Harder Times
Chapter 1
Life. Are we living it? Or is it living us?
Are there simplistic ways to life? Or do we have to live through all the heartaches?
It seems as if life is nothing but disappointment and depression; constant pain and no gain.
Life has been rough as of late. It's as if I have to go through all the hardships and heartaches at such a young age, for no reason whatsoever. At the age of seventeen, I was diagnosed with Stage Four Hodgkin's Lymphoma, leaving me with a slim chance of life. At age eighteen, I lost my father to cancer – a seven year battle he endured. At age twenty-one, my sister had committed suicide since her boyfriend left her after a five year relationship ended abruptly. When I was twenty-two, I lost my favorite cousin to cancer. Oddly enough, we were both diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the same time, February of 2012, with the same stage, Stage 4. He lost his battle while I continue to struggle with mine.
On my twenty-fourth birthday, my grandmother, aunt, and mother had all died in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, something that should have never happened. Period. When I turned twenty-six, my two remaining close cousins also suffered the same fate as my mother did...
By my twenty-seventh birthday, I was the last of my immediate family from my mother's side. I never knew the members of my father's side of the family so I refrained from engaging any sort of conversation or contact with them. I was all alone – cancer patient, no job, no family...
No life...
Don't get me wrong, I'm open to independence. It's just that...what I'm trying to...
How do I put it?
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I like being alone, but at the same time, I hate being alone...if that makes any sense...
At this day in age, I'm surprised I haven't gone completely insane or lost my mind or even committed suicide. Don't get me wrong, I have thought about it – suicide, that is – but I can't imagine the afterlife. What's it like? Where do you go? What happens to your dead corpse? Who knows? Is death painful? Or is suffering from a broken bone more painful than death?
In my bedroom, inside a nightstand drawer, there is a handgun – a pistol, if you will. Next to the pistol are two bullets, one for self defense, and one for the end. The pistol used to belong to my father when he was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He gave it to me, as per his request in his will, and I've kept it in my nightstand drawer, which also used to be his. In case I forgot to mention this, I've lived in this house all my life, watching many events unfold before my very eyes – September 11th, the war in Iraq, Barack Obama becoming the first African American president, witnessing three family members, myself included, get diagnosed with cancer – and they've all taken their toll on me and my life in some sort of way.
I approached the nightstand in my poorly lit room, light only coming in from the full moon that was embracing the land in a dim white light. I opened up the drawer and saw the moonlight reflect off the sleek, chrome pistol. It had been kept very clean, having it's own rag, located right next to the bullets that were in the drawer. I had grabbed the rag, then embraced the rag around the pistol, bringing it closer to me. I admired the sleek design of the pistol, running my fingers over the barrel of the pistol and down the side of it and over the trigger, which I accidentally pulled, but was fine since the pistol was empty of ammunition.
"Oh, how I wish you were still here..." I sadly spoke, referring to my father obviously, the previous owner of this beautiful pistol.
I call her beautiful because she means a lot to me and she meant a lot to my father. I remember when I was younger, probably around sixteen-years-old, I saw a story on the news that both me and my father scoffed at. The topic – ironic enough – was about weaponry and it's effects in public areas.
"'They say that people don't kill people, but that guns kill people.'" My father recited to me.
"Isn't that true though, dad?" I asked. Back when I was sixteen, I never really thought about that statement.
"If that's true, son," my father continued, "then I guess knives stab people and planes crash into buildings. It's always the objects' fault; never the person holding or controlling the object."
My father was a wise man, really making you think with his statements. I remember holding on to those words and putting them in the back of my head, where I wouldn't ever forget them, foolish as it sounds.
I looked down at the sleek beauty, grabbed a bullet, then took the pistol outside where I could get a better look at it under the moonlight. I gazed up at the bright full moon and admired its beauty. The moon was awe inspiring, hypnotic even. The moon is only like this twice a year, on the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, and the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice. Tonight was the winter solstice and, up in the north, it was unseasonably warm. I never minded the warm weather, but it seemed as if this year, mother nature decided to skip the pleasant autumn and go straight from summer to winter. Tonight was an unusual sixty-eight degrees, with little wind movement.
I took in some of the crisp cool air of the night and closed my eyes. I began to think about my dead relatives, how they were doing up in heaven and how the time flew by without them to share a few laughs with along the way. I don't think I mentioned this, but I am an atheist. I choose not to believe in God, but I do choose to believe in heaven and hell, as odd as it sounds. However, that's besides the point.
