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- >Along this old and dusty road you walk.
- >A sack of clothes, the boots on your feet, and a beat up, old guitar are all you carry with you.
- >Your shadow is the only thing to keep you company.
- >It is impossible for it to make up its mind of following, leading, or to walk by your side.
- >You don't know where you are, but you are not lost.
- >You can't get lost when you don't have a destination to get to.
- >You haven't seen a single soul in days.
- >You wonder to yourself if travelers are deliberately avoiding the roads you travel.
- >Come nightfall, you settle down and make camp for the night.
- >The crackle of fire is a wonderful sound.
- >You lay back as you watch the sparks fly high into the night sky.
- >The sparks appear to jump past Heaven itself as they fade out into the dark.
- >The night sky itself is one of the most beautiful things you have ever seen.
- >Sometimes you wonder to yourself if it's even natural to be so gorgeous.
- >The sun dawns on a new day.
- >You can't shake this strange feeling you've felt these last couple of days.
- >A feeling of... happiness.
- >As if the world itself gives of an aura of good feelings.
- >The air is cool this morning.
- >The orange sun is just barely poking up over the horizon.
- >The dawn light reflecting off of the morning dew adds to the ambiance of this pine forest.
- >A smile graces your face.
- >Picking yourself up, and burying the still hot coals of the campfire, you shoulder your pack, grab your guitar, and continue your journey.
- >There's something about the sun...
- >It's as if it makes the colors of this forest... pop out somehow.
- >Like a brightly colored painting.
- >You continue your endless journey.
- >Your clothes have faded and torn in the long time you have been walking.
- >Your boots were almost worn through.
- >Your grey t-shirt torn at the waist.
- >The legs of your blue jeans frayed and holes in the knees.
- >Your black leather jacket was torn and faded, bleached by the sun.
- >Stopping beside a stream, you peer into it's pristine waters.
- >Examining your reflection, you see a week's worth of growth on your face.
- >You were grateful of the woman who allowed you to shower and stay the night at her house one Sunday night.
- >She claimed it was free, but you offered up your last bit of cash in compensation.
- >You insisted she take the money, stating the bed was worth more to you than any amount of cash.
- >She reluctantly took it, but hid it in your guitar case without your knowing and sent you on your way the next morning.
- >What a surprise and a good feeling that benevolent woman gave you.
- >There was a barber in town and, given you had not had a haircut for about two months, decided to renew your old high fade.
- >Clean cut and fresh as can be.
- >You can't beat that feeling.
- >Giving a chuckle at the memory, you refill your canteens and continue along the road.
- >This ever-so-curious road...
- >It's about noon now.
- >The sky has grown cloudy and the sun is having trouble breaking through.
- >You keep walking, even though you know that there's a storm brewing.
- >You hope to find shelter somewhere soon.
- >Maybe an abandoned barn or shed.
- >Unfortunately, you are not given the chance.
- >The heavens begin to release their tears upon the world with the patter of rain drops on the dirt path.
- >You calmly pick up the pace, going into a slow jog.
- >Please let this sprinkle be all there is today.
- >No chance.
- >The rain begins to pick up and you begin to worry about how you will survive the night if this keeps up.
- >Hypothermia is a very real danger.
- >The forested area you are in ends just up ahead.
- >A few hundred yards beyond the treeline, you spy a small hill with a large, leafy tree standing proudly against the coming storm.
- >You run for cover and find the thick branches are holding back the water very well as only a few drops have made it through the foliage.
- >What luck you must have to find this tree at such an opportune time.
- >You would think that the woods would have provided better cover than a single tree?
- >Your clothes are damp, but not completely soaked.
- >The leather jacket provides a comfortable warmth from the wind.
- >Deciding now is a better time than ever, you seat yourself down against the trunk of the tree and open your guitar case.
- >It's your grandfather's old acoustic guitar.
- >He had left it in his will to your father, who in turn gave it to you.
- >You felt this was an insult to your grandfather, as your father clearly did not appreciate the sentimental value of this rustic beauty.
- >It had a simple wood face and was stained a light oak color.
- >The polish was worn and there were some scratches and dings here and there.
- >You tried your absolute hardest to protect this treasure from the elements and are surprised it hasn't gone to Hell yet.
- >Holding on to it over the last couple years, you have taught yourself to play by just toying with it.
