Trapped from Tomorrow
Chapter 5
Time Trial.
It seemed like forever while I was being pulled up those stairs. I knew I was in the castle but with this many twist and turns around the place I wasn't so sure anymore. Twilight had gone on ahead to avoid any suspicion between us two and I was left alone with the guard.
"In here, no funny business now." I obeyed the guards command without question. As I entered the large room I could see a few ponies around the whole area. It was like a giant court room. I looked in front of the room to see the princess and with her, Twilight.
I thought about calling out to her but remembered what Twilight said before. I had to keep the fact that Twilight remembered me a secret for now. Perhaps Twilight would tell Celestia in the future, but that will have to wait.
"Sam, you are charged of the murder of a filly that was known as Applebloom." Celestia cleared her throat and turned to Twilight. She whispered something into Twilight's ear and Twilight left the room. I got a little nervous at that sight but pressed on against my emotions and braved the rest to come.
"I can explain…" I tried to explain, but Celestia cut me off.
"Explain what? You killed a poor defenceless filly, there is nothing to explain." Celestia interrupted me with her loud voice.
"I didn't kill her! It was all a giant misunderstanding." I pleaded with her, but in truth I had no idea if I really did kill Applebloom in this world.
"That is for us to decide Sam, so please remain calm while we investigate the possibilities." Celestia began reading through some paper notes. As she continued reading Twilight re-entered with a rather large pile of papers. They levitated alongside her and had a slight purple aura around them.
"What possibilities? This is a giant set up by someone else, but why would someone do this?" I thought. I looked down towards the table I was placed at and sighed. "Get it together Sam. it will be better now that Twilight is back."
The group of ponies once again began talking to one another. The way they kept looking back to me and then to each other for annoying fast and I felt a little anger seep out.
"Enough!" I shouted at them. They all went silent and turned to Celestia.
"Please calm yourself Sam. Showing aggression during a trial isn't wise at all-"
"I'll get aggressive when I feel like it okay!" I shouted again with more volume than last time. This tiny amount of anger I let out built up rather fast. This was obviously a sign that my madness was attempting to break free again.
"Sam… Please stand while you hear our decision." Celestia shouted across to me.
"What? No attempt to justify yourself?" I agreed with myself on that one. I didn't even get a chance to speak on my behalf. Maybe there is still more to this whole situation still.
A few minutes passed as I continued standing idly by while all the ponies looked back to me from each other in perfect sync. I'll admit that was rather creepy, but I've seen worse things already.
"We have decided." Celestia spoke in a calm tone. I got nervous quickly as my outburst from before may have sealed my fate. I could only hope Twilight had a backup plan or any plan for that matter to get me out of this mess.
"Sam, we find you…" The long pause was killing me. Why do they do this? Why can't they just tell me, it's like they want to milk this moment and make you feel ten times worse for no reason at all.
"Guilty and are hereby charged with the crime of murder." Celestia spoke out in a demanding tone. I quickly turned to Twilight who shrugged and looked rather worried as well.
"B-but!" I tried to speak out but was completely silenced when two guards rushed to my sides and cuffed me in some freaky magic. I could no longer move my hands freely and felt myself being pulled by an invisible force.
"Sam, we will discuss your punishment." Celestia had a very angry look to her face. A look even I was afraid of at this moment. I feared the worst and I knew this wasn't over by a long shot.
"How about I solve this mystery then?" I sighed and looked straight towards the princess.
"Were you not listening?" She replied instantly. "We will not be making any sort of deals with you." Celestia turned to Twilight and Twilight seemed to have an idea. Her face lit up like she was on to something clever and perhaps a way for me to get out of here.
"Princess, if I may?" Twilight spoke and got up so the audience could see her. "I think Sam here may be our only way to find out what had happened to our history before."
"I am?" I replied. "Y-Yeah I can help. I mean I still have to prove I'm innocent first." I chuckled and stared at Twilight. Her expression said it all as well. She didn't know how to get me out of this mess and with Celestia thinking I am guilty it's going to be a lot harder than I can imagine."
"We can still do it you know." My mind wondered off as I panicked and I could hear myself in my thoughts sinking into madness. "Come on, you know you want to."
"Princess!" I yelled while continuing to ignore my thoughts. "My memory is a little shattered, if I help you, you can also help me find my evidence." The crowd looked at me with confusion, but my idea wasn't over yet.
"How?" The princess replied with her loud voice which echoed around the room longer than usual. She sounded rather pissed at me, but I had to hope I could think of more stuff to add to my forming plan fast.
"Well… Your highness I believe I can solve this puzzle that both of us are having," Before I could continue a flashback of Applebloom and me in the night came across my mind. It was the moment when I found Applebloom alone in the forest, the moment when I found her dead.
"And how do you believe you can?" Celestia replied again. She seemed interested in my idea, but I knew she wouldn't fall for it. It's worth a shot though. Who knows, maybe it might work.
"W-Well I had this vision. It's the earliest back I can remember. I can see myself with Applebloom, but she is," I paused. I sighed and braved the next sentence. "I found her dead in the forest. That's all I can remember." The princess didn't reply straight away. She seemed to wonder off in a deep thought and was maybe thinking about letting me out.
"Princess I would like to take him to the forest." Twilight out of nowhere spoke out. "I believe he may be on to something and that we can discover this mystery together."
"I don't know Twilight. I don't really trust you enough." She stared at me while speaking. At first I thought she was saying she didn't trust Twilight, but the way she was looking at me made it pretty obvious she meant me.