I began gripping the pistol a bit tighter as tears began falling from the corners of my eyes, down the side of my face and, ultimately, down to the ground. I missed my family very much, there was no doubt about that. I'd kill to see them again, I really would. Looking back up at the sky, I closed my eyes tightly so that the tears could stop escaping and sighed slowly.
"Wait for me, everyone..." I said.
I motioned the arm holding the pistol up to my head, with the barrel of the pistol touching the side of my head. It was cold and unforgiving, almost as if it didn't want me to proceed with what I was about to do. I didn't want to do it, but I also didn't want to live like this anymore. So, with one last, painful sigh, I opened my eyes, looked up at the moon and pulled the trigger. I heard the gunshot and felt the bullet tear through my skull and brain, going in one side and coming out of the other. My vision had become disoriented and time appeared to slow down tremendously. The last thing I remember while on earth was my body collapsing onto the cold, wet ground.
Suicide was the answer, I guess.
I saw my dead corpse collapsed on the ground. My left hand still maintained a grip on the beautiful pistol that was forced to perform a horrific act of vigilance. My right arm was bent in the most unusual of ways, one that appeared as if it would hurt a living person. A lot, might I add.
I don't understand this; why am I still here? What's the purpose of making me stare at my dead body? What's the purpose with me still being here exactly?
I started sobbing over the choice I had just performed, though no tears fell from my eyes. I guess when you die, there is nothing there to create tears anymore. So the best alternative is to sob. I require no air anymore; no breathing, no life, and no death, apparently. In my ghostly state, I had flown over to my dead body and I tried my best to fuse with it once more, though I couldn't perform said action successfully.
My heart sank when the reality of the matter set in that I am now dead.
Suddenly, I was being dragged away by an unknown force into the sky and away from my dead body. I struggled mightily to strive back towards my body, but found myself only being pulled away faster, farther, and higher. As I was pulled behind the clouds, I gave up trying to return to my body and instead, started to admire some beautiful, swirling colors that appeared in front of me, reminding me of a kaleidoscope. The colors were pretty, taking my mind off of my suicide for a brief moment.
This spectacular light show lasted only for a split second, then everything faded to black. I was all alone in this dark universe, scared for my afterlife now. I had no idea what was going on or what to expect.
My mind was once again taken off of my fears as the surrounding area had become brightly colorful. The surrounding area was brightly colored, giving off such a warm, compassionate, and friendly feeling. Nearby were some apple trees and a calm, steadily flowing stream. In the far off distance was a large red barn and in the line of vision, near the horizon line, was a town attached to the side of a steep mountain.
"What is this place?" I quietly asked myself, "It's so colorful and warm!"
I began walking over towards the stream to quench my thirst, which randomly hit me as did these colors, but found myself falling face first into the ground. I looked down at my feet and, instead, saw four emerald colored hooves. I was both stunned and amazed at this one little detailing I spotted. I was stunned because I had hooves now, but I was amazed because emerald green was one of my favorite colors and the fact that I had hooves now.
"What happened?" I muttered, "Where am I?"
I looked around frantically and began to panic. I didn't know where I was, how I got here, or even why I was here. All I knew was that I washere, whether I wanted to be or not.
I stood back up on my four legs now, which seemed really weird, honestly. Walking on four legs was like the equivalent of crawling back in the human world. It wasn't natural, but I guess after a while, one could get used to this style of "walking."
After getting used to my new style of walking, I had begun approaching the red barn I saw from earlier. I figured that I should attempt to make a connection with someone, even if it meant that my life would be put in danger. Let's be honest, when you come from where I'm from, the last thing you'd want to do is make connections with a complete stranger. However, since I was raised in this environment, I could easily defend myself, should the situation get out of hand – err, out of hoof, I mean.
I continued my pursuits towards the barn and found myself quickly approaching it. It seemed as if time moved a lot quicker here in this world than back on earth. I wonder if that will be a good thing or a bad thing. Frankly, I'm wondering if I'm still alive or not.
As I approached the barn further, I noticed that there was a red colored stallion, an orange mare, a yellow filly, and a bright green mare. The bright green mare appeared older than anyone else there, but still appeared to be working just as hard as the other three were. I approached the side of the barn, near the entrance, but did not enter onto the property. I watched as the four of them did their hard farm work. Over time, the little yellow filly noticed me and called out to the orange mare.
"Applejack..." the filly called out, her voice somewhat hinting towards fear.
"What is it, Apple Bloom?" The orange mare, Applejack, called back, turning around to face her, noticing me in the process.
