Soul Retrieval 1-9 by Klaifferon

 

Chapter one: Introduction

 

„Hey! Stop it. You're torturing the poor thing!“

„This is no punishment. You'll kill her like that. Please, stop it.“ you try to talk some sense into him

„Just cut it out man, I'm not gonna watch you do that!“ you turn him around by his shoulder

 

“What did I just do...?"

"Aw, shit. That hurts."

"Oh no..."

„Calm down. Ok? Just calm down. Everything's fine now." you talk to her like to a puppy and gesture with your hands, trying to force a smile

"...You can speak?!" you step back, but immediately do two more steps closer because of curiosity

„Come on, open your eyes. I'm not trying to hurt you, I just want to speak with you. ...Please."

"No, he's alive. ...Who is he anyway?"

"How do you not know?"

"Look, I'm sorry for stressing you like that. Just,.. go if you want to. I'm sorry." you step back and make enough room for her to leave

"I told you already, I'm just curious what happened."

"You what?" you'd almost laugh "Oh, well,.. that's good for you I guess... eating the papers and all. But uh... what are you going to do now?"

"Don't want to dissapoint you, but there's no forest around. Just city everywhere in a circle of... well, quite a circle. And then just fields."

„Uhm, okay then. Guess you don't like people a lot." you'd smile with a mixture of dissapointment, then look partly away "...It's kind of understandable, really..."

"...What's your name anyway?“ you ask after a few seconds of silence and staring into a wall

„Huh, did he name you like this?“ you point with your thumb over your shoulder at the unconciouss guy

„Ok, ok. It just sounds a bit...funny. No offense.“ you smile sincerely „...My name is Anon.“

„Um,.. thanks? I guess?“ you put the hand away, because she likely isn't gonna shake it anyway

"That's nothing... I just wish it didn't have to come to this to make him stop. But-"

„Nah, that's alright. I deserved it just as much.“ you laugh forcibly and place another tissue on the wound because the previous ones are soaked trough yet again

„...But I guess I should go now, I have a bus to catch.“ you stand up, about to turn around

„...Yes?“

„Well, I can do housework by myself. I don't have a big house and-“

„Hmm, I can't think of anything really." you raise your shoulders „I'm just used to living alone.“

„Uhh, look, if you need a place to stay, I'll let you stay in my house for some time. I just don't need anything in exchange. That's all I wanted to say."

"Hey, I wasn't the one who asked for a place to stay." you chuckle

„Sure.“ you laugh and raise your little finger "Pinky promise."

"Ok, but first, there are two things I probably should do. Lemme get these things off you.“

„Hey, this thing is sturdy. I can't get it off right now. I'll need some tools for that.“

„Yea. Now, for that ring of his.“ you move to the guy, still laying on the same spot

„Yes. You don't know? While adoption documents are probably more important, I think it's like a small technical certificate for a car. It's on the internet. ....You'd seriously leave and wouldn't even throw it away from him? Or eat it too?“ you smirk at your own joke, but continue a bit more serious "...He might even start an official investigation if he had something that would connect him to you."

„Well, now you do. Also, I'm gonna take it, because the cheery fella torn my eyebrow with that thing.“

„Don't know. You can keep it when you'll go, but it probably won't help. They'll think you stole it, if you get caught.“

„Is this like your serial number?“

„Well you do have one. Look.“ you show it to her

„Look, um Rainbow. I know you must feel pretty horrible right now. But-“

„Just,.. try to keep it together. It sounds harsh, but anger won't do anything but make it worse.“

„I know, that's fine. But we should go, before someone finds us, or before he awakes. And we have to catch the next bus.“

„Wait here in the shadow, I'll be right back.“

„To that building over there. Just a few seconds.“

„Here. It might help you relax.“ you've opened both of them with your new ring, offering one to her

„Nothing special, just beer, but it's something.“

"I don't know, if it does. But we can try." you say and take a sip from your bottle

"I'm not sure if that was what I had in mind, it's better to drink it slowly." you laugh softly "If you don't like it, just throw it away. It was a little stupid idea to begin with."

„Are you alright? How you holding up?“ you whisper, so the others can't hear you

„A little..“

„...Then try finding a good one and stick on it.“

„Well,.. you probably flew in past." you'd point at her clipped wings after a second of thinking "Why don't you think about flying?“

„Yes you can. I flew once in my life on a plane and I can still remember it." you smile now "For you, it must have been like riding a bicycle is for me... Close those eyes.“

„It's the first day of a green, fresh spring, in a sunlit afternoon. Your feathers are grown back and you're strong and healthy as a first primrose, effortlessly making it's way closer to sun trough wet and heavy leaves. Where you're standing, the ground is soft, covered with the greenest grass...and under a few flaps of your wings, all the land suddenly becomes so small and distant........ The blinding sun is up in the sky with you, so beautiful and warm, caressing everyone with it's loving embrace. Neverending seas of trees with fresh leaves are rustling in the soft wind and they are singing... of peace... Surely, you can hear them...?“

„We're here... Let's go.“

"Hey, let's go faster, make the blood circulate."

„Could you clean your hooves a bit? It's messy out there.“ you'd give her a floorcloth before she enters

„You can sleep on the couch, sheets and pillows are stored inside. But come to think of it, maybe you might wanna take a shower as well. How long is it since your last bath?“

„Well, you should definitely take a shower. There's even a bit of my blood on you over there." you point at her shoulder "It's those doors on the right. I'll go second. Towels are in the cabinet, right next to the entrance.“

"Ow!"

„Check the table. Eat up if you're hungry.“ you murmur with eyes still closed

"No probs." you open your eyes and stand up to take a shower as well, leaving almost a full bottle on the table

„When you're done, just put it in the sink. I'll clean it later.“ you'd turn around before closing the bathroom door behind you

 

Chapter two: The Second Day

 

 

a couple of dreams you can't remember later...

 

„Oh jolly.“ you're opening open your eyes

„'Morning. Slept well?“ you grin over your shoulder

„Here, mustard and ketchup. And the rest is on the table already.“

"...What is it?"

"Pff, the way you're asking almost sounds as if you're hoping for something bad to happen." you chuckle heartily and continue frying

"...Care to share the experience that gave you this mindset?" you'd look over your shoulder at her

"You did? Well, something tells me it wasn't the guy from yesterday. Was it someone who had you before him?"

"Ok then, you don't have to." you crack a little smile, tending to the pan in your hand again

"Well, enjoy." you announce amusedly before having a first bite of your bread

"Try it with a tomato." you roll her way one of the two tomatoes you brough

"It's not poisoned." you grin "Not even rotten."

"Not too typicaly."

"Meat probably. In all of it's different variations. Yeah, but bread in all different variations too..."

"Is it?" you'd smirk at her before having another bite

"..What, you seriously think I'd eat you?" you burst into laugh

"Come on, calm down. I was just playing with you."

"If I wanted meat, I'd just go and buy it. It's not like I couldn't afford it at all."

"No... At least not me. Some people prefer meat, I don't. That's all. And I'm certainly not going to eat you."

"Come on, don't be silly. You can leave anytime. The keys are right next to the door." you point "I wouldn't try stop you."

"Sure... Though, it's not like I'm the one in need here."

"Do I need a reason? Ever thought I might just be like that?" you smile warmly

"Well?" you glance her directly in the eyes

"What is it?"

"I take it as a compliment." you chuckle and stand up from the table to wash your plate

"Killing time, I guess. Trying to have some fun."

"I dunno. It just keeps me busy when there's nothing to do." you pause the video and turn around as well

"When it becomes routine,.. yeah."

"What else should I do in winter? In a city?" you shrug your shoulders, raising your palms

"That's very vague and unspecific answer." you chuckle

"You'd seriously wanna go there? I saw you poking your head outside and changing your mind about leaving a few minutes ago."

"Jeez, I don't really wanna. It's nasty weather outside."

"What's your bussiness with it? I just don't see any vision of fun there." you'd turn your chair back around to face the PC, trying to ignore her

"Yeah, like catching cold?" you wouldn't look away from the screen, hoping she'd let you be

"Was that a pun?" you'd snicker and actualy shift all your attention to her, pausing the video for a second

"Wait, YOU would like to see the city? Why so suddenly?"

"...Okay then,.. I'll go with you. Not for a long though."

"Yeah, just lemme grab my jacket... and my other clothing."

