Ponyville Apartments: They Canter Among Us

> I awake with a start, in a cold sweat.

> That dream again! That horrible dream...

> A strange and foreign world, far from this one,

> Full of dangerous creatures and beasts,

> And ruled by the deadliest of beings.

"Equestria," I whispered.

> I once thought of the place as just an old fairy tail,

> A story told to children to keep them out of the forest at night.

> But I was wrong. I was so very wrong.

"Crazy stories my ass!" I muttered darkly.

> I sigh loudly as I get up from bed.

> After washing up, I take a moment to go online.

> Check my emails. Check the website. Check the forums.

> A number of photos (clearly doctored), but still no confirmed sightings.

"Nothing interesting today, either."

> I turn on the television set as I prepare to make breakfast.

"Last night, gunfire and explosions were heard all over the east side of the city."

"A number of vehicle wreckages were found, with unlicensed firearms abandoned nearby."

"Witnesses say that gang violence has reached an all-time high in the area."

"The major has been asked to make a statement-"

> I turn the TV off. Looks like this city is going to hell, as usual.

> But what else is new?

 

---

 

> As I head to work, I pull out something from my pocket:

> A black notebook, old and beaten.

> But perhaps, this is the last reminder of my sanity.

> I turn to the page I dog-eared and silently read.

"They refer to themselves simply as 'ponies'."

"But they are unlike any equine on Earth."

"They can speak, and they are certainly sentient and self-aware."

"As the dominant species in Equestria, they have developed their own civilization in this vast land."

"And they have laid down their own rules."

> The entry continues on, but I stop there.

> I turn several pages, to a later entry.

"There are three major types of pony:"

"The first is the 'earth pony'."

"They are the most ordinary-looking of the ponies."

"However, looks can be deceiving."

"They are very strong for their size, and they are surprisingly sturdy."

"Their unique connection to nature allows them to grow plants and survive in the most difficult of terrain."

"In combat, physical attacks are their specialty."

"With or without weapons, they can easily take down an adult human being."

> With or without weapons. I shudder slightly at I read those words again.

> I definitely don't want to meet one of these things on the road.

 

---

 

"Howdy, Mister!"

> I look up in surprise. Well, this is new.

> Never had a girl call out to me before.

> At least, not one as pretty as this blonde-haired beauty.

> I check behind me, but no one else is there.

> "Uh, hi?" I reply, still a little unsure.

"Would you mind helping me out with some directions?"

> So that's it. My heart sinks slightly, but I nod anyway.

> Normally, I wouldn't give the time of day to anyone wearing a cowboy hat in this city.

> But for some reason, it suits this girl quite well.

> "Where are you headed?"

"Ah, I'm supposed to be doing an errand. You see, I was given this here map and-"

> She hands over a piece of paper with a handwritten map of the area.

> After a couple of minutes, I get the gist of it.

> "You headed to the post office?"

"That's right! Got some things to deliver by human mail!"

> Human mail? That is a strange way to put it.

> But I decide not to mention anything. None of my business, after all.

> I hand back the map to the girl.

> "To get to the post office, just cross the street from here and take a right at the next stoplight."

"Thank you, kindly!" says the girl.

> She grabs my hand and shakes it roughly.

> This girl's got quite a grip. But that's not all.

> Her hand is so soft! Almost like it isn't a human hand.

"Nice to know that y'all still have some good folk in this here city!"

> I watch her cross the street. Looks like she can take care of herself.

> Then, to my suprise, she turns around and gives me a little wave.

> I return the gesture awkwardly before going my way.

 

---

 

"Well, that's new. Why so early today?"

> The guy smiles as I come inside. I give him a shrug.

> "I don't really have anything better to do."

"That so? I thought you'd be out hunting for those pony-aliens or whatever. Y'know, like those folk posting pictures on the internet."

> He grins widely as we head in the back room.

> I quickly change into my convenience store uniform.

> "Don't lump me in with those crazies."

"Yeah, I hear you," he says. "But wouldn't it be pretty neat if it was all true? Magical pony creatures and all that."

> "Maybe," I say. "Maybe not."

> Ponies are dangerous.

> If he's only seen what I've seen.

"Well, I'll be heading off now."

> He gives me a wave as he leaves the store. Not a bad guy, really.

