> A Second Too Late > by Thunder Seethe > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Final Year > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Author's notes: this is my first story so criticize away! Show me spelling errors and grammar errors and such. I won't correct them unless they're BIG but I will take closer looks when I'm writing. Thank you for reading! Edit: Thanks for reading. This is my first fanfic, so don't expect much for the first couple chapters. They're really rushed, but I can't change it too much due to the other chapters. Still, 600+ views? Milestone! Thanks guys. Ah... Finally. This is the year I get to relax and enjoy. WRONG! From today and on, I'll have to focus harder than I'd ever done in college. If I wish to get a successful job as a CSE and make my dad proud, I'll need to study twice as much and leave visiting to friends a minority. Gotta hit those books, crap! where are they! "Yo Shayne!" "Huh?" Well that certainly did suprise me, it was my friend Sean, we've known eachother since kindergarten, we've only become close because an idiot would pick on Sean for being weird... don't get me wrong Sean can have his moments, but hey, thats not cool. When it came to the day when neither of us could take him anymore, I took charge and nailed him in his nose. I couldn't have hit him that hard, since even back in this day, my strength compared to someone my own age would be like comparing the strenght of a missle to a mouse. But regardless he cried and ran away, from then on we've became best friends and always backed eachother up. "Sup Sean! Not to be rude but, I really got to hit those books. Anyway what brings you here?" Plan of not sounding rude... failed. "Oh well, my bad bro. Anyway I've decided to visit, we havn't seen eachother in like 7 years! So I decided to look you up, and it brought me here, so hows becoming a computer techy goin' along?" "About that... I switched and wasted 3 years of my life to become a CSE instead. I just kinda lost insterest in becoming a designer. I thought, if I were to spend about 4 more years of my life to do something I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I'd rather do that than use the rest of my life doing things that bore me..." "True that. Try stand up! Looks like you've grown in the last couple of years!" Sean sounded kinda nervous, he's always been taller than me since the day we've met. "Okay..." I stood up, and the damn chair made that squeeking sound. I gotta get that fixed, its driving me insane! I guess I made that face I get when I'm irritated, I hope Sean doesn't get the wrong idea. "...HOLY SHIT! You're about four inches taller than me now! What have you been doing!? Sleeping in college? The hell man!" Guess he didn't notice. "Haha! Maybe its not me who grew, maybe that 5ft 7in decided to go to 5ft 3in!" We both bursted out laughing, and in a minute or so, we figured it's kinda silly on laughing on somthing so dumb. We began catching up on how things went in our lives, we talked about girls too, and of course Sean already had a girlfriend. Wouldn't suprise me a bit that she's supposingly the hottest girl in his class, we didn't get much in detail because I've never once had a girlfriend. He knew how it always makes me uneasy to talk about those things. Time passed as our conversation goes on and on. It'll only be a few more minutes before 10:00 pm. 10:00.... Oh shit! I have a exam tomorrow at 7:00 in the morning! Oh god! "So thats when I came up an-" "Sean! I'd hate to yell at you like this but you really got to go! I got this exam tomorrow at 7:00 and its 10:00 already! Stop by tomorrow maybe." I hope that wasn't too much. He's a really sensitive guy and he gets his feelings hurt fairly easily. Another trait we both share, so saying that so assertivly made me feel bad. "Alright you hit those books until you sleep! But don't... You may have to stay up the whole night to pass that exam of yours." "Alright bro, see you tomorrow?" "Aight, sounds like a plan!" And with that, he left the room. Now time to study until morning, I'd better not fall asleep or I'd be screwed! Did I forget to mention that I'm running this college off of a scholarship? The deal was, I can't fail a test or I'm out, so sleeping is not going to happen on my watch! Seans POV Well I hope I didn't just ruin his chances on becoming a CSE... let alone ruin his scholarship! He would never forgive me if he didn't pass that test and got kicked out! I just don't know what to do... I could always visit again tomorrow to find out if he passed or not, but if he didn't... I guess I should start heading home. Wheres my car... Sean has a blue maserati quattroporte, he does have a wealthy family for him to get that as his first car. He put his keys in a moment later after he found it and was about to get in until he heard an explosion. He immediately turned around to see half of the college in flames, he could hear screams and cries for mom and pa in the building. He thought he even heard gunshots. His first thought was to drive away and call the police, but in the edge of his mind he thought about Shayne. He's not very good in handling these situations. At that note, he yanked the keys out of his car and sprinted as fast as he could into the building calling for 911 at the same time. The sky was going red and orange as he got closer, the heat was becoming immense and unbearable. He stormed into the building and took off to the same way he got to Shayne's dorm. He was hoping he would be fine, but the hallways were already filled with smoke and flames were emerging from the other end of the hall. He's on the fifth floor room 516... ok this is the fourth floor, one more to go. At his very fear, this floor was already covered in flames, he knew that almost nobody would be able to survive from this, but he knew that Shayne could still have a chance because he heard cries for help on this floor. He had to save whoever it may be even if its not Shayne. The cries are getting closer and the smoke is getting thicker, he could barely see 2 feet in front of him before everything becomes hazey and orange. He got to the room 516, and to his suprise the cries were comming from that room, without a second to spare he kicked the door down to see Shayne clutching his shoulder with a metal pipe coming out the other side. Blood was filling the floor and just then Shayne passed out in a puddle of dark red blood. He got Shayne over his shoulder and rushed out of the dorm when he heard other cries for help. He wanted to help but his hands were already full, he just didn't know what to do. The help should already be on the way he thought. Its hard not to hear explosions and screaming, they'll arrive shortly. He rushed out of the building with shayne over his shoulders. He ran to his maserati quattroporte and set him on the hood. HIs conscience was bugging him to go back and save as much as he could. He ran into the blazing building, he knew it'll only be a matter of minutes when this building crashes down to kill the rest of the survivors. He didn't care at this time, he ran back into the building, grabbed as much as 2 people per trip on both of his shoulders and set them all down in a line, next to his car. He managed to grab 16 people before he heard the final scream... and the building collapsed. The so called help arrived 3 minutes later with the ambulance, police, and fire fighters. Authors notes* Sorry for the short chapter. I'll try to make longer ones, and i'll try to be more clear more often. Don't worry ponies will be coming soon! > Now What? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shayne's POV "Ugh... My arm... Wait where am I?" Well now ain't this great! I have a test today and I'm in a hostpital? "sigh" What happened yesterday?... OH CRAP THE BUILDING! Wait. This still doesn't explain how I'm alive, wheres Sean? I turned to my left to see him lying down on another hostpital bed with ashes on his shirt, well it looked like a shirt. It had many holes and gaps in it, it seemed torn. His face was blackened to what I assumed was caused by smoke. He risked his life, to save me? I really owe him my life now don't I... How can I repay him for what he's done, but what about everyone else in the building? Oh god... I don't even feel like thinking about it. Now why didn't I do anything to save anyone? Why was I the weak one in this! Just then my head eased its way to my hurting shoulder... Right... forgot about that pipe that almost took my head off. Still, I could've saved someone! It's not like my life is worth much, at least now that my college is ruined.. wait, I heard something else before, what was it... IT WAS A GUNSHOT! I remember it comming from tech lab... or was it the chemistry lab... doesn't matter... almost everyone is dead because I was too much of a pussy to do anything about it. Instead of just lying down moping about my arm, I could've just gotten up and done something about it! Who cares if I die! I'm worthless! I have no future and right now I shouldn't even exist! "mmmm...." Sean's waking up. "Sean, why are you here? And if you're injured why aren't you in those blue hostpital robes?" No response... maybe he's still sleeping, and just shifted a little. I couldn't help myself but think of all the people in my class, and the teachers, and everyone... All of those young lives gone, so why have I been chosen to live? Why wasn't it someone else? God knows whats going to happen to me next... "Shayne.... You okay man?" "Yea I'm fine but what about you? You don't look so hot either..." "Well... good to know you're fine... how's the others?" "Others? Didn't everyone die? And why am I here? I thought you left long ago before the building decided to go BOOM?" I didn't want to mention the gunshots. It probably didn't matter, I don't think anyone could've survived... others? Did he? No... he's not that stupid... "Yes others... I saved 16 people not including you... are they ok?" I had no idea how crazy that guy is! I wanted to get up to give him a big bear hug, but my arms and legs were restricting me to do so. "You're really stupid you know that Sean?" he let out a small chuckle before he fell asleep again. I guess I may as well do the same I closed my eyes and prepared for a long slumber... Shayne... "WHAT THE HELL!? Am I going insane? Sean is that you?" I opened my eyes as wide as I could and turned toward Sean... but everything was dark. "This must be a dream! I'll just wake up eventually..... just a dream..." Not really Shayne, what you're hearing is complete reality. Why did this voice sound more... whatever. "What do you want? Why am I here and not on Earth?" Well I can't move so what am I supposed to do? "sigh" Its not important, you say you have no life here anymore? No purpose? "Well yes. Its only true. Are you trying to make me feel worst?" Thats not intended but you can see it how you want. I'm trying to help you out. You'll need to keep a secret though. You Can't tell anyone, not your family, friends, or even your closest 'Sean'.Can I trust you with such a demanding request? "If it means getting out of this horrible life then sure. So far it seems as if I've only been a burden to those around me. Burdening others is what I promised to myself when I was just 8 not to ever do." Ok that last part was a lie, but I made that promise when I was 18 because thats when I really had been pissed off at myself. I honestly dont know why people want me around. I'm too poor to get anything done for others, so they keep giving to me and I can't give back. I can't save others when they are in need, so my life is basically worthless... that is true in my eyes. I have nobody. If this 'thing' is in my head, doesn't it know that my parents died when I was 12? "Wait, aren't you in my head?" No only from another dimension. "Well..." I started to tear up."My parents are actually dead and I have only one friend 'Sean'. I have no life there... I dont know why I'm being kept alive. I don't even know how I have been able to stay alive! All this time everything that has happened to me has been fortunate events. I would always come across nice people and they'll help me out. Of course they'll never stick around but still. How is this all happening! My whole life has been a burden on others so I can survive!" I don't think its more than just random events, do you believe in other universes? I think your talents could become very useful in this dimension. This was way to much to soak in. So apparently I'm talking to something from another dimension, I've found more reasons to hate myself, I'm not dreaming this... am I? "OUCH" I pinched myself to confirm this was reality... yea I'm not dreaming. Well, what do you want to do? "Uh... I don't want to abandon my friend Sean. Doesn't this feel at the slightest a bit... I don't know... cruel?" Actually, it does feel wrong... but it is your choice whether or not you want to come or not. I can give you time to think about it though. This conversation can't last much longer. I'm afraid its wearing off. "Whats wearing off? Whatever you're using to contact me? LIke.... batteries or something?" I am really confused, but now I'm allowed to leave my world for a new one... but what promises do I have at a new world? I don't want to burden others especially if I'm technically going to be the 'guest'. Thats the last thing I would want to do. "Why do you need me? How can I at all benefit others when I haven't for my whole life?" You don't need to benefit us. This is for you. "Well... if things don't work out the way it's planned... can I come back here?" I hope nobody will miss me, oh wait... I only know Sean... What do I have to lose? Yes, you can come back anytime, just talk to my most faithful student Twilight Sparkle. Thats a weird name... Twilight Sparkle... haha actually kinda funny, well it is a different dimension and all... wait whats whatever is talking to me's name? "Uhh before you do whatever it is you do to transfer me, whats your name?" Oh excuse me, I must have forgotten to properly introduce myself. I am Princess Celestia. I WAS TALKING TO A PRINCESS LIKE THIS THE WHOLE TIME!? Oh dear lord have mercy on me! I've been nothing but rude and denying this whole time. I have to apologize. "I'm so sorry Princess." For what? "For being so rude." Its quite fine. So would you like me to transfer you now? "It would be a pleasure." Just as I said that a bright light appeared in the middle of the darkness and suddenly nothing. Sean's POV "Ugh..." In the hostpital... At least Shayne and a few other people 'should' be just fine. "Shayne, how's it goi-...." I was in utter shock. Shayne disapeared and it seemed like the bed was empty this whole time. The bed was already done, and the sheets were washed and cleaned. "NURSE! DOC! ANYONE!" I resorted to pressing the emergency button that was about 4 inches away from my hand to make an alarming sound. Sounded like a siren from an ambulance or something. "Nurse Judy is here, whats the problem at hand?" "Just look over there! Shayne's missing!" "What?! Hold on I need to report this to the police ASAP!" And with that, she ran out of the room to call the police or something I presume. Moments later some security came in and asked me a few questions before some police came in. They investigated and said, It's like there wasn't anyone here, if it weren't for the name plate on the side saying 'Shayne Antonio' they would've thought it was just the wrong room, or a possible prank. This is just WAY to much... Shayne, where are you! Don't be stupid. Just come back. > A Whole New World > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shayne POV I assume that bright light was Celestia's whatever to bring me to her dimension. Hopefully I can be a somebody here, it probably doesn't seem like it, but I've been very depressed at earth, no friends, only thing keeping me alive was random acts of kindness brought to me. I only had one friend and he nearly got himself killed trying to save me and... others. I never really had someone like me before, I'm told that I'm different. The only physical differents I claim is that my eyes are multicolored, they are golden around the outside of the pupil, and yellow for the pupil. Maybe people over here are less shallow about appearences, I guess I can only hope. Wherever this light is taking me. Moments later (its still really dark) but I can hear someone... It's Celestia! I can barely hear her. She's talking about my body or something I presume. "Sister, do you think this body fits him well?" Sister? This is a different voice... who is it. Ugh... now I have an agonizing headache... MAKE IT STOP! I guess I'll deal it with for now. That hole in my arm was worst, that reminds me, my arm doesn't hurt anymore! Did they put me under some painkillers? "Yes Luna, I've been doing research on him, and this body seems like the perfect fit. Quite fancy and handsome don't you think?" Luna's the other person... what are they doing to my body? Research? I have so many things going on through my mind, and I can't do anything about it. "Yes sister, how did you come up with something so... intriguing?" Luna asked dumbfoundedly. "It took work, but after a few trial and errors, I came across the perfect match for him. We should let him rest, I'm sure he'll be quite suprised when he wakes up." "Does he know why he's here yet?" "It's best we don't tell him... yet. Careful what you say here Luna, he may wake up any time now. Or he may just be in a half-sleep. If thats the case, he can probably hear us now, but can't do anything. Poor guy, we still need to come up with a new name for him. Any idea's Luna?" "We best discuss this in a different room. We don't want to wake him or leave him with more questions do we?" Wait new name? What are they talking about! My name is Shayne and I plan to keep it that way! "Agreed, lets go to the main hall." "Alright." I heard pitter-patters of steps... it actually sounded like they were gracefully running because there were so many steps! I have to wake up now! Just as they were about to leave the room, I awoke. "WAAIIT!" They stopped but as I looked at them, it took me to suprise. THEY WERE HORSES! "What the hell is going on! Why are there HORSES here?" "Oh Shayne! You're awake!" That voice... Princess Celestia? "Well now that you're awake I assume you want to ask us questions." Damn right I do! "Ok first question, how are horses able to talk? And two..." I looked down at my hands and realized... they were hooves. "and two... WHY AM I A HORSE TOO!" I am furious, why did they change me into a horse? How is that even possible! I'm not so smart in biology, but this shit is impossible! "I'm sorry Princess Celestia, but you do have to understand why I'm acting like this." "Its ok, apology accepted, we know you're in shock on why you're a 'pony'. Yes we aren't horses but we are pony's. And we can talk the same reason why you can, we have vocal cords. And for your second question, you've been changed to a pony because if somepony saw you as a human, they'd freak out and probably try to avoid you as much as possible. I have been watching you on Earth, and saw thats what most people did because of your multicolored eyes. So knowing how much you'd hate being avoided in a new world, we had to give you a new body so you don't feel excluded any." "I understand now... thanks for the explanation. What was it about changing my name though? Isn't Shayne a somewhat 'normal' name around here?" I just noticed that Luna was being awfully quiet, maybe it is awkward for her. She was looking at the ground... is that blushing? "Well for the name" Luna finally spoke up. "We needed to have your name fit in with the others. Unlike your world, ponies can just have a first name. Like Pureheart, Iron or Celestia and Luna. Some may have two names like, Fancy Pants. As you can see, these names are chosen very differently than in Earth. So its unlikely you'll come across another Shayne, or Josh, or John." Luna was anxious to finally get to say something, she was smiling as she explained. And it made me smile too. Just then I noticed something on the sides of there... rear end, Celestia had a Sun and Luna had a crescent moon. What does this mean? Hmm... I also noticed how Celestia's mane flowed without wind, the same goes for Luna. They both had wings and horns... I heard of pegasi and unicorns... but what is this? More questions... "Princess..." "Yes?" They both replied simultaneously, they both looked at eachother then back at me, then blushed with a nervous smile. "You girls are both Princess's? There hasn't been any fight for rule at all?" "No... Actually we don't like to bring that up." Luna frowned and looked at the ground with her head hanging low. I hated to se her like that, she was really beautiful. I mean not to like... you know, but she was pretty. "Anyways" I said trying my best to brighten the mood, "How's about we go to the names... I need one if I want to live right? I mean live without being shunned into a corner." It seemed to work, Luna got back up with a nice smile on her face. "Well first we should look at some details... You're a pegasus" I AM A PEGASUS?!? THAT MEANS I CAN FLY! I desperatly tried spreading my wings, with much failure... I only began to sweat. "and you have a shining gray coat, with dark blue mane... your eyes are golden and yellow... Something like a storm don't you think sister?" Celestia nodded in agreement. "If I do look like a storm... hmm WAIT! Before I forget, whats that Sun and Moon on your rear ends?" It was actually really hard to say that... I don't know why. "That's called a cutie mark, you'll get it when you discover your special talent. Mines is a moon, and one of my jobs as Princess is to raise the moon. My cutie mark represents night, as you can tell. My sisters is a Sun, she can control the Sun as how I control the moon. Its not that difficult actually, but it makes a difference thoughout Equestria." "So the sun and moon don't just come automatically like how it does in Earth then." This is a strange concept, luckily concepts are one thing that all CSE's are good at. You can't just learn on how to do something, thats useless. You only truly learn something when you can understand concepts. Like math, 2x2=4 well if you only knew that but didn't know how to use it any other time, its useless isn't it? If you had the concept down you can easily do 124x144=17856. Stuff like that, sorry for ranting on you. "No, we need to control everything, like weather. Pegasi like you are able to move clouds. If they don't move the, they stay there stationary forever." I think I have a pretty good understanding now. I wonder what my cutie mark will be? "Ok back to names... since you both say I look like a storm due to my physical characteristics... how do you think Thunder Seethe sounds?" It sounded pretty good to me, and I could feel a smile comming on my face at that idea for a name. "It sounds wonderful! Would you like to stay here, or make new friends." Friends sounds nice, I mean I only had one my entire life... It makes me feel bad to have to leave him like this, but then again... I won't be a burden to him anymore. Honestly I'm glad he won't see me anymore, now he can make better friends that won't rely on him all the time for help, and maybe he can become a better person like that. "sigh" its probably for the best. "I'd like to make some friends please!" I said happily to hide my inner pain. "Great!" Princess Celestia said cheerfully, "I know some people who'll be glad to be your friend! Just remember Thunder, nobody can know where you're from. We don't want any trouble or ponies freaking out!" she said hesitantly. "No worries, I'll keep my mouth shut." and with that a bright light shined from her horn then surrounded me in her magic. THATS SO FREAKIN AWESOME! I now live in a place where I can fly and magic exists! Moments later I started hovering above the ground with yellow magic surrounding me and eventually I was gone, and appeared in a forest. > Been Thinking... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A/N: Before continueing, I'd like suggestions to make this story as enjoyable as possible, so send me some stuff, pm me, or comment. Whatever I just want to keep current readers interested. I don't know where this is going, I do plan ahead by one chapter or so. I like to keep things random and with the flow. Just not... Pinkie Pie random, thats too much to handle. Edit: I just read the first three chapters, and thought I should say, if you're still here then you're awesome! I know that in the beginning everything was horrible. Grammar, that wall of text that I recently fixed, spelling, contradictions, all of the things that could've gone wrong, you're still here. I'm glad for that, and you're the reasons why I still write. Without further adieu, lets bring the torture until maybe chapter 15 where I get better. Have fun! - May 5th, 2012 'Still Shaynes POV' Well, in a forest, not exactly sure how to walk yet, or... trot. Anyway, I wonder what kind of pony's I'll meet, hmm everything looks like it should, I mean, like on Earth. Nothing is too out of place, except talking pony's and I'm a pegasus, I wonder if I could contact Sean somehow... Sean should be well enough fine without me. Lets figure out these wings, I felt around for muscles so my brain could become familiar with them... found the muscles, "Wow these feathers are soft!" I began rubbing my wings, I couldn't help myself, but before it became a habit, I decided to figure out how to spread my wings. It took a few minutes till I got them fully spread out, they're quite large! I'd say about 5ft wing span, not to shabby! I took a moment to stare at my wingspan, figuring out how this would work... I think I should start with hovering, then move to moving foward... slowly, then try to take height and speed. Here we go! Ok easy does it... I start to flap my wings and I take off, that wasn't too hard. Now I should try to keep it in synch for at least a minute... ... ... ... Ok good, lets try moving foward... "Easy... EASY!" I started going faster when I leaned too much foward, I forced myself to lean back and I flew into a tree knocking the wind out of me. When I got back up, I chuckled when there was an outline of my back on the tree... How did I not get hurt? Meh... maybe had to do with Celestia's magic or something. I started again, going up and this time I got the hang of it. I moved foward about 5 feet and I started to gain altitude. In the matter of seconds I was above tree level and I heard a rather raspy voice coming from above me. "LOOK OUT!" I looked up to see a cyan blue pony flying down full speed at me, I dove was about to dive aside, but my reaction was late. Next thing I saw was myself about to be pummeled into the ground, with the cyan pony next to me seemingly unconcious. I woke up from my stun and grabbed her with my two hoofs that reminded me of hands, and started pushing up against the force, when I realized the speed we were going down in was too much, I was just wasting time and energy. It'll only be a few more seconds before we hit the ground at full speed. So what was there to do? I guess... glide, I spread out my wings and tried going with the force, making slight turns and shifts to avoid the incomming trees ahead, now that I was still going full speed, but to my suprise parallel with the ground, I calmed down. "Oh shit." I can't keep this up forever! I'll have to land eventually and what was the only thing I didn't practice? LANDING! I'm such an idiot! Well... the only thing I can do is crash land, but I won't let this pony get hurt... what can I do. Too fast to go back up, and I'm deeper in the forest now, I'll end up messing up if I try to fly through the tree line. The only thing I can do is... is that a lake? "Hey get up!" I lightly slapped the cyan pony's face. "Get up! You're not going to like this if you don't get up" "Hunh?.... Huh!? WHOA!" "Yea good, you're awake. Listen no time for questions." She obeyed and nodded. "I can't exactly land without crashing at this speed." Trying to cover up my 'I'm new to being a pegasus thing so I have no idea how to land'. "I hurt my wing," I made it look slightly limp and i started bobbing up and down. Bad idea, now I really am out of control. "Ok I'm losing control and I can't stop, I'm going to throw you in the lake... NOW" I quickly threw her in the lake and I prepared for the impact. Now before you go on about teasing me that I could've just flown in the water, let me explain that the water was close to me, but I wasn't over it. And the speed I was relying on was all inertia, if i were to change the direction so suddenly I'd be flipping through the air and would probably hit something worst than a tree. Just saying. Rainbow Dash's POV "Ok, now for the final trick that'll just BLOW the wonderbolts's mind! I will attempt the Sonic Rainboom!" Heh if I can pull this off and perform this by will, they'll surely take me in without a doubt! Ok. I put in intense speed and continued gaining speed until I could see the white orb forming around my hoof, it began to sharpen until I saw somepony flying about 50feet above the forest canopy. I'm going to hit him if he doesn't move! "LOOK OUT!" He looked up at me and the first thing that caught my attention was his eye's and how unusually large he was. I mean he wasn't as big and Princess Celestia, but still pretty tall. Next was his eyes, you couldn't really tell but at the same time you could see a golden color around his pupil and yellow in the middle. I hit him and woke up with him telling me to be quiet and trust him for whats about to happen, his wing does seem a bit limp. A few seconds later he tossed me towards the lake, and he crashed into a tree knocking it down. Thats GOTTA hurt a lot. I need to get help. Who knows how hard he hit the tree. I can't exactly fly with my hurt wings, so I sprinted towards twilights house for help. I bucked the door as hard as I could, "TWILIGHT! ARE YOU HERE? TWILIGHT ITS AN EMERGENCY!" "I'm comming! I'm comming! Calm down! Rainbow? Whats the problem? You're all wet an-" "No time to explain come quickly!" "Ok ok, calm down!" she snarled then began following me. Well of course I was faster so she kinda just followed where she thought I went, occasionally I'll slow down so she can keep up, but it took us 5 minutes to get back to where I saw the gray stallion. Regardless, we could have been there sooner. There was a small trench that led us to the broken tree and the stallion, there was blood forming around him already. I started to panic until Twilight started barking orders telling me what to do. Believe me, it was REALLY hard to keep up with how fast she was talking. First she said to roll him so he's on his back, while she checked his pulse. She said it was still going but it was becoming faint. She teleported, I guess she went to the hostpital. I looked at him, he looked peaceful, saying of course, if there weren't a puddle of blood around him. I shivered. "Twilight, come quickly please!" "Ehem... uugh.. Who are you? Oh. How are things? How long was I out... I'm bleeding aren't I?" I guess he noticed the expression on my face. I was standing over him when he spoke to me for the second time, he actually had a really nice voice when he's not... yelling. "Hi I'm Rainbow Dash. Don't worry. You'll be safe, Twi-WHOA!" I fell backwards when twilight appeared with medics, I was relieved but still worried. I hope he's alright. Sean's POV It's been almost a week and I the police still have no idea where Shayne went! They've already been starting to call off the search. I can't believe they gave up so easily! This doesn't make sense, I would give anything, and I mean ANYTHING for Shayne to come back, he's really my best friend, and nobody can replace him. I mean, we're pratically brothers. Except he's never gotten a girl, and I am his ONLY friend. After all we've done he is technically my bro. I've got three days before the doc's said I can be released, my parents visited and slapped me and hugged me. The slap was for being stupid to go inside a collapsing building, when I brought up the people I saved and my frie-SCREW IT he's my brother! When I told them about the burning building, the pipe in his arm, the other students and maybe even teachers I saved, they gave me a hug and made me promise that I wouldn't ever do anything so stupid again. I agreed, but if the chance came up where I can save someone, I'm going to lie to my parents and save him. I will always put someone elses life before mines, no matter if I fail, at least I know I tried. "Sean, we have your release forms." What? I thought I still had a few days? Well the sooner I get out the better. But I am a bit curious... in fact I haven't even seen this guy before! Is he even a doctor? I took the forms from him and went through it thoroughly... It seemed legit. "No offense here, but I haven't seen you before... whats your name? I know all the docs names that helped me, its a way for me to keep track on how I can repay you." he chuckled at my excuse. "My name is Dr. Redhear- I mean Dr. Porter" I could tell he's lieing. "Ok 'Dr, Porter' lets say I believe you. Why am I being let out early?" "Oh... The doctos said you're fine and got the ok to go home. Why don't you believe that Dr. Porter isn't my name?" "Well it sounded like you're giong to say Dr. Redheart..." Do I really look like an idiot? "Well... I suppose you deserve the truth. BUT I'M GOING TO MAKE IT CLEAR AND YOU CAN'T TELL ANYONE!" My ears... "Ok, I promise, go on." "Actually maybe I should just show you." And with that statement he disappeared, and later found him in a pitch black room. "Uhh whats going on?" This is freaking me out! "Ok you're about to see in a third person view whats going on to your friend Shayne. Ready?" "I guess..." A Large picture appeared in front of me and showed a pony. I saw everything. From when the gray pony first started to fly and crash into a tree, to when he REALLY crashed into a tree when he saved the cyan pony. I thought I heard talking... maybe thats just me. "Where was Shayne in all of this Dr. Redheart?" "Did you see that gray pony there?" No... no way... "Was that SHAYNE?!" I wanted to make fun of him if he could hear me, but at the same time I was about to faint... I was getting really light headed. What the hell is going on. "Yes that was Shayne. Don't go telling everyone, because you'll probably just be thrown into a mental institute. And I'm sure you know how fun that'll be." He's right. I can't tell anyone, at least I know where he is and that he's fine... I think. He did crash into that last tree pretty hard, but it looked like the cyan pony came back with help so... I can only hope for the best. "Thank you for showing me this... but if I ever wanted to see my friend again, how can I contact you?" "Easy, just think about him over and over, and eventually, if you stay in the same spot, I'll be over shortly. Things that you should know though. A day here is 6 hours there. So time yourself. Don't worry about it though. He'll be fine!" "Wait one thing before you go. Does he still remember me?" "I'm most certain he does." "Ok. I feel better now that I know he's fine. Thank you, you can send me back now." I think I understand how this works. He explained to me that unicorns are magical and such and pegasi, which is what Shayne is, could fly, and the mixture between the two are called 'Alicorns' they basically can do both, fly and perform magic. However the alicorns magic is much more powerful than just a normal unicorn, they are also very endagered. There are only two left in existance which were the two princess's. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. According to him they are the most wonderful of rulers, and more organized than our current government. In the land of Equestria-thats their country name, have only been in a few wars. The war with the NLR, Discord (twice), and a few dragon wars. That was great, considering their country was here longer than America and still have been in about... I don't know, 500 less wars than us? Of course I'm exaggerating but it's true! I wouldn't mind living there, of course of I can still contact my family, but surely with all those magic unicorns there, I'm sure at least one of them would hold possession to send messages to another dimension. Maybe its all just my hopes and dreams. *Authors note: Sorry I know theres a typo in here somewhere, but I already spent an hour looking for it and cant find it! If you notice anything wrong here tell me asap. Aaaaannyyyywaaayyy leave me suggestions on what you want to happen later. I'm open to ideas. I'm trying to make this story as 'reader friendly' as possible. I'm sorry if you dont exactly like choosing stuff to happen and you expect the author to do the right things, but sometimes we need ideas. And readers are good at helping with that kind of stuff. Anyway THUNDA OUT PEACE! > Screw Up > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Since I figured out how to use italics and stuff, expect it. Anyway because this is spring break and I have a few days left, expect updates daily. Once school starts for me, expect every other day. If I'm on a project, then I may be on my computer anyway so... Anyway we'll see. Remember to PM me anything you'd want to see in this story, It helps a lot. (New characters, or anything. THIS IS NOT A CLOP FIC so if you want relationships, you won't be hearing the action. If it does come to it, it'll be skipped.) Lets begin. Shayne's POV Ugh... My head hurts so much, it feels just as agonizing as when the pole punctured my arm, but instead it moved to my head. I guess I should try opening my eyes, I am in a forest after all, so I don't wanna be... you know. Vulnerable. I awoke in a small hostpital room, somewhat similar to the one that I was in with Sean, except the beds were more comforting and there were six I assume to be girl pony's watching me on my right. "Hello? Who are you?" What else could I say! I've never been able to talk to six girls before, even though they are pony's WHATS THE DIFFERENTS! Don't judge me. "Hey Mister....." The purple one spoke up first about ten seconds after my greeting. "My name is Sha-I mean Thunder... Thunder Seethe." That was close. "I thought you were gonna say... Nevermind thats not quite important, what I would like to know is how are you feeling Thunder. And by the way, thats a nice name!" The purple one blushed, nobody seemed to notice except me. "Yea," a raspy voice... oh! That's the one that passed out when she collided into me. I won't bring it up, I don't want her to feel bad, and I'd rather not remember the feeling. "you hit your head pretty hard on that tree..." She actually seemed legitimately worried, so I think I should make her feel better, a lie would be best because I am really in such excruciating pain. My head may explode like a nuke sooner or later. "I'm fine, I hope you are too." The orange pony seemed to notice my lie, I hope she won't say anything. That change in her expression made me uncomfortable. "Don't worry about me, YOU WERE BLEEDING!" Whoa... this actually made the yellow pony really scared. Well I'd mine as well take this moment to examine the surroundings while everything is going, uh. Well I guess. I haven't made anyone die yet so I guess its better than something. "May be so, but I feel fine now, don't worry about it. Did the doctors or nurses check on you? Not to be rude but I did collide into you while you're performing a trick I assume." I had to lie, she seemed like the person who takes charge and a tough one. I didn't want to ruin her reputation with her friends, so I changed the situation a bit. "Oh... well." She had a blush on her face, she was probably contemplating whether or not she should go with the lie or not. "Yes, you're probably bruised up somewhere, go to a nurse and have them check on you. You don't wanna wake up tomorrow with any sorts of pain. I assume you'll want to practice tomorrow for some kind of show." I was probably taking this too far. Time to stop. "Ok... Thunder is it?" She looked up as she was about to leave the room. "Yes, and you are?" "My names Rainbow Dash! Fastest flier in all of Equestria!" Ok so this is the fastest girl here, and here is called Equestria. Ok. I'm getting more answers to figuring out this place. "Can I call you Dashie for short?" This might've been crossing over, I saw all of the other five pony's look at me like 'YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT' face on. She just chuckled, "Yea, why not." and she left the room, leaving all of the other five gawking at the door, then back to me. "Wow, you must've really saved Rainbow to let you call her 'Dashie'! I mean it took me YEARS and YEARS and YEARS and YEARS and YEARS! To let me call her DASHIE its so amazing! What did you do? It must have been super duper extremely stupendously AWESOME!" Wow... didn't think so many words could come out in under three seconds. That pink one is also quite loud, I don't want to be mean, I mean she seems nice and all but... I don't think I'll be able to get into a conversation with her thats a serious one. "Hmm... I actually never saw you around before. Are you new to ponyville?" Oh crap! I never thought of this. Time to try and drag myself out. "Yes I'm new to ponyville. And I don't know my way around here well, you see I came from another city far away from here." Hope they mention a city, because I haven't got a single clue of anything here except for that castle I was in, and ponyville which is where I am now. "Oh do tell darling, I would definitely LOVE to know where you stayed at before here." The white pony stated with big blue eyes, I could tell she was the fancy one here. "Oh excuse me! My name is Rarity, I'm a fashion designer and I own my very boutique here in Ponyville! My dream of course is to become the most famous designer!" Rarity, sounded very classy, I liked it. "Uhm, while we're at it, girls, be a darling and mention your names too!" "I'm PINKIE PIE! Everypony knows me! I love parties and cupcakes, and making NEW FRIENDS!" "I'm Twilight Sparkle, I love books, and I actually live in a library" she blushed at the last statement, "and I also do enjoy meeting new people and friending them." "Ahm Applejack! Ah own a farm here on Ponyville called, 'Sweet Apple Acres' we make everything out of apples! You name it. And I'm very honest, so ah won't lie to you. You can count on that!" She had a very sweet southern accent, it was actually kinda cute. "My name is... Fluttershy." I can't here her. She's really adorable when she's shy though. Twilight made a sheepish look at me then approached me, "Sorry," she whispered, "She's really really shy. Her name is Fluttershy though, I'll go and calm her down." I whispered back "I got this. I really want to become her friend." she nodded and walked toward the others. "Don't worry, if your friends can so easily introduce themselves to me then you don't have to worry. I mean sure I am weird, and my eyes are all screwy, but honestly. You're perfect, and you're sweet, I could tell. You have nothing to be afraid about." I smiled at her and she gave me a small smirk. It was working. "I'm Fluttershy... I own a cottage next to the Everfree, and I love animals." She smiled and looked back down. "I'm sorry I was difficult." Aww, she's so sweet! "Don't worry about it Fluttershy, if anything I'm sorry I'm being a jerk right now." "You're not being a jerk," Fluttershy exclaimed. "you're a very nice stallion and... you're nice." Ok, I don't want her to say anything else. It makes me feel like a jerk when I make her talk. "Anyway," Twilight brought up after a few moments of awkward silence. "where are you from? You're obviously not around here." Oh god... I'll bring up the castle... but I don't know the name! Uhh... go with the flow I guess. "I used to live in a castle with the two princess's" It wasn't a lie, even though I was only there for maybe a day when they changed me into a pegasus. Applejack didn't seem to see anything suspicous this time, so I'm in the clear. "Oh that is just wonderful darling! I have been there a few times for some meetings with other fashionista's around Equestria. Canterlot is simply the most wonderful of places!" She seemed delighted at the fact I used to live in the castle, even though it was for only one day. They didn't need to know that. "Ah... Ah don't like all them fancy fru fru though." Applejack said in disgust. Well she is a farmer, so I guess that makes sense that she doesn't care for anything fancy like that. "Girls, It's time to let him rest. He's got a big day tomorrow." Twilight mentioned. "Where will he stay though..." Fluttershy talked this time. She has such a soft soothing voice, if she were to talk to me for long periods of time while I am on a bed, i could very well doze off into slumber. "Uhm... good question Fluttershy." Twilight seemed puzzled. "Did you happen to bring anything with you?" "Uh. Actually no." This made the girls look at me suspiciously. How can a guy from a very luxurious city come without a penny. If thats even currency here. "Well I suppose he can stay with me." Twilight offered, and I had to accept. Then Dashie came back in the room. "What did I miss?" "Oh welcome back darling! We're just discussing where Thunder could stay." Dashie looked up and seemed very happy to be here at this time. "If its ok with him, since he's a pegasus and all. He could stay with me, if thats alright with everypony." She must have noticed how welcoming she usually isn't. I was quite suprised too, she doesn't know me and would let me stay in her home, I guess the same goes with Twilight, in fact she knows me less. Why would these pony's be so welcoming to let a complete stranger into their home. "Well actually I was about to let Thunder into my home, but if you're so up to it..." Twilight eyed Dashie down looking at her with suspicion. "Well I was just offering! He's a stallion, so he can decide right?" Twilight looked at me just in time to not catch the look Dashie was giving me. She had pleading eyes, she probably didn't notice it, but her eyes were getting large and stared at me. I can't say no to that. Twilight had just been staring at me with the 'so your pick' face on. "I guess I can stay with Dashie. She may have bruised wings or something." I had to make up something. This was REALLY awkward for me. "Ok so its settled. Lets leave him for some rest now. By Thunder" The others followed Twilight to the door and waved bye as they walked out. Dashie stayed. "So Thunder, why did you lie about you crashing into me, even though it was me who crashed into you?" Dashie said with a very shy face on, she didn't look at me when she talked, she was staring at the ground with her head far down. "You seemed like the tough one in the group, and I didn't want to ruin your reputation with your friends, so I decided that since you guys don't know me well enough, I may as well take blame." "Thats nice of you." With that she smiled at me and walked out of the room waving bye before she left. Well now that everyones gone, I'd better get rest. I do have a big day tomorrow afterall. Seans POV Well since I'm feeling better and know about where Shayne is now, and that he's doing... I guess fine. I'd better go home, I mean, I do have my papers and all. But man, I would do anything to see my bro again. sigh well no time to lose, I got work tomorrow so I'd best get driving home. Oh, right. My car was in that mess. I hope that nothing too bad went on, at least to my car. I made it over to the burnt down college and it still had police tape around it, I didn't really acknowledge it, I just went under it, put my keys in and drove off, towards Manhattan. The car ride was supposed to be 3 hours long, but for some reason, there was no traffic. Well I'd better enjoy this while I can. Enjoyment didn't come easily for me, all I could think about again was Shayne, and what could be happening right now at this instant. I pictured out how things played out after he hit his head and the cyan pegasus left in a hurry. I imagined the worst and the best. The worst being the pegasus just left him to rot, and went back to its normal life. The best thing that could've happened was she left in a hurry to get help, and get him to a hostpital, and he turned out just fine without any internal damage to his brain. Still thinking about Shayne I see... "Well he is my only friend that I'd like to call brother." This guy is irritating sometimes but he's somewhat the only way to my bro so I'd better not piss him off, or ignore him. Well some recent things that played out after that event was, the pegasus went to get help and brought him to the hostpital. He is under careful care and is being released tomorrow. From what I heard, he hasn't suffered any major injuries. "Thats great to hear, but is there any way to see him... In person, like Man to Pony?" Well, there is a way, but I'm afraid that I won't be able to send you back. You'll also be placed in a random location in a dangerous area. "I don't really care. I just want to see him." Give me some time, and I'll think about it. "Ok. I can respect that, just let me know and fill me in on how he's doing. I won't be able to live with myself if I didn't know every bit of trouble he's going through and I can't do anything about it." Ok. I have to go now, you'll expect to see me near night. How long has it been for you here? "About a week. I decided to stay in until I really FELT better." Explains enough. Ok expect to see me sometime around night, and don't be driving or anything that requires focus and stuff. You'll black out. "Like in the hostpital?" Yes. "Fair enough, I don't think me dieing is going to help the cause anyway. See ya soon." As soon as he left, I made it to my house. I have to make this day be the best ever, after all, this may be the last time I get to see my parents. The evening went well, my parents were shocked to see me home, and offered to prepare me a dinner, I declined, and instead I took them out for a dinner. We went to a fancy restraunt and caught up on things. We went to see a movie, then played some golf on our private property. We talked about my future, and I brought up family, and stuff. Then I remembered my girlfriend, should I just tell her that I'm going to be moving far away, and where I'm going has no cellular networking? Or should I just break up with her, even though its been going well for so long, and both of us know that. I don't want to leave her, but its becoming a must. Bros before ho's. sigh I have no choice. I think lieing to her would be easier on her. She won't need to know where I'm going, but its almost sundown. I don't have much time. I guess I should just call her. ... ... ... "Hello, this is Tasha." *Authors notes: Comment and tell me if theres anything wrong with my writing. Thank you for the support! > Could've been better > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hey guys, I hopefully will be getting my Saturday Writing marathon going on as I promised, it may just come a little later for some of you. I stayed up the whole night with 1 hour of rest (I actually just got up) and whenever I crash, I'll wake up maybe around 3:00 on my time. So expect late updates throughout the next chapter. I'm running on slow internet so do please send me an email on what you'll want to be seeing in the next few chapters. email me at: thunderseethe@gmail.com "Hey, this is Sean." "Oh hey! What's up? Kinda late haha!" "Yea... Look, we need to talk, but I can't come over at the same time. Its too much to explain and you'll need to trust me on this. Do you trust me?" I have no idea how this is going to work out, but I'll make it work out. It has to be done, and its for the best anyway. "Wha-whats going on Sean?" Fuuuu...... I can't do this, I mean I can, but... I can't all the same. She's so nice, and has been taken care of me. She doesn't know of the incident, I could bring that up, tell her everything that has happened, and possibly make her break up with me. "Ok, first you should know that... you know my friend Shayne yea?" "The guy with the weird eyes? I know him, why?" I hate it when people call shayne weird, sure he has different eyes but doesn't that make us weird to him? "Yea... well I went to his college a week back, did you see the news?" It was probably on. No way to tell for sure though, but its worth a shot, it could save me from explaining the horrible disaster. Although one is about to break lose. "As a matter of fact I did!" Well I'll be... "They mentioned some guy went through the fire and saved 17 lives! He must be phyco or something to do that, I mean go into a blazing building, grab people and go out set them down and go back in. Its like going through hell and back for NO REASON!" True... but it wasn't for nothing. "The news reporter said that his name will remain anonymous, but his act of heroism will be shown throughout the world, and they hope people will try and follow his actions or show inspiration from it. That guy... is a total maniac!" Ouch. "Well I should tell you, that the maniac was me. I saved 16 lives, and my bro." She probably new who I meant by 'bro'. "What!? Oh my god! I'm sorry, if I had knew-Oh Sean! Wha-why would you-WHY WOULD YOU RISK YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU HAD A LIFE OF YOUR OWN TO COME BACK TO!" Whoa... this could be a good thing, so why am I hurting so much. "BECAUSE THEY HAD LIVES TOO. SAVING 2 OF THEM IS STILL 1 OF ME, SO HAVING THE CHANCE TO GO BACK IN THERE TO GET MORE PEOPLE SO THEY CAN GO BACK TO THEIR FAMILIES AND HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE SEEMED LIKE THE IDEAL THING TO DO AT THE TIME! IT WAS ALSO MOST HUMANE OF ME TO DO THAT! THERE WERE PEOPLE SCREAMING FOR MOTHER AND PA! HOW CAN I JUST LEAVE AND LIVE WITH MYSELF 'KNOWING' THAT I COULD'VE SAVED AT LEAST 2 OF THEM WHICH IS WORTH WAY MORE THAN 1 OF ME! SAVING THE 16 WAS JUST BECAUSE I NEEDED TO! SAYING THAT ONLY A MANIAC WOULD RISK THE LIVES OF OTHERS IS LIKE SAYING THE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO DIED FOR US IN ALL THESE WARS ARE MORE THAN MANIACS! THEY'RE TRYING TO WIN A LOTTERY! THEY DON'T KNOW IF THEY'LL HAVE A CHANCE TO HELP, BUT THEY JOIN ANYWAY BECAUSE THEY MIGHT AS WELL TRY! Look. I'm sorry for ranting and getting pissed. Its just you have to see my side of the story here. I didn't do this to become a hero, or famous, the only thing running through my mind was saving them. They had lives to go to, even if I couldn't save all of them... I may as well try and save at least 2 and my bro." "..." "..." "..." "..." We exchanged silences over the phone, until it was around 8:15. I was about to speak up until I relized that she hung up. I probably didn't notice this because so much was running through my head, how could she think I was being a maniac for saving peoples lives? Isn't that what fire fighters do too? Even though they were a second too late 'so to speak' they came anyway expecting to save people. Except the difference is they do it for a living, and I did it because I was already there. Hey... uhm that wasn't very pleasent now was it? "Couldn't say it could've been better, but hey. It got the job done right, and needless to say, she probably NEVER wants to see me again. Do I have the ok to go over to your universe?" Give it more time. I'm sorry to say but the leaders in our dimension are quite busy and can't spend time making a new body. "Well... does that mean I did all of this for nothing?" Crap. Well not necessarily... you would've had to gone through this sooner or later, and its better that you've gone through it now while you still have it in you. Am I right? "Yes, I suppose so. Anyway, about when will this take place?" Give me a month. Theres no telling when this 'event' will take place. Just enjoy the rest of your time here, I'm not sure if there's a way back. I haven't mastered any spell to send you back here temporarily. So you're either here to stay or leave, just give me a moment. "Alright, thanks I guess... How's Shayne?" Still resting on the hostpital bed, its only been a few hours here ya know. he was chuckling as his voice slowly dissapated into what I assume his universe. When he was gone, I decided to talk to my family about what just happened between me and Tasha. They're probably going to react violently-at least my dad will, and my mom will just get angry. I saw Tasha's side of the story too, like why she called me a maniac or anyone who would, be a maniac. The average person would probably just call the police, ambulance, and fire fighters at times like this. I did, but I just decided to do more than that if they should be late. Glad I did that or else 17 more lives would've been accounted for on the death list. A requiem mass shall be played for them, at least thats what I've heard. I'm glad nobody knows about what I did, except for my family and Tasha, this way nobody will be calling me 'hero' or 'that guy who saved people' or giving me discounts at store and calling me hero when I walk out. I want to be normal as before, its bad enough Tasha hates me and I still have to live with it for a few more days. The ceremony for the deceased would be held at the college, I attended of course hoping nobody would recognize me. Before they started the song peice the composer wanted the hero to stand if he's here. "Hero, would you please stand amongst us? Don't fear, we won't crowed you with praise. We just have the families here of the ones who you've saved and kept alive today. They are the ones who wish to give thanks and praise for saving their lives." I want to stand for my own self esteem and pride, but remaining humble would be best. I will let their families know I did it, since its their wish. I won't do it in front of the entire thousands of people who came though. "Fair enough," the composure said turning to his symphonic orchestra. "Lets begin shall we?" The music then started playing. It was just fantastic! I haven't really been one for techno or dubstep, I've always been the one for 'actual' instrumental stuff. The same goes with Shayne, he enjoys orchestra to be exact, hsi favorite instrument in orchestra would be the cello, as he told me many times before. The thing is though, he mentioned that cello by itself wouldn't do so well, cello is a great instrument, but nothings good without backup. Violin makes the perfect harmonics to make the Cello sound beautiful, you can add drums if you want, but the perfect combo for him is the violin and cello. He enjoys songs that are composed like so. I for one enjoy the Violin by itself, I don't know why exactly because I'm not as talented as Shayne, but it gives me a nice ring to my ear when I hear a violin play. The requiem mass finished and it was time for the ceremony. We all walked over and placed flowers on the burnt rubble of the what used to be college. We said our words, and walked away for the next person to speak. When I walked up to the stage, I mentioned everything. It was a total screw up, but I felt that if I were to mention it, now will be the best time. "Look, don't call me hero or give me special treatment when I say this, but I've contemplated enough and gave in. I don't want any looks of a different person when you see me. Just know I'm around. Acknowledge me, but don't praise me. I was here just to talk to a old frie-brother of mine. He was in the dorm room #516, so yes. The fifth floor of the building before it begane to combust." Everyone was silent intentivly listening. I was glad they were listening but am still afraid of their reaction when I'm over this. "So we caught up after not seeing eachother for several years. He changed a lot, believe me" I chuckled, and continued. "After it was about 10:00 he told me he had a final exam to catch up on, the next day around 7:00. So I said my good byes and left. When I got out of the building, I heard gunshots, and finally, the explosion. My breath did get knocked out of me and my first reaction was to run to my car. I regret this fully, that time could've been used later. As I was about to get it and call 911 I figured they'll be late to the scene. I don't know what told me this but I'm forever grateful it did. I yanked the keys out and called 911 as I was running into the blazing building, the fire was raging onto the different floors as it left a big hole on one of the sides of the building. It starting spreading towards the entire structure which made me run faster and faster. The sky was slowly turning red and orange from the ignited building, when I got in the building I heard screaming of what I assume to be victims. I had no time to think of it. But I ran toward my friends room and saw a pipe in his right shoulder. There was already a puddle of blood around him, and he passed out." Some people were gawking as if they don't believe me. It doesn't matter, this has to be shared before I leave. This is for the parents who lost their child because I was too slow. To weak. To late to save any more. "I grabbed him and slung him across my shoulder, and ran out the building. I placed him on my car and ran back in thinking of the others, screaming for mom and pa. I swear that was the only words I could hear, Mom... and Pa... it hurts me to think of it, but I should've saved THEM first. I knew where they were in terms of direction but I stupidly chose random directions and randomly choose rooms like a guy from the lottery picking tickets even though HE KNEW which one was his ticket. But yet, chose to go randomly. I got to the first room to see a girl lying dead on the floor burnt all over. There was nothing I could do, and I don't regret doing this. But I walked over to her dead body and said, 'It'll be over soon.' and I ran out of the room. I did that for every person I found lying dead on the ground. I felt they should at least be respected, for they had been innocent and just trying to gain their place in life. The next room I found habited was a girl lying on her bed unconcious, I picked her up ran through the blazing fire and went to the next room. Then the next. And next. And next. eventually I had made 8 trips, bringing 2 people per trip. As I ran back toward the building... the girl who was screaming for mom and pa ALL THIS TIME! She made a final scream... and the building collapsed. Silence took hold." I was there standing looking at the podium, long enough to realize it was pine wood, and the engravings on it helped me tell it was more than a few years old. Until I heard people talking amongst themselves and slowly I heard foot steps on the stage, it was getting closer to me, until I could hear what sounded like a stampede on the stage. Before I knew it, I was in the middle of a big group hug. Neither of them knew me, but they knew me for what I did. Its not 'special treatment' but it felt nice to be comforted by people who don't even know me well. Its a kind act that I know for a fact, Shayne hasn't recieved. Shaynes POV Well, today should be the day I get out. I awoke in the hostpital again, so I just waited until I got the notice that I'm free to go. I looked over and saw a pine wood bookshelf. I looked to it, I loved to read just like how I enjoy computers and music and stuff. I hate to admit it, but I got good at making techno music. I hate it, but I'm good with it, I learned to play the cello, violin quite well. I'm proud of myself for that, but I'm also great with computers. Not to brag but thats what I went to college for, I only learned the violin and cello because thats my scholarship. Hey, it comes in handy though. I made some money from it, not too much, but it was for a birthday party for a fancy family and of course, classical music was their favorite. Like me, but I'm not so much for the 'I'm rich so praise me!' kind of people. I did it because of the child and the money, now that I say it, or think it... it sounds kinda cruel. A few moments later I just picked up a book and started to read. It was called Daring Do and the Saphire Stone or something like that. It was a rather short book, so I managed to read the entire series in about 4 hours. Don't get me wrong, I was addicted. It was a great book, and if there were to be a fan club, I may actually join! One of those, I finish this book so gimme another! Anyway the doctor came in and gave me papers with the 'ok' to finally leave this place and practice flying again. Hopefully this time I won't blow something up. So with that, I got up, said goodbye to the kind doctors and nurses who were giving me a weird eye as I walked. Oh.. I don't have a cutie mark, I guess its weird for someone as old as me to NOT have a cutie mark. Well if they have a computer around here... maybe I can give it a shot! As I left the hostpital I saw Dashie flying around in the sky, then turned and stopped mid flight and started flying towards me at an alarming speed. She then came to a complete stop and poked me on the nose. "Hey Thunder! You're out of the hostpital at last! Look, thanks for saving me back there, I think if you dodged me, I would have gotten really hurt." "No problem Dashie, anytime! I guess even the best flier in Equestria does have her off days am I right?" I teased her. This made her go red in rage. "Oh is that so! I challenge YOU to a race! First one to sugar cube corner WINS!" "Whoa whoa whoa... This is actually my first time here, so I have no idea where that is." "Oh, right. Maybe the race can wait." She landed next to me and started showing me around town. It was a nice small town with nice cottages. I don't think she noticed that I don't have a cutie mark. Well I'll try keep it that way for no-"BLANK FLAAANK!" and a stream of chuckling followed as I walked pass a few little girl pony's. Two to be exact. "Who're you talkin-" Dashie stopped mid sentence when interupted by one of the little girls, this one had a cutie mark that had a diamond tiara as her cutie mark. "Your friend, you dumb!" She chuckled as she walked away with her friend. "Thunder, I'm sorry but they don-WHOA THEY WERE SERIOUS!" Fuck... Me... "Yea yea... tease all you want. I just haven't found any talents of mine yet..." I was become really uneasy and I guess Dashie noticed because she quickly dropped the subject and started talking about the history of the Wonderbolts and how they became to be the best flier group. I was fairly interested, but she couldn't stop staring at me, it actually kind of bothered me. And well, I didn't say anything either because I didn't really mind it at all. Dashies POV I'm so glad he's finally out of that hostpital. I hate to admit it but he's actualy kinda cute! I wouldn't mind dating him, but he probably doesn't feel the same with me. OH CELESTIA! I've been staring at him throughout my whole talk about the wonderbolts! I quickly jabbed my head away and looked ahead where I was walking. Hopefully he didn't notice. Just then Twilight came from behind, "Hey guys! I'm not interupting something am I?" twilight said with a very mischievous smile on her face. "Huh what? NO!" I think that was a bit too fast of a response because she got a chuckle out of me. I need to be more careful. Especially around him. "Sure sure," Twilight said with a smile on her face. "anyway Thunder! How good to see you well again! I have a welcome present for you!" She brought out a book. A book... wow, way to go Twilight. "Thank you! I wish I had something for you, but... I don't really have anything. I'm sorry." Thunder said apologetically. "Oh no need to apologize Thunder, this is your day! If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?" Wow... Twilight... I think I see where this is going. Didn't think you were one to go after the stallions like that. "Well, I'm about 17" Thunders about 2 years older than me, not that bad... I've seen other couples with more range distances, not that it does matter though. As long as they are about the same range and they like eachother I guess... "Well I'm 14," Twilight stated, "and wow you're actually really big for your age!" She looked up and down on him, I was getting kinda jealous. I need to step up for myself. "I'm 15, so I've still got lots of my prime years left! Haha! Thunder you old fart!" I think teasing him would help gain a relationship with him. Friendship wise at least. As long as he knows I'm kidding then we can be best friends! Or more. Thunder chuckled at my statement and we began talking about the history of Ponyville, then the history of Equestria. I was completely lost when it came to the history of Equestria but, I stuck around. Eventually Twilight said she had places to be, and eventually left us to meet up with whoever. Thunder and I walked around ponyville as now he was more familiar. "Well its getting kinda late Thunder, you wanna grab something to eat before we go to my place?" "Sure, but uh, I don't really have any money... and how has Twilight not noticed me being a... 'blank flank'." "I have no idea, maybe she noticed but didn't show a reaction. She usually isn't so oblivious. Also I'll pay, don't worry about it!" "Are you sure? Thanks!" He had a grin on his face, and he gave me a nice short hug. Though for that short moment, it felt like forever. I wish it was forever. We made it to the ponyville restraunt and he ordered whatever I got. So, to make it funny I ordered the worst thing possible thing on the menu, and some hay. So of course, he got the same thing. I told him to eat the berries first, which was the worst tasting food ever. He did so, and he literally spat it out and jugged the water down his throat. Then spat multiple times. The whole time I was laughing histerically! "That shit was horrible!" Whoa he has quite the tongue... well I guess I do too sometimes. Its exceptable I guess. I did leave a suprise look on my face when he cussed. Usually we use terms like 'feather' and stuff. Oh well. At least he's not afraid to let his feelings out. "AHAHA you really know how to make people have a good time now don't you Thunder!" This is a very memorable moment... taking a picture in my memory book.. done. "Nice one... you're quite the prankster now aren't you!" he said smirking. "Well as a matter of fact... yes." I hope he doesn't see this as a flaw, I hope it won't affect us in the future. FRIENDSHIP WISE gosh.... I'm not really thinking of that just quite yet. I just met him afterall. His looks are great though, and so far he seems like a really nice stallion. "Thank you for the meal though." He ate the rest of the berries and didn't even gag or drink water! He just finished it up, and went straight to the hay! I gawked at his appetite. "Aren't you going to eat to Dashie? It feels awkward to be eating by myself when theres food on your side of the table." he smirked at me again. "Well its just that... how did you... I don't even... What?" "Ahaha trust me. I've eaten many things worst than the berries. I actually anticipated that you would make me eat something horrible, so when I immediatly tasted something bad I over reacted! Haha you should see the look on your face!" He chuckled. "Wow, you got me! Aha you know how to give a mare a good time now don't ya Thunder?" I may have gone too far as the hinting prespective. But I may as well get the full effect so I smiled at him, and started to eat. "Well I suppose so." We finished eating in silence. Considering the odds, today was a really great day. Ooh things are starting to get interesting with RD and Thunder! If Twilight really does have feelings for Thunder, what will be the outcome? Will Sean ever see Shayne again?... Person to Pony wise. What about the others? What do they really feel about Thunder? And why did Celestia choose Shayne specifically to befriend the mane 6? Time will tell. Stick around for next time? More updates comming tomorrow on the marathon! > Sonicstorm? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- WELCOME TO THE SATURDAY WRITE MARATHON! This is the first marathon so comment the crap out of it! I have a group and other stuff going on for this story. Be sure to join or at least visit it! Anyway enjoy! Shayne's POV Today was a really awesome day with Dashie, she's actually really nice, and funny. She's got that playful attitude, and enjoys pranking. Today will be a very memorable day, she keeps staring at me though with those violet eyes, those eyes were really beautiful... what am I saying!? She may be very human in terms of personality but that can never happen! Ugh. I gotta stop with this, gotta keep my mind focused on something else, remember your life, playing the Cello, or Violin. Yea those were pretty good times, I remember it just as if it were yesterday. I started learning the Cello when I was in middle school. The orchestra teacher was really strict, but most of the students goofed off anyway, not to be seeming like the over-achiever here, but I really was. I concentrated and spent most of my time learning the different notes, and rythms as I started to master them. I was the first ever student in that school to ever skip a grades (musically) I started from beginning orchestra, and jumped straight into the junior orchestra! I took my music playing very seriously, but all the guys from the junior classes would tease me for being small, different, and an over-achiever. I hated myself, but I didn't want to lose music sight, so I disregarded their harsh words and continued playing. Eventually the violin took over me, and I started learning that too, it was pretty difficult learning two very different instruments at the same time, but you get used to it. At the time, I wanted to become a professional musician, while that quickly moved onto computer programming. Yet, I've never lost sight of loving music, and I hope I never will. Hmm maybe thats how I can get my cutie mark! Maybe I'll get a bass cleff for the cello, or a treble for violin. Only one way to find out I guess. "Hey Dashie?" "Yea Thunder... actually Thunder may get old no offence, hows about I call you storm. Thats a pretty cool name, don't you think?" I was ok with this. "Yea that actually sounds pretty awesome if I do say so myself. I was going to ask you where I could get my hooves on some instruments. Preferably a cello and violin." "Oh. Well actually we don't have a musical store here that sells violins or cellos." Just my luck. "I think we may have some in Canterlot, or Manehattan." Great, if only I knew how to get there. "By any chance, will there be an occasion where all of us end up going there anyway?" "Actually the Gala would be the perfect time for you to grab some instruments! It's going to be held at the castle in Canterlot, Maybe after we can get you some instruments!" "That'll be great Dashie! Uhm, you have any idea where I could get a job? I know I just got here, but I could get my hands on some money." "Well you can either work for some people by doing chores, but I'm sure Applejack would be happy to let in a friend for some work." I looked up at the sun and saw it to be edging towards the horizon, so it must be around 7:00 to 8:00. "I'll get started at AJ's tomorrow morning I guess, it seems that the suns heading down and they're probably eating at this moment. Best we not interrupt them." "Alright, this way to my house!" She took off quickly leaving a trail of rainbow behind her. How did she do that? Oh well, I'm not going to complain or anything, because that's realy cool. I'm not going to lie or not mention my curiosity, but I did actually try to touch the rainbow before I took off. The rainbow was like floating water, I put my hand on it, and it immediately broke the rainbow and started moving around like blobs of color. As I followed her to my house, I could see that I was flying faster than ever before, faster than when I threw Dashie into the lake before I hit another tree. So, I guess this was the fastest I've flown in my life. Well considering that this was the only time I've actually had wings to try. I was flying low towards the ground and people were yelling at me for speeding quickly down the market place, but I didn't pay too much attention, I continued flying low, dodging people as they walked by and everynow and then ascend into the air and drop back down. I wasn't out of control, so the adrenaline was rushing through me making me want more of this. So when I saw Dashie take off to the right, I could see her house already, a cloud castle looking house. It had rainbows spewing over it making a small pond of rainbow on the bottom. Acknowledging where the house was located, I took off to the left and went really high performing loops in the air, and doing struts as I skip the ground at top speed and take off expertly. I went as high as I could and... having all this adrenaline in me just kept me going higher until the air got too thin for me to keep up. I let myself fall... and fall... 200ft.. 150...100... then I spread my wings and pushed toward the ground now at top speed. I put my hands in front of me long ago as I started to freefall. I knew that if I wanted to get out of this perfectly, I would have to spread my wings at just the right time and take off to avoid any damage. 