Fear And Guilt

After finishing the tour around the castle, the group finally arrived at one of the many empty guest rooms where they deposited all of Blueblood's belongings beside the bed. He gingerly hopped off Rarity's back, being careful not to mess up her dress.

"Thanks for the ride, miss Rarity."

"It was my pleasure, dear, and please call me 'Rarity'," She humbly replied.

Blueblood chuckled at the polite reply. "Okay, mis- I mean, Rarity, I will try my best to remember it," He returned the smile before heading off towards the bed.

"Is there anything else we can do for you, New Blood?" Twilight adds.

"Well, if it's not too much trouble, could I please have a little time to myself? I would like a moment to unpack my things," He asked as politely as he could.

"Sure dear, just come and find us when you're done," Rarity answered. "Once you're ready, we'll all go for some delicious ice cream!"

That surprised him, "Really? That sounds great, Rarity."

"We are?" Twilight asks with a raised brow until Rarity gives her a light shove to her side. "I mean, yeah sure! I'd love to show you around Ponyville before you start school so you can become familiar with Ponyville and know the route you'll need to take in order to get to the schoolhouse," Twilight's face abruptly morphed into one of concern. "That is, of course, if you're okay with that?" Twilight questioned.

"Well… I would like to see some of Ponyville, maybe get a souvenir, but I haven't been given an allowance," Blueblood sheepishly replied.

"Say no more, dear" Rarity interjects, "Today will be my treat and I will not take 'no' for an answer."

"But…"

"Ah!" Rarity interrupts him, lifting a hoof.

"I don't know if…"

"Ah!" She repeats the action,

"It wouldn't be right t-"

"Ah!" She does it again leaving a bewildered Blueblood.

"…okay," He finally relented.

"Now that has been settled, we should go, Twilight dear. Let's give your cousin some time to unpack his things. We'll be in the map room when you're ready to rejoin us, New Blood."

Twilight looked between the two, not sure about what to do, before simply shrugging and following her friend, closing the door behind them.

"You know, you don't need to do all that for him, right?" Twilight whispers to Rarity.

"And not help that unfortunate colt? Not a chance, Twilight! I will gladly aid you in his recovery," Rarity mentions with a smile. "In fact, you should ask all our friends for help, Twilight. New Blood's case sounds like something very serious and you may need all the help you can get. I'm sure that the other girls would gladly lend a hoof and maybe have an idea or two for ways to cheer him up."

Twilight heaves out a sigh in defeat and shakes her head, "You really can't help being so generous, can you Rarity?" She said with a sincere smile.

"Not even if I wanted to, dear," Rarity punctuated with a wink.

"Fine, we'll tell the others, but we aren't going all out. As I said before, he's only staying here for a few weeks. And he's still a young colt and you know how they can get about their personal space. If we come on too strong we may just end up pushing him away, or we could end up making his condition worse. We should tread lightly around him."

"Crystal clear, darling!"

"And that includes making clothes for him," Twilight adds which shocks Rarity to her very core.

"W-what?! But Twilight, can you just imagine how adorable he would look in a dashing formal suit!" Rarity rebutes.

"Maybe, but only if he asks."

"Very well, message received. No suits unless he asks for them," she said dejectedly. Rarity then tapped her chin in thought, "Well, how about a cute little bow tie and top hat?"

"No."

"Perhaps a ruffled shirt with a pocket watch?"

"Rarity!"

Meanwhile in Blueblood's guest room

Once the door had closed the small prince let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and started to pace in circles.

Okay, calm down, calm down. Things may be getting confusing, but you're still in control. You Just...need to think things through. Try to remember, try to understand what's happening

The prince perseveres by doing some breathing exercises to relax his heart, once he'd accomplished his goal, he took a moment to stop and sit on the bed so he could concentrate properly.

First things first. What do I understand about this place so far? Well... I'm definitely in another world, one where ponies can talk. Colors are a lot more saturated. Apparently, I ended up in the skin of a class A jerk, one that even his own family had difficulties in loving, and magic is not smoke and mirrors here He gives out a sigh and looks himself over in the mirror atop his nightstand, before staring at his new appendage.

Not to mention that apparently I, as a unicorn should A) Have magic, and B) It's a big deal if a unicorn can't use it

He looks down with concern.

How am I supposed to do something, I didn't even think it was physically possible in the first place? Wait, no, NO!Focus!

He gave a few shakes of his head and heroically stands up, bringing one of his hooves to his chin, deep in thought.

That's not important right now. What I need right now, is to figure out what I was doing before I woke up here

Blueblood closed his eyes and tried concentrating as hard as he possibly could, of his past trying to clear the fog in his head. What began as small and blurry forms in the dark began to transform into crystal clear images of his past.