The filly, Apple Bloom, pointed one of her little yellow hooves at me as Applejack started approaching me. Applejack had a bright orange coat with a yellow mane and tail, some very nice green eyes, a brown cowboy hat, and three apples on her flank. I wasn't quite sure of what the three apples symbolized or why only Applejack had it and the red stallion had a green apple, the green mare had a pie, and Apple Bloom didn't have one, but I had to put that aside for now.
"What can I do ya for, partner?" Applejack cheerfully asked me.
Honestly, I was very nervous. Not because I was scared of Applejack, but because I wasn't quite sure of how this situation would handle itself. After some eerie silence, I finally spoke up and answered Applejack, not truthfully, but still answered her.
"Umm...I'm new in town and wanted to know if you could help me find my way around, if that's alright."
"Why, of course it is." smiled Applejack. "Ah'll be more than happy to show ya aroun' town, uhh...Ah di'n't catch yer name before..."
"I'm Robert." I calmly answer back before Applejack started showing me around town.
"Ah'll be back later, y'all!" Applejack called to the other three creatures before walking alongside me.
There were some awkward moments in my life, but none of them could come close to how awkward I felt at this very moment. I mean, I'm not the best when it comes to socializing, and when I'm with a girl – a girl of any kind, let me say – let's just say that I'm not myself, no extensions. Finally, I decided to speak up and break the deafening silence.
"Do you mind if I ask who those other three umm...creatures were?" I oddly asked.
"The big red fella is my older brother, Big Macintosh." Applejack answered. "The older green mare is Granny Smith and the lil yella filly is my sister, Apple Bloom."
"Oh..." I replied, not knowing what I should say, "and what's with the three apples on your back end?"
"That's my cutie mark," responded Applejack, "symbolizin' that my destiny is to help out on the farm."
"Do you mind me asking, why is yours different from the other three?"
"A cutie mark is different for everypony." exclaimed Applejack.
I peered my head towards my back end, noticing that my "cutie mark" was an electric guitar on fire. I had stopped moving and began admiring it.
"Lemme ask you this, Rob," Applejack started after she noticed I had stopped moving, "do y'all play an instrument?"
"Yeah," I rapidly answered, causing Applejack to chuckle a bit, "I played an electric guitar back home,"
"An 'electric' guitar?" questioned Applejack.
"Yeah," I replied, "it's the equivalent of a regular guitar, but it provides more of a definite sound and requires an amp to hear said sound."
"An amp?"
"Yeah," I continued, "it's like a really, really big speaker."
"How long have y'all been playin' this electric guitar?" Applejack curiously asked.
"About nine or ten years now." I answered.
"Nine or ten years?" Applejack repeated. "Hope y'all are okay with me askin', but how old are ya?"
"I don't mind at all," I replied, "and I'm twenty-seven, how about you?"
"Twenty-seven?" Applejack repeated, showing signs of shock in her voice.
"Yeah," I replied.
I began thinking, maybe I should come clean and tell Applejack the truth about myself. Then again, how would she react if I told her I come from a place where there were two-legged creatures whom had hands? Would I look like a complete idiot? Or would she honestly understand me? I decided ultimately to come clean about my past.
"Listen, Applejack," I slowly started, "I have to come clean about something..."
"About what, partner?" she asked me.
"I'm actually not from this world." I meekly responded.
"Whaddya mean?"
"Well," I began explaining, hoping I could find the correct words to explain it, "I'm from a planet called Earth and was originally a human – a two-legged creature with hands instead of these hooves. I...woke up here after being killed back home and don't really have any other memory as to how I got here or even why I'm here."
I went on to explain things a little bit further to Applejack, hoping that she would understand, though a large part of me knew that trying to understand this was almost the same as going mentally insane.
"Wait a minute, lemme get this straight."
"Shoot, Applejack."
Applejack and I both stopped walking down the path we were on as she began to reiterate everything I had just told her.
"So, y'all are from another world and ya came here after you did WHAT?"
"I came here after I was killed back home." I answered falsely. Let's be honest, it was kind of true, though I killed myself, as you know. How would Applejack respond if I told her I committed suicide? Would she think I was insane or mentally troubled? Or even a mentally incapacitated freak?
"Is that so..." responded Applejack.
I had nodded very, very slowly, almost forcing myself to nod – just a bit. It's like an entire thinking process went through my head while I nodded. First off, I thought that if I had nodded quickly, Applejack would assume something wasn't quite right, but if I had nodded slowly, maybe Applejack would show signs of compassion and understanding towards my...condition, I guess would be the word to use here.
Turns out that she did understand my situation, as strange as that sounds. She wrapped her hoof around my neck – my emerald green neck – while starting to hug me.
"It must've been just awful to go through what you just gone through, partner." Applejack quietly muttered.