50ft... I noticed a cone forming around my hand and surrounding my body. I kept going. 40... The cone turned into a sharp aura. 30... the aura forming around me became hole, I began hearing a sizzling sound, then eventually a blue circle followed by a large explosion sound, though nothing was destroyed except a few windows. The golden circle spread across the entire landscape I was over, I continued flying downwards realizing my accomplishment... whatever I just did. I flew back up and hovered as I watched in awe, whatever I did, was probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Just then I heard screaming and hollering at me... not in the bad way, but in a good way. "YOU DID IT!!! YOU DID IT!!! squeeling I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD DO THAT! YOU DID IT ON YOUR FIRST ATTEMPT! AMAZING!" That was Dashie telling me this? She seemed more of the type who wouldn't let anyone get better than her, or even seem good, as a comparison. Well she wasn't comparing... yet. "You are actually a very talented flier! You know what, you should try out for the wonderbolts like me!" she said that ever so proudly. "I will actually, thanks for the support Dashie!" I gave her a big mid air hug, and started off towards her house so we could sleep. "Hey Dashie, what was that thing I just performed back their anyway?" "Well for me it'll be called a sonic rainboom. Only because when I attempt it and succeed..." She looked down and I just pulled her head up. She looked away and did her best to avert her eyes. "because... I'm only able to perform it if someones in trouble. So when I do perform it successfully, its a rainbow. Yours was golden very much like your eyes, but it had a surrounding of blue in the middle. The sound it made when you completed it, it wasn't much of a 'boom' it was more of a thunder crackle. Heh no wonder why your parents called you Thunder!" She chuckled, this probably means that she's feeling better talking about this, I'm glad she's feeling better. "So would mines be called... Sonicthunder? I have no idea..." "I guess, you know what? It actually has a ring to it! You can perform a 'Sonicthunder' and I can perform a Sonic Rainboom!" Its about 10:00 now, we should really be getting to bed. I feel bad about lieing about my age. Although in this world I do feel a lot younger! Actually you are just as you said, you are 17. When you were transferred in this world, you had to be set to our time as well. So you are 17. Your birthday remains the same, July 18th. Our month names are the same, though our holidays are named differently. "Thank you." Crap... I just said that aloud. "What?" Dashie seemed curious on who I was 'talking' to. Don't worry, I won't be spying on you, but I can hear concerns. So whenever it happens, I'll fill you in on information, as you go. The date is Julty 14th. You can tell me things by just thinking about me, and your thought. So you don't 'have' to say things aloud to communicate with me. 'Thank you Princess Celestia' Well you can just call me Celestia. No need for formal talk. she chuckled and her voice soon dissipated. "Don't worry about it Dashie. Lets get some shut eye when we get to your place though." I smiled at her, at least I don't have the guilt of the lieing anymore, since techinically I accidentally told the truth. Even though it would've been not that big of a deal, it bothered me anyway. As soon as we got into her 'domain' as she likes to call it. She took her shower, and then I took mine. Her house was puffy all over, it was also very soft. She asked me why I was so amazed, and I told her the very truth. Well most of it. I told her that where I came from, I didn't really focus much on flying, and that was the only REAL time I did. Most of the time, I'll be focused on school, or playing instruments. I didn't mention computers because I doubt there'll be such a thing in this world. It seemed low tech, without offense of course, I liked it here more than ever! I told her that I only had one friend throughout my life, I didn't tell her his name because she wouldn't understand and become suspicious of me. So I quickly changed it and continued. "You know what Stormy," I guess thats a new nickname for me. "one day after the Gala, I want to hear you play some music for me. Can you sing too?" She asked with a grin on her face and eyes wide. "Well I usually don't sing because... I'm not the best." I was afraid she'll ask me that. I had a horrible fear singing for others, especially if its a girl. I get so nervous that I end up sweating from head to toe. Ugh please don't make me... "Well if you 'can' then do it! For me. Pleeeeaaseee!" When she said 'For me'... nevermind about it. "Do I really have to?" I had a pouting face on, my best one at that. "Well... you are letting me live here for now, so I guess I 'have' to." And I did so. Dashies POV Wow his voice is amazing. I haven't really heard of a song like this before, but it was quite soothing. I walked up to my bed motioning him to follow me, and I told him softly so he wouldn't stop singing to share beds because I only had this one. IT WASN'T A 'MOVE' I JUST DIDN'T WANT HIM SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR! Geez... Anyway he did so, and he sung to me until he fell asleep. His voice was just wonderful. Wow, so he's a talented flier, musician from what I assume, and a great singer! "Heh, you never cease to amaze me Stormy." "And you never cease to amaze me Dashie." He turned to face me and poked my muzzle. And I did the same thing back. Eventually he fell asleep again and I was dozing off too. I looked toward the clock and realized it was only 11:14. I thought of doing something nice for him. Should I make him breakfast in bed? Hmm lame. What does he like... music... the cello and violin! Maybe tomorrow I can convince him to take off plans of asking AJ for work and I could fly with him to Canterlot! Maybe then we could go to a musical store and get him some instruments! I don't exactly have much bits on me right now, lets see... After recounting my spendings and earnings, I realized how much I should have in the bank. The bank closes at 12:00 maybe I could check how much I have. I looked at the clock again, 11:46 gotta run! I meticulously got out of the bed without disturbing Storm and rushed out of the house to get to the bank. "Excuse me, uhm can I check my current statement?" "Sure dear, whats your first and last name, then I need you to put your hoof on this panel." I did so, following the usual steps. And the number came up 257,157 bits. WOW! That's a lot of bits! I had no idea! This would be enough to get me a TV from Canterlot! Nopony here has them because they cost about 7,000 bits for the cheapest! I could be the only pony here with one! I guess when we go to Canterlot, Storm and I could go shopping! I got back home and got to bed with Storm again. Tomorrow was about to be a great day. *Authors notes: And thus the saturday marathon BEGINS! > What Just Happened? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *How do you like the marathon so far? Remember to comment the crap out of this! It could be anything like, peanut butter! or BUTTERFLIES THAT ARE IN THE HOUSE ARE SO RARE BECAUSE USUALLY THEY'RE ALL OUTSIDE AND STUFF! Anything! Even just reactions to the story that you got as you read along. Enjoy the rest of the marathon! Still Dashie's POV Yawn.... I slowly awoke and saw that Storm wasn't next to me anymore. I looked up at the time, 10:22 I SLEPT IN! I hope he didn't leave for AJ's yet! I got out of bed and just like everyday, didn't bother to fix my hair. I trotted down to the living room to see Storm just about to leave. "WAIT!" Storm stopped abrubtly and turned his head around and smiled. "Hey Dashie, I was just on my way to AJ's to ap-" "Whoa whoa whoa. Not yet. That can wait, but first we need to get you some stuff. Then after, get me some stuff. Whatever seems to come first." "Uhh ok, sounds like fun!" He looked like he took the time to groom his mane and splash water on his face, he didn't look tired at all after performing his first Sonicstorm. "Hey, did you eat? You look quite hungry." "Well, its your house, I'm not going to go through your food and just eat." He said grinning, he's really nice and considerate of others. I told him to not worry about it and to just help himself next time, I asked him if there was anything he'd prefer to eat. "Apples I guess... You're making me feel like I'm being a burden on you. Do you promise to let me pay you back after I get a job around here?" "You don't need t-" He cut me short. It must be serious, because he rarely does that. "Please... you wouldn't understand. I'm sorry for making this a bit awkward but, its kinda a thing that happened in the pass that I never want to go through again." he seemed quite bothered about this. I best just listen and let him pay me back. "Ok ok... look. If theres anything bothering you, just let me know. I may not be like any of the others, believe me. I'm not the best at turning frowns upside down and all but I can try." "Thank you. But this is something I prefer not to talk about." "Ok..." Knowing I can't do something makes my stomach twist and turn, but I guess I'll have to accept that. Anyway my job as being the president of the weather pony's really makes pay well... I should go tell the vice that I won't be in today, and I'll be back tomorrow. I'll just say its important business. "Hey Storm, promise me you'll wait here for a bit. I'll be back shortly. I'm going to tell the Vice President of the weather company I'm taking off today." "Ok, wait. Shouldn't you tell the President of the company that?" heheh, this is going to be fun. "Well you just did." heheh... "What? I don't get i- OOOH!" I don't know why this is so entertaining but it is! "Yea, so anyway I gotta go tell the Vice Pres I'll be back in a bit." "Alright see you later!" And with that, I'm off to tell the Vice. Seans POV Sigh... its been another three miserable days... the funeral went well though, and nobody treated me any different yet. I want to check on Shayne though. I hope he's doing fine. I began thinking really hard about Shayne and with hope Redheart would appear in my head. Sure enough, here he was. I see you're thinking about Shayne again. 'I'm always thinking about him, its just that I want to see him now, so... can you do that for me?' Ok let me set it up... OH CELESTIA! A bright light took over me and gobbled me up into a never ending void. I awoke in a forest, it seemed like no time has passed, it was day out. But how did I get here? 'Redheart! You there?' I looked around and got up. I feel taller here for some reason. The tree's were hitting my head constantly, so I'll have to keep low. I found some fallin branches and sharp rock so I decided that I should make a shelter before night falls. I don't want to stay in the rain or anything. I also don't know where this is, for all I know this could be a dangerous area filled with poisonous snakes and stuff. I shuffled my hands around and found my switch blade in my pocket. I flipped the blade out and started making sharp sticks slightly curved and formed a nice sharp wooden spear. Hopefully this will be enough to survive. I climbed tree's to see above the canopy, to realize I was in the middle of nowhere, and I can't even contact Redheart. I'm alone now, and I need to survive. For Shayne. I used my spear and managed to capture a few rabits. Every so often I would hear random noises which would make me flinch and turn around, finding nothing all the time, I just kept walking when I heard similar noises. I came across a cave and without really thinking, I walked in. Thankfully it was uninhabited, but it clearly was. I saw some supplies like, apples, and hay? Hmm... I continued searching the small cave until I found an axe and a pickaxe. It was pretty self explanitory what each of this was to be used for. So seeing I needed some firewood, I grabbed the axe and started hacking the trees. It was near the end of the day, and I've caught 4 rabbits, and had plenty enough firewood to keep wolfs or whatever away from me as I sleep. It was hard to sleep on the ground but if I didn't I wouldn't have the strength for tomorrow. I forced myself to sleep. I couldn't help but wonder where Shayne is, how he's doing, and what he could be doing without me. Of course the human mind makes you think of the worst possible thing, so I was thinking Shayne was in a middle of a cave, and had another pipe in his arm, and was bleeding to death screaming for my help. As I slowly dozed into a cavern of sleep, I dreamt of it. Shayne was his gray pony with a blue mane, and his golden eyes. He was walking in the cavern slowly descending into Earths unknown. He slipped and started to fall down a crevice to earths center. A pipe that was sticking out of the ground punctured his front left arm, as he continued to slide into the crevice. Soon he was falling screaming for help, and my name soon after. The dream soon flashed to white as it brought me back to the moment where the burning college was still in shape. Because I couldn't control my dream, I walked inside the college, and went towards Shaynes room. Numbers were playing through my head in loops. 516... 516... 516 it came down like a gambling machine that only had those numbers. 5... 1... 6... when I finally reached the room after those dreaful numbers, playing in my head, Shayne was lying on the floor burning. Then an explosion could be heard to my right, I saw two men with bags and guns. Demanding money from people after the explosion. They made their cash and quickly ran out leaving those in the building to die. The room number of Shaynes room changed from 516, to 615. The exact numbers backwards. The two criminals went inside the room 615 and looted the burning body of its wallet, and whatever important items before they left. They walked through me like I was a ghost. They couldn't see me, or anything. I was nothing but a spectator of the incident. One of the crmininals holding nothing but a gun took off his mask and I recognized him. he was my friend Ronald. We called him Ron for short, his dream was to be a bomb specialist. He was 4 years older than me making him 31. He told the others to get the hell out because the building would be crashing shortly. He ran down to the fifth floor and... I saw me. At room 516, carrying Shayne out. Ron moved quickly so he was hidden from me again, a moment later after I was down stairs, he moved out toward the stairs too. He jumped out of the second floor window and rolled on the ground expertly so that he wouldn't be injured. He picked up the bag, and the gun and fled the burning building. The dream flashed again. Now I was in a small room, I assume this is the college again, before it blew up. This time it was a girl. She was studying advanced marien biology and calculus. Her facebook was on, her name was Mary Doe. She was wearing blue jeans, and a white top. She had her cases open and it looked like she was packing up to leave. She picked up her phone and called her mom saying she was going to be at the airport soon, and that she was going to see her soon. She said "I love you mommy, I miss you so much. Tell daddy I love him and I miss him too. See you soon! Bye bye..." then she hung up placed her phone in her carry on bag and updated her facebook status. The clock on her computer said it was 10:59, one minute before the blast. She updated her status saying, "I'm leaving college for good now! Studying is done, and now its time to get a job! I finally have a place in life!" then she closed her computer and placed it in her bag. I prayed that this was one of the girls I had saved, not because she had a life out. But it would leave me guilty to know about her, and see that I didn't do anything about it. This may be a dream, but this also may be a vision from their point of view. She zipped up her case and looked at the grandfather clock that was in her room. Every room had it. Then the time went to 11:00 and the building exploded again. The first thing she did was freak out, and grab her suitcases to leave. She opened the door then I saw the numbers 615... Oh no. A burst of flames came in the door and set her afire. She was screaming for mom and dad, but I already knew her faith as soon as the door opened. She was set to die. Shortly after the cold blooded hell forsaken Ron came in the room and LOOTED her! This made me outraged, but I couldn't do anything. I was nothing more than a shadow. A spectator. This, was not the Ron I once knew. He's different. He's mad. He doesn't deserve anything, not friendship, not love, not even sympathy if he were to lose an arm. He doesn't deserve the family he has. He doesn't deserve anything. He doesn't even deserve to die, he deserves to live a life knowing what he's done. He deserves to live nothing but hell. He deserves a life full of nothing, but hate. Hate shall be thrown upon to him through an unusual force of defeat that shall shower his will of his murderous actions. He shall be exposed and shunned throughout society leaving his life as insociable as possible. Solitary confinement would be shown as a lucky thing for him. There he will get food, even as sloppy as it is, its not something he should get. He deserves the same shit he gave to everyone else in the fire. He deserves the shit that he lied to us about. The day he realizes that what he did was wrong, is the same day I tell everyone and expose his wrongings to the world. He will be put into justification, not by the government. But the same inhumane way as what he's probably done to everyone in that building. Death would only be sympathically punsihing him. He deserves, hell. Knowing that he's survived, makes me glad that I can be his personal gateway. *Wow... what a chapter... what do you guys think? Is Ron really just a 'bad guy' from his dream, or is he really a good guy in real life, but Sean's dream is just telling him otherwise to make him seem like the bad guy. Explanation of how RD is rich shall be explained now. Her job was Captain of the weather pegasi, she was recently promoted to President, and her promotion allows 600,000 bits per year. Food, gifts, and other is about 10,000 bits per year on the average. The home upkeeps, morgage is about 450,000 bits per year. How she bought it would be explained next chapter. Other bills like running water and stuff; 25,000 bits per year. She's cautious about spending money, which shows why she's able to save THAT much money. Ok thats all. Marathon is going to continue until I my fingers or head hurts. Whatever comes first. > Buying Buying Buying > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shayne POV Mmm... these are really great apples! I wonder if I like these foods because I'm a pony now. sigh I can't keep this a secret forever now can I? I mean I can't keep this secret with my friends forever. If they ever do find out eventually they'll never trust me again. I... don't know anymore. "Hey Storm, I'm back!" "Oh hey Dashie, everything go fine with the Vice?" "Oh yea, they gave me the ok to go ahead and enjoy myself... they didn't think I was going to do anything serious, but they let me go anyway, so lets make time and make our way to canterlot!" I nodded and just then, we were out the door and on our way to canterlot. Wow this is actually a really big city! I was walking around the city, but I couldn't keep my eyes off Dash. I was slightly behind her, so maybe she didn't notice, but when I did, I blushed and kept my head faced foward. I couldn't help but glance at her every so often. Eventually we entered a music store. Wait... I don't have money for this! Maybe we're just window shopping. I calmed down and started admiring some of the cellos and violins which were conveniently right next to eachother. "Dashie, uhm why are we here again?" I asked very sheepishly. "To get yourself some music and instruments of course!" She looked back at me anxiously waiting patiently for me to choose a violin or cello and leave. "Go ahead, I'll pay for it, you can go ahead and grab yourself a cello and violin. I know how much you like instruments!" She smiled at me and I thanked her and gave her a hug. She blushed! Haha! So with that, I got to work at choosing a cello. But this is different wood and strings, I have no idea which would make the best sound, so I did the next best. I talked to the person at the counter. "Excuse me miss..." "Why hello there," she eyed me up and down examining my body structure. "well I certainly never seen you around these isles before. Are you a new player?" "Well actually, I'm quite experienced." "Hmm, I've never seen a pegasi that enjoyed playing music before, so why are you here? My name is Octavia just for future refrences." "I was looking foward to buying a cello and violin actually." "Oh really?" She said in much excitement. "Well as a matter of fact, the cello is my main instrument! And my first too. I did take time off to expertise violin which I have spent a few years learning." "Me too! My first instrument was the cello, and in my school, we had a orchestra... well not exactly my grade though. I only been in my grade level orchestra for one year before they had to move me to the symphonic orchestra. I quit playing in the orchestra because I felt that they were holding me back. I decided spending all my time at home practicing the cello, until I found myself playing a violin. Before you know it, I was playing both instruments expertly!" I think I was too excited because it felt like I was going on and on about a topic nobody really cared about. I do this too much, but I take advantage of when people listen to me because that rarely happens to me on Earth. "Sorry for rambling on and on. Heheh..." "Oh no worries, I'm quite interested though, how can someone like you be so talented and not have your own instrument?" Oh god... got to think of a lie quickly! Uh... I said school orchestra so maybe I can get away with saying that I had permission from the school to use their instruments. That sounds pretty good. "The school gave me permission to borrow their instruments until I graduate." "Thats nice of them. So how can I help you with your instruments? I'd be glad to give you a discount. IF you join me for a practice after." Wow! I get to play my favorite instruments with an actual professional! I wonder how different it'll be without exactly... having fingers. We'll see. "Thank you so much! And I'll be glad to join you for a practice session, but can you help out picking a good instrument, in terms of brand and how long it'll last. You know." "Well this one, the mando brand is the one I use. Its the best one out! I'll be willing to give it to you as a gift though." Wow! That's really thoughtful of her! But I can't do that. Though it'll save Dashie money, but I am paying her back. UGH... "Thats nice of you, but I can't let you do that, it seems like an awful expensive instrument. I can't let you do that for me." "Well..." Octavia seemed puzzled trying to think of a solution. Please god let her just let me go! "whens your birthday?" "July 18th. Why?" "YES! Just as I hoped! Its nearing your birthday so here's your early present! No ifs ands or buts. Nothing will change my mind." I guess now I can't say no. But someone is definately going to get a good present when her birthday comes around. "Alright alright... you win. Since the topic is on, whens your birthday? You too Dashie." Dashie let out an eep when she heard her name being called. "April 24th." Replied Dashie in a nervous voice. "October 15th." replied Octavia, she had a nice black mane and gray coat. Her gray coat was similar to mine, but hers shined in the light, mines just remained a color. After a while of talking, Dashie soon joined the conversation, and I got a Mandobrand violin, and a Mandobrand cello. She threw in the Mandobrand bows for free, and somehow convinced me to accept it. Dashie bought me a nice shiny black cello and violin case. Octavia and I discussed on the meeting date for our practice session. When everything was decided, we told our new friend that it was time for us to be going. We said our good byes and left. So today, I so far accomplished getting a new cello and violin that are the best brands, and making a new great friend that shares similar interests like me. "She was a very nice pony now wasn't she Dashie?" She looked angry for some reason. Wait was she? Jealous? Hmm... "Dashie?..." "Oh yea Stormy?" Stormy again... Somethings up... I'll get to it when we get back to her house. "Where we heading now?" "We're going to get some extra electronic stuffs, not sure what yet, but we're heading there." Electronics? Perhaps I was wrong about not being able to use computers. I won't ask just in case. "Cool." She could tell I was excited about this. It was too obvious already, I had a really big smile on my face. Then I realized, why are we walking when we could be flying? "Hey, why are we walking?" "Hmm, good question. Well the million bit answer would be that you have two instruments to carry you dumb!" She laughed and it was cute enough for me to let her go, so I joined in with the laughter. "By the way Storm, you're going to have to play me a song." "Of course, but let me get used to playing again. I haven't held one of these in forever." Literally! We continued walking until we came across a large store that read, "Electronics, and Accessories." we walked in and to my amazement, the first thing I noticed was computer discs. There were some stuff like game creator essentials, similar to ones on Earth, just named differently. I walked up to it and started examining it. "Storm, if you need me I'll be over there." She pointed towards the TV's and computers. Yes! Not only can I make random useless junk on the computer, I may be the only one here who knows what the hay he's talking about when it comes to this! I'm so happy! But I can't ask Dashie to get a computer for me after she already bought me a violin and cello. Well, until I get my hands on 'bits' as they call money here, I guess I should look around for some cool stuff. Well, look at this! It's a computer with a quad-core processor, 48gb ram, and I guess similar to an HP Z600 workstation, but it had a blue aura glowing in the inside. Quite a nice computer I must say. Dashie noticed me in deep concentration as I was studying the computer. "If you really want a computer, I don't mind getting you one." I could easily make some profit off of this, and suprisingly this hunk of a computer, and I mean that in a good way. This is one of the best computers you can get for programming back on Earth. Anyway the prince of this piece of art is only 250 bits. Thats like... amazing! I assume that 1 bit is equal to 1 dollar. So considering this would cost a couple thousand, this is a really good deal! I could also become quite popular with this. "Well, I didn't want to say this, but I know my way around a computer. I know how I can make money from this as well. So if you want to get this for me is up to you." "Well I guess its settled, I'm going to get a computer of your choice. Which one will it be?" She just enjoys making me pick... well I can easily make the money back from this. So I may as well go all out and get her payed back in a month. I told her all the requirements and she just nodded her head and started gathering the items. She only picked the best items, like if there were to be a mediocre item that would've been good enough, she would just skip passed it and get the best of that item. I don't know where she's getting all this money, but if its her money... I can't stop her. But I will definately share the money between profits I make. If I make profits, I don't even know how much people even own a computer with internet, which I have also learned that it exists in Equestria. After another 4 ours of shopping, I got all of my stuff. "Hey Storm, not to seem rude but I have no idea whats good when it comes to electronics, and you seem like the perfect nerd when it comes to it." Haha I saw that coming from the moment she started her sentence! "So what do you think would be a good TV that would fit nicely in the living room?" This should be easy enough. Her living room had a lot of space considering it was basically a minerature castle or a very large fort. So every room in there was spacious. Alright so... "How much money are you willing to spend on the TV?" "Whatever is the best, it should work... just not too expensive." Well I can understand that, so why is she buying me all this stuff? It took us another hour to find the perfect size, it was a 42inch by 20 inch. it was a pretty odd formation but it worked. And again, it was suprisingly cheap. It was 500 bits. So we gathered all of the stuff and took it to the counter, she payed, and we left. I can't wait to set up the computer. The pony at the counter told us that they would move all the furniture we got; aka: the TV and cable, and internet. So I guess the computer stuff would have to wait. The gala should be comming up soon, I should take Dashie. She would probably like that. Wait the Princess's are going to be hosting the Gala, maybe I can ask them for tickets to go! 'Princess Celestia? you there?' This is Luna. How may I assist you? 'When will the Gala be taking place? And no, this isn't a silly question for me. I want to take Dash out to the gala, she's done so much for me already.' Of course, I'll send a two tickets for you two and the Gala will be hosted on the 20th of July. 'Thank you so much Princess Luna!' You need not call us Princess, we are your friends, so you may just call us Luna or Celestia. You don't need to be formal, but thank you for acknowledging. I've got to continue with my work now. I'll be seeing you soon! With that we stopped the telepathic connection. I didn't know I could speak to Luna as well, this was new to me, but not suprising at all. How can I approach Dashie with this. She's been so nice to me though, so I can't just let that go by, I need to do this. As Dashie walked out the door, two Gala tickets appeared in front of my face, and I quickly tucked them under my wing and grabbed my cello and violin then made my way out the door shortly after thanking the clerk at the counter. How am I going to do this... *Authors notes: Thanks for reading the Saturday Mare-athon! (thank you taco234) and as spring is edging to the end (at least for me because I go to a public school) updates on week days (excluding fridays) will be every other day. Sorry about that, and the update on Sunday will be late. I have an outing early morning to spend some time with my dad. So without further adieu, I hope you enjoyed these chapters on the Saturday Mare-athon! I've just recently become more organized so I have an idea book that can fit in my pocket. So hopefully things aren't as random anymore. Meh... its not really an idea book when I think of it. Its more of just a way to keep track of names, ages, occupations that occur within this story. Mandobrand=popular musician on youtube. hopefully no copyright will come from this. Meh... curse my laziness to come up with names! Well see you all later! > What is That? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Authors notes Congratulate me for being the 'Derpy' today! I'm so mad right now I could just scream "Aaaaaah..." But seriously I had written the chapter and completed it, then I was about to send it to my editor my internet browser said, "Nah its fine. You should redo it. BOOM" so here I am once again. Lets start. And sorry for the really late update. Shayne’s birthday. Two days before the Gala. I awoke with Dashie on my side giving me a hug with her head on my chest... awkward? I don't know I kind of like it. Not wanting to wake her, I just laid there thinking about Sean and his current life. I once again dozed off into sleep and began dreaming. I was in my college, before it blew up. I saw everything. I saw Ronald... or Ron, who was apparently Sean's friend, he had been the reason, the cause for the explosion. He was the gunman... or one of them. He had brought pals with him, I had seen two. I saw him kill two people before the explosion. I saw him loot a girl in room 615. The room directly above me. I saw him jump out of the window and talking to himself. I don't know what to think of this, was this really just a dream? Did Ron even exist, doesn't matter. "What did I just do!" Ron was staring at his hands. He started to punch and slap himself until he started bleeding. "I'm such a fool! I did unforgivable things! I blew up a college for DAMN SAKE!! Why... why, why, why!" He started violently punching himself until he was unconscious. I was so wanting to punch him and beat him up at the time. But being that this was a dream, I had no control. I looked back at the building that was still blazing in fire, then I saw a Sean running in and out of the building grabbing them and running towards his car, which was far enough from the heat. But close enough so he could get back in the hell hole. He was literally running into hell and back. Just as he was about to go in for the ninth time, the building made a harsh screech and it collapsed on the rest of the living. Couldn't have been moments later, but when I turned around, all of Ron's items were left on the ground. His gun, his bag full of stuff, and his mask. The only thing that was missing was Ron. He couldn't have just gotten up and ran. There was a mysterious circle of black ash surrounding the rock that he was sitting on. The dream flashed to white and I awoke with Dashie still on my side, but not hugging me anymore. Her head was still on my chest, and she was smiling. I moved out of bed and started downstairs to the kitchen. I walked toward the kitchen table when I saw a room I've never seen before. It wasn't locked, but I was afraid of invading Dashie’s privacy. I wanted to go in, but I can't, if Dashie found out I was in here... she would never forgive me if it was supposed to be private. Fighting my temptation, I finally walked away and grabbed my cello. I started tuning, surprisingly it was pretty easy. I was able to hold it right and hold the bow. I started playing simple arpeggios and chromatics. When I got comfortable again, I started playing the first song I've learned. I heard hoof steps coming from the stairs, but I didn't let it phase me. "Hey Dashie." I stopped playing the cello, and turned around to see her smiling at me as she walked down the stairs. She had the bed head mane, and the baggy eyes. "Don't stop, keep playing." She demanded of me. I gave her a simple smile and nodded. I started playing her a song I've learned and memorized when I was in the Junior high symphony. She sat down on the couch and listened until the song was finished. This song in particular was made for a cello, so there were no violin parts in it, or anything. Strictly for cello. "That was really nice Storm, and by the way, happy birthday!" How did she know? The only pony that should know is Celestia and Luna. "How did you know it’s my birthday?" "Well it wasn't exactly MY fault that you told Octavia your birthday and I just so happened to be there." Now that explains it! "So... You're the only one who knows yeah? Besides Octavia. I really should be careful when I'm talking to other ponies." Sheepish face... 