Shadows, just what exactly are they? A simple silhouette of your body? Or are they something more. . . Something with thoughts, even feelings? Sounds preposterous, but what if it were the truth?
Have you ever thought about what your shadow really is than just a silhouette of your own figure? That perhaps he or she has a conscience of their own? Thoughts and feelings? Of course not, we just see them as mere outlines of our bodies. As we bask in the warmth and light of the sun, they stay behind in the cold and dark. So, what if they could think and feel? Would they appreciate how we treat them with such unconcern and ignorance? Are they tired of being chained to you unable to live their own life? What if they were able to break free? Free from the burden that they must follow, you. What kind of consequences would we have to endure?
In a daze I find myself looking up towards the sky. It’s so beautiful watching as the sun shines ever so brightly, and birds hover on by. Did I just wake up? I think to myself as I feel the tall grass surrounding me. Sitting up I look around, and I can see nothing but a seemingly endless stretch of woods. What is this place? I search through my memories trying to remember anything, but instead I am struck with an awful realization. I have no recollection of any previous moments before this one. I can feel myself dive into a panic. Frantically I jolt up onto my feet taking quick glances at everything within my field of view.
Nothing but trees and bushes, this place could possibly go on for miles. How could I have gotten here? Looking down at my feet I notice what I’m wearing: a black jacket, jeans, and shoes. This is what I usually wear when I go out. Strange, if I can remember that then how can I not remember anything else? There’s too many things missing to make sense of this. (Sigh)… there’s no need for me to worry about that now. I just need to worry about getting out of here. But which way? Everything looks exactly the same! How do I know which way is the right way to go?
Suddenly something catches my eye as a few glimmering lights flutter out from some bushes. They hover around me and I realize what they are, butterflies. One of them lands on my shoulder, and I can see every detail on its sparkling wings. I have never seen butterflies colored quite like this. Their wings were some kind of white that glowed even in the absence of light. Examining it further I believe I can spot some sort of pattern that seems to look like some sort of inscriptions. I continue to stare at it curiously trying to make out exactly what it is, but it flies away. After a moment passes I can feel the serenity I felt earlier return to me as those floating orbs of light drift ever farther from me. Compelled to their magnificence I follow them.
Continuing my chase for these creatures of light I lose sight of them within a thick wall of trees, and almost in an instant I snap out of this reverie I was in. Should I still follow them? I don’t know what could lie behind that blanket of trees. Walking ever closer to the trees I notice that no kind of light is present from beyond this point. The only choices that remain are to stay here in the warm and comforting light, or to try and traverse the shadows ahead. However I don’t feel like I have a choice. I need to continue onward into the darkness, but something’s not right. I’m looking into complete nothingness yet I feel nothing. Then I turn my thoughts to the light, I feel like I’m forgetting something that’ll keep me here but what? No matter how hard I think I can’t find a single reason to stay. So with one final glimpse I abandon the light and make my way into the wall of trees.
Squeezing through the trees, I hold in my breath to make the narrow opening easier to fit through. With every tree I pass I could hear the sound of rushing water get louder and louder. After I make it through, I’m met with the light again, but this time it almost seems more blinding than comforting. Shielding my eyes I look for the butterflies. However, when I do spot them they’re across a long, shaky, wooden bridge. Its appearance gave me no confidence as it peered over what seems like a huge drop into a river. I peak over the edge to see the actual depth of the drop. From the looks of it if I were to fall there’s no way I’d survive. Again something goes off in my mind that I’m missing. I can’t seem to shake this feeling of whatever it is, but it must be nothing.
BANG! Caught off guard I look for the source of the noise. Then something catches my eye. An explosion of color now fills the sky. Fireworks are going off. There’s got to be people over there, people that may be able to help me. I’ve got to cross now! Throwing all other thought aside I race onto the bridge at full speed. In spite of the fact that the bridge immediately started creaking on the first step I keep running. SNAP! One of the boards finally gives way and my right leg falls straight through. Out of instinct I grab onto the ropes holding up the bridge. Again something is missing, I could possibly die and yet I don’t feel anything. Okay Aireal, I think to myself. Just pull yourself up. After some close calls I manage to get myself up out of the hole and walk the rest of the way off the bridge.
Taking a couple of seconds to catch my breath, I hear three more explosions. More fireworks that must mean they’re still there. Without anymore thought I continue towards the noise. All of a sudden I am greeted by the butterflies again. They flutter around my face and then fly off, but not in the direction of the fireworks. They got me this far, might as well keep following them.
After following them for a minute or two the light starts to fade again. The only thing guiding me is the sight of the glowing butterflies. However they appear to have stopped over something. Crouching down I can see what it is due to the light reflecting off the butterflies and onto the ground. It’s a hole. Something a rabbit could have dug. Seeing a stick I grab it and start poking it down the hole. At first I was only hitting dirt but then I heard a kind of tinking noise. Continuing to move the stick around in the hole I manage to finally hit something solid. I put down the stick and reach inside the hole again. The solid object felt rough and hard. Feeling it with my fingers the object definitely had corners. Trying to get a good grasp on it, the object was really stuck in the dirt. Digging around I then proceeded to try to pull it out again. And to my luck I got it out.
Gazing down at it, it appeared to be a box. It was very rusty and covered in a wide variety of markings and symbols. They are reminiscent of the markings I saw on the butterfly’s wings. Feeling a bit cautious as I Lift the lid, it reveals a shiny silver rod. Almost like a handle to a small paint brush. I take it out trying to get a better look at it. It’s nothing I recognize but whatever it is…why is it in a hole deep in the woods? With it in my hand, I look around for the butterflies and can see them flying away from me. They’re actually going towards the fireworks this time. Quickly, I chase after them running through bushes and pushing away tree branches from my face. Finally I make it to the end of the woods. Outside! It feels so good to finally be out of there. I could again see the butterflies in the distance and started running towards them. I also see something else ahead. It looks like a village. But the colors and the structure of the buildings make it look very odd. A very strange village… Fireworks shoot out from somewhere. Some kind of special event must be going on.
Running as fast as I can to the town I can see the buildings are getting closer. But I still do not see any people. I reach a path that leads into it and start walking taking great care to try and not miss anything that might tell me where I am. Stopping I wait and I watch for anything that looks remotely human.
“Hello?!” I shout, and it echoes throughout the town, but not a single response. This place looks so empty almost like a ghost town. Maybe I shouldn’t go in. It looks like an abandoned old village. All the buildings look like old cottages and the roads are just paths of dirt. I can even see wagons for horses to pull. I don’t think anyone lives here; maybe I should just skip it and try to find a different town. I can feel a slight breeze start behind me, and as I start to back away from the village the wind gets stronger. It’s almost pushing me towards the town. For some reason it makes me rethink my situation. It wouldn’t hurt to go and at least check. As soon as I take my first steps forward the winds instantly stop. I look back feeling a little uneasy, but I continue into the town. Within moments of searching through the town I can hear voices. Walking towards it I could hear that it’s not two or three different voices but possibly a group of them. I reach a street corner and take a look to my right and in an instant my jaw drops. I rub my eyes in hopes it would clear my vision as if what I am seeing is just my eyes playing a trick on me. What I see not too far ahead of me is a large crowd of brightly colored horses, I thought to myself in complete disbelief. They are all standing before a large decorated wooden stage. There’s another horse on that stage dressed like some kind of wizard. As I get a better look at all of them I realize none of them are actually the size of a real horse. They’re more like ponies. I feel as though I need to slap myself to make sure I’m really seeing this. Some even have wings like a pegasus, or even have unicorn horns… What is happening?! Their manes don’t even look like natural hair colors. Pink, red, blue, purple. There’s even one with a mane that looks like a rainbow! I’ve got to be seeing things; these ponies actually look like cartoons. I must also be hearing things, because I can hear them talking. I walk backwards around the corner so that they are out of my sight. I take a breath in and then slowly out. Maybe if I look again they will be gone. I just need to convince myself that they are not really there. I walk back around, and as expected they are still there… That’s it, this isn’t reality. This is just a dream. Yeah, that’s what it is. I must’ve just fallen asleep and this is all just a dream, a really vivid dream.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie has returned! Trixie has come to challenge TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” the blue wizard pony yells.
“Why should she waste her time with you!? We all know that Twilight’s magic is and always will be better than yours!” the blue rainbow pony yelled back.
“Then she should have no problem facing me.”
“Why I’m gonna!-”
“Rainbow, relax. If Trixie wants a little magic competition, I’ll give her one.” A purple unicorn with a dark purple mane says with her right hoof in front of “Rainbow”. The purple pony, who I’m assuming is named Twilight, steps onto the stage. This is impossible, there’s no way this is happening. I must be dreaming. All of this just has to be a dream. I take a few steps closer towards the crowd of ponies. I’m kind of curious now, but still highly confused. Stopping before any “pony” could see me. I watch the stage waiting for what they’re about to do. The purple unicorn, “Twilight’s”, horn begins to glow, and then vegetation, flowers of many different sizes and colors, seem to grow onto the stage covering every inch of it. All of the ponies are in awe. After, a few seconds it all dissipates into droplets of light that linger in the air. What just happened? Was the only thought that kept crossing my mind.
“Okay, now it’s my turn,” says the wizard pony, Trixie. A shadowy glow accumulates around her, as though any existing light near her is either being blocked by something or just destroyed. But I don’t see what she’s doing. Something doesn’t feel right. I look all around, and up in the sky the clouds darken. I can hear thunder crash. Some of the ponies in the crowd run to their homes; however, I’m not going anywhere. I want to see what happens. It begins to rain, the wind starts to pick up, and I could see lightning strike in the distance. Leaves blow all around and into my face as I try to swat them away. I look at the stage again and still see the two ponies standing there. I can’t see Twilight’s face, but I do see Trixie’s and she looks angry, mad even. But still holds a smile on her face. As the storm progressively gets worse the large decorations on top of the stage begin to shake. They look like they’re about to come loose and break off from the stage, I think to myself. And Twilight is directly below them.
Suddenly that unidentifiable sensation returns to me, but is quickly pressed back by the urge to act. Pushing myself through the wind I hurry onto the stage. I shove Twilight out of the way as the decorations almost fall on top of her. The wind suddenly stops same for the thunder. Twilight and I are both sitting down on the stage. I am in disbelief to see that both of us are unscathed. Then I look down at my hands with the silver rod in my right one. Did I really do that? It almost didn't feel like I did. It felt strange as if for that one second my actions weren’t really my own.
“W-what are you? Did… Did you just save me?” Twilight stutters. Looking away from my hands now and towards her I nod in disbelief.
“Hey! Who dares to interrupt our competition?!” Trixie shouts in frustration. I stand up and look straight at her. “Well, what in the world is this? Just who and exactly what are you? ...and what is that you’re holding? Is that a wand? Hmmm… this could be interesting. Well go on. Show us all what YOU can do.” Trixie taunts.
Everything grows silent. I don’t know what to do. All of the ponies are watching me waiting for me to do something. I begin to feel very uncomfortable as I can feel myself growing nervous. Then, out from the corner of my eye I see the wand glowing. The aura around it was first purple, then blue, to yellow, now pink. The colors kept changing. The crowd lets out a small gasp at the sight of the wand. How is this happening? I might as well try something, anything would probably help. I bring up the wand and point it at a piece of debris that is to the right of me. The debris is then surrounded by the same colorful aura that is around my wand. Moving my wand back to the front of me, the debris followed. I don’t believe it. It’s actually following my wand.
“So you can lift things. Is that all you can do?” Trixie smirks. This is clearly not enough. Compared to what Twilight did and Trixie’s storm, this is nothing. I need to think of something. I wave the wand in a circular motion that ends with a quick point forward. With a burst of speed the debris is launched towards Trixie smashing into her and causing her to fall over and slide on the stage. All of the ponies begin laughing. Trixie gets back onto her hooves with a look of complete murderous intent.
“HOW DARE YOU! Okay so you can lift things, well so can I!” Her hat falls off, showing her white mane and blue horn. Just as before a shadowy glow surrounds her, but nothing was moving. Then everything was moving, I look at my feet and realize I’m what’s moving. I move around frantically trying to possibly get myself free. Nothing’s working, I think to myself. She continues to lift me higher, and higher. So high I could see the edge of the village I was in along with the surrounding woods. Then, I stop. I look down, and I can still see all of the ponies. “And guess what!” I barely hear Trixie yell. “I can throw things too!” in an instant I am pulled back by some kind of force and flung through the air. And just as quickly as I was flung, a sharp pain shot throughout the entirety of my body. Pain…pain cannot be felt in a dream. So, that would mean I’m not dreaming, but none of this could possibly be real. Nothing I’ve seen could prove that I’m not dreaming, but the pain I felt was real. Then, I’m not dreaming. And if I’m not dreaming that means I’m about to die. The thought of my body slamming onto the ground, possibly breaking every bone in my body, and dying begins shooting through my mind. I don’t know what to do. Is this really how it all is going to end? …Well if this is how it’s going to end, its one heck of a way to go. I close my eyes to except my fate, but instead of hitting the floor I feel something solid smash into me. Opening my eyes I see the rainbow-maned pony is carrying me.
“Don’t worry I gotcha.” she says flying back toward the stage. She lands right next to Twilight and I step back onto the stage. “Are you alright?” I turn my head back towards her and nod.
