Chapter Seven: Three Announcements —Complicated Grasp— (1)
Tick… Tock... Tick… Tock... Tick… Tock...
Two subjects remained after lunch before school ended. Constant ticking from a clock above the chalkboard persisted.
Come on, tick faster!
Pretending last night didn’t happen was becoming a hassle. And checking the time did not help. It only moved slower upon close examination.
Then, a knock resounded from the door just before the second-to-last subject. Our instructor left her desk to approach said door and opened it. Goosebumps developed under my brownish-orange fur as a chill rushed in.
“You’re back?” Miss Scarlet Petals asked.
“I have a message for all the ponies in your class.” The individual who knocked on the door was the Royal Advisor. He had something to share earlier, but Chieftain Page Martinet prevented him from doing so and escorted him to her office.
Spike, come and kindle a flame that will never die out.
Miss Scarlet Petals let Spike enter and returned to her office chair. “Please, come inside and tell us this message you’ve been meaning to share.”
Eager to hear what he had to say, patience manifested. His changeling friend wasn’t accompanying him this time. Maybe he’s still at Page Martinet’s office.
“Okay, children, shush your smutty little traps and listen to what our special visitor has to say,” Miss Scarlet Petals said right before drinking out of a water bottle. Most likely from her hidden stash resting in the snow out back.
“On behalf of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Principal Starlight Glimmer, I, Royal Advisor Spike, invite all fillies and colts to the School of Friendship.”
Miss Scarlet Petals spurted water out of her mouth. Another spit-take, nice.
Everypony in class gasped at Spike’s revelation.
Mint Spring sprung from her seat, clopping two hooves onto her desk. “Really?!”
Splotch Wing flapped his wings and ascended in joy. “No way… I’ll be able to express my art outside Luna Bay!”
Bringing a hoof to his scarf, Ice Whistle murmured. “I can use this to move closer to my sister.”
“The School of Friendship…” I mumbled. How intriguing. Life can be more attractive in Ponyville, but I had to ask myself, am I prepared to leave this town behind? Mom and Dad? That accursed bay? A corner of my lip twitched upward. What am I thinking? Heck yeah, I’m ready.
“Um… When will we be able to attend?” Starry Vision asked, a foreleg wavering in the air.
“When? That’s right, I should’ve disclosed that already. You’re all around twelve to fourteen years old, right? Since there’s a lot of paperwork left to complete before we get to yours, it will likely be three years.”
“Three years?!” Everypony cried out in unison, their voices brimming with a deep sense of disappointment.
Spike scratched near the green scales protruding out the back of his head. “Yeah...student slots will be occupied for a while. You wouldn’t believe the number of creatures that need friendship guidance across Equestria. Our teacher count isn’t high either.”
Since that’s the case, there was nothing we could do. I would have to bide my time for a few more years and continue to suffer through these mundane days a little longer. My thoughts and feelings were a jumbled mess, and I couldn’t make sense of them. I’m stuck figuring out exactly why I’m ‘suffering.’ With loving parents and a good friend, what more could I ask for? Why does this news feel like a hammer smashed into my glass heart? I didn’t care about the school itself, and my markless flank wasn’t relevant. Lost, confused, and trapped in my own emotions, I was unable to understand why I was feeling this way despite having everything I needed.
I don’t get myself. Who are you, Nature Thorn?
“Sorry about the delay, but if you decide to attend, I’ll await the news of your friendship achievements in Canterlot. I’ll come by to visit Ponyville now and then, too.”
“Oh, so you little ponies will leave after graduation,” Miss Scarlet Petals pointed out.
“Although I wanted to keep it brief, more details will be shared at the town square later today. The first announcement is this one, and the other is the second. If you want to hear more, come drop by,” Spike said, waving a claw as he left.
In high spirits, Mint Spring eagerly initiated a conversation with Starry Vision. “Can you even begin to imagine us at the School of Friendship? It’s going to be incredible!”
Starry Vision’s eyes became swirls. “The idea of moving away and being able to attend is not sinking in so well…”
“Let’s open that drain, Star. We’re so going!”
“I’ll give it my all,” Starry Vision replied, trying to muster some excitement in her hesitant voice.
Then Splotch Wing joined with bold commentary. “Unlike all you weirdos, I don’t mind the wait. I’ll use this time to improve thy art.” Nopony paid him any heed.