You have no idea, Applejack... I thought to myself.
"How could you be so calm right now?" Applejack questioned.
I had a hard time answering that. I was calm, just on the outside, but on the inside, that was an entirely different story. Inside, I was trembling with the biggest of fears, mainly why I was here, but also how I present myself towards others and how I go about adjusting to my new life.
"I'm not, Applejack," I quietly responded, "I mean, I am on the outside, but on the inside, I'm just trembling with fear; fears that I just can't seem to explain."
"Ah thought so..." Applejack finished, pulling herself back from me.
I gave off a false smile, one that you couldn't tell unless you really knew me. Applejack seemed to buy it, though, as we continued trotting down the dirt path towards the nearest town – Ponyville, to be exact. I believe Applejack said she was taking me to go meet her friends – Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy, I believe she told me.
Memorization wasn't hard. In fact, it was fairly easy for me. Memorizing multiple names at one time was a challenge though. Frankly, I sort of forgot the names of the three creatures from before – though I never brought that up with Applejack.
Something about walking, trotting, whatever it is, down this dirt path seemed familiar, like I've seen this somewhere before. Perhaps my younger sister knew something about this.
Oh, that reminds me. I completely forgot to tell you about my younger sister. Her name was Ariana and she was the sweetest little girl you could imagine. As my parents told my older sister and myself, Ariana was just simply perfect for someone of her age. Unfortunately, after both of our parents died, I went into a deep state of depression and Ariana did as well. Since I was unfit to care for her, I sent her to go live with my uncle from my father's side of the family. It was a tough decision to do, but it was for the better that she lived with him since he could care for her.
Anyway, Ariana used to love watching this show called My Little Pony and she always wanted me to watch it with her, telling me that it's what friends would do. Not wanting to object to the idea coming from a sweet and innocent seven-year-old girl, I agreed as we both sat on the couch and watched the three episodes that came on each and every day, together.
I remember how colorful it was; how friendly the characters were; how compassionate they were towards one another. I remember how each character got along – the majority of the time, that is – and how they always helped each other out, even if the situation was completely insane (i.e. Pinkie Pie).
Anyway, with Applejack and myself trotting down the path together, this path started becoming clearer and clearer to me. I finally figured out where I was (which took a long time, honestly), though I couldn't exactly figure out how I came here.
I was in the world of My Little Pony. What was it called...I honestly should know this. I know Ariana would know where I was. It wasn't Ponyville, that was the name of the main town in the world. I think it started with an E, but I can't quite place the name right now...
This is going to drive me insane, not knowing what the name of the world I am in is called...
Applejack was talking to me the entire time, but I had tuned out all noise from the outside world. Tuning back in, I managed to pick up where Applejack was in the conversation. Sort of.
"...newest princess Equestria has to offer." finished Applejack.
That's it! It was Equestria! That's the name of the world I woke up in. As for the last thing Applejack said, I believe she was referring to Twilight Sparkle. I don't remember much, but I know for a fact that Twilight Sparkle was Ariana's favorite pony and she was super thrilled about when she became, what they called, an alicorn and a pony princess. As for myself, my two favorite ponies (they tied for best pony for me) were Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy was my favorite just because she was kind and shy, just like me and Rainbow Dash was also my favorite because of her athleticism and agility, just like me, though I'm sure she was probably faster than I was.
"So what's life like where you come from?" Applejack curiously asked.
"Where I come from," I quietly started, "we aren't shaped like this; ponies don't exist in my world. We work day and night, which isn't controlled like the sun and moon here are, to make a living. Speaking of the sun and moon, my home planet orbits the sun while the moon orbits my planet. I understand here that your princesses – Luna and Celestia, I believe there names are – use their magic to raise and lower both the sun and moon each and every day. Where I come from, we walk on two legs and pick things up with our hands, or your front hooves in this case now. We humans, as we're called, aren't as closely connected and friendly towards certain other humans as your kind is with each other. We are actually torn between each other, with severe quarrels called wars occurring between each other when things get too severe to handle with words."
"That sounds jus' terrible, Rob," Applejack offered.
"Not all the time," I replied, "but my life seemed to be just that..."
"Do y'all wish to go back home?"
"Honestly," I said, stopping to think about it for a quick second, "no. I want to stay here."
"Why?" questioned Applejack.
"I feel like I'd be more happier here than I would have been back home." I meekly replied.
"Well, if y'all are happy," Applejack said, wrapping a hoof around my neck once more, "then Ah'm happy, too!"