“Ugh! I have had it with these interruptions! It’s about time I end this!” Trixie shouts as she points her horn towards the sky. It again emanates that shadow-like glow. Everything darkens; I look up and see clouds gather over us. Cracks of lightning and thunder soon follow. I look back at Trixie and realize she’s making another storm and if my feelings are correct this one’s not going to just knock down stage decorations. Taking a glance around me, the ponies in the crowd are frantic now all of them trying to escape the danger that is being placed upon them. But that’s not all. Every single one of them has this same expression, even Twilight and the other rainbow pony have it. I can’t identify what it means but if it could cause all this panic amongst the already present chaos. It can’t be good. Suddenly my thoughts are broken with the power of these newly formed winds. They are much worse this time around. I can barely keep my balance, same goes for many of the ponies in the crowd. Even Trixie looks like she’s having trouble. Twilight could have been seriously hurt last time she created a storm. I can’t imagine what could happen with this one. All our lives are possibly at risk.
I need to think of a way I could use this wand to protect us, but I don’t even know how to use this thing. But I have to try something. Planting my feet firmly on the stage, I hold up the wand towards the sky. Keeping myself calm, relaxed, and concentrated. The only thing I could think to do was to look upward at it. Like last time the wand began to glow. Meanwhile the wind started to pick up immensely, so much so that the leaves and rain drops were blades to my clothes and skin. I tighten my grip on the wand trying to maintain focus. The wand’s aura starts growing ever brighter and larger. All of a sudden, I’m lost in the light emanating from the wand feeling nothing else but its warmth and comfort.
BOOM! A bright beam of light shoots out from it and into the sky. The light begins to fall over us like an enormous glowing bubble. Amazed, I drop my arms and stand in awe of what I did. All of the rain, wind, and thunder are still raging outside of this shield, but I cannot hear any of it. I look at the crowd of ponies. Gasps of astonishment fill the crowd. I look back at Twilight and the rainbow pony.
“That. Was. AWESOME!” the rainbow pony yells at me.
“How did you do that?” Twilight asks curiously. I have no idea how I’m able to do any this, but watching this spectacle is all so incredible. I then look back towards Trixie, who is standing outside of the bubble in the storm she created. Losing her balance, due to the powerful winds, she falls over onto her side. She looks drenched and miserable, as she keeps struggling to stand back up. Watching all of this I can’t help but feel guilty. I feel like I should help her. Even though she tried to seriously harm Twilight and I. Something inside is telling me to help her. I can’t stand watching this pony struggle to stand only to fall back down. I see her try once more to get up and fall again, but this time she doesn’t stand back up. The debris I threw at her earlier is blown by the wind. Hitting her while she’s still down on the stage. I can’t watch this anymore. I have to help her. I need to try to stop this storm. Seeing how Trixie lost her control of it. I hold up the wand towards the sky once again and begin to concentrate. The wand then begins to glow a bright golden color. Intensifying, the light became so bright to the point where I needed to squint in order to see. After that, another beam of light shot out of the wand, through the shield, and all the way up into the clouds. The light is so bright and continues to become even more so.
After a few seconds, the light dies down and everything is clear: the shield is gone, there’s no more rain or thunder, and the wind is back to a slight breeze. Looking up I can see the clear blue sky again along with the bright mid-day sun. I run towards her as she still lies on the ground. Kneeling down I remove the debris off of her. She looks up at me. “Why you… you!-” tears form around her eyes. “You win…” she says placing her head back down. All of the ponies start to cheer. Standing back up I look towards them. They’re all jumping and hollering I even hear what some of them are saying. “That was incredible!”; “What is it?”; “Didn’t you see him save Twilight?!”; “He’s our HERO!” I turn to Twilight and the rainbow pony smiling a little. They then both walk towards me.
“Wow that was REALLY awesome! When you made that huge bubble shield and then made the storm disappear! That was so cool! My name is Rainbow Dash. Nice to meet ya!” she shouts excitedly. All of a sudden the crowd’s cheering stops. Twilight and Rainbow dash look confused as all the ponies are looking around frantically. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t know… wait, do you hear that?” Twilight asks. I listen closely, and I do hear something not too far away. It sounds like horses trotting. I watch down the road and from around the corner comes four horses, and they all have big pegasus wings. Two of them have spears, while the other ones appear to be pulling a carriage. They come even closer and stop before the crowd. The crowd separates making a path straight to the stage. The two horses with the spears begin walking towards the stage. Both of them are wearing golden armor, but their faces and small parts of their bodies are still visible.
“What’s going on? We were sent by her majesty to investigate a disturbance.” One of the horses explains.
“They were having a magic duel!” A pony from the crowd yelled.
“Who was?”
“Those two,” the pony points, “Trixie and… him.”
“I see.” The horse then walks onto the stage. “And what exactly happened?”
“Well, Trixie challenged Twilight first. Then, she created a storm and those almost crushed Twilight. Then-” Rainbow Dash explains pointing at the fallen decorations.
“These here?” The horse says also pointing at debris.
“Yeah, but-”
“Well then, Trixie I’m going to need you to come with us.” The other horse steps onto the stage and walks Trixie to the carriage. She keeps her head down not saying a word. “And you… whatever you are I’m going to need you to come with us as well.”
“What? Why?” Rainbow asks.
“Sir, he didn’t do anything wrong he-” Twilight tries to explain.
“That doesn’t matter he was involved and needs to be questioned… what is that you’re holding?” he asks turning his attention towards me. I look at the wand then at the horse again. “Hand it over.” Without hesitation I give him my wand. He grabs it with his hoof and puts it in a pouch attached to his armor. “Now move.” He says promptly. All the ponies in the crowd begin to whisper amongst themselves.
“But sir he-” Twilight desperately tries to say something.
“I said move!” the horse says jabbing my back with the shaft of his spear. I’m so confused. What did I do wrong? He won’t even listen to what Twilight is trying to say. But I don’t want to cause trouble. I turn around and step from the stage as he follows. Walking down the path in between the crowd I see all of the ponies. They all look worried and confused. I can still hear the whispering amongst them. I look back at Twilight and Rainbow Dash. They too look worried, but then turn to each other and start talking. I’m too far away to hear what they’re saying. “Face forward.” The horse behind me commands. I look forward again passing by the last few rows of ponies. I step into the carriage and place myself opposite of Trixie. There isn’t anything to sit on so I sit on the cold wooden floor. Trixie is sitting in the corner with her head buried in her hooves. The carriage begins to move. There’s only one window in this little carriage. I can see the ponies we’re passing by. Their faces full with nothing but worry. Just like me.
The day has turned to dusk; cold wind starts to blow through the carriage window. The only thought crossing my mind is where are we headed, and what could possibly happen to us. As we’re riding in the carriage I can see, out the window, that we are passing by the woods. Suddenly, the carriage starts to tilt, and I can feel the wind outside start to pick up and blow through the carriage window. Confused, I take better look outside, and all I can see are clouds. Moving closer I realize that we are no longer on the ground. We’re flying up into the air. I can see the big forest that we had just been passing by as we are now flying over it. After a second in the air we pass a large flock of geese. It all looks so amazing. I turn my head to Trixie, and she has her head buried beneath her hooves. I feel like I should try and say something, but what? Maybe I should just leave her alone, but I need to figure out what is happening here.
“… Hey.” I whisper to her, but she chooses to ignore me. “…Can you tell me who you are?” Still she ignores me. I’m not going to quit until I get an answer to something. “… Can you tell me what this place is?”
“Oh will you CAN IT with your silly questions!” Trixie shouts jolting her head up with an angry expression. “Trixie doesn’t wish to waste her time speaking with whatever dumb animal you are!” She then puts her head back down, and out of discomfort I turn my attention back to the window and to the beautiful view. “…Just who are you anyway? Hmm? What makes you so special?! You’re just some ‘thing’ that comes around with a magic wand and spells! How do you even…? Ah just forget it!” Trixie then hides her face again. “I never wanted to hurt anypony… Why? Why is this happening to me?” I hear Trixie starting to cry. “I-I don’t know why I acted that way I… I wish I could take it back. Take it all back… And… and you. What I tried to do to you… I’m sure you hate me like everypony else… It’s not like you’d care anyway.” After she finished that statement I could feel my heart grow heavy. Yes she attempted to do some cruel things, but I can’t help but feel sad for her. The way she said that I wouldn’t care made me pause for a second. Making me rethink everything, I do care, why would she think I don’t? There has to be something more to Trixie. Something I’m just not seeing. But what I do feel is that I’m seeing a different side of her. A side that isn’t filled with hate, but with something else something good.
“Well I… I don’t hate you.” I tell her.
“Y-you don’t? ...” Trixie asks all choked up wiping the tears off her face. “B-but you forgive me right? ...” I pause, and start to think again. She almost seriously hurt Twilight, and she almost killed me. I’m not sure if I can forgive her for that. I remember that look in her eyes during the storm. That look of pure evil. Who knows if I can truly trust her? Like she said this wasn’t the first time she had done something. So, what if that wasn’t the last? All I do is stare at her and wonder. Should I really forgive her…? Why can’t I make a choice? “I knew it. You’re just like the rest… Just like everypony I’ve ever met!” Trixie turns her head away, but I can still hear her trying to hold back her crying.
“… What do you mean?” I ask.
“(Sigh)… Ever since I was a filly everypony picked on me. They told me I wouldn’t be able to do anything… That I wouldn’t be good at anything… And as the years went by it only continued and escalated. I was shut out from the rest. Nopony trusted me, and if I made a mistake, nopony forgave me. It got to the point to where I couldn't take it anymore. I ran off in the hopes that I could be somepony. I just wanted to prove them wrong. All of them! I wanted to perform and amaze everypony, so that I could show them that The Great and Powerful Trixie was… special. There was only one pony that made me feel that way. She was always there for me no matter what. Whenever I had a problem she was the first one I’d run to… She was the only one I’d run to. My Mother, she always gave me comfort when I needed it most. She was the one who kept me going. Until... she...passed on. I have never felt the same after that, as if when she left, she took a chunk of my heart with her.”
“…I know how you feel.”
“How could you possibly know?! You already have everypony loving YOU and feeling sorry for YOU…! You don’t know anything! You’re the one who seems to be SPECIAL!” Trixie snaps.
“There’s nothing about me that makes me special. Not one single thing. You’re right I don’t understand what it’s like to be put down by everyone, but… I know what it’s like to feel alone.”
“Oh sure, the one with spectacular magic and who gained everypony’s admiration knows what it’s like to feel alone?! With that kind of ability I’m sure you have plenty of ponies or more of whatever you are that treat you with so much respect, and would treat you like their hero! Give Trixie a break… Like you really know what it’s like. I never had a single friend! Never!” At this point Trixie has gotten furious.
“And you think I have friends…? I don’t. I’m just… Nothing … And nobody wants to be friends with nothing.”
“Oh please don’t pretend like you’re so helpless!” She cries out sarcastically. “You and you’re silly little wand.”
“It’s not me!” I cry. “ ... It’s all because of that wand! I found it back in the woods… Whenever I hold it I… I feel different… I don’t think I would’ve even attempted what I’ve done. But back there… I felt these foreign urges with the wand in my hand… So if you think I’m something “special” or “powerful” then you’re wrong!” I pause after the outburst.
“Well…!” Trixie tries to come up with words to attack me with once again, but nothing comes to her. So she gives up. “Trixie can understand that…Wait… You felt different? ... Like what you were doing wasn’t something you were really doing? But you had a sort of… Urge to do it?” She asks curiously.
“… Yeah. How did you know that?”
“… Listen closely.” She whispers. I lean closer so that I can hear her clearer. “Do NOT tell this to anypony. You understand?” I nod my head. “Well, some time ago while I was traveling I found an odd dusty old book with spells I’ve never even heard of. I took it as a chance to learn better magic so I started to read it. And ever since then I felt the same way as you… Different.” Trixie whispers.
Trixie and I look at each other confused. That is a weird coincidence, and now I can't stop asking myself “What could this mean?" Suddenly the carriage stops. Not paying attention, this startled both Trixie and I. The door proceeds to fly open and I see the armored horses again.
“Alright get out.” One of them commands. Trixie and I step out and I take a quick look around. Up ahead of us is a tall castle colored white with many purple rooftops. Its appearance makes it look as if it were touching the sky, I think to myself. It feels like something right out of a fairytale story. I also manage to get a glimpse at two more armored horses guarding the front entrance. Six more appear to be watching us from above the entrance. All of them armed with spears. “Well, what are you waiting for? Get moving!” another armored horse barks. Shoving us Trixie and I start walking towards the castle. So many thoughts begin to run through my mind. So many questions… Where am I? How did I get here? How could these ponies and horses talk? How could they cast magic, how could I cast magic? How is all of this even possible? I felt pain and time seems to pass by like normal. Which means this can’t possibly be a dream, but how could this be real?!
Once we get to the front entrance the two guards I noticed earlier open it, each holding one side of the massive door. Inside I see quite a few familiar faces. In fact all, if not most, of the ponies from the town are here as well resting on long benches throughout the room. The guards then proceed to shut the door behind us. The noise echoes through the entirety of the room. Making me jump a little just from its sheer volume. Up ahead I can see what I think to be a royal-like figure, well at least what I think a royal would look like as a horse. Its appearance resembles that of a great white unicorn. It also seems to have a long flowing rainbow mane with a pair of large wings. It doesn’t look like a stallion. So it’s not a king, I think to myself. Perhaps a Queen, or possibly a Princess. She is also wearing a golden crown with a large gem at the center. Along with a big gold necklace with another large gem in the center, and four golden shoes that cover the end of each hoof. Sitting on an enormous throne she takes notice of us.
