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I...

I am already regretting my decision to leave Ponyville. After I was no longer able to write last night, I laid out my sleeping bag and fell asleep under a flowering bush. And now that I am awake... Where do I even start?

Just finding the drive to climb out of my sleeping bag was a struggle. I wanted to go home. To Ponyville. But that is no longer a choice for me. If I go back...

Rarity has most likely read my note by now. She was likely hurt by it. And I am certain she would be quick to inform Twilight. At least now she can go back to being with her first love. Spike will be a fine lover to her. And I am sure Twilight will no longer feel envy towards Rarity, so their friendship will be preserved. Which of course means that the Elements of Harmony will remain strong. But.....even though this is for the best...why is it so painful?

Without even knowing it, I found myself walking back towards Ponyville. I had to consciously restrain myself, knowing that my presence would only make the situation worse. But when I turned to walk in the opposite direction... My god, it hurt... I want to see her again... Rarity...

By the time I had gathered up all of my gear, I was already in tears. Ponyville was a true home to me, even more so than my own homeworld. But I could never return. For the sake of my friends, I could never show my face there again. But...

I looked south, knowing that Fluttershy's cottage rests at the very edge of the Everfree Forest. Maybe...one last look at her home would help me feel better. That timid little pegasus has been a very caring friend since the day I met her. If I could see at least her one last time... I took a deep breath while drying my tears as I began to head for the edge of the Everfree Forest while taking care to stay off the main path.

I probably trekked through the trees for around ten minutes before I noticed a distinct lack of trees in the distance. When I drew close enough, I saw it. The humble cottage that Fluttershy resides in. And standing outside was my dear pegasus friend tending to her animal companions.

I can distinctly remember feeling a pleasant warmness as I beheld the pegasus in the distance. However, the pleasant feeling was short-lived as I felt the desire to approach her and even embrace her. I could not let Fluttershy know I was there. I at least wanted to say goodbye, but if I did, she would demand an explanation. And I could not give her one. All I could do was watch silently, my heart heavy with remorse as I peeked through the bushes.

Out of nowhere, I heard a distant voice call out. "Fluttershy! Fluttershy, I need your help!" The voice sounded like it was breaking in sorrow and... Oh no...

I looked to my left and saw Rarity herself running towards Fluttershy. Her face seemed to show panic and grief, though I could be mistaken due to my distance. But those large eyes were clearly displaying a type of unhappiness. Fluttershy turned to face her friend and caught the beautiful unicorn as she seemed to collapse into her arms...or rather forelegs.

It was nearly impossible for me to restrain myself. Now that the woman I love was right in front of me and clearly unhappy, I wanted to rush to her side and comfort her. But I knew I could not. She would drag me back into town where I would only cause more discourse for my friends. And.... I will admit right now, I would never be able to resist her persuasion. Rarity's feminine charm is too strong for the average man to endure.

I was too far away to make out anything the two ponies were saying to each other, but I could plainly see that Rarity was almost delirious with either worry or fear. At one point she nearly collapsed. The conversation did not last very long as I saw Fluttershy show a look of sheer shock. She then patted Rarity on the shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile.

I assume that Fluttershy was doing everything she could to calm her friend. Rarity seemed to relax just slightly as she appeared to regain some of her composure. The two friends embraced for a moment before running back towards Ponyville. They were probably going to search all over town for anyone who may have seen where I went. Of course, their search would be futile. They would never guess I am hiding in the Everfree Forest. It is the last place in Equestria anyone would dare to search. Which of course meant... That was the last time I would ever see my friends.

I wanted to follow them. To apologize for making them worry. But I could not. My friends, especially Spike, Twilight Sparkle, and Rarity, would be much better off without me getting between them. "I'm sorry, Rarity... It's for the best." I muttered to myself as I turned away in tears and ventured back into the Everfree Forest.

I... To be perfectly honest, I cannot completely recall what happened to me for the next hour or two. I felt so empty as I shambled through the forest. My thoughts... They would not stop thinking about the six wonderful mares who had come into my life just one week ago. I came to Equestria with nothing and they gave me everything I could ever hope for if not more. Especially Rarity. She gave me more than everyone else combined. The memories... How could memories of such happy days bring me so much emotional pain?

I turned and collapsed with my back against a tree as I bowed my head in depression. I did not want to move or speak. And strangely enough, no tears came. I wanted to cry, but could not. I was alone. And I could never go home. I would have to find a new home. One where I would not be a threat to anyone. But no matter what, I would never allow myself to forget the six ponies who came to me in my time of need.

I am uncertain of how much time passed before I noticed a pair of white paws at the edge of my vision. I glanced upward without moving my head and saw what seemed to be a border collie. Or a mix of sorts as it was smaller than the average border collie. And I should know as my grandmother had two. It was mostly brown, but had white fur on the paws, tail, muzzle, neck, and underside.

The two of us locked eyes for just a second before the dog suddenly turned and barked. I did not pay much mind to it as I bowed my head again. I heard footsteps coming my way. I then saw a pair of orange pony legs walk up next to the dog. A familiar voice spoke with a noticeable southern accent, "Atta girl, Winona. I knew ya'd find 'im no problem."

I heard the flapping of wings a few seconds later as a pair of cyan pony legs came into view on the opposite side of 'Winona'. "AJ, are you sure he's all right? I think we caught him in the middle of a nap." My head was tilted down at such an angle that they could not see my eyes from their current height. But I recognized the voices immediately. Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"Well... Should we wake 'im up?" Applejack replied, her hoof being raised towards me. At this point, I felt it was futile to feign sleep. I raised my head slowly before looking directly at my friends.

They were clearly startled as they backed away suddenly, obviously not expecting to find me awake. "Yeesh! Warn us next time you do that!" Rainbow Dash yelped as she jumped back.

Deep down inside, I was very pleased to see two of my dear friends again. But I had to restrain myself from reaching out to them. The more I clung to them, the harder it would be to let them go. I could not return to Ponyville with them, so I attempted to distance myself from them the best I could. I spoke while keeping my voice and face as neutral as possible, "What do you want?"

Applejack frowned as she took a step closer to me, "What kinda question is that, James? We're here to bring ya home."

I then asked, "How did you even know where I was? I never said where I was going..."

Rainbow Dash smirked as she replied, "Let's just say a little birdie pointed us in the right direction. We never would've guessed you came all the way out here if he hadn't told us about where you went last night."

Little birdie? Wait... "Owlowiscious..." I grumbled under my breath. I should have known that clever owl was going to alert my friends to my whereabouts.

"Ya got that right. So then, whatcha say we getcha back home safe and sound, pardner?" Applejack asked as she held out a hoof to me.

I looked up at my friend. Her face had a genuine smile on it. At the same time, I felt as if she was oblivious to the reason why I was out here to begin with. I sighed before gently batting her hoof away, "Sorry... You know I can't do that."

"Now, hang on a minute..." Applejack spoke up. However, Rainbow Dash stepped in as she walked past her friend.

"We know why you're out here, James. Rarity showed us the note." Rainbow Dash spoke as she looked me in the eye.

"Then you know why I can't return." I replied as I started to climb to my feet. "I'm sorry... I really am. You girls are the best thing to ever happen to me and I really don't want to do this. But... I can't go home. Please tell the others that I'm grateful for all they've done for me. And tell Rarity that the last few days I spent with her were some of the best days of my life... But really... I can't go back."

"Don't be that way, James... I know we can work somethin' out." Applejack spoke, her face showing signs of worry.

Seeing my friends so unhappy at the idea of me leaving made it even harder for me to turn my backs on them. "I wish we could. But I know the full extent of the problem. I'm a source of pain to some of my friends now, girls. I can't live with myself while knowing that. So..." I then tried to give them one last smile. "Goodbye, Applejack. Rainbow Dash. And thanks for always being there for me when I needed you. I'll never forget you." I then turned and began to walk further into the Everfree Forest, doing everything I could to not break down in tears.