I smiled back, truthfully this time, as we continued down the path towards the little town known as Ponyville. The journey was quiet for the most part, I guess because Applejack wanted to appreciate my feelings and give them the privacy they deserved. The path started taking a bend, so we followed it, still approaching the little town of Ponyville. There was a gentle breeze that flew past and went through my hair, making me feel a little bit better. It offered a calm serenity and allowed me to stop thinking about many things and also allowed me to start focusing on what was going to come ahead in time. Shortly thereafter, I saw a large village in the distance that was quickly approaching. There were large houses and buildings all around and they had really grabbed my attention.
"Here we are, Rob," Applejack cheerfully said, "Ponyville!"
My eyes grew wide and twinkled, kind of like how a Japanese anime character does that quivering, watery eye thing sometimes. Ponyville was so colorful; so alive. The atmosphere felt different from just watching it through a television screen. Being here felt comfortable, but at the same time, it feels like something that is on a completely different level compared to being just comfortable.
"It's so nice..." I said after a while.
I looked around from building to building, noticing that they were all built almost identical to each other, with the exception of a few buildings and with the major exception being Twilight Sparkle's oak tree home – the Golden Oaks Library, I think it's called.
Applejack and I proceeded over towards Twilight's home first. It was surprisingly a very quick walk from the edge of town to Twilight's home. Then again, full-length distances were never shown in the show. Two things either happened during the show: either the traveling character was cut away from, cutting straight to the pony whom would be visited or the show would only show half of the journey (I assume half, but you could never be too sure of that). Getting the feeling and opportunity to actually travel the entire distance was pretty exciting, honestly.
Up ahead in the distance was Twilight's home. Upon reaching the front door, Applejack gently knocked her hoof on it before shunting backwards next to me.
"Y'all are gonna love Twilight, Rob," Applejack said to me, "she's smart and a great friend, much like yourself."
I smiled at the compliment Applejack just gave me as the door began opening up. Instead of the princess, however, before us stood a tiny purple-and-green dragon. I remembered seeing one in the show, but couldn't place my hand – err, hoof – on who this was. The tiny dragon gazed up at both Applejack and myself, only greeting Applejack. I guess since he didn't recognize me, he wouldn't engage in conversation with me, but that's just my philosophy.
"Hi there, Applejack!" The dragon spoke cheerfully. He glanced over towards me. "Who's your friend here?"
"Howdy, Spike," Applejack replied, "this here is Rob. He's brand new to these parts and Ah was jus' showin' him aroun' town. Is Twilight home?"
"Sure," replied the tiny dragon, Spike, "lemme just go get her."
With that said, Spike left to go find Twilight Sparkle, whom was located somewhere inside this...umm...house? Would she call it a house or a tree? I know Rainbow Dash referred to this as a tree, but I couldn't remember if Twilight or anybody...excuse me, anypony, else referred to this as a tree.
Anyway, Applejack stepped into the tree, myself closely following behind her. Inside Twilight's home, I managed to gaze around and see so many books on the shelves. Then again, this was a library after all. I began skimming through the books, locating one that really caught my attention. This book was entitled "The History of Equestria: Everything You Need To Know About Equestria." I was just about to take it off the shelf and open it up, when I heard some...hoof-steps? Would that be correct terminology here?
Either way, I turned my head around and saw Princess Twilight Sparkle coming down the stairs, being closely followed by Spike. I came up beside Applejack as Twilight met us in the center of the bright, circular room. Twilight looked just as good as she did during her coronation (not to sound creepy). I could see that she was wearing her crown, which probably meant that she no longer was self-conscious about it. As for her new wings, I couldn't tell if she felt comfortable with them.
"Hello, Applejack," Twilight softly said. Like Spike, she then glanced over towards me. "Who is this?"
"This here is Robert, Twilight," Applejack reiterated, "he's new to Ponyville and Ah was jus' showin' him aroun'."
Twilight studied my every detail, something I probably should have done the second I got here. In short, she could tell more about me than maybe even I could in a few more seconds. The biggest thing that clouded my mind was that I did not know what species I was, Earth pony, Pegasus, or unicorn. I concluded that I could not be a Pegasus since I felt no wings attached to either side of me, so that ruled that out. The only thing I didn't know was if I was an "Earthy," as some people call Earth ponies, or a unicorn.
After a while of studying, Twilight looked me in the eye and began smiling at me.
"You have very beautiful eyes, Robert," Twilight complimented, "they look almost like emeralds."
That cleared my answer as to what my eye color was, though to be honest, that wasn't on my mind at all. Still, I didn't want to be rude, so I thanked Twilight for the very meaningful compliment, which was something I rarely ever received when I was living back home.