“Both of you step forward.” She instructs. Taking a few steps, Trixie and I follow a long red carpet that leads straight to her. I gaze at the crowd around us and manage to see a familiar face, Twilight. She’s standing with a group of ponies. One is the rainbow pony from earlier. Rainbow Dash, I think she said her name was. Those other ones must be their friends or something. Taking a closer look at them I can make out what they’re doing. They pretty much just look like they’re whispering amongst themselves. Twilight takes heed of my spotting her, waves her hoof at me, and winks. I wonder if she has some kind of plan.
“Stop. That is close enough,” The white unicorn orders. Trixie and I stop where we are. I take a glance at Trixie and then think. I’m sure she’s just as nervous as I am. There’s no telling what’s going to happen to us. “Let us start with you, Trixie Lulamoon. I have been told that you used your magic in an attempt to harm the ponies of Ponyville. Is that correct?”
“… Yes…”
“And as for you… I have never seen someone… or something like you in Equestria before. I am Princess Celestia. Now, if you would please, tell me your name.”
“… Aireal… My name is Aireal…” I say nervously.
“Very well then, Aireal, I was told that you and Trixie were involved in some sort of magic feud. Is that right?” I nod my head in response. “Would anypony care to tell me everything that occurred?”
“I would Princess.” Twilight says stepping forward from the crowd. “Trixie came to Ponyville to start trouble. She challenged me, and I accepted. Trixie then began performing some kind of storm spell. The winds were powerful enough to knock down some decorations on the stage. They almost fell on me, BUT Aireal came out and pushed me out of harm’s way. He saved my life.”
“I see. Well, that was very heroic of you Aireal, and I thank you greatly for saving Twilight.” The princess then turns to Trixie with a suspicious look on her face. “I was wondering why the weather was acting so strangely. What happened next Twilight? What was that bright light in the sky? Was that your doing?”
“No princess. Aireal was the one who did that. He used a spell that got rid of the storm Trixie made.”
“Did he?” after that the princess turned her attention to me. “And how were you able to cast such a spell?”
“With this your majesty,” says the one of the guards who escorted me in here. He walks up to the princess and presents the wand. Her horn begins to glow bright yellow as well as the wand. Using her magic she lifts the wand bringing it closer to her. She carefully inspects it, but suddenly a look of horror strikes her face.
“It can’t be… Guards! Take these two to the dungeon!”
“WHAT?!” the entire room of ponies gasps.
“But princess why?! He didn’t do anything wrong!” Twilight shouts.
“Yeah let’em go!” Rainbow Dash adds and soon after the entire crowd joins in demanding for my release.
“I have my reasons as to why!” Celestia responds.
“Princess please! Send me to the dungeon, but let Aireal go!” Trixie yells trying to defend me.
“You have no say in this! My mind is made up and I am sending the both of you!”
“But it was all MY fault! If I hadn’t some along none of this would have happened. Just send me… I deserve it!”
“As far as I’m concerned the BOTH of you are threats to the citizens of Equestria and therefore I will be sending you both! Guards!” Suddenly two of the princess’s guards start shoving Trixie and I towards a door.
“Princess please just listen!” Twilight shouts.
“Twilight I understand your stance, but you must understand mine! Those two are dangerous from what I can see! I’m sorry Twilight but nothing you can say will change my mind.” The ponies in the benches start stomping their hooves onto the ground. Shouting and yelling as they stand up from their seats.
“Enough!” The Princess shouts, and everyone’s rioting quickly comes to a halt. “It is because they have both proven themselves of being threats to all of us!”
“What about him?!” One pony from the crowd shouts.
“Yeah, that thing never did anything wrong. He helped us!” Another says.
“You all do not understand. One good deed doesn’t mean that you are in good intentions. And HE is no exception. Now, guards, take them away.”
“Come on get moving!” one guard orders. The other guard then opens the door they were leading us to and pushes Trixie and I through it. I try to glance back at the ponies, and they only watch as we’re taken into the dark. After slamming the door the guards, following closely behind us, lead us through a long dark hallway. Torches hang off the walls, but don’t illuminate much. What I can see are stone walls filled with cobwebs along the corners. It’s pretty much silent down here except for the sounds of our steps, and drops of water falling from beneath the cracks of the stone block ceiling and onto the ground.
“… I’m sorry Aireal. I tried,” Trixie says turning her head towards me.
“Why are you trying to help me?”
“Becau-”
“Quiet, you are not to speak unless spoken to!” A guard yells at her. Trixie quickly faces forward and shuts up. We then arrive at a stair case going underground. I cannot see the bottom; however, what I do see could only be described as complete darkness. While walking down into who knows what all I think about is how the princess ordered Trixie and I down here. That look in her eyes after she looked at the wand. The same look the ponies had when I was battling Trixie. I just don’t understand it. Why? We finally reach what I believe to be the bottom and all that’s there is a room. A small dark room filled with even smaller cells and one torch. One of the guards walks over to a cell, unlocks it, and opens the door.
“You,” he points at me. “In here.” He orders. Walking into the small cold cell I could hear the guard slam the iron bar door behind me and lock it. Afterward, Trixie gives me one last glance before the two guards lead her away to a different cell. Once a minute or two passed I could hear the sound of another door slamming echo through the room. Then the two guards pass by my cell. They give me a dirty look before they walk away. I lay down on a bench that is in the corner of my cell, and all I can think about is how crazy this day has been. How this has all been. I wake up in a colorful talking pony world. Now I’ve been placed into a dungeon for who knows how long. I didn’t even do anything wrong… I don’t know why I’m here. I try to force myself asleep with the thought that when I wake up this'll be gone. I won’t be locked away in a dungeon possibly for the rest of my life anymore. Yet while I try sleep other thoughts still fly through my mind. I felt pain here and real emotion when Trixie was asking for forgiveness. This isn’t a dream. I know the truth. I’m trapped, alone in this cold new world. Just like how I’m trapped in this cell.
Opening my eyes, I could feel a jolt run across my body causing me to shoot off the bench I fell asleep on. It was like I was waking up from some bad dream, but I can’t quite remember what made me jump so suddenly. Pausing for a second, I could feel the cold damp air course down my spine. I turn around and look towards the entrance of my cell and feel a slight breeze pass by my face. It’s so cold down here I can see my breath. I won’t be able to sleep if it’s this cold, even with my jacket. Now fully awake I walk forward towards the cell bars, while rubbing my arms in an attempt to get some feeling back into them. At the entrance of my cell I catch sight of something shining right outside the bars. It’s a key, I think. Squatting down it looks within arms reach. So I get as close to the iron bars as possible and slide one of my arms in between the bars and reach for it. At full extension I could only get my index finger onto it. Carefully I try to get it closer to me. After a few failed attempts I manage to get it close enough to me to pick it up. After doing so, I grab the key and try to find the lock on my cell door.
Shaking, I could feel my nerves getting to me. What if the key slips out of my hand and out of my reach? What if this isn’t the key to my cell door? Completely overcome by these thoughts I slowly retract my arm from the door and take a second to collect myself. But as I sit there I can feel something heavy in my chest. A feeling I should just stay in this black iron cell within the ever so pulsating light of the nearby torch. Like there is some kind of safety while I remain in this light. But, I know this is just a false sense. If I were to stay here I know what would become of me. I’d merely waste away into nothing and that thought of discomfort outweighs the safety I feel in this cell. So calmly I try again to find the keyhole to my cell. Within seconds I do find it, place the key within it, turn the key, and unlock the door. Even though I believed I was calm before, I could still feel my heart beat lessen and the tenseness that enveloped my body come undone.
Peeking outside of my cell I see a downed guard near the exit of the room. Quietly I step outside and try to keep a safe distance from him. Finally managing to step passed him, I make my way out a doorway and into a hall lined with other cells. I walk down it hoping to find Trixie. I still have questions that need to be answered, and I think she may know the answers. Continuing down the hall less and less light seems to be following me. This came to the point that I could no longer see what was in the cells. Thinking I may have missed her I turn back and look over the cells. After not seeing her, I start thinking that they most likely placed her in a different room, but there is no other exit into this hallway except for the one I came through. So I go back down the hall one last time, and again stand at the border between the light and the darkness. Maybe she’s just beyond it, I think to myself. She could be right on the edge where the light fades, and I could be staring right at her and not see her. I could possibly be so close but just not know it. With my heart pounding I make the decision to cross but as I take that decisive step I feel a sharp wind cut past me. And then everything goes dark.
Frozen in time I can’t seem to move my body. It feels like the darkness is pressing down on me keeping everything still. A weighted feeling in my chest arises again. The same one I felt in the cell but instead it’s telling me to run. But I can’t see anything, and I refuse to go any further without light. Suddenly I feel warmth from behind me and it reminds me of something. The torch in the room I was in should still be lit if the wind came through here. Forcing myself to turn back I carefully walk back the way I came. As I walk my foot stumbles on something. I crouch down and carefully reach my hand out to feel what this could be. Some parts feel soft, while other parts feel stone cold and hard. I then come to the realization that what I’m touching is the guard. I quickly retract my hand back. Was that really the guard? It couldn’t have been, what I touched was way too frigid to have ever been a living thing. In my head I don’t want to believe that it is the guard, but I can’t let denial cloud my judgment. Even though I can’t see him, I know it’s the guard from earlier. How could he have gotten here? This isn’t where my cell is. No, this isn’t right. How could he have gotten here!? Just calm down, calm down, I tell myself. I just need to find my way back. So I start feeling around the cold, coarse, stone walls to try and retrace my steps. After what seemed like an eternity I spot a flickering light. Excited, I throw caution into the wind and rush towards it. It’s faint but I know exactly what it is, it’s my safe passage.
Running faster and faster I make it into the doorway and blast towards the torch. Quickly I pull it off the wall and am overcome with this sense of safety as the warmth from the flame overtakes me. Letting out an exhale I begin to feel completely calm. Ready to finally escape this place I turn around, and there he is, the guard with the light from the torch shining off of his golden armor. He’s staring directly at me with his cold dead eyes. As if that emotionless face was looking into my very soul. Out of surprise the only thing I could think of was to jump back, but I accidentally drop the torch at that very same moment. I can no longer see the guard, but I can still hear the sound of his slow and deep breathing. Frantically, I stumble onto the ground and reach for the torch. With it in hand, I wave it back and forth as though I was trying to repel a wild animal. But, he’s gone. No where in sight.
Stunned and out of breath I lower my arms and try to figure out what had just happened. But no matter how long I think about it, it just doesn’t make sense. You can’t just up and vanish without making some kind of noise or without leaving a trace. And that feeling in my chest, everything tight, my heart throbbing uncontrollably and without pattern, what was that? It seems familiar, like it’s natural, but is it really that natural to be overcome by such a feeling? Taking a few more deep breathes; I finally get up off the floor and make my way out of this room and into the hallway.
Walking forward, I could hear the slightest of noises each one causing me to jump a little every time. Even though I think myself calm I can still feel the tightness in my chest lingering. Forever telling me to move faster or that every little noise is some kind of threat. I can’t let this feeling hold me back, but this really does feel natural, like it should be. As I can continue to walk lost in these thoughts I feel some kind of presence behind me. I try to reassure myself it’s just my feelings acting up again, but am then met with a terrible growl. It sounds like a wolf on its nightly prowl about to strike its prey. The thought of being hunted down pierced my very being, and forced me to quickly turn around. Everything behind me, now illuminated by the torch, seems to be clear. I can’t see the end of the hall as it is still shrouded by shadows that don’t seem to be leaving. I begin to hear a deep breathing. It doesn’t sound like a normal human breath, but something else, something feral. Two sharp red eyes pierce through the dark, and a shadowy limb steps out from it, as the growl slowly starts up again. My chest tightens, my heart jumps a beat, and I only could feel the need to run never to turn back around.
Running I could no longer feel my legs. Each breath now feels like a brand new struggle, and a sense of exigency is all that is driving me into the dankness of this dungeon. I can’t seem to reach the end of this hall like somehow it’s a lot longer than I remember. In fact, it just may be expanding the further I go. Then, I hear something behind me, chasing me. Thoughts of this creature catching up to me and tearing me to pieces fill my mind. Like a fuel to keep me moving. But I feel my heart racing almost struggling to keep up with my body. I have reached my limit, everything then starts to slow. My mind, my body, and, from where I’m standing, almost time itself appears to be going slower. This must be where it ends. I will soon be consumed by it and the darkness about it. I don’t see the point in trying to fight any longer. I’m trapped in this never ending prison, this void of shadows, will soon claim me as one of its own. But then a glorious sign of hope shows itself. I come to the beautiful sight of the stairs ascending to the heavenly freedom I so desperately desire. A spark of faith shines in my once helpless soul as I push myself even harder to my freedom.
I begin to sprint up the stone steps, but on the verge of falling unconscious I trip on the last step right before I can reach the top. Without any balance or grip I start to fall down the stairs. I turn onto my back to stop myself, and then I see it, the large mass of a dark creature with its intense red eyes and shadowy breath pursuing the remaining distance to reach me. I can’t let this be the end of me now. I’m almost out of this horror, and I will not allow this monster to take me. Ignoring the pain rising in my arms and back I try to gain a grasp on the rough stone walls with its many cracks and crevices. I use the bottom of the torch to help me get back to my feet and jump up the last few steps. Then the doorway to my escape comes into view. But much to my despair one last challenge stands before me, the long narrow hall to this door of hope. With the sounds of the creature’s steps and echoing breathes I take off for the door. It’s getting closer. I hold out my hand reaching to the door so that I may finally be saved. All that stands between me and my utter demise is this thin wooden door. As soon as I reach the door I grasp the handle and push myself through with all my force. Hurrying around the door I slam the door shut as it echoes throughout the main castle hall. I lean back onto the door to hold back the creature as it then starts violently banging on the door out of a fit of rage. Trying my best to keep my feet in place and back against the door, but I could feel that this is a hopeless effort. It’s like trying hold back the current of a river.
