>Along this old and dusty road you walk.
>A sack of clothes, the boots on your feet, and a beat up, old guitar are all you carry with you.
>Your shadow is the only thing to keep you company.
>It is impossible for it to make up its mind of following, leading, or to walk by your side.
>You don't know where you are, but you are not lost.
>You can't get lost when you don't have a destination to get to.
>You haven't seen a single soul in days.
>You wonder to yourself if travelers are deliberately avoiding the roads you travel.
>Come nightfall, you settle down and make camp for the night.
>The crackle of fire is a wonderful sound.
>You lay back as you watch the sparks fly high into the night sky.
>The sparks appear to jump past Heaven itself as they fade out into the dark.
>The night sky itself is one of the most beautiful things you have ever seen.
>Sometimes you wonder to yourself if it's even natural to be so gorgeous.
>The sun dawns on a new day.
>You can't shake this strange feeling you've felt these last couple of days.
>A feeling of... happiness.
>As if the world itself gives of an aura of good feelings.
>The air is cool this morning.
>The orange sun is just barely poking up over the horizon.
>The dawn light reflecting off of the morning dew adds to the ambiance of this pine forest.
>A smile graces your face.

>Picking yourself up, and burying the still hot coals of the campfire, you shoulder your pack, grab your guitar, and continue your journey.
>There's something about the sun...
>It's as if it makes the colors of this forest... pop out somehow.
>Like a brightly colored painting.
>You continue your endless journey.
>Your clothes have faded and torn in the long time you have been walking.
>Your boots were almost worn through.
>Your grey t-shirt torn at the waist.
>The legs of your blue jeans frayed and holes in the knees.
>Your black leather jacket was torn and faded, bleached by the sun.
>Stopping beside a stream, you peer into it's pristine waters.
>Examining your reflection, you see a week's worth of growth on your face.
>You were grateful of the woman who allowed you to shower and stay the night at her house  one Sunday night.
>She claimed it was free, but you offered up your last bit of cash in compensation.
>You insisted she take the money, stating the bed was worth more to you than any amount of cash.
>She reluctantly took it, but hid it in your guitar case without your knowing and sent you on your way the next morning.
>What a surprise and a good feeling that benevolent woman gave you.
>There was a barber in town and, given you had not had a haircut for about two months, decided to renew your old high fade.
>Clean cut and fresh as can be.
>You can't beat that feeling.
>Giving a chuckle at the memory, you refill your canteens and continue along the road.
>This ever-so-curious road...

>It's about noon now.
>The sky has grown cloudy and the sun is having trouble breaking through.
>You keep walking, even though you know that there's a storm brewing.
>You hope to find shelter somewhere soon.
>Maybe an abandoned barn or shed.
>Unfortunately, you are not given the chance.
>The heavens begin to release their tears upon the world with the patter of rain drops on the dirt path.
>You calmly pick up the pace, going into a slow jog.
>Please let this sprinkle be all there is today.
>No chance. 
>The rain begins to pick up and you begin to worry about how you will survive the night if this keeps up.
>Hypothermia is a very real danger.
>The forested area you are in ends just up ahead.
>A few hundred yards beyond the treeline, you spy a small hill with a large, leafy tree standing proudly against the coming storm.
>You run for cover and find the thick branches are holding back the water very well as only a few drops have made it through the foliage.
>What luck you must have to find this tree at such an opportune time.
>You would think that the woods would have provided better cover than a single tree?
>Your clothes are damp, but not completely soaked.
>The leather jacket provides a comfortable warmth from the wind.
>Deciding now is a better time than ever, you seat yourself down against the trunk of the tree and open your guitar case.

>It's your grandfather's old acoustic guitar.
>He had left it in his will to your father, who in turn gave it to you.
>You felt this was an insult to your grandfather, as your father clearly did not appreciate the sentimental value of this rustic beauty.
>It had a simple wood face and was stained a light oak color.
>The polish was worn and there were some scratches and dings here and there. 
>You tried your absolute hardest to protect this treasure from the elements and are surprised it hasn't gone to Hell yet.
>Holding on to it over the last couple years, you have taught yourself to play by just toying with it.
>Although not a master, you have learned to play many songs from various genres fairly well just by sound and trial and error.
>Beginning to softly strum some high notes, you try to think of a song to play.
>You stare out into the open pasteurs, the rain coming down over the landscape.
>You begin to play a soft rift as you close your eyes and lay your head back against the tree.