"W-well, I'll make sure to keep an eye on him at all times. If he tries anything funny I can handle him." Twilight smiled to the Princess who replied with a rather large sigh.
"Okay, you may go." Celestia sounded defeated and that made me surprisingly happy. It seemed Twilight caught on pretty fast to my plan and worked with it rather effectively. I was surprised she worked that out on her own without even mentioning anything to her.
"Princess!" one of the ponies called to her. The random pony trotted to Celestia's side and whispered into her ear. This wasn't good news in the slightest I could tell. Twilight on the other hand didn't seem worried which filled me with whatever hope I had left.
A few minutes passed and the so called trial was over. Twilight caught up with me and the guards who were escorting me out of the room and into what it seemed another cell for me to rot in. After the so called deal Celestia and I came to an agreement on I thought about what if Celestia would try any tricks.
At first it sounded stupid, but it might not be a bad idea to keep a level head on this situation I am in. First of all I had to get myself and Twilight out of here without any suspicion that me and her are working together for another reason.
"Sam, may I have a word?" Twilight tapped my right side with her hoof gently. The guards looked at her awkwardly, but Twilight nodded to them. They left us alone in the cell I was about to be locked in again.
"So," before I could speak anymore Twilight cut me off.
"Something has come up already and I think we have been caught." Twilight scanned around looking for anyone else peeking into our conversation.
"What, how?" I asked. I had a panicking tone in my voice as I really don't want to spend any more time alone in a cell. It was pretty gross to be fair and I'd rather stick with Applejacks barn. Oh Applejack, I completely forgot about her for a while. How could I.
"I can get you out of here, towards Ponyville that is."
"Wait, what is with the you?" I got worried fast. Twilight was speaking as if she wasn't going to join me on my way back to Ponyville.
"I know what you must be feeling, but I did say something came up and well," Twilight paused. She let out a deep sigh and kissed my cheek. "I can do one last thing for you." Twilight's horn began to glow and with it I did too. There was an awkward moment of me standing waiting for Twilight to finish whatever it was.
"Okay, what was that about?" I asked politely.
"I removed those spells on you that would make it easy for anypony to find you. I know you want to get away from here so I will do what I can. I hope you find answers Sam, seeing you trapped in a place like this is horrible." Twilight smiled and nodded. "There is an exit at the back of the castle that is hidden. I can get you out safely.
I smiled back to her. She was a kind pony indeed. Smart and funny in my opinion, she knew a lot about me already and knew my feelings. I couldn't ask for a better friend that would do this for me. I felt a little worried thought, as if Celestia may find out that Twilight helped me escape, but Twilight wants me to escape so that is what I will do.
"Thanks. For everything you know." I responded to her. She didn't talk back but instead took me to the exit where I can make my departure. I was about to leave Canterlot and make my way back to Ponyville to find out more of this murder mystery. For a second I felt like Sherlock, but there was no way I could get that classy.
After a while of twists and turns inside some weird passage way that led outside of Canterlot, Twilight gave me a bag to carry.
"Here are a few things to get you by. I hope you make the most out of them." She giggled as I opened the bag and pulled a book out. The book was rather small than the usual ones she had and it had a very strange title. The title was hard to read as it was damaged but Twilight seemed to have trusted me with it.
I opened and read a few lines. It was a story it seemed about a strange creature. The creature in fact was a human and this got me well interested quickly.
"H-how can that be?" I asked Twilight.
"It seems there are stories of human like beings such as yourself and this story is similar to yours."
"My story?"
"Just read it when you have the time okay, it might become clearer." Twilight sighed and looked off into the distance where I would be traveling. I joined her and in the slight distance I could see Ponyville. I had to travel through that cursed forest where I met with some unsettling events, but I would have to bury them thoughts and press on.
"I hope you find what you are after Sam, I'm sorry I can't be more help." Twilight turned to me and gave me a sad look.
"Hey, you've done more for me than anyone else." I placed my hand under her chin. She smiled as I did and sighed.
"Good luck." Was all Twilight said before she turned and went back inside the hidden tunnel. I hope I get to see you again." I thought about answering that, but with the current events happening I didn't know if that would be true.
"Thank you for everything." I mumbled. Twilight stopped for a second then continued and finally left. She heard me for sure and didn't want to reply. I didn't waste any more time and head of into the direction of Ponyville following my instinct.
Few hours passed and I already made it halfway through the woods. Well at least I think so. Even in the brightest of daylight it was rather hard to tell where one was going in this dark place. Luckily there was no scary noises or wolfs howling which made me feel a lot better from the last encounter of this forest.
I whistled a few tunes as I happily walked through the forest following the odd path and then making my own for my attempt as a shortcut which seemed to go smoothly, but my whistling came to a stop. For a second I thought I saw someone in front of me.
I quickly ran forward and found myself in a large open clearing in the forest where a rock half buried in the ground was placed. It was massive and as I said before I thought I saw someone on top of it. A white figure for that matter was standing on top looking away into the distance. It disappeared when I blinked which was why I ran here to see if I was just seeing things.
I rubbed my head and decided to take this chance for a break. I had been walking for hours and let me tell you for someone with my fitness that wasn't in my daily routine. I grew more curious about that book Twilight gave me and what she said so I make this time to read a few pages and see what was on store.
The first few pages were just details of a human emotion. I chuckled at how bad some of these sentences were, but one paragraph caught my attention. It was rather similar to me and how I was. It explained about time and how there was once a human trapped in time.
