A human tries to find meaning in a world he feels he doesn't deserve.
What can a human offer to a land of tiny horses? An admittedly silly question, but one that's been bothering Jayden for years. Stuck in a world where he doesn't belong and feels increasingly unworthy of, he's desperate to find some justification for his time there; a reason for being plucked from his reality and dropped into a better one, despite much more deserving candidates.
Fortunately for him, a chance encounter will finally put him down the path to answers, as he meets a young mare with an insatiable curiosity... and a dark prophecy.
It suddenly occurred to him, standing in his kitchen with hands wiping away the still fresh sleep from his eyes. Ahead were two tiny horse-like creatures, covered in coats of bizarrely colored fur, apparently having a nice breakfast with food and coffee placed before them. One was a kind of mint or sea-foam green, with alluring golden eyes, while the other sported a milk-white coat and a two-toned pink and blue mane, done up in an almost burlesque style curl.
One of the creatures used her hooves to prop up a newspaper, thoroughly entranced by a particular article, while the other used literal magic to poke at a plate of scrambled eggs with a levitated fork. They sat upon chairs clearly too big for them, next to a comically large dining table and looking closer to stuffed animals than living beings.
To the uninitiated, such a sight was about as surreal as it was laughable, akin to a child's cough-syrup-addled fever dream. The most likely and expected response would be a shout of surprise, perhaps some double-takes while muttering in confusion. Anything to acknowledge the absurdity.
And he would have...if any of it was the least bit surprising.
The mint-green one, Lyra, perked up from her breakfast to see him standing under the kitchen archway. "Oh, Jayden, good morning!" She said with a surprised smile. Lyra, full name Lyra Heartstrings, was the first to welcome him to the magical tiny-horse kingdom known as Equestria. She found him when he stumbled into town, unsure of where he was or even how he got there, and gave him a place to stay. A generous and much appreciated gesture, despite the fact he almost couldn't get through her home's front door.
She was also human-obsessed and absolutely fucking insane.
And Rich.
It helped balance things out.
"Good...morning." He greeted back in between sudden yawns. He shuffled over to the kitchen counters and grabbed his coffee cup, intent to take his fair share of caffeine. As he reached out for the percolator it was suddenly enveloped in a golden glow, with a chime-like hum accompanying it. He looked back to Lyra and saw that her horn was was doing the same. The percolator was then lifted into the air and tipped, with coffee flowing freely into his mug.
"Thank you." Jayden said, gripping his now full cup. He turned his attention to his other housemate. "Morning Bon Bon."
The white mare responded with a 'good morning' of her own but refused to look up from her newspaper.
Nearby to his cup was a plate of untouched scrambled eggs, likely meant for him. Unlike other days, this time he was awake early enough that they were stilll warm. He grabbed the plate and joined the two at the table. "You know, I respect AJ's work ethic, but I don't think the farmer's life was ever for me."
"Why do you say that?" Lyra asked.
"It's the reason I'm up so darn early." He took a sip from his mug. "She asked if I could come by and lend a hand this morning. And considering I'm human and probably have the only pair of hands in town, I agreed. Well, that and the fact I actually like Applejack."
That seemed to puzzle Jayden's unicorn friend. "But Applejack doesn't ask for help."
"I know, but this time I think even she realized she couldn't do it all on her own."
"What do you mean?"
"The princess has asked Applejack and 'Sweet Apple Acres' if they could be the ones to set up the banquet for the Summer Sun Celebration. And, of course, it's on the same day as their planned family reunion."
"So...today?"
"Yup. As you can probably guess, it's all a bit more than she's used to."
"Why didn't they just decline the princess' request? Or move the reunion to a different day?"
"Because you know how that family is." He swallowed a bite of food. "I'd say they're as stubborn as mules, but in this world that might be racist." He looked over to the kitchen window, noting how dark it still was outside. "She told me to show up early, but I'm sure AJ won't mind if I'm not actually there at the ass-crack of dawn."
Bon Bon finally looked up from her newspaper. "Speaking of dawn, this will be your third Summer Sun celebration with us, right?" She asked.
Jayden nodded. "Yeah. Hard to believe I've only been here for three years. It actually feels longer."
There was a pause. "Do you still think we're lying when we say that Princess Celestia can control the sun and moon?" She gave him an almost smug look.
Ah...that.
He wondered when that would come up today. Most of the time they were happy to let his disbelief slide, as it didn't really matter. However, on this particular day, they felt they had enough justification to poke at his sensibilities. A fair enough assessment, considering what the holiday was all about.
Didn't stop it from sounding like crazy talk, though.
For a second, Jayden thought over his response. "Well, I never really thought you girls were lying. But that doesn't mean it's true, either." He said, trying to be diplomatic.
"How so?" She raised an eyebrow, curious as to what he was implying.
"I mean, the princess could just be making it up."
"Why would she do that?" Bon Bon appeared genuinely shocked by the notion, as if such a concept was unfathomable.
"Power? Influence?" He shrugged. "Where I'm from politicians and leaders lie all the time, for various reasons. Monarchs in particular have a bad rap, so much so that we've pretty much gotten rid of them."
"But the princess wouldn't lie to us." Lyra butted in. "At least about things not related to humans. But that's like, you know, the one thing. Besides, I've been to the Summer Sun Celebrations where Celestia showed up and I've seen her raise the sun."
Jayden gave her an accusatory look. "You've seen her do this? Or did she show up, at around dawn, and then the sun came up?"
"No, she actually did it." There was a pause. "If you want proof why don't you just ask her tonight. She'll be at town hall for the celebration."
"Oh yeah, I can see that going really well." He laid the sarcasm on thick. "Hello, your highness, I'm the local furless monkey monster and I don't buy the royal propaganda. Can you take time out of your busy schedule to prove you aren't a fraud?"
"Princess Celestia isn't like that." Bon Bon deadpanned, the smallest amount of agitation evident in her voice.
Sensing some rising tension, Jayden chose to drop it, having learned early on just how much Equestria's inhabitants trust and adore their nigh-immortal monarch.
"My point is, while I've gotten used to a lot of Equestria's...eccentricities, magic included, the ability to move the sun, or anything else like it, is a tad far-fetched. Even for this place." He thought about what to say next. "Look, it's not like I have anything against the princess. If even a fraction of what they say about her is true then she's practically a pony-shaped saint. I just have a slight distrust of authority figures. Especially when it comes to them making some pretty crazy statements."