>The instrument strums lightly.
>You sing softly, but put a little soul into it.
>It's slow and sincere.
>As you finish your song, Heaven itself appears to have heard your cries and relents in the downpour.
>There's still a soft sprinkle, but nothing you are afraid to travel through.
>The sun has also fought through the clouds and casts its glorious rays upon the land.
>You look to the east and spot a rainbow, in all its magic, bridging across the sky.
>A smile comes across your face.
This is the absolute, most beautiful thing you have ever seen.
>A single tear rolls down your cheek.
>Or maybe that was a rain drop?

>"That was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard."
>Eyes opening wide, you jump at the unexpected voice.
>Were you so deep into your song that you didn't even notice someone walk right up to you? 
>Who else could possibly be out here in the middle of nowhere? 
>The compliment however gives you a small satisfaction being able to provide music for others who are kind enough not to interupt or pull some kind of stupid prank on a world-weary traveler.
>The voice was feminine and soft.
>You turn your head to greet the owner.
"Why thank you mi-"
>What the hell?
>Where did that lady go? 
>And where did this small yellow horse come from?
>Are those wings?
>You reach a hand out and pet its long, pink mane.
"How did you get out here?  Where did you come from?  What kind of little pony are you?"
>You were certain the coat and mane were dyed and the wings are attached by a rope or something. 
>Probably done by some cute little girl. 
>However it seems the little girl must be playing tricks on you, as she has run off and left this little pony here alone.
>"Oh...  I'm sorry...  I didn't mean to bother you but-"
>Wait a minute... 
>What...?! 
>You quickly withdraw your hand and let out a small shout as you tumble back a few feet.
>"Oh my!  I'm so sorry!  I didn't mean to startle you!"
>The yellow pony rises into the air, spreading its wings and slowly starts to hover towards you.
"What in the hell?!"
>Your mind goes back a few minutes. 
>You must have fallen asleep and this was surely a dream. 
>There's no such thing as a yellow and pink... pegasus? 
>With this realization, you prevent the heart attack that was starting to build in your chest.
>All those nights alone must have finally tripped your brain into imagining such an exotic creature. 
>You take a deep breath and regain your composure.

>"Please don't be mad at me!  I'm really, really sorry!"
>You notice her eyes start water up as she reaches out her forelegs to you. 
>You grab hold with one hand and she pulls back so you are sitting up once more.
>Strange... 
>It's soft and feels like real fur. 
>You recall having dreams before of being able to feel objects. 
>It usually turns out to be a random bed post or something in the morning.
"It's quite alright, ma'am."
>You adjust yourself so you are sitting crossed-legged; your arms resting in your lap with your back a little arched.
"I just didn't expect to see anyone else around here.  I also apologize if I frightened you in any way."
>The yellow pony seemed to calm down and lowered herself to the ground. 
>She lowered her head in embarassment, looking off to the side. 
>She speaks very softly.
>"I...  I heard you singing.  It was just...  wonderful.  I heard you from the road so I decided to investigate.  I sat behind the tree to listen and not disturb you."
>You deduce that this is a very shy creature by her soft voice, stutter, and her posture. 
>She refuses to look you in the eyes and even appears to be trying to make herself smaller.
>If this is truly your imagination, it makes sense. 
>It's obviously a physical manifestation of your own shy nature. 
>You always had a hard time asking for help from others, and even an outright fear of talking to strangers, preferring others to approach you instead as the pony had done.
>"It was some of the most beautiful singing I have ever heard.  And that instrument...  You play it so well."
>Okay now she's just gushing. 
>You feel your cheeks blush and a smile cross your face.
>You pet her head again. 
>She looks up at you with a large smile. 
>You have never known this kind of cute before.