“Who goes there!?” An angry voice yells from a distance atop the staircase to the Princess’s throne within the darkness of this gloomy palace. I know this voice. It’s the princess! I should now be feeling a sense of security now that the Princess has arrived, but I can only imagine the fury she will express once she sees me. Now I am between two evils, the dark creature that lies behind this door that will bring me to my doom, and the Princess who sentenced me to that dark eternity. I don’t know whether to hide or to try to keep this door shut, but there is no time to decide. The Princess comes around the corner and by my torch light she easily spots me. I can see the shock and anger in her eyes. “You! What do you think you’re doing? Trying to escape?!... Step away from the door.” I can’t step away now, I think to myself. I can’t let this monster through; I can’t endanger the Princess and myself. Even though she sent me down to that dark place of agony I feel the compulsion to keep her from harm. “I said step away,” she promptly orders. Her horn then starts to glow and at the same moment the banging on the door stops. Out of fear and a sense of some possible security I raise my hands and slowly step away from the door. Going too slowly the Princess nudges me away with a glance of annoyance on her face. She then uses her magic to open the door and out comes the guard I saw from earlier completely out of breath. “I’m sorry princess… (Huff)… I couldn’t catch up with’em.”
“It’s fine. Now if you could please escort the prisoner back to his cell.”
“With pleasure… but first…” All of a sudden the guard’s eyes turn red and a shadow-like aura surrounds his body. With a smile on his face he charges at me slamming his helmet into my stomach. I fall to the ground and drop my torch as its light then diminishes. I’m in too much pain to try and get my bearing; all I can do is clench onto my stomach writhing in pain. “What are you doing? I said to-” Then out from the doorway behind the guard, an enormous black wolf leaps out through the shadows and starts attacking the Princess. The wolf is nearly half the size of Celestia. It too is emanating that shadowy glow along with having those crimson eyes, the same eyes that stared at me from the darkness. The Princess is struggling to keep the wolf at bay. It tries to slash its sharp claws at her throat, but she’s able to barely dodge it. As the wolf appears to be overtaking her, the Princess’s horn begins to glow. It gets brighter and brighter, and in a flash the light becomes blinding. As soon as the light dims I see that the guard and the wolf are disoriented from the intensity of the flash. Her horn then starts to glow a deep orange with wondrous glowing orbs of light circling around it. They shoot towards me and into my body. Instantly the pain that had been keeping me down has vanished. I get to my knees in astonishment, but the Princess doesn’t seem to be very pleased.
“Aireal! Quick. Go into my room and retrieve that wand. Hurry! I will not be able to keep them back for very long. Well? What are you waiting for? Go!” Without hesitation I run past the guard and wolf into her room. It’s dark, but not to the extent to where I can’t see anything. What I can see is a big glass chandelier above my head, and a grand master bed with a maroon red cover and golden bed stand. Taking a few more quick glances around the room I spot something glistening in the darkness. The wand is on top of a small white table reflecting the moonlight from a nearby window. I grab it, ready to run back, but once I turn around I see the possessed guard. With his back towards me he chuckles, lifts his hind legs, and kicks me, launching me onto the Princess’s bed. Slowly I roll off the side onto my face. I force myself to sit up against the bed and hold my chest as I try to regain the breath that was knocked out of me.
“Come on out. I’m not done with you yet.” He taunts. Because of the pain my mind is in too much of a panic to try and think of a way out. Turning my head towards the edge of the bed I can hear him slowly walking around it. I need to try and push past the pain, but it feels like my heart is about to abstain from its beat. Suddenly, a small breeze brushes across my hand, and oddly enough it seems to be getting stronger. Looking down at my hand the wand appears to have this strange current of air circling around it. The only thing I can think to do is to hold it out in front of me. The guard then makes his way past the bed and as soon as his whole body is completely visible I feel a strong rush of air discharge from the wand. He is thrown back smashing into a wall causing the room to shake. Falling down he leaves behind a large indent bringing small pieces of rubble with him, and he remains motionless. I stare at the wand in amazement, but I have no time to bask in its wonder at this moment. Right now the Princess needs me to return, I just need to do my best to stand up.
With my hands grasping tightly onto the wand I rush out of the room. I come to the sight of the Princess desperately trying to hold back the wolf. However her attacks seem ineffective in comparison to the wolf’s strength and agility. I begin to feel air swirling around the wand again. Holding the wand cautiously and away from my face I aim it pointing towards the wolf creature. At first everything seems to be moving at such an impeccable speed that I can hardly keep up with all the mayhem. But as I’m holding the wand out in front of me everything is starting to slow down. Everything that was once a blur is now coming into focus and the sense of urgency that once filled my mind begins to dissipate. Now, completely calm, the wind around the wand is an uncontrollable storm ready to be released. I can then see the wolf stop and turn its head towards me. Its eyes overwhelmed with the lust to sink its teeth into me. It leaps into the air towards me, and I shut my eyes.
With a sense of serenity I can feel the uncontrollable storm’s power reach its peak, and as I open my eyes it’s released. I watch the wolf’s body cut through the air and slam into a large pillar. It’s back coiling around it as the sound of snapping bones and tearing tissue echoes across this empty room. Plummeting to the ground with a whimpering cry its body then sprawls along the floor. Now motionless the wolf’s eyes open up, crimson red, begin to fade to the same blackness as its coat. Watching the color wash away from its eyes something begins to fill my heart. I come to the realization that I am witnessing this creature’s final moments. As I stare into its dying eyes and I begin to wonder what it’s feeling. Maybe now, with our roles reversed, it feels the same sensation I had when we first met. When those once sharp eyes pierced through my sanity and all thought became senseless, every inch of my chest began to tighten, my heart beating uncontrollably, and to breathe became a struggle. Maybe that is what it now feels.
When that sensation came to me I only wanted it gone never to come back, but those thoughts couldn’t stop it. It was wrapping around me grasping me tighter and tighter the longer I looked into its eyes. Escaping it alone would be impossible; I would need a guide to lead me out. If this creature is now realizing that feeling, then it surely must know. I would have wanted a savior, but no one was there for me. I feel the temptation to walk over to it in an attempt to help it, care for it, even save it if I could. To show it some light and save it the way I would have been wanted to be saved. Yet, I can’t seem to force myself to do it. In my heart it feels like the right thing to do, but I can’t. I only stare as its eyes finally turn to pitch blackness its body evaporating into nothingness joining the shadows around us. While I just stand here with the wand in my hand.
“(Huff)… Thank you…. (Huff)” The Princess says breathless. I look down to the ground questioning myself. Thoughts fly left and right saying that I didn’t do the right thing. I let that creature die, another living breathing thing. Feeling the Princess’s stares I can sense her confusion about my silence. Her thinking must have been: It was a monster and didn’t deserve any help. But I still can’t shake this guilt lingering in my heart…
“I know what you must be thinking. But listen to me; it was either it or us. You should be grateful we’re still alive.” Ignoring her comment I continue to look down at the ground remaining in my silence as I try to piece together my thoughts. However, it was shattered by what sounded like a crash of thunder. The Princess and I turn our heads down the main hall, and we find Twilight bolting down the red carpet with a bright orange glow following behind her. Her face filled with distress.
“Ponyville is in flames!” She says as she skids along the floor trying to stop herself.
“What?!” The Princess shouts. All three of us run outside and look towards the horizon. I could see it. Ponyville completely covered in flames. Even from where we’re at you could hear the screams of the ponies.
“I’ve tried using water and even my magic to try and put out the fire. But nothing worked.”
“This can’t be happening…” The princess whispers.
“What are we going to do?!”
“Aireal, I need you to go with Twilight to Ponyville and save as many ponies as possible. Have others help you if they can.”
“But why can’t you try using your magic?” Twilight asks.
“My magic will not have any more of an effect than yours… Aireal will you please help us?” I look out in the distance towards the flaming town. I can only imagine the chaos, and all the innocent lives that could be in danger. With all this in mind I nod my head.
“Good. You may take that wand with you. You’re going to need it.”
“Princess! …Ugh… What happened? … (Gasp), the prisoner!” says the guard from earlier finally making his way outside to us. The princess extends her hoof out in front of him holding the guard back.
“He’s not a prisoner. I think he can be trusted for the time being…”
“Come on Aireal there’s no time to waste. Everypony needs our help. We won’t let you down your majesty; we’ll do the best we possibly can!” Twilight says confidently.
“Thank you both. And Twilight, please be careful.” On that last note Twilight runs out of the castle as I follow closely behind.
Panting uncontrollably, with Twilight a few yards ahead of me, my legs give way from exhaustion. Twilight turns her head back to me shouting, “Come on! We’re almost there!” She's said that about three times now. It’s so difficult to keep up with her being a horse and all. I simply just can’t match her speed. I take in as many deep breathes as I can before forcing myself back up, and afterward what comes before my eyes is a miasma of crimson flames erupting from behind Twilight. “Let’s go we need to hurry!” She exclaims, but her voice is masked by the screams of ponies in the distance as they run about frantically trying to escape the flames. I push myself to jog the rest of the way until the town is in complete view. “Everypony! Everypony remain calm!” Twilight shouts, but it’s no use. They’re all in too much of a panic to listen, as they run past us nudging us against each other a familiar face shows.
“Twilight!”
“Rainbow Dash? Rainbow Dash is that you!?” Twilight asks. The Rainbow pony bursts through the crowd, and once she meets with Twilight they embrace each other. “I’m glad to see you’re safe! Where is everypony else?”
“I don’t know, I haven’t seen them! Hey, what’s he doing here?”
“Princess Celestia sent him with me to try and get everypony to safety, and we’re going to need your help too.”
“Alright I’m in!”
“Perfect, alright here’s the plan. We need to split up so we can cover as much ground as possible. Rainbow Dash you take the north end, I’ll take the west end, and Aireal you take the east end. Is that clear?”
“I’m on it!” Rainbow Dash replies blasting off towards the inferno that was once Ponyville.
“Aireal do you understand?” My body feels frozen, that feeling is finding its way back. I watch as ponies bolt past me with their faces full of distress. Some covered in ash, and some covered in burns. I can’t help but ask myself, “Why? Why is this happening?”
“Aireal what are you doing? Snap out of it!” I shake myself awake as Twilight shoves me with her hoof. “We’re running out of time! Go on and search your end!” With that Twilight takes off into the town leaving behind only a cloud of dust. Something is wrong, why am I still just standing around? I don’t feel any sense of urgency, and for the first time my breathing has calmed down. I don’t feel like I should be doing this. I don’t have the ability to do it, so why should I? I’m not obligated to just run in there and risk my own safety. I’m probably better off just leaving this place. This. . . This feels so strange. No, what am I doing? I can’t just sit here and watch. I need to follow Twilight’s instructions and do everything I can to help. What was I thinking? Without any further thought I sprint down the path. Passing by so many buildings, all covered in a hellish blaze of crimson and orange. I see ponies dangling from their second story windows trying to escape. As lower windows burst open with a firey explosion.
A loud crash followed by a sharp scream erupts from one of the cottages. It’s covered in a blanket of flames including the door. Not a single pony is around here to try and help whoever is in there. They have all fled to the outskirts of the town, so it’s just me. My mind is going out of control with thoughts. If I go in there there’s no guarantee I’ll make it out, and therefore the both of us will be dead. It would be a vain attempt at a rescue. Should I really try and risk my life for this pony? I reach into my pocket and bring out the wand. It feels so cold to the touch, it’s comforting. If going in there means giving her a chance to live, then I’m doing it.
I grip tightly onto the wand, and point it out to the flaming door. If I don’t make it out, at least I won’t have to bear the guilt of leaving this poor soul to the monster that is enveloping her home, so that she will become ashes with it. I will not let that happen. With this sense of renewed confidence, I can feel wind gathering around the wand, blasting outwards breaking apart the door. The screaming continues but now sounds like a whisper compared to before. She has little time left, and with that knowledge I run inside looking in all directions for a sign of life. “Help! (Cough) (Cough). . . Somepony! Anypony!” The voice appears to be getting weaker. Turning to my left I spot a doorway, and as I walk in I find myself in a kitchen. There are cookie sheets and bowls scattered all over the floor, while flames cover the walls. Then I see her, a greyish pony with curly sky blue hair lying in the corner of the kitchen with her hooves over her head. Just as I’m about to reach out to her an oven begins to rumble, and it’s door flies open as flames shoot out from it separating the pony and I. Falling back from the explosion I try to keep a safe distance from the flames as I crawl backwards. The wall of fire is so thick there’s no way I can pass through. Twilight said that magic will not have an effect on the flames, so trying to use this wand would be pointless. I can see the pony cowering on the other side as all hope vanishes from her eyes. I hurry to my feet trying desperately to find a way around this fire, but not an opening in sight. The pony continues violently coughing and I can feel sweat run down my neck as I force myself to find a way around this. But the reality is inevitable, there isn’t a way. I fall to my knees staring deep into the pulsating fire, and the wand slips out from my hand as all my poise dwindles down to nothing. The sound of the wand hitting the wooden floor is like how my heart has sunk down.