"Did Twilight plan this" I spoke to myself as I continued reading. It made me feel confused but also slightly curious of what is to come. I gave up on the book as I found no answers as of yet. "I wish she backed some food instead of books and this junk." I searched the back and for once my luck served me well.
I pulled out a small compass which didn't point north. I paused for a second and shook my head then gave the compass a good shake. It still didn't point north and pointed in a random direction. I placed the broken piece of junk down and as I rustled through the bad once more I found a letter.
"Dear Sam, if you are reading this then you most likely found the compass. To be honest that is the reason I can't come with you. The compass doesn't point north but points to Ponyville. Yes it is weird, but I used a spell on it to make sure you got home."
"That doesn't explain why she couldn't come with me." I picked the compass again and nodded. "Maybe she went through some extreme ordeals to get it. I picked the letter and continued reading the rest.
"I also know right now you are thinking "oh why won't she come" truth is I stole the compass and Celestia knows it was me. I may be held for questioning later, but don't worry I'll be fine. P.S Don't come back…"
That last sentence was kind of harsh. It was almost like she didn't get to finish it. Maybe she was warning me about something.
"Don't come back," I flipped the letter to see if there was anything on the back, but it revealed to be empty. "Is something going to happen to her?" I pondered on that thought but I had a mission to complete first. I can't go back for any reason right now.
I groaned as I picked myself up and packed the stuff Twilight gave me back away. I kept the compass out as it would guide me to Ponyville and with that I made my move in the direction it pointed.
It didn't take long until I arrived at a familiar scene, one that I wished I didn't see again for a long time. It was the same clearing from that night where I was searching for the children in the darkness. That dreaded night I lost control and made them all fear me.
I fell to my knees as the scene played back in my head. It flashed fast and only showed me the moments were I had fallen to such evil. It was a moment where I had given up on the world and went mad.
Before I got back up I heard a faint giggle behind me. I immediately turned to see nothing there. I must be hearing things as I swear that giggle belonged to someone I knew. I may be going crazy again but that giggle sounded way too familiar and this place was spooking me out.
The wind howled through the forest and the hours passed by way too quickly. As I looked up the sun was already setting and the forest was quickly sinking into darkness. Even with the skies still lit up brightly the forest was already near pitch black levels. It spooked me out even more the way the wind cried out sounding like someone in pain.
I couldn't take this forest anymore and ran in the direction the compass took me in. These noises were becoming louder and I wanted out fast. I heard the same giggles again behind me, but whenever I turned there was nothing there. My mind was playing games with me and I tripped as I panicked.
I yelled out in slight pain, but it was nothing to serious. I bruised my knee on a small stone I landed on and after a quick inspection of the damage I got back on my two feet and made haste. The giggling was still there and it pissed me off very quickly at this point. I lost a little bit of sanity and called out to it.
"What do you want?" I shouted. I began turning around and spinning looking everywhere for any sign. The giggling didn't stop either and got louder. It was almost like something was coming for me and toying with me in that process.
I stopped moving and sat down. I rubbed my hands on my eyes and kept my eyes closed.
"Stop it, stop it, stop it!" I yelled again. For once it did. The giggles of the forest silenced and I slowly reopened my eyes to see something out of this world. In front of me was the impossible. Hooked on a tree branch was a small red ribbon. It was way too familiar and way too farfetched for something such as that to be here.
I slowly approached it while I looked around making sure nothing else was watching me. I reached it and grabbed the ribbon and I knew who it belonged too. I rolled the ribbon in my hands as I admired its touch. It was Appleblooms ribbon for sure, but for it to be here at this time just felt weird.
"I'm sorry Applebloom," I could feel the water in my eyes build and there was no shame in holding them back. "I will fix this and I promise you," I looked into the sky hoping she would be looking back down at me. "I will end this." I hoped she was watching me and perhaps hoping she was proud of me.
Hope was all I had now. It was funny how a madman such as myself was clinging onto something such as hope. Never thought I'd believe in the whole afterlife process, but if it was something to have hope in then maybe that was what I needed to guide me.
Another hour passed and I held tightly on to the ribbon I found and continued using the compass to guide me out of hell. I finally arrived at the exit and saw Fluttershys cottage in the distance. I thought about going to her for answers, but after the stunt she pulled maybe I best hold off from that.
I dodged her house and hoped she wasn't in and saw me at all and decided to make a surprise visit on Applejack. She said before she didn't know who Applebloom was, but I think there is a dark secret there that she is hiding.
"Good afternoon Sam." I was startled by those words from behind me. I turned to see Rarity looking ever so stunning. Then again she always kept her mane in good condition which wasn't anything special. I was going nowhere with this.
"Oh, you startled me there, how are you doing?" I responded to her. I needed to get into hiding again before Fluttershy or Pinkie saw me since they both had some grudge against me. It seemed Rarity didn't and wasn't bothered by my presence here.
"I'm fine thank you dear," Rarity looked as if she was going to continue speaking, but she kept hitting sudden pauses almost like she was trying to word a sentence out. "You and Fluttershy, your date was good yes?" She finally spitted out.
"It was," I also paused as I needed to lie. I couldn't tell her the truth of what happened as she would never believe me and would most likely take Fluttershys side. "It was something special alright."
"That's good to hear. You too aren't doing… You know." She winked at me hinting towards something.
"W-What no," I caught on to what she meant and blushed with embarrassment. That was something on the least of my mind. Plus I almost did do it yesterday with her. "We thought about it, but it was something we didn't want to do, you know first date and all." I chuckled and tried to loosen my shirt collar.