"Such lovely manners, too," continued Twilight, glancing over towards Applejack, "Rarity is sure going to love him, wouldn't you say?"
"He's humble and modest, Twilight," Applejack replied.
I began blushing. I had never received such compliments back home, so these actually meant a lot to me, even if they were just simplistic compliments.
"And he's a unicorn!" Twilight exclaimed further, answering one of my main questions as to who I was.
"Yeah, about that," I softly spoke.
"You sound like how Fluttershy would speak." Twilight cut in. "Are you a shy pony?"
"Just a little bit," I answered back, having a little more confidence showing in the sound of my voice.
"It's alright," Twilight continued, "you'll open up like she did over time, I'm sure of it."
"Twilight knows pretty much everythin' there is to know, Rob," Applejack chimed in, "so Ah'm sure she's right."
"I'm sure, as well," I said, "might I ask you a quick question, Princess Twilight Sparkle?"
"But, of course," answered Twilight, "and please, do call me Twilight. I'm not entirely comfortable being called Princess Twilight Sparkle just yet."
"If you insist," I replied.
"Thank you," thanked Twilight, "now, what was it you wanted to ask?"
"As you can quite very well notice, I am indeed a unicorn, much like yourself...I mean, like you were. However, I seem to be having trouble with...this sounds silly..."
"It doesn't sound silly at all, Robert," Twilight insisted, "were you just about to ask me if I may help you out with your magic?"
I gulped for a quick second, fortunately short enough so that nopony else noticed, "Yes, I was. However, the preceding story I would have told you in detail is not true."
"What do you mean?" asked a curious Twilight.
I began to let out a long, unsatisfied sigh, unsure if what I was about to reiterate (again) would make any sense to Twilight. I'm quite surprised that Applejack understood me fully, though I still don't know why she understood. Looking over towards Applejack, I slowly closed my eyes and began telling my entire story once more.
"Twilight," I started, "can you promise me that you won't freak out with what I'm about to say?"
"Of course," Twilight replied without any sort of hesitation, "but why do you ask?"
I sighed once more, just not as long and as hard as the previous sigh.
"Because what I'm about to tell you is going to sound completely and utterly insane."
"...and that's pretty much all there is I need to tell you."
Twilight Sparkle was astounded by the unusual (and kinda creepy) story I just finished. I made it a mission not to leave out any details of it and I believe that it came out nicely - for the most part, that is. I did leave out the word suicide and substituted it for killed in my story, but I did that to Applejack as well, so it was all in good timing...or wording...or whatever.
Anyway, I left Twilight in amazement. How could I tell? Her jaw was dropped fully and was hanging on to every single detail. I glanced over towards Applejack, whom appeared as if she would burst out laughing at any second.
"Y'all should look at the look on yer face, Twilight," Applejack spoke through her amusing giggling.
I couldn't help but chuckle as I paid my attention from the story I just spoke to Twilight's befuddled look. It wasn't nice, but I couldn't help it. Fighting back the chuckles, I managed to get something out.
"Speechless, are we Twilight?" I asked.
Twilight shook her head rigorously, snapping her out of any trance she may have previously been in (hopefully it wasn't from the evil enchantress who does evil dances). Finally, she had begun answering my question.
"That's sure quite a story, Robert," she slowly started, "I'm sure Princess Celestia will enjoy hearing about it. You know, if you want to share it with her that is."
"You can share it with whoever you want, Twilight," I replied, "it doesn't bother me at all."
"I'll start preparing a letter immediately," the little dragon, Spike, chimed.
"And make sure you capture every detail within that letter, Spike," Twilight continued.
With that said, Spike traveled upstairs and got a jump start on the letter to Princess Celestia. Suddenly, there came a knock on the door. Twilight calmly and collectively opened up the door to reveal three other ponies, an Earth pony and two Pegasus ponies. I immediately recognized them all, especially the Pegasus ponies. My eyes grew wide (again) as they entered the room.
"Hey, Twilight!" The three of them said in unison.
"Hi, girls," replied Twilight, "how are you three doing today?"
"Umm...I'm fine..." A palely colored yellow Pegasus pony softly spoke.
My ears twitched up upon hearing this pony's voice. It was the sweet, elegant voice of one of my favorite ponies - Fluttershy!
Looking over towards the other two ponies that came inside, I noticed that the cutie mark on one of them - the Pegasus, to be more specific - was a rainbow colored bolt. I knew that only one Pegasus had a cutie mark such as that, and that was Rainbow Dash!
"How about you, Rainbow?" Twilight asked the Pegasus.
"I'm feeling totally awesome today!" replied Rainbow Dash.