"It's not always like this... You still wanna go outside?"

"I can see,.. with ears like that."

"All I'm saying is that ears like that must be pain to have in a cold like this. ...But wait, I'll be right back."

"It's quite strechy." you'd try to put it on her, covering her ears and most of the mane underneath it pretty nicely

"What can I say? I'm nice like that." you smirk amusedly

"...So,.. "ponies", huh?"

"You mentioned "All ponies have ears this big." So is that how your specie is called?"

"Hmmm."

"And-"

"...I thought you wanted to lead?" you'd ask confusedly

"Don't worry, I know my way around here. You can't get me lost here." you smile back almost smugly, - almost

"Unless you're a big ugly factory enthusiasist, then you're out of luck for like... 5 kilometres around here? 5 kilometres trough this wind and snowing."

"We are in old industrial part of the city. No flora or fauna around here."

"I get by." you'd stick your hands out of your pockets to blow some hot air from your lungs on them and then put them back

"It's not always that bad... Sometimes I go skiing or snowboarding in winter. And I used to go motocrossing a lot in summer. But sure,.. I'd like to live somewhere else."

"I-..I don't even know to be completely honest. Maybe I'm afraid of something new. This is pretty much all I know lately." you say without really thinking about it

"Stupid?"

"Yeah. I guess I should have done something with my life some time ago. But it's better than it used to be." you start walking away to avoid any further questions about this topic

"It is. They decided this big building wasn't big enough, so they made a new one and moved there. But nobody wanted to buy this one, so it's rotting here past few... tens of years. At least that's what I heard."

"Since when you care about factories?" you stop and look back down on her

"Seriously? At this time of year?"

"Speaking of little strolls..." you grunt a bit grumpily, but then you think about it for a few seconds ".......But actualy, you bumped my curiosity. I kind of wanted to have a look inside myself one day. Why not today?"

"At least we don't have to climb over it... So which way do we get inside the building?"

"Hey! Wait!" you're crouching trough the broken fence, running up to her

"I pressume you need a hand here?"

"Would you mind covering your rear next time? This feels pretty uncomfortable from here." you embarassedly face down a while climbing

"You should wear something. At least a pair of pants or boxers. For some decency."

"That's an odd question. I thought you don't consider yourself an animal." you chuckle over your winning argument

"Natural or not, on the way back, you're climbing down first. I don't need to be in this position again."

„Careful, I'll get rid of-“

„Are you nuts? You just almost gut yourself!“

„You were this close." you're showing her, using space between with your fingers

„I'd just appreciate if you weren't so reckless, alright? I already put quite a lot of effort into keeping you alive...“

„Ugh, it's... in worse condition than I actualy expected."

„What do you mean by- oh I see now."

"Didn't know you had this kind of tendencies inside you." you'd walk up to her with a chuckle

"Someone might hear."

„I guess... this is the kind of fun I didn't see a vision of." you snicker and grin when you glance into her eyes

"Hey, hey. And watch this." you kick another piece of old hardware trough a hole in the ground

"Looks like we'll have to find out." you smirk, grabbing one as well

„Holy shitfuck and tender beans! Are you kidding me!? Your leg is fucking broken!“

„Are you serious? Look at it! It's literaly bending the other way around! I have to take you to doctor!“

„We gotta get you out of here. Can you walk on the other legs?"

"Shut up, I need to get you out of here. What if I'll carry you?" you're already lifting her up a little "Is that okay?"

"Hey hey, you're awake?" you're trying to nudge her head with yours to get her attention

"Now what? How do we get you down?"

"I can catch you down there, you're not that heavy."

....

"You're sure?"

"Yes! Trust me!" you yell back while preparing yourself

"Ooof." you spring down a little to make the catch easier "...You okay?"

"I gotta get you to the doctor of course."

"You're kidding? What if it won't grow back correctly?"

"Why don't you want to go to doctor?!"

"Forget about that, I don't like doctors either but-"

"Stop doing that! You're only gonna hurt yourself more! God,.. okay I'll do it, but wait till we get home." you'd adjust her in your arms before you start running back to your house

"Are you sure you want ME to do this?"

"Okay I'll be counting to four." you kneel down next to the couch, grabbing her leg

"What? No, I wasn't planning that." you look from the leg up at her face again

"I was just trying to make it easier for you!"

"Then I'll do it now!" you snap it back

*a clank of bones*

"Yes."

"Now we gotta harden it." you'd put some sticks around it and start bandaging

...

"It's done." you'd announce after few minutes

"No problem,...but I'm sure it would have turned out better if we went there."

"That's nothing." you're standing up with a smile, about to return the first aid kit

"That's like sending you to die or get caught again... Just-..." you sit down instead and lay the kit on the ground "You know what? Just stay here until it heals and you're capable of taking care of yourself, okay?"

"Maybe, maybe I'll have someone to talk to." you smirk and wave at her to make her glance at you again "Look, it won't kill, or ruin me, to let you stay some time longer. Seriously, no big deal."

"Don't even mention it,-"

"...You'll have a world to explore then, eh?" you crack a smile

"Where is this "back" you're talking about though?"

"Equestria?" you're scratching your chin "Is that someplace over the sea? I never heard of it."

"SO YOU'RE AN ALIEN!?" you blurt "Wooooah..... that sort of explains a lot... Where's your spaceship though? How did they capture you?"

"I see. So, and um... do you have some clue about a way back?" you'd calm down again and sit comfortably next to her, so that you can conversate

"So you're planning a rebelion or something? Like in movies and games?" you chuckle over the cliché of your own thought and immediately go serious again

"...So and what are the last things you remember about getting here?"

"Say what?! I though that humans invaded into YOUR world. Why did he even do that? "

"Come on, don't try to be mysterious. I thought we're past that." you chuckle "...You didn't have any bad intentions, or did you?"

"Okay then." you'd give up on asking, leaning into the couch next to her "..........but it's kinda funny, since you don't have a pinky finger."

"Well it's this finger." you point at your hand

"That's why the saying about pinky promise, because you raise "the pinky" while you're swearing it... I think it means you cut it off if you break the promise?"

"Tell me." you'd adjust yourself on your seat with an excited smile, expecting a long story

"..Huh, well, what a strange coincidence eh?"

"If nothing else,.. at least we got a lot of time to figure how to get rid of that collar around your neck. I can imagine you'd want that off as soon as possible. What do you say we get to it now?"

"Every coin has both of it's sides, good and bad..." you'd smile at her as warmly as you can, looking confidently in her eyes for a few seconds, because you mean it

"I just want you to know,... there's no such thing as total darkness, till you carry your own light." you'd smile again, wiping your right eye

"...I'll just go get some of my stuff. I'll be right back, okay?" you'd then stand up

"So, there must be some sort of weak spot on that thing." you'd move your hand closer to her neck "..Can I?"

"I suppose it's opening somehow inside that box." you tick on the box with a finger "But it's sturdy, might be even harder to break than the rest."

"There." you hand her a small mirror from the toolbox "Figured you might want to have a look too."

"So, any suggestions where to start?"

"Hmmmm. I was thinking if maybe we could find some screws on it or gut the box trough the buttons. Or in the worse case, to try and either saw it, or heat it up a bit. But that's kinda risky."

"Yeah, let's try the buttons first." you take your plungers and grab one of the buttons "Hold steady." you'd tug with a force, but the plungers just slip

"Ha, there are some cables inside maybe if I- AAAAAAAH!"

 

"Phew, sorry, that was dumb. Have you got shocked as well?" you're scratching your head

"At least something." you chuckle back "But I'm not sure if this is gonna help anything... It looks like the screws are underneath it. Pressing on your neck." you slide a finger under the collar to check

"Yup, there's... 4 of them. If we COULD turn it around and unscrew them, I would get inside the box and open it from there... But we can't. If only there wasn't that metal ring around. I wish they made cars as sturdy as this is."

"The easiest way might be to simply saw it."

"I can't get to those screws and don't know about any other possibilities right now. Don't worry, it's gonna be fine." you're grabbing your saw for metal

"And it's gonna be pretty safe too. It'll probably just take a while. I don't want to rush it and cut you."

"Okay, let's get to it." you smile "Could you bend your head down?"

"I'll have a better angle like that."

"It's done."

"Not completely, I finished the sawing. But it's gonna be easy from here."

"Just hold still." you'd automaticaly, without full realization, pet her head, just like you would a dog

"Now hold extra still please."