"Look dad! Isn't this hero incredible?"

In his head Blueblood managed to see a faceless image of a small human boy, with a mount made of light, holding a comic and talking to a larger humanoid image whose face he couldn't see.

Is that…me?... I remember Now..., I really loved superheroes and video games. Gah! ...I'm such a nerd.

He smiles at the memory until I remember my father's reaction.

"Well isn't that adorable? But son, this is just make-believe, and worse, a waste of time...and money." The figures informs him, before snatching the comic away, "Here, I have a better way for you to spend your time."

He retrieves a baseball glove from a nearby bench and hands it to me, smiling condescendingly "Starting tomorrow, you'll be playing America's game, sport. Comic books will rot your brain!"

W-What? But dad, that's not what I want to do!"

He just laughs affably and softly pats my head "You're too young to know what you want. Dad always knows best after all "

The images changed and the once small figure was now taller, showing off a piece of paper to his father.

"Dad I did it! I passed my exams, with top honors!"

"I'm so proud of you son, and look I have a surprise for you too!" He hands him another piece of paper "I've already enrolled you into the perfect college!"

"What? B-But dad, I already have a college in mind, couldn't you at the very least talk to me about this before yo-?"

"Oh you're still being that adorable little son of mine, still thinking about your silly games and heroes... but now? it's time for you to grow up and have a proper job. You should be happy, with your brains you'll graduate in no time, and can finally work in my company:"

"But dad...I don't want to…"

"And unless you have your own money, don't expect me to pay for your education unless you go to the school I picked. Do I make myself clear?"

He tries to keep his emotions off my face, angrily clenching and unclenching his as he fakes a neutral expression "…yes sir"

He feels a tear on his cheek, overwhelmed by a toxic mix of sadness and anger swirling around in his skull at how events unfolded.

Why dad? Why didn't you ever listen to me? I've done everything you've asked of me… so why did you never once consider what I wanted?

The next memory was in a large glamorous living room, in front of a fireplace with my father sitting on a sofa, while I paced in front of him.

"I can't take it anymore!"

"What do you mean son?"

The son stops, looking straight into his father's eyes "The lessons, the teachers, my classmates. Everything! Everything in that place is just tedious, repetitive and boring!"

"And why exactly does that matter? Besides, you're once again top of your class. You're clearly my son, and I'm proud to say that!" The father Replies, lifting a cup in the air as a toast to his future success.

"I don't care! What is the point in what I'm doing, if it's not what I really want?"

"The point? The point is you not ending up homeless and forgotten!" The father stood up and pointed an accusing finger at his son.

"You really think the world is all sunshine and rainbows? I will tell you this just one last time. The world is tough. So you'd better be tougher, man up! and stop your whining. Or so help me, I will show you what real misery is. Now leave!" He yells pointing to the door.

I quickly succumbed to my father's words and promptly left the room.

"I'd better see some improvements on that attitude of yours young man. In fact, I'd better see something expensive for father's day" the father said, resuming his drinking and reading.

He truly didn't have any mercy on me… God...why did he hate me so much!?

Blueblood asks in disbelief.

Soon he saw himself in a meeting room staring at an elderly lady on her knees crying her eyes out in front of him, before being abruptly grabbed and removed by security. The figure of his father slowly moved in behind him and slowly patted him on the back, satisfaction clearly evident in his eyes and sick demented smile.

"Nicely done son, just like I taught you. Ahh, your first kill is always the most memorable."

"That…That lady, I just...destroyed her entire life! for profit..."

"And what a profit it was!" He gleefully points out, "do you know how many zeros you just made this company!?"

"But s-she legitimately loved her company! What is she going to do now?"

"Pfft. Who cares? We've just made millions and now it's time to celebrate. I think it's time for you to play with the big boys" The father tries to take him away, but Blueblood remains in place still in complete shock.

"I think I broke her..."

"'I'll say again,boy. move it." The father repeats and this time pulls his arm, forcing him to walk away with him.

"That's right... that damned company dad loved oh so much... He really loved money, I…I think he loved it more than mom. Is that why she left us before I could ever meet her..?

The image changed one final time. However, this one was more clear than the others, showing both the son and his dad on the rooftop of a large building.

"I'm done!"

"What did you just say?" His father fumed, anger clearly present in his voice.

"You heard me. I can't take this anymore! Working like this is like… selling my soul away! Everyone is out to get me, and the only thing that anyone seems to care about is money and power!"

"That's exactly how the world is son, do you seriously think that there are people that would give a damn about you if it wasn't for your wallet? just know, that the moment you step out of this building, I will NEVER give you a single cent."