"OK, that's enough. Not another step, James!" I heard Rainbow Dash call out. I did as I was told and stopped in my tracks.

I noticed a fairly stern tone in my friend's voice as she spoke, "Look, James. We know what the problem is. In fact, Rarity went straight to Twilight first when she read that note! They talked it over and its all OK between them now!"

Applejack then spoke, "Twi feels awful fer not handlin' her feelin's better. She wants ta see ya again so she can apologize."

I felt some of my anxiety fade away at this revelation. Twilight and Rarity had come to a peaceful conclusion? That was certainly good to know. Even so, there was one other reason why I could not return. "Oh... Well, I guess that's all great. It would be bad for Equestria if two of the Elements of Harmony fell outta sync with each other."

Rainbow Dash then smiled, "Yeah! I mean, it's OK that you were so worried about our bonds as friends! But everything's fine now! So come on! Let's go home!"

I shook my head as I gathered up as much willpower as I could. "I'd love to, Rainbow, but I can't..."

Applejack replied, "Wha... Why not?!"

I looked over my shoulder at them and spoke, "Because she already has Spike and I shouldn't get between them." I then burst into a run, hurrying through the trees in an attempt to escape them.

"Hey! Hold on!" I heard Applejack call out as I heard the sound of hooves clopping somewhere behind me. It was a futile struggle. I would never be able to outrun an equine. But maybe, just maybe, my fewer legs would make it easier for me to quickly maneuver through the overgrown vegetation without slowing down. The clopping of Applejack's hooves very slowly grew more distant, although I could hear Winona occasionally bark.

Just when I thought I was going to lose them, I stopped in my tracks as I saw Rainbow Dash swoop ahead of me before turning around. "Knock it off, James! You're making a mistake!"

I knew better than to try and outrun Rainbow Dash. Her speed is unmatched and her agility is absurd. She could easily weave her way around the trees without slowing down. I had also picked up on the fact that she is a black belt in karate, meaning she could probably grab me in a stranglehold and pin me to the ground if I tried to flee. As I considered my options, I heard Applejack and Winona catch up to us from behind me.

"James, ya don't hafta stay away from us anymore! It's all right now! You can come home!" Applejack spoke from behind me.

"We know about why you left! And I'm telling you there's nothing to worry about anymore! So come on! Let's go home!" Rainbow Dash added while hovering in front of me. Despite her words, I knew Rarity's true betrothed is Spike and that my presence would only cause more friction between them. But how was I going to get away now? I was surrounded.

As I considered my options, I felt a faint tremor in my feet. "What was that?"

Applejack replied, "Yeah, I felt it too..." The tremor came again in three-second intervals. It felt like a scenario out of a dinosaur thriller film with a T-rex approaching the protagonists.

I noticed something.....big coming through the trees. Like a mass of brownish orange drawing closer. The mass seemed to reach above the treetops. Rainbow Dash clearly detected its approach as she looked at me with an unnerved expression. "Lemme guess... There's something weird behind me, isn't there?"

I nodded in agreement and I suspect that Applejack did so too. When Rainbow Dash turned around and looked up, I did the same. Towering above us was what seemed to be a four-headed hydra. Despite the fact that the creature walked on two legs, it lacked arms or forelegs of any kind. "Um... Did we wander too close ta Froggy Bottom Bog?" Applejack spoke up with a voice that seemed laced with fear. Possibly because she might have had a run-in with a hydra before, if not this very one.

Despite being in the presence of a very large and dangerous creature, my depression and emotional distress dulled my ability to experience fear. I bowed my head with a sigh before looking back up at the hydra. "I'm really not in the mood right now. Can we do this some other time?" The four heads of the hydra seemed to look down at me with bemused expressions, as if bewildered by my reaction to them.

"I don't think it's gonna reschedule its dinner date! Get outta here while I hold it off!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she darted above the treetops. "OK, big guy! Let's play a little something I call 'Fast Food'! I'm on the menu, but ya gotta catch me first!"

Rainbow Dash lashed out with a kick to one of the heads, prompting the others to snap at her. Fortunately, my brash pegasus friend was far too fast to be caught. She swooped and weaved around the four heads, even going so far as to trick two of them into tying their necks together in a knot.

"Don't just stand there, James! Let's get outta here!" I heard Applejack call as she and Winona ran back the way they came. However, instead of following, I looked up at the hydra again. If I...allowed it to kill me, I would be out of Spike and Rarity's relationship forever. As I contemplated this possibility, one of the two remaining hydra heads made a lunge for me while the other snapped at Rainbow Dash.

"Oh no you don't!" I heard my friend shout as she intercepted the head by diving straight down into it, driving its face into the ground with a thunderous crash. She looked at me for a moment and spoke, "What're you doing?! I can't hold this thing off forever! Run!" She then rose back above the canopy to deal with the remaining three heads.

As I stared at the dazed face before me, I took note of Rainbow Dash's efforts to protect me. This hydra was dozens of times her size, yet she was fearlessly engaging it in an attempt to buy me some time to get away. In other words, she was putting her life on the line to insure I would live. With some hesitation, I decided to honor my friend's efforts and ran in a different direction from the one Applejack ran in. But as I did so, I muttered, "Thank you, Rainbow..." I prayed that this time they would not pick up my trail. Or that Winona would be too frightened to go any deeper into the forest after that encounter with the hydra.

By the time I realized what I had done, I had been running for no less than five minutes. There was no sign of Applejack. And there was no sign of Rainbow Dash. Of course, there was no sign of Winona or any sound of her barking. I had lost them in the confusion brought on by the hydra. However, my feelings were conflicted. I was grateful that the hydra had given me a chance to escape. But at the same time..... I was disgusted by what I had done.

Two of my dearest and most dependable friends had gone through the trouble of coming all the way out here in the Everfree Forest to bring me home. And how do I thank them? By fleeing from them. As I came to this realization, I buried my face in my hands and cried. I wanted to go home with them, but that life is gone. Even so, if this is truly the best course of action for the sake of my friends, then why does it hurt so much?

I wandered aimlessly for a time. I am not really sure just how much time had passed. But I came across a curious sight. Huddled against the base of a tree was what seemed to be a dove. Judging by the colorations and patterns on its neck, it seemed to be a turtle dove.

From where I am from, turtle doves are not native to the area I used to live in. So seeing this exotic bird intrigued me and caused me to draw closer. However, the dove did not seem to react to my presence This struck me as odd since all other wildlife I had come across that day behaved like wildlife from back on Earth. By which I mean they wanted nothing to do with me. Why did it not fly away from me?

I reached out to touch the little bird, wondering if it was merely asleep. However, when I had my finger right up to its face, it still did not respond. I felt a slight chill as I began to understand what was wrong. The poor thing was either sick or.....dead.

I had no medicine with me at the time or any foods with such properties. I climbed to a standing position as I bowed my head. I then turned to leave in order to allow the poor dove to die in peace without my intrusion. But I did not get far before I heard a fluttering behind me.

When I turned around, I found another turtle dove tenderly preening the other dove while cooing softly. It did not pay me any mind, so I drew closer. To my mild surprise, the seemingly ill dove opened its eyes and began to weakly preen the other dove. It was more than likely ill and the other dove, probably being its mate, was supporting it however it could.

These two simple animals struck a chord with me. Turtle doves have long been symbols of everlasting love due to the strong bonds they form as mates. For some reason, the sight of the two birds being together seemed.....symbolic to me. As if they were foreshadowing something. I did not have time to ponder this thought as I decided to move on. More than anything, I just wanted to find one thing. A new home to settle down in and to fill the hole in my heart with new friends I could not harm.