> Never takes things too seriously. Always smiling.

> I'm still surprised he acts pretty cool about my interest in "ponies".

> Others would look at me like some kind of lunatic.

"Oh yeah! Let me know if you want to go for a drink or something. We can work out the shifts with the manager."

> He pops inside again just to say that.

> "Sure, whatever."

> After one last wave, he finally leaves. I wait a few minutes.

> A glance tells me that we have no customers yet.

> I pull out the black notebook to kill time.

"The second is the 'unicorn pony'."

"They are characterized by a single horn on their forehead,"

"And their unique ability to perform magic."

 

---

 

"Excuse me, but do you sell cold medicine here?"

> I jump a bit in surprise. Didn't hear her come inside.

> In fact, I don't think I've seen this girl before.

> She has neat, straight hair with a pinkish purple highlight.

> "Yes, we do. You can find them over in that aisle."

"That's great!" she says with a smile. "Oh, and do you also carry, umm..."

> The girl pulls out a long list from her bag and checks it.

> Looking closer, she's actually pretty cute.

"Analgesics, Antipyretics, Decongestants..."

> She goes on for a few minutes more before looking up at me.

> I raise an eyebrow. Is this some kind of joke? I'm no pharmacist.

> But the girl just smiles patiently as she waits for my response.

> Well, those do all sound like types of cold medicine.

> "I think you'll find those in the same aisle."

"Thank you so much!" she says happily.

> The girl heads off to find her medicine.

> I return to where I left off in my reading.

> Something about unicorn ponies, I think. Where was I?

"Just a little bit, closer. And... got it!"

> Suddenly, I hear a loud creak. I look up at the cold medicine aisle.

> The shelf starts to tip over toward the wall.

> "Aww, hell..."

"THUD!"

> Really? Did that just happen? Really!?

> I curse under my breath as I run toward the aisle.

 

---

 

"I am so sorry!" says the girl.

> I stare blankly, still unable to understand.

"I-I just wanted to grab a bottle from the topmost shelf,"

> This doesn't look right. This can't be right.

"So I climbed up on it a bit and the whole thing just feel over!"

> The girl continues talking, but the rest doesn't register in my head.

> She is standing in front of me, apologizing.

> Beside her are all of the bottles of cold medicine.

> They are stacked neatly, sorted by brand and type.

"I know that it isn't enough, but I'd like to help put these back on the shelf."

> I look at the shelf, then at the stacks of bottles beside her.

> Not a single bottle looks damaged. Not even a scratch.

"B-but I don't know how they are organized, so I'm not sure how to-"

> I raise my hand to interrupt her.

> "How did you do that?" I ask carefully.

"Huh? Do what?"

> "How did you catch all of those bottles by yourself?"

"Oh, that's easy! I just used a little magi-"

> Suddenly, she pauses.

"Err, I used a little imaginative movement and my natural human agility!"

> I stare at her disbelievingly. She just gives me a nervous smile.

"Yep, that's it! I just move really fast, you know?"

> The girl tries to do a little running motion, but she clumsily trips on her feet.

> I sigh to myself and push the shelf back in place.

> Maybe I really am starting to lose my mind...

 

---

 

> Still can't figure out how that girl did it.

> Some sort of magic trick? An illusion, maybe?

> I pull out the black notebook from my pocket and glance at it.

"Levitation is among the most common spells used by unicorn ponies."

> My eyes widen. I quickly glance around the store.

> However, the girl is nowhere in sight. Well, of course she's gone.

> She just paid for her medicine a few minutes ago.

> I shake my head. This is bad. Am I turning into one of those crazies?

> If I'm not careful, I might become one of those pony-hunter nutjobs on the net.

> The park is nearby, and I need to clear my head.

> I close up the shop for now. Then, I pull out the notebook again.

> After some thought, I skip to the next page to relax.

"The third type is the 'pegasus pony'."

"Pegasi are born with wings for flight,"

"And they have the ability to manipulate the weather."

> Manipulate the weather, eh? That sounds mighty handy.

> I turn to the next page.

"In Equestria, a number of pegasi are charged with managing the weather."

"They move clouds to towns and villages that need rainfall,"

"While maintaining a strict system of scheduled weather events."

