Chapter 5: homesick (edited)
Twilight felt terrible for the stallion crying in the corner of her library. The usual smile he wore was gone. He was just laying there, mourning the loss of his old life.
The thought of never seeing her loved ones again was terrifying. How would she react if it were her in his position? It was a question she had to ask herself. The truth was, she really didn’t know but doubted it would have been much different.
“Do you really think he’s from another world?” Twilight asked Celestia.
“Yes, he appeared just after I felt a strong burst of chaos magic, and I can still feel the magical residue on him,” the princess answered. “If anything could bring a being across worlds, it’s chaos.”
“Is there anything we can do for him?” Twilight asked.
“All we can do is be here for him and help him to cope with his loss.”
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Everything I ever knew and loved was gone. I had nothing. I was alone in a strange world with strange beings and strange customs. No matter how much I wanted to go home, I couldn't. It wasn't fair.
The thought of never seeing my family was bad, but what hurt the most was knowing that they were worrying, searching for me in the hopes that I would turn up, alive and well. I thought of my mom putting herself in the hospital from worry and grief. I thought of my brother and sister putting up posters with my face on it all around town, spending sleepless nights wondering what happened. I thought of what would happen when I was declared dead. The worst though, was the thought that my mother would literally worry herself to death.
I sat in the corner of the library crying for a long time. The princesses had already left and the sun was getting ready to set, and still I cried.
I had thought about how cool it would be to come here, but I had always assumed that even if I somehow did there would be a way back.
My thoughts went to my family. I could see them now, crying and panicking, looking for me, putting up posters and calling people. They were worried sick about me and I knew it. That was what hurt the most, I was putting them through so much and couldn’t do anything about it.
After who knows how long, I finally stopped crying and Twilight came over and sat next to me. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you,” she said. “Are you going to be alright?”
“I’ll be fine. I just need some time,” I replied. I knew it was true. There have been people that had lost a lot more than me and recovered. At least my family was alive and would heal as well in time.
“If you need somepony to talk to, I'll be here,” Twilight said. “I know how it is to lose family.”
She saw my question in my face and answered before I could ask. “My mother died giving birth to me, and my father was carried off by a dragon when I was five.”
Damn, Twi. “How did you end up as Celestia's prized student, then?” I thought her parents enrolled her in the school.
“After my parents died, my brother and I were sent to an orphanage. The mare that ran it was abusive and would beat us whenever she felt like it, so we ran away.
“We lived on the street for a year and a half. One day I heard about a party at the palace, the Grand Galloping Gala. I thought about all the food that would be there, so the morning of the party I broke in and started putting as much food as I could into a bag.
“A couple of guards caught me and backed me into a corner. I was so terrified that I was going to be thrown in the dungeon that I tried to use my magic to get away. When Dash did the sonic rainboom I lost control. I almost killed one of the guards before Celestia calmed me down.
“I told her why I was there. She was so kind to me and she... let my brother and I live at the palace.”
“Damn, I didn't know you had it so rough.” She's a lot stronger than I had given her credit for.
“I've learned to live with it,” she said.
“Wait a minute...” I said, thinking about something that didn't make any sense. “How did you get Spike?”
Twilight giggled. “His egg was in the pantry. A griffin ambassador was coming and dragon eggs are a delicacy. It was supposed to be unfertilized, but when my magic hit, it was enough to fertilize it and nourish it until it hatched.”
“O... kay then,” I said, trying to imagine how that would even work. After a bit I asked, “So, Spike was supposed to be dinner? Wow, he lucked out. I’m sure you were an excellent dad.”
“I’d like to th-what..?” Twilight looked at me in confusion as she realized what I said.
“You fertilized his egg. That makes you the father.”
Twilight looked at me with her jaw hanging open. “Oh gods, you’re right. I’m a dad...”
I laughed at that one, it was too good. Soon, Twilight joined me, finding the humor as well. It was good to laugh so hard. I really needed it, but there was still things that needed to be done.
“So what do we do now?” I asked after calming down.
Twilight answered, “Well, Luna’s going to be here after she raises the moon.”
“Just visiting?” I ask.
“No, she’s going to try to teach you how to use your magic,” she said, her tone betraying a bit of her own confusion.
I felt on my forehead for a horn just to make sure I didn't miss one, but there was none. “I’m not a unicorn,” I said, confused.
“I'm not entirely sure how it works, but she said you have magic and I trust her,” Twilight said.
After a few minutes, the sun set and the moon rose. I was actually getting rather excited about the possibility of learning magic. I had always liked playing the mage class in RPGs and couldn't help but get a little excited at the prospect of being the mage class. Besides, it was doing wonders to keep my mind off my predicament.
Only a few minutes after sunset, Luna walked through the door. “Greetings to you all, once more,” said the moon princess. “Shirotora, We are here to train you in the ways of chaos magic.”