I am unsure of just how much time passed. Nor did I care enough to really count the hours. Without my dear friends, my day felt so...empty. Every single day back in Ponyville was a small adventure for me, with new things to learn and new little discoveries to be made. Even if nothing new happened, just being with my beloved friends made everything worthwhile. But now.....

My tears came to a halt as I noticed some movement up ahead. The evening had just started, so the sun was starting to get low in the sky. It would still be a few hours before the stars came out, so there was still a decent amount of light making its way through the treetops. I froze as I could make out the form of a filly just up ahead. But what child in their right mind would... Wait.

I felt a sense of panic come over me as I suddenly remembered one other pony from back home that, in my depression and worry for my friends' well being, I had completely forgotten. "Scootaloo... Did you really come all the way out here to find me?"

I was now in a moral dilemma of what to do. Scootaloo had become like a little sister to me. If word of my leaving Ponyville reached her, there is not a doubt in my mind that she would drop everything and come looking for me if she had even the slightest idea of where I would go. She had made it very far into the Everfree Forest by now. She would probably never find her way out alone.

What was I supposed to do? I love her. I could not just leave her be to fend for herself. Not with the likes of that hydra prowling the forest. But if I were to reach out to her and escort her back, even to just the edge of the Everfree Forest, she would likely refuse to leave my side until we were safely back in Ponyville. There would be no way I could escape at that point. My friends would be watching me like hawks. And that would only doom Rarity's relationship with Spike. Should I hide or should I help?

After a moment of contemplation, I decided to inch closer to see if the filly was indeed Scootaloo. I took shelter behind some bushes while peeking past them. To my surprise, I found that the filly was not a pegasus, but an earth pony. What baffled me more was that I did not recognize her at all. Just where did she come from?

The filly's mane was straight and long. The style made me think of the style worn by Twilight Sparkle, though it was not a true carbon copy of her hairstyle. The coat was a light gray while her mane and tail were a combination of yellow and orange, being patterned in vertical stripes. Her cutie mark depicted a magnifying lens. Did it point to skill in locating lost people or objects?

After a moment, I noticed the filly starting to look my way. I immediately ducked my head behind the bush. After a moment, I heard the clopping of hooves. I slowly raised my head to see where the filly was going. However, she was nowhere to be seen. But I could still hear her footsteps... Wait...

"Mister? Are you lost?" A young girl's voice asked as I felt something pat me on the leg. I slowly turned my head and looked down and found the same filly looking up at me. Only now that she was facing me, I could clearly see her...glowing yellow eyes. What was wrong with this child? The sclera, pupil, and iris of each eye were the same shade of yellow. And yes, they were truly glowing. Like beacons in the darkness.

Due to my depression, I did not feel a need to react strongly to the strange filly's glowing eyes. I calmly replied without much emotion. "Yeah... I'm just looking for a place to rest... Maybe a place to settle down in."

The filly nodded, but then frowned. "Well... If you're looking for a place to stay, I know of a town that's somewhere near. But...it's not exactly safe at night."

I was not concerned about my safety at all at the time, so I merely shrugged off her warning. "A home is a home. Besides, I can't imagine a town in Equestria being dangerous. Could you please escort me there?"

The filly frowned, "Well... OK. But just don't go outside when it gets dark out. Trust me." She then began to lead me along what seemed to be a narrow dirt path through the forest. "By the way, what's your name? I'm Ruby."

I replied nonchalantly, "The name is James."

I said nothing as Ruby led me through the lush forest. My mind could not stop thinking about the dear friends I had left behind. Leaving them to insure that the romance between Rarity and Spike would remain strong... It was starting to feel like it was a mistake.

"Mr. James, are you OK? You haven't heard anything I've said." I heard Ruby speak up.

My depression must have been so overwhelming; I did not notice the sound of her voice until she spoke my name. "Sorry... I've...been through a lot recently. I'm pretty torn up inside..."

The little filly slowed her pace slightly so that I was now walking alongside her. "Oh... Well, is there anything I can do to help? Or can you tell me what's wrong?"

I decided to not lie; although I doubt a child her age could understand my problem. "I had to leave my new home when my bond with one of my closest friends began to endanger her bond with someone else... And they had been together longer, so it was for the best that I left."

Ruby looked up at me with what I think was an expression of sympathy, although it could have been something else. It was hard to tell what emotions she is feeling when her eyes look like glowing yellow orbs. "That's...so sad... Do you think you'll go back someday?"

This notion caused tears to begin to fill my eyes once again. "I can't go back... Never again..."

"Mr. James... I'm sorry if I said something that made you cry..." Ruby spoke with her head hung low. "If it's a friend you need, I know someone in that town who can help you. Her name is Mitta. She has a really red mane and red eyes." All I could do was nod to show I understood her.

"OK, that town is right over there. Just stay on the path." Ruby spoke as we came to another path that branched off to our right. In the distance, I could make out a small light.

"Thanks, Ruby. I'll tell Mitta you said hi." I muttered in reply as I turned to head down the path. But before I could start walking, I felt Ruby place her hoof on my leg.

"Mr. James... If you want a friend, I could be your friend too. I... I don't have many friends out here." Ruby spoke with an unhappy tone.

It was at that moment that I understood how desperate I was for companionship. For the longest time, I had been something of a loner. But the ponies of Ponyville had opened up my heart to companionship. Now that I had lost that companionship and was now being offered another, I felt a deep feeling of gratitude in my heart. I dropped down on one knee, picked Ruby up in my hands, and embraced her gently. "I'll be your friend, if you want me to."

I felt the young filly wrap her forelegs around my neck in a tender embrace. "We'll see each other again, right? It's just... It's been so long since the last time I met a human. I don't want this to be the last time."

I think I smiled a bit when... Wait a minute. What she said... I am not the first human she has ever met?! How is that possible? Humans, from what I have heard, have never once existed in Equestria. So then how... Whatever. It is not my place to question it, nor did I really care at the time. "I don't want it to be the last time either..."

When I set my new friend down, she smiled, "Be careful in there, Mr. James. And remember. Don't come outside at night."

I nodded and began to head down the path. However, I stopped when I noticed Ruby was not following me. I turned and asked, "Aren't you coming?"

Ruby shook her head, "Sorry... I'm not welcome there. But I'm sure they'll welcome you." I was hesitant to ask why the inhabitants of that town would not appreciate Ruby being there. Did she cause too much trouble at one point? I certainly did not get a trickster vibe from her.

"OK then... Let's chat again soon, Ruby." I waved goodbye to the strange little filly and carried on, curious if this town would really turn out to be my new home.

As I drew closer, I could see into the town. The town was... Actually, it seemed to be too sparse to be a town. It was more along the lines of a hamlet. However, there was something off about this settlement. It was not on the other side of the Everfree Forest. It was somewhere INSIDE it. As I had already read plenty about the various towns and cities of Equestria, I knew for a fact that there is not a single settlement of any sort inside the vast forest. So...what is this place?

I had barely entered the little hamlet before being approached by an earth pony stallion who seemed rather happy to see me. "Well, hello there! It's been a really looong time since we last had a human guest! Welcome to..." His bright and cheery grin dissolved into a worrisome frown as he looked up at me. "Hey, are you all right? You look like you've had a rough time somewhere."

I was hardly surprised that he could make out just how down I was feeling just by looking at me. I was making no effort in hiding my depression. I decided to answer him frankly and muttered, "I've been through a lot of pain recently... I'm just looking for a place to settle down." I also took note of the fact that he seemed to have encountered humans before, but I truly did not care enough to ask about them at the time.

To my mild surprise, the earth pony reached out and placed his hoof on my knee. "I'm sorry to hear that. But if you're looking for a new home, we ponies of Sunny Town are always looking for new friends to add to our humble little community. We've even got an empty house for you. Well, OK, it's not completely empty. It's got everything you need, but there's nopony living there yet."