"You've gone bright red. You can talk to me about these kinds of things. I only want what's best for you and Fluttershy." She trotted past me and was about to make her leave before turning back to me one last time.
"I think we can handle it when the time comes." I laughed at her and she nodded.
"Well, if you ever have questions don't forget to ask." She left me feeling awkward about the whole night before, but that slowly faded as I remembered what else happened as well.
I shook my head to clear my thoughts then continued my way to Applejacks barn discreetly. I tried to not bump into anymore ponies, but as I nearly made it to Applejacks I was stopped again.
"Sam?" The voice was Pinkies who was the last pony I wanted to speak to at this moment. I turned around to face her and instead of her looking angry at me she looked rather sad.
"Can I help you Pinkie?" I turned my head and waited for her to answer.
"I er, I want to apologise." Pinkie came to my side which was an odd surprise.
"For what, if anything I should be the one too." I was kind of right in a way. I threatened her on Appleblooms murder which made me feel incredibly upset.
"We both said things we didn't mean and I slept thinking about it all. I wanted to throw the past behind us and well, move on." Pinkie smiled at me for the first time. I was rather shocked at her sudden apology, but at the same time something deep down was telling me she was lying.
"Well I guess I can't argue with that." I nodded to her and turned back to Applejacks. I wanted to get out fast and get to safety.
"I'll see you later then?" The sadness in Pinkies voice made me stop. I felt a little sorry for her now, but I didn't know how to handle this situation.
"H-hey Pinkie?" I turned as she stopped and faced me. "Thanks." I waved and headed to the barn once more. Pinkie gave me one last little smile before heading off in the other direction. Something about that whole scene didn't seem right at all.
As I walked closed and closed to Applejacks barn I started thinking over about the things I saw. That white light giggling at me back at the forest sounded like Applebloom. I thought for a second that it could be her ghost. I shook my head at the silly thought and pressed on to finally arrive at Applejacks.
I arrived on the front door step and knocked lightly. I could hear chatter inside so it was safe to say there were ponies here that I didn't have to worry about. I heard someone approach the door and fiddle with the doorknob. Just as the door opened I was ready to say hello, but that was not the case.
"Sam!" Fluttershy yelled. She immediately went quiet straight after as Applejack rushed to her side.
"Fluttershy, what's the matter?" Applejack came round the corner and saw us both staring at each other. "Well howdy Sam, Fluttershy was just mentioning you."
"Oh really, did she mention what happened last night?" I asked politely. This isn't what I expected at all, but at least now I could get some real answers from Fluttershy and perhaps a reason why she did it in the first place.
"W-well I did." Fluttershy went really quiet and tried to hide behind Applejack.
"What's wrong with you two? You're both acting like you had a fight or something." Applejack sounded confused and shrugged.
"Could say that," I chuckled at the pair. "I went on a little trip to set my mind straight."
"Well I hope you can resolve things." Applejack added.
"Yeah, I do too." As I spoke I stared at Fluttershy. I must have given her a cold stare without noticing as her reaction wasn't the best I expected.
"I have to go!" Fluttershy struggled through Applejack and I then fled. I was left utterly confused and a little worried.
"What did you do?" Applejack turned to me and looked rather annoyed.
"Me? I didn't do anything, why?" I responded. I was hoping that Applejack wouldn't turn against me as well.
"That then, you looked at Fluttershy harshly and she ran away. I don't know what happened, but you better not have harmed her." Applejack went back into her house and slammed the door on me.
"Nice seeing you too," I waved at the door and slowly made my way to her barn. "I'll just be, in the barn." I pointed to it and went inside to rest a while.
It felt like an hour had passed while I sat alone in the barn thinking of everything that had happened today. There was Twilight acting funny, some white spectral image in the forest and now Applejack mad at me. It was just my average day in Equestria which always ended badly.
I knew something was out of place. Applebloom as a filly with me and Fluttershy was one thing that ran through my mind. If we were so young then how could Applejack be her sister since they seemed the same age in this time line. Things were getting very weird and I needed answers fast.
I quickly rustled through the bag Twilight had given me and got the red bow that Applebloom used to wear in her mane. I knew what must be done now, it was time to question Applejack about Applebloom and get some real answers for once.
I heard a small knock on the barn door I was in. I turned to see Applejack who gave me a small smile.
"Can I come in Sam?" She asked politely.
"It is your barn Applejack, why would you ask that?" I responded to her with a smile on my face as well.
"Yeah I'm mighty sorry about before. I just thought you did something real bad you know?"
"It's okay I kind of deserved it for what I did to…" I went silent. I remembered what I did to Fluttershy last night. Holding her hostage for freedom was not me at all.
"What do you mean?" Applejack came in and sat next to me.
"What happened with me and Fluttershy was something awfully." I felt sick at what I did. That person wasn't me and I allowed my inner madness to take over again. Thinking about the madness even now made me angry and frustrated.
"The truth is Applejack," I stared at Applejack. The more I looked into her eyes the more I was reminded of why I liked her so much. She was caring for me and always looked after me. "I don't love Fluttershy."
"You don't?" Applejack sounded rather shocked like this was massive news. "But you two are always so… close together if you know what I'm saying."
"That's because I found a little secret out yesterday." It pained me to say it, but now was the time to tell her the truth. "I know what happened to Applebloom." Those words I spoke clearly effected Applejack as she began looking around the room and avoided looking into my eyes.