Both Twilight and I shared the same dumbfounded look.
“Pardon?” I finally managed. “Did you say chaos magic?”
“That is correct. We felt the presence of chaos magic within you as we dined. We are the only other user of chaos magic in Equestria. Thus, it is our duty to instruct you in its application.”
“Wait, you use chaos magic? Like Discord?” I asked in bewilderment.
Luna's smile dropped a bit for some reason. “Yes, like... Discord.” Her voice sounded pained, especially when she mentioned his name.
“And... you say I can use it, too? As in, I can bend the laws of physics and make chocolate rain?”
She simply smiled and said, “We will go to a more secluded place.”
She turned toward the purple one and said, “Farewell, Twilight Sparkle. We will try to arrange a time for a more jovial visit.” She turned and opened the door, looking at me expectantly. It took me a couple seconds to realize she was waiting for me.
“I’ll, uh, see you in a bit, Twilight, I, uh, guess,” I said dumbly, still trying to figure everything out.
We walked in silence for a while. Ponyville was a very different place at night. The normally busy streets were almost deserted. When I asked Luna about it she said it was to avoid predators that hunt at night. I had almost forgotten about that. I suddenly felt very nervous, scanning bushes and trees for signs of movement.
Luna must have seen my reaction, because she tried putting my mind at ease. “Do not fear. They do not dare attack a pony in our presence.”
We walked on for a while more. Despite her assurances, I was still nervous about getting eaten. It's a scary thought. Eventually, though, we came to a hill overlooking town.
“This should do nicely,” the moon goddess said.
“Hey, this is the hill I arrived on,” I stated.
“Is it? This is our favorite hill in Ponyville. It was here that our young friend Pipsqueak said We were his favorite princess.” The Princess got a faraway look, likely remembering a fond memory.
“Sit.” I did as she asked, sitting on my haunches. “Chaos magic and unicorn magic function in very different ways. Unicorn magic stems from logic. One uses it by focusing on a formula or incantation. Chaos magic though, is emotional in nature. One must ‘feel’ the magic in order to use it.
“Feeling the magic is only the beginning, however. The magic must also agree with the spell you are trying to cast.”
“What do you mean ‘agree’? Is chaos magic sentient?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said. “It is a part of you, while at the same time separate. At times it will refuse your request, and others, it will act on its own.”
That explains why weird thing just happen around me.
Another thought occurred to me. “This may be a little off topic, but is the reason you say ‘us’ and ‘we’ because you are referring to yourself and the chaos magic?”
“That is very observant of you. We have wielded chaos for over two thousand years. In that time, it is as if we have become something akin to a single being with two minds.”
“So, am I going to start thinking the same way?” I asked, warily.
Luna chuckled. “Not unless you live for over three hundred years. That is how long it took us to begin to think that way. Now, let us begin. Unlike unicorn magic, chaos magic does not have 'schools' or 'branches', nor does it have what one would call 'spells'. It is simply an extension of will.”
“So, all I have to do is will something to happen?” I asked. “Why do I need training then?”
Luna smiled as if she expected that. “It is not quite so simple. Though it has no true spells or schools, it can be separated into emotion.”
I gave her a skeptical look. “Emotion?”
“Yes. You see, the emotion used in chaos magic can affect the outcome. For instance, if you were to create a ball while joyful, that ball would likely be bright and colorful, reflecting your mood. If you were to attempt the same while sorrowful, it would be dull and likely deflated. That shall be your first task. Make a ball.”
“Uh...” I looked at her in confusion, “How? You still haven't taught me how.”
“Ah, of course. How forgetful of us,” Luna said with a giggle. “Listen carefully, because this can become terribly complicated.” I leaned in, eager to hear. “You just do it.”
I blinked several times as the princess laughed, trying to process what just happened. I glared at the royal in annoyance. “What the hell, Luna? 'Just do it'? What is this, a Nike commercial?”
The princess got her mirth under control and replied, “That is how you use chaos. There is no thought, for thought is order. There is simply emotion and desire, for those are chaotic. Simply want it, and know that you can do it.”
“Alright, I'll try,” I said.
“No,” Luna said sternly. “Do, or do not. There is no try.”
I just rolled my eyes. “Yes, Master Yoda.”
I closed my eyes and cleared my thoughts, except for one. I'm in a land of small candy color horses. Why was I thinking that? Simple, if that's possible anything is. With that in mind, I reached up to my ear, I'm not sure why, and pulled out a large beach ball.
Luna's eyes widened. “We're shocked you accomplished this so easily. Especially when you say magic is merely myth where you came from. Most are unable to release their idea of what is possible.”
I snorted. “Lady, I was pulled from my world and turned into a pony. My sense of 'possible' is pretty flexible.”
Luna smiled at that. “You make a good point. Then We suppose We are done here. Fare thee well, Shirotora.”
“Bye, Princess Luna,” I called.