He gave a sigh and relented. "I'll ask her, alright? I'll ask her, she'll prove me wrong and you two can lord it over me for all time. Is that better?"
"Much." Lyra replied, grinning triumphantly.
Jayden stuck out his tongue, a final act of defiance before focusing back on his food. His house-mate's trusting, almost innocent, nature was pretty much the standard of behavior for not just them but all of Equestria's inhabitants. And while he'd love to chastise them for their naivete, he knew they had every reason to not view things the same way as he did.
The world, or more specifically the country, they were from was called Equestria. A goofy combination of a medieval fantasy land smashed headlong into the saccharine sweet mentality and aesthetics of a little girl's cartoon. It was a peaceful and happy place, inhabited by small colorful horse creatures actually called ponies (their term, not his), ruled by a princess, and with an obnoxious amount of the color pink spattered on the architecture.
The ponies were naturally friendly, if somewhat skittish around those they didn't know, and often went out of their way to welcome others. Violence was quite rare for them and there haven't been any major conflicts between Equestria and its neighbors for decades. The concept of harmony was practically venerated, and the fact that they all got along so well was a point of pride for Jayden's newfound countrymen.
In short, ponies were innocent and trusting...because they could afford to be.
And Jayden absolutely hated it.
Not the ponies living in peace and happiness, that was fine and he was very happy for them. What he hated was how it all made him feel. Instead of being in tune with that 'harmony', all he felt like was a lone sour note. Equestria was such a great place, one he felt didn't need his dour, cynical opinions tainting it. He still stuck up for his beliefs and what he thought was correct, but more often than not, he had to remind himself that he shouldn't automatically think the worst of every situation.
Maybe the mare that works the carrot stall in the market actually was running out of stock, and wasn't just bumping up the price to be greedy.
Some days, if he was unlucky, he'd be taking a stroll through the park or look outside his window, and see the town where he currently lived just...getting along. Ponies giving away treats just because they want to, neighbors offering to help each other during a rough time. Constant smiling faces and friendly attitudes.
Sometimes...it felt wrong for him to be there.
Like it wasn't right.
Whatever cosmic, multi-versal entity decided that he, of all humans, ought to be tossed into pretty little pony land should get the bad end of an aluminum base-ball bat. There were obviously so many other people who deserved to be here far more than he did! It couldn't grab a suicidal person who could really use all the hugs the ponies pass around? No starving African kids who'd probably love visiting the local bakery on toss-out day? A child from an abusive home? Orphans?
And yet, here he was. The moderately happy twenty-something rando from the American Midwest. What made him so special? So worthy? Deserving?
Nothing.
"You okay?"
The voice almost startling him, Jayden looked up to see Lyra staring at him, concerned.
"You've been glaring at your plate for the past couple minutes." Lyra continued. "Was it something we said? You know it doesn't actually bother us if you don't believe the princess, right? We're just teasing you a bit."
He shook his head and replied. "I'm fine. Just...still waking up. Might get some more coffee." He held up his mug, as if it somehow made his lie more credible.
She watched him for a moment, clearly unconvinced, before shrugging and returning to her own breakfast.
The group ate and chatted for a few more minutes before Jayden stood up and placed his plate in the sink. "Alright, guess I should stop stalling and get going." He walked over to the front door and put his shoes on. "See you girls later!"
Just when he was about to leave, Lyra called out to him. "Hold up." She trotted on over to him. "Mind if I tag along? Don't really have anything else to do." She gave him a smile. "And I'd rather spend time with you anyway."
Jayden shrugged. "Sure. I don't see why it would be a problem."
The pair stepped out of the house and onto the cobblestone streets. The sun was just starting to crest the horizon, giving the world a slight blue tint and the temperature was mild, with a cool breeze grazing their skin and fur every so often. Looking around, they saw no one else and the area was quiet, save for the random bird singing somewhere off in the distance. The pair began walking.
Ponyville, despite the atrociously stupid name, was quite the charming little village, located decently close to Equestria's capitol city of Canterlot. While not the most rural place Jayden had ever been to, it was also a far cry from any modern city back on earth. Most of the houses were of the wattle and daub variety and were two stories at best. The roads, while sometimes being paved with cobble, were usually just dirt. Its outskirts were surrounded by farmland, with them fueling the bulk of the local economy.
Beyond that, though, was the intimidating Everfree Forest. A place of danger, monsters, and ferocious creatures.
That was the funny thing about Equestria. As naive as its people might behave, it was still a medieval fantasy land come-alive. The usual trappings were all there: Princesses, knights, dragons, towers, castles, magic, and pretty much anything else one could come up with that fit the theme. It had history, with its own share of villains, conflicts, dark times and golden ages.
Say what you want about all the pink...at least it was painted on something interesting.
"So, Jayden..." Lyra said, tired of the quiet, "how close are you to... you know." She wiggled her eyebrows, trying to imply something.
Jayden sighed, knowing what she was asking. "I'm...close."
"How close?" She watched him intently from the corner of her eye.
"...Pretty close."
This caused the golden-eyed unicorn to squeal and quickly stamp her hooves in excitement. "Yes, yes, yes! " She suddenly turned serious. "And you remember your promise, right?"
"Trust me, when I'm finally ready to do...that with a pony, you will have first dibs."
"Oh, I'll be getting more than just first dibs that night! I might even need to go for seconds or thirds!" Her voice deepened at the tail-end of her sentence before she broke out into an almost manic giggle.
He gave an intentionally dramatic sigh. "Congrats, Lyra, ya wore me down."
"I still don't understand what the problem is." She said, returning to normal. "Ponies have relationships outside of their species all the time. You even said that you find us attractive, so what's the big deal?"
"Well, being from a world where one's own species is the sole sapient life form tends to put a sour taste in the mouth at the thought of doing anything past the platonic with things outside of it. And, of course, old habits (and viewpoints) die hard." But he was close. Close to getting over it and finally throwing past hangups to the wind.
He could only push away the grip of loneliness for only so long.
And, as much as he hated to admit it, Lyra was right. He did find ponies attractive. Crazy, considering he found horses back on earth to be downright ugly.
