The Doorway

by MetricCaboose

Chapter IV: Sleepwalking

Chapter IV: Sleepwalking

My mind was drifting away. I was dreaming again, but this once again, was not a normal dream. Ever since I came here, my dreams have been out of whack. Last night I dreamed of a previous journey, and this night, my mind wasn’t at ease yet again. This was an unusual dream, probably because I don’t normally dream about cheese.

I was standing in a grassy field on a very sunny day. Around me, I saw that the field was made of a very thinly cut mozzarella cheese. I knelt down to look at it, seeing that it was real cheese. I picked up a patch of the cheesy grass and ate it.

“Why is the grass made of cheese?” I said surprised.

I looked upward into the sky and saw the sun, raising my arm to shield my eyes. I saw something startling. The moon and the sun were out at the same time. It wouldn’t be so weird if they weren’t right next to each other. I stared at it for a moment before the unexpected happened. The moon collided with the sun, knocking it off into the horizon like some old cartoon. After that the sky started to darken, to the point where I couldn’t see about a couple of meters ahead of me.

Thinking that my dream would start to lighten up, something else occurred. It started snowing, but this wasn’t snow, it was parmesan cheese. I stuck out my tongue until a bit landed on it. It tasted like any other normal cheese, but why was it
falling from the sky and why I’m I still dreaming about cheese?

I heard a loud thud behind me. I turned around curiously, only to be met by nothing but a black wall of darkness. Feeling as if I was safe, I continued to enjoy the precipitation of cheese until something bumped into my leg. It was a wheel of cheese. I took a quick glance at it until I was struck again. This time, I was struck with enough force, that it knocked me down face first into the ground.

---

I awoke abruptly. I wasn’t sure why I dreamed about cheese. I’m guessing it might have been because I ate too many sweets the day before bed or probably because I’m just weird. I opened my eyes to see only a faintly lit room. The room was lit by the starry night sky. The window could only let in so much light, with the fact that it was facing the alleyway. I slowly sat up in bed, careful not to wake up Thomas in the nearby bed. I knew he was still asleep because the only two sounds I could hear were the faint humming sound of the air conditioning unit and the soft snores of Thomas.

Once up in bed, I pulled of the light covers and slowly stepped out of bed. Moving to the window, I opened it to let in some fresh air. Taking in a deep breath, I was startled by the smell of garbage. Apparently having a window right next to a dumpster can produce that effect. Not wanting to pollute the room, I shut the window, locking also to make sure I won’t have any unwanted visitors after coming back.

I turned around and then proceeded to the bathroom. I don’t even know how long ago it was since I last took a shower. I also needed to wash my clothes. I might even have to find out where I could find a new leather jacket. These ponies certainly won’t butcher animals for their meat, so why would they do it for their skin. Just the thought of that made me shudder. I could probably change the color back to its previous state, but why bother now.

I entered the bathroom and flicked on the light. The bathroom was surprisingly big. I didn’t expect much from ponies, but this was strangely similar to human design. They had everything I’d expect to see in a human bathroom. There was a counter with a sink in it, next to that was a toilet and on the opposite side there was a rectangular bathtub with a shower head fixture and curtain ring surrounding it.

Surprisingly, I found this very comfy. I started off by stepping into the bathtub and turning on the water, waiting for the water to reach a comfortable level, I started to strip down to my birthday suit. Once I removed my clothes, I set them on top of the counter, except for my jacket, which I hung above the door.

I carefully stepped into the bathtub. The water was very warm and soothing to the touch. I soaped up and then rinsed off using the shower head. I emptied the water from the tub and then got up. I stepped onto the carpet and started to dry myself off. I actually caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My reflection didn’t surprise me at all. It was just my old, normal self. Once I dried myself off, I redressed myself and left the bathroom.

I felt much cleaner now, but now that I was awake, I didn’t know what to do. I looked across the room out the window. By looking at the window, I could tell it was still night time. That left me with two options. Sleep and dream about cheese again, or go for a midnight stroll. Thinking that it would be best to familiarize myself with the town, I chose that idea. Before I left, I dug in the rucksack that was set off to the side and pulled out a bag. Inside that bag were about twenty bits, about all that was left of our money. I took the bag itself and left the room.