"Oh. But that's-..."

"...That's fine, you don't have to. I beleive in karma." you smile back a bit dazedly

"Yeah, I realized too late it would be a stupid thing to say." you scratch the back of your head

"Because you can't possibly know what karma is."

"In short...It's like a universal law, that every action, good or bad, will eventualy be repayed to you in the same manner. In this life or the next one."

"I'd like to beleive it works. But there's no proof for others. Not a lot of people beleive it enough to actualy stop doing things they wouldn't want to happen to them. Of course sometimes I slip too but,.."

"Many things. I-.. it just makes sense to me. I got more reasons than one. But it makes me feel like there's an actual reason to do good, that we weren't put here just to hurt each other. If you know what I mean..."

"Well,..... yeah. I try to think of that when I go trough hard times. Because feeling like a victim always made it all hurt more."

"If it doesn't resonate with you, you don't have to think about it at all."

"...Are you sleepy?"

"No I'm actualy pretty fine." you smile "You should definitely rest with that leg. Also, your neck looks kinda painful too."

"I might even have some oitment for it. ...Um and, if you get bored, I can leave you here some books too. If you want."

"No probs, I'll bring it right over. Because then I'll go shopping for some food."

"Well,... in that case, see you later." you smile

"Sorry, bad habit. I didn't mean to do that. ...My family used to have a lot of dogs, so..."

"I forgot about the books." you realize while clicking on a videogame's icon "Well,.. it can wait a bit."

...

...

...

 

 

Chapter Three: Something Familiar

 

"Good morning Dash. Although, I'm not really sure it's morning yet."

"You're welcome. How long you're up?" you've already walked over to the sink, pouring some water into a glass

"-And what book did you pick?" you'd take a few big gulps

"Really?" you're quickly putting the glass down back down with growing interest "How did you choose that one?"

"That's my favourite book! The whole trilogy, I mean. It's genial, if you ask me." you come alive suddenly, walking few steps towards her with growing interest "At which part you are?"

"Oh well, I really sh-...... or......maybe,.. yes." you stutter indecisively "I mean, yeah, why not!? It's quite a time since I read it."

"Yup."

"No problem with that. And we can switch with reading after a few pages." you'd eye at her "To keep us both awake."

"Can we have a little pause? Just to get something to eat?" you're putting the opened book down on your chest

"Or how about we finish this chapter and then have a breakfast?"

...

"And that's it. How do you like it so far?" you're closing the book for her with a booknote in it

"Sure is. And even on second or third read, you can find something new there." you chuckle and slowly lean up from the backrest, then stretch your upper body

"W-what-" you're try to speak but get interrupted by your own yawn "-What do you want for breakfast?"

"Come on I said WE'll have breakfast. I wouldn't let you starve while I eat." you smirk

"Cereal it is then."

"What? That long? -Oh wait, I see, you're like 5 years old are you? -Because you're partly a horse?... -sorry if that came out wrong."

"Sorry... So how old are you really?" you chuckle

"Say what? You're actualy older than me? AND you've been avoiding cereal for like... 20 years?" you'd widen your eyes with a surprised laugh "I don't know what's more shocking to me right now."

"Yes 23, actualy... Now that's funny. I though you would be in puberty or something." you chuckle

"Well,.. mostly because of your voice. I thought it's a little raspy because it's not yet, uhh... settled?"

"But it feels pretty unique,... I think I even kinda like the tone."

"No, I really meant that..."

"No probs..." you grin "...And what about your size, do you ponies stay like that?"

"But you're tiny!" you laugh

"Almost, but not quite." you grin "But speaking of standing, I bought something yesterday. Remind me about it after breakfast."

"I got you a proper gypsum splint. We soak it in water and roll around your leg. It's gonna be a whole lot better than these bandages and sticks."

"It wasn't expensive. I saw it in reduced price and decided it must be fate." you smile humbly

"Karma, remember?" you'd raise an index finger, eyeing up for a split second with a little smile "Maybe you do, but you don't remember why."

"If you get bored, feel free to. Just don't overlimp yourself." you'd smirk and finally stand up from the bed to get the two bowls for cereals

"Enjoy." you're handing her a spoon, box of cereal and a box of milk

"Hey, there's one more thing..." you'd stand up, running off for a second into your room

"Please put at least something on. This feels real weird."

"Then at least put them on until I finish that.... Or cover yourself with your tail."

"...Why do you always insist on being completely naked though?" you'd eye away from the leg, up onto her face

"But why not at least cover your "thing"?"

"I guess, it's kind of a good point.... But this is Earth, not Equestria. We have different manners." you'd end the conversation and silently get to moistening the new, gypsum covered bandages

"What? No I'm not angry, just-... forget it. -Anyway, the splint is almost done." you'd do the last few rollings

"Now it just needs some time to harden. It might take even a whole day or more to dry completely. So don't really step on it just yet."

"No probs... Do you wanna return to the book now?"

"Sure I do. I can bring them, but I'm a little bit tired of reading now. You can start without me if you want to, I might join you tomorrow."

"Hey, that's awfuly nice of you."

"So, when and what made you change your mind then?" you'd adjust yourself to see better at her

"And what was the book about?"

"Wow, for real?"

"Well, it has to be something if it hooked you up on reading overall." you'd nudge her shoulder with yours "...And you said you were in a hospital with broken wing?"

"It does, sometimes. But it's not always easy to notice."

"Yeah, exactly." you'd grin back "...But I was wondering, what is Equestria like? And what did you do there?"

"Wait. Cloudhouse?" you stop her "Like, made of actual clouds?"

"Hardly, to be honest." you'd scratch your head "It sounds amazing, but how do you make a house out of clouds?"

"Woah, and you're not just making fun of me right now?"

"Sort of. I've never hear of something so incredible. If you really are serious..." you'd look up, trying to imagine and actualy visualize such life "...Oh that must have been SO cool."

"That's amazing. ...But do you think our clouds here work the same?"

"I can imagine, it must be horrible when someone takes something this important from you....... My whole life, I've secrectly wished for being able to fly."

"Of course! Just to spread my wings, flap them see the ground shrinking. All the different perspectives! Actualy soaring trought the wind like swimming in water!" you'd close your eyes and raise your hands while mimicking it, then glance at her again "...Isn't that the best thing ever?"

"I guess..." you'd grin a bit forcefuly, because you're having a hard time beleiving it "I never did fly for real, just in my dreams, so I can't really tell."

"What do you mean?"

"Aren't you a little too small to lift me?" you chuckle "I mean, it's really kind of you, but I'll be too heavy."

"Well, in that case I accept your offer Mrs. Rainbow!" you say jokingly and raise your fist as for a fistbump

"...Funny, I don't know almost anything about you, or your home."

"Of course I do. Entirely different new planet? That sounds amazing! You gotta tell me more."

"I don't know where to start..." you'd look outside the window for an inspiration "...How do your cities look like, for instance?"

"Manehattan? There's a city called Mannhattan here. Do you think it's a coincidence?"

"Yeah. -And what about the princesses you talked about? Are those your rulers? Are they ponies too?"

"I see. And what are they like? Do they care about their people- I mean ponies?"

"Wait, what? How do you raise a sun or moon? Sun stands still and the planet rotates around it."

"What happened back then?"

"Whoa, wait, invasions? I was thinking of how peaceful and magical the land is. So you're in a war?"

"How do you kill a demigod?"

"And you seriously weren't just making anything of it up the whole time?"

"Because it all sounds like out of some fantasy book. It's so weird and awesome." you're smiling excitedly "And you really live in a place like that?"

"Hey,.." you'd place your hand on her shoulder "it was you, who said there must be a way back. And I trust that if someone was to find it, it will be you. Chin up."

"Don't be so harsh on yourself. It's not your fault..." you'd shake her gently with your palm still on her shoulder, trying to calm her down

"What are you talking about?"

"Shhh, easy there." you're tenderly stroking her mane with one hand "...You only wanted to help. It isn't your fault. Please,.. don't torture yourself because of it."

"Of course you can always trust me." you'd hug her even tighter and close your eyes, that are now filled with tears as well "I promise... Pinkie promise."

"...I'm with you. Everything will be alright." you're gently rocking her in your arms, but there's no point in trying to make her stop

"...Are you ok now, Dash?" you'd ask then

"Good. Relax now... Can you promise me something too?" you're fondling her cheek, trying to make her look up at you

"Don't ever blame yourself for things like that again. Okay?"