I lower my head for I do not want to see what happens next. I wasn’t fast enough, and it’s all because I spent too much time telling myself I couldn’t do it. Now there’s no way I can do it. I don’t want to see this pony endure the pain she will soon experience, but the very image of it is plaguing my mind. I failed . . . and nothing can change that. Suddenly, the hot sweat that was running down my neck has cooled. A chill runs through the air breaking the seemingly everlasting heat. I curiously raise my head and the flames have changed. Instead of crimson they have altered to this smooth neon blue. Instead of maintaining their jagged shape they are now flowing very fluid-like. Almost like strokes of a paint being glided by a gentle brush. I cautiously reach out to the flames expecting to feel heat, but instead, it feels ice cold. I pick back up the wand and slowly rise to my feet, and step by step I traverse the neon blue flames without a single burn or shock of pain. In fact it felt relaxing, as if I had passed through a wall of winter air. The pony is barely keeping conscious, so with all my strength I lift her up from the ground, as she is not the lightest thing in the world, and cradle her in my arms. I take my time to walk back through the flames and relax my mind, so that I can endure the first moment of peace of have felt in quite some time. As soon as we are both completely out of the cottage the blue aura created by the flames explodes back to their thick orange. Looking down at the pony her eyes are shut, and I can hear her gentle breathing. I don’t understand what happened back there, but I feel like there is a reason behind it. What made the flames change like that? Was it the wand? Maybe I should just stop the questions, and be grateful that I am able to bring this pony out of the danger.
I bring her closer, and guard her with my arms afraid that something might happen, as I carry her away from the burning buildings. I meet up with groups upon groups of frantic ponies as I carefully lay her down on a patch of grass outside of the town.
Her eyes slowly open up, “W-who . . .? Who are you? What. . .” Looking at her she’s covered in ash and soot. With one last kind gesture I wipe some of the soot off her cheek.
“Don’t worry, you’re safe now.” I whisper. Her eyes then close as she falls to sleep from her heavy exhaustion. Maybe if things were different I would’ve tried to actually stay and try to comfort her, but I know I am needed elsewhere. So I stand back up, take one last glance back, and take off back to the town.
I keep my eyes and ears open for any other pony that could be in danger, but I don’t hear anything other than the crackling and hissing of the burning cottages. Perhaps the all have gotten out safely. But behind all the noise I think I hear what I think is a muffled voice. I stand still carefully listening for that sound again.
“Help. . . Please.” A voice from down the path desperately tries to cry out. Without a second thought, wand gripped tightly in hand, I run towards the voice. I soon find myself in a thick smog of smoke it irritates my eyes. I try to wave my hand past my face to swat away the smoke, but it’s pointless. It feels like is goes on forever as I cannot see outside the smog. Then I spot something sticking out from the smoke. It’s an orange color, and I soon realize it’s a pony lying on the ground, she looks injured and out of breath. She has a short messy blonde mane and a burnt brown cowgirl hat. I quickly run over to her trying to think of what to do. “Huh . . .? Who’s there . . .?” She utters.
“Applejack!” I hear a voice shout from behind me. Turning my head I see Twilight breaking through the smoke trotting towards us. She bends down to try and help the orange pony stand up. I do the same as we grab her waist and with all our effort try to pull her up. “Applejack can you hear me?” Twilight asks in concern, but the orange pony just mumbles. “Come on we need to get her out of here.” The both of us do the best we can to lead her through the smoke, but she keeps stumbling over rocks and shattered pieces of wood from the neighboring buildings that have combusted.
“W-What’s goin’ on? . . . Twilight? . . .”
“Applejack! Oh you had me worried. How are you feeling?”
“Ugh . . . I feel pretty laid up. All of a sudden the barn just caught fire. Weird, we weren’t even cookin’ or anythin’. I made sure that my family got out first. I told them to hurry on out of here. Then I realized all of Ponyville was in flames. I-I’ve been tryin’ to help any other pony I came across. W-What about Rainbow and the rest?”
“So far they’ve made it out okay. Rainbow said she was going to fly over to Fluttershy’s house to make sure she made it out, but I haven’t heard from her yet. I’m getting worried.” Just then the orange pony’s head drops down. “Applejack? Applejack wake up!” But she doesn’t she only murmurs and mumbles.
“Guys!” a voice calls from above us. Rainbow Dash then lands right in front of us blowing around some loose soil from the dirt road below her. She appears to be a little injured along with being covered in ash. I wonder how she could’ve ended up this way. Until I see she’s holding a bruised young filly in her hooves. It hurts to see this young pony in such a condition. If it wasn’t for her she probably wouldn’t even be here right now. I now look at Rainbow Dash as something spectacular, something I could never be. “Fluttershy’s in trouble. (Huff) (Huff)… She’s trapped in her house. I couldn’t get to her; the flames were blocking the doors and windows.”
“What?! Rainbow you need to take Applejack out of here!”
“Gotcha, don’t worry AJ you’ll be just fine.” On that last note Rainbow Dash grabs hold of Applejack and takes off out of the town along with the little filly. She must be a very strong pony if she’s able to carry both of them.
“Aireal come with me. One of my friends is in deep trouble, so we need to move quickly.” Twilight then darts away and I follow suit. As we run down through the town. I notice buildings are starting to crumble, most only having a wall or two left standing. However, the flames only seem to be growing more ferocious. Up ahead is a field of grass and flowers, except they too are being engulfed by flames. We follow a small bridge over a creek, and to a little burning cottage on top of hill. So many animals are scampering around it including deer, squirrels, rabbits and so much more. I thought that they would be running away from the fire not to it. Why are they staying near the building? “There! Come on hurry!” Twilight shouts. We make our way around the animals and are nearing the front door, but it explodes with large flames. Twilight tries to approach them but the heat is so intense that it forces her to keep her distance. “Ah! No! There’s no way we can get through. Oh what to do what to do. . .” Twilight says. She nervously paces back and forth with her hoof on her head trying to come up with a solution. “Oh come on. . . Think, think, think. . . (Gasp) I’ve got an idea!” She exclaims. “Aireal I need you to stay still for a moment.” Twilight’s horn begins to glow, and I wait for whatever she’s planning and then a small beam of light shoots from her horn to my body. I feel a chill run across the entirety of me. Something begins to envelop my body coating me with some sort of blue light. The light dissipates and I look down at myself. My body is covered in a thin layer of water. I touch it, expecting my finger to go right through, but the water is solid. Ripples do form, but it’s as hard as stone. “Now here is what you’re going to do. This spell will protect you from all the flames and heat, but it’s only temporary. It will last you exactly six minutes and thirty-two seconds, so you may want to hurry. If it were up to me I would have casted this spell on myself, but I can only cast it on others. . . Go on, you’re running out of time.”
I cautiously walk up to the doorway face to face with the fire, but yet I don’t feel any heat. I raise my hand and carefully stick it through the flames, and again nothing. “Aireal.” I look back at Twilight. “Just. . . Be careful.” Turning back towards the door I brace myself for another life to try and rescue, but. . . Will I be so lucky this time? I clench the wand tightly, and with a deep breath I walk through the flames unharmed. I can barely see anything. There’s so much smoke and fire it’s hard to tell where I am. Screams erupt from up above me. The one I’m searching for must be on the upper level. I try to wave the smoke away from my eyes as I desperately search around for some stairs. Then I stumble on something, and as I feel around I realize I have actually run into a set of stairs. I grasp the banister as I hurry up the steps, they sound like they’re about to give way beneath me. I can hear the whole house creaking once I reach the top. I feel like this spell is going to wear off at any moment now, and I need to act quickly if I’m going to save this “Fluttershy” and get out alive. Through the crackling of flames I hear the sound of soft crying behind a closed door. I desperately try to turn the knob, but it’s stuck. Out of frustration I start banging on the door.
I hold out the wand and just like before wind gathers around it and blasts the door open, but I am met with a powerful burst of flames. I throw my arms up as fast as I can, but it’s no use. The force of the burst throws me back onto the floor. Come on, I need to get up quick. I feel so tired that I’m struggling to even try and sit up. Whatever has been keeping me going feels as though it was knocked out of me with that burst of fire along with my breath. With one last surge of energy I force myself up. Running off adrenaline now I hurry back to the doorway and lean against it with my hand on my back trying to ignore the pain. As I scan the room I can see that it’s a bedroom, and the bed is covered in flames. I look up and see the wooden beams that hold up the ceiling. Most are already completely charred while others still seem to be holding a flame. On the floor is a burnt rug, multiple cracked picture frames, and a burning bird house hanging above. The rope holding it to the wooden beam snaps and smashes on the floor breaking into pieces. With what little strength I have I manage to get my body off the door frame and inside. After a few steps I think I can see something behind the smoke. Focusing my eyes I can see a pony huddled in the corner. It’s a butterscotch yellow pony with a long pink mane. That must be Fluttershy who’s shaking and hiding her face beneath her hooves.
I limp towards her, but I freeze as soon as I hear the floor creak. Just then Twilight’s water spell evaporates off my body and I can feel the temperature rising. Now defenseless I need to act quickly. As I carefully try to take another step the creaking gets even louder and deeper. Fluttershy peaks out towards me startled by the noise. I motion my arms for her to keep calm. I try to take one step closer, but the floor begins to shake, and Fluttershy hides her face again. Suddenly the boards underneath me break apart and I fall with them, and Fluttershy screams at the top of her lungs overtaking my stressed shouting. But I’m able to grab hold of the edge of the floor, but at the cost of dropping my wand. I hold on so desperately, and as I look below there is a pool of flames waiting for me. I don’t have the strength to pull myself up, and the only one that can help me is Fluttershy. I try to reach out to her for help, but still she cowers in the corner. I can feel myself slipping and Fluttershy still refuses to even look my way. I take another look down as my fiery grave roars waiting to consume me. My grip continues to lessen, and my arms lose all feeling. I close my eyes ready to accept my fate, but suddenly I stop.
I look up, and Fluttershy is gripping my sleeve with her teeth. She starts tugging and tugging frantically trying to pull me up. I get my hand back on the edge of the wood, and she manages to pull me all the way back up. I lay back onto the floor as I try to regain my breath. Fluttershy just stares at me. I can tell she’s confused by me. I begin breathing heavily trying to calm myself down until I’m able to push myself up, because I know that this house is going to collapse at any minute. I turn back to the gaping hole in the floor and hug the wall as I beckon Fluttershy to follow. Ever so slowly I move around the hole, but Fluttershy decides to just fly over it. . . Lucky. I motion her to follow me and the both of us carefully make our way back down the stairs. Now back in the living room large pieces of wood and embers fall from the ceiling. I kneel down to the floor trying to find the wand. In a second I spot it in an open space on the floor. Overcome by the feeling of safety I reach out to it, but a large beam from the ceiling disconnects and falls. The only thought that comes to my mind is to face down and cover my head with my hands. I can hear the sound of it crashing, but I’m still alive. I peak out and I realize that the beam is leaning against the wall. My hands shaking I quickly grab the wand and move out from under the beam. I look back at Fluttershy and she is frozen with a look of distress. I can’t even believe I survived.
I can see the doorway out, but the flames are still blocking the way. There has to be a safer way, but the more I stand and think the less time I have to escape. The roof could collapse at any moment. I turn back at Fluttershy, and she begins to cry. I can tell that she believes there is no way we’ll make it out of here, but I won’t let that happen. I walk over to her and kneel down by her. She tries to hold back her crying as she looks at me with her watery eyes. The sound of more creaking from the ceiling and burnt pieces of wood and ash falling alerts me to the fact that time is up, and it’s either we die here or we try one last time at an escape. As I look at her, I begin to feel something inside. Something is telling me that we can get out of this. I wrap my arms around Fluttershy, and just like the other pony I helped escape, I cradle her in my arms. Holding her close to my chest I cover her with my arms. Using any bit of strength I have left I dash for the door. I make one big leap towards the flaming doorway, and suddenly I begin to get that feeling again. Everything feels as though it’s moving at an impeccably slow rate, as if time itself has slowed down. I shut my eyes and hide my face from the flames. We break through the blanket of flames and roll onto the ground as I embrace Fluttershy even tighter than before. We stop and all my strength is gone and my head starts to ache. My arms unfold as the sound of hooves trotting fills my ears.
“Fluttershy! You’re okay!” I hear Twilight’s voice shout with glee. I can see Twilight and Rainbow Dash running towards us. I can feel my eye lids growing heavy, but I still can’t believe we escaped. Laying in the cool tall grass is so soothing that my body just wants to shut down on me, but my mind is still uneasy with it all. After everything that’s happened today I know none of it was because of me. If it wasn’t for Fluttershy I wouldn’t even be here. But I feel like someone else was there with me, looking over my shoulder. Especially in that other house where those flames turned blue and harmless. Someone or something is watching over me. I can feel it.
Now that the flames have burnt themselves out, the darkness of the night blankets the land. I place myself near the little campfire the ponies made to keep themselves warm and stare into it. Nearly all the buildings and homes in Ponyville are in ruin. Nothing is left other than the charred remains of everything these ponies once owned. Looking away from the fire for a little bit I notice the expressions on everyone’s faces. They all appear to be weary and distraught. The ponies nearest to me are lying silently by the fire, tears glistening in their eyes. Most of them, however, are asleep, which doesn’t surprise me. After what had happened, I'm surprised I'm still awake. Anyway, I just feel sorry for all of them. I can't imagine how it feels to lose everything in one foul swoop. To have nothing but your life left.