> And come to think of it, we've been having pretty good weather lately.

> Maybe there are pegasi right here in the city?

> "Yeah, right." I mutter.

 

---

 

> After a few minutes of walking around, I find an empty bench in the park.

> I sit down to have lunch. There aren't that many people here today.

> "Pegasi, huh?" I mutter to myself.

*snore*

> Winged ponies that could control the weather?

> According to the notebook, they could even create hurricanes.

> Very dangerous creatures, indeed.

*snore*

> I quickly wolf down the hotdog I bought earlier.

> And after washing it down with a soda, I look up to watch the clouds.

> Or at least, that's what I had planned.

*snore*

> My eyes widen in surprise. I rub my eyes and look again.

> In the tree right above me, a girl is sleeping among the branches.

> She looks quite comfortable, curled up and snoring softly.

*snore*

> This girl has the most oddly colored hair,

> Like all the colors of the rainbow.

> "A musician?" I mutter to myself. "An artist? Or perhaps, a cosplayer?"

*snore*

> I continue watching her, entranced by the sight.

> Her chest rises and falls as she breathes softly.

> A peaceful, almost hypnotic rhythm...

*snap*

> Then, in a single moment, it all falls apart.

*CRASH!*

 

---

 

"Ugh! Dumb tree," says the girl.

> I grunt painfully in response. She isn't that heavy, but it still hurt.

> The rainbow-haired girl now sits on my back as I lie on the ground.

"Good thing I landed on something soft!" she cries happily.

> The girl quickly gets up and stretches her arms.

> Then, she finally notices me on the ground.

> "A little help here?" I grumble.

"Heh heh, sorry about that," she says.

> Without hesitation, the girl grabs my hand and helps me up.

> Her touch is surprisingly soft and delicate. Are all girls this soft?

"I didn't think that the branches would break so easily. Maybe I should have picked another tree, after all."

> "Another tree?" I repeat.

> The girl is actually quite pretty, if not a bit tomboyish.

"Yep," she says with a yawn. "Haven't been able to get a good night's sleep lately. I just can't get used to sleeping so close to the ground, you know?"

> I frowned. Too close to the ground?

> Maybe she's a foreigner. I never understood tourists.

> "Ugh, sure," I said. "Glad you're alright after falling from that height."

"Oh, that?" she says. "That's nothing! You wouldn't believe the stunts I did back in Equest-"

> She suddenly covers her mouth and stares at me nervously.

> I raise an eyebrow. Then, she coughs several times.

> "Eckwest?" I repeat.

"Y-yeah! That's right!" she stammers. "Back at good old Eckwest! Ahahaha..."

 

---

 

"Oh yeah!" says the rainbow-haired girl. "Do you know what time it is?"

> I give her a shrug.

> "A little past noon, I think."

"Past noon!? Oh my gosh! I'm going to be late!"

> Without another word, she runs off and is soon out of sight.

> Ugh! Third cute girl today and I still don't know her name.

> Well, it's not like I had a chance with her or anything, but-

"Um, excuse me?"

> I turn around to see the rainbow-haired girl standing right behind me.

> Wait, what? How did she even-

"I forgot to ask," says the girl. "But do you know where I can buy some donuts?"

> I shake my head in disbelief.

> "There's a donut and coffee place near the intersection."

"That's great, thanks! I promised a friend of mine that I'd get some on the way home."

> Before I can say anything, the girl gives me a little wave and dashes off.

> I stare blankly as she vanishes with inhuman speed.

> "..."

*snap*

> The sound of twigs breaking under my shoe returns me to reality.

> Never mind. Let's not dwell on such useless things.

> I pull out the black notebook from my pocket,

> And I begin to read to clear my head.

"Equestria is home to a number of other dangerous creatures:"

"Dragons, Hydras and Manticores are but a few examples."

"But more dangerous still are those who manage to tame them..."

 

---

 

> On the way back, I decide to take a shortcut through an alley.

> Bad idea. I soon come upon a dangerous scene.

> A girl with long pink hair stands with her back to the wall.

"Umm, excuse me?" she says. "Could you please let me through?"

> She is surrounded by three full grown men.

> They do not look like her friends.

"T-that is, if you don't mind," she adds.

> The three laugh menacingly. Poor girl.

