Chapter 2: The Tough yet Fun Life

16 September 2014...

It was quite a while since that very night I met Twilight Sparkle. And it was so hard to believe that I actually meeting her in real life! But it pained me even more to know that she not only lost her memories but also her Alicorn's Magic and Wings. I can't tell her yet about her real life and her true self because... I was so afraid that she won't forgive if I don't tell her the truth and also... she will leave this world and go back home...

That... was my fear, my concerns and my nightmares if that really happens...

"Jake! Wake up! Jake! Wake up!" Her voice snapping and shouting on my ears.

I moaned and groaned in annoyance. I don't mind people or my family in waking me up because of the work of something. But when it comes for holiday, please let me sleep! Damn it! I hate someone waking me up, unless it was important...

BOINK! I yelped painfully from my belly's side. I woke and got up at once and saw the upset Twilight. I didn't expect her to wake up that early...

"Jake, it's morning already!" Twilight whined in upset, "It's 7 in the morning!"

I grunted in pain while annoyance as I turned to her, "Okay Twiley, how did you wake up? And more importantly, how did you manage to turn my phone's alarm? And I'm not saying you're dumb."

Twilight smiled, "That's simple. When your phone rang, I got shock and frightened by it. Instead of went panicked, I analyzed the situation carefully and saw some words: Dismiss or Snooze. I know the words very well. And I know what to do."

I chuckled a bit, "So you went and turned it off before I can turn it off, didn't you?"

"Yup, I did. I decided to give you 15 minutes for sleeping before I wake you up."

"Are you always that punctual and early?"

Twilight giggled happily as she nuzzled her face on my belly gently, "What can I say? It's my natural."

We both laughed together happily for the moment. I wasn't laughing about just Twilight's nature, but also mine as well. And to be honest, I also been so punctual as well for either school or works. I know that well. When there was weekend or holiday for me, I take it easy. Well, unless I get bothered by a Unicorn.

"Okay, Twiley," I said as I took and held her up before heading to my bathroom, "Time for bath."

"Can I ask you something, Jake," Twilight asked.

"Sure go ahead..."

"Why today is public holiday? What is it about?"

I was shocked and surprised by her questions. Throughout the time and years, I don't ask questions or answers them. I do it for what needs to be done. That's what I always been. I guess I had to answer her about Malaysia.

"It's called Malaysia Day," I answered, "It's the very special day and holiday for everyone because this is the day when Malaysia was made and born since this mainland united with both Sarawak and Sabah. It's supposed to be holiday since that very day but... unlike any country who sees the very important, traditional or historical public holiday; they didn't bother about it until 2010..."

"If that was very historical day event, then it should have been considered the holiday from that very day. I agreed about that one. It was stupid for not starting that holiday from beginning. It was so unfair for everyone," Twilight nodded her head.

I smiled, "I'm glad you understand that. But we both are not the only ones think that, the rest of this country to think that..."

"Really? Wow... So... what else can you tell me about?"

"I'll tell you later when it was the time. Bath time..."

For some reason... I can't help but wonder... There was something special about her even when I got up close to her. Why was she so interesting in helping me and understanding about the country? Was it because I helped her and earned her trust?

Well, it doesn't matter. After all, I've made the promise to help her get her memories back and... Even it means hurt and pained me that once she learnt the truth, she won't come back. But it was the right thing to do. After all... I never much cared of whether I did right or wrong when I was a boy. But now, I had a right to help her. She deserve the truth. But not too much...

Like I had given a word to her, I bathed and showered her carefully. I can't remember when was the last time I washed Patch when I was a boy. After all, I was animal-phobic. But to Twilight, I wasn't. Either I got over it or she was a character from my favorite show to watch that I can wash.

I helped her combed and washed her mane and her tail with my shampoo, and then her body with my body soaps. And to be honest, I either being stupid, not using my common sense or didn't care... Frankly, they all fits me. After all, I'm the guy who just do it and never ask or questioned. But for some reason, I did asked. Did I used the right shampoo. After all, Dog's Shampoo mixed with Ponies is out of the question since it was for dogs only.

I helped her dry off with my tower. Ha! Funny. It was the only tower that I was going to use and before wash it. Once she was dried off, she quickly shook her body and mane off hard in drying herself. Her body was perfect and beauty as the show had. I know that because... I admire her not only her intelligence, but her grace, beauty and inner-self.

I shove her out of the bathroom before I took the shower after all she is a girl.