'on'. "Well I don't know why you're trying to keep most of your life a secret with us anyway." "Trust me. The less you know, the better for everyone. So you didn't answer my question... who else knows?" I walked up to her and poked her muzzle. "Well I told Twilight, so she probably told Fluttershy, who probably told Rarity, who probably told Pinkie... But I only told Twilight... so good luck." She smiled at me and gave me a little punch on my side. "So AJ doesn't know?" "Oh, she was busy at her farm the whole time, so I don't think she's even been near any of us since when we first met." Interesting. I want to keep it like that, but eventually it’s going to spread... Pinkie does have a rather big mouth after all. "Alright, fair enough. I'm going to practice some violin. I'm sure Octavia would want to be playing the cello at the practice session, so I'd best be working on that." I grabbed the violin and put the cello away in the case. I started at the door when Dash gave me a hug. "Whoa!" "Sorry... I don't know what got over me. Sorry..." she backed away and looked down and averted her eyes as much as possible. "Well I can't say I expected that, but I also didn't say I enjoyed it." She looked up nervously and looked in my eyes, and shot them away. I walked up to her and gave her a hug and I poked her muzzle again and walked back toward the door. "See ya soon!" I winked at her and then closed the door, then started flying away somewhere quiet. Somewhere near the Everfree would be nice. Nobody hangs around there, maybe that will be the best spot for me to practice. I'm not going to lie, I was a gamer back on Earth, so I did learn a few songs from Kingdom Hearts and Zelda. I would play improvised versions of 'The Song of Storms'. I remember once when I played it, it actually began raining and thunder could be heard from a distance. I couldn't do it again, but it was still a nice song to play. So I did, before I started working on actual music from my symphony. I couldn’t quite remember the names of the songs, but I could remember the tunes flowing through my head as I played. This was probably as relaxing as it could get. I'm surprised I'm not failing because I'm not using fingers to pluck, and tug with the bow. Amazing. Seans POV Clack!........ Clack!..... Today is Shayne's birthday and I'm chopping wood to make a spear. If Shayne were in my position, he would be exploring to find me. I should be doing the same. It's been a few days and I've eaten nothing but rabbit, and apples from trees. I should have enough to travel for a few days, maybe I should look for him. With luck I could find the town he's in. I started my walk going north. ... ... ... ... ... It’s been miles already and nothing. No sign of life, no sign of civilization. Well there’s no turning back now. Must keep walking... The sun was directly above the canopy, so it must be near mid-day or past. I got up when the sun just hit the horizon, so its been about six hours. Just keep walking... I climbed a few hills and I saw what I thought was a pegasus, but it probably was a bird. But if it wasn't... I must keep heading that way... so I did. ... ... ... ... I climbed a taller hill and saw a cloud that had multiple rainbows coming out of it from the bottom, almost like liquid. Then on the top of the cloud I saw a rainbow. A really short one. I kept walking towards it. I was admiring the surroundings as I walked, as there were new species of animals I've never seen before. There was an odd like chicken walking around. It had piercing red eyes, and I quickly ran away. Something told me to stay as far away from that creature as possible. I ran dodging trees and branches that got in my way, and eventually I saw the near end of the forest. I thought I heard a violin being played... it sounded really nice, so I followed the music. It led me to a lone pony with a gray coat, dark blue mane, and golden eyes playing the violin on a hill. "Shayne?" The music stopped as he turned around and his eyes grew ever so wide and he just stared at me pokerfaced. "Sean?" he finally spoke up. "What the hell are you doing here?" He placed his instruments down and flew up to me giving me a hug. He smelled like shampoo and he had a single strand of red hair on his mane. I picked it and showed it to him. "What’s this I see?" He turned red and spoke up. "Look, here is not the best place to exactly be talking. I don't know why the Princesses let you remain human but the point is, NOBODY CAN SEE YOU! Not like this. You're a human, humans don't exist here in Equestria. Everypony will freak out if they saw you. It'll cause trouble to the Princesses if you're seen!" Ouch... not exactly a warm welcoming. "Well, what do I do?" "Well firstly I apologize for the way I reacted when you showed up... And for a solution... I don't know. I don't think Dashie wou-" "Dashie? Who's that?" "A very close friend of mine.. She lives in the house up there. It’s a long story, but you need to hide. Uhh... maybe I can ask her if you can stay with her too." "Uhm okay?" Shayne’s POV I took off for Dashie’s house again, leaving Sean in the dust. Maybe I should tell the Princesses? Nah... I don't want Sean to lose his human form, he always said he liked being unique. Heheh... well this is going to be like hell when I explain this to Dashie... I reached her house and started searching for her. "Dashie, you here?" I was continuing to walk around. It was a Saturday, so she shouldn't have work today. Over the weekends, all weather pegasi have their days off. Unless there was some emergency of course. I walked up the stairs to her room and found her sleeping. I shook her awake. "Dashie, get up. There’s something really important I gotta tell you. Nobody can know and I'm going to trust you with this okay?" "Hmm? What is it Storm?" She looked up with her bed eyes, she was barely half awake. "My friend is here, and he doesn't have a place to stay. I also doubt he can get a job for a while, he's not injured or anything. He's just different, and I'm sure that everypony will need time to accept that he's here, and existing as one of us. So... I guess what I'm asking is... if-" I was cut short. "He could stay here? Well of course he can, if he's a friend of yours then I'm sure he's nice. Just make sure he doesn't screw anything up." "Thank you, but before I bring him in here, you need to promise to keep his existence a secret." "Okay I will, and I won't freak out either. I hope..." With that, I gave her a hug and flew out to grab him. I hope he could stand on clouds because I heard only pegasi could touch and move clouds. Sure enough, he could. I opened the door for him, and he was in awe of being able to stand on clouds. He was actually going to taste it, but I told him no. Weird. "Dashie, I'd like you to meet my friend, Sean." The cyan pony looked up at Sean and just went in awe. She just stared at him. We were still outside at the time, but Sean had to crouch to be seen and to fit through the door. He was about twice the size as me, and my head was already only two inches below the door. "Wha... Wha... What is he?!" "He's a human... look, we have a lot to talk about. I'm going to tell you about the real me." *Authors notes, sorry for the late chapter, I know it seems rushed and everything, but I really was out of it today. Believe it or not, I was on this for about 4 hours. Heh. My bad. Anyway, what do you guys think so far? Thanks AppleMLP for editing all my spelling and obvious grammar errors in the chapter. Pm him for thanks too if you guys got the time. Alright guys, see you on Tuesday, or if you're lucky Monday! I also apologize that this is hard to read. I screwed up a bit. But stick around for more chapters! UPDATE* FIxed > Revelations > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dashie’s POV OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!!! WHAT IS THAT! IT’S LIKE THREE TIMES MY SIZE! OR TWICE STORM’S SIZE! OH MY GOSH! WHAT IN CELESTIA- "Dashie! Calm down. I know that this difficult for you to comprehend, but he's from a different universe. Calm down." “A different universe?" "Yeah, he came from a place called Earth. It’s unlike this world, they don't have wings, or mag...." I left the room flying as fast as possible toward Twilights house. I got there in 10 seconds FLAT! I use that too much. I'm going to stop now. I didn't think about what I did. I just reacted. Storm had a face of concern, like he knew this would happen. It’s too late to think right now, I'm going to tell Twilight regardless... I bucked the library door and, Twilight got startled of course. "TWILIGHT! EMERGENCY!" "What’s wrong!? Is there some random new creature around that may destroy us all?" She said it so sarcastically, but at the time I was so confused and... I hate to admit it, but I was scared. I said what I thought at the moment, and when I took my first look at him, I panicked. But I had a question to answer. "YES!" "Oh Celestia! Where is it now?!" "At my house!" We scurried out toward my house, and before we could make way toward the door, Storm was standing there listening to the whole thing. I'm such a liar. I told him that I wasn't going to freak out, but I buckin did. I'm such an idiot! This probably ruined whatever trust we had, and worst yet, this is happening on his birthday! Definitely not what he would want. At the time, all I wanted was for him to feel safe... maybe I should have told him, and he would have known why I've freaked out even though I promised him. I don’t know. Maybe I'm just being silly and trying to make myself feel better. Ugh! Why is this even bothering so much! He's just a stallion, nothing more! Or so I thought... "Look, he's really no different than any of you! He's similar to a pony but he just looks different! I don't know why you freaked out on me like that Dashie, even though YOU promised me that YOU wouldn't go freaking out and startling anypony!" I was shocked. I've never seen him so angry, he's always been the forgiving type right? I'm glad that he is. And now, I bring you back to the present. Oh Celestia... what did I do. "I...I... Well, how do you know for SURE that he's like us and wouldn't harm anypony!" This could get him right? He won't have an answer for this. "Oh, is that so?!" Wow, he responded really quickly. "Well... Celestia forgive me... I used to be a human myself. I am not allowed to explain how though." "What?!" Twilight and I said in unison. "Yes. It’s a long story, but to make it short... I was a college student back at Earth, and I was studying when this started. An explosion took over, a metallic pipe punctured my arm, and then I passed out. The building was in flames, but my friend risked his life to save not only me, but sixteen other people... in case you don't know, we call ourselves people for plural for person. Person is one human." I couldn't close my mouth, I was shocked. He kept such a big secret from us. I don't want to trust him anymore, but then again... I'm sure he can't trust me anymore either. I feel so bad about making him tell us his secret that he wasn't supposed to tell us. I know I'm saying the same thing over and over again... why do I care so much to make myself reiterate everything I say? Nothing seems right anymore. I used to be the tough one, but now I'm acting so weak. I don't even have anything to say to him, so all I could do was look down and the ground and be guilty. Twilight was just looking at me to see if I had anything to say, but I just gave her the look to go ahead and speak. "Thu-Thunder..." "You can call me Shayne if you like. Just when nopony else is around." "Well... Shayne... I... I don't know what to say. I feel so bad that you're going through this on your birthday." "Well, you kinda get used to it ya know." That made my heart burn. That probably meant that he never really had a real birthday in a while... oh Celestia... what did I do. It’s been a moment of awkward silence, so to break it I was about to speak up, and say how sorry I was about this. And that this was all my fault, even though that would REALLY kill my pride. But it would also relieve all that guilt I'm feeling right now. Until Shay-I'm just going to call him Storm. I like it better. Anyway he spoke up first. "I am sorry for putting you girls through this. Sorry I yelled at you guys, and sorry Dashie for freaking out on you. It wasn't right of me, and I should have expected that you would have been like that. It is your character after all..." he chuckled and I smiled back. "Anyway, I'll leave you two alone. I got to find Sean a place to live for now. He can't exactly establish a job right now. Seeing some of the reactions right now convinced me enough. Don't worry about it. Just keep this all a secret please." He really is a forgiving guy. But he shouldn't be sorry for something I caused. "Why are you sor-" he cut me short again. "Because now, I'm making your lives harder." with that, he spread his blue wings and started flying away. He headed toward my house, and before you know it, he came out with the human in his arms and flew toward the ground. They walked off toward the Everfree, and were devoured by the darkness of the Everfree. "I'm such an idiot..." Twilight walked up to me and tried to comfort me. NO! I can't let this happen. I got to shake this off and continue with my life. This is not like me! Ugh! I bolted off the ground and started flying towards the highest cloud I could see and just propped myself on it. Before you knew it, I was crying. This time I didn't stop myself. Shayne’s POV I feel so guilty. Dashie probably doesn't like me anymore, if she ever did. And now I gotta find Sean a home. Hopefully he doesn't realize what just went down. "Yo Sean, you doing fine?" "Yeah... what happened with your friend?" "Well you see... there aren't exactly any humans in this world EVER and you're the first one." "Besides you... and I'm going to assume that nobody knows that you're a human either." "Well not anymore. I just told Dashie-my friend and Twilight my other friend what I really am." I technically am a beast imprisoned in a pegasus. To me, it’s the exact opposite, though I don't think my body is a beast. I actually think it’s nice. Perhaps even better than my body on Earth. "Hmm... listen, I've been... I don't know how to say this. You remember the college incident yeah?" I know where this is going. But is he talking about the dream I had? It’s a long shot. But I'll ask. "Let me guess. You're having dreams about it, and you were basically a spectator watching everything go down." "YES! That’s it!" We paused in the middle of what seemed like a nice camping spot and sat down to talk and discuss. We both saw Ron and a few of his pals that took place in that incident. We shared the same dream. Now to figure out what this means. We both saw him disappear in the end, but it could have just been a dream. But why were we able to share it? Sean thinks that Ron could be planning a way to find us and pronounce guilty to what he did. We both knew we wouldn't sympathize for his actions. We didn't need to say it. We both looked like we wanted to give him hell. And there really was hell to pay, turns out, and we both wanted to be his deliverer. I however think that it’s just a dream, and we probably shared some kind of telepathic connection during this time when Sean just switched between worlds. That seemed possible, as magic does have some weird side effects too. Maybe we shouldn't even worry so much about this. The more and more I think about it, the more it seems like we should just let it go and forget about it. That it’s just a dream that'll never come true. A fantasy. Just a dream is all it would ever be. Then again, what are the chances that I end up in a world full of magic, and get turned into a pegasus? Not very likely yeah? So maybe we should worry about this. Sigh this is giving me a headache. My mind is fighting a battle that can't be won. But... could Ron... No. I can't fool myself now. I have to talk to Dashie, its getting dark and I don't want Sean to sleep in the forest. Not with all those creatures out. "Sean, let’s just drop this subject. This should probably be kept between us. Let’s grab my instruments I left outside and get back to Dashie’s. Hopefully she'll be nice enough to let you stay too." he just nodded and got ready to take flight. Heheh... I never noticed this, but he had a really big grin on his face when he took flight. Just like a dog in the car when the window is open. They could never be so happy. "Dashie, you here?" "Yea..." She came walking down the stairs with red eyes. Was she crying? Oh no... I didn't make a girl cry did I? I walked up to her and gave her a hug and a peck on her cheek. She began to lighten up a bit. Does that mean she feels the same way? I'm not even sure if I feel that way about her... but it made her feel better, so that makes me happy too. It makes me feel like a jerk to be a burden on them again. But I can't leave Sean alone either. Not after what just went down. "I know this is way too much for me to ask of you. But will you let Sean stay here? I just can't let him be outside letting him live in the wild. He did come a far way after all... Actually I don't even know how far he had to travel. From the looks of it, he's pretty beat up. So probably a long way. Sorry for everything that happened today. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone you cried." She gave me a long hug and I returned it. "Uh... I'm just going to... yeah." Sean said awkwardly and I could hear him walking away. Dashie broke the hug after realizing how long we were hugging. "I guess he can stay. But he eats what we eat right? Like... hay and stuff." She has lots to learn. "Well not exactly. Humans usually enjoy meat. DON'T FREAK OUT! We don't eat horses. Or at least we don't. I haven't met anyone who has. But we also eat fruits and veggies." "Oh... well I have a bunch of apples in the fridge, so he'll be fine I'm sure." She gave me one more hug and walked up to her bed. I walked toward Sean and told him that he could stay on the couch for now. He asked me if she was my pony girlfriend, and I told him the proper terms used here. Fillyfriend and coltfriend, everypony, anypony, somepony and stuff like that. The general stuff. It’s not like I could have done any better. I'm still a beginner myself. I've only been here a few days. He yawned and asked where the couch was, I pointed towards the left door and he started his way to the couch. I walked up to Dashie’s room and saw her sound asleep. I crawled in the bed and I accidentally woke her up. "Hey Storm... sorry about being a total jerk." "It’s fine Dashie, you don't need to apologize anymore. I've already 120% forgiven you already." I gave her a hug. This would be the right time to do it I guess... "And since you're up, you wanna go to the Grand Galloping Gala with me?" I flashed two tickets and she nodded yes giving me a big smile, I smiled back and we fell asleep staring into each other’s eyes. I wonder if she still thinks of me as a friend, or has feelings for... more than that. Doesn't matter, I'll like her whether she's just my friend or a fillyfriend. I have a practice session with Octavia at 2:30 tomorrow at her place. She already gave me her address, and I can't wait to play. I was sent a telegram by a mare named 'Derpy Hooves'. She seemed like a nice girl but... off, but despite that, she got her place in this world, and I'm very proud of her. Anyway... I'm supposed to be sleeping... Ron's POV The ground is so hard... I should've just gone home to pout to myself. I can't believe what I did anyway. For only a couple thousand bucks and a few credit cards that were probably cancelled. Fuck. I'm stupid. GOD DAMMIT! I woke up and examined my surroundings as my vision cleared into focus. Good to see you're awake. "Who the hell-WHERE ARE YOU SHOW YOURSELF!" I searched for my pistol that should have been in my pocket, but stumbled forward. I looked at my hands and saw... hooves? Like... from horses and stuff. "What the hell?" Heheh... you took it better than I thought. Anyway I'm your conscience in this world. Let me explain where you are, and what you need to do to fit in. "Uh ok..." I couldn't do much else. I looked behind me to see I had a tattoo on the side of my butt. "Why do I have a tattoo of a moon and two swords crossing in the middle of it?" Lets begin then. He told me everything. This land is Equestria, I'm an alicorn which is a rare species. In fact I'm one of the three. The other two are princesses of this land and he made one of them seem evil. I agreed, she imprisoned her own sister for a thousand years. That’s unforgivable. But regardless, the younger sister Luna forgave her. He told me how to fly, and use simple magic. It wore me out but he promised it'll get easier if I continue practice. I think I can trust this guy in my head. He seems to know a lot. I did everything he told me to do. I cut down a few trees using magic and split it up into logs... then planks... then boards. I was then able to make a house, a pretty nice one at that! I thanked him and mentioned everything I had done in the past. He told me he already knew since he was forced to watch. I felt bad about it, and he told me the direction to head in. There was going to be a big meet up called the Grand Galloping Gala that was going to be occurring in a few days. I needed to get a suit. He told me how to set a destination point so I can teleport back here whenever I want. I guess if I want to ask forgiveness for my doings at Earth, the only way to do so was to go to that meet up. But I can't exactly get a tailor to make me a suit. I don't have any bits. Bits are the name of the currency in this world. Like how we have dollars in America. The last thing my conscience showed... not really showed actually but guided me through, was how to make my own suit appear from nowhere. It worked, and looked nice and fit perfectly. Tomorrow... we fly. *Authors notes, I’M SORRY I MADE SUCH A CHEESY LINE IN THIS CHAPTER! THAT’S A TOTAL MY BAD! Heheh… Anyway surprisingly I got a chapter out today. Thank my editor/idea helper AppleMLP so in the comments I want to see this ‘APPLE MLP YOU’RE THE BESTEST EVER I LOVE YOU WITH ALL THE HOMO IN THE WORLD!’ that is all. Hopefully I can get an update tomorrow too! Wish you will until then! > Of All The Things... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Authors notes: Sorry for the late update, got school... Anyway I've got a pretty good pic of 'Thunder Seethe' aka: Storm, Stormy, or Shayne. Anyway, enjoy the story and expect sort of late updates daily (except Fridays I hope, and DEFINITELY Saturdays. And Sundays, unless I get busy. I have a project for cinema, and our group needs to get weekly updates so... I'll be busy EVERYDAY! Good for me though. Every pony, just one last note; when I have the characters talking about it in the future, I'll be using Bold. ok that’s all, see you soon! ~One Day before the Grand Galloping Gala~ "Shayne... Shayne..." No response... I hope he ain't dead or anything! Haha I crack myself up... but he better not be dead. "Shayne!" He got startled and with a quick beat of his wings, he tackled me. His golden eye was staring into mine, but when he realized who woke him up, he got off of me and chuckled. "What the hell man... not cool." He said while glaring at me. "Well you weren't getting up! And it’s not like Dashie is here, she left early morning." "Hmm, probably has work today, speaking of which... I still need to find myself a job! I gotta talk to AJ then meet up with Octavia for practice." He sounded like a man on a mission... pony on a mission. "Well you see, staying here alone... well... doesn't exactly 'seem’ like fun. I was kinda hoping I could make some friends. You know. Pony friends." I hope he says yes, I don't want to be here and remain such a secret. It’s literally going to kill me if I could never talk about my life, because I've already told it all. Then I'd be forced to listen... not something I want to be forced to do. "Sean... you do see the problem with that right?" "Yea yea yea... everypony is going to freak the hell out and I'm fucked, and then maybe get sent back to Earth. sigh" "Yea, I could talk to the Princess, I mean sooner or later they're to find out right? I mean they pretty much know everything. Its best not get on the bad side of them and try to keep a secret this big from them. The last thing we need is 'Royal' trouble," he joked but... not something I'd laugh at, but I did anyway because I wanted to remain calm about this. "Yeah, you're right. How exactly are you going to contact them? There aren't any phones right?" "You're right about that, but I can contact them telepathically, so...no phones needed!" he gave me a smile and I guess he started talking to the Princesses but he was still, and was blank faced. He wasn't even blinking. I decided that if this was going to take a while, I should move him to the couch and set him down. I did so, but was that how Redheart was contacting me? Was it because I was now in the same world as Shayne that I couldn't contact him anymore, or is it because something went wrong with the magic...? Well, as much as I hate to say it, it’s really out of my control and I can't do crap about it. Shayne's POV ~Meanwhile~ 'Princess, you there?' Yes, this is Celestia. she didn't really need to say that, but I guess it’s just in case or something. 'You know of my friend Sean?' Yes... what about him? This is where it turns from bad to worse. Or awkward to silent. 'Well... you see... he came to this universe and isn't a pony... and the thing is, he doesn't want to be changed. I also don't want him to leave either, and neither does he. He's already pretty much given up everything he owns in Earth from what he's told me.' I understand. Well, I can allow him to stay, but he mustn't want to stay hidden forever does he? Maybe it was better than I had expected, but this was still pretty early on in the conversation. 'Yea... I have an idea though, but only if this is okay with you...' Well, I guess I'll listen. 'The Grand Galloping Gala is going to happen soon right? So everypony isn’t afraid of him... how’s about we make him a special guest? He could be announced as a new friendly species, and as the only one of his kind. If a Princess announces it, then they must know that he's safe right? You may want to add that he can speak our language fluently... they may talk to him very slowly and stuff... he's not a fan of that.' the picture of him being talked to slowly and baby talked didn't appeal to me one bit. He would probably rage and stuff... he could never stand dog owners or pet owners in general who really babied their pets and stuff, he felt like it wasn't right to treat them like infants, and they should be treated as people who are mute and rascal. I see what you're getting at here. That could be arranged, thanks for letting me know. My sister and I don't take kindly to ponies-or people when they keep secrets that shouldn't be kept. Not to seem rude, but if you have any other things I should know, please tell me. Well, that was basically it...does she want to know the physical look of him? I'll ask. 'Well if you need to know his physical characteristics... he's twice as tall as me, walks on two legs, has fingers including a thumb... and he's kind of skinny but not too skinny at the same time.' Thanks for letting me know. I think he'll be very easy to spot then, I’ll see you at the Gala. When the day comes, I'll teleport him to my castle. I’ll send him a message and let him know. 'Thank you so much Princess.' She chuckled. Please, it’s kind of weird talking to a friend that keeps calling me 'Princess'... just call me Celestia and call my sister Luna. It doesn't have to be formal coming from you. Even though we never see you, we think of you as a friend. 'Ok, haha! I'll see you later then.' And with that, the connection faded and I reeled back into reality. I was now on the couch and Sean was sitting next to me flicking between stations on the TV. When did that come in? "Hey Sean, when'd that come here?" "The same time the computer, internet, and cable were installed..." I was clueless and I had that face on too, my eyebrows setback and my head slightly tilted to the side. So he gave me the detail I needed. "This morning when you were still dreaming about your crush on Dashie." He teased me and he had an evil grin on his face. I set on my furious look but it quickly settled and I was normal again. "Heheh, being defensive and giving in? Ya' know, you're already sleeping with her and it’s still just a 'crush'... I know you like her but, why are you being so...reserved with her? Why don't you tell her how you feel already and just let it out? You'll never get what you want unless you ask... or work for it." I don’t really need a marefriend/fillyfriend now. Not now. I need to see Octavia in a few hours and I gotta see AJ still. I should probably get to her at night when things are more settled. But would it be rude to walk in when they may behaving dinner? Hmm... I'm going off topic. Good. "Sean, I don't exactly need a fillyfriend right now. I'm not even sure if she likes me back, even though she's been hinting. It could've been playful stuff. You know... anyway I gotta get to Octavia's place to practice, and I decided that I'm going to AJ afterwards. And as for you being able to go outside and meet people, Celestia should be sending you a message. She's got plans. And it’s ok for you to keep you human body and stay in Equestria... just don’t do anything stupid to get yourself kicked out." "Alright alright..." he gave me 'the look' as he walked away. He almost hit the door frame because he kept staring at me. I kept the same face I had on and kept focus on him so he would hit the frame. Sadly he just 'had' to turn around at the right time to notice it. He turned back towards me, seemingly frightened by almost hitting his head. He gave me a final look before he left the room. Now it was just me, the TV, and the computer. I'll work on some programming later. I grabbed my violin and left towards Canterlot. ~Meanwhile in Canterlot, Octavia's house.~ Octavia's POV Yawn... Another day... wait. Something is suppo-Storm is coming today! Oh my god! How do I look? BED HEAD! Agh got to fix this mane. Oh no, what time should he be here again? 12:30 ok... still got a few hours. I should take a shower so I don't smell... Ugh I got to fix this place up. Where's that vacuum! There... ugh! It’s so dusty. I hope this works. I don't have much time before he comes! I plugged it in, and to my own fear it just died on me. WHY ISIT THAT WHENEVER SOMETHING CAN GO WRONG, IT DOES! I was screaming in my head, I was probably turning red and multicolored. I was enraged until I heard knocking on the front door. Oh dear Celestia... don't let it be him early... I walked toward the door fearfully, but sure enough, it was a pegasus, but not Thunder. Thank goodness for that. He had a brown mane, red eyes, and an orange coat. He was shorter than the average pony, but he was still standing tall and proud. "Excuse me ma’am, would you mind taking a look at my new product for just a second?" Oh no... Not one of these ponies. "I'm truly sorry, but I'm not buying. A... friend of mine should becoming over shortly and I simply must fix up my house before he comes." "Oh milady, this should only be a moment! I insist! You wouldn't be happening to be looking for a new vacuum, would you?" I looked behind me and looked at my old broken vacuum. I really could use a new one. But he wasn’t carrying anything with him, nor was there anyone around to help carry a vacuum. He was just there empty handed. How could he possibly-"AAGH!" He tackled me! Oh no! He closed the door and locked it shut. I stared into his eyes before asking anything. "What are you doing?!" "SHUT UP! If you want to get out of this alive, you're going to have to listen to ME! So shut up and just follow through. OK!?" I simply nodded, tears were flowing out of my eyes, and I feared that I would never see anypony again. I feared death waiting. He demanded money, and I pointed towards my bedroom. He had already tied me up with multiple ropes to restrain me from using my hooves. He then put an apple in my mouth to keep me quiet. I was trying my best to spit the apple out and wiggle my way toward the door. Only to be stopped by him, and he threatened that if I moved from the very next spot he put me in, he'll slice my throat. I was crying my eyes out. He continued going through the house and I noticed his dagger that looked like he found it from the trash. It was black. Could it have been obsidian? I don't really care. Whatever it was, it could still kill if he tried hard enough. The worse the blade is though... the longer it'll take for death. I was sitting in that spot for hours now. I could still hear him scurrying around the house searching for valuables, I heard my cello getting tossed around, and every time I heard a screech or bang coming from it, my heart just ached more and more. I looked at the clock and it was already 12:13, so he should be here soon. Hopefully when the thief sees Thunder, he'll scurry off with whatever. I don't want Thunder getting into a fight with him. The thief is armed and I doubt Thunder is. I could only imagine the battle if he were to try and fight him. He could get seriously hurt... or even killed. If this had been an earth pony it may be easier. But this is a pegasus. I haven't seen either of them fly before, but... I don't want to see this regardless. Somepony...help... I turned toward the clock, and it showed 12:26 he should be here soo- I heard knocking on the door. It’s him! I struggled more and tried to get the apple out of my mouth. I resorted to violently chopping it, and I did. I spat out the other half and spat out the rest. I couldn't yell for help just yet. I should try breaking the rope first. At least then I could unlock the door and tell him that we should go. I was biting the rope before I heard the thief. "Get out! We don't want you here! We're busy!" Bad mistake... I suppose he didn't listen to me when I said a friend was coming over, and didn't pay attention the part when I said 'he'... This is what I had feared of more than my own death. "What the... well Octavia and I were supposed to be having a music rehearsal... I feel like I deserve to know what’s goi-" "Thunder! Leave now! He's armed with a dagger! Just go and get help!" I screamed as loud as I could. I hope this didn't encourage him to break in. Then again... I should have just kept my mouth shut. I could hear hoof steps coming up the stairs toward my room. I could hear him muttering something to himself. "What the- I'm coming in! Leave her alone and I swear you put a finger on her I'LL RIP YOU IN SHREDS YOU WORTHLESS FISH! I'LL GUT YOU INTO THE NEVERENDING SEA AND FEED YOU TO THE SHARKS AND I'LL BE YOUR FUCKING PERSONAL DOORWAYTO HELL YOU BASTARD!" He has quite the tongue. I was speechless at this cussing. I also heard hell... from my understandings, that’s basically the underworld of the afterlife. Even the thief must've been stunned. He had stopped walking, and he turned around and walked toward the door. The door was clearly being bucked down, I could hear banging and everything going on while I was stuck here being useless. He bucked down the door just as I got out of the rope. "WHERE ISSHE!" he cares... badump... Then I heard kicking and groaning. I rushed downstairs and saw a full fight going on. "Octavia go and hide!" He took a beat of his wings and flew at top speed faster than I've ever seen before into the thief. The thief didn't accept defeat. He got back up and started charging toward him swinging his dagger around. Thunder kicked it from his hoof, and it slid across the floor toward the front door. The fight was raging on, as they exchanged blows and occasional beat downs. The thief’s face was bleeding, from his nose, and mouth. His back had a gash that was probably caused by a piece of wood. His violin was on the ground in the corner. Thunders eyes were blackened and his mouth had a single strand of blood coming out. Other than that, he was fine. "Last... chance..." he was breathing deeply.” We have done enough damage to this poor mare’s house." I looked around them and saw that it was a complete mess. "Never!" The thief flew quickly to the door while agonizing in pain from his back. I could only tell through the faces he made with each flap of his wings. Thunder followed him shortly. The thief picked up the dagger and took Thunder by surprise. He stopped quickly and turned around and charged back towards Thunder. He squinted his eyes shut knowing what was awaiting him. The thief stabbed him in the front left leg (his left) and took a few more jabs at his back before deciding he had enough. He walked over to me and was about to kill me. "Thunder!" If I were to die now, I wanted his name to be my last words. I closed my eyes and feared the worst, until I heard aloud cracking sound and a scream. I opened my eyes and saw Thunder's violin bow jabbed into the thieves head. It was over, but it wasn't for Thunder. He fell to the ground, and became unconscious. His breathing was becoming very faint. He won't have enough time to make it to the hospital. Just then, a yellowish light of magical aura surrounded Thunder and I and we appeared into a library. "Where am I now!?" I said loudly and a purple unicorn was sitting down reading a book and she suddenly looked toward me and