AiE Chapter 5: Everywhere But Here

After a long discussion with Twilight about the "wonders" of friendship Anonymous had dozed off; leaving Twilight to prattle on unaware that she had lost her audience of one. After awhile Twilight noticed Anonymous wasn't responding and discovered he had fallen asleep; she assumed he was tired due to lack of rest, so she left him to rest until they both arrived at Ponyville.
Upon seeing the small village appear from under the clouds Twilight gently shook Anonymous; awaking him from his heavy slumber.
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"Ugggghh. My head..."
>Riding in a hot air gallon isn't exactly the best mode of transportation; the constant sway succeeded in giving you slight motion sickness. Your head hurt and your stomach felt like it was twisting in two; and you were seriously debating walking to Ponyville next time you had to travel to Canterlot.
>You were getting ready to either puke or pass out when Twilight suddenly spoke up; momentarily distracting you from your ailment.
>Twilight Sparkle(Ts): "There it is! Ponyville is just five minutes away!"
>The purple mare pointed to a small looking town that resided directly beside a sinister looking forest. You get up carefully and make your way to the end of the balloon; holding your stomach with your left arm and hoping to find relief soon.
>As you peek your head over the side you take a better look at the ominous looking forest; it looked like a veil of darkness covered a good portion of the trees, preventing sight of the inside.
>Strange noises and shrieks could be heard as you hover beside it in the balloon with Twilight.
"Question."
>Ts: "What is it?"
"That forest over there..."
>Ts: "That's the Everfree forest! it has all sorts of animals and plant life within it."
"Anything dangerous?"
>Ts: "Well... there are animals you should be wary of; I've had a run-in with a cockatrice before."
"What the hell is a cockatrice?"
>Ts: "It's basically a small animal that is half chicken, half snake, and has the ability to turn you to stone upon eye contact."
>You made a note in your mental checkbook of things you should avoid while here, and that was only the first animal she mentioned.
"So are there any others?"
>Ts: "Shure! There are wildcats, hydras, alligators, dragons, and--"
"Wait, wait, wait... you're telling me that in THAT forest..."
>You pointed back at the forest shrouded in an ominous black mist.
"Are all the animals and creatures you just mentioned?"
>Ts: "Well not exactly all in the forest, but in the surrounding areas as well."
>You still weren't sure how the small town the balloon was floating towards was still standing,
>Perhaps the animals weren't hostile unless their territory was invaded?
>You decided you would find out in due time, so the subject was dropped as the balloon hovered over the center of town.
>The town consisted of small homes that had..hay roofing? This would've seemed normal if it weren't for the nicely built stores and buildings; the two seemed to clash like a old house in a newly built city.
>The way the houses were shaped seemed odd as well; there was one built like a tree...no, it was more like a hollowed out tree than a building made to look like one. There was a building that looked like it was made out of desserts with a cupcake for a roof; it was so well made that it seemed like it was edible; especially the frosting rooftop that shined in the sunlight.
>One house far off in the distance was completely surrounded by apple trees; red, green, and yellow orbs hung from the tall trees; glistening in the sunlight as you floated down.
>It was definitely gonna take some time getting used to such oddly built houses, it reminded you of something out a cartoon or a storybook.
>The balloon finally touched ground after about five hours of straight floating; you quickly step out and stretch your legs and grab your bag.
>It felt so good to be on the ground again, and not floating in midair inside of a cramped basket.
"Ahhhh... finally, solid ground."
>Ts: "Alright Anon, just give me one minute to get my equipment and we'll be on our way!"
>Twilight seemed really enthusiastic about you being in Ponyville; however the way she kept looking at you started to make you nervous. It reminder you of someone who would like to open you up, just so they could see how every piece of you worked.
>She seemed like she meant well and you doubt she would seriously hurt you, but you still hope that she wouldn't go any further than questions. You shake your head slightly to ease off the remains of the headache, and to quell the thoughts of Twilight making you uncomfortable.
>Thats when a rainbow colored blur hit you from behind at super high speed; sending you toppling to the ground.
>You rolled quickly and regained balance from the surprise attack; looking up to see a cerulean colored pegasus from on top of a nearby tower; it had a mane that was rainbow colored, and a nice new carrying bag around its back.
"What the heck is your problem?!"
>???: "Twilight said she would be bringing something amazing back, but a human? Psssh! You might as well be an old fossil."
"Look, I don't give a rats ass about what you were expecting; hand back my bag. NOW."