But, Equestrian ponies were just built different. Large, expressive, mostly forward facing eyes gave them a natural cute factor and an incredible range of emotion. And their muzzles, adorable and stubby with a slight angle when meeting the rest of their skull. The stallions more often had straighter muzzles than the mares, but it was still far better than horses back home. There were also their legs, which mostly kept to a single size until bottoming out to appropriately sized hooves. Ponies, despite being much smaller than him at least looked sturdy. Overall, they were aesthetically pleasing to the human eye, despite not looking human.
Realizing he had been spacing out and had not answered Lyra's question, Jayden spoke up. "I...it's complicated. But the point is it's almost not an issue anymore. I'm almost there."
Lyra grinned. "Can't wait."
As they traveled, the pair passed a circular building, about two stories tall with a white, purple, and yellow color scheme. At a glance it almost looked like a circus tent. A sign near the door read 'Carousel Boutique'.
Jayden stuck his middle finger out, hoping the unicorn who lived there was awake to see it.
Lyra noticed. "Still not on good terms with Rarity?"
"What was the first clue?" He grumbled.
"Do you think she even knows what that gesture means?" Lyra continued.
"No, not specifically. But, considering the bad blood between us, I'm sure she can figure it out. It's not like I'm subtle."
Lyra chuckled. "Oh, Jayden. You and your intense and passionate human aggression. You should find something to take it all out on. Preferably something willing, pliable. Perhaps, even, a mare with the right opinions, one who knows her place under humanity's boot? A mare with gold eyes." She winked at him.
He stared at her.
She kept winking. Repeatedly.
"Stop that...you four-legged gremlin."
"Does it make me sexy?" She replied.
He shrugged."Is having a stroke sexy?"
"I'm sure it's somepony's fetish." She looked up at him. "Is it your fetish?"
He shook his head. "Can't say it is."
"Dang it." She dramatically kicked the dirt with a hoof. "Have to cross that off the list when I get home."
They walked for a few minutes longer until finally reaching 'Sweet Apple Acres', a decent chunk of farmland near Ponyville's outskirts, owned and operated by the very aptly named Apple family. At the entrance, Lyra turned to Jayden. "Well, looks like this is where we part ways."
"Not gonna stick around?"
"Sorry, I have to go and help Bon Bon with her sweet shop. Because of the celebration tonight there's a lot of orders." She got on her hind legs and gave his thigh a tight hug. "Have a good day!"
He squatted down and hugged her back. "You too."
She turned and started walking away. "I'll see you back at home!"
After waving to his departing friend, Jayden made his way onto the Apple family's property. Around him were the usual signs of farm life, such as animal pens and several barns. Though they only used the chickens for eggs and the pigs...well, they didn't really use the pigs at all. Similarly, the barns were used just for storing equipment and excess crops.
One thing he noticed early on about not just Equestria but the world, in general, was just how it played fast and loose with what was sapient and what was an animal. Normally, the rules said hooved creatures were sapient, meaning things like ponies, cows, donkeys, etc, were just as smart as humans, with their own society and culture.
However, pigs were still just as dumb as they were back on earth and goats were in this sort of grey area. Numerous other hooved creatures were also still animals, making Jayden wonder just what the rules really were. Why does one species become smart enough to make a country and the other still prefers to roll around in the mud for fun?
Questions for later.
A dirt trail led from the main gate, past the pens and barns, and stopped at the Apple's home. Beyond that lay the farm's namesake. Row after row of a seemingly endless number of apple trees. Walking further onto the farm, Jayden saw Big Macintosh, Applejack's older brother, coming back from the orchard. The stoic red stallion had a harness wrapped around his chest, with it being connected to the large wagon he was pulling behind him. Piled high upon the wagon were several wooden bins filled to the brim with apples.
"Hey, Mac, what's up?"
Big Mac gave a nod.
"AJ told me that you guys were going to be busy today and asked if I could help out. Do you know where she's at?"
Again, the tall red stallion motioned with his head, this time with a jerk to the right, directing Jayden's attention to that particular part of the farm. Squinting, Jayden could see a moving orange blob in the distance.
"Thank you kindly."
He moved deeper into the orchard, eventually finding the pony he was looking for already hard at work. The orange-colored mare currently had her back to one of the trees, her hind legs pulled inward and poised to strike. Suddenly, they shot out and she bucked the tree, the apples hidden among the leaves falling down from the shock and piling themselves nicely into the bins placed below. Pleased with her progress, she swiped her trademark stetson from her head and wiped away the sweat from her brow.
"So, you do this every day?" Jayden asked, noting how early it was. "From sun up to sun down?"
"Pretty much." Applejack responded, placing her hat back upon her blonde-maned head. She smiled at him, warmly. "Thanks for coming."
"Well, it sounded like the princess put you in a bit of a bind. I figured the least could do is haul apples for a bit. And I don't mean the currency."
She kicked another tree. "Ain't her fault. She didn't know about the family reunion."
"You could've said no, ya know?"
She sighed. "True. But it's just a bit more work, that's all." She defended. "And since when has an Apple ever shied away from work?"
Jayden shrugged. "I guess never. Surprised you still asked for help, though. No offense, AJ, but you don't do that."
She looked away, slightly embarrassed. "Somepony important...may have had to talk me into it." She quickly shifted the conversation. "Well, you're here, ain't ya? If you're gonna help then get to it. Ain't your first rodeo." She flashed a grin, letting him know she wasn't serious.
Jayden rolled his eyes and picked up one of the bins before marching over to a nearby tree. Gripping the sides, he gave it a good shake. The tree top wobbled a bit from the force before several ripe apples fell into the bin placed below. Jayden never was able to figure out just how the trees only sent down ripe apples, and nothing else. Or how they always fell right where they were supposed to.
Not that he was about to start complaining. It certainly beat picking them all by hand.
He worked for several hours, the sun soaring higher and higher and the temperature matching what was expected of a mid-summer day. Once in a while the orange country mare would trot by with a pitcher of cold apple cider and the two would have a friendly chit-chat about something or other before they'd have to get back to work.
Over time, more of Applejack's family arrived for the reunion, with the mare herself slowing down on farm work to mingle with her folks. At about noon, Jayden figured he'd been there long enough that leaving wouldn't be viewed as inappropriate. Wanting to let AJ know he was going home, he sought her out one last time, finding her back near the farmhouse.