spoke. "Whathappe-THUNDER! SPIKE, GET OVER HERE QUICKLY! I NEED YOUR HELP!" "Alright, alright I'm comin' Twi, what’s up? WHOA." The purple dragon was frightened at the sight of a dying pegasus. I assisted the unicorn, seeing as she was unable to get the dragon to move much further. He seemed like a baby so I could understand why. She started to use magic on him and his wounds were beginning to heal, but it was slow and I could already tell the unicorn was getting tired. She was at this for more than half an hour. My only job was to hold him still, because a reaction may occur which makes him get up and start feeling more than excruciating pain. He had three deep wounds from the dagger, a single slash on his leg, and multiple bruises on his body. The bruises started to disappear first, and then all the bleeding stopped in unison. "He'll be fine for now, but may I ask who you are?" "I'm Octavia. I'm his friend from Canterlot. May I ask who you are?" I tried being as polite as possible, but I was agitated from this event. So it was pretty difficult. "My name is Twilight Sparkle. I'm a student of Princess Celestia, and also am a friend of Thunder." That’s good to know. At least I know that he’ll be fine now. Shayne’s POV ~Going to Octavia's house~ I left Ponyville shortly after the conversation with Celestia. She was sounding pretty confident about the situation, that’s a good sign. My flight to Canterlot should only be a few hours. Unless I rush, then I should be their sooner. Maybe I should just to get familiar with the place. I took a quick beat of my wings and started flying as fast as I could with my violin to Canterlot. I arrived in about an hour tired, but proud of myself for being able to do that. Only if Dashie were here... I walked around in search for Octavia's house but with no luck, I found myself going in circles. She was supposed to be living in a large two story white house with a gate in the front. I continued searching until I found a house that fit the description...the address was right, the time should be around 12:20. The day was really uneventful, besides the talk I had with Celestia, so it was a pretty average day. I walked up to the door and gave it a few knocks. I waited around a bit to hear another pony... not Octavia's voice at all! It was a male voice. "Get out! We don't want you here! We're busy!" This guy would have to be mad to think I'll leave a friend hanging. But if they really are doing something... best I'd not get involved, but I should know. Just in case. "What the... well Octavia and I were supposed to be having a music rehearsal... I feel like I deserve to know what’s goi-" "Thunder!" Octavia's voice sounded like she'd been gagged or something. "Leave now! He's armed with a dagger! Just go and get help!" Oh hell no. He is not fucking holding my friend hostage... I exploded with anger. "What the- I'm coming in! Leave her alone and I swear if you put a finger on her I'LL RIP YOU IN SHREDS YOU WORTHLESS FISH! I'LL GUT YOU INTO THENEVER ENDING SEA AND FEED YOU TO THE SHARKS AND I'LL BE YOUR FUCKING PERSONALDOORWAY TO HELL YOU BASTARD!" I started bucking at the door, and eventually it broke out into a full on fight. I kicked the dagger out of his hands and started bucking him in the chest while he was still confused. I charged at him multiple times, destroying a few walls. I charged at him again, but he bucked me in the face before I could reach him. He took a quick beat of his wings and started towards me. Not letting that happen, I slammed him to the ground when he was close enough. I heard a few cracks in his back, but it didn’t phase me. Octavia came down the stairs and was watching the whole thing. "Octavia! Go and hide!" I took another beat of my wings and slammed him even harder into the ground. He was screaming in pain, but that was nothing compared to what I really wanted to do. I just can't do it in front of Octavia. A few more minutes of fighting and he was making his way to the door. I quickly followed him shortly after, but he took me by surprise. He turned around and stabbed my left leg. I screamed in pain as the blade wedged deeper into my skin, and I tried head-butting him but failed. He left the dagger in my leg and bucked my head. I slammed onto the concrete ground outside, then he pulled the dagger out. It felt even worse than the pipe, but I can't quit now. Octavia's life depends on it. I CAN'T QUIT NOW! Just as quickly as I had thought it, he stabbed my back multiple times. I fell to the ground acting dead. He fell for it. He was walking toward Octavia, and she was whimpering. This made me feel bad. I need a weapon. I need to wipe him out once and for all. I noticed a crowd watching the horrific scene as I was bleeding out. I didn't care. Octavia needs me. I slowly edged my way back into the house as the crowd watching was screaming and crying, calling for help. I searched the room and saw my violin in a corner near me. I must have thrown it off when I charged at him. I opened the case silently and stealthily made my way behind the thief. I took the bow from the case and jabbed it at his head, making a sickening crushing sound a she screamed in pain. If he survives this, he'll be brain-dead for the rest of his life. Shortly after, I blacked out. I awoke at Twilights, to see Dashie and Twilight with her glowing horn. She seemed concentrated. I saw Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy who was staring at me in terror, and Octavia who looked to have minimal injuries. She was probably just mentally scarred for the rest of her life. This only angered me more. I didn’t show it, because it'll just cause concern for the girls. There was also Applejack, who was staring at me with much concern. I found that Rarity had fainted on the ground, and was being calmed down by a purple dragon. I assumed he was friendly if he was allowed to be near ponies. Lastly was Sean. He looked freaking pissed. He was pacing around, and was looking really pissed off...probably at me. I opened my eyes slightly wider. Not because I wanted to see more, or wanted to be noticed. It’s just that I wanted to get up and ask Octavia how she was doing, and if she was fine. I already made the assumption that someone teleported us here. Don't know who to thank though. Just then Octavia noticed my eyes open and almost immediately planted a kiss on my cheek and I could tell it shocked the others. They all had the 'pokerfaced' on. She whispered in my ears, "Thank you so much for saving me. I don’t care what you did, or said. I'm just glad you were there for me." she gave me a hug and started crying. "Uhh... If y'all don't mind me asking... what happened back there?" My turn to speak up. "I killed a pony trying to... who knows what with Octavia. I'm sorry, I’m a bad friend. I understand if you guys hate me for doing this. Just understand that this was done for her. I'm sorry." I looked down with all the guilt in the world. I shouldn't have killed him. He was probably just poor and desperate for money. He didn't ask to be poor, or need to rob places for money, though there could have been better options. I could have knocked him out. I guess we're both at fault. Just then I saw Fluttershy squint her eyes and fly into me for a hug, joining Octavia. Soon enough the rest joined in except for Twilight who was concentrating on her magic. A few minutes later the group hug broke up, but Octavia and Dashie were still there. I hugged them back, since I could actually fit my arms around them. I was tearing up too. Dashie was already crying but she kept her face in my chest so it wouldn't be as obvious. Octavia had already fallen asleep. I guess we won't be getting to practice for a while then... luckily I was therein time too. What happened to my wounds though? They don't hurt, nor are they bleeding anymore. I looked at Twilight again while she was still in the deep focus of her magic. Her eyes were closed and were tightly shut. She was straining herself. I carefully placed Octavia on the couch and Dashie started cheering up a bit. I walked towards Twilight and poked her, and whispered. “You can stop now. I feel fine." "No... You’re not fine..." She was tearing up and continued wither magic. My wounds were now beginning to close. "Trust me. Get some rest, there’s a big day tomorrow. You should start getting ready." I tried saying that in the calmest and soothing voice possible. She opened her eyes and stared at me a bit. She started to cry so I gave her a passionate hug. Then she just let it out. Tears were flowing from her eyes like a waterfall. I swear I'm not exaggerating either. A few minutes later Rarity woke up and she was lying down, Sean was still pacing not noticing that I was a bit calmer after the hug. I'm glad they knew about him. I should just bring it up anyway. "So you guys know Sean now?" "Yes." They all replied in unison. "You girls are okay with it? Not weird or anything? And you see him as a friend?" "Yes." They all said that together again. I nodded and told Sean to explain his problem. He had told me that I'm such an idiot for doing what I did. I should have just gone for help, like call the police or whatever. He was going on and on about what could have happened and how it may have benefited all of us from this stress. He made me feel really bad about this. I just looked down and started tearing up. This was kind becoming too much to handle. I was about to speak up until Dashie did for me. "HEY! THAT’S NOT COOL! HE ONLY DID THIS BECAUSE HIS FRIEND WAS INTROUBLE AND MAY HAVE BEEN KILLED! SO WHAT IF THERE COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER WAYS!HE JUST THOUGHT THAT IF HE WENT TO GET HELP, IT'LL BE TOO LATE AND THAT'STALLION' WOULD BE FINISHED WITH WHATEVER HE INTENDED TO DO, AND GET AWAY WITHIT! SO DON'T BLAME HIM!" I looked at Dashie with much surprise. She was really pissed off. Then she looked at me, and quickly became shy. "I-I...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that." She backed away and started walking toward the couch and sat next to Octavia. "Look Sean... I understand why you're upset. I can forgive you for that, but you do need to see my side of the story here. If I did leave to get help... who knows what could have happened... I didn't want to lose a friend. I just acted, similar to what you did to save me a while back. You know what I’m talking about, don't you?" He nodded in response and just looked down with tears building up in his eyes. "You don't need to be mad at yourself now. Just know my side of the story. I know that there could have been better ways to solve the problem, I just didn't believe at the time that the other ways would save her." All the other ponies’ eyes were tearing up. I could see Pinkie Pie's mane flat again, and she looked REALLY sad. I have to drop the subject quickly. I can't bear to see that pony sad. She's just... always so happy! "So... who wants to do something? I'm kinda bored here." Octavia walked up behind me and put a hoof on my back and whispered in my ear, “You should play us a song on the cello, I'm sure that'll be great. “I thought about it and agreed. "Ok girls, I'm going to grab my cello and play you guys a song. Then hopefully it'll lighten up the mood!" I said it cheerfully to get the little pink pony's head up and smiling. They all nodded and I left for Dashie’s house. The Gala is tomorrow, and I have nothing to wear. At least I'm bringing Dashie with me and Sean is going to make a hell of an appearance tomorrow. What about Octavia though? By now she's got to be devastated! Her house is destroyed, and somepony died in her home. She's probably going to need to move out. But to where? Canterlot is her home, and she can't move here. How will she make it to Canterlot for her concerts! sigh I guess... once I get a home, I'm going to buy her a new house! That’s my current objective... after I play my friends a song on the cello. *Authors notes: What a chapter... that is all. Just kidding of course, but what do you guys think? Thanks for reading and I’ll see you all soon! Sorry if there’s any error in spelling or grammar. Google basically decided to screw over my writing and delete all the spaces and such. I think I did a good enough job for it to stop, but… can’t be sure if its all okay. Anyway see you later! > Confession and Secrecy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to SATURDAY MARE-ATHONS! Lets begin. PS: Sorry this is late, I had a dental appointment and well... anyway without further adieu lets start! ~One day before the Gala, Dashie's house, 9:30pm~ Shayne's/Storm's POV Where is it... I left it in the living room on the side... not there. Is it here? Nope. Maybe in Dashie's room? No... I had searched practically every room except the room that seemed secret. Should I? Maybe I should look around again. I probably missed it. I actually don't even know why I looked at that room like its supposed to be 'her' room. Like I shouldn't be there. Its probably nothing, Dashie doesn't seem like the one to keep secrets, I mean, if I had been more of a fan of the Wonderbolts like Dashie, then... I would keep it a secret, but its not like its a big deal. I'm thinking about this too much. Where was I? Oh yea, the missing cello. By this time I've been around the house multiple times, searching every area possible, I came across Dashie's diary... SHE WRITES!? Never saw that coming, but of course I didn't read it. No way am I invading anyone's privacy. that's her stuff. I guess I have to check that one room now. I walked up to the door, and turned the knob to open it. The door seemed much larger than the others, it seemed more like an Earthy door. Instead of roundish like most of the doors I've seen so far, this one is rectangular and large like the ones we had at Earth. It was tall and white, with a rectangular pattern with leaves in the middle. Pretty expensive looking door. I walked in, and saw my cello, 'yay' and also saw all of these colorful paintings. Dashie probably didn't draw this or paint it. It looked like inspirational drawings, like scenery's and flying pegasi with one of them lacking behind. There was a desk opposite end of the door, which had many papers, quills, and ink. I edged closer to it, and saw it was writings. Everything from poems, to short stories, to full fledged stories! Most of the longer stories weren't finished, and were stacked in folders. I looked at some of the poems and saw Dashie's signature in the end. She is a writer! I looked at some of the paintings and check behind the frames. They also had her signature. I continued looking around, and saw a brown cardboard box in the far corner stacked with crates and barrels and stuff. Being the curious me, and now invading privacy I opened the box to find pictures when she was just a little filly. She still had the rainbow mane, and cyan body, but she was just smaller... obviously. Mayor Mare was in the picture as well, she was on the ground being that she's an earth pony, and Dashie was putting clouds together. It seemed small and like a clubhouse size. The back of the picture said, "Club Rainbow, July 18th 3455." So this land is really old, but yet so... not damaged and corrupted like earth. She had the biggest smile on her face when they took the picture. Her eyes were as huge as her smile. There were plenty pictures here. So I decided to look for one more. This one was a wider shot. I could see the valley now, the club was over this hill! This time the clubhouse was larger. Putting two and two together makes me believe that Dashie put together this ENTIRE house! Does it suprise me? Yes. She seemed more like the type to not care, and too lazy to build something of her own. After all, she does have that kind of character in her to really not care unless it involves friends or herself. Meaning her pride. Looking at the picture more closely than before now, I could see some parts of the living room in the making. In the back it said, "Rainbow's House in the making July 18th 3456." Let me get this straight. Dashie is a carpenter... kinda, she built with clouds so I don't know if carpenter would work. Regardless she's a builder, artist, and a writer. Wow, that's more talent than I'll ever get in a lifetime! Just then I had noticed how much I was invading her privacy. I put everything back where they belonged and kept what I knew a secret. Why would she put my cello in here though? That doesn't make sense... I grabbed the cello and looked at it. Its... not my case. This one was a brown case, I don't know how I didn't notice that. I looked inside to see Dashie's signature on the cello's bow. What the hell is going on. She plays instruments too? I got to te-NO! Secret. I just gotta keep my damn mouth shut. Wait... so where's my cello? I looked around again and crossed the living room. And guess what. It was on the freaking couch. Giving myself a facehoof and calling myself an idiot multiple times, I finally grabbed it and went down towards Twilight's house to play music. I didn't even have to go far though. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Octavia, Pinkie Pie, and Dashie were already outside with concerned looks on their faces. I noticed Dashie first because she could fly, and its her house. She was right outside the door when I came out. "What took you so long? We were getting worried!" she snapped at me then gave me a playful punch on the side. I told her the truth... most of it. "I was looking around for my cello, and been around the house multiple times, then finally found it on the couch and called myself an idiot multiple times and a facehoof. Its always the last place you look isn't it..." She chuckled at teased me for being so clueless. I laughed it off, I knew she was kidding anyway. We came down to meet up with the others and then I had noticed that Sean wasn't around. "Where's Sean at?" "He didn't want to come with us for the two reasons. One, he's going to freak out anypony still awake then probably call the guards after him, and two, he's feeling really bad for what he had said earlier. I think maybe you should talk to him." Twilight was serious, but I knew she was right. She stared me down waiting for a response, her eyes got larger and glassier, I don't know how she didn't blink for what seemed like a minute. "Yea, you're right. I'll talk to him later, and Twi?" "Yes?" "I know this is a lot to ask... but can he stay at your house? He kinda can't get up to Dashies without a pegasus... and well, being the species he is, that'll be hard wouldn't it." "Oh yes, we have already discussed that, he really didn't want to though. He told me that he didn't want to make anyones life harder already, and that he already learned some survival skills in the forest. He even insisted that he live in the forest and build himself his own house. I couldn't let that happen of course. So I kinda... forced him." "Darling, I'm quite curious... how did you do that? I mean, he's much bigger than us, and it seems impossible to force somepony that size! NO OFFENSE!" Rarity quickly replied. "Its fine Rarity, I always called him fat before!" Big mistake. "Before? I thought you just met him today..." "Ah have to agree with Rar... what do you mean by... before..." Well fuck. Now everyone was agreeing with each other, and all wanted to hear an answer. Gotta think fast Shayne... THINK FAST! I got it! "Well, you see. When I first came here, and even before I crashed into Dashie, I met him on my stroll. He seemed nice so we chatted a bit, and joked around. He'd call me ugly," I saw Twilight put on a 'he did what!?" face on. I didn't really let it phase me, so I continued. "and I'd call him fat!" Rarity seemed discussed, and Fluttershy looked like she disapproved with the ways we joked around, and AJ seemed skeptical about it. I could see it in her eyes, she had one eye big while the other slightly squinted, but only barely noticeable. Twilight on the other hand seemed relieved that it was joking, and Dashie wasn't paying any attention. She probably didn't care. "So how's about we hear a song Storm?" Octavia brought up after the small moment of silence. Everyone nodded their head and turned towards me and awaited for music. "Ok, um, here we go." I started playing a song from Kingdom Hearts and they seemed to like it, I"m glad they did. I had to improvise so much, after all... I hadn't played kingdom hearts in a few years, so the melody was kinda... iffy. Regardless they cheered for me, and enjoyed the song. When it was all over, I had to ask AJ if I could work for her farm. I need some of my own money. Why did Dashie even spend so much money on me. It doesn't really make sense. I mean, even if she did like me, it doesn't make sense for her to spend so much! I doubt that even a mother would do that! "Hey AJ?" "Yea Storm?" "I was wondering... if I could work on your farm... I kind of need the bits." "Well uh..." She examined me, and started poking my hind legs, probably to see if they were 'apple bucking' worthy. "You seem fit enough, but you seem more of the type to be working at a desk. Our farm has been getting more returns and Ah'm not so sure why, we do our very best and each and every year we improve everything including shipping. I'm just... not so sure. And well, none of us except for Granny Smith is capable of doing the desk work... maybe you're good at this stuff too?" "This can work out just fine actually, I've took a few courses back at school to help out with business stuff. Maybe this could prove useful." She nodded and I have gotten myself a job at the farm! I'm so happy! The others congratulated me, and I told them that I needed to go. I wanted to check on Sean, but at the same time... I needed a relaxing flight. I'll talk to him tomorrow when he's more calm. That seems like the better idea for both of us. With that, I took flight and headed over the small town of Ponyville. Applejack's POV ~Twilights Library with Octavia, Sean, Twilight, Applejack, and Dashie~ "We're back Spike!" Twilight didn't really need to say that. Ah mean, they are technically family right? Seriously though... I haven't seen Spike the whole time a little while after the... incident. and why were they always so kind to Storm... like REALLY nice and stuff. Oh, I think I see whats going on here... Giggle "Whats so funny AJ?" Dashie, sometimes you make things too obvious. Same goes for Twi. Ah'm not so sure about Octavia though, she seems too look at him 'like that' though. Ah could see it too, the way she gets all shy when he walks close to her. She even gets slightly red and stuff. Ah don't wanna be rude or nothin' but they all need to get themselves together and stop making it to obvious. "So what are you guys thinking right now?" Sean entered the room, then asked Twilight where he should set up, and she pointed at the couch and he lazily nodded 'ok'. "So anyway, what are you guys thinking? About Stormy I assume?" I looked at them with a slight grin on my face to show them that I knew what was going on. Well I mean, ah don't exactly know about Twilight or Octavia, but Dashie showed big signs like, buying him gifts, letting him sleep in 'her' room. Even the way she hugs him. Octavia could've just been in stress at the time, she did after all... almost get... ah shouldn't talk about it nor even think about it. Dashie was the first to react after their expressions were all confused. "WHAT are YOU talking about!?" I bursted out laughing, this just made it all the more obvious of her feelings. "You really like him now don't ya?" "Well, I certainly hope not, because I have somewhat feelings for him too..." Twilight said softly. Ah could barely hear that darn thing... she was embarrassed of course, and she was blushing like crazy! "I have to say, that I feel the same way..." Octavia looked down and to the side, also blushing. Now ah'm REALLY confused. No way Twilight would like anyone, she's always studying and stuff! Well I guess she likes smart pony's after all... Storm is smart ah guess. Octavia probably likes him because he saved her, and also enjoys music. Dashie on the other hand... nope, ah can't see it. She always wasn't the type to 'fall in love' just like that. However, it could be possible right? She has however been acting very strange ever since his arrival. My turn to respond. "Wait. Ya'll like him?" They nodded. Well shoot. This is gonna be hard on them. "Ya know you can't all have him right?" they nodded sadly. "Well, what are you girls gonna do? Ah mean, ah don't like him the way you girls do, but how are you gonna pull this off? Sorry to sound like the downer here... but you see what ah mean right?" they nodded again. "So ah think... the best way to get this settled, would either decide with each other who would match, or I tell him myself and see the way he reacts. Your choice." Now that ah think of it, if he did have any feelings for them... what would make him think that its ok for me to tell them? Ah was gonna say something but Dashie spoke up first. "Well, I guess both ways could work, but he already asked me to go to the Gala with him. Soooo... I WIN!" "Not just yet... he may still think of it as 'friends going to a gathering'... what ah'm trying to say is, all of you still have hope to win his heart. Well... ah think ah should go. I feel bad enough making you all tell me this." I left the house but stayed outside the door to listen in. I felt bad, and this was very dishonest of me to do, but ah need to know. Most of the sound was muffled by the walls, but it was still audible. Twilight explained her reasons, which was what ah had expected, Octavia thought that they could make a really adorable musical couple, and even perform for live audiences later if it ever gets more serious. Dashie said that his flying skills are pretty much matched up to her, and if anything, better than the Wonderbolts themselves. Ah gasped, that coming from Rainbow Dash... saying one pony is better than them, is like saying the apple farms apples don't taste good. I could hear gasps from the room as well. She then said that he performed what she called 'sonic storm' she explained what it looked like in fine detail. It had multiple colors of gold, blue, and gray. Basically the same colors of his eyes, mane, and coat. It arrived in different waves though. She said her Sonic Rainboom comes all in one wave, but instead of a solid color, its a rainbow. But his was different. First came a golden wave, then a few seconds later, a blue one would arrive, and next a gray one. It follows his tracks though. The first one would be where the aura that forms around us becomes sharp and explodes into the whatever causes it. And when we continue flying at our top speed, we have a trail of whatever color represents us. For him, it'll be gold. The waves follow him every few seconds so the circles that form are all in different areas. Not the same one. Just making his display look that much more fantastic... Rainbow's right, he does sound really good at flying, but why wasn't that his cutie mark! I'm sure all of us noticed that he's blank. I hate to say it, but Dashie does sound like more of the ideal pony to win him. This is none of my business, but I feel like I should tell him tomorrow when he's working at the farm. The Gala is tomorrow though... maybe I should ask Rarity if somehow she can make him a tuxedo to show up in. It is a formal party after all. I walked to the boutique, only because the lights were still on this late at night. I knocked on the door and Rarity showed up with her mane all messed up from working. "Rar? Uh... you got somethin' on your head... lemme get it for ya." I grabbed her head and messed her ENTIRE mane up, of course it was a joke. "APPLEJACK! STOP! Ugh...." "I just needed to give ya more of a reason to wash up afterwords. You're really looking... not your best." "Well after the just magnificent music I had an idea, so I just simply HAD to get to work on it! Its a tuxedo for him! I think it'll make a wonderful gift don't you think? Isn't it just MARVELOUS!?" "It sure is Rar! Actually that was what I was coming here for, Storm's apparently got a date tomorrow with Dashie!" She squealed in excitement for her friend. "OH! THAT is just WONDERFUL! It's a good thing I had made this for her! It just PERFECTLY matches her, don't you think AJ?" It was a really nice blue dress, and it matched the tuxedo really well. They would look so nice together! "Thats really nice of you Rar, always thinking of other pony's. But now, you gotta take care of yourself before I leave." "What does tha-EEEEEEEEE!" I picked her up and dragged her towards the shower. "Now you go an wash up, ah got a big day tomorrow." "Thanks AJ." And with that I left. What a day. I'm now on my bed, in my room. So much happened. I hired Storm, found out that three of my friends like him, and a new species has been discovered. What a day it was. *Authors notes; sorry for the late chapter, I've been really busy. Most of the credit for this chapter and the next has to got to AppleMLP. He has been such a big help with ideas so far, and saved me about 3 hours of brain storming. He's a life savor. I hope I'll be able to get the next chapter out by today though, if not, then I'm sorry. I'm just, REALLY busy and tired. The medication from the appointment made this longer than it had to... Anyway, thanks for reading this chapter, and if I don't get another one out today, then scold me. Tell me I'm a disgrace to the human race and give me a backhand slap. Then I'll finish the mare-athon with a special on Sunday. > It happened. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~Day of the Gala 1:24am~ Shayne's POV Been going on my stroll for about an hour now, its probably around 1:30 but I don't care. I mean, I do. I have to work tomorrow at the farm, but I usually never slept anyway so... hey! The lights are still on at the boutique, if Rarity's awake, maybe I should stop by and say hi, I mean I haven't really talked to her in a while. I knocked on the door lightly in case she fell asleep on her designing desk, but she called out, "Come in!" I did so, and greeted her. "Hey Rarity, so what you been up to lately?" "Oh darling, I've heard about you and Rainbow! I mean you should have told me you two pony's were going out! I woul-" I cut her off, we weren't 'going out'... at least not yet... "We aren't going out yet. So far it's just as friends sorry to disappoint you Rarity... its just that I don't know if she thinks the same way, and even if she does... I just, honestly don't know what to think." "Darling... I'm sorry, I should have confirmed it. None the less, I did make you both astonishing dress wear for the Gala! Look at it, isn't it marvelous!?" It was really nice, and both pieces were amazing! It seemed so expensive I just don't know how to pay for it! Oh no... "Sorry Rarity, but I don't exactly have the money to pay for all this." "Well Storm, its free of charge, because you are a friend you know!" She had the biggest grin on her face, she seemed like she only recently took a shower. She also seemed tired. "Also... I'M SORRY I JUST HAVE TO KNOW! Do you like Rainbow!?" Now she had really big eyes, and made her best 'puppy' face. I can't say no to that. "Yes..." "Oh that's just FANTASTIC! I could see it now! The two fastest and BEST fliers in all of Equestria! Yes I know about that 'Sonic Storm' Applejack had told me about it before she left not too long ago." I thought we agreed to call it Sonicthunder? So now it's two words and it's storm. I like it actually, it has more of a ring to it. Acting like I had already knew the change of name, I nodded. "Wouldn't it be just spectacular if you two were both accepted into the Wonderbolts? Or even better! Made your OWN flight team of your own! Oh-oh-oh! Even be-" "Rarity... you're beginning to rattle on and on like Pinkie, not that its a bad thing but... I haven't exactly found a way to make her stop. I guess what I'm trying to say right now is, don't get your hopes up. I doubt she likes me back. You know... she's a tomboyish girl. I don't think she's in to dating and stuff." Even though all those poems in her room showed otherwise. "You must have faith in yourself Storm, you never know what will happen! What if she does like you. You'll never get what you want if you don't go after it!" Then she left the room, but came back grinned at me, then winked and said goodnight. I left the boutique after turning off the lights, and started flying towards Dashie's house. How am I going to bring this up... I spent the whole trip contemplating whether or not I should bring it up and take Rarity's advice and just go for it, but then again, if I do I pretty much risk living there. I just don't know anymore. I guess I can but then again.... Fuck it! I'm gonna do it, whether I get kicked out or NOT I gotta do this! Being shy is what kept me from moving on at Earth so I'm not gonna ruin it this time! Not now! Not EVER! Insert dramatic music here. ~Dashie's POV~ Someone crawled into my bed and I fell to immediate panic. I didn't move too fast so if its hostile, then I could take it by surprise. I slowly turned to my left and saw Storm. "Oh, hey storm..." I looked at the clock. 