"...Things may not always go as planned. But important is, what you feel inside. You didn't want to hurt anybody, did you?"

"Then you don't need to blame yourself for that. You wouldn't do that if you knew what was gonna happen. Wouldn't you?"

"See? So can you forgive yourself?"

"That's my girl. Come here." you'd hug her tenderly with a smile on your face

...

"Look, you're strong and I'm sure everything will turn out alright. Didn't you say there have been multiple invasions or even a demigod attack? I'm sure it wasn't easy back then too."

"See? There's nothing as pitch black." you're now slowly sliding your hands from her shoulders back to yourself "Only shadows. But where's shadow, there's light. And if your Princess can raise the sun, maybe she can rescue the other ponies too."

"Don't mention it. I think I'm just doing my part in the universe's plan."

"...Yeah, pretty much. I believe the whole thing is a one consciousness, fully aware of itself and all of us living in it. And wants everyone to thrive."

"I think it already did. It could have been it's mercy that you've happened to escape and wound up here of all places. Some things happen so miraculously, it's hard to consider them a coincidence."

"...Maybe it was just bound to be?" you'd shrug your shoulders cautiously, wouldn't want to hit her soft spot with what you're saying "Some things we can't avoid, because they might be pre-dictated."

"I-... don't know. Look I'm not trying to convince you into thinking like I do. It's just... sorry if this is uncomfortable."

"I understand... I was too, at my lowest point when I begin to search for answers of this type.... But I think you're really wise."

"Because of how you managed to overcome all this. And look at you, all smily now." you're grinning with her "That's wisdom and a lot of inner strenght."

"Maybe I played a part, but the deciding is always here." you put your hand on her chest, right on her heart, then on her forehead "And also here. -If your heart was broken for good and your mind empty, I'd be here for nothing."

"...........But now, I imagine you must be hungry. Because sure as heck I am." you laugh when the little "moment" ends

"You know what? Let's get pizza!"

"You don't know what's pizza?"

"Sort of." you chuckle "All the people may have different ideas about literaly everything, but most of them love pizza every now and then. Lemme get my phone." you'd stand up and start dialing

"Hello! Can I have one spinachi and one quatro formaggi?... Yes, that's correct adress. Thank you very much miss. Bye bye."

"Sorry for interrupting, -it's like a... salty dough with mashed tomatoes, basil and something of your choice. You'll see in half an hour." you grin

"Yes, she's a pony." you'd step between them "And she was quite expensive. But I'd appreciate if you didn't tell anyone about her or at least not mention my adress, wouldn't want to raise a fuss. And keep the change please." and you're giving him the money

"You're welcome." you close the door

"Now, let's get to eating!"

"Ta-Dah! Yea, it's just food but I never get tired of it. Have a slice."

"I'm glad you like it." you're sitting down with it to the table

"Try the second one too." you'd open the second box with a chuckle

"Nah, I'm fine. You can have it."

"I don't mind." you'd burp a little more reservedly under your hand with a laugh "It's not healthy to hold it."

"But I think I had enough as well. We can just leave it for later. It's better when it's hot, but cold one isn't bad either."

"How the time flies eh?"

"I don't know. A bit of a habit. It's just that I should go to sleep around 10 pm."

"I'm working tomorrow. Gotta get enough sleep, because I'm supposed to be there at 6:00 am."

"I know. I'm really not glad about it either."

"Well, I either get fired or taxed."

"I can, but I don't know where. It's not like there is no work at all. But all I've tried felt kind of... same you know? In a way. Same working times. Similiar pays. Just different things to deal with. Where I work now, it's... okay, at least. People there are pretty friendly and,..." you wouldn't finish

"I don't. But I need the money to pay the bills and buy food. I still got some reserves, but can't live from those forever."

"That's fine. Most folk are like that. Maybe one day I find something I'll be passionate about..." you smile "...Did you like being an aerobat?"

"I was curious about that picture, but I wasn't sure if it wasn't something rude to ask. What does it mean?"

"Cutie marks? That sounds funny, but kind of adorable. How long are these being used?"

"Well, someone invented it, no? Painting a symbols of talent on your bodies?"

"It appears just like that? With no one intervening?"

"Can I have a look?"

"Sorry."

"So it looks like it's on your skin and fur, both? Like a pattern on a cat? Wow, that's seriously neat. And how long does it grow?"

"That's like magic! I mean, it probably IS magic. Not that uncommon in Equestria eh?"

"And what's that sonic rainboom you mentioned?"

"A giant rainbow circle?"

"After what you said, I probably shouldn't be surprised, but that still sounds unbeleivably awesome."

"Me too." you smile "But I won't take your word for it. I don't want you to push yourself too hard or get in trouble because of it."

"Alright, jet pilot." you laugh back

"Something really fast. But also kind of.. devastating. Nevermind,.. forget that."

"No, it's a machine. A military one, sadly. But here on earth it's taken like a universal symbol of speed. There's even a song: Wired were the eyes of a horse on a jet pilot. One that smiled when he flew over the bay." you make an intentionaly bad impression of Serj Tankian "It would probably be better if you heard the original."

"Yes, a recording from the band that wrote the song. Wait, lemme show you." you'd head to your notebook and turn on the external speakers and subwoofer

"Here it is." you'd press play, letting the song start banging pretty loudly

"And this is how jet looks like." you're turning the monitor in her direction and point at the image you just found on google

"Well, I'm not exactly a jet engineer, but if you look from behind, most of it's size is just the engine and wings. I think they had to make the engine big so it can actualy lift itself, if it makes any sense."

"Don't like it, eh?"

"This band is a slightly exotic even to me, to be honest. That's why I love them." you chuckle while the song slowly ends "But the music varies. There's so many different bands, styles and voices you couldn't even count them. I can leave you here some songs to listen for tomorrow, if you wanted to."

"That's... kind of a hard thing to explain where is the music stored. If it's directly in the PC, there's physical harddisk inside on which is it written." you're pointing at the notebook "But this right here is playing from the internet, so it's not in there. See that cable behind it? The blue one. Trough it goes the information."

"Well,.. no." you giggle "Trough the cable goes just information, 1s and 0s. Like a whole lot. And from it, it decodes into this." you point at the screen

"Alright." you laugh "It must be as strange to you as your world's magic is to me."

"So I guess it would be better if I left here some CDs with music instead of trying to teach you to use a PC in a hurry."

"Definitely." you whip out an old CD bag you had in a drawer under the desk, - a relic nowadays "On each of these discs, there's music."

"You have that in Equestria?"

"Either PC, or that old boom box over there." you point "The second option would likely be better." and you'd stand up to bring it closer to show her

"You'll just put it inside. That's all. Here's volume intesity and these buttons skip tracks. And play/pause is here."

"I should be back around 3pm."

"Yeah..." you'd scratch your head awkwardly "...Anyway, I should probably get myself a shower and go to sleep soon. I'm exhaused. How about you?"

"Not as big of an issue as you might think." you stand up and start searching trough your kitchen shelves

"A-ha!" you're victoriously holding a roll of plastic foil "We can cover it with this."

"Yeah. I think we compensate with them a lack of magic in our world." you laugh back "But anyway, here it is. Can you roll it around by yourself?"

"That's... actualy pretty understandable. It must be like sleeping with my hair wet. But worse."

"Sure thing." you'd leave it next to the couch and continue to the bathroom

"About teeth, I got one spare toothbrush here, you want it?!" you yell trough the door while brushing your teeth

"It's on the sink, next to the paste!"

"I'm fine. Nothing happened." you're picking youself up, rolling the towel around your lower part of the body in the process

"Ha-ha! Jeez, that was stupid... But also funny."

"That's nothing. I just overreacted when it comes to hiding my junk. I see why you ponies have it easier."

"Well, I guess." you'd kneel down so that she can reach with her right hoof onto your hairy chest

"How do you even feel it?"

"I know, but isn't it solid? Like a nail?"

"Really?"

"Heh, that's interesting. How much do you feel that?" you circle around the soft, almost spongy center

"Curious." you chuckle and stop, just looking at it

"I wasn't even gonna point that out how strange is it that you can do that." you grin "It works like a magnet too?"

"Curiouser and curiouser." you'd let go of her hoof "You are marvelous creatures... I'm glad I punched that guy."