“I’m certain I’ll be going,” Ice Whistle said, glancing my way. “What about you, Nature Thorn?”
“For sure, there’s not a doubt in my mind.” Yet, disappointment lingered. Perhaps it stemmed from the delay because I yearned for a novel experience.
I wonder… Have you realized it yet, Thorn? That you can use this as an opportunity to—
“Okay, that’s enough side chatter, class. Let’s get these last subjects out of the way so we can all go home,” said Miss Scarlet Petals.
With the end of all side conversations, classes continued as usual.
As another school day drew to a close, my peers dispersed, heading home, and Nature Thorn, like the rest, was on his way. We had plans to discuss Luna Bay later today, a topic that had been on my mind all day. I didn’t want to dwell on it during school, but Nature Thorn and I had an unspoken understanding. He knew I was eager to talk, and he knew I would come knocking on his door.
He knew.
“Thorn, did you...?”
“Yeah... I knew.”
While I believe Nature Thorn is considering my thoughts, I can’t help but wonder if I’m overthinking the situation.
Just as I was lost in my head, a filly’s voice broke through, jolting me back to reality.
“Ice Whistle, could we have a conversation before the town square announcement?” The request came from Starry Vision, a fellow unicorn with a turquoise coat and a teal mane that often obscured one of her eyes. Perhaps her difficulty with direct eye contact was the reason she found it easier to communicate with others.
“No need to wait. We can go now. Does chatting at that one restaurant, Hayday, sound good?” I suggested, considering the sensitivity of the subject. Starry Vision proposed finding a place with no adults or other ponies, which only added to the intrigue. The anticipation to listen to her message grew stronger She wished for this to be kept exclusively between us. I questioned what a bashful pony like her had to discuss with me. “That’s fine, but where should we go?”
“Since an announcement is scheduled at the town square later today, the ice skating rink should be empty… Everypony is staying home or going out to eat.”
Word truly got out fast. She was right. On this occasion, nopony should give the ice skating rink much thought. Few ponies other than Serene Snowfall visited it often, anyway. “Let’s get going then.”
The distance between the school and our destination was roughly half a mile: a short walk, fifteen minutes tops. No roof occupied the space above, which left it exposed to the weather. A one-meter high wall of hay bales—from the Pear family farm outside of Vanhoover—surrounded the rink, helping ensure nopony went flying out of bounds. The setting winter sun beamed through the frosted pine tree branches, rewarding the ice rink with a shimmering melancholic orange. If it were nighttime, the rink would have been breathtaking with its glistening icy surface characterized by the nearby sun-symbol lampposts.
As if trying to blend in with the surrounding calm rather than addressing Starry Vision directly, I spoke under my breath. “That’s right, I almost forgot. Today marks the earliest sunset of the year.” I wondered why Princess Twilight bothered doing so. Variety? Schedule conflict? Just because?
Anyway, Starry Vision and I miscalculated occupancy. One pony already occupied the rink, leaving Starry Vision and me to view from the sidelines. Every leap and spin was executed with such precision and finesse that it was hard to tear my eyes away. Upon closer inspection, the pony skating was Serene Snowfall, a close friend of my sister. A mare determined to showcase the grace and elegance that is ice skating to the entirety of Equestria. Not wanting Starry Vision to feel overlooked, I held back from greeting her. Still, as my eyes followed Serene Snowfall from the side bleachers, I couldn’t help but be utterly awestruck by her balletic skill.
“She’s fantastic…” Starry Vision commended.
After nodding in agreement, I adjusted my scarf and asked Starry Vision what she wanted to discuss. “What have you been meaning to tell me?”
“I’m unsure of how I can begin this topic.”
“Tell me this then. Is it good or bad news?”
“To categorize it as ‘good’ or ‘bad’… I can’t. It’s more complicated than that.”
“?” With my beanie somewhat misplaced, I tilted my head to the side like a confused dog, trying to understand what she meant. In every sense of the word, this town is ordinary. It couldn’t have been fantastical from an ignorant villager’s point of view. So, only one thought cropped up as I pleaded. “Please, tell me.”
“You see…my room has the best view of the pathway leading to the shoreline.” Did she see us there that night? No, that wouldn’t make sense. From the residential district, the view of the shore is blocked. She wanted to tell me this before then. Does that mean—? “I’ve noticed Nature Thorn going out there repeatedly, too many times to count.”