- >Although not a master, you have learned to play many songs from various genres fairly well just by sound and trial and error.
- >Beginning to softly strum some high notes, you try to think of a song to play.
- >You stare out into the open pasteurs, the rain coming down over the landscape.
- >You begin to play a soft rift as you close your eyes and lay your head back against the tree.
- >The instrument strums lightly.
- >You sing softly, but put a little soul into it.
- >It's slow and sincere.
- >As you finish your song, Heaven itself appears to have heard your cries and relents in the downpour.
- >There's still a soft sprinkle, but nothing you are afraid to travel through.
- >The sun has also fought through the clouds and casts its glorious rays upon the land.
- >You look to the east and spot a rainbow, in all its magic, bridging across the sky.
- >A smile comes across your face.
- This is the absolute, most beautiful thing you have ever seen.
- >A single tear rolls down your cheek.
- >Or maybe that was a rain drop?
- >"That was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard."
- >Eyes opening wide, you jump at the unexpected voice.
- >Were you so deep into your song that you didn't even notice someone walk right up to you?
- >Who else could possibly be out here in the middle of nowhere?
- >The compliment however gives you a small satisfaction being able to provide music for others who are kind enough not to interupt or pull some kind of stupid prank on a world-weary traveler.
- >The voice was feminine and soft.
- >You turn your head to greet the owner.
- "Why thank you mi-"
- >What the hell?
- >Where did that lady go?
- >And where did this small yellow horse come from?
- >Are those wings?
- >You reach a hand out and pet its long, pink mane.
- "How did you get out here? Where did you come from? What kind of little pony are you?"
- >You were certain the coat and mane were dyed and the wings are attached by a rope or something.
- >Probably done by some cute little girl.
- >However it seems the little girl must be playing tricks on you, as she has run off and left this little pony here alone.
- >"Oh... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to bother you but-"
- >Wait a minute...
- >What...?!
- >You quickly withdraw your hand and let out a small shout as you tumble back a few feet.
- >"Oh my! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!"
- >The yellow pony rises into the air, spreading its wings and slowly starts to hover towards you.
- "What in the hell?!"
- >Your mind goes back a few minutes.
- >You must have fallen asleep and this was surely a dream.
- >There's no such thing as a yellow and pink... pegasus?
- >With this realization, you prevent the heart attack that was starting to build in your chest.
- >All those nights alone must have finally tripped your brain into imagining such an exotic creature.
- >You take a deep breath and regain your composure.
- >"Please don't be mad at me! I'm really, really sorry!"
- >You notice her eyes start water up as she reaches out her forelegs to you.
- >You grab hold with one hand and she pulls back so you are sitting up once more.
- >Strange...
- >It's soft and feels like real fur.
- >You recall having dreams before of being able to feel objects.
- >It usually turns out to be a random bed post or something in the morning.
- "It's quite alright, ma'am."
- >You adjust yourself so you are sitting crossed-legged; your arms resting in your lap with your back a little arched.
- "I just didn't expect to see anyone else around here. I also apologize if I frightened you in any way."
- >The yellow pony seemed to calm down and lowered herself to the ground.
- >She lowered her head in embarassment, looking off to the side.
- >She speaks very softly.
- >"I... I heard you singing. It was just... wonderful. I heard you from the road so I decided to investigate. I sat behind the tree to listen and not disturb you."
- >You deduce that this is a very shy creature by her soft voice, stutter, and her posture.
- >She refuses to look you in the eyes and even appears to be trying to make herself smaller.
- >If this is truly your imagination, it makes sense.
- >It's obviously a physical manifestation of your own shy nature.
- >You always had a hard time asking for help from others, and even an outright fear of talking to strangers, preferring others to approach you instead as the pony had done.
- >"It was some of the most beautiful singing I have ever heard. And that instrument... You play it so well."
- >Okay now she's just gushing.
- >You feel your cheeks blush and a smile cross your face.
- >You pet her head again.
- >She looks up at you with a large smile.
- >You have never known this kind of cute before.
- >The rain has stopped completely now.
- >You set your guitar in its case and grab your jacket.
- >"Oh, where are you going... Uhm... I'm sorry to trouble you... But what kind of animal are you?"
- >You stop in your tracks.
- >Animal?
- >This thing thinks YOU'RE an animal?