Almost the whole Apple family was there, swapping food and chatting among themselves. Some, like Big Mac, he already knew. Others, though, were total strangers.
One pony, in particular, stuck out. A purple unicorn, whom Applejack greeted eagerly and brought over to a table which she started piling food on top of. Now, the Apple family came in all colors of the rainbow, as most ponies did, but their coats tended to stick to more grounded colors. This new pony, however, was quite purple, with a lavender mane and pink stripe running through it.
She was also the only unicorn there. He guessed there wasn't really anything saying that they couldn't have a unicorn in the family, but the Apple clan seemed to be earth pony stock through and through. Of course, he could be completely wrong and she could just be a friend of theirs. It wasn't so much of a stretch that friends of the family would show up too.
There was something else he noticed as he got closer. A small, bipedal reptilian creature was standing beside her, a plate of apple pie in one hand and a fork in the other. Even without knowing what it was, Jayden had the feeling it was pretty young, with a short and stubby body and a pair of large green eyes. Like the pony sitting next to it, the little thing was all purple, save for some rounded fringe that decorated its head, which was colored green.
As interesting as the story about the lone unicorn and her scaly companion might have been, it was still time to go. Walking over to the group, and ignoring the wide-eyed stairs from those ponies that didn't know him, he informed AJ he was heading home and that he would see her at the celebration later. The unicorn seemed to squirm in her seat at the sight of him, but a mouth stuffed with apple-themed baked goods stopped her from speaking.
He left the property and was a little ways down the dirt road when he heard a commotion behind him. A voice calling for him to wait. Turning around, he saw it was the purple unicorn from earlier, with the little lizard thing riding on her back.
She slid to a halt in front of him as a brief, awkward quiet ensued, with both sides waiting for the other to say something first.
"...What are you?" There was an uncertainty to the mystery mare's voice, as if she shouldn't be asking the question at all. She watched him, cautiously awaiting his response.
The mare's words took a moment to settle in Jayden's head. "Oh, that. I probably should've guessed." He replied, more to himself than his new acquaintance.
"Do...you get that question often?"
He shook his head. "Not so much these days. Happened a lot when I first got here, though."
She took a tentative step forward, glancing off to the side to avoid meeting his eyes. "I hope I'm not bothering you. It's just-"
"You've probably never seen anything like me before, right?" He gave her a smile, hoping to ease the atmosphere into something more friendly. A smile she nervously reciprocated.
"Well...yes."
Jayden had to admit, whoever the girl was, she was endearing. In a sort of nerdy, intellectual way. She seemed like the type to raise her hand, or hoof, during class and remind the teacher that she hadn't given them homework. Even had that one kind of haircut that just screamed 'dork'; bangs cut to a perfect geometric fringe across the forehead.
"So, miss...?" Jayden prodded, wanting to know the name of the mare that chased him down, seemingly out of nothing but raw curiosity.
"Twilight. Twilight Sparkle." She motioned with her head to the little reptile creature on her back. "And this is Spike." The reptile gave a wave.
Jayden returned the gesture with a nod. "Nice to meet you." His attention went back to Twilight. "Well, Miss Sparkle, what would you like to know?"
Twilight sucked in a breath, a million questions ready to be raised. But she was not the one to speak next.
That would be Spike, peaking out from behind her head. "Um, Twilight, not to ruin your fun, but remember? Nightmare Moon?"
Well, that sounded interesting. "Got something going on?" He asked.
"Oh, it's nothing," She responded with a wave of her hoof, as if the subject was as malleable as the breeze. "Just trying to save the world from the clutches of a millennia-old villain bent on shrouding the world in eternal night while also making sure the celebration planned for later goes off without a hitch." Twilight replied, her words moving faster and faster as the sentence concluded. She was clearly anxious, and a little frustrated, despite how much she tried to hide it.
"And how's that all going for you?"
"...Currently sidetracked." She hung her head.
"I see. And what does saving the world entail?" Perhaps he could get something worth while out of the conversation. Or, at least something more engrossing than the usual 'where are you from' and 'what do you do' that usually comes with meeting new people. Or ponies, in this case.
Twilight's eyes shifted to the ground. "I, uh, don't actually know yet. The Princess doesn't think my concerns are valid, so she sent me here to work on getting preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in order. I haven't had much time to, well, plan."
Now there was something. "The princess doesn't think your concerns are valid?" He repeated. "You say that like you know her personally."
"I do, actually." She stated matter-of-factly. "I'm one of her personal students. We talk all the time, sometimes in person and other times through letters." Twilight didn't seem the bragging type, but there was clearly some pride in her connection to the princess. She smiled, chin held up high.
He rose an eyebrow, impressed. "You're her personal student? Didn't realize I was chatting with someone who had a bit of prestige and authority."
Twilight's humility instantly deflected. "Oh, it's not a spot of authority and I'm not the only one. She even has a whole school dedicated to magic where she visits and teaches regularly."
Jayden brought up his hand to his chin. "Hmm, yeah, I think I remember Lyra saying she went there when she was younger."
Twilight's eyes went wide. "You know Lyra? She was one of my classmates growing up."
Jayden nodded. "More than know her, actually. I live with her."
"Really?" She sounded very intrigued, like when you spill a bit of saucy gossip to a co-worker.
"Twilight!" Spike whined, waving a piece of paper.
"Oh, right." Twilight then glanced nervously from Jayden to something far down the road, likely imagining whatever task she was supposed to be doing. She let out a whine of indecision.
"What's that?" Jayden asked, curious about the paper.
Twilight sighed. "It's my list. When I told the princess I thought Nightmare Moon was coming back...she just dismissed me. Politely, of course, but the action was still the same. Which is why I'm here, instead of being back at the royal library, trying to gather as much information as I can. No, the princess wants me to go to Ponyville and make sure that the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration are all going to plan. Well...that and one more thing." She grumbled.
"What is it?"
"She wants me to...I'm supposed to...wow, this is really embarrassing."
He shot her a concerned look, unsure as to what she was going to say.
"She...told me to get out of the library and make some friends..."
Jayden couldn't hold himself back from chuckling. "Are...are you sure she's your teacher and not your mom?"