>The rain has stopped completely now. 
>You set your guitar in its case and grab your jacket.
>"Oh, where are you going...  Uhm...  I'm sorry to trouble you...  But what kind of animal are you?"
>You stop in your tracks. 
>Animal? 
>This thing thinks YOU'RE an animal? 
>Well, that makes as much sense as the fact there's a talking, yellow pegasus in front of you, but you jest.
"My name is-"
>You cut yourself off. 
>You haven't had to use your name in a while. 
>There was the lady who gave you the handout, but before that, a long time. 
>You decide that now is a chance to start anew with no repercussions.
"Anonymous.  I am a human.  Pleased to meet you Miss..."
>You leave her an opening to introduce herself as you hold out your hand.
>The pegasus extends her foreleg to meet your handshake.
>"I'm..." she blushes and looks away.  "I'm Fluttershy."
>D'aww... 
>You find it a little uncreative, but it suits her perfectly. 
>It's even adorable to say the least.
"A pleasure to meet you Fluttershy."
>As you shake her leg, your stomach grumbles something fierce.

>You freeze again. 
>The smile on your face disappears into a frown. 
>You look down and place a hand over your stomach.
>It had been two days since you last ate. 
>A can of mixed fruit isn't much of a meal, but it held you over this long didn't it? 
>As much as you tried to ration your food, you simply did not have enough for you to survive any longer out here. 
>You can't hunt with just a knife, and scavenging for berries and other small plants seems to be more effort worth giving than the reward in return.
>You've snacked on roadside dandelions as you walked, but only because you didn't have to leave the road or stop to do so.
>Fluttershy immediately recognizes your distress. 
>Still holding your hand, she grabs hold with her other hoof and gingerly raises herself into the air. 
>A look of pity and concern on her face.
>"Oh you poor little guy.  You simply must come with me so we can get some food into your wittle belly."
>Okay didn't you just establish this? 
>You are not an animal. 
>Or a baby. 
>And it could just be you, but your twice her size! 
>Standing side by side, she would only come up to your waist.
>Nodding your head, you allow her to pull you by the hand. 
>About fifteen minutes later, you arrive at a small, two-story cottage. 
>The path bridges a calm, flowing stream in front of her house. 
>You can see burrows in the small hills surrounding the house and bird houses in the trees. 
>Rabbits, chipmunks, other small creatures, and birds a-plenty are everywhere. 
>This pony sure has a thing for animals doesn't she? 
>That could explain why she talks to you like one.
>She leads you up to the front door. 
>You'd have to almost crawl just to get into the house. 
>As soon as you walk breach the threshold, a warm draft of air hits you.
>Against a previous thought, it doesn't stink in here like you'd have thought, what with all the animals and such.

>"Please come inside," invited Fluttershy.  "It looks like it's about to rain again and you look so wet and cold."
>You don't want to intrude, but you don't have any better options right now. 
>And you are not so timid that you're an idiot.
>You duck under the doorway and follow her inside.
>There are more bird houses in the corners and hanging from the ceiling. 
>You can see mouseholes in the walls, but the place is clean. 
>There are vermin, yes, but you feel that you can stand to be here. 
>Now that you're actually inside, you confirm that it actually smells rather pleasant in here.
>Fluttershy sits you down on an area rug in the center of the living room. 
>She brings you a bowl with some hay in it and sets down in front of you.
"Hey Fluttershy?" 
>You stare down at the contents of the bowl.
>"Hmm?" 
>She tilts her head, wondering what is wrong.
"I can't eat hay.  You wouldn't happen to have some fruit or vegetables would you?"
>"Yes of course!"
>She flies back into the kitchen and brings back a bowl of mixed vegetables and a few apples.
>"I hope you find something to your liking."
>Yeah, now we're talking.
>You reach for a carrot when a rabbit runs up and slaps your hand away. 
>It snatches up all the carrots and runs to the other side of the room. 
>You hold your hand in more shock than pain from the rabbit's actions.
>What the hell?