"I know you are." you laugh and rustle trough her mane while standing up "....Could you turn around now, for a few seconds, so I can cover myself?"

"Okay. I'm done." you'd announce after few short seconds, when you're finished drying and slipped into your bathrobe

"Yeah, but then you'd have to wear clothing all the time in winter." you smirk

"For instance, I wouldn't mind having a fur like that. I hate cold. Although, it would probably make my face look a lot different." you'd glance at yourself in the mirror above the sink, then sit down on the tiles next to her "But maybe humans were just meant to be without fur."

"Can I tell you something?"

"I really enjoy chatting with you like that. ...I don't usualy get along with people this well..."

"I dunno,.. They just feel real distant. I like them and wish them all the best, even if they're bad, but I hardly enjoy long conversations... What I meant was just-... thanks for being like that."

"The way you are." you chuckle back "Whatever it is."

"........Well, but I guess I should go to sleep now." you'd scratch your head

"Goodnight, Dash." you're waving at her before turning off the lights

 

 

Chapter three and a half: Beyond

 

 

„...Hello?“

„Is anyone there?“

"Hello?"

"Hello! Can anybody hear me? I want back home! This is terrible!"

"This is so unfair!" you're crying out and caving down like an old statue

"WHAT IS THIS?!!!!" you yell angrily "YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!!! I HATE YOU!!!"

"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME??!!!!"

....

......

....

"Please don't go." you whisper faintly, already knowing it's in vain

"Will I ever see you again?.."

"...Promise?"

....

"Where will I go?" you'd ask yourself "I think I-"

*beeeeep* *beeeeeep* *beeeeeeeep*

 

Chapter four: Steady

 

 

"Few roads, none wrong." you're repeating to yourself out loud to remember it later "...Wish I knew the context too."

"Hey Dash! How have you been?" you'd lay your coat down and go forth to her

"Sure I am." you laugh, scraping off your previous thoughts "I was looking forward to that too. But aren't you hungry? Did you find the note?"

"It was surprisingly real nice. Today I woke in such a good mood, felt like I could literally give it to others. Had an awesome dream this night too."

"I can't remember." you laugh "It just made me feel happy, that's all I know."

"Really? What was I doing?" you're not sitting yet, just leaning on the couch with your right hand with an interested smirk on your face

"Yeah, flying dreams are the best ones." you'd grin, sitting down next to her "And how did I fly there? Did I have wings? Do you remember the scenery?"

"That's great! And how about the music? Did you find something you like?" you'd eye on the boom box still playing

"Let's see." you're grabbing them ""Sum 41 - All killer no killer", "Blur - Parklife", "Wolfmother - Wolfmother", good taste, Dash." you smirk before reading further "..."Kula Shaker - K", "System of a Down - custom mix", "Bob Marley's best of", "Gorillaz - Demon Days", "Nirvana - custom mix" and "Dead Kennedys - give me convenience or give me death"... Hey that's not bad at all. These are all golden classics."

"Yup. Or at least I like to think so. I'm sure some people would argue to death about it though." you chuckle ".... What kind of music did you listen to back home?"

"Sing about life? What do you mean? -Like, making up text as you go?"

"Not weird, more like, amazing. How do you do that?"

"That must be interesting to see and hear."

"To be completely honest..." you shrug your shoulders "...not really."

"Well, sometimes, only when the music is loud enough so I don't hear myself. ...Or anybody else, that would be horrific." you chuckle to yourself

- Rise up this morning, smile with the rising sun." she starts, looking at you with this challenging expression, wanting you to join her ".......You DO know these lyrics? Or should we try some other?"

"I know them, but... I'm really bad at this." you'd awkwardly scratch your head

"Smile with the rising sun?" you'd sing a little forcefuly continue with an embarassed smile

"Singing sweet songs..." you're slowly shedding some embarassement "Of melodies pure and true!"

"Rise up this morning!" you're actualy enjoying this

"Three little birds!"

"Singing sweet songs."

"Saying, this is my message to yo-o-ou!"

"Heh- thanks a lot." you'd laugh "I never would have thought I could sing in front of anyone."

"It was. But how did you do that? I mean, I'd literaly run away if someone forced me to sing."

"I guess..." you'd scratch your head and chuckle over it once more "...So, feel ready for the Two Towers??"

"One step ahead, it's under the couch."

"I put it there in the morning, thought you'd notice, but it wasn't very visible." you'd pick it up from there for her

"Guess I'll start, since I'm already holding it. There will be a plenty of time to switch." you smirk "So, "the Departure of Boromir"."

"It's the easiest food I could pick, Dash." you laugh with a little glimpse in her direction "But if you're into cooking, we can try to make something more interesting tomorrow."

"Well, still, if that's the case, one day I was planning on making tofu, stuffed with red pepper, coated in batter. And some mashed potatoes with spring onions. Could help me out with that if you wanted to."

"It's made out of soya and it tastes a bit like cheese. That's all I know about it, but I like having it here and there. The smoked variant is pretty good."

"You'll see. But it's mostly about how you spice it anyway. It doesn't have a lot of taste of it's own. Or we could bake some cake. How about that?" you'd sit back next to her, since now you just gotta wait till the spaghetti's finished

"Yeah. I just remembered I used to enjoy making food when I was younger." you're grinning back, about to lean back into the couch but you don't

"......Depressions. Then a lot of drugs and alcohol. ..That and a lot of internet too. That made it worse."

"Though I started to get better eventualy at some point . You didn't meet me at my worst. ....But I still have some things to rediscover from times before all of that... And how was your youth?"

"What do you mean?"

"But you got over it, didn't you?"

"That's true..." you chuckle agreeably "Equestria seems to be no different from Earth in many things. Guess life really follows a certain pattern."

"Yeah, but not only that. I mean, in our core, we're all made of one."

"That each soul, may it be you, me, some animal or any other living organism is of the same origin."

"Well,... What do you are?"

"But what is "me"?"

"But if this body dies, then who will you be? You'll still exist, right?"

"I used to think about that a big lot, read too.... And it lead me to belief that what we really are, our essence, our being, is the energetic spark of life in our bodies. In a way, same for everyone, but still utterly unique."

"I beleive even someone like him is of the same creation as me or you. He's just went too far astray from the source. I'm sure there are moments when even he'd like to aspire to be someone good, someone better. But he just lacks the will, so he stays like that and tries to drown his doubts in even more sinnings."

"Of course. There's no such thing as a pure evil. Only corrupted good."

"Maybe I am. After all, it's your burden when you don't. Not his."

"Yes. Think about your feelings, what they evoke in you when you think about him."

"See? Forgiving him, you'll get rid of these emotions that weigh you down."

"I know. I'm not saying it's easy. I'm just saying ...Sorry if- I probably shouldn't have brought that up when it still hurts. Sorry."

"Oh, right, I forgotti!" you're immediately running back to the pot to pour the boiling water out

"It's a little past aldente, sadly. But it's not ruined, still quite good." you'd then judge it after tasting one spaghet

"That's when it's done just enough, when it's not raw, but it's still a bit firm when you bite it."

"But I'll still make it up to you someday." you'd grin "One spaghetti coming right up!" putting one of the plates on the table in front of her "Bon appetit!"

"Um...Nothing, I just wandered too far in thoughts." you'd smile and get back to eating

....

"Yo Dash, I'm home!"

"Yup, last of this week." you have your head buried in her mane, eyes closed for a little while before letting her go "...And guess what?"

"Something nice WILL happen." you can't help yourself but to boop her nuzzle with your finger, cause you're excited to tell her "You did want to see outside the city, did you?"

"In that case, we're going for a little trip tomorrow. To see the mountains!"

"I'm looking forward to it as well. It's such a long time since I've been somewhere. We'll take a bus or a train to the village underneath it, then the cable way to a very top and then..."

"We'll rent some snow sleighs and slide all the way down!" you're gesturing with your hand as dramaticaly as you can "And if that isn't enough, we can rent a snowmobile and drive it everywhere we didn't get to see!"

"Thank me later. We aren't there yet." you're simpering a little embarassedly, trying to remain humble "Let's look at the plan, I'll show you on the map."

"I was hoping to take the train. It might take a bit longer because it doesn't go straight ahead, but we'll have less tranfers and I like trains better."