"Fine by me 'father'!" The son yells at him with a glare "You'll see, I'll make a name for myself following my own rules, and I'll show you that this 'grim and depressing world', is nothing like you brainwashed me to believe."

To his credit, the fuming man only chuckles and grins cruelly at him "You should know… that when you come crawling back after it all fails, I will work you to the bone...Until you finally give up on your foolish notions about life.."

"You know dad...a part of me always wanted to believe that in some form, some way there was a part of you that actually loved and cared for me… However, now I know it was just a lie I told myself at night to make me feel a semblance of normalcy around you!

The prince turned to leave, but as soon as he did, a loud booming explosion made both of them lose their balance and fall from the rooftop which had just collapsed into a burning hellscape of concrete and death, they quickly recovered and ran to the stairs. Once they were in the room below, coughing the dust away the prince stared in horror at what he saw. The entire building was up in flames. There were people running everywhere, screams and tears littered the air. The thick black smoke was suffocating and seeing through it became near impossible. He tried to make a run back to the stairs, but a large concrete pillar collapsed on top of him, shattering his legs and destroying his lower spine, making him unable to move.

Blueblood at that moment remembered the reason why he was seeing all of this. There was an accident, someone started a fire in the server rooms, and before he, or anyone else knew it, they were already trapped. nobody could hear his cries for help over all the commotion that was going on at the moment. Nobody except for his father who, to his luck, was still in one piece. Even though he remained faceless. Blueblood could still see this staggering height, slightly though he was in his late forties, he was in remarkably good shape.

's here! He's going to help me. He really does care for m-! Blueblood was about to smile for joy! when suddenly the next words that came out of his father's mouth, stabbed him in the heart with the delicacy of a jackhammer.

"Not so high and mighty now, eh son?." He said to him casually with a cruel and sadistic smirk.

"Father w-what are you doing? This place is falling apart! Hurry up and HELP ME! The prince extended his hand out to him, begging for help but all he got was a glare and his father dusting the shoulders of his normally immaculate suit.

"Didn't you say you were going to make a name for yourself? what a farce. Go help yourself" He retorts, before making sprinting away towards the exit stairwell.

"Dad? Dad?!" both Bluebloods scream for their father, but he never once looked back. They continue to stare until the walls collapsed upon his younger self and bury him alive in an infernal grave of concrete and sadness.

Tears started to stream from his eyes and the image started to slowly fade away. Frustration and rage coursed through his head at the moment.

"Not like this, it was supposed to be a new start for me, it was supposed to be the beginning of my life. To end it now, it just isn't fair! Why?!"

The rest of the building slowly fall on top of him, completely ending the memory. Blueblood gasps for air, awakening in a cold sweat, with his heart lodged in his throat.

I died... I really died! But that means…

Blueblood held his head with both hooves in utter shock.

I'm not just stealing this poor pony body, I'm possessing it! I'm a ghost that somehow ended up here. I never truly had a voice back in my world and now I don't even have an identity here! If they found out what I am they could exorcise me. I- I'd be gone forever!

Blueblood rushed out of his room toward the bathroom that, thank the stars, wasn't too far away. He hung his crown over the porcelain throne, his stomach in protest from stress and swirling emotions. His trembling hooves clutched the bowl like it was his only lifeline.

None of this was supposed to happen. He wasn't even supposed to be here, but for whatever reason he was and it could all be over in a flash of magic.

Blueblood's stomach lurched again, this time it wasn't a threat, and urgently introduced his breakfast to the toilet. Panting and sweating over the bowl, he vomits again but nothing came out but sour bile. His stomach was now as empty as he felt.

He flushed the toilet and watched his shame and guilt swirl around the bowl before disappearing down the drain. The sight could have been poetic if it wasn't so disgusting. The previous Blueblood had flushed his own life down the drain, now his replacement was left floating in an open cesspool. He had to find the strength to doggie paddle out, wading through the murk of the owners' previous life, clean himself off, and hope nobody decided to throw a rock.

He let out a couple wet, hacking coughs to clear his throat, spat into the water, then flushed the toilet again.

No matter what happens, they can't find out the truth. They would blame me, they all would. If they didn't destroy me, I would be locked away forever! I wouldn't even blame them. I would probably do the same in their shoes.

Blueblood pushed himself to his hooves and plodded towards the sink. He looked to his reflection in the mirror. His hair was matted and eyes were bloodshot, tear streaks matted his muzzle. Now he looked as terrible on the outside as he felt on the inside, both physically and emotionally.