This pony's hospitality was almost too good to be true. I had been searching for a place to call home for just one day and I already found it? What was more, I had hardly said anything to him, yet he seemed to completely trust me. "Is there a catch?" I asked, wondering if there was a different motive behind it.

"No catch, friend. We hardly get any visitors way out here in the Everfree Forest, so it gets a little lonely out here sometimes. I honestly can't remember the last time we had a guest at all." My host replied with a compassionate smile. "So, how 'bout it, friend? Would you like to take up residence with us in Sunny Town?"

Truly an uplifting offer. With the exception of Ruby, I quite possibly had found my first friend since leaving Ponyville behind. This was my chance to start over. "Thanks... I'll stay."

My host smiled, "Glad to hear that...uh... Sorry, but what's your name again?"

I replied, "It's James, Mr...um..." I too did not know my host's name.

Apparently realizing that he had not yet introduced himself yet, the earth pony chuckled, "Oh, whoops. Sorry about that. The name's Gray Hoof. Celebration planner extraordinaire. But in any case, let's get you settled in, James. Come with me." He led me into the village, myself shuffling behind him.

Despite having found a new home and probably new friends, I was still feeling rather empty inside due to leaving my old friends behind. As a result, I did not pay much mind to my surroundings. Gray Hoof spoke as he led me, "Speaking of celebrations, I was in the middle of setting up a party when you arrived. It'll be another hour before everything's ready to go, so feel free to relax until then."

While I followed him, I took the time to look Gray Hoof over. True to his name, his coat, and his hooves by extension, were gray. His mane and tail were slightly messy, being a very dark shade of gray, if not being completely black. His eyes were equally dark. And lastly, his cutie mark depicted......wait a second. Nothing? He...has no cutie mark? Why? He is clearly an adult while most ponies find their cutie marks at a young age. So where was his?

Choosing to not bring up his missing cutie mark, I followed Gray Hoof to what I believe was the very center of Sunny Town. At least I think that is what he called this place. He led me to one of the houses, which had slanted roofs, but the centers were flat. I even noticed an old well not far from the front door. "Here we go. This is your place now, James." Gray Hoof spoke as he led me inside.

The interior was fairly cramped for someone of my size, but I could manage. There was a sofa against the wall, a fireplace, and a bed in the corner with a table in the middle of the room.. I noticed a bathroom nearby as well. The house was of a modest design, but I did not mind. I had a home of my own now and a friend who was kind enough to give it to me. "Thanks, Gray Hoof... I think I'm gonna like it here."

My host smiled, "I'm glad to hear that, James. Feel free to make yourself comfy. If you need anything, I'll be around. We'll have food and drinks set out for the party, so hang tight until I get the rest all set up." He then waved goodbye, leaving me to myself.

I set aside my gear on the table and relaxed on the bed, which was somehow long enough to hold my entire body. But as I gazed up at the ceiling, my thoughts trailed back to the wonderful village I had been living in until just last night. And of course the wonderful ponies who had come into my life.

"I came into this world with nothing... But you six gave me everything..." I muttered out loud, remembering the very first day I arrived in Equestria. I still could not believe I was no longer with them. What were they even doing at that moment? Probably just going about their daily lives. They were most likely comforting each other over their worries about me. And Spike was surely doing everything he could for Rarity. Their relationship would remain strong with me gone. And I know for certain that Spike is probably rejoicing over my departure at this moment.

I felt a great emptiness in my heart as I came to understand just how much my wonderful friends mean to me. And I.....completely gave them up so that my most precious friend could be with the one she is meant for without unwanted conflict. I truly want to go back. I really do. And I never once throughout the entire day was glad that I had left. By this point, my tears had run dry. I could not feel any tears flow as I craved to be with my friends again. The only solace I found was the potential of starting over here now that I have a home of my own. Perhaps the ponies of Sunny Town can fill this hole in my heart.

A moment later, I heard a knock at the door. As I sat up, it slowly creaked open. "Hello? I heard that you weren't feeling too well. Are you OK now?" A young woman's voice spoke. I said nothing as she stepped inside. Standing before me was an earth pony mare, her strong cyan eyes gazing at me with a look of concern. Her coat was green while her mane and tail were an even deeper green. The styling of her mane was nearly identical to Rainbow Dash's, her tail being just as long and wild. And...she had no cutie mark. Honestly, what is the deal with the ponies of this village? I may as well call Sunny Town the 'Village of the Blanks'.

I stared at her for a few seconds before sighing and resting my head back down onto the pillow behind me. The clopping of hooves came closer until the pony was looking right down at me. "Gray Hoof told me about you. Are you all right?"

I frowned and muttered, "No... Not all right at all."

The pony reached out and rested her hoof on my hand, "Oh, you poor dear. Did something happen to you out there?"

I turned my head away from her and replied, "It's...personal. All I'll say is that I had to leave my friends behind because my presence was becoming a threat to their relationships..."

I heard the mare sigh as she rested what I think was her chin on my chest. "That's awful... Well, we'll be your new friends. My name's Three Leaf. What's yours?"

I looked down at Three Leaf, whose head was indeed resting on my chest. "My name's James..."

Three Leaf's mouth curved into a gentle smile. "I don't think I've ever met a human with that name before. Or have I? It's been so long since I last met a human... How many years has it been again?" Her eyes looked out of the corners as she seemed to be thinking hard.

This little quip conflicted with what I knew so far about humanity in Equestria. From the way things seemed in Ponyville, there has never been a human in Equestria before me. And if there ever was, the last human must have been seen centuries ago to be so thoroughly forgotten. But Three Leaf does not seem to be any older than her early or mid twenties. Do humans still exist in Equestria, but are just living in hiding? I decided to not inquire about it as I quite simply was not interested enough to care at the time.

Three Leaf shook her head, "Oh, what am I doing thinking about the past like this? I should focus on what's going on right now. After all, you just got here."

I nodded silently at her words. However, Three Leaf then nuzzled my face gently, "Don't worry about what happened out there. I'll be here for you as your new friend. And don't forget about everypony else in Sunny Town. We love making new friends. Trust me, you're gonna love it here."

The green pony looked down at me with those big happy eyes of hers. Seeing those eyes reminded me of how I would sometimes wake up to find.....Rarity looking at...

"Three Leaf..." I muttered as I felt tears building up in my eyes out of nowhere as I recalled the face of my beloved girlfriend. Before she could even reply, I reached out and held her in a tight embrace. "I'm sorry... I can't forget her..."

I felt the mare pat me on the back as she too embraced me. "There, there... I know you've been through a lot. But don't worry. Everypony in town will help take that pain away. Just take it easy, James. And before you know it, you won't want to leave. Ever."

"You mean it? I can stay for as long as I want?" I asked, feeling slightly better that my new friends were already doing what they could to help me recover from parting with my first friends.

Three Leaf smiled brightly, "Absolutely. We'll always be here for you. We'll protect you. Forever."

"Thanks... I really mean it..." I muttered as I held my new friend tightly.

"Can I get you anything? Maybe some punch or chips?" Three Leaf asked a moment later.

"I'm good for the moment... If I want anything, I'll go look around." I replied, not really in the mood for food or drink.

Three Leaf released me from her grasp and dropped back down onto all fours. "All right then. I'm gonna go see if Gray Hoof's down setting the party up. I'll be around if you need me." I saw her off with a slight smile, once again humbled by the hospitality of Equestria's ponies.