Twilight rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah, go ahead and laugh about it."
He calmed down. "Sorry, that was mean of me. So...the princess thinks you're a bit of a neet and wants you out of the basement, eh?" He joked.
She looked at him, confused. "I don't know what a neet is. And I was living in a library."
"A neet is a term from my home that means you're pretty much a constant shut-in. I really need to start remembering that ponies don't get my references or slang."
"I see..." Again, she stared off into the distance and gave a sigh. "Wish I had more time. There's so much I want to ask you...."
Suddenly, Jayden had an idea. Twilight was clearly as curious about him as much as he was about her whole 'save the world' thing. But, as she stated a moment ago, was preoccupied with something else. However, he had no current obligations. Perhaps he could go with the young unicorn while she went about her work and he could answer any questions she might have about him. And in return she could spill the beans about 'saving the world' and 'Nightmare Moon', whatever that was. This way, everybody wins.
He relayed the idea to Twilight who, after thinking in over, gladly accepted the offer. With that out of the way, the newly formed trio wasted no time and started walking, with Twilight immediately prodding Jayden for information. She wanted to know everything: What he was, who he was, where he came from, ect.
Twilight's appetite for knowledge was voracious and Jayden did what he could to answer some of her questions, explaining what a human was and what they ate, as well bits of collective human history. He made sure to shy away from some of the darker aspects of humanity, figuring there wasn't much point in sharing that anyway. Why put himself in a bad light if he didn't have to? He also steered clear of mentioning that he was from another dimension, with him being unsure as to how Twilight would react to the idea of aliens on her planet. She seemed to be under the impression that he was from some uncontacted part of the globe, which is why she didn't know anything about his kind. For the moment, he wanted to keep it that way.
One thing that impressed him was Twilight's shocking acceptance of the human diet. Most ponies, when they find out Jayden liked to eat meat, were a bit put-off by it. Just talking about it often made them visibly uncomfortable, even a little nervous, as if he would suddenly turn feral and start mauling them. But Twilight took it in stride. More than anything, she was fascinated by it, her logical side winning out over any instinctual fear response.
Once he felt that he explained enough about himself, Jayden switched the conversation, now desiring to have his own curiosity sated.
"So, what's a Nightmare Moon?" He asked.
The smile on Twilight's face disappeared and her expression turned almost melancholy. She'd been so caught up in interviewing Jayden that she almost forgot. "Not a what...a who." She turned and looked up at him. "First, what do you know of Equestrian history?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Not much, really. Just bits and pieces that I've gained from skimming the random history book. Never heard of anyone called Nightmare Moon, though."
Twilight used her magic and pulled a very old looking book from her right saddlebag. She opened it and flipped through several pages before finding the spot she wanted and began to read aloud.
"Once upon a time...in the magical land of Equestria..."
"Really? That's how the story actually starts?"
"Hey, I didn't write it, I'm just reading what's on the page." She defended before turning her attention back to the book. "There were two regal sisters who ruled together, and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her alicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn. The younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects..."
Jayden listened quietly as Twilight kept reading. "But, as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. Their subjects relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The eldest tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness...Nightmare Moon. She vowed she would shroud the land in eternal night."
Twilight continued. "Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom...the elements of harmony. Using the magic of the elements, she defeated her sister and banished her to the moon. The eldest then took on responsibility for both sun and moon, and harmony has been maintained for generations since." She closed the book.
While the story itself was nothing special, very much a standard fable, one word caught Jayden's attention. "You mentioned something called an alicorn. What's that?" Jayden asked.
"Oh, well an alicorn is, um...difficult to explain. It's like if somepony took a unicorn, pegasus, and earth pony and put them all together and gave them immense power. It's what Princess Celestia is."
So that's what she was. He'd seen pictures and paintings of the Equestrian ruler and wondered if there was a term for the horn and wings combo. "I used to just call her a pegacorn."
"Those do exist, but they're quite rare and only superficially similar. An alicorn is so much more."
"Hmm.." Jayden brought his hand up to his chin, thinking over the story Twilight read. "Alicorns are incredibly powerful, huh? Is that what makes Celestia immortal?"
"Yes, though it's somewhat debated on whether she's actually immortal, or just very long-lived. Even she doesn't know."
He was starting to think he knew what was going on here, at least if story was true and not some fable. Aside from from her control of the sun and moon, which he still didn't fully believe, Princess Celestia was known for another miraculous feat: Her millennia-long life span. She's been ruling and guiding Equestria for well over a thousand years, and the ponies treat her with an almost god-like reverence. Though immortality or a long life was certainly more believable than flinging the sun across the sky at a whim, he still was rather suspicious. But, if she really was that long-lived...she could be that 'eldest sister' from the book.
Though, if Celestia had a sister, why didn't anyone talk about it? Maybe she didn't want her connection to Nightmare Moon being known and had the whole thing covered up. It Wouldn't be that hard for royalty. Maybe he was right to be suspicious of her.
Or, the more likely scenario, it was just a story. A fable or myth. One perhaps inspired by Celestia, but fictional none the less. A thousand years is a long time to make up stories about someone, after all.
Though, that didn't explain why Twilight was so upset about it.
"Okay, so you've told me who Nightmare Moon is, but not why that bothers you."
"Because, she's coming back...tonight."
He gave her a look. "You can't be serious."
"I am."
"How do you know this? Why would you even assume it?"
"On the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars themselves will aid in her escape...and she will bring about darkness eternal. The book 'Predictions and Prophecies' was very clear on the signs. And tonight marks a thousand years after her banishment."
It was kind of surprising to see someone so intellectually driven as Twilight put any stock to things like prophecies. She didn't seem remotely the type. "Twilight...I don't want to crap on your ideas... but I'm pretty sure that Nightmare Moon stuff is just a story. You know, like an old fairy-tale?"
"You mean an old pony's-tail?"
He swore, the puns here killed him sometimes. "Yeah, something like that."
"I know how it all sounds, but I really think I'm right about this."
In a lot of ways, this was just like earlier, with him being asked to believe something ridiculous while the other party watched him intently, waiting for confirmation on his opinions. "I'm sorry, Twilight, but I think it's all just a myth or something. And, even if Nightmare Moon did exist and the prophecy was made in good faith, I don't think it will come true."