"Yes,.. that's true, but also because the railroads don't follow roads, but go trough nature a lot more. Isn't it same in Equestria? Think you mentioned a train goes alongside a mountaincliff to the Canterlot?"

"Then,.." you scroll lower "..there are several trains and buses that go back, but the very last one should get us back around eight pm."

"Yeah, we should probably wear something warm if we plan to stay there like that."

"I know about a second hand store nearby, we could get you something there. I was planning to see it for myself too. You wanna go?"

"Right now."

"Yup."

"Let's hope it stays until tomorrow."

"You never know, it's always different up there. Could end up being about the same temperature as it was that day."

"From work." you laugh

"I had an afternoon shift. And I'll have it next week too."

"Yes, but I'll be leaving after lunch instead too."

"Hard to say... Morning shifts are probably a bit better, because you finish work and you have a rest of the day free. But it's probably about the same. How was your routine as an aerobat or a wearthermare?"

"Yeah. ...We could use a weathermare here sometimes too." you laugh

"Wouldn't it be strange to people if there was constanly a hole in the clouds over a single house?" you'd poke her with a chuckle

"What?" you're already grinning as well

"Butts."

"Well, how about... I don't know, I can't think of anything when I need to."

"Me? It's not my fault I can clog two brains at the same time." you're chuckling "...But, hey -look it's over there."

"Yes. I've been there a few times when I quickly needed something cheap. It's not as bad as it looks. Sometimes the things are even straight up new. They just never made it to costumers."

"I can give you the one I have at home, or if you'll find some other I can buy it."

"And I'll check out the winter coats and jackets in the meanwhile. ...There are scarves right this basket, so be sure to look in there too."

"So, have you found something?"

"You wouldn't be scared of a 3 years old kid. Wouldn't you?" you laugh

"But people will probably be staring at you wherever you go. They've never seen the likes of you before."

"Relax, they won't. And if, I'll just say you're here with me." you'd tap on the ring on your hand "...Promise we'll go soon.- Look I got myself this one." you're showing her your new ski coat "...And I brought these three to see if one might suit you. They are for humans, but they look your size. ....Wanna try them?"

"I just wanna make sure you won't be cold tomorrow."

"You don't look dumb. Look at you." you're pointing at the mirror in the cabin "It might need just a few modifications and it's good."

"It might come in handy once your feathers grow back too. It might still be pretty cold by then, especialy in fast speeds."

"I'm gonna buy it!" you smile "It's not gonna cost more than two pizzas anyway."

"...And what about the scarf and hat? You found any?"

"Put them on, while you still have that coverall." you grin "Let's see how it fits."

"Pffff." you'd cover your mouth to hold in the chuckles when you notice that

"No, no, the hat is nice, I just didn't expect you'd pick a maryjane themed scarf." you snicker

"It's a... herb, used as a drug around here. If smoke it, it makes you feel high for a while."

"I dunno, but it looks pretty nice to be honest. It does fit to that hat." you've calmed down from the chuckles by now

"I think it actualy looks pretty nice. Like a... a cute little stoner horsie." you couldn't hold your giggle again, with an imagination of dreads in her mane and a spliff in her mouth

"...Hey, sorry for that. I was just playing around." you'd gently nudge her after a while "...You know I didn't mean it that way, do you?"

"Come on Dash,.. I said I'm sorry... Should I say it again? Look, I'm really, REALLY sorry for calling you-"

"...Did something happen in the past?"

"I just want to help somehow."

....

.....

....

"Just wanted to say I meant it when I said it looks cute."

"I don't know. Just... cute in a..... cute way I guess." you shrugh

"No, just-,. like-,. in a-...in a good,.. errr aesthetic way.... Pl-pleasant to look at?" you stutter, having a hard time finding right words

"What for?"

"......You mean not being girly enough..? Standing out?"

"Screw that Dash, if that's the core of the problem." you'd suddenly stop, making her stop as well

"Who are "they" to tell you how you should feel or act?! You're you, so you should act like yourself!"

"So what if you don't live up to expectations of others? So what if you're a little different?! You don't need approval of anyone or anypony else. You're good enough for yourself and that's all that matters." you crouch to look at her up close

"I know so. You could wear anything, or act the complete opposite of what anyone expects and you'd still be totally amazing, as long as it's your own choice. Because you're always amazing on the inside." you'd poke her chest, piercing her with your eyes all serious, before you ease up a little "Remember that."

"Well,.. after I saw how happy you were about that trip, the last thing I'd want to see is you, having it ruined because of cold. Didn't want to take any chances..."

"That's nothing." you'd smile

"...You know, I was thinking, if it was horrible for you to wear something uncool. Isn't it a similiar situation of human going outside naked? Because I would probably be scared to death if I should."

"Oh yeah, but both of these are just a stigmas too. Social or personal. One that I shouldn't be so affraid of either."

"I don't know if I do, I never even considered to try it." you laugh "But seriously, I was thinking of visiting a nudist beach this summer or something like that. To conquer my fear too."

"..Why wouldn't we?"

"And I said I understand you'll probably want to explore some more interesting places than this ugly city, or find your own home, true. But you'll be always welcome at my door, Dash. Thought you'd know ...You're my best friend."

"Of course. ...I may not know you a very long time, but I feel like I've met you before. Haven't got this close so easily with anyone as-.... as far I can remember actualy. This friendship means a lot to me."

"...What is it?.. I won't be upset if you say that you have better friends at home. It's not a contest for me." you smile

"Really?" you smirk

"Ok then, I won't force you." you'd go on with a gentle smile

"So, how are you feeling in it?"

"You're welcome. Wouldn't want you to look out style tomorrow." you'd chuckle, running fingers trough her mane

"Why not? How hungry are you? Do we make something very quick or...less quick?"

"Well, I was thinking about that battered tofu we talked about a few days ago, but didn't make. ...I already bought tofu for it."

"Then let's get cooking!" you'd help her undo the coverall from the leg covered in gypsum and then head to the fridge to get tofu, milk, spring onions and peppers

"Now for some spices. Any fave seasonings?"

"Then smell some of these and tell me which ones you like." you'd smile and hand her a box with every spice your have "There are some premade mixtures too, feel free to experiment."

"Found something you like?"

"But of course... not! These are young and fresh, keep the peels. It'll taste better!"

"Totally! Mash 'em like that." you're assuring her with a grin while cutting spring onions

"Good team." you'd cheerfuly hoofbump her with your fist

"I know right?" you're already serving it on the table with a satisfied grin on your face "Bon appetit."

"Too much?" you'd look up at her

"Me too. I think it HAS to taste good if you had fun while making it."

"Yes," you grin "but also because of the positive energy you're putting in it. ...Ever heard of water changing it's structure depending of how you talk to it?"

"No, I mean on the molecular level." you're shamessly replying with your mouthful as well

"Those are like, the shapes of energy which is water made out of. If that makes sense. Everything is pretty much just waves and energy, if you break down the particles far enough."

"Yeah, there even have been experiements to prove it, it's pretty interesting. I think if water can do that, so can other substances, since there's water in almost everything... Like a positive charge, you know?"

"Aren't we just now?" you'd grin "...But who's Twillight by the way? I mean, you did mention her being an egghead a few times before, but that's all I know about her."

"Princess gave her a command to move and make friends? Really?" you have another forkful with a grin, waiting for her to finish hers

"Hah,.. uh, what?" you chuckle confusedly

"I'm surprised I can get surprised even after what you told me before, but I am. Jeez, magic. Wish I could grow wings too." you laugh "So and... you're friends with a real princess?"

"Wew lass." you grin in amusement "Is there something else you didn't tell me about yourself?"

"What's that mean?"

"That's-... why didn't you say you're that important before? I'm sure they must be looking for you!"

"You mean...?"

"That's silly. Can you imagine how ironic would it be? To leave "loyalty" behind? If those elements really stand for something, then your fate literaly won't allow you stay here."

"Yes!"

"...What's wrong?"

"What is it Dash?"

"Oh, Dash... Don't be sad about leaving me..." you're trying to sound composed

"....... One day we'll surely meet at the place we all came from."

"Yes......." you'd lower your eyesight on the table, then back at her "Should it be White shores, Lands of undying, Heaven, Nirvana, or simply a place of light."

"It isn't. Death doesn't need to be a salvation or something to necessarily wait for. More like a promise that,..." you're searching for the right words "that nothing and no one is ever really lost."