>???: "Oh real scary; what're you gonna do about it? You can't--"
>The cerulean pegasus was cut short from you grabbing her; while she was talking you had climbed the building and successfully grabbed her bottom hoof.
>She was in shock from the speed you used to close in on her, but began struggling under your grip after a few seconds.
>???: "Let go of my hoof!"
"Not a chance in hell, now surrender the bag."
>???: "Fine! Here! Take it!"
>The cerulean pegasus tossed the bag into the air behind you; while releasing her you go for the bag before it goes over the edge, only to be cut off by a streak of rainbow that catches your bag and zoomed to another building.
"I see you you wanna try my patience!" you yell to the building the mysterious cerulean pegasus sat.
>???: "I'm bored, so why not play a quick game of tag? I'll even stay close to the ground if you want! The only thing you have to do is tag me just once and you win. If you lose I keep all your stuff, and if I lose--"
"You become my servant on a day of my choice!"
>You didn't like the idea of being dragged into this stupid ass game, but if its the only way to get your bag back you'd do it.
>Plus you could use the servant card to torture whoever the hell this is for making a game out of your day. The cerulean pegasus mulled over the idea looking nervous for a breif second; then shrugged and turned back to you with a confident smirk.
>???: "Ha! You got yourself a deal; I'm Rainbow Dash! the fastest pony in all of Equestria!"
"Don't underestimate me; my names Anonymous, and I'll probably be the fastest damn human you've ever seen."
>Rainbow Dash(Rd): "Alright then! Ready, Set, Go!"
>Rainbow Dash then dissapeared from the spot; leaving a rainbow streak in her absence. The pegasuse's speed was unreal, to keep up you would need about forty percent?
>Fifty percent?
>You close your eyes and begin to concentrate; it had been awhile since you've used "it" so you need a couple of seconds. The rips in the fabric of your torn jeans showed your skin slowly change two shades of red, and the air around your legs distorted and began giving off a hazy, clear aura.
"I'm gonna have to be careful; don't wanna destroy anything else."
>You then took off; leaving an imprint of your foot with cracks around it on the ground behind you.
>You sped through town dodging food stands, wagons, and pony bystanders that were in your path; some ponies started to scream, some ducked out of the way, and others didn't even comprehend that something had flew by them until a gust of wind knocked then off their hooves.
>You spot the cerulean adversary perched on top of a two story house; her front hooves were folded behind her head as she lazily stared at the clouds. Closing in at tremendous speed you guess it's about twenty five feet or so to the house, so you launch yourself from the ground, and on to the roof where she sat.
>The startled Rainbow Dash doubled over and watched you crash into the house through the roof.
"Shit! so much for being careful!" you shout while crashing into the house of an unknown pony.
>Rainbow Dash then poked her head in through the hole you made.
>Rd: "Hah! that's pretty impressive; can all humans jump that high and move that fast?"
>You get up and brush pieces of broken plates and wood from you before responding.
"Nah, only the freaks of nature such as myself can; plus, if it weren't for this bum arm here I would've caught you by now."
>Rd: "Tough talk for somepony who can't even jump ri--"
>Rainbow Dash fails to complete her sentence as you launch yourself through the same hole you fell through; making her to topple backwards and roll off the house.
>You watch her as she spreads her wings and becomes airborne just before colliding with the ground.
>Rd: "This might be fun after all!"
"Laugh while you still can; you'll soon be serving me hand and foot."
>Rd: "Not in a million yea--"
>You cut her off yet again as you lunged for her while she was floating; you missed by an inch and landed on the building behind her.
>While you spin around as you land; you turn to see Dash visibly annoyed.
>Rd: "Stop cutting me off!"
"Stop running your damn mouth so much and I wouldn't have to! I bet you're one of those jock types who think they have to win at everything to feel good about themselves!"
>The cerulean pegasus looked hurt for a minute; then suddenly started glaring at you.
>Rd: "You think you know me!? I don't need to win at some stupid game to kno--"
>You cut her off for the fourth time that day as you rocketed yourself in her direction; you were so close too, but you missed her arm and brushed against the bag instead.
>You quickly roll back to your feet as you hit the ground; as you turn back to Dash who looks like she was about to explode.
>Rd: "That is the LAST TIME YOU CUT ME OFF!"
>This was too easy, you managed to successfully taunt her into anger; now she would come charging at you, then you would tag her and end it.
>Rd: "Fine, since you wanna be like that I won't hold back."