“You saw that and didn’t tell anypony?” I asked, eyesight captivated by the winter sun’s orange filtering through the hazy clouds.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to react or what to do. Believing it’s not my place to interfere and that it wasn’t significant.”
“No need to apologize. I’m glad you didn’t tell anypony. This is my fault. I take responsibility for not acknowledging anything about him. The real him. I should have done more at the first realization.”
From my peripheral vision, her horn pointed toward me. “No way… Your effort is commendable, Ice Whistle. Your level of compassion as a friend is second to none.”
Caressing my scarf, I responded. “Thanks… You know, this is the most assertive you’ve ever been.” The embarrassment was obvious on Starry Vision’s face as her cheeks flared red. It reminded me of heat emerging and simmering from beneath the surface of ice or water—coloring the surface a bright red-orange.
“But there’s still the actual question…” Starry Vision specified so we wouldn’t get off track.
With ease, Serene Snowfall performed yet another trick. I followed suit, her skates carving a trail on the pristine ice.
‘The real question,’ she says. It was only a matter of time before she questioned it. The primary concern that should’ve been considered first and foremost. It doesn’t matter who you are.
“What reason would Nature Thorn have to go there? For a nightly reoccurrence in particular, it’s odd…”
For those kept in the dark, it would seem odd. I understood Thorn’s reasoning. That part was simple. And I acknowledged I was the one to blame. I’m at fault. But I can’t keep dwelling on it and punishing myself, so today marked the start of truly helping Nature Thorn.
Lost in thought, a moment of silence broke out. Then Starry Vision questioned again. “Ice Whistle, there must be a reason, right?”
Yeah. I’m the reason this is happening, and Nature Thorn’s path is set because of my decision back then. Since Starry Vision witnessed the results, I felt obligated to tell her. “There is a reason,” I verified weakly. However, this was not the opportune moment to do so. Nature Thorn should be the one to tell her.
Serene Snowfall glided off the ice and removed the skates on her hooves, showing she finished ice skating for the day. A heart with a message inside was etched into the ice rink. The etched-in message read ‘The Small Town of the Winter Night Sky 4 Eva.’ It’s not a town name, but it had a nice ring.
Afterward, I stepped down from the bleachers and ended our conversation with a few closing words. “But I can’t tell you, Starry Vision. It’s up to Thorn to share this information with you. We’ll both reveal it to you when he’s ready.”
“Oh…okay.”
With a nod of her head, I left and headed home to prepare. The second announcement starts shortly after twilight—the perfect time to talk privately with Nature Thorn.
“Wait, Ice Whistle, I—” I stood up and tried calling out to him, but my feeble voice didn’t reach his ears. I accomplished conversing at a regular level earlier but now struggled to speak in a standard tone. My quiet voice cursed me with its return.
My conversation had officially ended with Ice Whistle. With the absence of the ice skating pony, my eyes were drawn to the ice rink as my tush returned to the numbing bleachers—the only pony here now being me. Although I started with a more important topic, there was something else I wished to tell Ice Whistle.
Sitting there in silence, sighing, I couldn’t help but notice the chill in the air brushing against my cheeks—which remained warm. “…”
The door closed with a clasped lock—home sweet home. I walked inside and sat down at the family dinner table. I wasn’t planning on eating, but my parents stood in the kitchen talking to each other. It would have been not polite of me otherwise.
“There’s our Whittle Bramble,” Mom said, noticing me.
“Mom, I’ve told you I don’t like that nickname before.”
“Forgive me, I just miss calling you by that adorable little moniker.”
My brow tensed. “Adorable? It’s hardly any different from my actual name.”
“Then it shouldn’t bother you!”
“Alright, I agree it’s cute, but that’s why it’s humiliating.” Back home after another tedious day of school, Mom and Dad were here, and I told them about what Royal Advisor Spike had to discuss. They lacked the expected reaction, leading me to believe they already knew. Connecting the dots, they must have been the anonymous voices from earlier. A hoof thumped my head with undeniable belief. “Of course, it was you two.”
“I’m disappointed we didn’t see your expression, Thorn, but that old town leader of ours ruined everything,” Dad mentioned.
“Dear, you’re one to talk. Both you and Stargazer almost exposed our snooping with your sudden outburst! Are you just going to forget that happened? We panicked and returned home, calling the mission off!”