> But I'm no hero. These guys are huge, compared to me.

> If I tried anything, I'd just add to their victims for the day.

> With a sigh, I prepare to turn around and find another way back.

"Well isn't this cute?" says one of the men.

"Maybe we should let her pass," says another.

"Oh, thank you!" says the girl. "Now if you would be so kind..."

*glint*

> Something shiny catches my eye. One of them just pulled out a knife.

> He holds it behind his back while smiling. The girl doesn't have any idea.

> I stop in my tracks and try to tell myself that this isn't my problem.

"Just a sec, Miss!" says the man with the knife. "I have something to show you."

"Something to show me?" repeats the girl.

> Curious, she takes a step closer. I plant a palm upon my face.

> I am no hero. And this is not going to end well.

> But my mouth speaks without regard to my own safety.

> "There you are!" I cry out loudly. "We've been looking all over the place for you!"

 

---

 

> I run straight at the girl with a forced smile on my face.

> "Everyone's waiting for you!" I cry.

"Eh? But I-"

> The girl looks at me like a stranger.

> Technically, I am. But I grab her hand, nevertheless.

> "C'mon! We're going to be late!"

"Late?" repeats the girl.

> Somehow, I manage to lead her for a few steps.

> The three men watch us silently, taking careful glances at the street.

> "That's right! You don't want to miss the movie, do you?"

"The movie?" she repeats. "What movie?"

> I laugh nervously. Does she not understand the danger she is in?

> "Your favorite movie, of course!"

"Oh, I see now," she says.

> The girl sighs in relief. She smiles at me gently.

> Finally, she understands! Or so I had thought.

"You must have me mistaken with somep0ny else," she says.

> I stare at her blankly. Is she really this naive?

> Oh wow. This cannot possibly get any worse.

"You see, this is actually my first time out alone in the city."

> At those words, the three men start smiling widely.

> They quickly walk toward us. I curse under my breath.

> And so, this is what I get for playing hero...

 

---

 

"Hey, kid!" says the biggest of the three. "Don't you know how to mind your own damn business? Curiousity killed the cat, y'know?"

> Ah shit. If I'm going down, I'm going down in style.

> "Better than breathing the same air as you shitheads!"

"Oh you didn't just-"

> The big guy suddenly kicks me in the stomach.

> I crumple down on the ground, helpless.

"-get smart with me, did you?"

"He done pissed off the boss!" says one of the others. "Big mistake, dude!"

"Yep," says the third. "Now, we're going to have to kill you!"

> Somehow, their words still register in my brain.

> Well, that's it, then.

> I wish I could say that I had a good run. A good life.

> But if there is anything I still had in this world, it was regret.

> Regret at coming to this city to work myself through college...

> Regret at encountering those pony creatures, firsthand...

> Regret at losing the love of my life...

> ...

> Wait, what? Where did that last one come from?

> Ignoring the pain, I search my memories.

> But I recall nothing. No face. No name.

> Well, that is probably for the best.

> This is the end, after all.

> And nothing of value was lost.

 

---

 

> I hear someone call out to me:

> A soft, gentle voice, like a bird's song.

> I feel someone shake my shoulder:

> A tender, warm sensation, like being held as a child.

> Very slowly, I manage to make out the words.

"Hey! Can you hear me?"

> I open my eyes. The pink-haired girl looks down at me with worry.

> Then, I cringe at the pain. My side still hurts badly.

"Oh my! Are you alright?"

> Somehow, I am still alive. That realization almost brings me to tears.

> Plus the pain, of course. I check myself for other injuries,

> But there are none aside from a large bruise from that kick.

> Which reminds me! I quickly glance around, but the three men are nowhere in sight.

> "Huh? Where did those muggers go?"

"There, there," says the girl. "You don't need to worry about those mean old humans! I took 'good care' of them, myself."

> She says this all with an innocent smile. I find myself laughing at the irony.

> Rather than the hero, sounds like I played the role of the dumbass-in-distress.

> "Well, that was embarrassing," I mutter.

"Oh no! Not at all!" says the girl. "You were very brave! I had no idea that they were bad humans. I'm not sure what would have happened if you didn't try to warn me..."

> There is no trace of sarcasm in her voice.