>Rainbow Dash skyrocketed into the air and deep into the sky; leaving a rainbow trail behind her.
>Suddenly a stallion stood up and started yelling.
>"EVERYBODY RUN! SHES GOING TO DO A SONIC RAINBOOM!!!"
"A sonic what?"
>Your question went unanswered when every other pony started screaming and running; leaving a deserted town with only you as its occupant.
>You look up to see a barely visible Rainbow Dash that appeared as a dot in the upper atmosphere.
"Wait...is she planning on dive bombing me!? That's crazy!"
>The infuriated pegasus suddenly started diving down towards you; cutting through the air as fast as a missile.
>You weren't about to be taken out like this; you decide if she was gonna go all out you should get serious too.
"Fine, eighty percent should be enough."
>You take a deep breath and concentrate so you wouldn't mess this up, as you stood there completely still your body became enveloped in heat waves that could be seen distorting the air around your body.
>Your skin turned a dark shade of red as you braced yourself for Dash's assault; you stomped your left foot in front of you, and slid you right foot behind you; tucking your left arm into your waist you look back up at Dash.
>The cerulean pony had picked up tremendous speed as she sliced through the air; suddenly a large thunder like explosion erupted from behind Dash.
>The blast produced a magnificent rainbow ring that flowed off into the sky, and her body became shrouded in a rainbow colored vortex.
"Did she just break the damn sound barrier!?"
>The swirling rainbow mass was now dangerously close to you, and at a moment before impact you swing your left arm forward with your fingers outstretched.
"LIKE I SAID! DON'T. UNDERESTIMATE. ME!" you yell while bracing for impact.
>The ground underneath you and the nearby stands were destroyed immediately; forcing you back while the rainbow mass tried to crush you.
>The lights around Rainbow Dash were blinding; this wasn't magic, but damn if it wasn't just as dangerous. You're being pushed back further as your legs are being forced deeper into the ground.
"JUST..A LITTLE ..MORE!!!"
>You fling your arm sharply to the side; breaking the vortex and sending the cerulean pegasus flying back until she hit the ground.
>You quickly dart for her as she struggled to get up; evidently the sonic rainboom took a lot out of her.
>When she saw you running towards her a look of fear washed over her face.
>Rd: "LOOK, IM SORRY!! PLEASE DON'T DO IT!
>Your speed increased tenfold as you balled your left hand into a fist.
>Rainbow Dash flinched pathetically as she raised her trembling hoof up.
"IT'S OVER FOR YOU!"
>When you reached her you swing your fist, and gently patted the top of her head while smiling.
>The confused mare only looked at you with a surprised look on her face.
"Tag..."
>You fall to your knees.
"You're...it."
>You then completely fall to the ground as your consciousness faded to black.
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>Soft humming can be heard as you feel a cool cloth placed over your forehead; the voice was soft and gentle and made you feel relaxed.
>???: "There you go; you'll feel better in no time, and I apologize for my friend Rainbow Dash. Sometimes she can get a little rough."
>You were only semi-conscious at the time so you weren't sure if the unknown entity was talking to you or not; but your muscles still were sore from the strain earlier, and whatever you were laying on felt so soft and warm that sleep found you again.
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>You find yourself in a forest; similar to the one you crashed into upon arriving in Equestria. The trees were all black and the sky was red; bats and crows could be seen flying in groups through the red abyss.
"Hello!?"
>Weren't you just resting somewhere safe?
>Had you been drug out here as a prank?
"Twilight!?...Celestia!?...anyone!?" you shout again, only to be disappointed as you hear no reply.
>You then hear a soft noise in the distance that floated through the forest; a murmur of voices could be heard behind you as you walk forward.
>"You...don't...be..long...he..re."
>You pick up the pace as droplets of sweat began to form on your face.
>Whatever was behind you didn't sound good; it made your blood run cold every time you heard it.
>"Leave...this..place.."
>The voices were increasing in volume as you started sprinting.
>"AWAY! AWAY WITH YOUR CURSED BLOOD! BEGONE!!!"
>It felt like someone was chasing you, but every time you looked behind your back the only thing you saw was darkness.
>You suddenly tripped and fell over a foreign object, but instead of hitting the ground you begin to fall down a dark hole that didn't have an end.
> "HOW DARE YOU DEFILE OUR LAND WITH YOUR EXISTENCE DEMON!!"
>You were helpless as dark flames wrapped around your arm and started burning it alive; the pain was intense as your arm burned until it disintegrated, but the pain was not over yet as the flames spread quickly over your entire body.