"What are you saying Sam?"
"I'm saying that, the reason she may have died. Well I may be the reason." I looked down to the floor and sighed. "Fluttershy told me that I murdered her." Before I could speak anymore Applejack slapped me across the face with incredible force. I turned to her and saw her breaking down from the inside.
"D-don't you dare," She tried to hide her tears, but she must have felt such anger towards me that it was too much to take. "You wouldn't, I mean you couldn't do something like that."
"I don't know either. I seem to have lost my memory which is why I wasn't aware of this date with Fluttershy before." I rubbed my cheek where she hit me and felt blood. She gave me a real whack that was for sure and to be honest I deserved it.
"How do you know?" Applejack randomly spoke.
"Know what?" I replied instantly while trying to get rid of the pins and needles on the side of my face.
"Applebloom was a secret. Not you or Fluttershy or anyone should know about her." Applejack looked at me once more and placed both her hooves around my face. "Tell me it isn't true."
"I…"
"Tell me!" She screamed. I went silent after that. I didn't know what to say. Applebloom was a secret? That didn't make any sense and now I was more lost and still nowhere near the answers I seek.
"I don't know." I responded to her after I sighed. "They're something's I don't know right now. And to be honest I don't think I'll ever know."
"Do you care about her at all?" Applejack still had anger in her voice. Seeing her like this made me feel angry too, but I knew I had to contain it or I would let out the insanity that loved to cause nothing but sadness and pain around the place.
"I do, it's why I'm searching for answers."
"What answers Sam, tell me!" She continued shouting at me and I let go of it. It was something I shouldn't have done.
"You want to know the truth? Fine, I'll give you the truth." I stood up and stared at her angry expression "I never loved Fluttershy. In fact I didn't really care for her at all. She betrayed me and now I feel like getting payback on her, but first I have more important things to handle."
"Sam, I…"
"No, you listen hear and you listen well. This whole situation I am in isn't fair. I am trapped Applejack, Twilight could only help me so far, but at least she guided me in the right path while you, the one pony I looked up to the most, the pony I cared for so much didn't."
"Sam, I'm sorry." Applejack tried to speak more, but I cut her off.
"You know what, no. I don't want your apology, I want answers. I am here hoping you could help me some more, but no you can't. You're useless to me now. I wish I had never been found by you all those years ago or however long it was, I wish I could be somewhere else making a living, but no. you had to come into my life and screw it all up."
I didn't allow her to respond. I kept abusing her and shouting at her in nothing but pure rage. I had lost my good side and this wasn't the person I hoped to turn out into.
"You think I never care either? What gives you the right to decide if I care or not. In fact I'll give you some evidence right now." I grabbed Appleblooms old bow and threw it on the ground in front of Applejack.
"You're wrong Applejack. I do care about her still to this very day. I may have made mistakes, but I know I did and I learnt from them." I tried to shout at her more, but I felt myself being reduced to tears. "I felt as if you were family. I loved you as one as well, but that changed when I built more feelings for you. I… I fell in love with you."
Applejack didn't speak. She looked up at me and nodded slowly. The tears in her eyes were now the most painful thing I had seen.
"I still love you now. And I betrayed you by loving someone else too. When I finally built the courage to confess I found myself stuck in a mess. I fell in love with someone else who helped me and now I am conflicted between you and her." I couldn't decide what to do. Do I love Applejack or Twilight?
Applejack remained silent. I could see she was thinking about everything I said. I let myself get carried away I will admit, but I had to at least get it out of me. Building up rage such as that wouldn't be good in the long run.
"I know you hate me right now and that you most likely want me gone. But you needed to know the truth." I sighed and began heading out of the barn. I was stopped be her hoof on my leg.
"No, don't go." Her soft voice went. I felt bad for her. She must be feeling so many emotions right now just as I was. "Stay, just a little longer." I turned around to see her with the red bow in her other hoof.
"After all I just said, you still want me here?" I asked.
"I didn't know you felt that way. I always went on with the day seeing you always so happy, but you weren't were you." She motioned me to sit down so I gladly obeyed.
"Applejack, what I said wasn't all true I just…"
"Yes it was. I never asked you how you really were. I never attempted to help you with your problems. You were right about me. But now I want to make things right." Applejack stared into my eyes and slowly got closer to me.
"I don't know about this." I responded and backed away from her. I didn't want to do it as it would just hurt me more. I had my chance with her before, but I never truly went for it. I couldn't do it after all that just happened.
"Then at least let me give you this." Applejack wrapped her hooves around me and pulled me close. It was a nice feeling being hugged by her. "Can you forgive me?"
"I don't know." I held on to her tightly. Just being with her like that made me feel what hope was again. Even after everything I said she still cared for me. "I just don't forgive myself."
"Well if you can't, let me help you now. What do you need?" Applejacks soft voice continued to calm me down. I felt safe once more with her, just like old times.
"Help me remember who I am. Am I good?"
"Good?" it took Applejack a few seconds to figure out what I meant. "You're the nicest guy I know. Strangely enough it feels as if I've known you longer than I should have." I looked back to Applejack at that comment.
"You're telling me." I replied. I sighed and lifted myself up and Applejack quickly followed.
"I know what you need." Applejack smiled at me. "You need to get some rest. You look awfully tired."
"That sounds like a good idea actually." I nodded as I headed towards the piles of hay in the barn. It didn't take long for me to "trip" on them and just remain still waiting to drift to sleep. Applejack quickly came over to me with a blanket and threw it over me.