“You were just hearing things,” Dad replied, puckering his lips and looking off.
Mom scoffed. “Unbelievable. Don’t end up like your father, Thorn.”
“Sure thing.” Not wanting to die today, I agreed with my mother. She wanted to talk about ‘unbelievable’ when she, my dad, and a neighbor tried spying on our class session. Now, that’s odd behavior.
“Everypony has a talent and purpose. This includes Thorn, and if it’s like mine, there’ll be no helping it,” Dad countered.
“‘If,’” Mom gestured with her hooves, showing quotation marks. “Emphasis on the if, and if it is similar, then so be it.”
Dad squinted his eyes. “Sounds like we got ourselves a bet, Snuffaluffagus.”
Only to cause another pair of eyes to squint back. “Seems so, schumpkin’ pumpkin’ wumpkin’.”
“Please quit it with those dreadful weaponized nicknames! Now I’m in genuine pain! That is the worst activity you two have ever created and started!” I exclaimed with a twist in my stomach. To test who would give in first, they referred to each other by terrible couple’s names with pinched lips. If they did that in their own time, fine, but the weapons being used are far more disastrous than any alicorn, and I’m stuck in the crossfire. How did they even come up with this game?
“Guess we’ll have to continue this later, girl pony.”
“Until then, brown...fur thing.”
“You’re both the worst.” They both realized I wasn’t serious, of course. That level of understanding is just how we roll. They tried to reduce the intensity by calling each other the most simplified names. Still, it was a painful experience to endure. “Heh.” They have the same routine as always, but that’s just who they are.
“Hey, before we get ready for that announcement near the town square, we should watch a movie or two. As a family,” Dad suggested.
“That’s an excellent idea,” Mom concurred.
We all sat on the couch, ready to start the family film. There were three cushions: Dad on the far right, Mom on the far left, and me in the middle.
I’m not against the idea. Ice Whistle might have wanted to hang out when the second announcement began or finished. Since everypony would be focused on the event, I had nothing but time to spare.
Dad slammed a button on the remote, and the sound of the television program suffused the lifeful room. Before then, glimpsing at the black screen, the radiant faces of a hugging family trio stared back, which gave me a tender warmth.
We were smiling.
The time for the second announcement had arrived.
My parents and I had left home and joined everypony gathered near the town center. Because of our delay, we found ourselves at the back of the crowd. The chieftain’s building stood alone in the open expanse, surrounded by only snow-layered grass. Sun-symbol lampposts shone lightly, one occupying each corner of the department. Despite being only half the size of a typical office building (according to Miss Scarlet Petals), the structure had a charming residential vibe.
Here, referring to the ‘town square’ as the center of town was inaccurate—since it’s in the upper-middle part of town. The school sat in the bottom left corner, residential houses primarily nestled in the bottom right, and the ice rink was in the upper left area on the outskirts. Luna Bay is a small community with a population of around 100-150. By definition, we’re a small village. And around half of the townsfolk were elderly.
It occurred to me we’ve been here for a considerable time. Is it not reasonable to expect the population to be more significant? Did the chieftains manage the population? Or did some past residents move? I wonder if the village leader, Chieftain Page Martinet, is keeping a secret or if I’m just overthinking. Her role in our small community has always intrigued me, and I couldn’t help but wonder what she might be hiding.
Regardless of the lack of sun, the sky was a beautiful shade of dark blue, with a red horizon giving birth to a hint of orange as the evening deepened. We joined the crowd in standing because there were no seats. The gathering appeared to include everypony in town. We were looking toward the fancy wooden building that held the chieftain’s office—specifically, the porch-like entrance where four figures could be seen. At a small table sat an assistant pony, Lila Styles, known for her elegance and efficiency. Sitting across her was a changeling, a rare sight in our village, drinking from a steaming white mug. Said mug had a pink heart with the words ‘Luna Bay’ in the middle.
At the center of the veranda stood a glossy wooden podium, ready to amplify the voices of Chieftain Page Martinet and the Royal Advisor. They were about to make an announcement but to be honest, my presence here felt unnecessary. We had already heard the brief first announcement in school, and while there were more details to be shared, I had already made up my mind. Knowing more seemed pointless.
Nevertheless, Mom and Dad had their eyes glued to the podium, but I was here for something else—for somepony. Ice Whistle might have been around.