After an hour or so of relaxing on the bed, I decided to take a look outside the window as a means to keep my mind off the memories. There were hardly any houses to be seen. And the edges of the town led right into the lush Everfree Forest. I also noticed that I could not see the sky as the canopy of the forest was completely spread out over Sunny Town with only a few very small openings here and there. The majority of the lighting was coming from numerous decorative lanterns hanging all over the place. All in all, the humble village gave off a very cozy atmosphere.

I saw Gray Hoof trot by, looking very pleased with his work. Three Leaf seemed to be engaged in a conversation with another earth pony stallion I had not yet seen. He seemed to have a brownish green coat and a faded orange mane and tail, although I could not quite make out the coloration of his eyes from this distance. I remember letting out a sigh, feeling content and very fortunate that I had found a new home with such great new friends.

Just as I was about to look away, I noticed another pony walk into view. Or rather, she seemed to shuffle into view. Her gait was very slow with her head bowed. Her eyes were a light red color while her mane and tail were a crimson red. Her mane was fairly long as it extended past her shoulders and was styled in a very wild, yet surprisingly attractive manner. Her coat was a light shade of gray. Once again, she was a pony who lacked a cutie mark. However, unlike all of the cheerful ponies I had seen thus far, this pony seemed absolutely miserable. She seemed to be paying no attention to anything in particular. I was naturally concerned, but felt that I could not help her, as I did not know her at all. I decided to leave her be, certain that whatever was wrong was her problem alone.

I think I noticed Three Leaf approaching her as I walked away from the window. I reclined on the bed again, still trying to shake off the memories of my time in Ponyville. However, my thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. I waited for someone to speak up, but I heard no voices. My gaze turned to the ceiling as I suspected it was someone realizing that they had come to the wrong address. However, I heard the door creak open instead. I glanced over to the door to see the same gray and red mare from just a moment ago. When her eyes fell upon me, they opened wide with what seemed to be shock. She did not speak until she had closed the door behind her. "How are... I thought your kind was... When did..."

I muttered, "Yeah, I heard. Humans haven't been seen around here in a while." I then turned my head away with a sigh.

Without warning, I heard the mare trot over to me before shaking me with her hoof. "That's not important! You need to get outta here! Now!"

This type of reception was very different from what the other ponies I had met in Sunny Town had shown me. Why was this mare demanding that I leave so shortly after I arrived? Of course, I was in no hurry to go anywhere now that I had found a new home. "Sorry to disagree, but I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

The mare stood down, but continued to plead with me. "Look... I know this town seems like a nice place. But it's all a trap! When the night begins... You don't want to be here when that happens! Please, you need to get out of here before it's too late!"

I was starting to become mildly annoyed with this mare's pleas. I could see nothing wrong with this town. And even then, I still remembered Ruby's warning to not go outdoors at night. "Leave me alone... You don't know what kind of ordeal I've been through. I have a new home and new friends and I'm not giving that up. Besides, Ruby warned me not to go outside at night. As long as I stay indoors, I'll be OK."

The mention of the little filly seemed to faze the mare as she paused for a moment. "You met...Ruby?" I nodded in response without turning to look at her. "Was she all right?"

I nodded again. "Aside from those glowing yellow eyes, she seemed perfectly normal. She's a nice girl. Pretty much the first friend I got out here."

I heard the mare mutter, "Yes... Very nice... I should've never allowed them to..." She seemed to catch herself as she took a seat beside my bed. "Well... If I can't convince you to leave, could you tell me why you don't want to?"

I turned my head to look at the earth pony, finding her eyes to be showing genuine concern. I sighed, "Fine... The reason I don't want to leave is that I was forced to leave my previous home since my presence had become a threat to my friends. Now that I know what it's like to be homeless and without friends, I'm in no hurry to leave my new home and new friends."

The pony stayed quiet for a moment before speaking, "I understand... But still, this is the last village in Equestria you would ever want to live in. It may look like a nice place with friendly neighbors now, but when the night begins... All I can say is that if you don't leave now, you might never leave again."

"Did I not make it clear that I do NOT ever want to leave anyway?" I retorted, hoping this mare would leave me alone.

She sighed, "You don't understand... It's hard to put into words, but... This town is cursed. We have all committed a terrible sin and have been punished for it."

The mention of a curse caught my attention. "A curse? What kinda curse?"

She explained, "It only takes effect at night. When it does... The whole village...and the ponies in it... It's a sight I don't want you to see. And the curse is contagious. If they so much as touch you..."

A contagious curse... At night... If I stayed, would I die? The pony continued to speak, "And no, the curse does not kill you. It does the opposite. It prevents you from ever dying. You will never find solace."

At this point, I had begun to understand my plight. The last thing I wanted was to ever become immortal and have to live forever without friends. At least that was what I believed she meant at the time. "OK... If this town really is that bad, I'll go... But...will they really let me leave?"

The pony stood up, apparently satisfied with my decision. "I'll help. You leave through the main entrance and I'll meet up with you there with your stuff. If they see you carrying it, they might try to keep you from leaving. Go on ahead. I'll meet you there."

I nodded and stood up. The pony went over to my belongings and began to gather them up. "Thanks..." I muttered as I left the house.

My eyes fell upon Three Leaf as she waved at me. Was she really cursed? She seemed completely normal at a glance. Regardless, I waved back. I did not want to leave my new friends, but that gray pony clearly knew something the others did not want me to know. I decided to take her word for it and began to head for the town's entrance.

As I neared the exit, I passed by a young couple who seemed to be locked in conversation. However, I was in too much of a hurry to pay any mind to them. Just as I reached the exit, Gray Hoof approached me again. "Where you going, James? The party just got started." He was smiling like always, not showing the slightest bit of hostility.

"I'm just taking a walk, Gray Hoof. I'll be back in a while." I replied. I felt bad for lying to him, but... I knew somewhere in my gut I should believe that crimson-mane pony. Regardless, I felt I was going to miss Gray Hoof.

"OK then, James. I'll prepare you some treats for when you get back. Take care out there. And say hi to the others if you see them." He said with a smile before trotting away... Wait. Others? Did I overlook someone on my way in? Who else was living out here in the Everfree Forest?

I walked out of Sunny Town, but did not go too far before I heard a rustling in some bushes at the edge of the path. I froze as I saw the same gray mare from before emerge from the bushes with my bag of gear on her back. "Nopony saw me sneak off with your stuff. Everything's still here."

I nodded as I put my backpack on. "Thanks. I don't think they know I'm not coming back yet... But did I really have to leave without saying goodbye?" I was not feeling good about leaving my friends behind again. While I did not have time to bond with the others, I had found a friend in Gray Hoof and Three Leaf. They would surely miss me when they learned I was gone.

"Trust me. It's better that you just leave us here." The pony replied with a disheartened expression. However, she then asked, "Your name... It's James, right?"

I nodded silently. She then spoke, "My name... It's Mitta."

Mitta. I really liked that name. I reached out and stroked her messy crimson mane. "Thanks, Mitta. I'll remember that name."

Despite my show of affection, Mitta merely pointed down the path away from Sunny Town. "There's no time. The night will start soon. You need to get as far away from here as possible."

I asked, "Wait... Will we ever see each other again?" As this pony had gone out of her way to warn me of a possible threat, I immediately considered her a friend.

Her response bothered me. "It's for the best we don't... You should just leave us to the fate we've earned..." But she then looked up at me. "But... Maybe, just maybe..." However, she then shook her head, "I'm wasting your time. Go. And if you see them... Don't stop. Just run."

"OK... Take care, Mitta." I replied as I began to walk down the path that led away from Sunny Town. I looked back only once, seeing Mitta starting to walk back into the thick layer of trees while still looking at me.

I did not go far before deciding to lay out my sleeping bag for the night. I was a good distance from the entrance to Sunny Town, so I doubt the ponies would be able to detect me. However, just as I was beginning to open up the satchel that held it, I noticed out of the corner of my eye a pair of glowing red lights in the distance between the trees. They were very close together, almost like a pair of.....eyes?

