Knight of Equestria – Gabriel the Wanderer

Prologue: First Death

(Entries 7-14)

Looking back on these journal entries, I'm amazed at the person I used to be. Such a stick in the mud. If my stay in Equestria has taught me anything, it's that I was sort of a jerk.

So much has changed in the short time I've been here. I've made such wonderful friends, had many new experiences and even fell in love. I reflect back on the loss of my parents as often as I ever have, but now I'm more willing to open up and talk to people- that is to say, ponies, about my problems. Things have never been better.

Matthew Nabal, 12/18/12

…...

I'm beginning to think Twilight and I being together has wounded Rainbow Dash much more than I had anticipated. This was never my intention and I know I can't stop her from feeling betrayed, but what am supposed to do, start a pony harem?

In any case, we have to work together helping to prepare for the princess' Hearth's Warming (which is apparently pony Christmas) celebration. I hope she can at least compromise that much.

Matthew Nabal, 12/20/12

…...

Thinking about it now, I've been using the same calendar from my realm for months and such. I recall the Doctor telling me that the years were the same, so we're in 2012, but do the ponies use the same names for months? Is there some type of equivalent to B.C. and A.D.? If I'm the only one who knows the difference, does it matter?

I should really ask Twilight about it but I'm afraid she's just... too distracting. I can get lost in conversation with her for hours. She asked me if I wanted to share a bed with her, seeming as the winter chill has been extra cold lately. What kind of fool would I be if I denied her?

Matthew Nabal, 12/23/12

…...

Thankfully, Rainbow Dash and I got through our share of the prep work with only minimal fighting. She's a strong woman, or I suppose the term is 'mare'. I don't think I'll ever get used to the pony dialect. Regardless, she's still upset with me, even more-so with Twilight. No matter how I tried to explain it to her, the only thing she took away from the conversation was that she wasn't good enough (something I have never once even thought).

With the celebration being tomorrow, I have to find a way to make it up to her that doesn't make things more awkward than they already are.

Matthew Nabal, 12/24/12

…...

I cannot even begin to explain what the hell is going on around here. A few days ago, during the Hearth's Warming celebration, Princess Luna... had an accident.

Thankfully Alicorns are incredibly durable, but she's still in the hospital as far as I've been told. I'd go check myself, but somehow what happened to Luna is MY fault. I won't deny that it IS possible that due to me and Rainbow's little spats the other day that one of us messed up and didn't tighten that rope tight enough, but the entire damn city of Canterlot is blaming me.

So now I'm sitting in the nicest prison cell I've ever seen. Celestia assured me that it's merely a formality to appease those calling for my blood, but here I stay.

Under constant guard.

And the only possession they let me have is this journal.

Hopefully this'll blow over soon, I have this feel of dread lingering over me and this place isn't helping.

12/28/12

…...

I'm being moved today.

They're keeping me in an armored carriage in a convoy with one escorting Celestia and a few others. Some of Canterlot's uppercrust.

The bastards are exiling me.

12/31/12

…...

We're at the border, apparently.

I've overheard them talking about how I'm dangerous and threat to the crown.

I keep expecting Celestia to say something, ANYTHING in my defense and yet she stays silent.

I think I can hear Twilight. She's begging with her to not go through with it.

She's crying.

I'm crying.

I'm terrified.

…...

The man stood, hands bound as a massive door was raised in front of him. His hands were unbound as the guards on either side of him ushered him forward.

"These are your personal items." one guard said, handing him the single strap bag he developed with Rarity.

"We've also taken the liberty of packing you first aid supplies, camping gear, and a few gifts from your friends." another guard said.

"Should you ever be found in Equestrian territory, the punishment will be severe." the first said. "I'm... sorry it's come to this." the guard added.

Matthew Nabal looked back through the massive door to see a few smug looking, well-dressed Unicorns. In front of them was a sorrowful Princess Celestia, and in front of her, running to him was a crying Twilight Sparkle.

She embraced him and begged him not to go, knowing full well it wasn't his choice.

The lovers shared one last kiss before the man turned around, facing the wilderness ahead of him.

He began to walk.

He could hear the sobs of his beloved behind him and the comforting words Celestia tried to comfort her with.

Likewise he couldn't stop crying, either.

Even then, he refused to turn back. He didn't want her to feel worse than she already did by seeing the state he was in.

He kept marching until the border wall he was let through dipped beneath the horizon, then he kept marching still.