“Fillies and Gentlecolts, I would like to convey my gratitude to all of you for assembling here today to listen to our distinguished guest, Royal Advisor Spike.”
She stopped briefly, taking in the cheering crowd and occasional neighs. Amidst the assembly, my parents were celebrating with raised voices. They were probably the loudest here.
“Your patience is appreciated. We’ll require a few more minutes of your time before we can begin the announcement.”
Starting with that would have been better. Did Chieftain Martinet find pleasure in toying with the emotions of the crowd?
Then, out of nowhere, something tapped my flank from close behind. I turned to see Ice Whistle, his familiar black and grey striped beanie and matching scarf accompanying him. As predicted, he had come looking for me.
Everypony talked over each other, and my parents weren’t paying attention to me—most likely for my benefit. They were too focused on the veranda. They wanted to study everything about this presentation—everything about the school they wanted me to attend. I backpedaled, careful not to be noticed. Letting them know I’m hanging out with Whis wouldn’t be wrong, and eventually, they’ll notice my absence. But I wished to leave with Ice Whistle, with no disturbance. They might ask me to wait after the announcement or ask where we were going. I opted out of risking it. So, we left.
“Let’s discuss this in the most secluded spot possible,” Whis said.
“Fine with me.” To the southwest trotted the two colts. We were no longer a part of the crowd.
“Now, I would like to introduce you to our new friend, Spike, the Royal Advisor of Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
The crowd’s cheers packed the air before fading into silence. All equine ears were perked up, ready to hear the voice of Spike.
Page Martinet stepped away and sat at the table on the left of the veranda with her assistant, Lila Styles, and Thorax, leaving the podium to Spike. Spike’s response was swift; he took the mantle of the podium, adjusted the microphone to his height, and tapped it to announce his presence.
“That wasn’t necessary,” Page Martinet commented from the sidelines.
“Oh, right…” Page Martinet’s remark was lost in the air, leaving the audience momentarily puzzled when Spike responded to her. He quickly recovered, cleared his throat, and resumed his speech.
“I’m here in Luna Bay to offer you all an opportunity.”
Question marks assaulted the gathering. Spike’s words had individual relevance to each of them. Judging from the sound of it, that ‘opportunity’ seemed to be positive. In the end, it all depended on the individual.
“An opportunity Princess Twilight, Principal Starlight Glimmer, and I would like to lend you—the opportunity to enroll in the School of Friendship. Here, interact with ponies and creatures from all over Equestria to make new friends and discover yourself. You can also view it as a school to help make amends for past mistakes you want to fix—a space where you can show off your personality or talent and display your true self to others. Ponies and creatures of all ages are welcome, except those under twelve without parental permission. Well, what do you say to that, ponies of Luna Bay?!”
The crowd was ecstatic. They cheered and cheered to the point that an avalanche could happen soon. Spike gestured with his palms, trying to calm the frenzied bunch. As a result, the noise dialed back.
“I can’t believe he used to be a baby dragon,” Thorax said and continued. “Time sure flies.” The changeling hive leader was sitting at a table drinking black coffee for the third time. Despite having many cups, his uncertainty about liking it persisted. Across from him sat two ponies, Page Martinet and Lila Styles. One was responsible for looking after the town, and the other was an assistant of that pony.
“It’s hard to believe that the Royal Advisor was once so teensy weensy. It sounded like he would have ridden on my back or fit perfectly in a saddlebag. How cute it would have been to witness,” Lila Styles commented, hugging herself. The action was even more charming, considering the lit-up sun-symbol lamppost shone closely behind her.
“Well… maybe not small enough for a saddlebag, but you got the idea,” Thorax replied, sipping his black coffee and taking in the view of the attentive crowd, the snowy expanse, and occasional shadowy trees and buildings.
By turning around, Spike reached out and grabbed a string from above. The small white rope had a black circular bit-sized handle hanging on the end. What came down was a screen projector. “Hey, Page Martinet, could you set up the projector?” Spike asked, moving his mouth away from the microphone and covering it with his claws.
“Certainly. Lila Styles.”
Page Martinet and Lila shared a look, and the assistant identified her task. “I’m on it, Chief.”
Spike shifted the podium rightward from the audience’s perspective. If he left it in the original spot, he’d be in the middle of the screen, blocking the view. The device was placed on a projector stand and could be maneuvered vertically at a 180-degree angle. Lila Styles successfully placed the projector despite the awkward position.