I stared at the pair of glowing lights for a moment, trying to comprehend what they were. They seemed to sway slightly, almost as if hanging from something. Then... I started to feel a twinge of fear as I saw another pair of red glowing eyes appear next to it. And another. And then another. More and more of them began to appear in the shadows, creating a wall of glowing red eyes. What in the world could they be?!

I picked up my supplies and began to back away from the wall of lights, feeling I should keep my distance. However, I froze as I heard the ground shifting behind me. When I turned around... Oh god... What was I looking at?

Slowly pulling itself out of the ground were a pair of bony hooves and a long vertebrae. And then...the face. The form seemed to be a pony, but... It was all bones. Next to no flesh on it at all. And yet, even though this creature was clearly dead, it climbed to a standing position and began to slowly shamble towards me. Was this the curse Mitta had warned me about? A curse that raises the dead to walk again?

What chilled me the most was its face. Now that I was up close to it, I could make out the features. It's empty eye sockets were filled with a hellish unholy red glow. It began speak to me as it drew closer. "Please... Stay with us... All we want is...friendship..."

The voice was raspy and eerie. Just hearing it sent shivers down my spine. And if the sight of this lone zombified pony was not enough, there was an entire swarm of them approaching me through the trees. Every pair of glowing red lights was likely another zombie coming my way.

"No... No!" I shouted, overcome with fear. I ran away from the approaching wall of undead ponies. While I certainly did not care at the time what became of me, I certainly did not want to die like THAT.

I was in trouble even while being pursued by the shambling zombies. Due to my emotional distress, I was mentally and physically unprepared to run for my life. I just could not muster up enough drive to flee the best I could. I would only run whenever I caught sight of the telltale glowing eyes. But before I knew it, glowing red eyes began to appear in the darkness ahead of me. Before I could even double back, I glanced around me. A perfect ring of glowing crimson orbs with demonic raspy voices chanting about friendship and begging me to stay.

I was surrounded.

I could see no gaps between the steadily approaching undead creatures. There was no way out. If I was to even get close to one to lash out with my knife, the others next to it would likely swarm over me. And if the legends of zombies are true, all they would have to do is bite me and I would become like them. Forever...

The concept of being reduced to an undead husk shook me as I cowered before the approaching demons. I kneeled and covered my head in fear. I did not want to die like this... "No... Rainbow Dash... Twilight... AJ... Rarity... Anyone..." Please, someone help me!

As if to answer my pleas, I heard the sound of hooves galloping towards me. It came up alongside me, causing to duck my head further in fear that this was the end for me. However, I then felt a hoof rest on my shoulder as a familiar voice shouted, "Go away! He's with me!"

A moment later, I looked up slightly to see the rows of red lights descending out of sight. Were they returning to the ground from whence they came? "I'm glad I followed you. Are you OK?" The voice... Mitta?

I raised myself while still on my knees. "Yeah... You showed up at a good time, Mitta... Wha..." I froze as I turned to face her. She too had changed. Her eyes looked the same as the zombies that had nearly swarmed me. A pair of glowing hellish crimson orbs.

I backed away slightly, unsure of what she was going to do. "Are you afraid of me?" She asked with a hint of sadness in her voice. I took a moment to look her over. Compared to the zombies I had just seen, Mitta's body still seemed completely whole despite appearing to be utterly filthy. Her coat was matted black in grime, as if she had gone decades without bathing. Her coat and mane were scraggier than before, their colors being muddied and dulled. Despite this, she still seemed.....alive. However, I did detect a faint stench coming from her that seemed similar to rotting flesh.

As she was showing me no hostility and did not seem to be quite as decayed as the other ponies I had just seen, I felt most of my fear fade away. "No... You saved me..." I climbed to my feet, my eyes scanning Mitta's corrupted form. "Is this the curse you warned me about?"

Mitta nodded, "Yes... Only its effects on me aren't as severe as the others. I'm not sure why." Less severe... Those words made me dread what the other ponies of Sunny Town look like when the curse affects them.

My eyes again scanned Mitta's form. Why did she look like this? Who cursed her? And why? So many questions flowed through my mind. Seeing who was quite possibly one of only two friends I had in the entire forest in such a sorry state tugged at my heartstrings.

"I don't get it... You went outta your way to save me. Why are you cursed? You don't deserve this..." I asked, feeling great sympathy for my savior.

Mitta sighed, "Because I did nothing to stop them when they..... This is the fate I deserve..."

I got down on one knee and embraced the undead mare. "I disagree. You stopped them from.....doing whatever they were gonna do to me. You're not a monster, Mitta."

As I held her, I felt Mitta beginning to shudder in my grasp. "You shouldn't... I don't deserve your compassion..." I felt a stream of blood-laced tears flow from her eyes and onto my shirt.

I felt awful, knowing I could not help my new friend. But...why was she suffering like this? She is my savior. If not for her, I would have become just like the rest of those zombified freaks. So why has she been cursed?

Mitta buried her face into my shirt, her crimson tears staining the fabric. I knew I could do little, but I still tried to comfort her the best I could. I did not want to be a burden to one of the few friends I have. I stroked her filthy mane, trying to soothe her the best I could. "Mitta... Is there anything I can do for you? And don't tell me to leave you."

The undead mare said nothing for a moment, likely pondering her response. "If it isn't a bother... May I...call you my...friend?"

Mitta had been giving me the impression that she was a fairly lonely pony. For her to come out of her shell like this, I was quite relieved. I rested my chin on her head and replied, "Yes, Mitta. You may call me that."

My new friend shuddered in my grasp as I felt her partially embrace me with one foreleg. I took some small comfort knowing that even if I could not break the curse on her, I could at least give her my friendship and compassion.

A voice suddenly spoke up to my right. "Hi, James! Hi, Mitta! Are you on a date?" The two of us froze and looked in the direction the voice came from. Standing next to us was Ruby.

"Ruby... It's been a while..." Mitta spoke as she released me and stood up.

The little filly smiled, "I'd visit more often, but it's not easy sneaking into Sunny Town sometimes." The two of them giggled in unison, clearly on good terms with each other. But what puzzled me was that Ruby did not seem fazed by Mitta's undead form. Have they known each other for a while?

"You really shouldn't be this close to Sunny Town at night, Ruby. The others might find you." Mitta spoke with a somber tone.

"Oh, they can't hurt me anymore! You should know that, Mitta." Ruby replied with a grin.

I listened to the two friends chat for a moment longer before Mitta glanced in my direction. "Ruby, James here still needs a place to stay. Do you know of a safe location?"

The little filly paused for a moment before smiling, "Oh, right! I know of just the place! It's really safe too. Follow me!" She began to trot along, so I began to follow her.

Mitta was walking alongside me as I followed the Ruby through the woods. "I hope you don't mind me tagging along for the moment." She spoke while looking up at me.

I smiled slightly, "That's fine. I feel safer with you anyway." Mitta averted her eyes for a moment, probably not used to receiving praise.

"If you don't mind me asking... What kind of problem forced you to leave your previous home?" Mitta asked. I suppose she was trying to pass the time as we followed our friend.

This rekindled the painful memories I had all but forgotten over the past hour. I frowned as I replied, "I unknowingly got between one guy and a girl who had developed a relationship with each other. I had to remove myself to insure their bond would not be compromised..."

Mitta said nothing for a moment. She soon spoke, "I'm sorry if I poked my nose where I shouldn't..." I patted her on the head gently as a show of tolerance. I held nothing against her for bringing up that unpleasant subject.

After a while longer, we came out of the forest and stood before a rope bridge that spanned a fog-filled ravine. "It's right over there! Nopony will follow you now!" Ruby spoke as she pointed across the gorge. On the other side was... Wait. Was that the castle of the royal sisters? And...was that really all that is left of it?