“And please, just call us Luna!” she called back as she disappeared into the night.
I sat on that hill looking at the tapestry of stars and contemplating what my life had become. Maybe I could make a better life for myself here than I did back home. Sure, it wasn’t bad, but I was just mediocre. I had a crap job with crap pay. I lived in a crap trailer. But I can’t help thinking of my mom being worried sick. My brother and sister are there for her, though, so I hope she’ll be okay.
I miss my dog, too, the big black dufus. Yeah, he was hard headed, but he was my best buddy. Thinking about him, I could swear I heard him barking, but its pro-
“Oomf.” I was suddenly tackled to the ground, my face assaulted by a tongue.
I push the offending form away and get a look at it. It was… “Mephisto! I’ve missed ya, boy.” I scratched his head. “How are you here? Where have you been?” He lifted a paw towards the forest. I stared at him, my mind blank. It was almost like... “Did... you understand that?” He nodded his head. I gaped at the dog, amazed at what I was seeing.
The magic in Equestria must have done this. I guess weirder crap has happened to me since I got here, so why not?
“Anything other changes I should know about?” I asked skeptically, half expecting thestral wings.
“Doggie, come back,” I heard Fluttershy Flutteryell. I’ll never figure out how she can shout and whisper at the same time. “Where are you? Oh, please don’t cause trouble.”
“Trouble is his special talent,” I called out to her. She jumped with an ‘eep’ but perked up when she saw me.
“Where did you find him?” I asked.
“Oh, do you know him? I found him outside my cottage chasing my chickens about five days ago. He looked hungry so I took him in,” she said.
“Well, I owe you big, Fluttershy. His name’s Mephisto, after a demon.” I looked over at him and he had smug grin on his face. I’m going to have to get used to that.
Fluttershy looked at the nutty pooch a little nervously. “W-why is he named after a demon?”
I laughed and scratched my dog on the head, saying, “Because he’s a little hell raiser.”
Flutters sighed in relief and regained her kind smile. “I’m glad he has somepony to care for him. I was afraid he’d be alone. You two have fun, I have to get back. Sorry I can't stay and talk, one of my animals is very sick,” she said.
“It's okay, take care,” I called out to her as she disappeared into the night.
I looked down at the big pup as a thought occurred to me. “I wonder what Twilight is going to say. Well, buddy, let’s go.” He barked and followed beside me.
We arrived back at the big-ass tree and I opened the door. Mephisto immediately ran in and started sniffing around.
“Come on, Meph, down here.” I opened the basement door and led him down.
He sniffed around for a bit, getting to know his new surroundings, before jumping on my bed. I hopped up beside him, snuggling up to him as if he were a big ol’ teddy bear. It was nice feeling Mephisto’s warmth beside me as he laid by my side.
Once again, my thoughts went to home. I thought of my brother and how we used to mess with people, or how we’d spar with each other. I thought of my sister calling me retarded whenever I did something stupid. I thought of my mom always trying to hook me up with some girl.
I wrapped my hooves around Mephisto and hugged him tight. “At least I have one piece of home.”
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I've read this story through several times, but I'm failing to see any real changes from the pre-edit version.
Is this more just a typo and grammar cleanup rather than the dawn shield treatment?
We know you might be in mourning over the loss of a beloved family member, in fact we don't want to post this comment. However, there is an error in the following quote...
We would like to point out that you might want to change what is in bold to...
We apologize if this comment is insensitive.
Why did you get rid of the Schools?
Ah, the old ball behind the ear trick, I prefer to use a pony from behind a leaf but good job
- feeling nostalgic, discord
Luna smiled at that. “You make a good point. Then We suppose We are done here. Fare thee well, Shirotora.”
"So, that's it? I can control chaos magic just like that?"
"Yes. Thou hath mastered the art of drawing a beach ball out of thine ear. Thou are fully capable of controlling thine power responsibly now without causing severe destruction!"
"Seems legit."
6407427
And he's says that all with puppets while Luna watches...XD
Suddenly... Dog!
*quietly puts his question in his Pinkie/Discord Logic. DO NOT OPEN draw*
9440699
Soon, it'll be your Pinkie/Discord/Shiro Logic. DO NOT OPEN draw
Random thought:
What would happen to plunder plants if they were hit with poison joke? I ask this because they are technically a weed In the everfree as they cover everything and are an invasive species which means they are not from the everfree which in turn means(my logic of poison joke is that only creatures not native to the everfree are affected by poison joke) they can be joked
Wow... What a mind bending chapter! Well done
6407427
Damn... That broke my logic... Please find me some glu to make a discord kitten out of it
Maybe it isn't so black & white, this could be a 'Soma situation', him being a perfect copy, unaware of being a copy, not understanding the original living a long time ago, dying and the copy being all that is left of the original.
Doggo is there, everything will be dandy... before things go south