She left without saying anything else to me. It didn't take long for me to fall asleep straight after either and for the first time in a long time I actually had a dream, a dream that didn't become a nightmare… instantly.
My dream was strange, but in a way I felt at peace. For once I didn't feel any anger trapped inside me. I was calm and happy. I found myself standing in a field. There were no trees in sight just endless grass stretching over the hills in the distance. I took this chance to look around this dream to find out what it could mean.
I walked for ages through the endless fields until I bumped into a familiar face. I found Applejack sleeping on the grass ever so peacefully. I was tempted to wake her up, but after just staring at her I decided not to.
She woke up on her own as I attempted to walk away. "Sam?" she spoke in her heaven like voice. I responded by turning around and not saying anything. "I'm so glad you came back my love." She spoke again.
"Y-yeah, you could say that." I replied. I was a little turned off by the sudden nickname, but I'll endure it for now.
"Are you here to take us back home my love?" She spoke in a calm voice again. I was getting a little worried now as to why she kept calling me that.
"Yeah?" I was unsure what to say so I went with that hoping for it to be the right answer.
"Well we better get Applebloom then my love. She'll be playing with her friends somewhere." Applejack went back to lying down. "Wake me up later my love." She said again with the my love.
It made me feel uneasy, but what was worse was that she just mentioned Applebloom alive and playing with someone. So far it still seemed more of a peaceful dream than any nightmare.
"Sam!" That voice… it was one I hadn't heard since… I turned to see the little filly I longed to see once more, little Applebloom in front of me and alive. I nearly burst into tears, but that would make me look silly in front of her.
"Sam, Sam, let's go to the place you promised to take me!" She shouted while jumping around me.
"S-Sure, anything for you." I managed to speak. She gave me a huge smile and took off. I had to run after her to at least keep up. Trees began to spawn in front of me and the scenery began to change quickly.
The closer we got to the now fully formed forest the darker the sky became. I stopped as I knew what was happening. Applebloom turned to me when she noticed I stopped.
"Sam, what's the matter let's go!" She yelled. In truth I couldn't move. I knew where she was going to take me and I knew this dream was slowly becoming what I feared.
"I don't think we should in there." I spoke quietly, but she heard.
"Why, we go in here all the time."
"I know, but this time I just have a bad feeling." I slowly approached her.
"S-Sam, why are you looking at me like that?" Applebloom sounded nervous and her facial expression changed. She was no longer smiling and in fact she looked rather scared of me.
"What do you mean Applebloom?" I was confused. Applebloom began to step away from me and enter the forest. "No stop!" She turned and started screaming while running away. I couldn't let her run inside alone so I went after her.
As I gave chase I could hear her screamed echo around me. I still managed to pinpoint the source of her screaming which was where I continued running too.
"Go away!" I heard her yell as she continued running.
"Please, I'm not going to hurt you. Applebloom come back!" I yelled to her almost begging.
Her sudden screaming came to a halt. There were no more sounds coming from her. "Applebloom?" I questioned quietly. "Applebloom!" I yelled louder and louder but still no response.
"Boohoo." I randomly thought. I had no idea why I just thought of that. "Don't cry. It's just going to keep happening." I thought randomly again.
"Shut up." I yelled. I pushed through thorns and brushes trying to find Applebloom. When I arrived from where I heard the screaming stop there was nothing but a red bow left behind.
I quickly backed away from it. I tried to get out of the forest, but every path I took ended in dead ends. I was stuck inside this forest with no way out. I could hear the same giggles from before. "Shut up!" I continued to yell at them.
"Sam… Why did you let me go?" I heard the voices speak. "Why did you let me die?" It was pointless to reply to them as they seemed to completely ignore whatever reply I gave.
After running around like a headless chicken I found some light which I ran straight towards. I was out of that hell for once and back into the fields of green. I could see Applejack wondering around the fields almost as if she was searching for someone.
"Hey Applejack!" I yelled and ran towards her. She turned and waved to me but she didn't smile which I already knew was coming, this did happen before after all.
"Twilight is in trouble Sam." She replied back. "You have to help her."
"What, how do you know?" It seemed odd at first, but everything that had happened in this so called dream were things that had happened until now. Maybe this part was part of the future? Nah, that is impossible.
"Free us, all of us. Please." That sentence. That was the last thing I expected to hear from Applejack.
"I don't know how, I want to know more about myself before I can start on that." I replied horribly.
"Then we are dead. Now sleep my love. I hope one day you save my sister." Applejack smiled and disappeared. The rest of the grass around me slowly began to fade and with it I did too. I woke up almost jumping out of the pile of hay I was sleeping on.
I was breathing rather heavily and I also noticed I was sweating. After a few slow and deep breaths I calmed down, but something was off, I heard… crying?
I turned and look over to the corner of the barn to see Applejack there alone. By the sound of things she must have been there for a long time. I felt a little guilty about everything I said to her again and maybe I needed to apologise for real.
I slowly got up and made my way to hear. I heard her sniff a few times and stop when the barns floor creaked as I took a few steps to her.
"I'm sorry if I woke you." Applejack spoke sounding depressed.
"N-No, I just had a crazy dream. Are you alright?" What a stupid thing to say. I felt slapping myself straight after saying it as well, but Applejack still replied normally.
"No Sam, how can I be? I'm useless remember, I couldn't help you and I just feel so frustrated right now." Her tears continued to fall. I felt like an ass now. I could still make it up to her, but that would require me doing something that I wasn't sure was right.