Shutting the door behind me, I heard a faint gruff. “What are you doing out?”

I turned around to see Jericho sitting behind the reception counter.

“Oh nothing, I wanted to go out for a walk.” I answered.

He looked at me from behind the desk. He was apparently working a night shift, even though I saw him working when I first got here and then after I got back earlier. Apparently he works all day and all night?

I shrugged and started walking toward the exit.

“Excuse me, but you mind telling me why you’re here?” He said from behind the desk.

I turned back to him. “I was just looking for a place to stay. I was tired of traveling, so I settled down here.”

He stood up from behind the desk and started walking toward me. “I just want you to know that I don’t trust you. I’ve never heard of your kind, or heard of where you even came from.” He stared at me for a moment. “Just remember this. I’m watching you.”

When he finished speaking, I stood my ground for a moment before I spoke.

“Well that’s nice of you. I just want you to know this,” I paused for a moment. “I love you.” I said with the best poker face I
could pull off.

He was so shocked by what I said, he was rendered speechless. During his confusion, I walked out the front door into the night air with the biggest smile on my face.

Outside I could hear Jericho finally react to the stunt that I pulled off. Even though I couldn’t see it, I could tell he was cussing up a storm. He’ll probably hate me now, but at least I could get in a cheap laugh. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I just started walking in a random direction. Unsure of where I would go, I kept on walking until I saw something interesting.

I walked up to a pub. It was a very bland pub, but it looked promising, so I decided to enter the building. One I entered the pub, a small bell rang overhead. Inside the pub, it was very dimly lit. With one light centered in the middle of the pub and another behind the bar, it was still very dark. The layout was a standard pub. One side of it had the bar, while the other side held a couple of booths. In the back, I could see a hallway that probably led to a bathroom or maybe an office. Behind the counter was an old weathered stallion. He had a tan coat while his closely shaven mane was brown. He looked like he’s been through a lot in life, so I decided to sit by the bar.

I took a seat in the stool. Looking at him, I placed my order. “Hey there, I’d like a glass of milk.”

He gave me a funny look, laughing at my wish. “Ha, you’re funny kid, but we don’t serve that stuff here. We only serve alcohol here.”

“That’s fine I guess, I guess I’ll just have a shot of whiskey.”

“Okay kid, that’ll be about two bits.” He said as he started digging around behind the counter. “Okay I think we have some Applejack Daniels behind here somewhere…” He popped out from beneath the counter revealing a shot glass and a darkish brown bottle.

“So kid, what’s your name?” He said curiously “I’d like to know the names of the people I serve here.”

“Well, if you must.” I said winking at him. “The names Max… Max Powers.”

“That’s a nice name, my name is Whiskey Shot.” He said.

I glanced at him and saw that he had a scar starting from his muzzle, ending at his upper left ear. Curious, I asked him about it. “Hey, how’d you get that scar?”

As he was pouring my glass, he fumbled at my question, spilling a bit of it. “Uh, kid. I don’t want to talk about it.”

Even more curious, I didn’t let the question go unanswered. “Why? Did something happen in the past?”

He gave me a grim look as he slid the shot across the bar top. “Kid, I’ve been through some shit in my life. I’ve done things I’m not proud of and this was the results of one of them.” He said as he pointed to his scar.

Taking the drink into my hands, I turned my head back and poured it into my mouth, feeling the deep burn flowing down my throat. I took a moment to enjoy the burn before looking back at the bartender. “I know that feeling. I’ve done things I’m not proud of either.”

He gave me a firm look. His brown eyes stared into mine, peering into my soul. “Kid, if you want to know, I’ll tell you.”

“I’d love to hear your story.” I said comfortably.

As he started talking, I paid attention to his story listening intently. I was surprised to hear about his struggles in life. Apparently, this peaceful land had been at war with Diamond Dogs. How he explained them, made them sound frightening. For a moment I was actually afraid to confront one of them, until I realized they’d be more scared of me. He said that he got his scar in a small skirmish he was in when they were on a search and destroy mission. He kept on talking for a while before I heard a bell ring as the entrance door opened.