“Let’s carry on with the presentation and get into the specifics. There’s no need to worry about missing anything because we’ve produced more than enough pamphlets for everypony. They’ll provide all the information this presentation will show off. Copies will be available at the office if you change your mind later. Or you can come and get them right after the presentation ends.”
Everypony, a handsome stallion, Scarlet Petals, Brisk Prize, Serene Snowfall, Forest Seed, Misty Fleurs, Stargazer, Starry Vision, Mint Spring, Splotch Wing, Ocular Vignette, Ice Whistle’s parents, Lila Styles, Page Martinet, and Thorax—weren’t all present together shoulder to shoulder. They were either spread out on their lonesome or were with a family member or friend, waiting for the presentation to start.
Gladly, Spike turned on the projector, and everypony watched as its light hit the screen. The crowd was full of smiles and warm embraces like Stargazer hugging his younger sibling.
All was right in the world.
This village was adjacent to the body of water known as Luna Bay—the small town of the winter night sky. A home leading humble lives. Everypony in town was present, beaming with joy—but two.
In a particular bedroom, there was a star spider. It was so still that it almost seemed like a decoration, especially considering the arctic blue star symbol on its abdomen. The room was plain and unadorned. The sheets on the bed were a chaotic, jumbled mess, with the edge of the cover hanging off the side and brushing the cool, bare floor. It was a dull and uninviting place. Other than the arachnid, there was no life in sight.
But,
Movement occurred in the quiet room as the spider descended its web, soon stopping in the middle of the windowpane, where it remained motionless. It appeared to be soaking up the last remnants of the evening winter sun disappearing on the horizon. Twilight had deepened, its colors darkening to a dark blue.
Two shadows moved through the light snow far from the window’s view. The spider hung there with complete indifference and observed the ‘shooting star’ as it passed.
There was a small log. There was no telling how long it’d been there. Despite being engulfed by the rushing water, that small, unremarkable timber log remained trapped in the sand.
Seemingly for eternity.
They both left the plaza for privacy. Only one place fit the bill: Luna Bay, a water expanse linked to the North Luna Ocean.
Shards of ice floated atop here and there. Nature Thorn gazed out at the never-ending body of water, with two specks of land silhouetted in the distance. Traces of light cautiously peeked around the corner of those dark masses, which must have been the neighboring coastal city known as Vanhoover.
They were no longer parading on grass filtered with light or heavy layers of snow. The two colts were now standing on damp sand. Any snow repeatedly melted away because of the incoming water. However, snow still covered most of the backshore because the water only went so far. Nature Thorn concluded it was a scenery nopony ever thought about—a snowy beach. A hint of salt filled the dead air as Nature Thorn and Ice Whistle stood on the winter beach, staring at the vast expanse before them. Moistened sand and pebbles lay strewn about the terrain beneath their hooves. And the absence of crashing waves made the gentle lapping of the water against the shore even more tranquil.
Ice Whistle was the first to speak. Nature Thorn’s once tranquil silence was disturbed by the weight behind his words. “This is a scene you’re used to, isn’t it?”
Ice is a weak material. It melted, and it broke.
Nature Thorn bit down on his lip with such force that he tasted a hint of iron. Even so, he did not let go. He could not let go. Nature Thorn had prepared himself earlier and figured he had the tenacity to speak up. Except now that he was here, a lump formed in his throat, rendering him speechless.
Wood, a material well known for its versatility and durability, was commonly used. Unlike ice, wood is easy to work with and can be shaped into various forms and reliable structures. Unlike ice, wood was a practical and dependable choice that did not melt.
But here, ice shattered the tree.
We found ourselves back in the familiar scenery of Luna Bay.
“This is a scene you’re used to, isn’t it?”
That was enough. They were essential words. Ice Whistle said nothing but simple words, forming a simple question. In his characteristic manner, he posed a question he already knew the answer to. It was his way of broaching a delicate subject, a testament to his mercy. But despite his intentions, his words hit me like a boulder from the highest peak, leaving me breathless.