Twilight gave a depressed sigh. "But there's something there, I can feel it. I can't explain it, and for me not being able to explain something logically physically hurts my entire being, but I feel it."
Jayden could sense that there was no more to say. She had her views and he had his, and the only way to know who was right was to wait until later.
Wanting to change the subject, he asked about Twilight's current task. She informed him that she was supposed to go around and meet various ponies on a list and see if they we're doing their part, with each one having an important assignment. Applejack and 'Sweet Apple Acres' were asked to work on the banquet, something he already knew, and were crossed off. Up next was a pegasus mare named Rainbow Dash, who was supposed to clear the skies of clouds. After that was Rarity, in charge of decorations, and finally, Fluttershy, whose songbird choir was going to perform for the ceremony.
Upon hearing Dash's name, Jayden offered some advice and directed them to where she could likely be found, with the group eventually stopping near a small cloud floating just a few feet off the ground.
"And you're sure this is her?"
"Unless someone stole her napping cloud, yeah."
Twilight took a few tentative steps toward the small cloud. "Excuse me, are you Rainbow Dash?"
There was a yawn, then a bit of movement. Suddenly, hanging over the cloud's edge, was a rainbow-colored tail swishing back and forth. "Depends. Who wants to know?" Replied a slightly gravelly voice.
Twilight put on her best authoritative tone. "My name is Twilight Sparkle. I've been sent by Princess Celestia to check up on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. I was told you'd be clearing the clouds." She let a bit of disappointment seep into her tone, seeing the sky still pop-marked with the white, fluffy creations. "And it looks like that hasn't been done yet."
Picking up on Twilight's tone, Dash went on the defensive. "Look, lady, I got all day to do that. The party ain't till later and it will only take me, like, ten seconds to get it all done anyway."
"I'm sure the princess would appreciate it if it was done now more than later."
Rainbow huffed, hauling herself over the side to look at the mare grating on her nerves. "The princess isn't even here, she doesn't-" She froze when she saw Jayden. "O-oh, hi Jayden!" She shouted, a little bit louder than she meant to.
Jayden waved. "Hey, Rainbow. What's up?"
A redness began to spread on her blue cheeks. "Oh, y-you know. D-doin'...stuff."
"What kind of stuff?"
She looked down at the cloud she was sleeping on. "Napping stuff."
"Neato. So, could you please get rid of the-" He was cut off as Rainbow Dash launched herself into the air, the force from her wings almost sending Twilight tumbling over. The small group watched from the ground as Rainbow Dash blitzed across the sky at ludicrous speeds, ramming headlong into the clouds looming above, dispersing them with a satisfying 'puff', all before landing back down with a triumphant grin.
"Woah." Spike whispered.
"H-how!?" Shouted Twilight, stunned by the impromptu performance.
Jayden chuckled. "Dash here is probably the fastest flier in Ponyville." He said, watching Rainbow puff out her chest, the blush returning to her grinning face.
Dash gave a snort. "Ponyville? Try all of Equestria! Gotta be if I'm gonna make it into the Wonderbolts."
"The Wonderbolts?" Asked Twilight, a little surprised by the colorful pegasi's ambitions. "That's quite the elite group. They don't let in just anypony."
"Oh, I know it. It's why I'm always training, always working out." She stretched out her legs, almost like a cat, and unfurled her wings, trying to show off her body.
"We found you napping on a cloud." Twilight stated, dryly.
Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Well, yeah, even I need a rest. Workin' hard takes a lot out of me."
"Thanks for clearing the sky, Rainbow." Jayden interrupted.
She waved a hoof. "I-it was nothin'. I'd do ANYTHING for you." She gave him another intense look.
"What?"
"I-I mean my friends! I'd do anything for my friends! Never leave them hanging."
"Well, we appreciate it." He looked around, unsure of how to continue the conversation. "Uh, that's really all we needed. Sorry to bother you about it, Rainbow, you can go back to napping." He turned to leave but Rainbow called out to him.
"Hey, Jayden! A-are you, like, going to the celebration later?"
"Uh, yeah, I was planning to. Why?"
"Just wanted to know if I'd, you know, see you there. Was thinking I'd skip the party and get some good rest for the practice I'm doing tomorrow. But I figured if all my friends are going, maybe I'd go too."
Jayden gave a thumbs up. "Cool. Guess I'll see you there." He looked down at Twilight, then back to Rainbow. "Not that chatting isn't fun, but we gotta get going."
"Oh, sure." Her mood seemed to deflate a bit. "Go ahead. We'll talk at the party!"
He gave a nod. "Will do."
As the trio departed from the napping-inclined pegasus, Twilight gave Jayden a look. "So, did you not notice or are just playing innocent?"
He returned her look with one of confusion. "What do you mean?"
"That she was looking at you...you know."
"Well, yeah she was looking at me. We were standing in front of her." He paused, giving time for bewilderment to flash across Twilight's face.
"She was blushing."
"And? It's the middle of summer. It's hot out."
Twilight could feel the aneurysm beginning to form. In the end, though, she chose to drop it. Some random pegasi's crush, a pegasus she'd likely never see again, was irrelevant to her plans anyway. Besides, why talk about that when she could talk more about the mystery creature right next to her.
"You know, you haven't told me much about your home yet." She said.
"Not much to tell. Earth isn't too different from this planet."
Twilight gave him a confused stare and he instantly realized his mistake.
"Are...are you implying that you're-"
Spike interrupted her. "He's an alien!"
" Ah crap, guess the cat's out of the bag on that one." He muttered. "Yeah, you could call me an alien, of sorts." He shrugged. "Unfortunately, no spaceship"
"Oh, that's so cool!" Spike's eyes were wide, an expression of pure awe.
Twilight scanned Jayden's features for any hint of deception. No shifting eyes, no strained facial expressions. He seemed to be telling the truth.
"You can't expect me to believe you. That's crazy, impossible." She said, letting her doubt seep into her words.
"You're not expected to believe anyone about anything, much less me." Jayden replied. "But, it's the truth all the same."
It dawned on Twilight that Jayden was actually serious. She took a step back, as if she were suddenly terrified. "But that's- no, it can't!" The implications took root in her mind. "So much could change, would change! Our world, our society, our technology! The entire planet...altered, transformed!" She began to hyperventilate, eyes scanning the world for something to anchor herself to as her mind shattered and she babbled to herself.