She and I had the breakfast together. Of course, I know she is the herbivore. My didn't had much of them because we don't make soup or cook much. And the reason is very simple. No one but Patch was at home during the weekdays. So rather than just eating the vegetable, I have some biscuits for her to eat. That should be good enough. And she enjoyed it very much.

After that breakfasts, I had chores to do. And to be very honest, everyone; my family used to had maid before. I explained that from the first chapter. We never had worries about the chores until a week ago. Now everyone was doing it. After all, fair and square for everyone to do it. Stupid maid. What you get? She had the freedom to choose. So, no point of chasing her when she was gone.

Eventually, my sisters and I had moved all of dirty clothes that lasted for nearly two days. We had them in the laundry washing machine. A tower, three shorts and a shirt dropped on the floor. Unfortunately, I hadn't been so active in handling and washing the clothes for... very long time since we had maid problems about seven times before this one ran off. I was about to get it as I turned and found something... interesting...

Twilight had the clothes on her mouth before turning before me. Was she helping me?

I shook my head before getting them from her. I patted on her mane gently for being helpful. And so we had the clothes washed up in the washing machine. It needed to wait for an hour. My sister told me to go have some fun with her. After all, Twilight was still a kid.

As promised, I decided to help Twilight to get her memories. If I recall what JusSonic did for his lighthearted 'My Little Mane Six' story, he would show 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' Season 1 first to his little Mane Six than hiding the truth from 'My Little Dashie'. And that's what I'm going to do. Not because she had to know the truth, but also... I don't want to break her promise and trust of me...

So, I set my Laptop in connecting to the LCD TV Screen at the Television Room. It's quite obvious for every modern people, when we download something, we watched it through the TV Screen like watching the cinematic movie. I was almost done with it.

I download most of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Season 1 till Season 4 Episodes and that includes Equestria Girls. I was just waiting for Rainbow Rocks Movie to download. I can't wait to watch before I start the remake version with JusSonic in starting the work but then again... It might be too late because of I need to help and take care of Twilight...

"Jake... I don't mean to ask, but... what exactly are you doing? I thought you want to help me to get my memories..." Twilight asked in worry.

I sighed, "I am. And... it's complicated. But... you will understand about it."

Twilight looked concern and worry of what I'm doing but... she'll understand sooner or later. Either using JusSonic's tricks would work or I prayed myself to be a failure and stupid friend Twilight has ever had...

But that's the risk I had to take...

So it begun. Starting Season 1's whole 26 Episodes for her to watch everything it has from the show. I hope this will help her remember. And most important of all... forgive and understand me about everything since the day we've met...

So far, she had seen at least about 20 Episodes for 6 hours and 40 minutes but we've stopped at 3.00pm. I know it was late for me to have fun or doing something else. But a promise is a promise to make. And I intend to finish it. My father call me to help him finish washing the cars. And yes, we had four of them since my mother was out for facial and nails-paintings.

So, I helped my father in washing his BMW Car, my elder sister's MyVi and my two cars. And yes, everyone; I had. One was the old crimson one Proton Wira and it was my father's. I trusted it so much since my childhood. It does... remind me so much about Sam and Bumblebee. And the black KIA belonged to my mother's friend for me to drive and use since her friend won't be staying in Malaysia much longer.

My father and I washed the car's body with the car shampoo in scrubbing, cleaning and cleansing the dirt off from his and my sister's car. It was tough and tiresome to do since we had two more to go. But then, I saw my KIA was covered in soaps. I looked in front and found Twilight was scrubbing mine, with her four legs tied up in four cloths. I even more surprise and impress than I imagine. This filly... Despite being a smart pony, she was indeed a reliable, helpful and kind pony to help. She really was special...

But... she shouldn't be out here since there were lots of neighbors living in Alam Damai. But it was lucky that they were not home for now...

As soon as we were done with scrubbing four cars for nearly an hour, my father was rinsing and washing the soaps off from them while both me and Twilight used the brushes in scrubbing the wheel's circled metals. As we both continued scrubbing the cars' metal wheels, Twilight turned and looked at me.

"Jake... Can I ask you something?" I was too busy to know as I nodded my head while listening to her. Twilight sighed, "About the episodes I watch... Why... Why does the main character Twilight Sparkle looked so much like me?"

I stopped from scrubbing. I sighed in worry. We were done with my father's car. We moved to my sister's car as we continued our conversation.