2:32am. "You're home real late today..." "Heh... yea I suppose so... Listen. I need to tell you something, and I REALLY hope you don't freak out. Or get mad and kick me out..." "Um... Well, go ahead..." Oh Celestia... "First, I saw your art room, read some of your poems and short stories, they were really great I must say. Including your art, they were very interesting. I saw your cello... and your pictures..." "OH NO! YOU DIDN'T READ MY DIARY DID YOU!?" "No no no... I would never do something like that. I'm sorry... I just... didn't.... I... I... I'm sorry. I was looking for my cello the whole time, and when I found the room, I just... continued looking around. I just couldn't resist." "... Storm..." "I know this won't change anything, but if you do have... feelings for me, know that I feel the same. I should be going. You probably hate me now." He likes me? "Wait... you like me? Like... more than a friend." "Yes..." YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES! I'VE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY BEFORE! "REALLY!? I mean... me too!" "Seriously? Great! I guess the day at the Gala would be more than special after all!" He had the biggest grin on his face. The largest I've ever seen on anypony. He laid back down and was now facing me. He gave me a nice hug, and I nuzzled his chest. I fell asleep like that too. ================================================================================================= The next morning, Storm wasn't around... it felt weird to be in a relationship with him, not only for the reason that he's huge... but he's also technically not a pony... even so, he's still much like us. "Must be at AJ's..." I think I'll watch him work. I flew out the door and flew to AJ's house. I was there in a few seconds. Now to watch what happens. *Sorry for the late update, and the rather... small mare-athon. I hope my 'being' busy thing won't be too much of an impact. I've just been through my hyper stage. I don't know how it happened but I was laughing at EVERYTHING... Sorry. Hopefully the next chapter can be longer. I just like randomly lost all my ideas when I was writing up to here. It'll continue tomorrow. SORRY EVERYPONY! This has been the shortest chapter ever... "Chair mode activated *boop*!" - PewDiepie. look him up on youtube. He's great, and HE'S NOT ME! I will never be famous xD anyway aside from the non-related mlp stuff, how did you all enjoy the new episode of season 2 episode 22. YYYEEEAAAAAA! See you all tomorrow. Sorry for the less than a 1000 word chapter. FORGIVE ME! > The More You Know *Fixed and Makes Sense* > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *A/N: I'm back after this period of time to introduce you to the well edited and changed version of chapter 15. If you're reading 'A Second too Late: Ghostly Follows' then Chapter 15 is necessary. I also edited the original chapter 15, well not really edited it to make it easier to follow, but I took out half of the story so it won't confuse you like how I am now. Anyway. Enjoy the updated chapter 15 as chapter 16! [Wow I'm awkward....] ~Day of the Gala~ Shayne’s POV 5:30am I had just woken up. Only had a few hours of sleep, so that should explain why I'm wide awake. It’s weird you know... if you sleep for a long period of time like, eight to ten hours or so, you'll be tired, or... not as awake. But if you sleep for a short amount of time like under five hours, you're wide awake. I guess it makes sense, but... I don't know if it’s like that for everyone else. Well, I'm not going to complain or over think things as far as I already have. I got to get ready for work. Dashie was still sound asleep beside me. We were still hugging, well... I was hugging her. She fell asleep with her muzzle on my chest. Trying not to make any noises or any movements that could cause disturbance, I slowly shifted out of bed. It took me about ten minutes leaving me about twenty to get to AJ's farm. I wonder if her family knows that I've been hired. Oh well, as long as I could think straight I could get this day over with, and get to the Gala. I wonder if Dashie knows about the dress Rarity made her. I got out of the house, twisted my neck left, right, up, down and all other ways possible to loosen myself up before work. I looked at the sky and saw the sun raising. The Apple family should be getting up soon if they're not up already. I took a quick beat of my wings and dashed to the farm leaving a trail of gold behind me. Ever since the Sonic [Thunder] I had been able to make those trails when I flew. I got there in about half a minute, and saw that AJ was already bucking at trees, while a big stallion was pulling a seed drill while a little filly was dropping seeds in the miniature trench. I walked up to AJ and she introduced me to the two workers. "That over there is Big Mac. He's my big brother, and he is a partial mute stallion. He doesn't say much, but he can say a few sentences." Partial mute? Never heard of it. "That’s Applebloom. She's my lil' sister. Heh, she can be such a handful sometimes… Storm?" She looked back up at me with eyes that showed guilt... maybe not guilt, but eyes that showed shame. "Yea AJ?" "sigh You should know that Rainbow likes you a lot." Well, thank god that I already know about that. "I kind of know that." I showed her a smile to get the hint across that 'we' both know now. It took her a second to realize what I was trying to get across to her, but she eventually did. She let out a sigh and put her head down not wanting to make any eye contact. I could still see tears starting to form at her eyelids "That's not the only one who likes you Storm... ya know Octavia and Twi right?" "Oh no..." "Yea... they like ya that way too Storm. Ah feel guilty knowing this, since ah told them ah was leaving so they would freely express themselves. That was very dishonest of me and I'm beginning to hate myself for it!" She broke down and started covering her face with her hooves. It’s really not her fault, she was being curious. Every human I know would've done the same thing to find out something big like that. Especially if they already had a suspicion. "Look AJ, it’s really not your fault. Even though it may have been dishonest for a friend to do that, it doesn't make you a bad one. You were just being curious, and everypony gets like that every now and then. I mean, if I had known that there may or may not have been something going on, I would have done the same thing... except being that I'm a male, I probably would've been teasing around if it was one of my stallion friends. Especially if it was Sean. The point I'm trying to get cross is, everypony lies someti-" She cut me off and set off a small rage on me. I guess its understandable considering she's the type to never lie. She is pretty much the lie detector after all. She looked back up at me with a infuriated and irritated face. It didn't only carry those alone… though it did show. "NO! Ah mean... I'm supposed to be the 'Element of Honesty'! I'm not supposed to be LIKE THAT!" She broke down once more. It was beginning to make a small puddle, so I did the next best thing and came down and put my wing over her and tried to calm her down. Just then a random drop of what I guessed was rain came down from the sky and landed on top of my head. I looked up and saw only one cloud there. It’s seemed so out of place... the entire sky was clear but the lone white cloud. Not letting it really get to me, or get me suspicious, I continued to try and soothe a mare that was breaking down. "I'm sorry Storm. I just.... I..." "Don't worry about it AJ... so, what am I supposed to do now boss?" I grinned at her to hopefully show that I'm fine with what happened, and that I will keep what you said a secret. She trusted me and started to regain her composure. What was this 'Element of Honesty' thing though? I'll ask Twilight abo-... maybe later. She likes me, and Octavia likes me. I can only understand Octavia. We both enjoy classical music, and we both preferred the Cello over all instruments. So we did have our commons… if this were only to be a recent event then it would have been from the 'incident' at her house. Not something I would want to experience again, though something tells me… never mind about it. "Yer job is to *sniff* to work on the complaints and return policies and stuff." She pointed toward the farm house. She then put a smile back on her face, or at least a grin, then started going back to work. I could have sworn I still heard sobbing somewhere… maybe its just in my head. I walked off to the farmhouse to get started. First complaint, "We have ordered two barrels of 300 apples, we've received them except instead of two barrels of 300 apples, we got two barrels of 200 apples. You owe us 200 apples." This doesn't make sense. I looked over the prices and amounts and stuff. We don't even sell barrels with 300 apples! Nor even 200! It only comes in 100 per barrel, probably because if we somehow got 300 to fit it'll blow up or something. What the hell is this?! I looked over the history of complaints from this pony, and saw that all the complaints were the same. AJ just so happened to walk in the room at this time. "AJ, who does the counting per barrel?" "Err... actually we don't need to. We have a thingamajigger that counts the apples for us. So we don't exactly 'need' to count it." They were losing so much profit all this time. "And all these complaints were filled? Like you gave them what they asked for?" "Eeyup." Big Mac walked in. "Well... not to seem rude but, you shouldn't be giving them the apples they requested. For example, this one says they ordered two barrels of 300 apples, but received two barrels with 200 in them. I looked over the prices and what you guys sell, and saw that you only sell apples 100 per barrel... So basically the whole complaint was bogus, and they just wanted 200 apples. You were getting ripped off... do you guys keep catalogs of recent orders?" I started shuffling through the other papers to double check my conclusions. "Erm... We don't actually..." I grabbed a folder called 'history' and looked inside. Empty. "Well it's best if we keep track of these things so we could tell if the same complaint would be coming from the same person." "Well then… I guess it's safe to say that the Apple family just got that much smarter! Thanks for the information Storm, I'll keep that in mind." "No problem." Big Mac and AJ left the room I was working in and headed towards the kitchen. If I had known any better about the time, it must be noon by now. They’re probably grabbing some lunch. My stomach started to ache as I clutched it. “Hey Storm. Don’t be a fool of yerself and just grab somethin’ to eat please.” You can’t be serious right. I’ve never been yelled at to eat before. Well… except when my parents were still alive and well. “Oh, I’m really not that hungry!” I lied. “… You can’t lie to me Storm, and you should know that well enough by now. You already know how much times I caught ya lying. Remember when you were in the hospital?” My eyes went wide, as I simply nodded slowly in agreement. I had already known that she knew about it, but the nerve for her to bring it up again… She chuckled at my stern face. “I know you were just trying to protect Rainbow’s pride, and I’m proud you were kind enough to do that for her. I won’t tell anypony and you can count on me!” I just nodded my head, yet again not saying a word. She went back into the kitchen. I looked back down at the papers and didn’t bother to look up when I heard hoof steps coming my way. I thought I didn’t need to… at least until a big red apple was shoved in my mouth. Yup… forced to eat. I slowly chewed and swallowed. “What was that for! Geez… I was not ready for that. A fair warning would have been nice you know…” I said with a pout tone. “Well if ah had done that, then you would’ve been able to reject the apple! Why can’t you just let me help you. You’re obviously starving.” She’s right. I was starving… I can’t really remember the last time I ate! Maybe it’s just normal to not eat often as a pony. Well… one things for sure, when I ate that apple it made me realize how hungry I really was. I got up and politely asked for a few more apples. She motioned me to just wait here, and she got a bag of apples. She placed it on the table then said, “Ah gotta get back to work. Big Mac might be wonderin’ what’s takin’ me long. See yah!” She trotted off outside towards the apple orchard. I was left alone with a pile of papers, a cabinet, and three folders. This… is going to be a hell of a day. Ron’s POV Go left and go three hundred meters. "Yes master." Its only been a few days, and I'm already referring someone to 'Master'. How can someon-somepony... got to remember pony terms. The thing in my head keeps telling me that if I follow what he says, I'll become respected and earn forgiveness from Sean... Oh Luna... How am I going to- Don't worry about it. When the time comes, I'll guide you through. Just trust me like how you've been doing for the past few days. "Yes sir!" He can read my mind when I 'think' aloud. This whole situation is messed up as it is, but I mean... it also can't get any cooler! I'm a pegasus and a unicorn, leaving me possession to high magical abilities that no normal unicorn can perform. I also could fly, this is great! Shut up or think to yourself! "Technically I am thinking to myself right?" No, not anymore. Now you're talking to yourself... ugh! Just shut up! I listened and with my superior mobility, I took off at what felt like light speed in the directions he would tell me to go. Stop here. Take things slow, then let me take over for a bit. "Yes sir." He would take control of my body every now and then to show me certain spells, or different maneuvers in the sky. He told me to walk straight ahead for thirty feet until I come near the forest wall. When I did, he took over. Now I'm just the spectator. In the distance I could see a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail... she's not alone either. The cyan pegasus was pinning down and earth pony while what was inaudible but still heard from tone, was yelling. My master slowly crept closer so both of us could hear. "Why would you do that! YOU KNEW IT ALL TOO!" She was gushing out tears from her big violet eyes. Something is going down for sure. "YOU TRICKED HIM DIDN'T YOU! YOU MADE YOURSELF LOOK ALL SAD AND STUFF SO HE CAN GET CLOSE TO YOU! YOU DID THAT DIDN'T YOU!" The orange pony seemed speechless. She acted like she wanted to say something but nothing... I wanted to go up and find out what was going on, but then again... that may not be a good idea. I am currently looking at myself in third-person view. Only now have I noticed all the attributes of my body. I had a nice long crimson mane, and my coat was jet black. Not having any contact to anypony before, I never seen my eyes before, or had any idea on the colors. My horn was long and sharp, according to my master in my head, I am only one of the few who had a horn like this. Not that I'm glad to be different, but it matched my body quite well. Just then, my horn starting emitting a crimson aura. This is a spell I'm using on them so I can understand their thoughts better. I'm sure you can hear them as well. I could. They were arguing about a relationship one of them has, and is accusing the other for tricking him to get him close to her. The other is thinking about how much of a misunderstanding it is. On her side, she's a very truthful mare and has never lied or done anything dishonest in her life. So for doing something a bit back for the first time, she was feeling really guilty and broke down in front of him. She thinks that he was trying his best to comfort her which worked. She just can't find the right words to say it though. A few moments of arguing later, a male pegasus bucked the door open. His mane was dark blue, his coat gray and his eyes golden. "What the hay Dashie! What in the name of Celestia is going on!" Both mares spun their head around as they heard his voice. They began talking at the same time explaining their story which was pointless seeing as the mixture of words would just become inaudible. He was clearly annoyed by this. This'll be fun. my master said with a sinister tone. I have no idea what he's talking about but hopefully we won't get caught in the business. If we are to be watching this, I want to just listen. Not interact in any way. My horn glowed the same colored aura and started to surround the gray pegasus's body. He didn't notice, nor did the mares. They were too busy and caught up in their pointless conflict. The gray pegasus flared his wings and started flying uncontrollably to the other pegasus he called 'Dashie'. They tumbled into the apple tree's, soon to be followed by the orange earth pony, and a rather large earth pony. 'What did you do! Did you hurt them!' Yes. That was all me, but you are the one who did it. Listen here. If you want to become powerful, and if you want to not only earn, but force forgiveness from your dear friend Sean. You'll need to listen to me and stop whining about what needs to be done. You also need to learn how to have a bit of fun! he gagged of laughter as he spoke. 'I thought Canterlot was supposed to be a larger place than this. I sorta imagined it to be a large city without farms.' And you have thought correctly. This isn't Canterlot. I just thought I'd stop by to say hello to an old friend of mine... in a comedic way of course. Later when I tell him it was me who threw him on his friend he'll just laugh it off. Don't worry about it too much. Now.. shall we head to Canterlot? The Gala should be in about five hours. 'Sure. I guess its okay if this was all a prank and it was your friends. Heh, I could see how that could be funny! I just hope they didn't get hurt too much.' I was let back in control of my old body. Every time this little switch happens I end up falling face planting into the dirt. I hope we won't have to do this when we reach the Gala. Take flight north east and continue until I tell you to change directions. "Yes master." You can call me Mask. "Yes Mask." What an odd name. Now we must discuss your pony name. Ron wouldn't suit you here. It's too... different in this world. "Understandable. So what should it be?" Nightwalker. I think it suits your coat and eyes. He knows my eye color? A nightcrawler on earth was basically a terrestrial worm... if worms with similar names exist in this world. I don't want any misunderstandings with my name. I didn't let eye color bother me too much... he might be annoyed if I asked such a stupid question. "Uh... the only problem is... in my world, nightcrawlers are basically a terrestrial worm. I don't know how I'd feel if there's worms nicknamed here were so close to my name..." Don't worry. I assure you that there's nothing called nightwalker here... or nightcrawler. At least. From what I know of. I shuddered. For no reason. I just did. "Okay then I guess its an acceptable name." Heh... "Huh?" Oh nothing. Maybe you'll find out sooner or later. This'd better not be about my name. I'll be pretty pissed. Shayne's POV What the hell just pushed me! Ah... fuck... I think I hit Dashie... "Dashie... You alright?" "Storm... how... why..." Her voice cracked and tears were beginning to form from her eyes as she just sat there looking into my soul. She looked at me like I had purposely done that. When it did happen though... I heard something... In the back of my head I heard talking.. only one name stood out though. "Ron!" I said it aloud not really realizing it. Dashie looked back up in confusion. "Sorry Dashie! I have to explain this later! Somethings going on... I don't know what yet, but I just gotta look around." "Wait! Storm!" She took off after me, but I guess my speed and maneuvering got better. I out flew Dashie leaving a trail of gold behind again except the trail dissipated quickly, about twenty feet behind my tail. I was searching recklessly but thoroughly at the same time. Looking in the tree's above the canopy. The skies, the water, in the bushes - everything! I soon came across a cave that I have never seen before. It was lit by medieval torches which followed into a cavern. Not thinking, I went in. The cave wasn't completely made of rock and stone. There were some hieroglyphs on the walls. Pictures of pony sacrifices, and a picture of eight stones that were painted... at least most of them. They were in shapes of diamonds. The middle one purple, and the following colors; red, purple, blue, gold and green. The other two had no colors. They simply had the outline of the shape and that was it. I continued through the cave and saw more and more of the same hieroglyphs, but eventually came to a split in the cave. "Left or right..." I always go right, so lets go left. I made the turn and started being led to a random destination. I left signs of where I came from so I knew which way to turn and stuff. I don't wanna get lost in here forever. My sign was an arrow pointed in the ground to show the direction I came in from, and the way out. A few random turns later, I came into a fantasized room. There were giant mushrooms, and underground flowing river and waterfall, and everything was bright blue except rocks and the dirt road. It was truly an unbelievable sight. The roof of this cave was tall. It seemed like an underground jungle. It seemed like one of those SCI-FI movies, but you could see moss on the rocks above. They too accustomed blue light. I started walking through the paths blindly until a few structures were found. A citadel with a giant diamond painting on top. It was colored gray and outlined by the blue moss. I edged closer to the door and hesitantly reached out for the knob. It was locked. I started taking multiple bucks at the door to force it open. The curiosity obviously getting the best of me allowed me to want whatever was in there. Maybe that was greed getting the best of me. I turned my head frantically to search for some object to aid with my situation. I saw a club laying on the ground. "How did that get there?" Again... not thinking I picked it up and starting taking multiple swings at the door, holding the handle with my mouth. Failing multiple times, and surprisingly not getting hurt yet, I tossed the club aside while growling at the stupid rebellious door. "Guess you don't wanna break down... I'll check the top. Most citadels I've seen usually have hatches on the top... with a little luck... Crap I'm talking to myself again aren't I..." I flew to the roof of the citadel and found nothing. I searched around to see anything I missed. I should give up now instead of just wasting my time. Maybe I'll come by and visit later when I have some tools for this damned door. I few back down to the entrance and bucked the door once more. This time in anger, not greed. Then, the door opened. You... may pass... a hissing voice came from the citadel as it opened. Hesitantly, I forced myself in. "Who are you!" No response... maybe its magic? I don't really understand it much yet, so I guess it could still be possible that the door was enchanted. In the room were two doors on the left and right sides of the room. In the middle laid a glass table. Again, without much thinking, I walked up to it and tried to calm my previous anger. "Element Eight: Relentless Justice." Those two words together are contrary... element... maybe this could explain what Applejack meant by 'Element of Honesty.' "Element Eight is as it is. Its cruel but its also righteous. Although it seems weird, they are both always going to be there. This particular element won't be used for somepony like Discord. This element has been ducked away and hidden because of its power. Nopony could access its power unless you carried the trait. There is no explaining it. Whoever wrote this either did it to confuse me, or leave me clueless. Either way, both worked on me. I'm clueless and confused... I should just leave. I turned around to leave, but the door slammed shut and the words engraved in the door, "You may leave if you fail." Well that sucks. I looked at both of the doors. The one on the left was labeled, "Relentless." the door on the right was labeled, "Justice." Seeing how justice was a better word for things, I took that door not knowing what to expect. Inside was what looked like a court room. Of course! There were two statues of ponies on the left and right. Two levers were also among the statues. There was a paper in the middle as well. "These two are accused of terrorism in different degrees. The one on the right attempted to slay the royal guards but only slain two. The other killed a small filly and attempted to kill more but failed. Which one should be punished by death. If you believe that both should be punished, but not by death. Pull the middle lever up." What middle lever? I searched the room frantically to find it sitting directly in front of my face next to the note. "Idiot!" I continued reading. "If you feel that both should be punished by death, pull the middle lever down." This is a really messed up puzzle or meaning of justice. What is the justice in killing because they killed somepony else! Even if its a filly... two wrongs don't make a right. My mom told me this before she died. "If I held a blank check in front of a crowd... everyone in their right mind would raise their hand. If I were to crumple it up and get it dirty... people would still want it right?" I nodded my head remembering back when she was still alive giving me a lesson. "Why do you think that? Why would someone want something dirty and ugly?" "I dunno mom... why?" I was only at the age of ten when I was told this. It still hurts remembering her, even after those years. "Well... Shayne, the value hasn't changed. Its value is still as much as you want it to be right? It could be a penny, or it could be a million dollars. Its just up to you. Your life however, is not a blank check." "Why am I not a blank check?" "Shayne, you're already growing to be worth more than a blank check. Each second you live, makes my life worth more." I returned back to reality. I stared at the two statues for what they supposedly done. I thought of their lives. They may not be worth a blank check, but they are worth something to somepony. I pulled the middle lever up, for they shouldn't go unpunished, but they shouldn't die either. When I did so, I heard gears and pistons moving. The two statues descended into the stone floor, soon followed by the lever and note. What came up was a shield placed on a mannequin. I stared at the mannequin wondering why I would need such a thing. For that matter, I don't even know how to use it! How would I put this on my leg without falling down? I looked closer at the mannequin. It was clearly a pegasus. It also seemed to be flying. I put the strap on my left hoof and pulled the strap tight. I took flight and saw how easy it would be to use. I practiced bunting at the walls so I could study techniques to block. I already took fencing back on earth for a year... but we've never used shields. I flew over to the middle room and unstrapped the shield, then laid it against the entrance door. "One more door... and this'll be over, and after the Gala I could - THE GALA IS TODAY! ITS IN A FEW HOURS! OH NO! DASHIE MUST STILL HATE ME! Oh no... oh no.... oh god oh god!" a stream of panic went through my veins and adrenaline rushed through my entire body. I flew towards the door labeled, "Relentless." *Authors notes: Hopefully this was a little bit better than previous chapter. Both will be kept up so the alternate story, A Second Too Late: Ghostly Follows would still have a go to and relationship with this story. Anyway, I hope this chapter made more sense, and YES I did change this a lot. The idea of bringing Ron into this was by "sobadnomad" so big shout out to him. I honestly almost forgot about Ron! [Feels klutzy] anyway... hope you enjoyed! > Loose Ends > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edging closer toward the door, I slowly put out my hoof to turn the knob. As my hoof fell upon it, I could feel pain simmer down my arm, then to my chest. It felt like heartburn with a mixture of an incoming heart attack. You know, with the arm sending signals of excruciating pain and stuff... it felt something like that. Of course I wouldn't know a thing or two about what a sign of a heart attack would feel like. Who knew that a world of such a utopia status could render such pain, agony, death, and the exact meaning of this mysterious door? I'm not talking about the pain this door knob gave me. I'm talking about what I've heard that were supposed to be 'true' stories. I was originally trying to escape the world of murder and unnatural death. How and why am I chasing it? Hell, I'm at the door that has the title "Relentless" on it. I don't know what’s inside, but I do know that if I don't go in, then I'll never come out. Well... Fuck me. I turned the knob to open it, as more pain simmered with each centimeter. When the door finally opened, there stood another corridor made of crimson brick. It was paved with an abundance of some liquid; not cement. There was a door that stood on the other side of the corridor, still visible, so it must be close. I walked towards the door... or maybe it’s safer to say that I 'waddled' towards the end of the corridor. Waddling from fright and the thought of the unknown could be standing and waiting for me just behind that door. It could range from a bunny to a dragon. Well. I haven't exactly seen a dragon in Equestria, but if there are pegasi and unicorns and ponies that could all talk, then the odds of there being any other mythological creatures only improve. Damn it, now I'm just reassuring my fears... maybe it’s best if I don't think about it at all. Yup, this is just a walk in my old house’s hallway that's made of crimson bricks, nothing weird about it at all. This isn't a land unknown to man, it’s simply a beautiful walk in the park, but it’s just indoors is all. Nothing weird about it. Nothing. It seems to be working, though if I were to be talking aloud, and had my friends next to me, yeah. I'd be the weirdest fucking thing they've ever seen. Though being weird or different may seem like a bad thing to most people, you need to know that there's no such thing as weird. Who wants to be normal? Who is normal? In everyone's or everypony's eyes, everyone is different. Different to them is weird because they are simply normal. Being normal means being like that person or pony, so if you want to be normal you'll need to act like that person or pony. However, the flaws to it are inevitable. No matter what, you could always act like someone or somepony, but to someone or somepony else, you'll be the weirdest fuck ever. Because normal to them is their own behavior and characteristics. Isn't it true that everyone or everypony also acts weird at their own times? This is simply because they act different from their usual. For example, take me. I act my supposed normal when I'm wide awake. When I'm tired, I'm the dumbest and weirdest fuck ever. I may as well be drunk. Irony is, when I'm tired, I can't sleep. I have to sleep when I'm wide awake. Good. Now I feel better about myself... now about this corridor that seems to never end, It’s been about five minutes of walking endlessly through this painful tunnel. Every now and then, I could hear faint screams of the young and old. They were more like screeches. It sounded like the cry for help, exactly like what I could hear from my dream of Ron. The whole damn reason I'm doing this. For some reason, I don't know what, I feel like he's in here. I just feel like I need to find him. He's near. I'm here. When will he show? Another five minutes of walking on this uneventful road to exhaustion. This is ridiculous already. From the starting of the path, it seemed so close. But whenever I walk closer to it, it seems to just get further away. I want to look back, but I don't. This corridor is trying to molest my mind. Its ridicule is altering my signals within my brain. I can't let this simple tunnel confuse me. If something inanimate can do this, I don't want to see the next door. If I turn to leave... I'll have to walk back how far I've went. Maybe I should look around. Maybe I missed something within the walls. I searched each brick, poking it to check that it wasn't a puzzle. I examined each brick to see if one looked out of place. Nothing. They all look the same. It was like it was copy and pasted. With all the failure in my mind, I put my ass down on the floor looking hopeless. Just like how I was back on earth. Everything went white. I awoke at my house. When my parents were still alive. I was still in elementary when they were alive. I was in my old room, with my white walls. The ceilings were white as well, and you could still see the paint was peeling off. The wooden floor was half carpeted. We didn't have much money. We could barely afford this house, but we needed it at the same time. No apartments would accept us in. We don't know why... that's what my parents would tell me. Maybe they knew, but I was just too young to know at the time. sigh I probably fell asleep back in the corridor. I'm viewing this from a spectator mode again. Just like how I was watching over Ron and Sean back in the college incident. The pain of remembering... I looked at the computer we had. The only computer we had. It was one of those really old ones, so we would need to wait a few years for the internet or any executable jar file we had. Exaggerating of course, it would take about five minutes for it to fully load its way up. I remember this. I was given the ability to walk around; in pony form, in my dream. I knew where my parents were at the time of their death. They were in the living room. They were... on their anniversary. I walked through the hallway, and passed all of the other rooms, meaning the bathroom and the kitchen doors. I could hear footsteps in the living room. Maybe they were still alive! I started rushing through everything carefully dodging vases and books that were stacked on the floor. Only dodging in case I was still able to interact with items as well as interacting with the ground. With me being the usual klutz, I managed to hit and crash a vase. Thinking that whoever was carrying out the footsteps, I managed to rush out of the hallway and turn my head to catch a glimpse of the killer. And it was no one other than the infamous Ron. The born killer. He was the reason for my descent into the world. I may have made it to college, but he doesn't know what pain he has caused. More than just the sorrow for my family, but more that he killed them just to feed his hunger for other’s pain. They would befriend me for an hour, then abandon me. Ron was the reason for my abandonment. I knew of Sean my whole life, but being me, I didn't dare mention what happened to my family. He only found out later in high school. When he offered me a home, I said no. When he threatened to call the police to get me to a shelter, I said no. I have been living off in the streets for some time back then. I know my way around. Putting anger to the side, I edged closer towards my family. They were tied down on a chair. My father was beaten half to death. Only half so he could suffer the rest of it. My mother had been sliced by a butcher’s knife. The knife lay on the ground covered in blood near her chair. Their chairs were set to be facing each other. I could hear my father constantly saying he's sorry to my bleeding out mother. She was telling him it was fine. It was a back and forth situation. It would be soon when they died. I walked closer to my mom. Aside from the blood, she was still beautiful. Nothing could or would take that away from her. She had brown hair that was a bit past her shoulders. Her eyes were light brown, and her face still elegant to the touch. I wanted to hug her, but I fear... something. Maybe it’s my fear of the unknown. I did it anyway. Even though they probably can't see me, I could still see them. :I whispered in her ear, "I love you mom. Always have... always will. Nothing would take it away from me. You will never leave me, even though you may physically. I can't do anything about thing about this. Sorry." She may have not heard me, but I have... and that's all I needed. She looked to the left where I was standing. My heart pumped speeding past its limit as she responded, "I love you too... Shayne." Tears were flooding from my eyes, and they formed a puddle around my hooves. "Can you see me?" "Yes. I don't even care if you're a mythological creature or not. You're still my son. I don't care how it happened either... I don't have much time Shayne..." "I know mom. I'm sorry you need to see me like this." I slowly walked up to her and rolled my eyes down and off to oblivion. I rested my head on her bloody chest to see the letter carved in. "R" He'll pay some day. Not today though. Not now. "It's fine Shayne cough, I'm going to assume you're from the future... like the future Shayne that we've wanted to see?" "Yes mom. I am. I came from a dream I guess. I'm not so sure either, but know this. I made it to college... but the college burst into multiple explosions and blazes. I'll let everything out now. I was saved by my friend Sean and I'm sure you know him well enough. He's been my only friend for the time being. He saved me from the burning college since I couldn't move. I passed out when a pipe flew into my arm. He also managed to save sixteen more people from the lost cause... then a Princess from another world sent me to their. And she changed my body into what most of them look like; Ponies. I became a pegasus and learned how to fly well. I won't get much into it. Sorry I wasn't home when this happened to you. I was practicing... for a recital." "It's fi-..." Her eyes rolled back. Then her head slumped lazily on my neck. She's gone. I sat there sobbing, but at least... she knows that I came out fine. I looked towards my dad. He sat on his chair tied up and unconscious... maybe I could still save him. He's still less beat up than my mom. He probably must have internal injuries. Maybe I could still get him to the hospital in time... "I'm sorry mom. I wish there was more I could do for you. I was just too late wasn't I..." I bit the ropes that restrained my father and slumped him on my back, then used the rest of the rope to keep him still and not mess up my flying pattern. I took off for the nearest hospital we had. It was five miles away, but I could still spot it out. "Dad... You're going to make it. Even though mom... fuck. You're going to make it. I can't give you up. We may have not talked much because I was more into instruments than sports. Sorry for letting you down like that. I just..." I could feel his heartbeat diminishing. More tears were forming in my eyes as my father was passing. I recalled back to when I was three. He was talking to me about his death, and where he would want to be. He said he wanted it to be peaceful... "Shayne, when I die, I want to be sitting on top of a hill, looking towards the sunset. Near the ocean maybe, and under a pine tree. Then maybe a breeze could top it off. Then… I could die smiling." I had forgotten how we had gotten in that conversation. There was a beach off to my right with pine trees. Maybe if he is going to die... and possibly... not even make it. Maybe he'd rather not die in a hospital undergoing surgery and stuff. If he's destined to die, I want to grant him that wish. "Sorry pa' but... if you're not going to make it, you wanted to be under a pine tree on a hill right? And near a ocean? Well, the sun will be setting soon. I'll grant you that wish. Sorry I couldn't fly over to the hospital in time to save you." His heartbeat was now close to a stop. I spotted out the perfect location, where the tree line opened up just for the perfect view of the sunset and ocean. You could hear the waves crashing onto the sandy shore, and the rocks rejecting the powerful waves causing them to shoot up into multiple beads of water. He would want this. I untied the rope from my side and set him under the tree with his back on it. I looked at him... I stared at him. I want him to open his eyes just long enough to feel the warmth of the setting sun. Just then, his eyes peeped open just wide enough for me to see. He let out a deep sigh before he turned his head ever so slowly towards me. "Thank you Shayne. Sorry for being an asshole of a parent." I shook my head. I walked up to him, and rested my head on his chest he put his arm on my neck to let it rest. Badump... Badump... Ba-dump... Ba...dump ... ... He's gone. ===================================================================== ===================================================================== I got my head back up. I spread my wings, and took one last glimpse of the sun. Then one more look at my father and took off. Wherever this dream is taking me... it certainly isn't going to let me get up until I find it. If there is something here I'm supposed to see... could it be Ron? I started remembering the last words... the last conversation I had with my mom. The last words of my father. Is Ron just a killer? Does he do this for fun? Why... how does he get away with such things? That Ron was only a few years older than us if I recalled correctly. He was only in middle school. If my mind isn't fooling me, he should be in sixth grade... His first two murder victims… Were my parents. I flew back to my house and saw myself. Then I remembered that this was just a dream, and only most of this could be true. I was mourning my dead mom and my missing father. I just walked past myself, I knew I would turn out fine anyway. So I went back to my room. Something is different though. I looked back at the computer monitor and saw a word document