- >Well, that makes as much sense as the fact there's a talking, yellow pegasus in front of you, but you jest.
- "My name is-"
- >You cut yourself off.
- >You haven't had to use your name in a while.
- >There was the lady who gave you the handout, but before that, a long time.
- >You decide that now is a chance to start anew with no repercussions.
- "Anonymous. I am a human. Pleased to meet you Miss..."
- >You leave her an opening to introduce herself as you hold out your hand.
- >The pegasus extends her foreleg to meet your handshake.
- >"I'm..." she blushes and looks away. "I'm Fluttershy."
- >D'aww...
- >You find it a little uncreative, but it suits her perfectly.
- >It's even adorable to say the least.
- "A pleasure to meet you Fluttershy."
- >As you shake her leg, your stomach grumbles something fierce.
- >You freeze again.
- >The smile on your face disappears into a frown.
- >You look down and place a hand over your stomach.
- >It had been two days since you last ate.
- >A can of mixed fruit isn't much of a meal, but it held you over this long didn't it?
- >As much as you tried to ration your food, you simply did not have enough for you to survive any longer out here.
- >You can't hunt with just a knife, and scavenging for berries and other small plants seems to be more effort worth giving than the reward in return.
- >You've snacked on roadside dandelions as you walked, but only because you didn't have to leave the road or stop to do so.
- >Fluttershy immediately recognizes your distress.
- >Still holding your hand, she grabs hold with her other hoof and gingerly raises herself into the air.
- >A look of pity and concern on her face.
- >"Oh you poor little guy. You simply must come with me so we can get some food into your wittle belly."
- >Okay didn't you just establish this?
- >You are not an animal.
- >Or a baby.
- >And it could just be you, but your twice her size!
- >Standing side by side, she would only come up to your waist.
- >Nodding your head, you allow her to pull you by the hand.
- >About fifteen minutes later, you arrive at a small, two-story cottage.
- >The path bridges a calm, flowing stream in front of her house.
- >You can see burrows in the small hills surrounding the house and bird houses in the trees.
- >Rabbits, chipmunks, other small creatures, and birds a-plenty are everywhere.
- >This pony sure has a thing for animals doesn't she?
- >That could explain why she talks to you like one.
- >She leads you up to the front door.
- >You'd have to almost crawl just to get into the house.
- >As soon as you walk breach the threshold, a warm draft of air hits you.
- >Against a previous thought, it doesn't stink in here like you'd have thought, what with all the animals and such.
- >"Please come inside," invited Fluttershy. "It looks like it's about to rain again and you look so wet and cold."
- >You don't want to intrude, but you don't have any better options right now.
- >And you are not so timid that you're an idiot.
- >You duck under the doorway and follow her inside.
- >There are more bird houses in the corners and hanging from the ceiling.
- >You can see mouseholes in the walls, but the place is clean.
- >There are vermin, yes, but you feel that you can stand to be here.
- >Now that you're actually inside, you confirm that it actually smells rather pleasant in here.
- >Fluttershy sits you down on an area rug in the center of the living room.
- >She brings you a bowl with some hay in it and sets down in front of you.
- "Hey Fluttershy?"
- >You stare down at the contents of the bowl.
- >"Hmm?"
- >She tilts her head, wondering what is wrong.
- "I can't eat hay. You wouldn't happen to have some fruit or vegetables would you?"
- >"Yes of course!"
- >She flies back into the kitchen and brings back a bowl of mixed vegetables and a few apples.
- >"I hope you find something to your liking."
- >Yeah, now we're talking.
- >You reach for a carrot when a rabbit runs up and slaps your hand away.
- >It snatches up all the carrots and runs to the other side of the room.
- >You hold your hand in more shock than pain from the rabbit's actions.
- >What the hell?
- >"Angel Bunny!" Fluttershy scolds. "Those are not for you! They're for Anonymous!"
- >It sounds like shes trying to be intimidating, but her soft voice isn't making it very convincing.
- >She reaches to grab the carrots but the rabbit slaps away her hooves and hits her across the face with the bushel and hops into the kitchen.
- >You blink twice at this gracious pony being physically abused by a varmint.
- >That did not just happen.
- >Fluttershy frowns and sits down on the floor; her bangs covering her eyes.
- >"Oh Angel..." she mutters softly.