 

---

 

> "You're kidding, right?"

"It was very kind of you, and I would like to return the favor somehow." she adds.

> I quickly get up and brush off the dust from my clothes.

> This scenario is getting ridiculous,

> Almost like a scene from some TV show or comic book.

> But I suppose I can play along, if she likes.

> She did save my life, after all.

> "Go home. Tell your family what happened. And be more careful."

"Eh? But I-"

> "Do that, and I'll consider the favor repaid."

> With those words, I walk off and head back to the store.

> Once or twice, I thought about looking back,

> But that would spoil the scene, would it not?

 

> I arrive at the convenience store without incident.

> After treating myself with the first-aid kit, I take my place behind the cash register.

> Still no customers. I decide to kill a bit more time.

> I pull out the black notebook from my pocket and begin to read.

"I learned something important today from a unicorn pony I had befriended."

"The researchers at Canterlot say that they discovered a way to travel to Earth."

"While I should be overjoyed at the prospect of returning home,"

"I feel that there is something amiss about all this..."

 

---

 

> Someone just came in the store.

> I can't get a good look, as the person went behind one of the shelves.

"Now isn't this lovely? A convenient establishment, indeed!"

> It doesn't sound like anyone I know.

> I shrug and turn back to my reading.

"Humans never fail to surprise me! To think they can do all this without magic."

> Wait, what? Humans? Magic?

> Is this one of those crazy foreigners again?

"And to think that I was afraid of getting my hooves dirty on this assignment."

> And hooves? Did I hear that correctly?

> No, relax. Maybe I'm beginning to imagine things.

"That little incident the other day aside, this city is absolutely marvelous!"

> I shake my head and turn the page of the notebook.

> Yep. I must be getting a little paranoid.

"I may have been born in Ponyville, but I am a city pony at heart!"

> Or perhaps not. At those words, something snaps inside me.

> I am not crazy. I'm sure of it now.

> Ponies exist. They walk among us.

> And this is my chance to prove it.

 

---

 

> I quickly sneak into the back room.

> Thankfully, I had prepared a kit beforehand.

> Pills? No. Injection? No. Taser? No.

> Then, I come upon a small bottle of chloroform.

> "Yes," I whisper. "This should do it."

> I take it together with a clean rag.

> Something fast-acting should do the trick.

> I'm not sure what type of pony is out there.

> Better to play safe than get killed.

> I return to the main store with the bottle and rag in hand.

> Then, I quietly deactivate the CCTV.

"Hmm. I haven't seen this product before."

> It may sound human, but I've read that they can speak and understand our language.

> I must capture it while I have the element of surprise!

> And a few silent steps later, I pause.

> The pony is only two aisles away now.

"Perhaps I should ask for some assistance..."

> No turning back. This is my chance.

> Perhaps my only chance. To prove to all the world,

> "That ponies exist," I whisper.

> I make a mad dash for the pony.

 

---

 

> As I turn the corner, time seems to slow down.

> I see the vague silhouette of a small, equine creature.

> It has a single horn upon its head. My eyes widen in fear.

> Spell-crafter! Mage-kin! Trickster-witch!

> A Unicorn. Pure White. It turns to me.

"Oh, what perfect timing!"

> And suddenly, time returns to normal.

> I blink, and before me stands the the most beautiful girl.

> A human girl, of course. With smooth white skin and delicately curled hair.

> She has the air of royalty, yet her eyes twinkle with innocence.

> The girl opens her mouth, but I am unable to make out the words.

> "Excuse me?" I manage.

> She giggles at me for a moment before speaking again.

"If you would be so kind," says the girl. "Could you explain to me the purpose of this product?"

> The girl holds up a nail clipper.

> I quickly explain it to her while hiding the chloroform and rag behind my back.

> Then, as soon as she looks away, I stash them behind some cans of soda.

 

---

 

> "That was close," I whisper.

> I had almost committed a crime back there.

> After making sure that the girl had left with her purchases,

> I quickly remove the evidence and reactivate the CCTV.

> Then, I take a moment to finally calm down and think.

> Relax. Just a close call. Nothing serious.

> I'm still sane. I must be. I will be.

> With those words as my mantra, I pull out the black notebook once more.

> For some reason, reading it has always calmed my nerves.