Honestly, I don't know how many bronies would pay to be in this situation I was in right now, you know, with the exception of the hardships and tough choices I had to make in order to get here, but you know...it is what it is.
What it is...
Looking over towards the final pony, a pink Earth pony, I immediately noticed a hyper active motive coming from her. Nobody needed to explain to me who this was. Anyone could clearly see and identify who this pony was, who was currently bouncing up and down in place from sheer excitement.
"How about you, Pinkie Pie?" Twilight chuckled, watching the party pony bounce in place.
"Super duper fun, Twilight!" Replied the pink pony.
I couldn't help but utter more chuckles, dragging the attention away from Twilight and attracting it to me, something I wasn't comfortable with, honestly.
"Who's that?" I heard Pinkie Pie ask.
I opened my eyes and found that Pinkie's face was right up against mine. Pinkie's entire head filled my line of vision and, honestly, that can be a bit too much pink for me to handle at this close range.
"Hi!" Pinkie shouted. "What's your name?"
I gulped for a second. I mean, Pinkie was just being Pinkie but this was something I was NOT used to, even if I knew the motives of this fun-tastic Earth pony.
Looking into her blue eyes was somewhat hypnotic - soothing even. However, after a while, I began to explain myself to the three new ponies who had just stepped foot - I mean hoof - into Twilight's home.
"My name is Robert," I started before awkwardly stopping.
Applejack noticed the awkward silence I was offering and decided to help out with the explanations.
"Ya see," she started, "Rob here isn't from here,"
"Right," chimed Twilight, "Robert is originally a hum man. Am I saying that right, Robert?"
"Close, Twilight," I called over, "it's pronounced hugh-men, spelt h-u-m-a-n."
"Right," continued Twilight, "anyway, he came to our world after a tragic event occurred in his world."
Rainbow Dash glared at me, sort of giving me a cold, hard stare. Fluttershy was doing the same, but not as intensely as Rainbow Dash was. Eventually, Rainbow Dash spoke up.
"Tragic event, huh?" She questioned, "like what?"
"I was killed in my world and came here." I boldly replied. I probably should've added a bit of emotion to that response but, once again, it is what it is.
Rainbow Dash stared bluntly at me, jaw dropped from my choice of words. Fluttershy, on the other hand, had her front hooves held up against her mouth and her eyes were wide from shock.
Some tense silence slowly passed by before Twilight picked up the conversation and introductions once more.
"Anyway," started Twilight, "Robert here is new to our world and seems to be enjoying it fully, isn't that right, Robert?"
I smiled while giving my feedback on my time here in Equestria, more specifically, Ponyville.
"I love being here," I answered with a large smile, "it's so much better than back home and plus, I have a feeling ill be a lot happier here than I ever was back home!"
"Well," Rainbow Dash started after a while more had passed, "any friend of Twilight's is a friend of mine!"
With that said, Rainbow Dash hovered closer to the ground and held out her hoof, signaling for a hoof-bump, which I gladly took part in. Bumping her hoof, I smiled and thanked Rainbow Dash for the compliment and compassion. Fluttershy was still being shy, which didn't bother me all that much since it took some time for her and Twilight to become friends when they first met. Pinkie Pie immediately tugged at my neck and wrapped both her hooves around me for a large, somewhat suffocating, yet calm hug.
Trust me when I say this: I can definitely get used to living here!
"We're sooo happy you are here," Pinkie Pie smiled, "especially since Nightmare Night is just around the corner!"
The pink pony, Pinkie Pie, was bouncing up and down in place from sheer excitement about this "Nightmare Night" fiasco. Unaware of what it was, I tilted my head and gave out a confused grunt.
"What's "Nightmare Night?"" I asked, motioning my hooves as I said the name.
"Seriously?" Asked Pinkie Pie. "You don't know what Nightmare Night is?"
I shook my head no.
"Now, now, Pinkie," Twilight started, "he is from another world. Perhaps on his world there is no such thing."
Pinkie Pie looked down in disappointment, completely forgetting that I was not of this world and did not know the ways of Equestria, at least, not all of them. Twilight smiled at Pinkie Pie, forgiving her of her actions, as did I.
"Nightmare Night happens once every year, Robert," Twilight started.
"It's the perfect time of the year to play pranks on everypony!" added Rainbow Dash.
Twilight shot a mean look at Rainbow Dash, knowing quite well that that wasn't the true reason to celebrate Nightmare Night.
"Actually," Twilight hissed, "Nightmare Night is a night where young fillies and colts go-"
"And me!" Pinkie Pie quickly added, cutting Twilight off.