- >Wow.
- >You've been here for less than five minutes and you already want to kill that rabbit.
- >The nicest creature in the world offers it food and a home and it treats her like THAT?
- >You are very visibly pissed off.
- >Not because it stole your food, but how it could do that to her and she doesn't even retaliate in any way?
- >You sigh, picking yourself up and walking over to Fluttershy.
- >Kneeling down beside her, you put your arm around her neck and hold an apple in front of her face.
- >She looks up at you with big sad eyes.
- >You put on the best smile you can manage.
- >This in turn causes Fluttershy to cant her head, eyes closed, with a small smile.
- >You can't believe that worked.
- >You never thought of yourself as a counselor of any kind.
- >Everyone came to you with their issues, but all you did was listen.
- >Fluttershy gently takes the apple from your hand.
- >You walk back over your bowl on the rug and sit down cross-legged.
- >Patting the space next to you, you invite Fluttershy to come eat with you.
- >This was her house and her food, afterall.
- >And after what you just witnessed, you want to be the best house guest you can.
- >She slowly creeps over to you, trying not to make eye contact.
- >Oh yeah.
- >If you had doubts about her timidness before, they were gone now.
- >Words are not needed to interact with this pony.
- >Her way with animals must have given here a unique ability to communicate and understand others through body language.
- >You reach for an apple and take a bite...
- >Wait a minute...
- >That... that... taste!
- >This is a dream is it not?
- >How are you able to taste anything!
- >You thought it was wierd just to smell, but this...
- >You slowly chew the fruit's flesh in your mouth, then proceed to swallow.
- >You can feel it going down your throat.
- >After finishing off the apple, you can feel the lump in your stomach.
- >Fluttershy is helping herself to some lettuce, not noticing the look of shock and bewilderment that has come across your face.
- >You are unable to understand just what exactly has taken place within the last thirty minutes or so.
- >A yellow pegasus walks up and SPEAKS to you; even complimenting your music.
- >She flies over to you, takes you by the hand, and leads you back to her house.
- >Come to think of it, that slap from the rabbit left a small mark on your hands.
- >How did you fail to notice that?
- >You are trying to wrap your head around all of this.
- >This cannot be real.
- >How can any of this exist?
- >You wouldn't have been so accepting of all this if you weren't absolutely sure it was just a dream.
- >Fluttershy finally notices your worried look.
- >You are practically shaking.
- >She herself becomes worried for your well being and quietly speaks up.
- >"Anonymous?"
- >You don't hear her.
- >You don't even see how scared she looks right now.
- >You are too deep in thought that your situational awareness is absolutely gone.
- >"Anonymous?" she asks again.
- >This time she pokes you with her hoof in the side of your stomach.
- >The sudden shock and realization that she is still here made you flinch at her.
- "I think I should go," you tell her.
- >You try to stand too quickly and hit your head on the low ceiling. You aren't knocked out but the blow dazes you and you see stars.
- >You fall back with a crash and lay on your back, staring at the ceiling.
- >With your vision blurred, you continue in vain to piece together the events that have transpired.
- >You close your eyes tightly, praying that this isn't real.
- >How did you even get here?
- >You were certain you weren't dead yet.
- >The last time you fell asleep was the night before, when you noticed how the sky didn't... seem... natural...
- >The sun that morning even seemed to pop out the colors of the world.
- >If this is truly a supernatural plane, how did you get here?
- >Why were you here and no one else?
- >All you did was follow the road.
- >Surely other people were around somewhere...
- >Did you get mauled by a bear in your sleep or something?
- >You open your eyes again to see Fluttershy staring you in the face with the most worried look you have ever seen.
- >Her face is also so close it almost presses against against yours, her mane touching the floor.
- >She jumps when she realizes you're awake.
- >"Oh my goodness! Did I do something wrong? Please just lay still!"
- >You turn your head to look at her but feel... soft?
- >And strangely cold.
- >You sit up and an ice pack falls off your head into your lap.
- >There is also a pillow under where your head was.
- "What? What's go...ing...uhh."
- >You sat up too fast and have just disorientated yourself.
- >Your head gets real heavy, your vision goes blurry once more, and your speech stutters.
- >You fall back onto the pillow with a blank stare in your face.
- >Fluttershy replaces the ice pack on top of your head.
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