"Promise." you're raising your pinky finger with a smile, looking her straight in the eyes again

....

...

"You want a blowdrier for your tail? I never realized there's all this trouble around it."

"And how long does it usualy take?.. Without flying?"

"Wait, you can move it at will like that?"

"I don't know. Not having a tail, I never though of it. I though it only moves on it's own." you shrug "...Like, depending on your emotions or just like automatic body language..? No?"

"Heyyyy, I've never seen you do that though."

"Why?"

"But, it's expressive. And that's good no?"

"I bet it looks hella cute too though." you chuckle "Does your body do more of these things?"

"Oh, I remember that happening today." you grin "...Did you ever hit anyone with a wing when it happened? I remember they sprang out even faster when it happened naturaly."

"No way! Did you really accidentaly cataput yourself?" you laugh

"Oh I wish too." you're giggling real silly while imagining it happen "..............But there must be a whole lotta strenght in those wings if you can do that."

"True that. And I have a feeling you might be using them even sooner than your leg."

"I guess it must kind of suck to live in a world where everyone flies or does magic, but having none of that?"

"We got time. You didn't really spoke a lot about your friends."

"Like what?" you'd raise one eyebrow inquiringly

"Maybe she's secretly a unicorn?"

"Now that's... wow, I'd like to see her in action" you chuckle "Must be a lot of fun around her."

"Dash,..." you'd gently knock on the table to get her attention "Please don't let your demons feast on your thoughts."

"What is it?" you grin

"I'm glad. You'll come back home stronger than you've been."

 

 

 

Chapter five: Colossal

 

 

*beeeeep* *beeeep* *beeeeeep*

"Good morning Dash." you're squinting your eyes again, this time over the blinding light of the illuminated room "I see you really can't wait, eh?"

"Which one do you like?"

"Then, I'll go with a peppermint one, haven't had that in a long time. Thank you." you smile back

"Hey, neat. ...You like peanut butter sandwiches?"

"Well it's the effort that's appreciated." you're grabbing one as well and gently raise it towards her as a sign of appreciation before having a bite "...Is this all because of the upcoming trip?"

"You're sure you don't want that now?" you eye down on her, shivering

"Sure is." you're unzipping your coat with a chuckle "...Saw those kids though? They were watching you in such awe as if you were a God to them. That's a good thing no?"

"Well, you should have looked. Maybe give them a little blessing too." you giggle

"I'd sure like to hope so, but it's not like there's anything for granted."

"You could make some new friends here." you nudge her with a chuckle

"Yup, pretty close. We'll go alongside them for one more stop and we're there."

"-Yes actualy, she did. And she didn't take it too kindly. But mistakes happen, right?" you're eyeing back at her with an awkward smile, then back at the cashier "Anyway, she's cleaner than I am and certainly won't be needing a leash, trust me. Thank you, bye bye."

"I'm sorry, I probably should have..."

"I'm flattered, but it's okay." you chuckle "Send me to 9th circle of hell, I won't take it personaly."

"I know, that's why I'm sorry... I didn't want you to get in fight over something so trivial, but it was too late I realized it's your choice..."

"...You should have seen her face though."

now "Dumb goose."

"Well,.. people get shocked to see you talk. I know I did too back then." you grin a bit awkwardly over her remaining hostility towards the clueless cashier "Even if someone actualy read those articles, nobody explained you ponies were smart like that."

.....

"...Can't argue about that........ But I bet a lot of nasty things are waiting to happen to people who are responsible for it."

"Nope, it's been quiet since that. ....Maybe it's cancelled? Maybe they just teased for something that isn't done yet? Or won't happen at all?"

"You said you felt that Pinkie is okay,.. the others may be too..."

"The one uh-... over there! The train is even already here." you'd point the direction

"Sure. What for?" you're opening your bag to hand it to her

"Of course." you hand it to her "I also brough some candy." opening a bag of small chocolates to eat one, offering her as well

"You're welcome. ...Sleepy?"

"That's fine. Don't know if it's the winter outside or just you napping aura spreading onto me, but I think I'll close my eyes as well. At least until the train departs."

....

"Oh well." you raise your head and pick yourself up to a sitting position

"Dash? We're there..." you nudge her gently

"We're at the destination!"

"Nah, I'm just joking." you giggle, sitting back on your seat "We've only just departed."

"...Are you tired? Should I let you sleep?"

"Yup, this railway goes straight out."

"It's gonna take a bit more time to get trough the crop fields."

"You'll see."

"They don't. Most of it is for animals bred for meat or goes straight into the biogas power stations to decompose... Only very little from this area is for food."

"Yeah..." you'd put a hand under your chin and look out of the window trying to find something interesting to talk about

".....It doesn't look that bad in summer,.." some large fields can look actualy pretty beautiful. Everyone may hate when they're planting oilseed rape flowers, but I kinda like the look at least... Neverending seas of yellow..."

"If she lets you..." you'd turn your head at her with smile

"Oh you wouldn't beleive." you grin

"I was expecting you'd say something more."

"Come on, it's not gonna be forever like that." you laugh at her sarcastic performance "...He really liked you."

"I'm a human too...."

"But there might be others who would too... I know you have a big heart, since you've opened it towards me. It's such a shame to see it closed towards the rest of the world... I'd be so happy if you could forgive. Not for them, but for yourself."

"...You're right, it isn't easy..." you smile "...I'm sorry for lecturing you like that.. again. I know it's not my place to force you, but it still,.. hurts me to see you hurting yourself the same way I used to. While I'm forgetting about how long it took ME to stop."

"I used to hate people too. With all my existance and passion." you chuckle

"It used to be true." you laugh "But of all humans, I hated myself the most because I knew I was no different. Weak, fearful, narcissistic.... I used to think that this is our only nature. Wicked and pitiful sons of Cain... And so I acted that way."

"I realized that I have a choice to be better than that." you'd smile now "And what's more important, that I alone have the power to change our society from inside if I change my own ways. Even if that change was a single drop in the sea, then what is sea made out of?"

"It doesn't hurt to be a little naive." you grin back "Just like I saw a better side of me, I started to see a better side of other people too. And realized that we all, not just humans, but every living thing, has a potentional to grow and shouldn't be defined by a state it's currently in. You wouldn't like me either back then."

"Then they'll have infinite more tries trough the next lives. It's only a matter of time."

"-I know, I know. Sorry, I talk too much. Even when I promised not to. I'll just shut up from now on." you grin

"You don't have to. What's really ours will find us eventualy. What isn't, won't. But you may have not noticed, but you've already changed since we met."

"Yes, for the better I think. But that's not all. You've managed to change me for the better while turning my life upside down." you laugh "Not many "people" managed to do that and I really value you for it...... -Have you heard that song?: Oo-ooh, you're a miracle worker..." you're singing

"Oo-ooh I can't wait to fix me up. And I promise I'll be back again if you work a miracle on me." you'd sing the rest of the chorus, sounding actualy pretty good "...It's from Bob Marley's son, Damian. ...We can look it up whole together one day."

"...Oh, and look! There's the forest! We're finally getting to the rural parts."

"Not far from here, the land gets even more interesting. I think the railway goes around some big hill soon and from there, in the distance, we'll see the very mountains we're going to."

"It's always the darker time that make us appreciate simple life. Isn't it?"

"I wish there were. If trees moved, people would likely treat them different. But there probably aren't... At least not on Earth. -What about Equestria? Have you ever seen trees moving there?"

"I'm not sure."

"Each is unique in it's own way. It's hard to pick." you shrug "I used to prefer leafy trees over evergreens... but without the spruces and pines, the winter would be, you know,.. incomplete."

...

"In that case,.. I really like willows."

"Well,. ...It was in the days I was still a junkie. I'd smoke or snort anything back then... Was looking for a nice place to light a joint and have a line,.. and I found a park with a nice little pond." you're smiling over a vivid memory of the scenery "The sun was shining like a golden plate and the water was reflecting everything to the tiniest detail, like a gate to a another world. Next to it, was standing a giant willow, leaning over the pond's surface. -Almost touching it, but not quite. The light from the sun was so intense and under such a perfect angle, it literaly light up the tree from below, as if was glowing with some kind of otherworldly light. It looked so holy to me, I-... it's hard to explain. I remember just sitting under the tree for half an hour just taking in the atmosphere. It felt so serene... I didn't even do any drugs there, it would feel like a desecration."