>You tried to scream; you cried out for help only to have no sound escape your lips. The flames had burned away even your voice as it smothered out your existence.
>As nothing of you remained but ashes that dispersed into the darkness the voices quieted down.
>"Tis the fate....of one who possess such evil..."
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"AHH!"
>You jump up suddenly from the bed you were laying in only to be greeted by a not so soft wooden ceiling; which your head collided with.
"Ugggghh..I'm getting hurt left and right."
>While rubbing your head with your right arm you...wait right arm? Glancing down you see your arm had been taken out of it's sling, and had been treated for burn wounds and re-wrapped.
>It sill stung a little if you put too much strain on it, but for the most part it felt a hell of a lot better than before. You wondered who did this for you; it wasn't like you knew anyone here.
>So why would anyone help you?
>And to treat your wounds too?
>You start to hear a soft humming downstairs; the same peaceful one you heard earlier. You get up and make your way down the small stairway, keeping wary of the short ceiling.
>That's when you spot a yellow pegasus with a pink mane floating through the cabin; she was softly humming a melody to some small animals while pouring what you assume was their breakfast into tiny bowls.
>When she heard you approach she dropped the bag of animal feed and quickly spun around to look at you; she had really nice looking light blue colored eyes that had a light sparkle to them. She suddenly squeaked and proceeded to duck behind a nearby couch.
>Was she scared of you?
>Then why in the world would she--?
>???: "Y-your ummm, supposed to be in bed; I mean, i-if you don't mind; but I really need you to rest, if um, that's okay with you that is..."
>She spoke with a soft delicate voice, and would only peek around the edge of the couch to see if you had went back upstairs.
"Are you the one who treated me? I really appreciate it."
>The yellow mare blushed slightly and floated from the couch; she still kept a distance from you, but decided you were safe for the most part.
>???: "T-thank you, but it really wasn't much..I couldn't heal your right hoof all the way."
>There was a feeling of awkwardness as she became silent and looked at the floor, she wasn't one for long conversations it seems. You outstretched your arm and smiled; she flinched at first but then mimicked the same motion with her hoof.
"I'm Anonymous by the way." you say while shaking her hoof.
>???: "My name is Fluttershy." she said while peeking from behind her pink mane; which covered half her face.
>Fluttershy then looked up at your forehead and gasped.
"What?"
>Fluttershy(Fs): "You're hurt again! Let me--"
"Oh this?"
>You point to the small bruise on your forehead you received when you bumped your head.
"It's just a small bruise; nothing to worry about."
>Fluttershy insisted on treating it a few times; but after assuring her that you were fine she finally dropped the subject.
>After a few more minutes of akward silence you sit down and ask her how exactly you got to her cabin; which apparently is on the other side of town.
>Eventually Fluttershy sat down opposite of you and began filling you in on what exactly happened when you passed out.
>It turns out that after the game of tag that got out of hand between Rainbow Dash and you; Fluttershy had stumbled upon your unconscious body and an exhausted Dash.
>She wanted to help you because you looked injured, but was afraid that you may have been hostile so she was hesitant.
>She was helping up her friend when Dash pleaded with her to help you because you fainted; she wasn't shure if she had seriously hurt you or not.
"She was actually worried about me? I barely know her..."
>Fs: "I know, but what really surprised me was when she said that I could trust you. I mean; it's not like Dash to actually ask me to treat someone she just met, she must really like you."
"So do you..?"
>Fs: "Ummm, do I what?"
"Do you actually trust me?"
>The yellow pegasus looked you in the face for the first time, and stared at you straight in the eyes; it was hard to explain, but somehow your body wouldn't move until she looked away from you again.
>Fs: "Well, you haven't given me a reason not to trust you, and I believe in my friend Dash, so if she says your trustworthy then I believe her; if that's umm...okay with you."
>A world where ponies can talk and understand english, were kind to an alien, and put their friendship above all?
>Once again you struggle to understand just how far gone you were from Earth. You had heard of other planets before, but another realm entirely?
>Was this even another realm?
>Or a cross between dimensions?
>Why did you end up here in the first place?
>Why did a cloaked stranger suddenly tell you to smash a jewel; that you had no idea how you came into possession of in the first place?
>Fs: "Umm, are you okay Anonymous?"
>You are snapped back to reality as Fluttershy nudged you a little; you turn to look at her as she ducks back under her long pink mane.
>Fs: "S-sorry, did I hurt you?"