"So..." Jayden said, looking at Spike. "Who's next on that list thingy?"
Spike glanced at the parchment in his claws. "Rarity for assistance in decorations."
"Just a mare I don't get along with. Really ugly, too, with an awful personality. Not looking forward to popping by and saying hello."
Spike looked at the list again, suddenly concerned. "Well, is she at least good at decorating? I don't see why the Princess would ask for her help if she wasn't."
He crossed his arms. "I don't know about decorating, but she owns a dress-making shop in town. I guess her dresses look...fine. If you like gaudy and pretentious. And garbage."
"Aliens!" Twilight shouted. Her mane had, somehow, become frazzled in only a couple minutes and she appeared on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
"She gonna be alright?" Asked Jayden.
Twilight lifted Spike with her magic and brought him to her face, looking him directly in the eyes, her own twitching uncontrollably. "Aliens!"
"Just give her time." Spike replied.
Jayden shrugged. "Well, let's get this over with. Come on, Twilight, this way." He motioned for the mare to follow.
"Aliens." She muttered, trailing after him.
"Very good, you know your A's. Next, let's work on our B's. Can you say Banana?"
The list informed the group know that Rarity could be found at town hall and that's where they went next. Jayden always liked the town hall. With its very high ceiling and large, round main room it was one of the few buildings in Ponyville where he didn't feel cramped. Most places just didn't have the space for him.
Heading there and going inside, they found Rarity currently hanging up banners and streamers of various colors, not yet noticing the trio as they walked in.
Jayden could sense his blood pressure rising as he watched the white unicorn mare. He had to remind himself that he was here to help Twilight and not start shit with his nemesis. Just introduce Twilight and let her do her job and then they can leave. No fuss.
"You lied to me!" Spike shouted, turning to Jayden and giving him a glare.
"How so?" The human responded, somewhat offended, looking down at the baby dragon.
"You said she was ugly!" He turned his head back to the mare again, watching intently. "But she's beautiful. A goddess"
Jayden mentally swore he could almost see hearts forming in the kid's eyes. Great, the kid's got a crush.
"Well, I think she's ugly on the inside." Jayden offered up his explanation."So, what I told you was true, from a certain point of view."
"A certain point of view?" Spike crossed his arms.
Jayden squatted down to Spike's level, as if they were about to have an intimate heart-to-heart conversation. "Spike, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of vie-"
"What do YOU want?!" Rarity shouted across the room, eyes glaring at Jayden, probably hoping laser beams would suddenly shoot out, severing his head from his shoulders. She snipped a yellow streamer with a pair of scissors before hanging it up on the wall and walking over to the trio.
"It's not enough that I have my hard-earned day off taken from me, by royal decree no less, but now I have you, of all creatures, mucking about while I work! Can I not just have one break today!?"
"Hey cunt, how's it going?" He ignored her outburst. "Got someone who wants to meet you."
"Sorry, but I don't feel like meeting the fleas you picked off those greasy strands you call hair." She glared.
Jayden sighed and turned from her before he motioned over to the purple mare. "Twilight, just do what you need to do so we can go."
" ...What? Oh, right." Twilight muttered. She'd gotten over most of the shock about aliens on Equestrian soil, but it still weighed on her mind. That, along with Nightmare Moon, meant her brain was no longer functioning at its peak. She was lost in her own little world when Jayden spoke and it took her a moment to realize she was being talked to.
Rarity looked Twilight over, suspicious of her, as she was with anything related to Jayden. She couldn't rule out that this was all some sort of ploy. "Can I help you with something?"
"My name is Twilight Sparkle. I've been sent here from Canterlot to-"
The change in Rarity's expression, and trust, were immediate. "Canterlot! You're from Canterlot?! Oh, I've always wanted to go! The style, the sophistication, the glamor! You must tell me what it's like to live there." She gushed.
Jayden resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I don't really have much time to chat today." Twilight responded. "I'm just here to make sure everything for the celebration later is going according to plan." And last thing she was yet more social interaction getting in the way. "And specifically, I'm checking up on how the decorations are coming along."
Rarity's excited and open demeanor deflated a bit. "Oh, I see." She floated over several kinds of banners and streamers. "I did what I could, especially since the scroll I was given, one that was rather out of the blue, made no mention of requests or themes that the princess would like. Going with my gut, I chose colors relating to the princess's own palate. You know, yellows, whites, blues, etc. Things that would complement not only her but the sunrise as well." She paused. "I hope this is acceptable?"
Twilight wasn't one to gush over aesthetics, but even she could see that Rarity put in the effort to make the room pop. All around were banners and streamers and ribbons, all fitting a warm summer theme. "Looks great! I'm sure the princess will love it." Looking around, something on the wall caught her attention. It was a particular gem embroidered onto the middle of some of the ribbons. Starting off totally white in the middle before branching out into ever bolder shades of yellow before reaching the edges of the gem. "Wait, are these-"
"Gryphonic sunstones?" Rarity interrupted. "Yes, they are."
"Aren't those incredibly rare?"
"Indeed." She smiled, clearly proud of having acquired something so uncommon.
"How in Equestria did you get them?"
"Oh, a lady has her ways." She waited for Twilight to speak.
"Then I won't-"
"Well, if you must know." She interrupted, eagerly wanting to spill the beans despite her faux reluctance. "I'm proficient in a very unique spell that allows me to find things like gems and diamonds. And, if I know what I want, I can even locate specific types. Such as these gryphonic sunstones."
"You found them yourself?" She said, impressed. "I can't imagine how long that took."
"True, it was an all-day affair, but it was worth it in the end. I get to show them off decorating for the princess, after all."
"Oh my god!" Jayden shouted, leaning against the wall, arms crossed. "We get it! Colorful rocks, really fuckin' pretty, are we done yet?"
Rarity maneuvered her head around Twilight to glare at the offending biped. "Please be quiet, the mares are having a discussion. One about decor and beauty, something quite important regardless how little your dung-flinging monkey brain understands of it." She snapped.
Jayden firmly clenched his fists. "......"
"What's the matter? No adequate retorts in that empty head of yours? You know, besides how much you want a banana?"
"Just... suppressing my all-consuming rage."