"Wow... It's in far worse shape than the last time I saw it. Are you sure it's safe in there, Ruby?" Mitta asked... Hang on. Judging from what Mitta said, she must have seen this castle at least a few centuries ago. Stone castles do not deteriorate that quickly. Just how long as Sunny Town been cursed?! But I digress.

From where we were standing, it seemed the vast majority of the castle had collapsed or just otherwise decayed over the course of a thousand years. Only a single chamber remained, from what I could tell. The stone walls on the outside were rather low at some points and the tops were jagged and uneven. Even the roof was completely missing. The windows were gone as well. However, the large wooden doors at the entrance had miraculously escaped the fate of the rest of the castle, as they were still whole. However, I noticed off to the left in the distance a fairly tall stone tower of sorts that seemed to have endured the elements far better than the chamber before me. Only it seemed too long to be a tower.

"Well... At least I get a roof over my head tonight." I muttered as I started to carefully cross the narrow rope bridge. But I then remembered my friends and turned around. "Are you coming?"

Mitta shook her head and frowned. "Sorry, but this is as far as I go. Sunny Town is the only place in Equestria where my kind is welcome."

Ruby then added, "And I want to keep Mitta company. But we'll see each other again tomorrow, right?"

As they were the only friends I had up to this point, I dreaded the thought of never seeing them again. "Yes, definitely. You girls take care."

"OK then! Good night, Mr. James! It was nice meeting you!" Ruby said as she waved goodbye.

Mitta turned to leave, but looked over her shoulder at me. "Let's meet again soon...friend." I solemnly waved goodbye to the filly and undead mare as they ventured back into the forest, leaving me alone once again.

Rather than be consumed by my longing for the friends I had lost again, I decided to hurry up and get myself settled in for the night. I crossed the rope bridge before heading over to the tower and marching up the steps that led into it. This led into yet another staircase that spiraled upwards. I can remember my footsteps echoing through the stone structure, giving me a greater feel of being utterly alone out in this dense and potentially haunted forest.

When I reached the top of the stairs, I came out into a very long chamber that had many stone pillars lining the sides. But strangely enough, I felt that I...was not alone. That something, or someone, was nearby.

My footsteps echoed through the massive stone room. Something that struck me was... Well, it was the first structure in Equestria I had ever been in that seemed almost designed for human use. Everything was so much bigger around me than anywhere else. It may not sound like much, but you would notice it very quickly if you always had to duck when walking through doorways.

At the end of the room, I found what seemed to be an old throne in the middle of a slightly raised platform with two horse head effigies. And to the sides of those were a pair of round pedestals. Lining the walls were old arched windows, a few of them being broken. Once I reached the throne, I sat down on it to rest. I suspect this chamber may have been the throne room when the castle was still in use.

I bowed my head as I stared at the ground. I then held my face in my hands, overcome with a sense of emptiness. With the exception of Rainbow Dash and Applejack, this was the first day I had gone through since arriving in Equestria without seeing any of my friends once. And not just my five main friends and beautiful girlfriend. The adorable Cutie Mark Crusaders. Strong and quiet Big Macintosh. The Cake couple. Even unpredictable, yet loveable Derpy Hooves. And now...I would never see them again.

I wanted to cry. To vent my unhappiness. But I had already cried myself dry. No tears came. However, I froze as I felt the same presence as before become stronger. I slowly looked up, seeing what appeared to be a billowing rippling shadow creeping down the nearest pillar. My eyes watched it constantly, not certain what it was. Some sort of creature native to the Everfree Forest?

However, as I watched, an idea came to mind. This chamber was where Nightmare Moon was last seen when the Elements of Harmony were used on her. Even though Princess Luna is alive and well... Could it be that this shadow.....is all that is left of the Mare in the Moon?

"Are you...Nightmare Moon?" I asked, wondering if this shadow was alive. In response, an eye opened in the middle of the shadow and stared at me. I recognized the colors and form instantly. They matched the eyes of Nightmare Moon as drawn in illustrations I had seen. It was hard to imagine, but the evidence was right in front of me. Nightmare Moon still lives.

If anyone else had seen that eye, they would have likely fled in terror. But not me. I understood why she had rebelled against Celestia. And in all honesty, I have a preference for the night. Seeing Nightmare Moon before me filled me with a slight sense of relief. However, when she said nothing, I merely buried my face in my hands again. Perhaps it was just a remnant incapable of thought or speech.

"What troubles you...?" A woman's voice spoke in a gentle, yet bold tone. I felt something slowly crawling up my body, almost like a snake. When it stopped on the back of my hand, I looked. A thin shadow was resting on it, almost as if trying to comfort me. Closer observation showed that it was connected to the billowing shadow that was still affixed to the pillar.

I looked at the shadow; a second eye opening that bore the same teal coloration and catlike iris as the other. "Your eyes seem tired. Have you been crying?"

I nodded silently. After all that had happened that day, I was in no mood to discuss my issues. "Do you...wish to have some company? I...also do not want to be alone anymore..." I heard the voice speak again.

"Sure..." I muttered, not really expecting anything from the shadow.

"All right. Give me a moment. I am not sure if I've regained enough strength to do this yet." I looked up in curiosity as I heard the voice beginning to grunt and groan. I looked on in disbelief as I could make out the distinct shape of a pony's head beginning to rise from the inky blackness. Her teeth were gritted as the two eyes closed. A pair of long equally black legs emerged, the hoofs clopping as they touched the ground.

"Come on... Come on..." I saw the shadowy pony speak as she began to materialize further. Her torso emerged, followed by her hind legs. The instant she pulled free, the pony staggered forward as if she had just yanked herself free from a sheet of flypaper. A long billowing mane and tail suddenly extended from her spine and head. Each moved constantly while being a beautiful shade of blue while adorned with countless stars. On her flank was a cutie mark that depicted a crescent moon in a purple night sky. Her coat and feathers were a deep shade of black, although I think it may have been a very dark shade of blue.

"Phew... I wasn't sure if I could pull that off..." The pony panted as she stood before me with her head lowered. Once she caught her breath, she raised her head and gave me a slight smile. "Now then... I am Nightmare Moon. What is your name?"

At first, I could not speak as I beheld the princess of the night. Her body was slender and elegant, her legs being long and lanky. The horn on her head was long and narrow while her wings, though feathered, were shaped more like demon wings in overall form. Not only was she the overall largest pony I had ever seen. Combining her elegant body with that sparkling mane and exotic eyes, she was also by far the most beautiful pony I had ever laid eyes on.

"I asked you your name. Are you listening?" Nightmare Moon asked again. I suppose I may have been too lost in her beauty to notice her question from a moment ago.

"Oh... Sorry. It's James." I replied halfheartedly. I then stood up, thinking that the princess wanted her throne.

"Where are you going? You can remain seated if you wish." Nightmare Moon spoke up as I took a step away from the throne.

"But...this is your throne, right?" I asked, unsure of what to expect. This was the first time I had ever been in front of royalty, so I was uncertain of how to act.

"It's fine. You may use the throne." The princess of the night replied. Her expression seemed much calmer than I expected. If anything, she seemed somewhat happy. So...why was she not the horrible tyrant I had been warned about?

"Um... If you insist." I muttered as I sat down on the throne again.

Nightmare Moon began to approach me as she folded her wings. "You're a very long way from civilization. What brings you out here?"

I sighed as I bowed my head, "Just...trying to find a new place to settle down and find new friends... I had to leave my old ones behind..."

Nightmare Moon nodded as she sat before me. "I understand the burden of solitude well. Perhaps we can ease that burden for each other."

"You don't understand what it's like to have to leave your friends behind..." I muttered, doubtful that she could understand my pain.

