be that stubborn! He is gone! He abandoned us! He gave up on us! Why can’t she see that?” Rainbow Dash said raising her voice. “Rainbow Dash! I understand you are upset, but I will ask you to keep those comments about my brother to yourself!” Rarity said, she seemed offended “I will not tolerate hearing you say those things about him!” “Whatever!” Rainbow Dash said before turning around and flying away. Leaving some tears on the place she was standing which everypony noticed. “Rainbow, she always wants to look tough. We need to do something about this, it is not good for Fluttershy; she can’t keep hurting herself anymore” Twilight said. “Ah know Twilight, but what can we do? I haven’t given up on Alex too but she needs to rethink on what she is doing. Have yah visited her cottage, Ah won’t say it’s a mess, but it’s obvious she hasn’t been feeding her animals properly and the Pet Center has been closed for an entire month!” “I know Applejack, I really wanted to give her some time but it’s obvious it’s not working, we need to talk to her, all of us at once. I just can’t keep going there to wait for Alex’s return. It hurts so much to see her going her going back home every day alone and disappointed” “That’s true darling! Why do you think I forbid Sweetie Belle to go with her? Seeing her coming back home crying was really breaking my heart.” “How is she doing now?” Pinkie asked. “She is doing a lot better! Applebloom and Scootaloo are helping a lot, at least she goes out to play with them like she used to. She says she wants her cutie mark now, so Alex can see it when he returns.” “Oh that’s sweet!” “Yeah, I hope to I’d have the faith she and Fluttershy have. But we need to be realistic too! Now, who is going with me to talk to talk to Fluttershy? She needs to stop hurting herself” Everypony agreed “Count me in!” Rainbow Dash shouted, she came back to with them. Her eyes were red and puffy but nopony dared to say anything. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After several hours, Alex finished telling his great story to Steven; he was shocked and didn’t know what to say. “Wow! Alex, did really all that happen to you?” “. . . Yes my friend!” “Sorry for sounding like a broken record but oh my god! You killed Blueblood; you faced Manticores and almost become their king! You were Fluttershy’s boyfriend and Sweetie Belle’s Brother! I … I really don’t know what to say!” “But I do” Alex replied “This whole trip was a mistake…” “Why are you saying that?” “Dude . . . I am a murderer. And a good pony died because of me too! My presence in Equestria brought disgrace and pain to that world.” “Do you really think that?” “Yeah! Why wouldn’t I, don’t you think I did bring all sort of bad things to them?” “Why would I think that?” “Uh? Steven did you even pay attention to what I said?” “I did . . . it’s just that no matter how many times I think about it, I can’t say it was your fault. Blueblood was corrupted so you did what you had to do. I would have done the same thing. I know it’s very easy for me to say that because I wasn’t the one in your place. But Alex, you know shit happens…” “Steven . . . a good pony died because of me! Can’t you see how painful that is?” “I see it, but what I also see is as an act of true friendship. He gave his life for you and I know you will be upset with me but I’m glad he did!” Alex hit the floor with his fist and stood up “What? How can you say that?” Steven got a little scared of Alex, but he knew he had to make him understand, so he stood up too and walked forward. “Because if he had not given up his life, you would be dead by now. Probably I would have never found out! I or any other person who loves you, including Fluttershy and Sweetie Belle would have been sad. It’s true; maybe many ponies and other creatures hate you now, but what if they do? If I was you, as long as my true friends, family and marefriend loved me, I would care shit for what others think!” Alex looked at Steven with disbelieving eyes, it wasn’t a secret he was a lot wiser than him, but he hadn’t heard Steven talking like that before. Alex knew he was right, but he didn’t want his friends to suffer anymore because of him, what would happen if somepony else tried to hurt them in order to get him? He was so confused and started to cry, Steven put a hand on his shoulder. “Alex, I told you what I think, but what you think is more important. No matter how much we’d like to have a “reset” button to undo the bad and sad things, there isn’t any! You have to know how to handle these situations, even the ones you didn’t have plan. That’s just how life is bro. Tell me, even if you had a way to go back in time, you think your friend