"Hey come on now, you know better than that to think negative about yourself." I smiled at her which made her reply with a small one back. "What I said before, I didn't mean it any of it. I was just mad at myself and I took it out on you. I couldn't have got this far without you."
"You mean that?" Applejack wiped a few tears remaining away, her face brightening up at my remark.
"Of course I do." If I was going to do what I needed to make her forgive me, now was the time. "I mean, the part about me having a thing for you was true, the other stuff, not so much." I chuckled. I was playing my smooth card and gambling a risking game.
"That's sweet, thank you." She finally stopped shedding tears and came closer to me. She was about to hug me again but stopped to take a closer look at my cheek. "Sorry about that."
"N-No, I deserved it. It was… exhilarating?" We both laughed. I rubbed my sore check trying not to flinch at the pain. "It really knocked some sense into me." Applejack inspected my bruised cheek further and finally decided to leave it alone.
"Good thing I didn't buck your cheek or I might have done more than a simple bruise." She laughed. I had to join her to make her feel better I faked a laugh.
"Yeah, lucky me… So, feeling better?" I asked nervously.
"Yeah, thank you. Are you okay?"
"I'm alright I guess, strange dreams, but I'm still alive." I chuckled to myself again hoping to spring up a few laughs, but I guess the situation wasn't going that way.
There was another awkward silence between us two. I was trying to decide what to say and as I looked over to Applejack I could have sworn I saw her blushing and trying not to look at me. It was sweet that she felt that way and rather funny that it was almost like we had switched roles.
I remember me being the nervous wreck around her and that she was the one who didn't really mind, funny how things work out in the end. It wasn't that I didn't want to have anything happen between me and Applejack. It's just that I was still conflicted between her and Twilight.
"Did you mean what you said before?" Applejack broke the minute of silence which I was happy about.
"What?" She spoke so randomly again. It was getting late and I thought I'd make the most out of it now. "I told you I didn't mean any of those harsh things-"
"About you were falling in love with me. Because I think I did too you to." Applejack continued to look at me and then look somewhere else. Her cheeks were red and she was slowly moving closer to me.
"Wow, I mean er that's new… I mean… sorry, I just don't know how to reply to something like that." I felt rather nervous, I was usually the one to confess, but to have that from Applejack was just something unbelievable. "So now what"
"Sam, can you do something for me." Applejack gave me a look, almost as if she was begging.
"Sure, what do you need?" I responded carefully. This wasn't the Applejack I knew before.
"I don't need it per say, I just want to experience it." Applejack got close enough to me now that I was in hugging distance. I wanted to hug her so badly, but I also wanted to see where she was going with this.
"Yeah I don't like were this is going." I thought to myself. I shrugged off the thoughts and continue to explore what she meant.
"Experience what," It took me a few seconds to work out what she could be on about and the moment I did catch on I went bright red. "Oh, you mean-"
"What no!" She yelled in embarrassment. "I didn't mean something like that, I meant a kiss."
"Oh good," I faked a series of laughs. "I mean, crazy right, something like that so sudden. Phew." I continued fake laughing until I looked back to Applejack. "I mean. Sorry, I just got the wrong signs. You want a kiss?" I moved towards her and finally decided why not.
She replied with a small yet cute nod. Her face was full of confused emotions and so was I for a while. If I did this would I have to choose between her and Twilight? I could fake I liked it to spare her feelings and perhaps stay with Twilight, but then that would be betraying myself and Applejack.
"Okay then." I sighed and came right up to Applejack. A number of thoughts were swimming in my mind. I wanted to kiss her, and then I didn't at the same time. Applejack moved ever so closely, her lips almost touching mine. I made up my mind and I backed off.
"What's wrong?" She said with sadness in her voice.
"It's me don't worry, I don't think I'm ready for this right now." I got up and decided to leave. I already messed things up and staying here toying with Applejacks feelings towards me was cruel at the least.
"O-okay, I'll see you later?" She waved as I left the barn holding my head down in shame.
"Why couldn't you just do it Sam, fucking idiot!" I yelled to myself. I left her feeling miserable by saying all sorts of things to her. She must be devastated and I just fucked them feelings sideways.
"Man, I've got to get it together." I walked through the darkening sky. The sun was setting in the distance and I thought I'd check out the bakery for something to eat. "Gotta refill man, maybe I'm just hungry. Yeah that is it." I nodded and set off.
It didn't take long for trouble to find me as usual. I was a few feet away from the bakery before somepony in town noticed me and called my name. I was mister popular in this timeline.
"Sam, Sam!" I heard behind me. It was Pinkie again. She sounded rather upset so I decided to investigate as always. "Sam, I'm glad I found you, it's Twilight!"
"What is?" I tried to calm her down, but that made things worse.
"Twilight is in trouble, I have this letter from her and we need to leave," She threw the letter in my face. "Now, come on!"
"B-but food…" I pointed towards the bakery. It was almost like I didn't care, but when it comes to hard decisions and food there can only be one winner.
"Oh for goodness sake." She rolled her eyes and shot right into the bakery and came back out with a ton of treats.
"Okay, so what type of trouble is Twilight in?" I spoke with my mouth full of muffins.
"Celestia is going to execute her!" Pinkie and I went silent after that. I gulped the remaining muffin and ran in the direction of Canterlot.
"Well?" I stopped signalling her to lead the way. She did instantly and for some reason we went a different route. "Canterlot is a lot faster by train right?"