Recapping on what just happened. I remember that Twilight and Rainbow Dash took both Fluttershy and that one cowgirl pony to seek medical attention. Luckily, most of the medically experienced ponies made it out before the fire reached the hospital. So they’re all tending to those who were less fortunate. I just hope that those two weren't too badly hurt. Then an even odder thought crossed my mind, the Princess’s castle. That possessed guard, and the strange wolf then Ponyville catching on fire. It’s all connected I can feel it, but how did it all start? And then an even smaller detail pops into my head, Trixie. Where is she? She was gone before all of this started. Maybe she used her magic to escape. I just don't know. One half of me hopes she’s not in any trouble, but then the other half. I don't know, all I could feel is this doubt about her.
I really don't want to think I was wrong about her. I swear I could feel that there was something else to her. Like there was another Trixie deep inside. I thought that as she was apologizing I was seeing that other side. One that was kind and humble, but on the outside lies her outer shell composed of anger. I still can't stop thinking about what she said to me in that carriage. When she said she knew about that "different" feeling. How did she know that? The more I think about it the more lost I feel. I really don't want to think about anything right now. Nothing at all! But, I just can't stop thinking. Then I notice something is in my hand. I didn't feel it earlier but I think I took out the wand from my pocket without noticing. I bring my hand towards my face and look at it. This thing, this silver wand, it looks like nothing special; but I feel so different when I'm holding it. I feel...I can't describe it. Normally I wouldn't have done anything I've done today. I’m not this brave, cunning, or even determined.
“What are you?” I whisper to the wand.
“Hey! How are you doing!?” A cheerful voice explodes behind me, surprised I jump at the voice. I turn around and see a pink pony with a fluffy dark pink mane and giant blue eyes. Her face has a grin spreading from cheek to cheek. I don't understand how anyone could possibly be smiling a time like this. She seems to be the only one standing around smiling. I feel like I should be happy that at least someone isn't depressed, or that I should be concerned for this pony’s mental health. After a while I kind of just get creeped out by her and turn back to the fire.
“Hey I remember you! You were on the stage fighting against Trixie! You were using magic and won! But I thought the Princess sent you AND Trixie to that creepy old dungeon. Did she let you go free?” the pink pony shouts. I'm really not in the mood for talking. Maybe if I answer her question she’ll leave me alone. So I just nod hoping that’s enough of a response for this pony. “...What’s wrong? Why the long face? I thought you would be happy she let you go. I sure am.” I continue with my silence trying desperately to ignore her. I am not in the mood for this. Then, in an attempt to convince this pony that I don't want to talk, I pick up a stick and start poking at the campfire; showing my attention is elsewhere, but instead of taking the hint. This pony decides to sit right next to me. “Your name’s Aireal right? My name’s Pinkie Pie. It’s nice to meet you.” Pinkie then lifts her hoof towards me like she is expecting a handshake, but I just continue to poke at the fire. I don't mean to be rude. I am just not in the mood for any of this. I take a peek over my shoulder to see if she’s gone. Unfortunately she’s still there but that smile she once wore is gone and both her front hooves are on the ground. “What’s bothering you? I mean, I know that things look bad now but it’ll get better. As long as we all have each other we can overcome anything. All of our friends can... oh, wait. You’re new here, so you don’t have any friends do you?”
I look directly at her about to lose my patience, but I restrain myself. Instead of cheering me up, which is what I think this “Pinkie Pie” was attempting to do, this pony is just getting me even more down and agitated. Yes, I don't have any friends here and her reminding me isn't helping. Sure they call me “hero”, but that means nothing. I’m just an idol, something the ponies look up to but don’t understand. None of them are my friends. I can't just hang out and have fun or spill my heart out to one of them if need be. They don’t know what I am or who I am. The worst part, however, isn't even that. I don't know who I am. I’m just a name, even to myself. The only person I know myself as is the guy with the super powered wand. Tightening my grip on the wand I stare back down at it. Maybe this is who I am?
“Well, don’t think that you're not going to find any. I’m sure that anypony would like to be your friend!” Clenching onto the wand even tighter I don't believe a word this pony is saying. Friend... Ha. How could anyone be my friend? I almost don’t remember the meaning of the word. I can’t even remember if I ever had any friends… You chose your friends, and you chose them by knowing yourself. Knowing what you like. Knowing what you’re all about and everything you wish to stand for. You can't have friends if you don't even know these simple things. You can't have friends if you’re nothing even to yourself... “So, can I be your friend?” My heart stops. I look straight towards her and into those giant blue eyes. Her hooves are unfolded towards me like she’s offering a hug. I can't believe it, but I can tell she’s serious. Suddenly, I'm overcome with emotion. All I could do is laugh. Laugh at it all: the sorrow, this emptiness inside of me, everything. After a moment I collect myself and place the wand back into my pocket and, just because, I accept Pinkie’s hug. I haven't felt this happy in what feels like ages. It’s... it’s nice.
“Hey guys.” I hear a voice whisper from behind Pinkie and I. We let go of one another and see Twilight walking towards us. “Well I see that you've met Pinkie Pie.”
“(Gasp) Twilight, you know him? Oh that’s great! So all of us could be friends! Meeting a new friend is so exciting! Has he met everypony else?! Pinkie shouts.
“Relax Pinkie,” Twilight giggles. “Other ponies are trying to sleep.”
“Oh sorry.” Pinkie whispers with a smile.
“Well, I know he’s kind of met Rainbow Dash, but he’s only seen Applejack and Fluttershy. I don't think he’s met Rarity at all.”
“(Gasp) Applejack and Fluttershy. Are they both okay? What did the doctor say?!”
“They’ll be fine Pinkie, they just need some rest. Oh! I almost forgot. Aireal, Applejack said she wanted to see you. She wants to thank you in person for helping her. She’s just over there in one of the tents. The doctor said you can visit. So just find him and ask which tent Applejack is in.”
“What about Fluttershy?” Pinkie asks.
“She fell right asleep. She was really tired. Anyway, Aireal you should go see Applejack. I know she’d really appreciate it. Pinkie and I will wait right here for you.” Twilight smiles as Pinkie happily nods in agreement. I stand up and start walking towards the tents. Looking around I see ponies in both nurse and doctor uniforms. I get near the tents and one of the doctor ponies approach me. He takes one look at me and a burst of shock causes him to jump a little. He looks very confused, and even a little afraid.
“You're Aireal, correct?” I nod my head in response. “Well I am Doctor Steryll. It’s... nice to make your acquaintance. I'll take you to Applejack, follow me.” The doctor then leads me into the giant maze of tents. It’s horrible here. Everywhere you can hear the ponies moaning and writhing in pain. Scattered boxes and medical supplies cover the ground. “You know, I have never had to treat this many patients all at once. It’s overwhelming. I wish we had more hooves on this. Well, here’s Applejack's tent. Try not to take too long. We want her get as much rest as possible.” The doctor then walks over to the tent and pulls open the flap for me to enter. I walk in and see Applejack lying on some sort of stretcher. She lifts up her upper torso as she spots me.
“Aireal! I was waitin’ for you to come.” Applejack says. I walk over to her standing right next to her. I notice that her two hind legs are covered in bandages. I think she took notice of me staring at them. “Oh don't worry about that. It ain’t nothin'. The doc says I’ll be fine. My name’s Applejack. It’s nice to meet you. I just wanted to thank you for helping me back there. I know RD was the one who brought me to the doc, but you were the one who found me. So, thank you again... an' what happened at the castle was really unfair. I’m just happy the princess finally understood you weren't the one that needed to be in that dungeon after all. Anyhow, thanks for comin’ by means a lot to me.”
“You’re welcome,and... goodnight.”
“You too sugar cube,” Applejack smiles.
Walking out of the tent I turn around and give Applejack one last wave goodbye. She of course waves back. Then I attempt to leave this maze of tents, but before I could find my way out I see Dr. Steryll walking toward another tent with a clipboard in his hooves. He looks completely out of it. He mentioned something about never working this much in his life. “Overwhelming” I think is the word he used. I’m no doctor or veterinarian, in my case, but I could possibly lend a hand around here before I go to sleep. So I walk over to him. He seemed kind of surprised at first but then calms down and faces me.
“Aireal, is something the matter?” I just stick my hand out and wait for him to respond. “Umm are you okay?” He’s obviously confused on what I’m trying to do. So I redirect my eyes to his clipboard. “Wait, did you… want to help?” I nod in response. “Great! I truly appreciate this. Here take this,” he hands me the clipboard. “This is a list of ponies that I need you to check up on. None of these specific patients are in critical condition, so nothing should happen. However, if something does occur don’t do anything rash. Just come and find me as quickly as possible.” I nod my head again to show him I understand. “Thank you and the names that are check marked. I’ve already checked on moments ago so you don’t need to concern yourself with those. Oh and when you’re done, I have one more task for you. If it’s no trouble?”
“It’s no trouble.” I tell him.
“Perfect.” He responds. “I’ll be right here when you’re done.” I then turn around and walk back towards the tents again. On the paper there are five groupings of names. Each group is numbered and has around two to three names in it. I look up, away from the sheet, and at the tents. They’re also numbered. It would only make sense that the groupings represent tents. Fives tents isn't so bad, I think to myself. Then I realize that there’s a page behind this one. I flip it and there’s a whole other page with five more tents. Great, well at least I’m making myself useful. I walk over to the first tent and start going down the list. Most of the ponies are asleep, but the ones who weren't asked me if I could do anything about the pain. I tell the doctor about this and he hands me a bottle of quick-acting aspirin and some bottled water. Then he instructs me to give two pills to each pony that needs them. I follow his instructions and after a while those ponies fall asleep as well. After a while I finally finish up and return to Dr. Steryll. Handing him the clipboard and pills I wait for him to give me my next assignment.
“Why thank you. You just don’t know how much this means to me. Being able to rest even for a little while,” he smiles. “There’s just one more thing I’d like for you to do for me. Could you bring this to tent eight? I know that it’s a trivial task but I need to return to work. Afterward, you can go get some sleep.” The doctor, at this point, hands me a white grocery bag. I’m assuming that it contains some kind of medicine. “Oh and thank you again, you were a really huge help. Have a good night.”
I then begin walking around looking for tent eight. The air has gotten much colder, and this sense of fatigue starts to overcome my body. After this I need to try to get to sleep. Maybe I’ll actually be able dream and possibly remember something. I've always thought of sleeping as such a beautiful thing. Sleep is the body’s natural escape from the world around them, and I need an escape right now. I then place my free hand in my pocket and feel the wand again. Upon touching it I feel a jolt of energy rush through me. Maybe I’ll dream of you. Quickly taking my hand off the wand I could feel my weariness return. Come on body just one more thing. Just let me do this last thing. I finally find tent eight and enter it. I place the bag on a small wooden table in the corner of the tent and take a look around. There are three ponies in here all of them asleep. The first two I spot I do not recognize, but the third one at the very edge of the tent looks familiar. Wait, that’s Fluttershy. She’s covered in so many bandages. I hope she’s alright. Stepping closer to her I could hear her soft breathes. Well at least she’s alive. I then take a step back and notice something. Sleep really is a beautiful thing. Even after everything only sleep could allow someone to look so peaceful.
It’s really cold in here. Even with my jacket on. Fluttershy must be freezing. Unzipping my jacket I place it over her. It’s large enough to be a blanket. So I go a step farther and tuck her in. She’s looks so peaceful… I just can’t stop staring. I feel so happy. I reach out and brush the hair off her face. I feel so happy… that she’s going to be alright. I exit the tent and walk to the campfire. Everyone’s asleep Pinkie and Twilight included. They really did wait for me. Heh, shouldn't have taken so long. Quietly I place myself as close to the fire without getting burnt. The heat emanating from the fire is very comforting. Laying down I could only wonder what tomorrow holds. After a while I could feel my weariness take over. I close my eyes and slowly drift off to my much awaited escape.
“Everypony! Everypony wake up!” I hear a voice erupt in the distance. Expecting the worst, I shoot off the ground looking for any signs of distress. Instead, I’m met with the sight of a small purple creature. As I stare at it, it continues on trying to get everyone’s attention. “I just got a letter from the Princess!” it shouts repeatedly.
“What does it say?” Twilight quickly sprouts from behind me and dashes towards it followed by a couple of other ponies. It’s nothing important, I think to myself and lay back down shutting my eyes. And if it is, it’s probably for Twilight anyway or one of the other ponies. Trying to relax I attempt to ignore the commotion caused by everyone else but I can’t help but listen in on what they’re talking about.
“It says: Dear, Residents of Ponyville. I have realized the situation all of you are in and have made the decision to relocate everypony affected to Canterlot. After this recent event I feel that it is no longer safe for you all to remain there for the time being. I plan to begin this process immediately. Until I am certain that it is safe once again I shall have Ponyville rebuilt, but until then you may make yourselves comfortable here in Canterlot. A train will arrive shortly after this letter has been received. I also request a private audience with Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and...” Suddenly there’s a silence. I lift my head to see what’s happening. “...and A-Aye Reel. Sincerely, Princess Celestia.”