> Until now, that is. I turn to one of the last pages.

"I have discovered a secret. A terrible secret."

"And now, I am being hunted. By whom, I do not know."

"But I do know this. They come from the shadows."

"And tonight, they come for me."

 

---

 

> I quickly head back home after my shift.

> The streets are filled with the usual crowd,

> But I feel strangely exposed and alone.

"They come from the shadows..."

> The words from the notebook repeat in my head.

> Unlike the rest of the entries, the handwriting is sloppy and rushed,

> As if the writer's hands had been shaking in fear.

"... they come for me."

> Distracted by my thoughts, I walk into someone in the street.

> "Excuse me," I mumble. "Sorry to bump into you."

"Sorry? Why would you be sorry? I just love bumping into people!"

> I pause and raise an eyebrow at the stranger.

> She has wild curly hair, bright blue eyes and the cutest smile.

> "Uh, right. Nice to bump into you, too."

"..."

> The girl suddenly falls silent and stares at me for a while.

> A long while, in fact. Much longer that I find comfortable.

> I politely start walking away from the girl.

> "Well then, I'll be going now," I say.

"..."

> After taking a dozen steps or so, I turn around to take a look.

> She is still looking at me. And she is still smiling.

> Cute girl or not, this is getting creepy.

 

---

 

> Several minutes later, I pause to tie my shoe.

> A quick glance confirms my suspicions.

"..."

> The smiling girl has also stopped a short distance behind.

> I'm sure of it now. She is definitely following me.

> But why? I don't recognize her as anyone I know.

"..."

> I stand up and try to hide my nervousness.

> Just keep walking normally. Can't let her sense my fear.

> Maybe I'm just paranoid. She could just be walking along the same way, right?

"..."

> I decide to take a detour from my usual route and enter the park.

> Hardly anyone walks around the park at night.

> After all, the place can get dangerous.

"..."

> A few minutes later, I find myself walking alone.

> Or rather, almost alone. A cold sweat runs down my cheek.

> The smiling girl is still following behind me.

"..."

> I turn around to glare at her, but she only smiles.

> Then, I realize my mistake. A terrible, terrible mistake.

> She and I are alone now.

 

---

 

> The smiling girl takes a few steps closer.

*snap*

> She steps on a fallen twig. The sound echoes ominously.

> Her silhouette grows larger as it blends with the shadows of the trees.

> My mind tells me to run, but my feet are frozen in place.

"..."

> I watch helplessly as she walks up to me.

> Ten yards away. Five yards away.

> What the hell? I still can't move my legs!

"..."

> Those eyes! I can't turn away from her eyes!

> Her smile widens. She knows! She knows that I can't run!

> I open my mouth to scream, but no sound comes out.

"..."

> Two yards away. One yard away.

> The smiling girl stops and pulls out something from her dress.

> Then, she leans forward. Only inches from my face.

"Here," she says.

> She puts something in my hands. I look down slowly.

> The black notebook? Wait, what?

"You dropped this," she explains cheerfully. "I wanted to tell you earlier, but you kept looking around like you were in a hurry."

> "T-thanks, I guess?"

"You really should be a lot more careful with your stuff, Mister!"

> "Uh, sure. I'll do that."

> The girl nods and smiles happily.

> I manage to smile back, feeling fairly foolish.

> She pulls out a little cupcake and munches on it as she leaves.

 

---

 

> "What a long day," I mumble to myself.

> I drop my bag in the corner and collapse on my bed.

> I don't even bother changing or having dinner.

> Feels like two weeks just passed me by.

> My eyelids grow heavy. I yawn and close my eyes.

> Searching for ponies can wait.

> Discovering the 'truth' can wait.

> Getting my life back together can wait.

> Tomorrow is another day.

> "... zzz."

 

> A few hours later, someone knocks upon the door.

> Something is slipped under the doorstep.

> A letter addressed to the one who slumbers.

"My Dear Little Human,"

"A pretty picture painted, but what is it worth?"

"Not all is well in Equestria; Not all is well in Earth."

"The truth forgotten or denied, never to see the light."

"And the most well-kept secrets, hidden in plain sight."

"- An Old Friend"

> Attached to the letter is an old photograph:

> A group of six ponies smiling for the camera.