out. It also had writings. Dear your beloved family, As of now, you probably know that your parents are dead. I don't know why I did it. I just did. Look now, don't be sad. I want you to know that I did this for you. Your parents were worthless pieces of trash that will only stop you from getting where you need to be. The deaths of your parents were very necessary for your own good. Think of me as your shadow, your friend, or you may think of me as the devil, prophecy, or even yourself. I know you. You would have done the same thing yourself given the time. I, being older than you know that you would have come to this point sooner or later. So I decided to take my time out of my life to kill them for you. Remember, don't be sad, and don’t even seek revenge because the chances of you winning are hopeless. I know you better than you know yourself. Sincerely your friend, Unknown The dream flashed to white, and I reappeared back into the crimson bricked corridor. The only thing that laid in my mind was Ron and how much I wanted to kill and beat him. You'd better watch yourself Ron. When I see you, I'll kill you. You can't fool me. I know you're here, maybe not near. Though as long as you stay within the same universe as me, YOU'LL FUCKING PAY. I darted towards the other door, and this time it didn't seem to mile away when I wanted to reach it. This time the door was stationary. I reached out and grabbed the knob. It wouldn't turn, but it sent a mass of pain through my hoof and into my spine. I was paralyzed for a moment and fell on the gray smooth stoned ground. With nothing but sheer willpower, I forced myself back up and I bucked the door open violently. The door swung open, and inside... was a silhouette of Ron. "I knew you were near." I charged for it, but it disappeared. I turned around and a fist swung at my face. I examined the walls after regaining slight composure to notice the walls were spread out a bit more. I am allowed to take flight here. With a quick beat of my wings, I aimed straight forward Ron and bucked him in the face. There was a fierce cracking sound and a thud. Once again, while he was still on the ground unable to get up, I offered a few more blows in his bloody face. A few more would kill him. I was about to take a few more blows to him until I remembered what he did to my mom. He carved a fucking 'R' on her chest and kept her alive long enough to experience the fucking pain. This asshole will get it too. Just way worse. I remembered my father and how he was beaten internally. I glanced back at the silhouette of Ron. He was laying there clutching his ribs. Once again, I bucked his fingers into his rib. His fingers pierced through his skin and he screamed in what should be excruciating pain. It didn't even phase me. I gave his ribs a few more bucks until I heard another crack of bones. Once he was still, I began my search for a rope and any sharp object. This wasn't a really large room, and just in the middle of it, was a nice sword that seemed to fit perfectly around my hoof. I didn't even need to hover to use it. It just seemed natural like turning a door knob. "Screw the rope." I walked back to the crimson bricked wall that contained Ron's broken body. I raised the sword to his chest and before I carved the "R" I lowered the sword then stared at it. The sword I wielded was golden, and encrusted with three gems. A ruby closest to the hilt, a sapphire above the ruby, and obsidian above the sapphire. They were in shapes of diamonds. The hilt of the sword was golden as well, with almandine garnet which surrounded the edges of the hilt. It was quite the masterpiece. "Ron. I'm nothing like you. I wouldn't dare harm someone and let them suffer. No matter how cruel and stupid they can be. I'm different. I will NEVER be like you. However, this sword will be your doom. May you forever suffer in oblivion." I raised my sword back up to his neck. It also began to emit a bright white light that presented the room I was in. It gave light, and I was able to see where I was and what the silhouette actually looked like. It was Ron no doubt. It just didn't have a face. It just had a mouth. The sword still glowed and it forced itself in Ron's neck completely decapitating his head, which fell on the floor. I heard a door swing open from the entrance. I looked back and saw the entrance door open. Whatever just happened, I didn't kill the real Ron. Though for some reason, I felt a large amount of relief. ==================================================================== Two hours till the Gala. ==================================================================== A/N: Sorry been going through a writer’s block and just now I got a breakthrough. Then I got into a somewhat other block. So far so good, hopefully this was a good enough chapter to make up for the failure of a week :P anyway I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Sorry this will be the only one for a while. Also, AppleMLP is equivalent to Jesus, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, and Fabio Flinstone. <-- The author saw this, but is going to keep it. > The Gala > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A/N: Been thinking... I may be posting a preview of my newest story on my Facebook page. It'll be an incomplete paragraph, and most likely containing things I will change. Anyway, I figured that maybe I could post a chapter so hopefully you enjoy! The Gala Thunder Seethe Special Thanks: AppleMLP Follow me at: My Page Chapter 17 ================================================================================ ~The Gala~ ================================================================================ I wonder how I'm going to bring this up with Twi... I guess I'll just drop this off at Dashie's house, and hide it under all of my junk. That seems to be only idea that'll work. I walked out of the endless, relentless corridor, and relieved myself from the insanity that happened. Nopony will know what disgusting thing I just did. I left my memories behind, and set forth to make new ones. I left the citadel, and did my best to get out of the cavern. It was almost like a miniature labyrinth, it carried the same traits of one, as it comes to puzzles and dead ends. Only it doesn't toy with your mind and send you off into different directions with mirages. I managed to find all of the tracks I had left when I first entered the cave almost expertly. Saying almost because I had gotten lost a few times... nonetheless, I almost expertly followed my tracks, and found my way to the cave entrance. "Night already?" I pondered for a moment. I knew that there was something going on today, and it did involve my friends... I shook the thoughts away from my head, and proceeded to Ponyville to meet up with my friends, and stash away the weaponry. ================================================================================ "Spike, where are you?! It's only two hours before the Gala, did you get your suit that Rarity made you on yet?" Spike has been like a brother to me ever since we met; when I hatched him. He is very obedient compared to most stereotypical dragons that I've met. I'm just afraid that one day, he'll want to become like them, or due to natural selection, he'll end up like one of them anyway. Greedy, arrogant, lonely, and star struck of his non-genuine loyalty. I'm just glad that if it were to happen, it'll most likely be decades from now. Besides, he dislikes their selfishness and arrogance. I'm glad for that, and to have him as my brother. Spike came down with his suit on looking smooth, he probably wants to look best for Rarity. I just don't understand how Rarity is still clueless about it. "You're looking good Spike! Are you ready?" "Yea Twi, so... who's this Thunder, or Storm you're always talking about?" "Well aren't you being the curious one today? Well, you see... I can't tell you most of it, but let’s just say I like him a lot." Spikes eyes shot wide. Probably because he thought he'd never see the day when I actually like a stallion. I'll be honest, I didn't quite think so either. I just don't want to pursue it. I want to finish studying, but it won't change my feelings. It also won't stop me from being friends with him either. I shouldn't let it bother me too much. Besides, I'm sure he already likes Rainbow, and if not, already in a relationship. I have noticed that they were being quite clingy... "I never..." "Thought you'll see the day?" "Yeah. Before we let this get any more awkward that it should be, let’s go find our friends. It's only two hours before the Gala, and we still gotta find your... friend." He chuckled when he said friend, almost half heartedly. I laughed with him so the awkwardness would soon diminish. We left the library, and met with our friends where I first met Pinkie on the day I moved to Ponyville. "Hey Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy... where's Rainbow?" They all shook their heads simultaneously after giving each other a quick glance. "I... I think she's still at her house... I don't think... she wants to be bothered..." As you could guess, that was Fluttershy... one day I'm going to have to find someone to teach her to be... you know, not afraid to speak up, and just not being too afraid in general. "Thanks Fluttershy... where's Storm?" "Ah think he's still running around in that forest... Big Mac and ah went looking for him, but we couldn’t find him..." Applejack put her head down, disgusted at her own failure. "Well, what are we going to do? There's barely two hours left till the Gala, and we haven't even gotten everypony rounded up yet." No response, and I hate being late. I guess we're going to all have to search for them. "Alright girls, since we don't exactly have a clue where to start, Fluttershy, go to Rainbow's house and check if she's fine. Applejack and I will search the forest, Rarity and Spike," I purposely set them up together. I think that'll be nice for Spike seeing as the only time he gets to see her is when he volunteers at the boutique. "Go search around Ponyville, and ask around. Pinkie, you're pretty fast. Maybe you can use your Pinkie senses to help out with the search. You should come along with Applejack and I." They all nodded, and moved into their groups. "We can't be late to see our new friend get announced, so let’s do this!" "Yeah!" We all said in unison. "Meet back here in an hour." An hour should leave enough time to make it to the Gala, probably late, but the safety of our friend is still more important. We should still make it in time for Sean's appearance. We set off to find our missing friend, and the reasoning for Rainbow's sudden issue. ================================================================================ I am almost at Rainbow's house... If she's still there, maybe... now would be the best time to explain. I slowly turned the knob on the door, and creaked it open. Now that I'm inside, I just gotta place this in the cello case. I'll just put my instrument on a stand, or have it leaning against the wall, then it'll look pretty natural. I heard sobbing on the floor above me. It was coming from her room. There was inaudible talking... is this... Multiple illusions of Dashie getting tortured flicked into my mind, and disappeared. I dropped the shield instead of placing it making a loud clanking noise, so I could let whoever else was up there know that I'm here. I had my sword in hoof, and barged into the room Dash was in. Inside was just Dash though. She looked up astonished by my sudden break in. "Dashie, I can explain the sword, but tell me what's wrong? Is it about..." "Yes!" She glared at me with those big violet eyes. While shouting more words at me that I couldn't comprehend. I was shocked as well, she was angry at me. She doesn't know though... she shouldn't know. "I apologize. I'm sorry. It's all my fault and I doubt you forgive me." "That's the thing. No matter how mad I am at you, I still believe it's mostly my fault. I want to be mad, but I can't!" "Why do you want to be mad Dashie?" "Because!" "Look..." I trotted up to her, and placed the sword on the floor. I put up my hoofs on the bed where she lay, and whispered into her ear, "I know what I did was wrong. I'm sorry for this, but maybe someday... I... I don't know how to put this, but I can't tell you what happened. Which is why I'm leaving it as this is my fault. Don't worry about it, you can be mad at me. I can respect that, because what I have done was way worse. I shouldn't have attacked you, and if I could have stopped myself, I should have tried harder." Her sobbing turned to deep inhaling and exhaling. She must be getting calmer, or angrier at me. I'm fine with both. "It... I..." She was looking down staring off into the bed mattress searching for the right words with her mouth half open. "I don't..." "Don't worry about it. Are you hurt anywhere? I'd hate myself if I did. Please tell me you're fine." "No... I just want to know where you went off to." "I went-" Hoof steps were becoming audible as it got slightly louder. It seemed like it was hesitant to move further. What soon came into the room, or more like just poked her head in, was Fluttershy. "Oh... I wasn't... interrupting anything right?" "N-no Fluttershy, but uh... what brings you here?" I could still tell that Dashie was in no condition for a conversation with her other friends. So I took over. "We-well... if you don't mind... the Gala starts in about two hours... so... we don't want to be late for our friend Sean... so..." She beckoned her head to motion that we should probably get moving soon. "Alright, thanks Fluttershy, but we need some time... I have a lot of explaining to do." When I mentioned that, Fluttershy left, and Dashie put her head up and smiled with new tears still forming in her eyes. "Listen... Don't tell anypony this. Only you will know this much information. It may not seem important, but to me..." I explained everything, and more. I told her about Ron, and the dreams Sean and I shared. I told her more... I told her about the life I once had before coming here. I told her everything, and more. I told her about my lifeless life back on Earth... and more. I told her about the murders of my family, and my fortunate chance to meet them once more... and more. I told her about the hate that's been forming in me for the past years. I told her about the college. I told her about the loneliness, the sorrow, the pain, the agony. I told her about the failure, the horrible choices I made, and the luck I had that seemed to keep me going for all those years. I told her about my love life as well. How it was a fail. "I do hope you promise not to tell anypony." "I... I do... why are you telling me this?" "Here we go..." I elaborated on my love life, to explain one thing. She is my first love, and only. What I held back was, if this love failed, I would just give up. She seemed like she understood what I was telling her. "Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?" "I... I think." "Just to make sure, what I'm telling you is that you're my first love, my only love, and the reason for my well being. If this were to fail, I would simply ponder on. I would be at a eternal stalemate contemplating what I did wrong. I wouldn't seek for improvement either. I also wouldn't mind if you hate me right now, because well... I did attack you. I just don't know why." Her eyes shot open, and I failed to hold back the fact that if I were to fail this relationship then I'll give it up. I was starting to sob after sharing my miserable life. I hid myself by squinting my eyes as tight as possible and looking away. I could hear her shifting in the bed covers, and she soon put her hoof on my back. I opened my eyes, and turned to see her giving me a soothing reassuring smile. I smiled back, and I gave her a nuzzle. "It's been almost forty-five minutes, we should get ready." "Well, I don't exactly have anything to wear except the dress Rarity made me last year..." "Well, you'll be pleased to know that Rarity actually made both of us dress ware for this year’s Gala." I made myself seem like I knew it was today. I feel like an idiot, well that's how most days are. "She made us another dress? Why?" "She had a suspicion that we were going out. So she decided to put some inspiration to work, and made these." I motioned her to follow me. I led her to the bag that held the dress and tux. I pulled them out, and she looked really happy. So I am too. I helped her into her dress, and she helped me into the tux. So... this is what it's like to really love. I never want to let this feeling go. Ever. "Ready Dashie?" She smiled, and looked up at me showing the determined eyes that I fell in love with. "Let’s, do this!" We both grinned at each other, and we soon met our friends in the middle of town. ================================================================================ "Hey girls, sorry we took long." "Don't worry about it Storm, I'm sure whatever you had to talk about was important. Don't worry, we should still have enough time to make it there in time to see Sean's appearance!" Twilight responded with a reassuring smile. "I can't wait! So uh, how are we going to get there?" "Oh, we were planning on using the chariot like last years, but this year, I wanted to try a teleportation spell. You girls don't mind right? If you do, we can always use the chariot." We all encouraged Twilight to use her magic to teleport us. It worked well I guess. There was a bright white flash, and we soon reappeared in the front of the Canterlot Castle. It was a truly marvelous structure. The architecture, engraving designs on the walls, paintings, stained glass, were all really magnificent. "Wow." That was all I was able to say. The crowd was large, and usually in groups clustered together. You could tell apart who is in what group, but if you were to try and get through, you would fail and get stuck within the chaotic combinations of conversations. I examined my surroundings a bit more, and realized that Twilight, Rarity, Dashie, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie were no longer with me. Maybe they ran off into the castle already. This is, after all, supposed to be some type of important event. I said to myself doing my best to assume I'm not alone. I went to the castle and saw many so called famous ponies. I recognized the Wonderbolts, and there was Dashie. She seemed like she was having a good enough time. I'm going to avoid her for now unless she comes up to me. I just feel... a bit awkward after I shared practically my entire life in an hour. She's the first to know, and hopefully the only one. I was staring at her for some time, and she took a glance at me then looked away. One of her eyes strayed back though, and she had a slight frown on her face then... was she wondering why I wasn't accompanying her? Now she turned her full head towards me. I could see... I believe her name is Spitfire. Dashie's favorite flier in the group. She was trying to get her attention, but Dashie refrained, and kept her focus on me. Does she care about me that much? I... I guess I should go over there. I don't want her hating me. Almost as if it was cued, the announcement of my new friend started. There stood, the two Princesses; Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna. "I would like to thank all of my ponies for coming out tonight at our Gala. We have a special guest, and we wish for you to treat him with respect. Do not fear him, he's harmless, but he's afraid that he'll be discriminated by our species. Accept him as he accepts you." Sean walked out from behind the curtain, a few gasps, and one scream were heard. The rest were just astonished. They gawked at the sight of the creature, I've never felt more sorry for Sean... he must hate this. Then again, if he wants to be accepted into society, and not be changed like me, this must be done. It was now Luna's turn to speak. "I know what you're all thinking... but why would we bring anything here, or make a special announcement for something that could harm us? Notice how there's no Royal guards around this stage. He speaks our language. He doesn't mean any harm. He just wants to be accepted." The ponies exchanged looks with each other, and began murmuring... they need to trust him. Well, now is the best time to be a good friend than ever... I started flying towards the stage, then landed next to Sean giving him what would have been a "fist bump". So... hoof bump? The murmuring continued, and more screaming. Princess, um, if you don't mind me asking, I thought this would have been easier... so what's going on? They are probably afraid... I'm glad you came up here to support your friend. Where are the others? I only saw Dashie... Just then, Dashie started taking flight towards the stage then landed on the other side of Sean giving him a playful punch to the leg. "Ow!" Sean started rubbing his leg. Of all things Sean could have said... the other Ponies watching were panicking thinking that he would hurt Dashie. Are they really that paranoid? Sean just stroked Dashie's mane. Now I could see Twilight trying to push her way through the crowd. "Excuse me! Ugh! Don't YOU DARE get near me with THAT! Get it away! That will stain!... No no no NO NO NO! You ALL STAY AWAY!" I guess Rarity was falling shortly behind. Of course, out of nowhere, Pinkie came from behind and scared both me and Sean. "Well uh, I suppose that this could have gone way better." "Oh really Sean? Maybe you should just try to show that you're friends with us." I guess I should do it for him. I turned to the crowd, and spoke up for him. "By a show of hoofs, and with your honesty, how many of you accept him?" About ten hoofs went up. "How many of you think he's harmful to us?" Half the crowd raised their hoofs. Sean was beginning to shake. "How many of you think it's not possible for him to live with us in our society." All the hoofs went up. "Alright. I'm going to share you a story, of my life. I won't tell you all of it, but I'll tell you some, that will apply here. I'm different. I was hated by everypony, discriminated in class discussions, even by the teachers. My family was murdered, I was homeless for most of my life. I was living by sheer willpower, and eventually it was thrown to the dust because it burnt down. Literally. My only chance for future, which was a college, has been burnt. This creature, saved me and sixteen. SIXTEEN others! He didn't care about his life, he put others first. Do you think. Honestly. Do you think that anypony else would save me, a worthless piece that will unlock no doors to the future? No. You may only think you will now because I've shared my story. Right now, you're showing sympathy. I can see it, it was everywhere when I was homeless as a child. Sean became my one and only friend. He didn't use me, and I rejected all of his offers to take me in." I was starting to tear up a bit. I never shared my past with anyone... or anypony. I squinted my eyes shut then opened them with determination to finish. "He is the single, nicest, person I've ever met. In species, one would be called person. Plural are people. The point I'm trying to get across is. If you can't accept him into society because of his looks, then I should be put into an asylum. Are you all that shallow? Look. I'm sorry for exploding on you like this, but I can't stand to see a good friend of mine to be rejected... so easily by society. He did nothing wrong, in fact, you only just met him. That is all I have to say. That is all I will share." I hope that worked... I just shared parts of my worst life... You did good Storm. I think they're taking a better liking to him now. I looked up to see ponies smiling. Is Storm actually turning into my name now? Word spreads fast I guess. Indeed it does. I started to cry a bit more remembering my loss, my gains, and my rejections... my life. I felt seven hoofs land on my back as well as a hand. I looked up, still tears forming in my eyes, and saw Princess's Luna and Celestia, Twilight, Fluttershy who was also crying, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rarity who was also tearing up. No more than a second later, I felt a kiss on my left cheek. I turned and saw Dashie. ================================================================================ Alright. We're almost there. Can you see the castle? "Yes, it looks quite magnificent." That's what I thought as well. Soon it'll be brought to the ground, and you'll obey me. "Yes Master." We're a bit late, when we arrive, we will be looked at as royalty. Don't act too sophisticated. Your friend Sean awaits. "Yes Master." A/N Small update, hopefully it's good. I accidentally fell asleep in the middle of writing, oh the disgrace... anyway, it took a lot of work to attempt the sad scene. Hopefully, I did well! Worth a try right? If you want to listen to the song that helped me write this chapter, (I won't link it... linking is annoying.) look up on YouTube, Google, or iTunes: Comptine D'un Autre Ete. It's a beautiful French piece. It's piano, so if you're into rock, pop, dubstep, or techno, then this may not be the song for you. Sorry. > Nightmare Come True > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Second Too Late Thunder Seethe Special Thanks: AppleMLP < Editor Follow me at my: Page ========================================================================= Ch. 18 Nightmare Come True The party raged on, and Pinkie was on stage with the DJ dancing then somehow teleported to a new location, and tried to make others dance. She somewhat succeeded as other mares and colts with their tuxes and dresses, started shaking and putting their hooves in the air. Why... am I getting a weird vibe... I took flight, and started searching for Sean who was probably submerged with everypony trying to meet him. I guess the easiest way to find him would be to look for a puddle of ponies. When I set that idea to my mind, I spotted him. He is much taller after all... The crowd started to split as everypony bowed to let what seemed like royalty through. Their heads slowly went back up as the crowd surrounded the pony. He was a unicorn, but I have yet to hear of a unicorn that's royalty... maybe I should go check what’s going on. I descended and lightly landed my hooves on the marble flooring. What was ahead of me was an... alicorn? This alicorn is male, so he mustn't be royalty unless he traveled from another continent. I actually haven't seen an ocean in Equestria, or heard of any! I'd best stray away from it though, if there's supposedly creepy monsters in the forest, I don't wanna know what can come about in the ocean. I walked slightly closer pushing the other ponies aside just enough so I could hear him. He sounds awfully familiar... What are you talking about? By now, the Princesses’ voices were known in my mind, so I could easily make out who they were in response... I didn't actually intend for this one to happen. Oh sorry Luna, I didn't mean to 'think out loud.' Are you aware that there's another alicorn? Another? Now Princess Celestia joined the conversation. Yes... he's talking to Sean right now, and I think I remember this voice somewhere, but... I seem to be absent minded. Well, we should go and introduce ourselves to him then. Sister, if you don't mind. Go ahead Luna, I still need to finish a few notes from the Zebra Nation. I'll catch up later. Okay Tia. Shayne, could you try and pull him aside from the crowd? I think we need a proper meeting. Sure, but uh... where and what if he asks Sean to tag along? Meet me at the garden. It's usually quite empty. Sean can tag along too if he wishes. With that, the telepathic conversation had ceased. I moved closer, and I could finally make up the colors of what he looks like. He seemed to be getting along with Sean well. He had a crimson mane, tail, horn, and a jet black coat. His horn was long like Princess Celestia's as well. "Hey, what's your name?" He paused before a response, he seemed like he was staring through me. His eyes weren't moving either, like he was trying to come up with a solution... or maybe- "Names Nightwalker." "Nice name. Names Thunder Seethe, but you can call me Storm." He paused again before responding. His eyes grew slightly wider. He nodded his head, and turned his head towards Sean. "So, you've been in Equestria long?" I know this voice somewhere... "Well actually, only for a few days, so I don't know much about the history, or anything like that." "Well, sorry to butt in again, but the Princesses asked to speak to you in private once the word got out that another alicorn was attending the Gala." He paused before his response again with that same blank expression. "Sure, which Princess wants to see me?" "Well, both... but Princess Luna will be coming first as Princess Celestia needs to finish a few more notes from another kingdom." Another paused response, but this one seemed to go on for a bit longer than usual. He was changing expressions from mad, confused, irritated, and resent. Then he responded. "Yeah... may we bring Sean?" "Sure." His voiced changed. It was deeper, and... I hate to accuse, but it actually sounded sinister. This is a bit strange... I don't think this is a real safe idea. "Sean, do you wanna come?" "Huh? Oh sorry, wasn't paying attention. What's going on?" "You wanna go with Nightwalker and I to a meeting?" "If it's okay with the Princesses... I guess I wouldn't mind." With that, we started moving along to the garden where we are supposed to meet Luna. ================================================================================ We finally got through the raging crowd, and managed to avoid many hateful or afraid looks at Sean. We were almost at the garden when a few screams were heard. Everypony went quiet as they all thrust their heads around to find the source of the screaming. I just noticed that Nightwalker wasn't with us anymore. I took flight and followed the noise of what was now many ponies screaming. I saw guards flying to the source. Luna! Celestia! What's going on! I don't know! Luna, do you know what's going on? Not at all sister, I could hear it from the garden though. I'm going to see- No. With all due respect, I don't think that's such a good idea. He's right Luna, if one of us gets hurt, how will we be able to move on? We may be immortal from time sister... but it won't stop anyone from assassinating us. It could be a trap Luna, please... go back to your sister, and remain hidden until this is sorted out. ... Fine. I saw the fight. There were many black shades. It looked like a similar shape of a werewolf, but it was a shadow. It was 2D. There were many, and they were spawning from a transparent portal seeming to be held with a crimson aura. Crimson just like Nightwalker's horn... Princess, this is the last time I bother you tonight, but I believe that the cause of this mess is the alicorn... also known as 'Nightwalker'. I flew at my top speed searching for the one that caused it. Then I remembered about Dashie. This portal took place where the Wonderbolts were having their chatting... and Dashie was there. "Storm!" Dashie was calling out for me. I turned to my right to see her getting dragged to the portal by the shadow creatures. "I'm coming!" I flew top speed to the portal. Just as soon as I started, I saw Nightwalker. Everything went in slow motion. I had to decide whether to attack Nightwalker who was holding up the portal to possibly mess up his spell and close it... or save Dashie from being pulled in. I can only do one. Each and every second I wait there are more of those shadows terrorizing the Gala. Pillars are being smashed in and the glass windows now had gaping holes. The next thing I saw was a boulder of marble from the flooring flying straight towards me. Then my vision flashed to white. *Quick A/N: Insert "Here comes Tom!" Meme here. ================================================================================ I saw my life. I remembered the times when all I wanted was help, but it never came. When it did come, I rejected it. I would always try and do more when there's really nothing more I could do. I couldn't do anything. I didn't have anything. Right now, Dashie doesn't have anything. All she wants is help, but it's up to me whether or not she gets it. She always tries to do more, but she can't right now. She can't do anything because she's in the hands of demons. She has something I didn't have enough of. Something that you need more of to survive. She had friends. I'm one of them. I have more, and having one less wouldn't help. My vision returned to normal, and I dodged the rock that beamed towards my body. I charged at the two shadows. When I was close enough, I turned around and bucked them in the portal. "Run Dash! Find the others, and go ba-" I felt a horrible shocking sensation in my back. I fell on my side as my vision slowly began turning black. A few seconds later, Dashie joined me. We were staring at each other’s eyes. "Da... Dashie..." Those were the only words I managed to cough up. I reached out my hoof, jerking as I did so, and grabbed hers. Knowing I had her hoof made me smile. I could see the alicorn go up behind her. He charged up his horn again, and zapped me once more. A/N Sorry for the late chapter as well as how this one is short. I got so many school projects, and I still gotta do some filming. Once again, sorry. AppleMLP is still awesome. I also updated my fimfiction profile bio. It now has more useful things like, future projects, and new releases. Once again, sorry for the late chapter. > Another Door Closes > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lone Colt Thunder Seethe Special Thanks: AppleMLP < Editor Follow me at my: Page ========================================================================= Ch. 19 Another Door Closes I could hear the dark laughter swaying about in my head. Over and over again. I couldn't help but think of Dashie's safety. Wherever we're going to end up, I don't want her to come. I'd rather have me dead than for her to come along with me. She has too much left in her life for something so awful like this to happen to her. I'm not unconscious though. I could hear everything around me. I hear the cries of the citizens. "Look what we have here... the Eighth Element. Heheh. You're going to be fun with Loyalty. You'll both die... happily. It is true you love each other right? Don't speak now, or rather... you can't!" What I assumed to be Nightwalker, but he sounded different. Like I said before, more sinister. I'm not even sure if this is the true Nightwalker, but then again... he sounded so familiar. Why can't I remember his name?! What is this Eighth Element? I remember it back at that weird cavern place, but I still don't know what it means... is it some type of chemical compound? Probably. "Well, it seems like you're busy right now. You'd best enjoy it while you can, because I can guarantee... that this is as peaceful as it will get real soon. Of course, assuming you're still alive." He chuckled and what sounded like his hooves galloping away. I opened my eyes just enough so I could see Dashie. She did the same. "Hey... you alright?" "Yea..." She tried opening her wings, and moving her hooves, but ended with failure. I did the same thing with no different result. "I think we may be immobilized for the time being. Don't worry though. I'm sure Twilight and the others will find us soon... wherever we may be going." Reassuring her is probably the best solution. I know that there is no way Twilight would find us, and she'll be up for days without sleep to find a considerable solution or location, just to be met with the inevitable failure. I won't give up. I will fight, but if it means one of us dying... I'll make sure it's only me. "Don't even try that... and just in case this really is the last time we're going to see each other, I just wanted to ask... a few things." "Go on." "First, what was with that weaponry? Second, what happened at the farm... with AJ-" "Don't worry about it. And well... I'm not sure if this is full proof, but I think I was flown into you... with magic." "What?" "Like, I felt really strange, and suddenly I started flying towards you at top speed. Sorry about that." "It’s fine... but what did the magic, and how was it so strong?" "I wish I knew... was there anything else you wanted to say Dashie?" "Yea... one more. What is all that blabber about the Eighth Element? I thought there were only six; Loyalty, Kindness, Laughter, Honesty, Generosity, and Magic!" "Well, the weaponry I brought home came from this weird cavern. I sorta just kinda went in, I don't know why, but I did... and I entered this citadel structure, and then... that happened." That fall to save Dash took out a real chunk of my brain now didn't it? "Well... I guess that explains both this question and the other. So... are we really stuck? Are we really going to end up with that alicorn? Those shadow things... they're from the Everfree. I know they are, partially because when I do crash, it's over there." "Yea, well that's kinda how we met." I put on my 'I'm okay with this' smile, and she did the same back. "Glad we're on the same page, well... I guess we always were- ACK!" "Wha-ACK!... Dash..." ========================================================================= The After Party ========================================================================= The guards had now taken back what used to be a monumental castle, which was now destroyed and barren. There were occasional fires spread in the garden where Fluttershy stayed, and chunks of marble floor lying about in the main hall. Thrown and bloodied of those who fought and died in this skirmish. Twilight was in the middle of it, cleaning up what she could, and scorning at the shadows which dribbled blue and purple blood. She occasionally walked up to one, and relentlessly kicked their faces in, obliterating whatever bones they had in their skull, crushing and piercing the fragments in their brain. "Buck you..." She kicked another shadow's face in. She dropped a few tears because no matter how much they deserved it, she knew that she was ending a life of another being. It wasn't her job, but she did it anyway, because she felt that it was her responsibility. Applejack was in the main hall with Pinkie and Rarity when this all had happened. Applejack was still well and fine, she could fend for herself. Pinkie... had her party cannon which she used as she threw multiple cakes while screaming like a psychopath. Rarity had it the worst. Being the fine fashionista she is, she wasn't as strong or had any... potential weapons to fend for herself with. She was grappled, bitten, scratched, and beaten. She managed to get a few bucks into the shadows' jaws, but they were too overwhelming. Sean was able to fend for himself well, providing he has hands and feet. He took martial arts as well, so he didn't have much trouble. Just a few scratches here and there. Luna stayed hidden with her sister well, and they remained unharmed. The remaining guards took a death count of both civilians, and guards. 