"Huh? oh no you didn't Fluttershy; I just got lost in thought for a minute there."
>You get up and stretch a little; putting questions you may never find the answer to out of your mind. Whatever reason you were here for; whether it be a random occurrence or a purpose, you were gonna make the best of it.
>You take a deep breath and remind yourself of things you need to do today.
"Hey Fluttershy, do you think you could help me find someone?"
>Fs: "Umm, okay...I mean sure; I'll do my best that is."
"Her name is Twilight Sparkle and she has--"
>Fs: "You know Twilight!?" Fluttershy gasped.
>It was funny because even when surprised; her voice remains remains low and quiet.
"Well I don't exactly "know" her, but I was supposed to be with her so she could fill me in on how to get around here and whatnot."
>Fs: "I..I can show you where she lives, umm, if that's what you want."
"Sure, I gotta find my bag before anything though..."
>Fs: "Oh! do you mean this one?"
>Fluttershy zoomed out of the room and returned with your carrying bag Celestia gave you; it was as clean and intact as you remember.
"Thanks Fluttershy! I owe you one, so if there's ever a time you need my help just come find me."
>Fs: "Umm, it's no big deal but I'll keep that in mind, but only if you're not doing anything, or have something better to do..."
>After Fluttershy finished feeding the small animals you saw both of you stepped out into the sunlight; feeling the warmth of midday on your skin.
>You look around and see open fields surrounded by small wooden fences, and that creepy looking forest no less than forty feet away from Fluttershy's cabin.
>You couldn't see more than a few feet inside before the shadows started covering the path and trees; leaving an empty black hole where the rest of the forest should be.
>Fs: "I-is everything alright Anonymous?"
"Yeah... let's get going to Twilight's."
>You and Fluttershy depart from her small home and make your way into the heart of town; leaving the ominous Everfree forest behind you.
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As Anonymous and Fluttershy arrive in the heart of town stands and stores were bustling with customers. Unicorns, earth ponies, and pegasuses alike were buying and selling various items and advertising their businesses.
They where selling fruits, vegetables, toys, balloons, candy, vases, flower pots, animal feed, and many other items. It looked like a fair or amusement park to Anonymous with the way everyone was smiling and enjoying themselves.
>Fluttershy(Fs): "This is the Central Plaza of Ponyville; they often put stands up with all sorts of goods for ponies to buy."
"I see.."
It was difficult for Anonymous to hear Fluttershy over the noise of the busy stores and stands, but he could make out most of what she was saying. This was basically the market where they bought and sold goods, Anonymous clasped his empty stomach; wishing he had whatever currency was excepted here so he could get something to eat.
>Fs: "Oh! Are you hungry? I'm sorry, I left all my bits at home..."
"Don't worry about it; you've already done more than enough for me--"
>???: "HOW DARE YOU COMMIT SUCH ATROCITIES!"
Anonymous and Fluttershy turn around to see a unicorn with a white coat and an extremely well styled dark purple mane.
The white unicorn was glaring at Anonymous like he had just killed a small defenseless kitten.
"Ummm can I help you?"
The white unicorn pointed at your tattered clothing; which you have had on since arriving in Equestria. There were several large rips in the shirt and pants, the right sleeve had been completely burned off, and mud, grass, and dirt stained the fabric all around.
"Sorry I don't have anything else in this size to change into-- HEY WHAT THE!?"
The white unicorn picked Anonymous up inside of a large light purple aura and began carrying him through town.
"HEY! PUT ME DOWN"
>???: "Not until those poor clothes you killed have been properly removed and replaced with something far more fashionable."
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS! IT'S KIDNAPPING"
>???: "I'm saving your fashion sense!!"
"Hey Fluttershy!! Help me out!! She's kidnapping me!!
The shy yellow mare floated to where the white unicorn was walking with a nervous look on her face.
>Fs: "Umm, Rarity, I don't--"
>Rarity(R): "Oh Fluttershy, be a dear and hold my things for me? I can only carry so much weight with my magic."
>Fs: "Umm, oh...okay.."
"THE HELL WAS THAT FLUTTERSHY!?!?"
>Fs: "Eeep! I-I'm sorry Anon..."
Anonymous face palmed as he realized Fluttershy was a total push over; he looked back towards the white unicorn named Rarity as she began rambling on about what she was going to create for him.
Today was off to frustrating start, and Anonymous seemed to be everywhere but where he needed to be.
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End Of Chapter 5: Everywhere But Here