“I’ll inform everypony else.” I hear a familiar voice say. I then see a pony break away from the group and trot towards me. It’s Doctor Steryll. After everything I don’t think he even fell asleep. His appearance easily shows his fatigue, his misery but there’s something in his eyes. Something I can’t quite identify or relate with. Watching him, the doctor finally trots past me and towards a group of tents. I can’t help but watch him until he vanishes. Are those the eyes of a hero? Shaking my head a little, I snap out of it and turn back around and see that Pinkie has joined the group and is standing next to Twilight and the small purple... dragon I suppose.
“What do you think the princess has to see us for Twilight?” I could hear Pinkie ask.
“I’m not entirely sure Pinkie, but it must be important.” Twilight responds. I then notice the dragon start tugging at Twilight’s tail.
“Hey, Twilight who’s...” it pauses for a second and looks down at the letter in his claw. “Air-al?”
“It’s pronounced Air-real, and he’s right over there.” Twilight says pointing her hoof directly at me. Looking straight at me, the little dragon starts to walk my direction...
“Oh it’s you! I’m sorry I said your name wrong, but wow. I saw all those cool spells you used against Trixie. Those spells were some high level stuff, but I still think Twilight can beat you. Anyway, my name’s Spike. It’s an honor to meet you.” The little dragon, now in front of me, extends his right claw. Getting up off the ground I too extend my arm towards it. But before I could do anything, Spike quickly grabs my hand and starts shaking it rapidly. Completely caught off guard I’m thrown off balance.
“I think you might have a fan Aireal.” Twilight jokes as she approaches us with Pinkie not too far behind.
“(Giggles) Hey Spike, where’s Rarity?” Pinkie asks in a teasing manner. Letting go of my hand finally Spike turns to answer her.
“She’s sitting right over there,” he points. “I was keeping her company. She wasn’t too happy about sleeping on the ground.”
“Keeping her ‘company’ huh?” Twilight smiles.
“Well... I... Uhh... I mean...” I notice Spike turn completely red. So these ponies do have a sense of humor, I chuckle to myself. The dragon then proceeds to ignore everyone and turn to me. “I uhh... gotta go. It was nice meeting you Aireal.” He then blasts off in a random direction. I think I just met someone who’s more awkward than me and it’s a dragon who’s friends with ponies...
After that thought I notice Twilight and Pinkie are giggling again. I turn to them and wait for them to explain what just happened. “Spike has this huge crush on Rarity.” Twilight says trying to collect herself.
“It’s so adorable!” Pinkie adds.
“Hey, we should take you to meet Rarity! She would love to meet you. She was always talking about you. You should’ve seen how worried she was when Celestia sent you to the dungeon. Twilight where did Spike say she was?!”
“Oh, umm... she’s right over there,” Twilight points at a crowd of ponies. She then turns to me and says, “She’s the pony with the long curly purple mane. Can you see her?” Looking carefully at the crowd I think I spot her. If I’m right she’s a pure white pony with sky blue eyeliner. Her mane’s purple like Twilight said but she has deep blue eyes and compared to every other pony she looks really out of place here. I point at her and look at Twilight waiting for a response. “That’s her. So why don’t you go and talk to her for a bit? Pinkie and I are going to check up on Applejack and Fluttershy. Okay? We’ll meet back up with you afterwards.”
“See ya!” Pinkie yells waving good-bye; while, Twilight and Pinkie walk away towards the tents. I look back at Rarity who is sitting on the ground. She really does look uncomfortable. Maybe I could accompany her and make her feel less awkward. I don’t know it’s just a thought. So I start walking towards her. After a while I’m in the same crowd of ponies she’s surrounded by and I could overhear their conversations.
“How in the world could all of Ponyville just go up in flames, like it did?”
“I have no idea. It all seemed to happen at once!”
“What do you think the Princess needs Twilight and them for? What do think she’s going to say?”
“I don’t know. But it might be bad news for the rest of us.”
“If you ask me, I think that “Aireal” guy has something to do with it.”
“How can you say that? He doesn’t seem like a bad guy.”
“Think about it. Ever since he showed up all of this happens. Coincidence?”
“I think he has point.”
“Whatever, I don’t agree with any of that.”
“Yeah, I mean I saw him save a pony from a burning building!”
“Maybe he’s just trying to “look” like a good guy. So that we won’t think it was him.”
“YOU’RE INSANE!”
“Am I?! Hey FREAK!” the voice shouts. I stop in my tracks and turn towards the direction the voice was coming from. Within moments a stallion is in my face. I don’t know what to do. My heart’s pounding as my thoughts are all over the place. This all feels familiar. Fear, that is what I'm feeling. I’m... I’m afraid, but why? It’s just one stallion. It feels as though fear is something new to me. That would explain how I was able to do everything I did. But, no, in the house with Fluttershy when I couldn’t move wasn’t that fear? No no, that was something different but what? Why can’t I figure this out? Why would I remember what fear is now, and not in an actual event of significant danger? This isn’t making sense. Why not trigger fear in any other event. I risked my well being on several occasions and this is what I’m afraid of, a single stallion within this sea of ponies. No it has to be something else. If I could remember something I might possibly be able rationalize this. If I could just remember who I am.
“You’re the reason Ponyville burned down aren’t you? Aren’t you?!” He shouts. Quickly the crowd around us goes silent and turns toward us. Even though I have to look down to see him it feels like he is way above me. This must be what fear does to you because none of this is making sense. I feel completely at a loss. I don’t know what to say to him or what to do. I’m usually speechless but I feel that I need to defend myself, but I can’t. “Why don’t you say something?! You won’t because I’m right! You’re just a monster in disguise!” That one word, monster, somehow ignites my fear, burning it, making it something new, something... wrong. Monster? I think to myself as I feel something suddenly enter my hand. Well, if he thinks I’m a monster, why don't I give him one...?
“Hey you! Why don’t you leave him alone!” A feminine voice explodes from the crowd.
“Oh yeah?! And why should I?!”
“Well, I’m sure I’m not the only pony thinking that you’re wrong. That you’re just going out of your way to blame this poor... fellow. How desperate can a pony be for a way out, just to point a hoof at somepony.” I notice whose talking, it’s Rarity. She walks out of the crowd and is now face to face with the stallion. “So! Why don’t you pick on a pony your own size?” Sweat starts to form on the stallion’s forehead. “Well go on then! Show us how much of a stallion you are?!” And just as quickly as he approached me he backed off and vanished into the crowd. Turning to me I can see she’s about to say something. “Well, that rapstallion shouldn’t bother you anymore. My name is Rarity. It’s a pleasure.” She extends her hoof towards me but I’m still at a loss. What was I just thinking about doing? Did I really consider harming him? This isn’t me, this just can’t be. I may not remember who I am, but this isn’t me. Looking down I see that my hand is in my pocket. It’s the wand that’s in my hand, I realize. No matter how hard I try to let go I can’t bring myself to do it. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine, never better.” I say. Wait I said something. I usually don’t speak. It’s actually really hard for me to do so and I just did it without any hesitation. I NEED to let go of this thing. With all my will power I force my hand open and get my hand out of my pocket. Using a second to collect myself I shake Rarity’s hoof. “Thank you.” After a second or two I let go of Rarity’s hoof and she then places it back onto the floor.
“So Twilight told me about how the Princess let you go free. It must have been dreadful in that dungeon. I’m very glad Celestia let you go. She had absolutely no reason to send you down there. I didn’t want to imagine you spending another night in that dank and dirty place when you did nothing wrong... Well enough about that. I’m a fashion designer here in Ponyville. Oh how I wish I could show you my boutique! But... it’s gone...” She pauses then I notice a change in her. All of a sudden that spark in her eye is gone, that majestic aura that use to surround her turns dull, and she just seemed lifeless.
“...Are you alright?” I whisper.
“Oh...yes, I’m quite alright. It’s just... watching everything I had just burn down before my eyes its saddening, no matter. I still have my friends and they’re all I need.” Confidence and reassurance return to her and her words. This is the kind of attitude everyone needs, I think to myself while I feel a smile start forming onto my face. People should try to look at the positive side of it all. Unfortunately that doesn’t seem to be the case in most of these ponies.
But then again, I think I’m just being too harsh. I’m not going to lie to myself, a positive outlook on life is hard to maintain and you must be so strong in order to always have a smile on your face. I can understand why that pony was blaming me. It’s just easier to deal with it all if you just don’t. How easy it is to just use a scapegoat. I could then feel my hand creep back into my pocket. A scapegoat, maybe that’s what you are. Maybe you really are just a way out. A way to avoid my problems, not an escape but a loop hole. I always feel better with you at my side. Feelings like fear and uncertainty don’t matter when you’re here. I don’t remember who I am, but I’m starting to feel that maybe, just maybe, this wand is who I am.
...No, no it’s not. I feel like I’m more than that, I feel that memories before this do exist, but I just can’t get to them. One of the first thoughts I had here was... I remember. It was about what I was wearing: a black jacket, shoes, and pants. If I could remember that this is what I usually wear, why can’t I remember anything important or at the very least helpful? I remember my name, but for some strange reason it felt like that name just came to me. Come on remember...
“Oh look. Here comes Twilight and Pinkie. Wait, they have Applejack and Fluttershy with them.” Rarity says interrupting my thoughts. I turn and see Twilight and Pinkie leading Applejack and Fluttershy to us. Applejack seems to be walking normally but she still has a limp in her step. While Fluttershy, on the other hand, seems to have made a full recovery only having to wear a few bandages to cover up any fresh cuts from her ordeal. “Shall we walk to them?” Rarity asks. In response I gesture that she should lead the way and she does. “Hello Applejack, Fluttershy. It’s good to see that you’re both in good health.”
“It’s nice to see you too, Rarity,” Applejack smiles. Rarity then proceeds to give her and Fluttershy a gentle hug. “And good mornin’ to you too, sugarcube.” Applejack says turning to me after Rarity’s hug. After a small while of polite hello’s and asking if everyone’s alright I could hear something in the distance. It starts to get louder and louder. It’s the hum of a train. All of us turn around, as we finally hear it at its loudest, and watch it as it sides into the remains of the Ponyville train station. Its appearance kind of looks ridiculous to me, but what should I expect from a race of colorful talking ponies? The train is not one color but a wide array of them and the trams all seem to have a different design and in some cases color scheme. It’s a sight to behold really after thinking about it. Once it comes to a screeching halt a pony, dressed as a conductor, steps out of the locomotive.
“All aboard to Canterlot!” he shouts.
“There it is! Come on everypony let’s go!” Pinkie shouts in excitement as she starts to bounce to the train. Rarity, Twilight, Applejack and several other ponies follow suit. I was about to join them as well but felt something tug at my shirt. I peer over my shoulder and don’t see anyone. So I just shrug my shoulders and press on, but it continues. It keeps happening over and over again, until I finally decide to turn around. And to my surprise, I see Fluttershy with my jacket over her back. We both just stand around for a second or two, completely speechless. Scratching my head I feel like I should say something, but what? She’s another pony who looks completely out of place in the wreckage of Ponyville. The bandages surprisingly add to this charm along with her refusal to make eye contact. Man, I’m not quite sure of what to say. What to say…
“… Thank you for lending me your jacket…” she whispers breaking the silence. She then grasps my jacket into her mouth and hands it to me. “It was very cozy…” That voice, everything about her is just so adorable. “Umm, not to impose, but shouldn’t we be getting onto the train too?” I almost forgot, the train. As fast as I possibly can I put on my jacket and start speed walking to the train with Fluttershy right next to me.
After a few awkward situations of trying to maneuver through the crowds we meet up with Pinkie and everyone else. Judging by their conversation they didn’t notice we were gone. Convenient, I don’t have to explain anything, I think to myself.
“Hey does anypony know where Rainbow Dash is?” Twilight asks. All of us look at one another waiting for someone to answer, but no one does.
“Well wherever she is, she had better hurry. Does she even know about the Princess’s letter?” Rarity asks.
“Hey guys!” A voice explodes from above. There she is, I think as I look up. Her timing's always got to be perfect. She’s in the sky right above us and in a show of prowess and athleticism blasts downwards in our direction at an amazing speed. Finally she hits the ground on all four hooves with such force it sends a shock through me. “What’s up?”
“Where have you been?” Twilight asks.
“No where, I was just getting some early morning flying in is all,” Rainbow Dash replies stretching her wings out a bit. “…umm, where’s everypony going?”
“Princess Celestia sent word that a train would come to take us all to Canterlot. She also wants to see us as soon as we get there. If you didn’t just show up right now you would have missed it.” Twilight answers somewhat agitated.
“Eheh…sorry about that,” Rainbow smiles.
“(Breathes out) It’s okay. I was just worried you weren’t going to be here when the train left.”
“Twi, you know you don’t have to worry about me. If I would’ve missed the train I could of just flown to Canterlot.”
“Yeah, but if you missed the train, you wouldn’t know we were going to Canterlot. That’s what worried me.”
“Oh, right.”
“Ladies! And… uh, you!” the conductor shouts before Twilight or Rainbow Dash could say anything else. “Could you all please come aboard? I have a schedule to keep.” I assume he’s referring to me when he said “uh, you.”
“Sorry!” Twilight shouts back. The girls and I then start making our way onto the train. Suddenly I can hear a voice shouting at us. I think I’m the only one who heard it because no one turns around but me.
“Hey wait up!” it shouts. Standing there a little longer I can see its Spike. After I see it’s him I move forward a bit and hold onto the doorway into the train car. I then gesture at the conductor to wait. He does but in turn I’m met with a sour expression. Go figure... I think shrugging to myself.