I turned away from him to see a mare walk into the pub, She had a plum colored coat and a mulberry mane, while her cutie mark consisted of a bunch of grapes and a strawberry. I found it strange that she would walk in here by herself, but then again I came here by myself. Apparently she noticed I was staring at her but started to walk toward a booth in the farthest corner.

I looked back at him and spoke. “Hey, do you know who she is?” I asked.

He looked at her. “Who… Her?”

I nodded.

“Oh, that’s Berry Punch. She’s a regular here. You’d think a mare like her would go somewhere else, but she chooses to come here.” He said as he cleaned my glass. “If you want to talk to her, I could sell you some wine. Apparently she loves the stuff, she always orders it.

“Sure, how much would that be?”

“It’s about five bits.”

“I’ll take it!” I said a bit too vigorously.

“Slow down kiddo.” He said as he disappeared beneath the bar.

I turned around to see the lonely mare seating at a table. She was writing something down on a piece of paper. I couldn’t make out what she was writing, but I turned around back to Whiskey before he got back up.

“Alright kid, I got your drink here.” He said as he slid two glasses and a wine bottle toward me. “So, why exactly do you want to talk to her?”

“No reason. I’m just looking for a new friend, as saying how I just got here.”

He saw somepony else farther down the bar wave him down. As if that was his cue, he started to go on back to his business. “Sorry kid, but looks like somepony needs my help. I’ll see you later.” As he finished, he turned around and walked toward the pony. After he left I turned around to see that the lone mare was still sitting there by herself. Taking my chance, I moved over to her.

“Hey, you wouldn’t mind if I sat here, would you?” I asked as I stood by her.

She turned to face me. Startled she dropped what she was doing and started to fumble with her items. She gathered her stuff and shoved them into her purse that was sitting by her side.

My expression changed to a rather gloomy mood. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you.”

“Don’t worry… I’m just a klutz at some times.” She said calmly. “You can sit down if you’d like.”

I took a seat. I noticed she shifted uncomfortably, as I sat down. I guess it’s time to break the ice. I thought to myself.

“Sorry to intrude, but you looked like you needed somepony to talk to.”

She looked at me boringly. “Yeah, I usually look like that.”

“Why exactly did you come here by yourself?” I said curiously.

“I’m not sure? I didn’t feel like being at home, so I just came here like I usually do.” Her ears fell back a bit, but then perked up. “So, would you care to buy a lonely mare a drink? She said reddening after the question.

I stifled a laugh. “I already have that covered.” I said as I uncovered a bottle of wine. “I hope you like this stuff.

As I finished speaking, I could see a twinkle in her eyes. “You know exactly what a mare likes, don’t you?”

“I don’t normally buy drinks for mares, but when I do… I prefer to buy cheap wine from a bar.” I said switching on my classy humor.

I started to pour the wine into two separate glasses. Sliding a glass in front of the mare, she grabbed the glass and started to greedily gulp down the rich nectar. She managed to finish her glass before I even touched mine.

“So I take it that you like this brand.” I said sarcastically.

The mare looked at me and apologized. “I’m sorry. I’m just under a lot of stress right now.” She said gloomily.

Interested, I decide to start probing the statement. “Why is that? You can tell me.”

“Well, there’re a lot of things going on in my life.” She said glancing at her bag. “I’d rather not talk about them.”

I looked into her eyes. “You can trust me.”

Immediately afterwards, she looked into my eyes. I could see the pain in her eyes, feeling what she’s felt through years of
hardships, all because I could have a moment to make direct eye contact with her.

“It all started about five years ago...” She stopped suddenly and started to tear up and brake into a light sob.

“What’s wrong, did something happen back then?” I said while trying to soothe her.

She looked up at me and wiped her eyes clear of her tears. “I’m really sorry, it’s just…I was young and I didn’t think anything would happen. I was stupid, that’s what!” She nearly yelled.