“U… t…” I tried to conjure the words, but they would not come out. Tears welled, and my voice shook and convulsed as I formed direct eye contact. Ice Whistle watched and waited for several more attempts. And soon enough, I could spill. “Used to? That’s an understatement, Ice Whistle… I’m too familiar with it! Ever since I learned about that bay—the truth—I couldn’t resist the urge to go there and see for myself! Why wouldn’t I want to see how my life ends up? Why wouldn’t I want to see who I become?! Why wouldn’t I want to see if I’m on the right path?! You saw yours... It’s not fair. This bay is a curse I’m forever bound to! I’m at a loss; I don’t know what to do. What did I do wrong? Why doesn’t my reflection show? What does it mean? How can I live normally when Luna Bay has no clue? How can I grow up when I still don’t have my cutie mark?! I’m supposed to be an ordinary earth pony, aren’t I? Dad expects me to have some grand talent or purpose, but I have nothing to show for it! And Mom expects no less. Heck, everypony expects anypony to have one of those; am I wrong? You know I’m not. What pony is there in history that doesn’t have a cutie mark? Other than newborn foals, I’m the only one. Everypony in class has theirs, and you have yours. Without fail, I struggle to ignore the incessant mocking of your cutie marks – a constant reminder of what I don’t have. I’m not sure if I can keep it up… And like a fool, I kept coming out here hoping things would change... Earlier today in math class, I did the calculations. We learned about this bay’s secret when we were seven, right? There are around three hundred sixty-five days a year, just as many nights. By using multiplication, I’ve come here over two thousand times. That many nights – and each one is as pointless as the previous, if not more so. Everypony has a special mark awaiting them, and if Luna Bay doesn’t show my reflection, then am I – is Nature Thorn meant to exist? Even though I’m home, I’m still lost. Why? How can that be?!”
My voice was intermittent—raising and dropping, but I let it all out. My mouth opened, and words tumbled out without restraint. Throughout it all, I couldn’t maintain eye contact with Ice Whistle. When I couldn’t, I would seek refuge from the distant view of the bay. Now I stood there, hollow, awaiting to absorb his response.
Will he be angry? Or will he show sympathy?
I watched as more stars appeared from the darkness, dotting the sky, patiently waiting for Ice Whistle’s wisp to break into the moonlit air. The shore was met with another wave, its touch cold, polite, and soothing. Then, after a while, a sharp inhale emerged. “Of course you’re meant to exist! What are you saying?! You’re the child of your parents, and you’re my best friend! Those are good reasons right there! Luna Bay didn’t show your path? Forget about this place! Carve your own, Nature Thorn! Perhaps you have the freedom to become whoever you desire! Cutie marks? Forget about cutie marks! If you ask me, they’re nothing special, especially compared to you! I’m sure, to some degree, your parents see it. Deep down, they see something special within you. And they might look at it from an adoring perspective—not intending to overpraise negatively. So, don’t let this lifeless body of water get to you! It’s my fault you know about it in the first place! My fault you had to experience those countless nights!”
Only vivid huffs and puffs remained.
Then, Ice Whistle continued. “Hey, Thorn, have you realized it yet? Checking out the School of Friendship or Ponyville might lead you to an answer. That place could help ease this sense of entrapment you have, too. If you ever need help, I’ll be there for support. Don’t forget that you’re not alone in this anymore. Your days don’t have to be mundane! So, let’s do this, step by step, shoulder to shoulder. Let’s go to the School of Friendship, Nature Thorn! No question about it. There, you will ultimately find out who you are!”
No. It was a nice in-between.
His words left me speechless but fulfilled. Ice Whistle reached out and offered me a hoof. What would my life look like if he wasn’t in it? I’m glad I have somepony like Ice Whistle to call my friend. My best friend—like a pillar or bridge of ice. How could I ever refuse such unwavering support?
Thank you. Thank you from the depths of my heart, Ice Whistle.
A cloud of warmth puffed out of my nose. And with cold bitten cheeks, my right hoof met Ice Whistle’s left, coming together in a firm clop. A solemn promise, not just to each other but to ourselves, was sealed. We would live our lives and embark on the journey to the School of Friendship. That place, that moment, would mark the beginning of a new, extraordinary chapter.
Our new ordinary.
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My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
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Is this based off of another story on here? I swear I’ve seen this premise before with a male OC named Radish Root.
11894431
I know of the fic you're talking about, but I've never read it. (Nor have I read many fics on this site yet.) So to answer simply, no. However, from my understanding of the description, they do seem similar as opposites. (A pony with many marks rather than one with zero.) And while I have no idea what's happening within that story, I doubt we will have a similar conclusion.