Silhouette In The Sky

by The_Dash

Chapter 1: Entering The Beyond.

Silhouette In The Sky,

Chapter 1: Entering The Beyond.

“Hey everyone look!” Called out a child, pointing and laughing. His tone and demeanor mocking the very existence of the small frail looking boy, who he’d forced into the spotlight. As others began shouting callous words of malice, the child who’d became the target of their assault simply stood there. Tears streamed down his flushed cheeks, wishing only to disappear, as he began to vocalize his cries. “Why don’t you go back home weirdo!” Shouted another child as he flung a rock at the boy, barely missing his head, before a second volley hit it’s mark.

James gasped as he suddenly sat up, his head throbbing with an intense pain. He let out a low sigh, placing a hoof against his temple, before taking in his surroundings. “I still have no idea where I am,” he said in a frustrated tone. Rising to stand from his resting place beneath a large tree. He couldn’t explain the situation he found himself in, no more now than when he awoke three days prior. He only knew his name was James. Other than that, he didn’t know where he was, or where he’d been before.

He began to walk, just as he’d done the previous days, not really having any set destination. As far as he was concerned, anywhere was where he wanted to be, anywhere that had other signs of life. Don’t get him wrong, nature was amazing, but waking up alone with no memory in a forest…wasn’t exactly his idea of a camping trip. As he walked he found himself stumbling from time to time, as if he was a child, still getting down the concept of walking. He couldn’t help but wonder why everything seemed so common, so familiar to him, and yet it was if he were learning a new way of life.

He was exhausted, and he could feel small twinges of pain shoot through his legs with every few steps. The first day he’d awoke he could barely stand, let alone walk. Each step he’d fallen, trying to quickly grasp the mechanics of movement, and his legs showed signs of many failed attempts. Cuts and bruises covered his legs, body and wings. He was thankful he’d gotten the general idea of walking. He knew that the cuts that already pained him with a dull burning sensation, were going to be enough to handle without proper medical attention, let alone adding more to it. All he could think about was finding somepony, anypony to help him. He needed rest, not on the cold forest floor, but in a warm bed for his strength to return.

“Oh are you serious,” he questioned. His tone irate, as rain began to slowly fall. Within minutes the seemingly harmless summer shower became a downpour. Soaking his brown shaggy mane and tail, along with his light brown coat and wings. “Why am I even here,” he shouted suddenly. Feeling the frustration of his situation finally boil over. “Where the hell am I,” his shout echoed through the forest. But he received no answer. All he was given in return was the sound of rain, striking the earth that he walked on.

“I just…I just want to go home,” he said finally. Breaking through the melody the rain had created. “Wherever home is,” he trailed off. As he realized that shouting at empty woods would do him no good.

He continued to walk, feeling the weight of his body grow, straining what strength his legs did have. The rain soaking him to the very core, causing him to shiver. I can’t lose my cool, I just got to think, I just got to remember something…anything! He thought, as he took refuge from the rain best he could, beneath the branch of a large tree. He looked himself over, ringing out his tail, before attempting to stretch out his wings. Learning to walk had been more than a challenge to him, so he’d simply passed on the notion of flying. To be honest, he didn’t even know if flight was possible, and he wasn’t in any hurry to find out. After he’d collected himself, and dried off the best he could. He began the task at hand, trying to remember anything he could.

All I really know is that my name is James…and I’m not even entirely sure about that. He thought, rubbing a hoof through his dampened mane as he thought. All I can really remember is waking up in this forest. He slouched forward as he thought. Even though he knew it was unlikely he’d remember anything, he was still slightly depressed by the realization of how little he actually knew. Maybe if I just rest, at least until the storm passes…maybe then I can remember something? He thought, as he folded his legs beneath him. I’ll just rest here until it clears up…then I’ll keep going. With that thought, James slipped off into sleep.

“What’s wrong, you going to cry?” Asked a smug looking young man, his eyes and words lined with an obviously condescending tone. “What good is crying going to do you anyways?” His voice was cold, his words sharp as they cut at the brown haired boy he belittled.

“I’m not crying, you threw dirt in my eyes…you…you cheater!” The boy shouted, as he tried to cover his emotions.

“Whatever you little twerp, you should know by now you’re too different to hang around with any of us.” The young man said calmly, turning away from the boy. “But just in case you haven’t gotten the message.” He said turning quickly, drawing back his fist.

James’s eyes flew open, he was panting heavily. His eyes shot back and forth, taking in his surroundings once again, as he felt a shiver run down his spine. The rain had stopped and night had fallen, as the moon cast down a silver glow on the world. He sat there for a moment, his breath seeming almost forced, as his chest heaved. “Why,” he started. Quickly silencing himself for a moment so he could think. He inhaled deeply, letting out a long, shuddered breath. How long was I out for? He thought, as he stood and stepped out from beneath his branch shelter. Should I keep going…?