"Twilight... The truth is... She is you," I answered. Twilight was confused. We're done with my sister's metal wheels. We moved to my black KIA's wheels. I continued, "That's one of the reason why you need to watch it."

"But..."

"Twilight, I'm very sorry. I truly am. But everything you need to know is in there."

Twilight looked confused and worry, "Are you serious, Jake? That's just the cartoon and animated show only. It can't be real." I was shocked and surprised by her answer. I turned and looked at her while heading to my last care in washing the wheels off. She continued, "I mean. If she is me, don't you think I won't have existed in this realm. That show is just fiction and entertainment. And I really enjoy by it. I really loved that show! It's very inspiring and adventurous too!"

We both continued washing the last one's wheels, and that's it we are done.

I was very shocked and surprised by her answer. I thought she would have accepted it as who she really was but decided not to. Just like JusSonic's story had said, she was too young to understand it. But either way... I had to do it but one season at a time...

I simply smiled, "Yeah... I guess you're right. It's just the show. I thought... it might help you be happy to watch them."

Twilight then nuzzled on my left leg gently, "And I did... with my first friend, Jake... Thank you so much, Jake..."

I smiled happily, "Yeah. I'm happy to be with you... And especially this show is 'great' to watch... I'm just glad... You 'like' it."

I lied... I can't believe it... I just can't! I lied to her! But I don't want to scare and shock her. Maybe... when she is older, I will tell her the truth or maybe show her the season. Just maybe...

We were done with washing the cars. We even helped my sisters in folding the clothes and put them up into our own rooms. So, I continued to stay with Twilight in watching the rest of the Season 1 for nearly 3 hours. And that was it. She was so excited that she wanted to see more. I told her this...

"Just this season only. When you're older, I'll let you watch the rest."

Twilight awed in upset, "Do I have to wait that long?"

I smiled before gently patting on her head, "You had to. And I'm sure one day... you will understand why and what is this all about. But I'm sure you're a smart pony to figure this out."

Despite her disappointment, she knew this was my family's home and she had to respect it. Instead of showing her gloom and upset, she smiled and said, "Okay, Jake. I'll wait until you say so."

I chuckled happily before patted on her mane gently, "That's a good girl. Come on. Let's go have a dinner."

We both went and had our dinner at the kitchen. We both were happy. While I do enjoy meats... a lot but my mother made some salad just for her. It's funny, to be honest; even though we are a bit alike for being punctual, determined and hardworking but we had some opposites of what we like: foods, books and more but you named it. My family was enjoying her company and part of the family.

After that time, we had our own fun. My sisters, I and her were playing the blocks, scrabbles, chess (including the Chinese Version) and congkak game (to be honest, we just simply play the game for fun). It was very long time, I had not play with that kind of the game since I entered the school.

I had some books that I haven't read like Star Wars The Force Unleashed, Divergent, Summerkin and a lot including Lin's and June's for her to read. And to be very honest, I wasn't very much of a reader like Twilight. But as long she enjoyed it, that's the matter enough for me. And I'm glad she did. Even her memories are long gone, but she hadn't lost her taste for books and personality.

17th September 2014...

After the Malaysia's Day was over, my whole family were back to work and school, except Patch. As our only pet and guard dog, he had to look after our home. As for Twilight, I'm not leaving her behind. I'm worry and concern that she might do something silly or stupid. But at the same time, I can't let my colleagues or boss to know about it. I can't just said that she's my pet or something. And the worst thing I want her was to get captured by crazy Brony or government.

But I had one plan that might work. A stupid plan if you're going to ask me...

On my way to my work at motorsports High-N Lubricant Company, I came down from my car as always; along with my computer bag. Her head was out from the bag's hole as she breathed some air and to watch the event.

"Sorry, Twilight," I apologized, "it's the only way for you to come with me. All you had to do is act like a doll."

"Why?" Twilight asked.

"Think of the world that never understands the existing creatures like you to exist in this world. And if they saw and encountered you for real, I don't want to imagine of you getting hurt."

"Really? I don't want that."

"I know. That's why you had to act that way for a while. Besides, I've got everything inside the bag for you to read and eat. So, I don't want to bore you."

Twilight smiled as she nuzzled on my ears gently, "Thanks, Jake... You're the best friend I ever had..."

I smiled back to her. I got into the office.