Her little outburst attracted the attention from a couple of fellow patrons and the curiosity of Whiskey Shot. I glanced in his direction to shake my head, giving him a sign to not interfere. Looking back at her I realize that maybe alcohol wasn’t the best option. I could now tell why she was here. She was looking for a friend, in all the wrong places.

“Look, you don’t need to cry about that, I’m here for you. Just please tell… What can I do to help you?” I said in a sincere voice.

“I don’t want help, but I need it.” She looked down at her empty glass. “It’s just that drinking makes it easier to cope with.”

“I know that feeling, Berry. I’ve had some hardships in my life. What exactly happened though?” I asked.

“I got drunk and did some things I’m not proud of.” She stealthily reached for the bottle before I placed my hand upon her hoof. She stopped and looked into my eyes.

“I’m sorry.” Her gaze burned into my heart.
At that moment, I knew what I needed to do.

“Please, tell me about your child.” I said with great care.

“My daughter name is Berry Pinch.” She said digging into her purse.

She pulled out a picture and showed it to me. Her daughter was beautiful. In the photo, she was sitting on a swing set being pushed by another small filly. She also had the most cheerful smile I have ever seen on a filly. Berry Pinch had a carnation coat color, her mane was a thulian pink and she had green eyes. Her flank was blank, probably because she never discovered her talent at the time but I disregarded that.

“She’s beautiful. You gave birth to an amazing daughter. Where is she right now?” I said curiously.

She put away the photo and sadly looked away from me. “She was taken away from me…”

“What! Why?” I said shocked.

Her gaze stayed fixed on her purse. “I was a terrible parent, that’s why!” She yelled at me, throwing her head at the table and bursting into tears.

“Hey! It couldn’t have been your fault she was taken away.”

“No! It’s all my fault!” She was sobbing to the point where everyone was looking at us. She was causing a scene, and a rather large one.

I stood up to sit closer to her, holding her in my arms, trying to calm her down. “Come on… It wasn’t your fault.” I whispered into her ear.

As I held her, she looked up and stared at me. “I’m so sorry…” She hugged me back. “I didn’t want to bring you into this.”

“Don’t worry, I wanted to help you.” I said.

I released my hug from her and slowly stood up.

“Where are you going?” She whimpered.

“I’m taking you home.”I said, enlightening her mood instantly.

I started heading toward the door until she shouted at me. “Hey, I’ll be right with you!” She shouted.

I turned around to see her pick up her purse and continue toward me. “Ready?” I asked.

“Yep.” She said smiling.

We both walked out of that bar. I hoped she wouldn’t have to step into that bar again to soak in her sorrows. Because today… She made a new friend. I’m going to help her with her troubles, and get her daughter back. I won’t even think of leaving until I can help her up from depression. I was going to lead her out of the darkness, and bring her into the light.

---

As we were walking away from the bar, I stopped and asked her a question.

“After your parents knew you were pregnant, what happened?” I asked, knowing I was treading on light ground.

She stopped not too far ahead of me. Without even looking back, she spoke quietly. “My parents shunned me. They shunned their own daughter, instead of helping her when she needed it the most.” She kicked at the ground. “I… I hate them for it, but I still love them.” She turned back toward me. In the darkness, I could only see a shimmer in her eyes. “After my parents found out, I packed up what I could and just left… Everything I could have been, I left behind with my parents…” She sniveled. “I didn’t even say goodbye to my sister.”

I felt heartbroken for her. She defiantly didn’t deserve any of those things. “The worse part about all of it though, was the fact that the stallion just got up and left.” I stepped forward and knelt down beside her. “Hey, I’m here for you. You don’t need to worry about anything anymore.” I said consoling her.

She eased down a bit, sighing in relief. “I’m just glad I met you instead of some sleazy stallion looking for a one nighter.”

I stood up, glancing at her face. She seemed as if a ray of hope fell over her eyes, giving her a chance at redemption. She smiled at me before lurching forward, hugging my waist. “Thank you.”

Feeling warm, but awkward, I easily pried her off. “Okay now, let’s not get too hasty.” I smirked.

She didn’t struggle as she came off of me, but she did redden at the statement.

“What, what’s wrong?” I questioned at her response.