Twilight placed herself between the two, obscuring Rarity's vision, and spoke. "As impolitely," she shot Jayden an disapproving glance, "as he worded that, he is right that we need to get going."
"Oh...and I was so enjoying your company too!" Rarity replied, looking genuinely hurt. "But, if you have work to do I shall not keep you."
"Thank you for your time. We'll be heading off now." She turned to leave the building.
"Oh, and Twilight?" Rarity called out to her.
"Yes?"
"I wasn't kidding about Canterlot. If you're ever in Ponyville again, stop by my boutique. We can chat over tea. I'd love to hear all about it."
"Will do." She ground her teeth at the thought of more social interaction. "Spike, Jayden? Let's go." The pair followed the mare out the door, leaving Rarity to her work.
Jayden waited till the group got a decent distance from town hall before speaking. "Have to admit, that went a little better than normal. A bit less screaming than I anticipated. Still hate her, though."
"Alright, so I don't get it. Why do you hate each other?" Asked Twilight, a bit concerned at what she just saw. To her, Rarity seemed a perfectly nice mare, if a tad shallow, and only acted aggressively at Jayden's instigation. There had to be a reason for the bad blood.
"We just...do. You know?" Jayden responded.
"No, I don't, that's why I'm asking."
He sighed before slumping his shoulders and giving in. "She made fun of my clothes."
"That's what that was about? She made fun of your clothes?"
"I mean, when you say it out loud it sounds kinda dumb. But it was the way she did it. So patronizing and above it all, as if she were the pinnacle of sophistication. It reeked of someone desperately trying to be something they're not. And don't even get me started on how rude she was to Hayseed Turnip Truck at the Ponyville hoedown." He paused. "So, I called her out on it and we've been fighting ever since."
"There's got to be more to it than just that."
"Hey, you can go back and ask her if you want. I'm sure she'd love to keep talking with you." He gave her a grin. "Maybe she'll even give your mane a makeover while you chat. Doesn't that just sound fun?"
Twilight resisted the urge to cringe. "I think I'll pass. Besides, we just have one pony left."
With Rarity done, the final target was Fluttershy, off somewhere practicing with her birds. If Jayden had been paying attention, he might have noticed that every pony on Twilight's list was one he knew personally. However, the day was starting to drag on and he was about ready for a nap, so paying attention was slowly becoming a non-factor.
Finding the yellow pegasus was rather quick and Jayden was able to explain why they sought her out. Twilight tried doing it herself, but the mare almost refused to talk to her. Not from impoliteness, though. More like she was living up to her namesake and was just too shy for the two to interact.
She did open up a little more when Jayden did the talking and introduced them, with Fluttershy squeaking out a greeting, eyes looking around at anything other than Twilight's own. Fortunately, despite the reluctant communication, Twilight could confirm that, yes, the music situation for later that night was taken care of and that Fluttershy's birds were thoroughly trained. Though, it did seem odd to her that someone so clearly in need of help with their social anxieties would be asked to perform for a crowd at an important national event.
What really brought the mare out of her shell was Spike. Seeing the baby dragon caused a total shift in her demeanor. She gushed over him, her reticence to communicate flying out the proverbial window.
Also, Jayden didn't know Spike was baby dragon until it was brought up.
Also also, he got to meet a dragon today, so that was pretty cool.
Jayden cast his gaze away from the two ponies and baby dragon and looked to the sky. The sun wasn't setting yet, but it would pretty soon. He was tired and Fluttershy was the last pony on the list, meaning he'd been with Twilight through most of her tasks. While he didn't really help, as Twilight was just checking off boxes, he was glad he could follow along and chat. But, with that all done, and his growing tiredness being too much to ignore, he figured it was time to head home.
He approached the purple unicorn, who was currently rolling her eyes at Fluttershy, who in turn was absolutely fawning over Spike, constantly asking the baby dragon questions. In a way, it was a sort of humorous mirror to him and Twilight.
"Fluttershy was the last one on your list, right?" Jayden asked, just making sure.
"Yes. Now I should be free to go to the library and do at least a little research on Nightmare Moon. No guarantees that I'll actually find anything useful, but it's all I can think of right now. Fortunately, I won't have to go all the way back to Canterlot as the princess has set aside Ponyville's old library for me to stay the night in."
"So that's where you're staying. I was wondering about that."
"Just for the night. Though, if Nightmare Moon gets her way, that won't mean much very soon."
"That's a shame. Would be nice to have the old library up and running again. Have you seen it, yet?"
Twilight shook her head.
"I think you'll like it. The whole library is inside a giant hollowed-out tree. It's pretty neat."
"That does sound...nice." It was clear her mind was on Nightmare Moon again, and all the danger she thought would come with her.
"Hey, Twilight?"
"Yes?"
"Don't worry about it too much, okay."
"Easy for you to say. You think I'm crazy, just like the princess." She hung her head.
"I don't think you're crazy, just incorrect."
Twilight snorted in derision. To someone like her, being called incorrect might as well just be an insult.
"Look, I..." He thought about what to say. "If it makes you feel better...if she actually comes back tonight and the world is actually in danger...I'll help."
He shrugged his shoulders. "Why not? I don't even think she's real, so what do I have to lose?"
Twilight smiled, just a little bit. "You may come to regret that."
"Nah, I don't think so." Again, he looked to the sky, the sun getting closer and closer to connecting with the horizon. "Not that this day hasn't been fun, but I've been up since before dawn and I am absolutely exhausted. This is probably where we part ways."
Twilight gave a nod. "Goodbye, Jayden. Thank you for your time today. Learning about you was fascinating."
He responded a wave and started the trek home. With no companions to talk to, and the warmth of the setting sun providing a soothing atmosphere, he let his mind drift and wander over the day's events. Twilight Sparkle and Spike were certainly an unexpected addition, though not unwelcome. Certainly made for interesting conversation partners. And they both seemed nice enough, even if Twilight was clearly a little too concerned about evil miss Moon-And-Doom.
The girl actually thought the world was going to end that night. You'd think someone so intelligent wouldn't take mythology and fables so seriously.
She'll see. Nothing will happen, the 'Summer Sun Celebration' will go off without a hitch, and no millennia-old villains will pop up out of nowhere to wreak havoc. Life in Equestria would go on as it always had.