I'm sorry Blueblood. I don't even know if this is something that can be fixed. I just have to do my best and hope I can make things right. Gotta keep moving forward and hope things work out in my favour.

"Hey, dude?"

Blueblood panicked, having heard the voice of Twilight's little dragon friend. The steady clicks and scrapes of his foot claws on the crystal floor made it sound like he was quickly approaching. Blueblood hoofed open the faucet and splashed his face a couple of times just before Spike waddled through the open doorway.

"Bro, are you okay?"

"Y–yeah, I'm okay, Spike. I just wanted to make myself presentable before we head out," Blueblood told him, not looking at Spike but instead staring at his sopping reflection in the mirror.

"Are you sure? I heard you talking to somepony on my way," He asked, concern clearly heard in his voice.

"Oh that, I maaaayy have accidentally burnt my hoof with the hot water when I turned on the faucet."

"Oh yeah, that happened to Twilight, too, after we moved in. I thought she was going to lose her temper and blow up the sink or something," Spike said with a roll of his eyes. The little dragon approached to inspect Blueblood's hooves. "Now that she's a super magical alicorn, I can't tell with her sometimes. You going to be okay?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it. I was more surprised than anything," Blueblood replied, pulling his hooves away.

"Okay then. Just so you know, Twilight color-coded all the faucets in the castle so it wouldn't happen to her again. The red one is for hot and the blue one is for cold," Spike politely informed him, pointing a claw at the faucets on the sink. "And the same applies for the showers. She wanted to use letters so the taps could be sorted alphabetically but not all species use the same alphabet and the castle gets dignitaries from all over the place."

Blueblood gave an affirmative nod, shaking loose tiny water beads to splatter on the floor. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

"Okay! Well, if you're not hurt then I guess my job here is done," Spike mentioned as he waddled his way out of the bathroom, waving a hand as he went. "Try not to take too long, bub. Rarity's still waiting to take us for ice cream!" He mentioned in excitement.

"I'll be there shortly," Blueblood responded with a fake cheerfulness in his voice, before again looking at himself in the mirror.

"Blueblood, if you're still in there, if you can hear me," the colt placed his hoof on the cold mirror, touching his reflection. "I'm going to make things right, I swear it."

Blueblood quickly dried off his face with a conveniently placed towel before making his way out of the bathroom. "Wait for me, Spike! I'm coming!"

In the map room

After a short walk, both the dragon and prince reached the map room where Twilight and Rarity were waiting.

"And there's the colt of the hour!," Rarity said with a flip of her hair. "Did you finish unpacking your things?"

"Y-Yeah, everything's been sorted and put away," Blueblood informed her with a well-practiced smile, which catches Twilight's attention but manages to easily fool Rarity.

"Splendid!. Let's go to Sugarcube corner," Rarity exclaimed as she and Spike exit out of the room.

"She can be a bit intense," Blueblood mentions as he walked out from behind Twilight's legs.

"Please don't be too hard on her," Twilight requests. "She has a soft spot when it comes to little fillies and colts. She does have a younger sister, after all. Your case might be the saddest story she's heard yet." She explained.

"Also, great acting back there! Spike told me about finding you pretending to have a panic attack in the bathroom. You truly sold the image of a young foal suffering from a traumatic experience!" Twilight praised him for his performance.

"Heh...yeah, acting..." Blueblood commented, not daring to look up at her.

"Unless it really wasn't an act. You know you can always talk to me if something's on your mind, right?"

That caught Blueblood off guard.

"I know things may be hard for you right now and how you're most likely still scared and confused about everything that's happening, so I won't press the issue."

Blueblood let out a sigh of relief.

"But you should know that if you ever need to talk, I'll always be here to listen," she offered with a kind smile, while they made their way through the castle's antechamber.

Blueblood mulled over what she had just said before leaning into Twilight to give her a big hug, which stopped Twilight in her tracks.

"Twilight…I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I-I don't want to be a burden, I'm just… s-so scared," sobbed Blueblood, unable to hold his emotions in check and openly crying into her fur.

Twilight covered him with a wing and brought him in for a closer hug. "It's going to be okay, Blueblood. Spike, the girls, Celestia, Luna, and I are all here for you. We're going to help you get through this, together," she said comfortingly.

Just as the hug was starting to borderline on awkward for Twilight, Blueblood let her go. She paid little mind to the tear stains on her coat but used her magic to tidy up the prince's face.

"Now, are you ready to go get some ice cream?"

Blueblood sniffled to clear his nose, then quickly nodded.

"Then come on, let's make sure Spike doesn't eat too much and get a tummy ache!" Twilight said, giving him a bump with her flank to get him moving again. They both continued through the castle's large main door and out onto the path leading to Ponville.