Proud Hammer would let you change what happened?” “No, I guess he wouldn’t let me change it, but I acted like a monster and a psychopath in front of them, what if. . .” “I can’t say everything you did was fine, but letting yourself be driven by anger after seeing a good friend get killed is something that could happen to anyone or anypony. I’m just glad you managed to come back to your senses, and that shows how strong you are!” “You seem to have an answer for everything, don’t you?” “Almost everything. So, what happens now?” “I really don’t know. I need time to think about all of this…” Steven stepped back and grabbed a glass of soda from a table “I see, just don’t think about it for too long” He took a swig “Fluttershy is very attractive and you know it. Damn! If I could I would be kissing her right now!” “HEY!” “Hahahahahaha! I’m just kidding man! You know who my favorite Pony is!” “Yeah, she is pretty too, all of them are! Steven, there is something I must do even though I know I won’t like it!” “Well, I guess you are using a spell to erase my memory, aren’t you?” “What, wait how do you know?” “Dude! I’ve read many FanFic stories and have seen all of the Men in Black movies too. You know this has to happen!” “Are you not going to resist to it?” “I’d like to, but I guess I don’t want you to break your promise to Princess Celestia” “I am truly sorry; I really loved the idea of you knowing about all of this…” “I know . . . In case you decide to return to Equestria, can I ask you something?” “Please do…” “First . . . if Princess Celestia ever gives you her permission to take humans to Equestria with you…” Alex smiled; he knew the exact answer “You will be the first Steven, I swear!” “Good and second . . . would you please tell her about me. About this great friend you have back on earth?” “Don’t worries Steven, if I ever return, by the time I finish talking to her about you, Pinkie Pie will beg me to let her meet you!” After sharing a good laugh, Alex turned to his pony self and charged his horn while Steven closed his eyes. He then touched Steven’s forehead and erased the last four hours from his memory using a spell Luna thought him only for extreme situations, Steven lost consciousness and fell on the ground; Alex took off his pendant and placed Steven on a couch. He looked at his friend, he was grateful of having him. This guy always knew what to say, and this time wasn’t any different. Alex went into the kitchen and got a broom to clean the place. After he was done cleaning and taking a shower, he went back to his living room and woke Steven up. It wasn’t hard to convince him that he passed out for some unknown reason after they started playing video games. Steven seemed confused but he believed Alex’s story. He was also happy to see his friend in a good mood. After talking about random stuff for a couple of hours, Steven left and Alex went to bed. Physically, he felt well, but his dreams… that was something totally different. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “So we meet again beast, are you ready for another lesson?” “Not this time asshole” Bright Courage tried to cut Alex’s chest but he dodged his battle axe with ease. This time, Alex knew he was in control of his dream. The Minotaur kept swinging his Axe but got inpatient after none of his hits reached their target “You are a beast, my world will never accept anything like you!” Alex didn’t say a word. “What? No answer, I hope you finally accept what you are! A FUCKING BEAST!” “No! You are wrong! The only beast in this place is you!” Alex said while drawing his Katanas and running towards his enemy. “I WILL SHOW YOU HOW RIGHT I AM! DIE ALREADY!” The Minotaur shouted. He tried to hit Alex but the human dodged every strike and with a single blow, he sent the Minotaur flying through the air. “I may have lost the battle, but I won this war! Now every creature knows your true nature! You are a Beast and a threat to this world!” Alex laughed “They can believe whatever they want! As long as my friends believe in me, I can survive anything. It doesn’t matter what you or they say! YOU LOST!” “NO! DAMN YOU…! Alex could hear the Minotaur yelling while disappearing in the shadows of his nightmare. Alex stood up from the ground and everything was now bright. He was standing on a grass field. He looked up and let himself fall on the ground. “Stay were you belong now . . . in my forgotten memories!” Alex smiled and looked up to the sky. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly, he heard a voice that sent chills down his spine. “You did well brother!” He jumped up and looked to were the voice was coming from. His sister was standing in front of him. Her face was beautiful and shinny. Alex could see wings that seemed like rays of light on her back. “Angela?” The little angel nodded. She hugged Alex with so much love, he immediately started to cry. After a few moments, she stepped away while Alex sat on the ground. “Alex…” “Yes…?” He said while wiping his eyes. “This is for giving up on your friends back in Equestria!” She said while smacking Alex on the head. “Hey! Angela, that hurts!” He put his hand on his head and looked at his sister who was now laughing “And why does it feel real?” He asked. Angela hugged his brother again “And this is for being my bro bro!” “Wow! I haven’t heard that nickname in years . . . am I dreaming about you or are you really are visiting me in my dream?” “Does it matter?” “. . . no, it doesn’t matter” They both sat on the ground, his little sister between his legs as she used to when she was alive. “Brother . . . you realize your mistake . . . don’t you?” “I still don’t consider it a mistake. I did it for my friends and I’ll stick to it!” Angela looked at her brother narrowing her eyes, she knew he acted recklessly but at the same time he was right “I know you did. But they are waiting for you to come back to them. Don’t you think it’s kind of cruel to leave things like that?” “They will forget about me. After some time they will realize I’m not coming back.” “That is really cruel don’t you think?” “Do you think I still have a home there? I’m pretty sure I let them down.” “Maybe, but you know they will forgive you brother, Celestia will help you!” “Why are you doing this Angela? Don’t you want me to stay here on Earth, where I belong?” “I want you to be happy brother. After all this time watching I know you are happy when Fluttershy is with you, and she is not on Earth.” “Are you hooking me up with a pony?” “Hey! She is pretty and well. . . I can’t say Spike isn’t kind of cute” “Shut up Angela! You are too small to say things like that!” They both laughed and hugged each other again. “What If I put others in danger again? Not to offend anyone but for being a world of harmony, I can tell you my life has never been in so much danger here than in was back in Equestria” “Hey! Nothing is perfect!” Angela answered “Besides, I think it’s a good price for being with the one you love don’t you think?” “Damn! Why are you so good at debating?” Angela kissed his brother on his cheek “I learned from the best!” Alex smiled and hugged her. He could stay like this forever. It was long ago since he felt his sister’s touch. He really missed her. “It’s time for me to go” Angela said “They are calling me!” “What? No! Please stay with me!” “Sorry Brother but my time here is done” Angela started to rise to the skies, Alex looked up but the sky was too bright. He covered his eyes with his hand. “Will we meet again?” “I will always be with you. Brother, they are waiting for you, your girlfriend and your friends your sister. Love her as much or even more than you ever loved me!” “I … I can’t do that!” “Yes you can! She deserves it! Good bye now brother, we may see each other again! I love you so much!” Angela disappeared in the clouds. Alex looked down and started to cry of happiness “I love you sister, I really do!” Then, he woke up. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Fluttershy was crying. Everypony around her could feel her sadness. “It’s ok Fluttershy, let it all out” Twilight said. “But what if he comes back and I’m not there for him?” Fluttershy asked. “We well be there for him. Whenever he decides to come back!”Sweetie Belle replied. “But what if he forgets about me?” Fluttershy couldn’t stop crying “Oh darling, do you really think he would forget about you. He loves you, if he comes back to Equestria it will be because of the loves he feels for you and Sweetie Belle!” Everypony hugged Fluttershy, who started to feel better after knowing all of her friends were supporting her. Outside, Spike was training. He never stopped doing it “I need to say in shape, I’m sure Alex will return stronger than ever! Just wait brother! I will make you proud of the Dragon I am!” - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Back on Earth, Alex was reading a book. The only one he forgot to give back to Twilight. In fact, he took it from her private collection so she wasn’t really aware he had it. “Let see . . . Advanced Combat Spells. Chapter 6, How to materialize… Well, this is pretty interesting; it seems difficult but I think four months will be enough to learn it. I am sorry guys but I’m afraid you will need to wait a little more. This time, I swear I won’t let anypony get hurt. I may have limitations as a human but as a unicorn… I WON’T!”