"I know a shortcut." Pinkie replied instantly. It all didn't make sense personally. First of all why would Twilight write to Pinkie about this, and why would Celestia kill her own student. Something seriously was not right about this. Not to mention this so called shortcut that Pinkie wants us to go.
"Y-you sure this is quicker than a train?" I asked curiously.
"Well obviously. My friend is in trouble, I want to get there as fast as possible." She snapped back at me.
"No arguing with that, but still something just feels… nah it'll be fine." I pondered to myself.
After an hour of tired walking it became dark. There were lights on the path which seemed to magically glow on their own. Pinkie stopped and I bumped into her while I wasn't paying attention.
"Why have we stopped?" I asked.
"No reason at all. I just remembered something wanted to ask you about it." Pinkie turned looking rather pissed at me again.
"Oh god, this is going to be about Twilight isn't it. I thought nervously.
"Ok, shoot." I braced myself for anything she was about to ask.
Pinkie didn't say anything and continued moving. I was left standing confused until she spoke again. "I remembered you not paying for those muffins."
"Fuck you" I thought instantly.
"I'm so sorry," I said. "I'll pay for that."
"Yeah, won't be the only thing you pay for." She whispered.
"What?"
"Nothing, we are almost there." Pinkie sped up a little and I followed. I was getting more curious about this trip we were taking.
After another hour of pointless walking we came to a bridge. It was barely stable and looked as if it was going to break if anything touched it. Pinkie and I looked to one another.
"Want me to go first?" Pinkie said. If this was some sort of trap she wouldn't want to go first. Unless she was thinking the same thing so she planned around that plan. Then I'll just have to plan around that plan. Wait… what if she planned around that plan to plan around the original plan.
"Plan… I mean Pinkie er, I'll go first." I decided why bother. I might as well get this over with if it is some sort of trap. I took one step and the bridge made a noise that I didn't like. "Second thought, ladies first?" Pinkie rolled her eyes and crossed without a seconds thought.
"Are you coming or what?" She yelled over to me.
"Yeah, give me a second." I took a slow step onto the bridge and it made more noises back at me. "I'm going to regret this." I braved the rest and began to slowly walk across. As I looked down I think I developed a fear of heights. "Why me." I said to myself quietly over and over.
I was half way and the bridge made a snapping noise. I paused instantly in panic. Pinkie looked rather worried for me as the wooden bridge began to give way. The panel I was standing on collapsed and I fell. I saved myself a painful journey by grabbing the robe which kept the bridge up still.
"Sam, you okay?" I heard Pinkie call out.
"Y-yeah, can you help me here?" I was half way off the bridge and unable to move. Pinkie slowly crossed to come see me without falling off herself. It was dark and as I looked down I couldn't see anything below. "Hurry up." Pinkie came right up to me and stared at me. What happened next wasn't what I had in mind.
"Hanging out?" Pinkie remarked.
"Very funny, now help me out of this." Pinkie smiled at me and jumped over me landing on the other side.
"No, I don't think I will."
"W-What, you can't leave me here, what about Twilight!" I yelled. The bridge moved down more and I felt myself almost fall.
"Oh come on, I had to say something to get you to Canterlot." Pinkie started moving to the end of the bridge and gave it a few odd looks. "I wonder what would happen if you fall?"
"Why?"
"It is because you murdered one of my friends Sam. Now I'm going to murder you." She laughed sounding a little crazy at the same time.
"And they call you mad."
"Now's not the time." I spoke to myself.
"No it isn't, I think it should end here. B-bye." Pinkie bucked one of the polls holding the bridge together hard, it still didn't collapse as the other three were still in place. "Maybe this will do it." Pinkie prepared to kick the second one which would result with me falling.
"T-think about this for a second, why would you want me out here, you could have just killed me back in Ponyville."
"I was going to have you arrested and thrown in jail, but I kind of like this better." She giggled at me.
"So, Twilight isn't in trouble?"
"I don't know, I had Spike make a fake letter for me, he can be convinced rather easily when you force him to." Pinkie began humming and bucked the second pole softly causing it to weaken.
"N-no, please, I'll do whatever it takes, don't do it." I couldn't go out like this. Not without any answers of why and how I am here. "Pinkie!" I yelled, but it was too late. Pinkie hit the pole one last time causing it to break and the bridge to fall, I along with it.
I didn't think of anything, I just fell knowing it was all over. I closed my eyes and awaited the quick pain to come… Nothing happened.
Morning came quickly. I awoke in a strange place I've never been before. There was sand all over the place next to a little river. One question ran through my mind though. How and where am I?
I got up to look around, but as I did a sudden jolt of pain went straight down my leg. It was hurt badly. I yelled out in pain as I didn't even know I had got hurt. I tried to think of how I got here, but everything was blank. No memory, no nothing. I slowly dragged my way up a slope and as I made my way to the top there was a broken bridge.
I gave it a few strange looks. It must have been broken recently, but what by though? It took me a few seconds to get the scenario. It was clear I fell of the bridge and hurt my head. As I placed my hand on it I felt a strange liquid. I took my hand back of my head to see and I found out it was blood.
"What, happened?" I said to myself. "Where am I?" I had no idea what was going on either. Everything was so strange to me right now. I scanned the area of any way to remember anything and I stumbled upon a sign post. It read "Ponyville ten miles." And as I finished reading a quick image flashed in my head.
For a split second I saw a pink pony? And an evil giggle followed. I was scared out of my wits, but something was telling me to go to this Ponyville, maybe I could find an answer or two.