After a quick second, Spike is finally next to me. “Thanks...” he says trying to catch his breath. I simply smile and gesture for him to get inside the train. After he does, I follow close behind and shut the door behind me. Inside the train there are only two long benches one on the left of me and one on the right. After following Spike a little longer I take a seat next to Twilight with Spike and Rarity right across from us. After some time had passed and everyone got comfortable small talk started filling the train car. Not very interested I look out the window. The conversation goes on for a while but after Twilight says something everything goes quiet. She then starts speaking again, with everything dead silent and with everyone listening, including me.
“It just doesn’t make sense how that could happen; neither water nor magic could stop or even weaken the flames. I have a bad feeling about this. Something or somepony is behind it all, I just know it. And Celestia most likely needs our help to stop it.” Twilight finishes and everything goes quiet again. The thought of Trixie then shoots through my mind. I try to push them back, but there still all that fill my mind. I don’t want to believe it, but it’s all possible. After seeing what kind of magic she could do there’s no doubt that Trixie could have casted something like this. She might have even been responsible for the possessed guard and that wolf in the Princess’s castle. This all would make sense, but if I’m sure of one thing and one thing only she isn’t responsible for any of this. I can’t explain it or make sense of it, but I feel this connection with her. Something in my mind is telling me that she is, for some reason, important. I reach into my pocket and pull out the wand. I place it on my lap and stare at it. Watching it shine as the sunlight from the window bounces off of it I get this odd feeling again. All my thoughts start to align and make sense. Trixie, the wand, Ponyville, everything that’s happening, it’s all starting to piece itself together. I could almost see the answer I’ve been seeking but a couple of pieces are missing. Like an incomplete puzzle set. I can’t see the complete picture without every piece. The book Trixie was talking about that’s it. That’s one of the pieces I’m missing. However I feel that there’s something else, but what?
“So that’s the wand?” Twilight asks. I suddenly snap out of my thoughts and turn my attention to Twilight. “I have never seen anything like it. May I see it?” I feel reluctant at first, like I would lose some part of myself if I am to part with it right now, but I hold it out to her anyway. She uses her magic to lift it up and bring it to her face. After a second or two of looking at it a sense of intrigue comes upon her face. “Wow, it looks like somepony worked really hard on this. I wonder who it was...hmm... these inscriptions around the bottom end look ancient. Wait, I’ve read about this language before. It dates back thousands of years. If I do recall correctly, it was referred to as Equovocé or ‘voice of the pony’. It was abandoned such a long time ago that not many records are still present in this language making translation really difficult. However, I’ve been around the library too long not to have seen this before.” Stopping for a moment Twilight then concentrates on the lower half of the wand. “Tolle peniculus in dubitare, is what it states, and if I’m correct the translation would be... take brush in doubt. What does it mean? Very strange.” I start to think about it myself. Take brush in doubt. I can’t quite understand it either. Everything I thought I had doesn’t seem to fit together with this new piece of information. Take brush in doubt... no that translation must be wrong. Why would it say that, unless... maybe it’s some sort of warning, but a warning to what? I just don’t understand.
“Aireal, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to study this object further to learn more about it and possibly the history behind it.” Twilight asks. I shake my head no that I wouldn’t mind, but I think I just confused Twilight because she just looked at me. “Does that mean no you do mind or no you wouldn’t?”
“... I wouldn’t mind.” I whisper.
“Great! I really think we can learn so much from this object.” Twilight responds. That’s my hope. If she could figure something out I might be able to piece all this together finally. The more I know the closer I am to figuring out who I am. “… By the way. How did you cast those spells? Spells that level could only have been cast by unicorns that had already mastered the art of magic or at least specialize in that field of magic.” I personally don’t know myself so I kind of just shrug my shoulders. “… You don’t like to talk do you?” Twilight asks, but I’d rather not respond. If I were to tell her why I don’t like to speak this could get all complicated. “Come on now there must be something you’d like to talk about? Where you’re from? How about what you like?” I pause and turn to her to try to come up with an answer, but I end up turning away and staring at the floor lost in my own thoughts unable to recover any memory about myself. I wish I had an answer. I want to know who I am. “…Do you enjoy reading? Because I love reading.”
She then looks at me waiting for some kind of response but nothing is coming to mind. Everything is all so scrabbled in my head. None of my thoughts make sense. Wait, I think I know what to do. I need to tell someone anyone about what’s happening to me and I can’t do that on my own. I feel as though I need the wand in my hands. Like it holds some part of me I can’t get to unless I have it. She needs to pass me back the wand if I am to have any chance of explaining anything to her. Without it I feel so closed off from everyone.
If I can explain it to her she might be able to help. She’s still sitting there waiting for a response. I turn to her but instead of speaking I extend my arm towards her hoping she'd pass me back the wand. She looks at me confused, but then awkwardly hands it back to me. As soon as that silver rod made contact with my hand again I could feel all my thoughts come together again. All the confusion just whisked away and to take its place this kind of comfort and newly formed confidence. This is exactly what I needed. Taking a breath out I prepare myself for the speech about to leave my lips. “I. . . I don’t know anything.” I say.
“You don’t know anything? What do you mean by that?” Twilight asks.
“I don’t know anything about who I am. . . But, whenever I hold this, I feel so different. This thing has been the reason I’ve been able to survive this long. I can’t feel comfort, confident, or brave when I’m not holding it.” Twilight continues to stare confused, yet intrigued at the same time. “Without this wand I’m. . . I’m nothing.”
“What? Don’t be ridiculous. I’m aware the wand possesses magical properties, but that doesn’t mean you should tell yourself you’re nothing.”
“Listen, everything that’s happened couldn’t have been done without this. For all I know you could be broken apart laying in a hospital bed if it wasn’t for this thing.”
“That’s not true. You were the one that-“
“That it used to save you. I don’t use this wand; I feel that it uses me. Whenever danger arises and I am clueless of what to do. I find myself unknowingly reaching into my pocket for it. And once my fingers make contact everything in my mind convolutes into something new. . . When those ponies were shouting “hero” to me on that stage they weren’t cheering for me, they were cheering for it. This. . .” I hold the wand out to Twilight so that she can see, and maybe finally understand. “This is your hero. Not me.”
“Aireal. . . You can’t think that’s the truth.”
“I don’t think, I know it’s the truth. Every time danger rises I’m the one that needs saving, and heroes don’t have to be saved.”
“Well that’s not necessarily true! I read that long ago there was a great unicorn by the name of Starswirl the Bearded. He was a brilliant wizard, and he secluded himself from all others. Which led to his strength by relying only on himself. He would conquer monsters of all sizes; no danger was too great for him. Although, long ago, he found himself in a situation he could not overcome, and he needed to rely on another to be saved. I don’t quite remember the other pony’s name, but I know that she started as a nopony. After that incident she saw that there was a hero in her, and believed that there was a hero in everypony. They just needed to find it. She made it clear to all of Equestria that there is a hero in all of us.”
“Well she was wrong.”
“But Starswirl wasn’t. He learned something important that day. You can’t always believe that heroes, no matter how brave, can only rely on themselves. I only wish that you could see that.”
“I see what you’re trying to say. But here’s the difference, I never was a hero to begin with. Who you’re speaking of sounds like he already knew he was a hero. He knew what his purpose was. So what is mine? This “Starswirl” studies magic and fought off danger right? What have I done? I’ve hid, ran, and cowered from danger. This place. . . Everything it’s. . .!” I stop, and take a breath out of aggravation. . . What am I? Hm? Just what am I? I feel that there’s bits and pieces of me missing, and when I hold this wand some of it returns to me. I feel so lost and confused. . . I never even knew what fear was until now, so what else am I missing? My life it’s. . . It’s something that I’ve been trying to figure out. But I can’t find the answer.
“Aireal, please just listen. We’re your friends. We’ll help you however we can. . . You’re not alone here.”
“Friends? How can you say that? Just how can you be friends with something like me? You don’t know anything about me, yet you call us friends? You and Pinkie both tried to convince me this, and I almost fell for it.”
“Why are you getting upset? I’m telling you the truth!”
“Will you just stop?!” Twilight jolts and gives me this look of shock. “Just-Just. . . Leave me alone!” I jump out my seat and storm to the car door forcing it open and slamming it behind me in a fit of aggravation. Now in the next train car all the ponies in their seats gawk at me. I’m assuming they overheard my outburst. Feeling angry and embarrassed I place myself against the train wall and sit on the wood floor. I focus my attention to the ground, but I can feel all the ponies’ stares glued onto me. I take one glance up and as I expected they are all still blankly staring at me. “What?!” I say promptly. Alarmed they all turn their attention away from me, and now I can be at ease. I can’t believe Twilight trying to lift my spirit with nothing but lies. Giving me all this nonsense about friendship and how “There’s a hero in all of us.” I’m sure there is. Whoever said that mustn’t have a true understanding of life. Clearly I don’t, but I do know it’s full of weak and strong, greedy and generous, heroes . . . and cowards. Those who are weak are powerless. They can’t defend themselves or someone else. Any coward will sit back and watch any kind of dark deed be performed, and do nothing about it. . . Just why exactly am I here? Why? So many questions I keep asking myself over and over but I get no answers! I could just tear my hair out from the insanity this is driving me into and I feel as though I can hear the ponies’ thoughts around me in the cart. They already see me as something insane.
I sit in the corner of the cart for the rest of the ride while listening to the running of the train engine and the occasional whisper amongst the ponies. I can feel the train come to a stop as its wheels screech along the tracks. The ponies all get up from their seats and begin walking out. With my head down I’m sure that they all are glancing down at me, but I don’t care. I wait until the last one leaves before I decide to leave myself. I find myself back at this sort of palace once again. All of us are crowded before a few white and brown stallions in gold armor and blue Mohawk design at the top of their helmets. They stand straight and tall puffing out their chest to show that they have authority. “Welcome everypony to Canterlot. We have heard about the accident down at Ponyville and are happy to let you stay with us for the time being. Her majesty has made sure that there are vacant houses for you to stay. Follow us and we shall direct you.” One of them orders in his deep voice. The ocean of ponies follows the two armored stallions and out from the corner of my eye a bit of an unpleasant sight meets my eyes.
“Aireal, there you are.” Says Twilight coming up from my right. However I only give her a glance.
“What’s the matter? Why the long face? Come on turn that frown upside down!” Pinkie shouts while grasping my face trying to force me to smile.
“Pinkie.” Twilight says while giving her a look of intent to get her to calm down. “Let’s leave him alone right now okay?”
“Why?” Rainbow Dash asks confused.
“Rainbow just, I’ll tell you later.” Twilight says trying to move on.
“Hey sourpuss! What’s your deal?” Rainbow Dash demands. I can feel my hand tightly grip around the wand as my left hand digs its nails into the palm. My eyebrows crunch together as my head turns hot. I feel such. . . Anger. My fist feels the need to bash into something so that to relieve this feeling, but I resist. This feeling it’s. . . Wrong. I breathe in filling my lungs with the cool air to cool down. It soothes me enough to let go of the anger, but the guilt for even feeling it is still there.
“Now Rainbow Dash Twilight and Aireal had a bit of a tiff during the ride. I think it’s best we just allow him to calm down until he’s ready to speak to us.” Says Rarity.
“Whatever. Fine.” Says Rainbow Dash turning her body away.
“Aireal listen. I’m sorry if I got you upset, but you need to come with us to see The Princess. Okay?” I let out a sigh of annoyance, but I turn to her ready to follow. The eight of us start our way to the castle as I hang behind not wanting to even be near them. I feel a bit relaxed with them far away, but I can feel myself regrettably getting lost in my thoughts again. For some reason I can see Trixie haunting my mind. The thought of her name, voice, and face feels like a key trying to be turned in my brain. No matter how hard I try to force myself to come up with a resolution to these thoughts I get no where. In fact I feel like I’m drifting ever farther from the truth. Now I’m clouded with nothing but the same questions I’ve been asking myself for my whole time of being here, and the feeling of wanting to slam my head into a wall returns. Occasionally one of the ponies will glance back at me with look of concern and will whisper to another. Clearly their talking about me and what do with me, but I’m not going to let it get to me. However other local ponies dressed up in fancy attire constantly give me a stare of either disgust or confusion. So I focus my eyes down to the concrete path only looking up once in a while to make sure I’m still behind Twilight and the others.
After what feels like an hour of walking past shop after shop and all the ornamental buildings we finally make our way up the long staircase to the castle. Staring up at it only brings back memories of the dank dungeon The Princess had locked me in and the shadows that attempted to swallow me whole. Two guards at the top of the staircase push open the big double doors for us. We then follow the long red carpet to the Princess’s throne as she stares out through a window as the sunlight lays itself upon her while gleaming off her gold crown and necklace. “You’re majesty we have arrived.” Says Twilight as they all kneel down before the throne.
“Ah, so you have. I am feeling quite anxious at the moment.”
“Why is that?” Twilight asks.
“Because I have much to share with you. . . Please, come with me. There is something you all should see first.” They all stand and hurry their way up behind the Princess. However I stand behind without wanting to move forward. My thoughts are blank as my eyes are fixed on the red cloth beneath me. I am lost in the sounds of their hoofsteps as they begin to fade away. My grip is loose on the wand; I can feel it slipping out from my palm. My consciousness drifting away from me without warning. I feel like laying down for a short rest but my legs are locked in place. "Aireal. Won't you come with us?" The Princess's voice breaks into my ears and my body jolts away the weariness. "You will need to come as well. . . I do not trust you here alone."