>"Angel Bunny!" Fluttershy scolds.  "Those are not for you!  They're for Anonymous!"
>It sounds like shes trying to be intimidating, but her soft voice isn't making it very convincing. 
>She reaches to grab the carrots but the rabbit slaps away her hooves and hits her across the face with the bushel and hops into the kitchen.
>You blink twice at this gracious pony being physically abused by a varmint.
>That did not just happen.
>Fluttershy frowns and sits down on the floor; her bangs covering her eyes.
>"Oh Angel..." she mutters softly.
>Wow. 
>You've been here for less than five minutes and you already want to kill that rabbit. 
>The nicest creature in the world offers it food and a home and it treats her like THAT? 
>You are very visibly pissed off. 
>Not because it stole your food, but how it could do that to her and she doesn't even retaliate in any way?
>You sigh, picking yourself up and walking over to Fluttershy. 
>Kneeling down beside her, you put your arm around her neck and hold an apple in front of her face. 
>She looks up at you with big sad eyes. 
>You put on the best smile you can manage. 
>This in turn causes Fluttershy to cant her head, eyes closed, with a small smile. 
>You can't believe that worked. 
>You never thought of yourself as a counselor of any kind. 
>Everyone came to you with their issues, but all you did was listen.
>Fluttershy gently takes the apple from your hand. 
>You walk back over your bowl on the rug and sit down cross-legged. 
>Patting the space next to you,  you invite Fluttershy to come eat with you. 
>This was her house and her food, afterall.
>And after what you just witnessed, you want to be the best house guest you can.
>She slowly creeps over to you, trying not to make eye contact. 
>Oh yeah. 
>If you had doubts about her timidness before, they were gone now.
>Words are not needed to interact with this pony. 
>Her way with animals must have given here a unique ability to communicate and understand others through body language.
>You reach for an apple and take a bite...
>Wait a minute... 
>That... that... taste!

>This is a dream is it not? 
>How are you able to taste anything! 
>You thought it was wierd just to smell, but this...
>You slowly chew the fruit's flesh in your mouth, then proceed to swallow.
>You can feel it going down your throat.
>After finishing off the apple, you can feel the lump in your stomach. 
>Fluttershy is helping herself to some lettuce, not noticing the look of shock and bewilderment that has come across your face.
>You are unable to understand just what exactly has taken place within the last thirty minutes or so. 
>A yellow pegasus walks up and SPEAKS to you; even complimenting your music. 
>She flies over to you, takes you by the hand, and leads you back to her house. 
>Come to think of it, that slap from the rabbit left a small mark on your hands. 
>How did you fail to notice that?
>You are trying to wrap your head around all of this. 
>This cannot be real. 
>How can any of this exist? 
>You wouldn't have been so accepting of all this if you weren't absolutely sure it was just a dream.
>Fluttershy finally notices your worried look. 
>You are practically shaking. 
>She herself becomes worried for your well being and quietly speaks up.
>"Anonymous?"
>You don't hear her. 
>You don't even see how scared she looks right now. 
>You are too deep in thought that your situational awareness is absolutely gone.
>"Anonymous?" she asks again.
>This time she pokes you with her hoof in the side of your stomach.
>The sudden shock and realization that she is still here made you flinch at her.
"I think I should go," you tell her.
>You try to stand too quickly and hit your head on the low ceiling. You aren't knocked out but the blow dazes you and you see stars. 
>You fall back with a crash and lay on your back, staring at the ceiling.
>With your vision blurred, you continue in vain to piece together the events that have transpired.

>You close your eyes tightly, praying that this isn't real. 
>How did you even get here? 
>You were certain you weren't dead yet. 
>The last time you fell asleep was the night before, when you noticed how the sky didn't... seem... natural...
>The sun that morning even seemed to pop out the colors of the world.
>If this is truly a supernatural plane, how did you get here? 
>Why were you here and no one else? 
>All you did was follow the road. 
>Surely other people were around somewhere...
>Did you get mauled by a bear in your sleep or something?
>You open your eyes again to see Fluttershy staring you in the face with the most worried look you have ever seen. 
>Her face is also so close it almost presses against against yours, her mane touching the floor. 
>She jumps when she realizes you're awake.
>"Oh my goodness!  Did I do something wrong?  Please just lay still!"
>You turn your head to look at her but feel... soft? 
>And strangely cold.
>You sit up and an ice pack falls off your head into your lap. 
>There is also a pillow under where your head was.
"What?  What's go...ing...uhh."
>You sat up too fast and have just disorientated yourself. 
>Your head gets real heavy, your vision goes blurry once more, and your speech stutters. 
>You fall back onto the pillow with a blank stare in your face.
>Fluttershy replaces the ice pack on top of your head.