The forest was dark, the moon providing the only light. Stars blotted the night sky, offering a dim almost soothing glow. James found himself simply staring up at the night sky. The longer he looked up at the almost ephemeral blanket of the night, the calmer he found himself becoming. Suddenly he could feel something, something scratching at the back of his mind. I can remember this. I can remember sitting and staring up at the moon each night…but why? His moment of happiness at remembering even such a small detail about himself was soon stolen away. Replaced by an unknown sorrow and the realization that even his memories brought more questions.

James continued to sit there, even though he clearly didn’t know why, he just sat there. Each star that his eyes fell upon, seemed to shine brighter than the one before. Each time he paused and stared longingly at the moon, everything was like recalling something sealed away and forgotten. When suddenly his eyes became focused on one star, far outshining the others.

A beautiful blue aura shown brightly from the denizen of the night, drawing his full attention. He could feel a strange sensation in his chest, a yearning he could not describe with words. He felt as if it was calling to him, a single light amid the darkness that would lead him to safety. He paused, reeling back from the surreal moment, shaking his head. What am I thinking? I may not remember many things…but I know stars do not call out to ponies. He felt almost foolish as he turned away from the night sky, to stare down at the darkened soil beneath his hooves. He sighed, as if he was soon to give up hope. Yet once again he turned his gaze back to the sky, the star he’d focused on earlier burning even brighter now.

His eyes widened at the marvel of the stars brilliance, and he could feel his body start to move forward. Well it’s not as if I can get even more lost. He thought, putting one hoof in front of the other, slowly walking in the direction the star held before him. First he walked, then cantered and eventually found himself at a full gallop. He moved as fast as his weakened body could take him. His hope for escaping the forest somehow renewed by the glow of the star that plotted his course.

How long have I been running? He thought, his chest heaving as he ran. He could see the moon had clearly moved, following it’s course through the night sky. The star that guided him however, had stayed stalwart in it’s position. The rest of the sky moving seamlessly around it, yet there it stayed, vigilant in it’s position.

Time continued on, time that James could not define. Soon he could see the moon slowly sinking beyond the horizon. Giving it’s final farewell before it’s sister the sun awoke, lighting the world in a golden blanket. Still he pushed on, mustering the last of his strength to chase after the star that was slowly beginning to fade.

No, no, dammit don’t leave me! He found himself thinking frantically. Suddenly he caught sight of a shape, an all too familiar shape through the tree line. It can’t be? He thought. With one final burst of energy James dove from the forest, landing hard on the ground just beyond. He rolled across the hardened earth, finally coming to a sudden stop as he smashed into the side of a building. A gasp escaped his lips, knocking what little air out of him was left. He closed his eyes as he rolled onto his back, his front and back legs falling limp from exhaustion, his wings tucked tightly against his back.

I…I can’t believe I made it out. He thought, opening his eyes to see the last bit of the beautiful blue aura that radiated from his heavenly guide fade into morning. Thank you. Letting out a weakened chuckle, he wondered why he’d just thanked a star. His ears perked suddenly, hearing the sounds of hooves rapidly approaching him. As they drew closer he could feel his body give way to the strain of the last three days.

What did I run into? He wondered, a small smile spreading across his face. He turned his head and let out a small laugh, as he saw the giant red side of a barn. Boy do I have a comeback for that old you can’t hit the broadside of a barn comment. He thought, relieved that he could make such nonsensical jokes now that his life wasn’t on the line.

“Whoa there! You alright stranger?” James’s turned his head seeing a rather concerned looking pony wearing a Stetson. He couldn’t help but smile, taking note of her light orange coat and blonde mane.

“Well I could be better.” He said weakly with a chuckle, feeling his eyelids grow heavier. “Sorry about running into…your…barn.” With that he slipped off into sleep, too exhausted to say or do anymore.

Comments

[The_Dash]

I'm taking first, since a "certain author" decided to have that pony smash into my barn.

Yeah sorry about that Aj...

Aw its alright sugarcube.

Hey Aj...whats these tools for?

how else you supposed to fix my barn?

oh ...well mares & gentlecolts...looks like I got some repair work to do...
~Time to dash, Dash out~

[Otrepony]

Again nice story, but MAKE THEM LONGER

[Malus Darkblade]

Pretty good cant wait for more.

[The_Dash]

1255248 Well I should have chapter 2 up by Friday.
I would post sooner but I've got work.

1254819 appreciate the good review amigo.
I'm currently working on chapter 2. I'm shooting for around 3,000 - 3,500 words.

[Luz]

I'm giving a like on this...dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_Lyra_smile.png

[The_Dash]

1256187 thanks, it's appreciated.

[Otrepony]

SOrry about the double post there, I have no clue what I did

[The_Dash]

1257158 I believe you commented on chapter 1, and also chapter 2.
So technically you didn't double post.

[Thomas R]

Hmm, you may proceed

[The_Dash]

1257373 lol thanks

[Otrepony]

1257186 I wil just go with that

[spritefan10]

A few questions:

How did he know Luna in the prologue, was there a prequel to this or something?

When Luna started his life anew, did he start out fresh as a colt or is he still 25?

[The_Dash]

1262104 Ah all very good questions.
1: No there is no prequel.
2: Yes he is still 25.
3: I promise everything you'd want to know about Luna & James' relationship will be revealed...in time.