She returned to normal, quickly disregarding my question. “Oh, nothing…” She turned around and started walking away. “Come on, my house is this way!” She said as she started a light trot.

I hurried after her. She quickly outpaced me as she started to gallop ahead of me. I was starting to think she was actually playing a game with me until something happened.

THUD

Apparently, as I rounded the corner into an alleyway, I managed to slam head first into a wall. With her to be nowhere in sight, I was left dazed and confused.

“Uh… Hey Berry Punch?” I said grasping my head in pain.

Why did I have to run head first into a wall? Its always my head, never anything else! I thought to myself. As I started to regain focus, Berry popped up from behind a stack of boxes. She trotted up to me and started laughing hysterically.

“I’m so… sorry.” She stopped in between to take a breath from laughing. “I thought you would have seen that wall, but I can’t believe that you actually ran into it!” She started laughing once again. This time, she dropped to the floor and held her stomach in pain.

I shook my head, immediately clearing away the stars. “Why is that so funny?”

She stopped for a moment, staring up at me from the ground. “Because…” She chuckled briefly. “Because, you just slammed into a wall.” She glanced at the wall and busted out laughing. “You even cracked the wall.”

I looked over at the wall and saw the damage I caused. The wall I collided into was crumbling around the center of impact. It actually looked as if you smashed a sledge hammer into the brick wall. Curious of the damage, I lifted my hand up to my head and felt around. Surprisingly there was no damage whatsoever.

“Hey, we should start moving again. My house isn’t far from here.” She said from behind me.

I turned my attention back toward her. “Yeah, but shouldn’t we do something about the wall?” I said as a chip fell out of the wall.

She started walking away. “Nope…”

I started trailing after her, careful not to lose her this time. “Alright, let’s walk this time okay?”

While walking toward her house, I was startled by the turn of events. When I first met her, she seemed normal until I started talking to her. Now she seems, a little… crazy! I just hope she doesn’t pull anything on me again. I pondered.

“Okay we’re here!” She announced.

I looked around and saw we we’re in front of a line of up kept houses, except for one house. There was one house that was falling apart. Everything that should have been fine was deteriorating. I noticed the undergrowth was even starting to overcome the house. Vines were actually scaling the walls, breaking down simple structures and causing small cracks to form.

“Sweet Jesse James!” My mouth dropped. “How long has your house been like this!?”

She didn’t even look at me when she spoke. Instead she had a fixed stare on an object. “Way too long…” She whimpered.

I stared at it for a moment. “I guess I could help you fix up the house…”

Apparently she didn’t hear me, because she spoke completely off subject. “So?”

“So… What?” I said inquisitively.

Her face reddened. “Would you like to come inside?”

---

I have never ran so far in my life… Ever! Apparently as we left the pub, she turned right back around, chugged the
remaining wine, and then immediately followed after. And the entire time we were walking back, she was slowly becoming more and more wasted. I’m not sure how alcohol works, but I’m scared of what would have happened if she had even more of it.

I just can’t believe she actually tried to invite me… inside Her house!? I thought angrily to myself. Before I ran away, I quickly jotted down where I lived and what my name was, just in case she forgot, and then got out of there. I just hope that she won’t try something like that again. I actually ran all the way back to the inn, only stopping to catch my breath before entering. I just hope that in the morning, things will be better. The only thing I didn’t realize is the fact that I would eventually have to meet her again. No matter what she does…?

“Oh, sweet Jesus Chrysler!” I said, worrying about the day ahead of me, as I stepped inside the inn.

Okay guys, I managed to release a new chapter!
Woo!
This time I only released a day behind schedule, so I'm getting better at this.
...But anyways, as you can see I added Berry Punch as another main character.
I also want to point out that this won't be a romance story, I don't want to tread on that ground...
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me, and I encourage you to rate and comment.
...Please, my comments are so empty.

Comments

[Latch]

Comment.

A bit of an interesting chapter to have Max encounter Berry and almost end up having unexplained things happen. Hope to see more of this story soon!
Also nice job with that Half-Life reference there, wasn't really expecting that.