As I had expected, my colleagues and employers did questioned about bringing her to office. And they were Malays and one Chinese. Kham was young Malay Man but older than me. Azlan was the older Malay Man. Faezah was my senior Malay Married Woman. And my superior of Graphic Design was Veron. And so, I told them that she was a 'doll' and I was intrigued by her appearance so much. I could not bare to leave it alone. I told them that she won't bothered me. They bought my story for now...

Like a week ago, I standby for any assignment to do such as updating the products on websites, doing some graphic works and even helped the crew. And so far, it was okay, despite being so bored and uninterested for waiting. But that was nothing, I'm more concern about Twilight since I told her to act like a doll. I checked on my bag. I saw her reading the books, without making a fuss or noise. I was so relief.

As for lunch time, I often go out with my colleagues for lunch time. It was mostly Malay's Mamak. I don't mind it so much. They were okay, nice and humble people. I took my bag with me, and told them that I had some books to read if I get boring. But in reality, I had to take Twilight with me. If I leave her here, she won't had much air to breathe in the dark and confined area, without some air. And they bought for it.

We had the lunch at the Mamak. I had my own Malay Fried Chicken Rice. After all, it was my favorite food to eat, other than just Roti Canai. I then checked on Twilight again. I wondered how she was holding up. I found her eating some biscuits. I know she loved vegetables but I doubt this would be great idea to throw some food on my bag, then I would make suspicious. So that was the only way.

After lunch, four of us returned to the office for some work until 5.00pm. And for Twilight, I was glad that she didn't make noise as she either read her books or slept for the rest of afternoon.

As the office works ended by 5pm, I was able to go home. I was so relief and calmed down after some worry-sake about Twilight from being found out by colleagues or bosses. But so far, they bought it and believed in me. As long they didn't suspect a thing about her, she would be fine. I got into my car as soon as possible, I quickly drove out.

As soon as we were far away from the office, Twilight came out from the bag and looked at me.

I smiled, "You did well for a 'pretending' doll."

Twilight sighed, "Well, I didn't want to get you in troubles or me get caught for who knows what. I hate being experimented by the researcher, being abused by strangers or abducted for funds and money. I never wanted you to get involved of the mess."

"Let me guess. One of the novel told you that?"

"Yeah. I didn't want to believe in it but I'm not taking that chance."

"I'm glad to hear that, Twiley. You did great. I'm so happy and relief that you did well in handling that problem."

"No problem. That's one thing I want to ask you."

"What would that be?"

"Why didn't you let me stay home?"

I was shocked and surprised by it. I looked worry and scared at the same time. It was not about the truth, it was about her handling at home by herself. Patch still didn't trust her and I don't think she can handle some chores yet.

I explained firmly, "Twiley... I'm worry because you're too young or little to handle the house chores by yourself. Unless you're older or had some special tricks, I'm still taking you with me until I am certain that you can handle it."

Twilight sighed in upset, "Okay, Jake... I won't do it alone until you say so."

I sighed, "I promise you that I will let you take care of yourself until I am certain."

Twilight smiled, "I know, Jake..."

I smiled back. I was so happy and relief to know that Twilight knew what I'm doing as her friend and guardian. If she had the magic, I wouldn't be worry about it.

So nearly four days had passed, Twilight and I had our moments to share. We had done our house chores and even having some dinner, including my practice drawing routine on my artwork. It was tough and long way to go for me to go through and especially wanting to draw a comic book or character, but I had to be patient and calm in completing the training.

Twilight came up on my drawer and spotted my artwork. She was so impressed by work. And... I even show her some. Some were impressed to her, others scared her like Dragoking the Hydra. I can't blame her if she was still scared and afraid about that snake. I told her, it was just drawing. Trusting my words, she came and looked at some of my artworks.

And at the same time, she and I watched some of best shows and movies I loved: Marvel Movies and Animated Series (I seriously going to exclude Ultimate Spiderman and Hulk and the Agents of Smash but Avengers Assemble), DC Animated Universe Series, Anime Series, Cartoon Shows and more. I'm letting her to watch non-violent or non-death scene shows or movie since she was a kid.

20th September 2014...

Every Saturday I always gone for my art learning center Freehands from Taman Segar. That was where I learned and gained experience of proper drawing on character's perspectives and designs. And of course, this is my out-course future career and hobby. I really enjoy that place and course very much. It was even better than the lousy One Academy. All they did was pointed out and gave no extra help or assistance. What a lousy learning course they had.