1600 civilians attended. 542 civilians dead. 120 guards on duty. 97 guards dead. The rest remained hidden, or in the hospital. The terrorist attack won't be long forgotten. July 20th, has been marked as an official mourning day for those who died. To Mask, it was all worth it. The first step had been accomplished. ========================================================================= "Where... where am I?" I awoke in a dirt tunnel, and trapped behind jail bars. Across from me was Dashie, and to the cell on the right, was Octavia unconscious. Why is she even here? "Hey... Dashie? You awake?" "Hmm? Oh thank Celestia you're awake! I don't know what's going on, or why Octavia's even here. You have any clue as to that?" "I'm afraid not. I was just wondering the same thing." We put our heads down. What am I doing... this may be the last time I see her! I need to say something... is Octavia waking up? "You awake?" I said in a whisper just in case she was only shifting positions. She slowly arose from the ground with matted hair, and she took a good look around. "Not exactly the best spot to be waking up huh?" I chuckled a bit to lighten the mood, it didn't seem to work. "Heh... yea... well, what do we do?" "Well I guess... there really isn't much we can do except for waiting." I looked at the two of them. "Dashie, you've been up the longest right? Have you overheard anything?" She looked up at me, and she started tearing up. Then she broke down. "Well... *sniff* buck." "You don't need to tell me. I'm sure it'll be fine-" A door nearby, definitely in this room, swung open and here entered Nightwalker. "Well. I hope I wasn't interrupting anything." he laughed like a psychopath. "Go fuck yourself." I glared at him, but he wasn't phased. He walked over the Rainbow's cell, and his shadow guards slowly became visible. "Don't you dare touch her!" "Or what? What can you possibly do now? You've lost. Since you're one who's certain to make it out of here alive, let me introduce you to the real Nightwalker." What is he talking about? He's clearly crazy. At the same time, I'm curious... Princess, Can you hear me? Shit... it doesn't seem to be working. I guess I gotta find a way out of this... to get everyone out. "Storm. I'm so sorry, I am not doing this, it's completely against my will! Please, your name's Storm right? Help... Me!-" I remember now. Is that Ron? It can't be... were the dreams Sean and I were sharing true? No... "Well that was pleasant wasn't it? It's okay Nightwalker, soon you'll be free again. Just... not as a pony. You'll be restored as a human, and I shall take over your Alicorn being." "What do you mean?" "Heh... you'll see in a moment. You two, unlock those doors. Send them to any death chamber, I frankly don't care which one... Screw that, I figured out something more interesting..." He turned and looked towards me smirking. "Take him out too, and follow me." He led us down the dirt hallways. It was lit with torches, and had the medieval look. We passed multiple doors, but stopped where there was a split between the hallway. We went to the right, and the walls slowly changed from dirt, to stone. "Stop here." he motioned one of the guards, and I was thrown into an iron room with one glass window pane. I could see a sand dome... there was blood everywhere, and it looked recently used. "Is that... Octavia and Dashie? Oh no... This isn't what I think it is..." I could see multiple monsters with spears stuck in their chests, and dead ponies on the ground wearing the Royal guard armor. This is a gladiator arena. "SHIT! SHIT, SHIT, SHIT! Oh fuck!" I started bucking and kicking everything I could trying to get out there. I know what they're going to make them do. I started bucking at the glass. Then no sooner than I had started doing that, I started flying towards the glass at top speed. It seems to be no use, but I don't care. I'm not going to give up! They're talking right now. They're going to send a threat out soon so they are forced to fight. They can't. Fuck! A gate on the far east started to open. I can't believe they're going to force me to spectate such things! I can't... "OPEN!" I started kicking at the door, but nothing is working. I'm powerless. "Enjoying the fun?" The fake Nightwalker appeared next to me. "You bitch!" I flared my wings and was about to start an attack until I was thrown in the back wall by magic, then entangled by magic. He turned my head so I was forced to stare out the window; he moistened my eyes constantly so it wasn't blurry, or too wet for me to see. It felt normal. He wanted me to watch. ========================================================================= "Octavia! Behind you!" A shadow appeared behind, and was about to take a few lashes. Rainbow Dash was quick enough to fly and buck it in the jaw, knocking it unconscious. "Thanks..." Octavia thanked. "You know what has to be done if one of us wants to make it out of here right?" "Yea... I was awake." They both started tearing up as they remembered their childhood, adolescent age, and their share of adultery. "I've always thought of you as a great mare Dash. I admire your will to do everything it takes for yourself to win. You must know... that I have to at least try to survive." The gray musical mare looked down and started crying as if she knew her fate. "Don't worry about it Tavi. When I'm gone... tell my friends back in Ponyville... that... that I was thinking about them." The rainbow maned pony looked up with tears in her eyes, but she was smiling. She would never kill a friend, even if it meant they were going to kill her. "And Tavi... I think the same way about you. You're a great mare, and don't let what happens tonight ruin that for you. Just... don't forget about me." The rainbow pegasus regained as much composure as she could, and let all of her pride go. She walked up to the earth pony and said, "You can kill me now." she looked up where Thunder stayed crying and screaming for them to be let go, and have him killed instead. He knew they didn't deserve to kill, or be killed. It was him who got them in this mess anyway... or would this have happened anyway. Was this something that fate already decided? "Sorry Rainbow..." the gray mare turned around and kicked her in the jaw, making a sickening crack. She fell with a thud, and blood seeped from her mouth. She got back up, and was preparing for the next hit. "Don't be." She took another blow, and landed with a thud again. She screamed in pain, but still got back up and prepared for the next hit. She was beginning to shake, but she stood her ground. "Ack!" Her right wing was broken, and now she was unable to get back up. Her stability was diminished, and was now bleeding from multiple cuts across her body. She was in constant pain, but she refused to scream any more than she already did. She was beginning to hyperventilate from all the bruises she received. Thunder who was watching from a distance was crying even more than when his mom and pa' died. It wasn't so much that he was watching a fight... it wasn't a fight. It's cruelty, but even so. She didn't have a choice. He started screaming and gagging himself from all the deep breaths he was taking. He would never know of the end, because for the rest of his life, he would relive this moment. "Tavi... I-ACK! I'm sorry you have to do this... but please. If you're going to do it, please hurry. Stormy is watching, and well... he's probably... not... so happy. ACK! The rainbow pegasus was dying slowly already. She had been bleeding from multiple spots on her body, and soon she'll bleed out. "Rainbow..." Octavia was weeping as she was forced to kill a friend. She never had many because of her talent, and what she loved doing. It hurt her even more to know that she didn't even fight back. "I'm... sorry." "Don't be... just remember what I said. Don't forget me, and tell my friends that... UGH! I was thinking.... about them..." She smiled once more before the final blow crushed her skull. The gray pony just stared at her motionless body. She broke down, and laid next to her friend. "Accepting a loss for a friend, is much more colossal than winning for them." - Thunder Seethe A/N: I didn't want to put an A/N on this chapter, but I guess I have to. There's a rage going on about me killing off Dashie. Well, honestly this scene takes a big role on the story. It also doesn't necessarily mean that I'm killing her off. As I said, I have an idea, dunno if you'll like it. I totally agree with Byraganon and kararnos. I hated myself and was practically sobbing while writing, and I don't know why I stuck to this idea. Well, probably because of where I was heading from the previous chapter. I will be using idea's you send me, so if any of you make some spectacular idea that even includes Dashie coming back to life, I will do it. Trust me. Dashie is my favorite character in the series. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I know that feeling. But it's just up to you to bring her back. Please send me ideas. It's appreciated and you'll be given credit. > Forgiveness > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Second Too Late Thunder Seethe Special Thanks: AppleMLP < Editor Follow me at my: Page ========================================================================= Ch. 20 Forgiveness A/N: Just in case you haven't been looking at my blogs, you probably don't know if I'm allowing Dash's return. If you don't want to find out, then avoid the silver/gray text. I am bringing her back, but she won't appear until the next few chapters. Chances of me killing off any more mane 6... no clue. Remember, PM me if you have a suggestion for the story, or tell me what you don't want to happen. It helps, and now on to the story. ========================================================================= "Tell everypony out there. Tell them I exist. Tell them I'm coming. Tell them I will kill them all, and tell them that I will laugh as I watch my minions tear them limb from limb. Tell them to be ready, because if they aren't, well... it won't be any different. They'll just give me more to enjoy as attempt to fight a losing war. Tell them they don't have long. Tell them, one of the elements... well, I don't want to spoil the fun do I?" He laughed as he slowly backed up and reunited me with Octavia. I couldn't look at her anymore, not after what she's done. I knew the situation at the time, but... there's always a way, there was a way. We just didn't look hard enough. If only I had been stronger, maybe I could have busted down that glass window pane which displayed the scene. "I-I'm sorry..." I just ignored her, I'm just really sick of this right now, and I need to warn the others. This... monster is a threat to Equestria. I want vengeance. "Well, it seems like you two will have a lot to catch up on. Ha! I think you two will get along quite well... after all, hasn't Stormy saved you from that psychopath?" he snickered and smirked at us. I gave him a glare, but he didn't respond with hate. It's what he is looking for. "Look, only my friends get to call me Storm, and only Dashie gets to call me Stormy, with the exception of my friends as well. You... are the furthest thing away from Dash and a friend anypony can have. You won't win. I don't know who will die in the process, but I do know this. I will be the one who gets to sever your neck and end your pitiful life. You took one of the few things that I've never had before away, and you'll pay." Well, I guess I could have said worst. At least I managed to say it in a somewhat baritone calm voice. "Well, if I am destined to die, I'll be sure to enjoy as much as I can. You'd best do the same. You can't be certain for what I have in store." He smiled and glanced back to the arena. Whatever it is he's talking about... I'd rather not know. "Why couldn't you have killed me...?" My gray coat was discolored due to the tears that have been shed during the slaughter. "Because, I thought that watching two mares who both love you suffer would be more enjoyable. They were both awake before you, and I had explained to them what will happen. I actually thought they would've told you." He was getting ready to laugh hysterically. I had nothing to say. Was this what Dash was about to tell me? Damn it Dash... why didn't you tell me...? "Bwahaha! Well I'm sure you've all had a lot tonight. So go home, and don't forget what I've said," He paused while charging up his spell. "I'm coming." His horn cast a bright aura which surrounded Octavia and I, which a bright flash occurred and we disappeared. We appeared back in Ponyville where most things seemed unchanged. It was night like he said. "Shayne..." My ear twitched to the sound of my real name, but I didn't respond to her. I just continued looking down expecting something to change. "I'm really sorry." I didn't respond. I started walking away as tears started to form from my new large eyes. "I don't expect your forgiveness. I can't even forgive myself. Now that I keep looking back on it, it feels like.... like there was another way. That if we had just..." She started to choke on her own words, trying her best to keep her composure until she finished her sentence. "If we had just stopped to think.... maybe one of the doors would have... had a way out. They had to get in there somehow right? I'm sorry!" Octavia started to break down again. She was hating herself. The musical mare started to resent herself. I just want to become invisible, but I know that's impossible. But... if I could... I want to run away from this. NO! I screamed in my mind. I can't keep running. This, this is a time for vengeance. I will kill him, no. That'll be too easy for him. He tortured them mentally for the one who lives, and physically for the one who dies. That son of a bitch is going to suffer. He will get the justice he deserves, and I will show no fear. No fear... no fear... I kept rehearsing my last phrase in my mind. Each and every time I did so, my determination started to shine brighter. I feel a bit calmer now. Maybe I should help Octavia... A part of me; a large part of me, wanted to just leave her. After all, she's the one who killed Rainbow. Then again, whatever was telling me to help her had a more valid reason why I should. Sure she killed Rainbow, but did she really have a choice? If they didn't then more of those beasts would come out, then they'd both be dead and you'd be alone. A life for a life. "Look Octavia... it isn't your fault-" "It is! You know it's true, you know there was another way!" A puddle of tears stained the dirt road in the middle of the empty Ponyville. "No there wasn't. They set those things in the cages prior to the incident. Even if there was a way out from the cages, it was probably locked! I know that whoever is controlling Nightwalker is smarter than that, he wouldn't do something so stupid to threaten his pleasure!" "It's just... I can't get the picture of her face out of my mind." "..." I couldn't respond to that, and I'm sure that nobody could respond to that. "She... was smiling." My eyes abruptly shot wide, and I just stood there. I couldn't move. Octavia got up and started walking toward the Everfree. My knees buckled, and I just laid there until slumber took hold of me. Then there was this dream. It was at the... place I was at. I still don't know where it is, but I see Nightwalker, a few shadow things, and Rainbow. What... She was placed on a bed, and she seemed to be cleaned up. From the distance I was looking at them, I couldn't tell if she was sleeping or dead. I gave her the benefit of the doubt and assumed that she was sleeping. The room was rather small, no larger than Twilight's library. The walls were blue- everything's blue. The flooring was slightly whitened, and her bed was large. On a near corner, I could see a Cello and violin... with my name on it. So I'm in Dash's house? This doesn't make sense... Then the dream ended. ========================================================================= I awoke on a hardwood floor next to a bunch of books, and tucked in with a blanket. I'm in Twilight's house. A couple of paces away lay Twilight who fell asleep reading a book, and she looked... pretty messed up to say the least. Her mane was crazy, and her eyes drooped, even in her sleep. She was still in her dress from the Gala, and Spike was in his little bed sucking his thumb and slowly rolling in the bright blue fabric. I slowly got up trying to be as silent as possible, but failed because... I have hooves. You could probably hear the clopping from miles away. So, without even thinking... or noticing, I said, "Shit." under my breath. Twilight slowly twisted and turned in her book bed, and her eyes fluttered as she awoke. "Hmm? Oh good. You're awake. I found you on the road, so I decided to take you in. Hope you had a good enough sleep as I did." She tried to put on a smile, but well... you could tell it was forced. "Yea..." She should know. "do you know..." "About the Gala being completely ruined by the Alicorn? Yeah. I do." I wish this was easier. "Well, that and there's this huge thing." I could feel the tears coming on, and I knew that it would just start streaming like a river right before I got to it. "Go on..." Twilight said with anticipation of knowing something new. "You know... Rain...bow. Dash?" I was sniffing so much and losing all control of myself. I started falling back down, and leaning against the book shelves. "Well, yeah? She's kinda been my friend since I first moved here! She's kinda well... on the rough side, but she's the most loyal friend in all of Equestria! So... tell me, what's wrong with her? Did she break up with you?" "No... but Octavia, Dash and I were kidnapped by that Alicorn. He forced Dash and Tavi to fight to the death. If they didn't, he'd send out those shadow things to try and devour both of them. Dash was being loyal as usual, and refused to fight her friend. She accepted her death." By now, I probably formed a small puddle around me. I could feel my gray coat being stained with tears. My coat around my stomach should be blackened from the tears. "What?! Oh no NONONOnoNOnoNOnoNOnoNOnoNOno!" Her eyes filled with rage, well... I guess a more useful term would be hell. Her eyes had fire in them literally. Her mane stuck up, and her tail flared as well. "Calm down!" "HOW CAN I CALM DOWN! MY FRIEND HAS BEEN MURDERED BY A MUSICIAN, AND I HAVE TO CALM DOWN!?" "Yes. Look, it isn't murder. Its survival. Look at it this way; if they were to stick together and try to fight off all of the shadow creatures, chances are they'd both be dead. Its nopony's fault Twilight. If anything, it's the Alicorn's fault." "I..." She started crying. "Look. I think I will leave you alone. I'm sorry I had to break the news to you like this, but I feel like I need to tell the others." "No... I'll do it." "You sure? You don't look so... dandy right now." "Just... let me." "Ok, if it makes you feel better then I'll let you go." "Thanks." Before I left her, I gave her a small peck on the cheek to let her know that I care. "If you need anything, just ask." "Th-Thanks." She blushed a lot. Her entire face turned red, but not the Devilish red. More like a light pink. I walked out the door, and now I have to decide what I should do. Princess Celestia? Luna? ... ... ... No respons- Hello? This is Luna. Good... I have some really bad news. What might that be? Well... Dash is dead. I could hear something drop... a controller? Maybe. What? Did I hear you correctly...? Rainbow. Dash. Is. Dead? Yes... sorry that you had to hear that. I'll get back to you tomorrow. I have to inform my sister, and she'll know how to deal with this. Her voice was slightly rougher than usual, so she must be losing it as well. Yesterday... Rainbow died, many innocent ponies and guards died... Octavia hates herself... I almost hate myself... Twilight probably hates Octavia... Soon enough Fluttershy will be full of hatred, and then Rarity, then Pinkie, then Applejack. I hope Twilight doesn't make them hate Octavia... I hope I got the message through that it wasn't her fault. Maybe, I should talk to Octavia... start from scratch. If I know anything, she'll be at the Local Inn. I took off into flight, partially because I had no idea where it was, and it's always a bit faster and less tiring than running. Soon enough, I found myself at the front of the structure which had a sign displaying, "Town's Inn". I walked inside, but immediately bumped into somepony, we had the same response. "Ouch!" We said simultaneously. I looked up to find a gray coated mare sitting while rubbing her head. Of course, it was Octavia. "Wow, I didn't think it would be this easy to find you. Anyways, we need to talk." "Oh... well, okay." I walked her to the small meadow where I found Sean, or rather where Sean found me. There really isn't much disturbance in Ponyville, except for the guards. They were posted on every corner of Ponyville, except for the meadow. When we finally got there, I sat, then motioned her to sit next to me. We sat there staring at the scenery with some amount of silence until I broke it. "Look, I know you really hate yourself right now. Well, I'm actually assuming that. So talk to me, please." "I... I wouldn't say hate. I just don't know why I did it." "Well, there's always a reason for it. When you look back at it, it seems like there really was a way to... to make things right. But when it actually happens, right then and there... there is no solution other than what you've done first." "I... I guess so. I just really didn't know I had it in me to kill somepony." "Well, remember that incident at your house? I didn't have any idea that I had it in me to kill as well. So, I think we can relate to this." "I guess you're right... but don't you always see that face... the face right before you killed them?" "Yes... I dream about it on some days, and every time I close my eyes... I could still hear his sceaming." "Now that I think of it, we can't exactly relate to this can we? I mean... you killed somepony trying to kill me. He was bad, and we didn't know him except for the fact that he was a crazy guy. I killed... a friend. Who did nothing." "The point is, we both killed somepony. What Dash did was a sacrifice for you to live. Life for a life." "..." "What the Alicorn told us; Nightwalker, did you tell anypony?" "No." "Good. I feel like we shouldn't tell the ponies that can't do much about it. I think we should inform Luna and Celestia first. I'll get to it later." "I think I should go... you probably hate my guts since I killed your mare friend." "No. I don't hate you, but I guess I can't stop you from leaving. Just know that I forgive you, and you're welcome to stop by and say hello to me. If you need anything, just say so." She gave me a quick nod and smile, then she turned to leave. As long as she knows that I forgive her, I can forgive myself. I just wish things were different. How can I stop him? I don't have any experience with that sword I found... do I really have to start training? Shit. Well, if it means saving my only friends, then I will do my best. If it means I have to die for them, then I'll live by these words to comfort me. I will kill him, and by that, become a killer. For my friends. Life is empty. It's vacant. When I take a life, I take nothing of value. I am a killer. I am the avenger, I am the protector, I am the relentless. I am hell. Killing is my creed, it is my just, it is my life. I live to kill, as they live to die. I am immortal, I am the soulless. They are the weak, they are the brave. Nothing changes the fact that I am the killer, and they are the victim. I am the will of their sorrow. I recite those words in my head for the next few minutes until I decide to follow through on them. ++++ Sorry for the late chapter, went to a band concert. Hope you liked it, and hopefully your grudge on me is soothed. > Loyalty > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Second Too Late Thunder Seethe Special Thanks: AppleMLP < Editor Follow me at my: Page Ch. 20 Loyalty Mask, what are you doing! I didn't ask for this! Oh shut up. You know you like this, you've done similar things on earth. I've been trying to stray away from such abominable things! You'll see... remember what I've told you back at the forest, during your training? 'Trust you, you're to be trusted, and I'm to be loyal to you.' Yes. Remember, this is for Equestria's own good. I may be sick, that I am, I agree that maybe having two good friends be forced to fight to the death was pretty ludicrous of me. It is important that I know if you're going to remain loyal to me. Yes master. Good, son. "Spades, line up." Mask said to the shadows, at least he has come up with a descent name for them. They stood in line, and waited for orders. The spades were on all fours, their hind legs small, and their forelegs almost twice as large. They stood much like a werewolves shadow. When they move, they move swiftly, and they look like just a blur. They are unable to go in the light, and if they do, they burn and perish. "Bring me the dead pony." two spades voluntarily turned into a blur, and retrieved the dead cyan pony. "You two, guard the entrance. You three, guard the tunnels, and the rest of you, follow me." He started walking down the halls as he passed ancient torture rooms which contained chains, a few tables with arm locks, and multiple saws and knives. He continued down the hall and met with a large iron door. "Wait here." He commanded. The spades made no sound to the sudden command. They stopped, turned around facing away from the door and took positions. A crimson aura formed around Rainbow Dash, and carried her into the vacant room. "Ugh... my head..." My head has never hurt so bad before. I mean, I've crashed a bunch of times in the forest, in Sweet Apple Acres, and I hate to admit it, but my own house... Ugh... wait... I opened my eyes slightly just to get a feel on whats around me. There's nothing in this room... just rock walls, and some torches to light up the area. "Good, you're finally awake." I turned my head swiftly to the familiar voice to find an alicorn... wait... I remember now... Octavia... forced to kill me. I died. Why am I alive? She bashed my head in! This doesn't make sense... I can't ask him that, what if he tried to erase my memory but failed... best not say anything or react. Dash, time to put on the clueless act. "Ugh... what happened?" "Oh, so you're finally awake. You see, you've been flying around and just so happened to crash I guess. So I decided to shelter you since well... it didn't seem you'll be getting out of it for a while." Guess he did try to erase my memory. "Oh, well... thanks I guess. That should explain my headache so uh... I guess I'll get going now." I started to walk towards the door. "Nope, not yet. I have a few questions to ask of you." Oh my gosh... "Um... sure?" Common smile, don't you fail me now! "Firstly, what do you remember? You know... you hit your head pretty hard and all, so it's important to know if you aren't suffering from amnesia." "Well..." Think! Think! "Nothing really..." Smooth move Dash... "You don't remember me? Well... come, let me show you what we've done over a few months." He's totally taking advantage of me... He led me through the cells Octavia, Storm and I were in. I tried to not let it faze me, but well... after what happened, it's kinda tied in with my life. He then led me to the arena. The blood and dead bodies were emptied, and replaced with tables. They all had some paper on it. I can't tell what it is from here, but he's leading me nearby, maybe I could catch a glimpse later. "Alright... I've longed this day." "What is this day? And, I haven't gotten your name, or maybe I have, but well..." I touched my head to point out that it is supposedly the reason why I'm not able to remember anything. "Oh, right. Name's Masquerade, but you've always called me Mask. As for this day, this is the day where you help me conquer Equestria." Oh... my gosh. "Oh! Right, I uh, so what happens now?" "We go through the planning." This isn't good... I can't help with this, but then again... if I refuse, I'll probably end up dead again. In fact, I don't even know why I'm still here! I remember Octavia - I don't need to tell myself this. I know it already. Is there really no solution to this problem? I guess... I can play along. I guess I have to pray to Celestia that none of my friends see me in this mess. Must play along. I can warn my friends about this later, besides, now I can figure out the planning! "Everything alright Dashie?" He did not just call me Dashie. NO! Play it cool, anger later. "Yea, everything is just fine. So uh, what's the plans?" "Well, you're going to follow me around and just watch. I got the plans set up, but you're not leaving my side." So much for looking at the plans. A/N: I apologize for such an abrupt/random ending, but my computer is glitching out whenever I go on Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Firefox, so I had to finish what I could on my phone... it was painful. So painful, that I decided to post this anyway. Sorry about that ending. > Spreading Word #1 Pinkie Pie > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Second Too Late Thunder Seethe Special Thanks: AppleMLP < Editor Follow me at my: Page Ch. 22 Spreading Word #1 Pinkie Pie After receiving the message, I was supposed to tell everypony else about the news... but yet, I find myself sitting in the everfree alone. Is it really true? I mean... the fastest, loyalest, and strongest pegasus I know, dead? Without a fight? This whole thing just sounds a bit fishy to me. Then again, Thunder would never lie to me... would he? The tears from Twilight's eyes came to a stop as she continued to think out loud. Well, if I'm not going to really... do anything about it, then perhaps I should just start telling everypony. Maybe not everypony, just her friends. She wiped the remaining tears off of her purple mane, then got up to tell her friends the horrific news, but who does she tell first? Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainb-... Pinkie Pie, Applejack. She thought to herself as she contemplated who to tell first. "Celestia knows what Pinkie's reaction would be... Pinkie is la-" "HELLO!" A Pink pony said as she randomly appeared in front of Twilight's incredibly droopy face, which was the first thing that she noticed. "What's wrong Twilight?" "Gah!" Twilight screamed as she flailed her hoofs until she landed on her back. So much for last... "What's wrong? I've never really seen you so sad before, except for the time when everypony went CrAzY when Discord returned! But he's all gone now and back into his stony stone! So why are you so sad?" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, and as usual, it was said as fast as a jet. "Pinkie..." Twilight said as she contemplated to tell her the news later, or now since she was already here. "Do you really want to know? It's just that I don't really want to ruin your day... until it's your turn to find out." "Twilight, you're one of my friends. Friends are here for each other whenever something bad happens. I'm your friend, so I will help you no matter what!" She paused for a few seconds, still as a tree. "Cupcake?" She said as she pulled one out of her invisible pockets. Everypony still wondered how she does it, but hey. It's good cupcakes. "Uh, no thanks Pinkie... I'm not quite in the mood." She said, and her head once again, drooping low to the ground, embarrassed of her tears. "Twilight, whats wrong? My job is to make everypony smile. Even when things are all dark and sad, Pinkie will find a way!" Pinkie exclaimed again with an attempt to make her spit it out. "Do you really want to know?" Twilight said looking up with more tears being soaked in her coat. "Yes." "Okay... well first you should know, that if cupcakes make you happy; bring many." Twilight said. "I have many enough." Not knowing what that meant, Twilight started slowly. "You know our good friend, Rainbow Dash right?" Twilight forced a smile on as she said that. "Yea, of course I know her! Fastest flier in all of Equestria, dream to be in the Wonderbolts, what about her?" Pinkie said ever so seriously. Perhaps, the first time she'd ever been so serious? "Well... something terrible happened to her. Fatal." Twilight's smile disappeared, and replaced with a frown and tears. "Terrible? Fatal?" Pinkie proceeded to sit down, and started listening attentively. "Yes... she... had been..." Twilight searched for the word in her head that wouldn't sound bad towards Octavia. She didn't feel like telling the whole story unless it was asked of her. "Eternally wounded." Were the words that escaped her mouth, which somewhat were the right ones she was looking for. "Oh... will she be okay?" Pinkie asked, her mane began to deflate and tears forming from her large eyes. "I don't know..." With that, both of them remained in silence. They both stared at the ground as puddles of tears began to form. It wasn't long before Pinkie got the message that her dear prankster friend, Rainbow Dash, was probably not coming back, causing more tears to fall. Her mane was now completely deflated and a darker color. It had been quiet for a good time before one of them spoke; barely audible. "I... think I should go... Pinkie?" Twilight looked up and found only the trees and bushes of the Everfree, and the pink blur that Pinkie must have left. Perhaps it was for the best that she didn't stick around too long; Twilight still had to spread the news to three more friends. +++ "Is it true, Dashie... is gone?" Pinkie asked herself more than once while pacing her room in the Sugar Cube Corner, tears still dropping heavily like hail. She walked around on her blue wooden flooring until she reached her pink carpet near her bed. She laid down covering her muzzle while letting more tears out. She sniffled a bit to try and ask herself another question. "I... But... Dash... Who? Who could have done this, surely someone as evil as Discord!" She paused again while thinking to herself. Her mane still deflated, but her tears stopped. Her frown turned into a small smirk, and she was soon standing up still contemplating on the events. "Nopony could really kill her right?" She flinched at the word kill as it was the type of vocabulary which Pinkie would barely ever use. "Yea, nopony could kill her. She knows the threats, so she would fly away! I know how fast she could fly, she could fly faster than anything! I mean, really, she could perform the Sonic Rainboom, come to think of it, that was probably the same thing I heard not to long ago, two weeks, three? I don't know, but I guess the point I'm trying to make for myself is that I do not believe that she's dead. She knows her limits right? So she wouldn't endanger herself. No-sir-ee! Dashie is too smart to do something so dumb! I mean I saw her right, zooming through the sky woosh, loop the loop, zoom, fly high, twirl around, fly back down - spinning, then kick the ground back up, zoom again - and - and - and there's no way! If she's missing, then I will do the best I can to find her! High, or low, I will find her!" Pinkie said determinedly. Her mane had become puffy once again, but had driven herself slightly insane... On a good note, she was insane to save somepony. She blurred out of her room, somehow closing the door behind her and began her search. Twilight still had three more friends to go; Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack. Knowing that they are more mature than Pinkie, they would be more likely to act upon this maturely, or so she hoped. Maybe as things go on, Twilight won't breakdown as much how she did with Pinkie. Maybe she can receive the details later, after she gets the help of her friends to hold her down, and stop her from murdering Octavia. Then again, we won't know what will happen until it happens.