I heard Nightmare Moon's footsteps as she moved to my right. I then felt her drape a wing across me. "True... But while I do not understand your pain, I do know what it is like...to be alone..." She then sighed, "I have been residing here for two years... Never receiving a single visitor. You are the first person to arrive here since that day."

I looked up at the beautiful princess, finding her beautiful teal eyes gazing at me. Two years in this one chamber sounds like a hellishly long time. However, a thought puzzled me. I knew that Princess Luna was in Canterlot right now. How is she and Nightmare Moon no longer the same being?

"If you don't mind me asking... How are you now separate from Luna?" I asked, hoping my words would not strike a nerve.

Nightmare Moon sighed as she replied, "It was the Elements of Harmony. Somehow, over the centuries, I became a separate entity from Luna. Where I was once her, I became myself over time. And when the Elements of Harmony were used on me, I was forced out of her body. Just how I became my own master over time... I honestly cannot say."

"But... Don't the Elements of Harmony destroy evil?" I asked. When she glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, I raised my hands. "Um... Don't take that the wrong way. I never once saw you as being evil. You're just misunderstood."

Nightmare Moon nodded as she explained, "No, the Elements of Harmony have never been a force of destruction. Only purification. They purged me from Luna's body, but they did not actually harm me... Why I was not affected in a more severe way is beyond me, but I was left weakened. I gained most of my strength from Luna, so I was reduced to that weak shadowy form you saw a moment ago."

I remained silent as I listened to her go on. "I can only be in the shadows during the day, but I have greater freedom at night. With every night, I draw more strength from the moonlight that shines into this room. In several more months, I may be able to remain in this form constantly."

I sighed, "I love the night... It's always so peaceful and cool... Really helps one relax..."

There was a moment of silence before Nightmare Moon spoke, "Wait... You actually appreciate my work? You...LOVE the night?" I was hardly surprised by this reaction. The fact that Nightmare Moon went to such extreme lengths in the past to make Equestria embrace the night means that it was unlikely that anyone at all appreciated her.

"Yeah... I even prefer it to the day. I'm...grateful you made it as well as you did... It helps me feel a bit better..." I replied without even looking at her.

To my surprise, I felt a light kiss being placed on my cheek followed by a gentle embrace. "You are...the first to ever say that..." I felt a tear drip onto my neck. Nightmare Moon was...crying?

"Your highness?" I asked as I placed my hand on her hoof.

She whispered, "I feel...so happy... Thank you... Thank you, my friend."

I remained silent for a moment. Nightmare Moon, a princess of Equestria, had just called me her friend. "I'm honored you see me as a friend, your highness."

She then looked at me, "Will you stay here with me?"

I nodded, "I have nowhere else to go. I'll stay here if it's safe."

Nightmare Moon smiled, "You will be safe. Because I will be watching over you." However, she then asked, "But I am curious. What are you doing here? I thought all humans disappeared from this world when Celestia and I... Um... Never mind, that's a touchy subject."

I was hardly surprised by Nightmare Moon's words. I had already suspected that if there were any humans in Equestria, they likely were exiled long ago. I have several theories on why, but I will keep them to myself. "I don't know... I opened my eyes and found myself in Equestria eight days ago and I have no idea how I even got here."

The beautiful unicorn...I mean pegasus...I mean unisus... What do you even call a pony who has the traits of both types? Regardless, she spoke, "Well, it has certainly been a long time since I last met someone as open-minded as you... What is with that expression? Are you bothered by something?"

I guess she noticed how baffled I was by what she is called. I then asked, "Not to sound rude, but what kind of pony are you? Unisus or pegacorn?"

In response, Nightmare Moon burst out laughing. "Unisus?! Pegacorn?! What kind of names are those?!" Once she caught herself, she smiled, "The correct term for my race is alicorn." For some reason, that does not surprise me.

The two of us got lost in conversation for the next twenty minutes or so. It may have been more, but I did not bother to keep count. We talked. We even laughed. I can easily say that meeting Nightmare Moon was arguably the best thing to happen to me that day. She truly makes for good company.

"Truly? You actually ripped a cutie mark off that wretched little filly?" Nightmare Moon chuckled as I recounted how I punished Diamond Tiara by removing her cutie mark.

"Yeah. And she kept coming after me every day afterwards." I replied, wondering what kind of trouble she was in once word had gotten to her parents that she had chased after me with a knife.

We continued to talk and laugh some more, but Nightmare Moon began to look exhausted as if out of nowhere. "Your highness? Are you all right?"

She replied, "I'm not sure how much longer I can stay in this form... I'll maintain it as long as I can..." She groaned for a second, clearly having difficulty maintaining focus.

By then, it had become rather late and I was feeling tired. "If it's no trouble, may I prepare for bed?"

My request seemed to stun the beautiful princess of the night. "But... You just said you adore the night! Why sleep through it?! I thought you even claimed to prefer the night to the day!"

I raised my hand to silence her so I could speak. "Yes, I do prefer the night to the day. But everyone needs to sleep. And what makes the night so precious is that it is far easier to sleep in the darkness than in the sunlight. You prefer sleeping in the night yourself, right?"

Nightmare Moon averted her eyes, as if in slight embarrassment. "Well... Yes. Only I tend to do so well after midnight."

I then added, "And besides, almost no one actually goes right to sleep as soon as the sun goes down. Most people stay up a few more hours. So almost everyone spends some time in the night before sleeping."

My new friend remained silent for a moment before asking, "You mean...sleeping throughout the night is just one of several ways to show appreciation for it?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying. Besides, just imagine how cranky everyone would be if they couldn't sleep very well." I retorted, prompting a snicker from the beautiful alicorn.

"Ugh, I can imagine. Equestria would become the land of perpetual grouches instead of the land of ponies." Nightmare Moon chuckled. But she soon staggered forward as if in weakness.

"Nightmare Moon?" I asked as I caught her in my arms.

"I can't keep this going..." She muttered as I noticed her shadow had begun to pull back towards her body.

I felt a faint panic come over me as I became fearful of what was about to happen to her. "Wait! You're still gonna be with me, right?"

The princess of the night smiled at me, "Do not fear, my friend. I simply cannot maintain this form any longer. But I will not die." She then wrapped a foreleg around me and held me in a gentle embrace. "I'll be right here with you."

I held onto Nightmare Moon as long as I could. But she began to essentially liquefy in me grasp. It was an odd feeling, watching my newest friend dissolve before me into an inky black shadow while knowing that she was still alive and well. In a matter of moments, her two beautiful eyes stared up at me from the shadow. Her voice spoke, albeit with an echoing sound to it. "I'm right here, James. Do not fear for me."

I dropped to my knees and placed my hand on the shadow, feeling a familiar warmth. I then felt a thin shadowy tendril extend over my arm. "Sleep all you need to. I'll watch over you tonight, my friend."

"Thanks, your highness." I replied as I began to lay out my sleeping bags in the shadow of a support pillar.

I am writing this from my sleeping bag as Nightmare Moon watches me from the nearby wall. This day... What a horrendous start. And a bittersweet evening. However, this night has been...soothing to me. I may have lost my old friends, but I have found new ones too. Including the beautiful Nightmare Moon.

I think I will try living out here in the Everfree Forest with this chamber serving as my home. As long as I have my friends, my time out here should be fairly enjoyable. True, I will miss my old friends, but they will probably be better off without me in the long run. And surely Spike will eventually...

Rarity...

My eyes... Why am I crying again? I have already accepted that we cannot be together, but...

Damn it... Why can I not let her go?! Her face. Her smile. Her intoxicating voice. They haunt me...

Nothing has changed... I still love her. But...

Nightmare Moon... Please help me move on. Starting tomorrow. I need you more than ever now.

I just want this nightmare to end...