Twilight was with me. And I explained to my lecturer: Kenny Kong about her being my doll and inspiration. Like others, he bought it. He was a good teacher of arts, and of course, he can see through people's potential and even mine by studying my personality and my hardworking on artworks. And to be very honest, I was so obsessed and wanted to complete the work. It was my life and dream in creating the best characters as any animator and designer had. And I was glad to have him as my lecturer.

Twilight watched and seen my artwork. She was awed, surprised and impressed by my determination and cautious in drawing the art. All she did was smile in looking at my work and practice. I spent two hours in learning and practicing on the art and lessons. And I was still doing it for once on everyday until I was ready to show my work to my lecturer. My class ended at 12.30pm.

So, I left the Freehand Art Building and returned to my car as we had our conversation while returning to our home.

"Jake... That was amazing. Your art... They're so... amazing and great," Twilight commented happily.

"Thanks," I smiled.

"I really wish that I could be like you for being determined, disciplined and hardworking boy. And I really wanted to be the artist like you."

I smiled before chuckled, "Twiley... I think it's best that you should stick to where you really good at."

She asked, "Why?"

"Well... I haven't seen your artwork yet, but the point of you sticking with your hobby is it was your hobby and interest you had."

"Reading books?"

"Not only that, Twiley. You know much of them. And that makes you... a librarian, a writer, storyteller or historical guide and many more that involved the history of the past, folktales or stories. I can tell you of that. You're going to be a good communicator."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, good ahead."

"Why did you take Mass Communication?"

I was stunned and shocked by her questions, "Before I could answer, did you looked at my old certificate school records?" Twilight smiled uneasily as she nodded her head. I sighed, "Twiley, I really enjoy your company, but what I don't like was someone snucking on my stuffs. And why do you think I hate that?"

Twilight gulped, "Because it's your private and personal stuffs?" I nodded my head. She sighed in disappointment, "Sorry. I didn't mean it."

"I know. But please don't do that. Ask permission next time." I said. Twilight nodded her head. I continued, "As for your first question, I joined the Mass Communication as my acted-career in earning some good money while my comic book career will be hobby or temporary career since I had no confidence."

"Why would you say that?! You were amazing on that work!"

"Twiley... There were so many artists. Most could be better than me, some maybe equal to mine and others could be worst. And I wasn't sure that if I'm ready to show off my work because I may get fired or kicked out from the company. It's better to put my interest behind than getting it involved."

"I think it's best you should try it than just putting it aside."

"Why would you say that?"

"You were afraid."

"Afraid?! What do you mean about that, Twiley?"

"You were afraid that no one will appreciate and like your work. But you shouldn't, you should take that risk and chance than waiting. Because if you don't, you will never make your dream come true. Come on, I know you didn't want to lied to me about yourself for being failure or scared in trying, but stop lying and take the leap of faith. If you're still scared, then do it from one step at a time. That's what most of protagonist did in their stories. They took the risk and try until they made it breakthrough."

I was stunned, shocked and surprised by Twilight's encouragement. Was she helping me? Was she encouraging me to get out of my shell and take the risk? It was usually my family do the talking but Twilight... why did she do it? I was surprised by her action and words. For the first time in my life, I had someone other than my own family, had faith in believing in me to do it.

And to be very honest, I really wanted to do it but I was scared that my artwork would be rejected and declined. But in ever life, there was the risk but it was either take it or blew it. Maybe Twilight was right...

I smiled, "I tell you what, Twilight... I will think about it. You could be right. I should try and take the chance than waiting. After so many tries and pretending in working for what I wanted, I finally know what I needed. I need to learn that I had to take a risk than passing it. Thank you."

Twilight giggled happily, "That's what friends for... and especially for you... dad..."

"What was that?" I asked in surprise like Twilight was mumbling.

Stunned and worried, Twilight cleared her throat before answering, "I meant to say 'friend'. That's what I said..."

I was surprised and looked worry about it but I shrugged of it. I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or misheard of it. But it didn't matter much because... I was so glad to meet her and had her helping and inspiring me to take the chance but one step a time. Perhaps... one day, I had to tell her the truth about her existence. I had to. I've made that promise since the day she entered my home...

To be continued...

Review...

Author's Notes:

1. Veron, Faezah, Kham and Azlan are based on the employers of High N Lubricant Company that I'm working for.

2. Kenny Kong was the name of my art lecturer from art learning center at Taman Segar.

3. Jake is the name I wanted to use while the Wong was closed to Ng and Huang since they had the same meaning 'Yellow'. But Nigel Ng is my true and real name.