"It is. I think it's one of mine very first times to even realize such a simple thing, that you can feel happy even while completely sober." you smile, then look down blanky, holding your chin "But it was still such a long way from there. Many bad things happened anyway, things I couldn't avoid because they probably had to happen..."

"I'm fine. Just wandered a little too far." you raise your head again and smile

"Nothing much..." you chuckle "I just wanted to tell you, I'm... really grateful to you, for accompanying me right now... Would you-, -would you mind if hug you?"

....

"I think this will be our transfer." you'd announce softly without looking away from the windown, while moving your hand away again

"Yup..." you now a little hesitanly shift your eyes onto her with a smile

"That's... actualy quite poetic of you, though." you chuckle "Almost out of your character."

"Maybe there's an inner artist inside of you." you smirk

"It does, but I won't tell."

"Because it might take away the magic. Let's give it our own name?"

"I was thinking Steve."

"That sounds magical enough." you laugh "Droplet Steve it is."

"Yup! And it isn't even snowing here, you were right."

"Hey, big guy." you're waving as well, with a grin on your face

"I was kind of just thinking about it. A lot of skiers and snowboarders around here."

"I could, pretty good even. But I haven't for many winters. ...Do you have those back home?"

"Don't wanna make promises about next winter, but..."

"Well, I'm kind of hungry. Aren't you too?"

"I was thinking of buying pizza first."

"Which one will you pick?"

"Judging by the cover." you eye on the person in front of you, receiving his pizza "They are probably gonna be pretty small. We could pick two different ones and share them. I mean, there's probably not gonna be that big selection of meatless ones to choose from but,.. you know."

"Okay, and I'll pick...uhh" you're scratching your chin while staring at the menu again "...I don't know. Gimme a bit more time."

"Can I have one vegetariana and quatro formaggi, with some pineapples and sprinkle chilli on top of it?"

"No problem with that. Thank you." you're handing him the money, along with a little tip to round up the sum

"Yes. The sinful taboo." you gesture with your hands spookily "...Not my usual choice, but we can just throw it away if it's bad."

"True." you chuckle

"Nice, it's here!" you open both of them "So which will we try first?"

"Enjoy then." you're grabbing one while closing the other box

"....My my, it's hot and sweet at the same time." she's then breathing with mouth open after finishing the slice to cool herself

"I know right?" you're grinning as soon as you're done with yours "But you must not stop eating or it'll get even hotter."

"True that, my whole face is sweating. But it was great." you're grinning

"Are you okay?"

"Abso-hecking-lutely." you'd open the second box again and grab a first slice

"Thirtsy?"

"No problem. I might go refill it with tap water on the toilets, don't wanna waste more plastic with buying a new one."

"Sure." you smile while standing up

"That's one thing all females have in common." you chuckle to yourself

"Almost, we gotta have something to ride down, don't we?"

"Alright, alright. I think it's this way." you chuckle on your way to the sleigh rental

"I'm glad you're happy." you giggle, handing her back the coverall

"It's alright...." you're simpering when she lets go of you and proceeds to clumsy attempts of putting the coveral on by herself in a tight space "..You need any help with that?"

"Sure thing." you gently grab her wings and position it one by one

"I err.... uhh. Do I have to?"

"Can't we-"

"Well... alright then." you grin forcibly, trying to hide your embrarassement

"No problem." you chuckle with a relief, even though it felt like a problem to you

"It is. Windier too."

"Can't regret buying myself a new coat too. It holds heat nicely. But the true test will be when we'll be speeding down."

"Hey, that's nothing." you chuckle upon letting go, when she's sitting down next to you so that you can watch together "We both needed that."

...

....

"Quick!" you suddenly reach for your things, including her sleigh and jump out

"You wouldn't even mind, would you?" you laugh

"So shall we?"

"Wait for me!!" you're right after her and soon you're catching up

"So which way will we go? We didn't even check the tracks."

"And that is?" you're pointing at the crossroad in front of you, inevitably closing in

"...You're sure with that leg though?" you think twice this time

"Wow! Talk about clipped wings!" you laugh

"Phew... almost like on a bike." you chuckle relievedly, with a cold sweat still on your back

"Nothing in the end. But it was close." you're grinning "I flew a bit higher than I expected."

"I almost saw myself crash. Very vividly." you laugh "But I'm fine nothing happened. I'll just be more careful around the kickers."

"Definitely." you grin, having your confidence back already

now, so it might not even count

"Oh yeaaaaah! That was amazing!"

"Let's do that again, take a different path and then go all the way down!"

"Yooooo!"

"This way??"

"Certainly not under the cableway. Maybe if I had ski, but not on this." you laugh

"Maybe... maybe next time."

"As good as choice as any. Lead the way."

"Okay, that was fun." you grin, stopping with a drift next to her

"Won't argue, I didn't went on half of them and already feel the same."

"I have an idea, I'll tell you when we get down."

"Nah, you gotta catch me first!" you let go of the brakes and start speeding down the hill

"Okay, okay." you put your hands up with a laugh "You win, just lemme recharge our tickets and I'll tell you in the meanwhile... Saw that snackbar or whatever was there at the top?" you're standing up, heading to a nearby recharging automat "We could sit on the benches for a little while and get something warm there."

"Oh come on, we're having fun today." you smirk "These moments are priceless. Forget about the money."

*fast forward one more ride in the cabins*

"Hello! Can we have two bombardinos? Yeah and uhh,.. oh! -you have hungarian langoshes? We'll have two of those as well. Thank you!"

"You'll see..." you grin down on her "Do you mind a bit of alcohol though?"

"Nah, this is gonna be sweet and hot, you'll see. And the other thing is a tiny bit like... a budget pizza?.... That isn't really a good definition though." you laugh "But I like it, hope you'll too. If not, I'll get you something else."

"Hopefuly, let's sit."

"I remember... You said it wasn't on Earth though?"

"Maybe the flying was a metaphor too?"

"Hey that's fine, don't mention it. I'm enjoying today as much as you do... -That alone is my reward." you smirk and close your eyes too, sunbathing your face "I'm glad I could take you here."

"That's fine. In Russia, they do that all the time. Even men." you chuckle

"Bestest buds..." you grin back, bump your fist with her and close your eyes again

"Oh, thank you. I'll be right there."

"One bombardino and langoš, coming at'cha." you're laying it on the table

"You bet." you grin, actualy having a whiff of the food too before your first bite of langosh

"What about?"

"Oh, true that." you smile "Cheers."

"Didn't know you had this custom at home." you say after another sip

"Yeah, but mostly with alcoholic beverages."

"So that means you DO have some in Equestria?"

"I see. Well, you aren't really missing out that much. In the end, it's just a distraction from real life."

"Yeah, that's why I ordered it." you chuckle "But I don't know your tolerance, hope it's not gonna be too much for you..."

"Not really. Probably less than one beer, but still."

"You're drunk." you laugh

"Oh I can tell for you." you giggle "If nothing else, the tone of your voice gives it away you're a little tipsy."

"I can see that." you giggle again and have a last sip of yours too while she's already hungrily munching on the rest of her langoš

"Dizzy?" you turn around to see

"We'll go a bit slower this time."

"How do you feel?" you'd ask while you're closing in to the waiting line

"Yeah, that's alcohol for ya."

"You have no idea how scary." you smirk "...So which way do we go now?"

"I remember saying something like that." you laugh

"...But let's not push it too much okay?"

"It would look better from down there, without snow and sitting on a cross motorbike for me actualy." you chuckle "I prefer climbing."

"Oh well..."

"It isn't, actualy. ..As long as we don't go any faster."

"Dash!" you're hurrying up to her, grabbing her healthy leg and pulling her out

"Dash, are you ok?! Can you hear me?! PLEASE BE OKAY..."

"You got me scared there for a second..." you're chucking relievedly "Knowing you'd be fine, it would have been really funny from the start........" then snicker "I mean, the way you literaly dissapeared in there."

"Yup, and it only cost you your hat." you grin

"Hey that's fine, I can-"

"Great." you chuckle, this time rustling your fingers trough her mane for her "Ready to continue?"

"Not gonna lie, it was."

"Me too actualy... I was thinking about spending our credits with one more ride all the way up. And if we make it down in..." you'd check your watch before finishing the sentence "...about 55 minutes, we could catch the same train back."

"Yeah, me too." you smile back