"And...Pinkie," Twilight paused, "but they go out and collect candy for Nightmare Moon, offering it as a means of peace so that Equestria will be safe for another year from the wrath of Nightmare Moon."
That sounded oddly familiar the more I thought about it. Nightmare Night, Nightmare Moon? Those definitely sounded familiar, like I've heard them before. I know I've heard Nightmare Moon before but Nightmare Night is a bit hazy in my memory, to be honest.
"You said children go around and collect candy?" I asked after a thinking for a while.
"That's right," Twilight answered.
"And the children take the candy they've collected and offer it up to a statue of Nightmare Moon in the Everfree Forest as a sign of peace," I continued, "right?"
"Right."
"That sounds like a holiday we celebrate back home called Halloween." I replied.
"Hal-O-Een?" The group of six ponies simultaneously asked.
"Halloween," I started, "is a holiday celebrated on the last day of October where little children dress up in costumes and go around collecting candy."
"And do they offer the candy they've collected to somepony?" Fluttershy quietly asked.
"No," I answered, "they keep whatever they collect for themselves or to share with someone else."
"Sounds..." paused Rainbow Dash.
"...peculiar." finished Twilight.
"How so?" I asked, a hint of curiosity showing in the sound of my voice.
"Well," started Twilight, "doesn't it sound a bit weird that nopony makes any kind of offering?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, not sure of what exactly Twilight was getting at.
"Well," continued Twilight, "if nopony makes an offering, doesn't anything happen?"
"What are you all talking about ladies?" a new voice asked, belonging to a pony that was currently climbing down the stairs. The new pony – a white colored unicorn with a royal purple mane color – noticed me and smiled. "...and gentleman."
"Our friend Robert has never heard of Nightmare Night, Rarity," Twilight explained, going back to the previous conversation, "so, nothing happens if you don't make any offering, Robert?"
I had to sit there and actually think about that logic. I mean, if they don't offer up candy to Nightmare Moon, she will come back and "gobble up" the children. However, if they offer up their candy, Equestria will be safe for another year, at least according to Zecora. However, since we didn't offer candy to anyone (but trick-or-treaters, obviously), nothing bad ever happened that I can recall.
After some extensive thinking, I finally shook my head and answered, "Not that I can think of...no."
The other six sat back and glanced between each other. Twilight "shrugged" her front hooves and let that comment slide - for now, at least.
"Anyway," started Rarity after some tense silence filled the room, "I always look fabulous in my costume on Nightmare Night."
"I look awesome!" Rainbow Dash chimed.
"I look silly!" Pinkie Pie shouted.
"I look magical." Twilight added.
"I don't do Nightmare Night..." said a very quiet Fluttershy.
That last comment stuck to me like a bug to a spider web would. I asked Fluttershy why she wouldn't partake in Nightmare Night.
"Visitors aren't welcome on Nightmare Night!" shrieked Fluttershy.
"But...why?" I repeated.
Fluttershy gave me a cold stare and I immediately dropped the subject. Instead, Twilight asked me how I look on Nightmare Night, though I knew that she meant Halloween.
"Personally, I haven't taken part in Halloween for a while." I admitted. "Although, the last year I did something, I dressed up as a bloodthirsty zombie."
"Awesome!" Rainbow Dash screamed.
I smiled a bit to know that one of my favorite ponies accepted and liked what I did last on Halloween.
"So, what are you going to do this year?" Pinkie Pie asked, signs of curiosity showing in her voice.
"I'm going to dress up as one of my idols back home." I replied.
"Oh?" Rarity questioned. "And who might that be?"
I smiled and looked up into the sky - or in this case, the ceiling. Glancing back down at the six ponies, I told them who exactly I was talking about.
"Slash."
"Slash?" The six simultaneously said.
"Yup," I replied, "Slash."
"Who is that?" Twilight questioned.
"Back home, Slash was a skilled guitarist who played in a rock band called Guns N' Roses. Growing up, he was the real reason I taught myself how to play guitar." I paused for a quick second before picking up again. "I've always wanted to dress up like him and be just like him."
"So what's stopping you, darling?" asked Rarity.
"He has like this really curly black hair that this emerald green name can't touch," I answered, "plus he also has a top hat that's almost impossible to find."
"Perhaps I could be of assistance, Robert," offered Rarity.
"You'd do that for me, Miss Rarity?" an astonished self just asked. "Some...pony you just met?"
"But, of course, Robert," answered Rarity, "after all, that's what friends do for each other."
I felt touched by those words. I had been here for not even a day, and these six ponies consider myself to be one of their friends.
That suicide was possibly the best decision I've ever made.