Pen Pals
by Jason Hawke
First published
A young man decides to visit a new website that revolves around making new friends. Twilight Sparkle, after noticing a PC that mysteriously appeared in her room, does the same thing. What would happen if they were the ones to meet?
A young man decides to visit a new website that revolves around making new friends. Twilight Sparkle, after noticing a PC that mysteriously appeared in her room, does the same thing. What would happen if they were the ones to meet?
"The Website" Day One
Justin Daniels - Goldwood, Mississippi
I continue to browse the internet for anything interesting. Eventually, though, I sigh before scratching the back of my hair in thought and slight frustration.
So far, nothing interesting has popped up as of yet. Usually whenever I'm browsing the web, I either expect a random ad to try offering me to go to a website that I either ignore or disable. After about a day of humoring Google with their ad blocking functions, I've been starting to see less and less advertisements.
Eventually I start a heated debate with myself that I either clear my Firefox data, or just go to YouTube, and hope another advertisement pops up... then I start to laugh at my strange ordeal. Usually I just go online to research the answers to problems, ways to use programs, and/or simply browse the web for the latest gossip... with a little YouTube on the side, of course. Now, though? Now I'm actually searching for advertisements!
Why, one may ask? Simple... I've noticed that most of the advertisements I tend to skip over involve meeting new people. After working at a convenience store for about a few weeks, though, I've noticed something that's been missing in my life... a friend.
I see lots of people walk in with their families, with their friends... with their children! And what's even worse is that some of the latter are even people I've known in school!
I still manage to keep a smile and wave at them every time they appear... but deep down inside, I always wonder the same thing... what's it like? What does having close friends feel like? How does it feel to be "out there", so to speak? What does parenthood feel like? Does having a child of your own feel anything like having a niece and nephew? ...Watching them start to grow? Seeing old friends that you instantly recognize, then call out by name? Managing to shake your old friend's hand, then rekindle the old friendship?
All of those things, and so much more, were the things I've seen on day one in my job. Ever since then, they've continued to reoccur, even to this day. I don't have to be a medium to know that it's going to happen again, come my next day of work.
I finally decide to stop searching for ads, and start researching ways to make friends. First, though, I decide to bring up a forum post that simply says "WATCH THIS! YOU'LL LOVE IT!"
Curiously, I open the link (after double-checking to make sure it's on YouTube) and watch the short little video.
I raise an eyebrow out of curiosity as the video plays. Sure enough, the show that it represents must be intended for little children... but babysitting my little niece and nephew has made it to where children's shows are a normal thing for me. As such, I decide to take note of the show's title, and figure that I could probably have this show playing for them while I tend to the cleaning up and the housework.
As I continue watching the intro sequence to this "My Little Pony" show, however, I notice another thing about it... it tends to focus on six ponies, but the lyrics speak of "friendship". Could the show perhaps be something worth watching? Maybe... maybe not?
Deciding against my will, I look into the comments section of the forum.
After about an hour of reading the multitude of comments, I've come up with quite a few... unexpected results. Sure, lots of people instantly hate it, mostly because it's a children's show, but those like me who don't judge something over one sighting state that the show looks interesting, if not for the nature of its contents, then most likely for the messages that it gives.
I've even read a few posts that claimed that they were on the verge of suicide until they saw this show. Now, they feel as if it saved their lives, and gave them a will to live again. While most likely farfetched, it still piques my curiosity even more.
Opening Google up again, I decide to research the show a little more. Coming across a few links to the full episodes, I decide to take a look at them. Who knows? Maybe a few new ads will pop up based on my search history when this is done and over with?
After about five episodes, I come up with the conclusion that this show is, surprisingly, quite interesting! Maybe not a "life-changing" show, but definitely a good watch for my spare time.
Seeing that the show is only one season long at the moment, and on a temporary hiatus until season two, which is scheduled for later this year, I decide to sort out my daily episode intake to about one or two every week, seeing how it shouldn't be much longer until the next one is released.
As I finally end the fifth episode one last time, I open Google back up, and am surprised to find that no new advertisements show up. Seeing how I may not be finding anything else out, I decide to close the browser out.
But while my mouse hovers over the red "X" at the top-right corner of the page, I pause when I notice a new ad pop up to the side. Curious, I scroll down to get a better look at it.
"Are you a science enthusiast, but with nobody to share your ideas with? Are you an athlete, but need a place to speak to your friends about your next big game? Are you alone, and seeking to speak with someone in the same boat, WITHOUT the risk of giving out information? Please click here now!"
I hover my mouse over the "Disable AD" button, but then notice the picture change. I see a picture of a guy smiling and speaking over his headset, and a girl speaking on her laptop with her friends behind her; each smiling and chatting amongst themselves... nothing suspicious there.
I contemplate my next move carefully, then realize that my virus protection is on, and up-to-date. Deciding that my computer's safety wouldn't be an issue, I middle-click the link, opening it in a new tab. If I get an alert, then this website is out of the picture.
Twilight Sparkle - Ponyville, Equestria
As I trot along through the beautiful sandy streets of Ponyville, I can't resist the urge to smile and wave at my neighbors; some of which even smiling and waving back in response!
My friends and I returned from the Grand Galloping Gala not too long ago... one week, in fact! As such, the impact that the trip made for us has been nothing short of straining, despite us solving the short-term problems that night.
For starters, Applejack still feels slightly let down that she wasn't able to amass in any bits for her family, and even began doubting the quality of her apples after some... well, rude comments were made... which leads me to my next friend on the list.
Rarity still feels quite lonely, after realizing that her "true love" was everything but what she expected him to be. I can relate, and would've spoken to her about Blueblood sooner, had I known more about his true nature. To me, he just seemed like another Canterlot Noble, only considering Princess Celestia as his aunt due to certain diplomatic reasons that she never really spoke to me about. Never would I have taken him for that kind of Noble, though... at least I reported his rude behavior to his "Dear Auntie Celestia", which made Rarity smile a little.
Pinkie Pie locked herself in her room for the first three days, and since then, hasn't really been as cheerful as she once was. She feels like she failed to make the party something worth remembering.
Rainbow Dash... well, she's been exercising twice as much as usual, and even pushes her body towards dangerous levels. I fear that she may be thinking she's unworthy of joining the Wonderbolts, and is going through a "do or die" phase... which worries me very much. I may have to even check on her now, just in case she's trying to lift up a mountain... literally.
Then there's Fluttershy... well... I'd rather not say. She's been just like Pinkie Pie, only rather than three days of locking herself indoors, she claimed that she's going to be "hibernating to make herself one with the animals"... but we all know that that's impossible for ponies to do. Regardless, I still sneak food for her in every day, as well as offer her a shoulder to cry on.
So where does this leave me? I hate to say it, but my time at the Gala was... actually a whole lot more fruitful than theirs. While I never really got to speak with Princess Celestia as much as I had planned, I was still able to do so in the end... and yet, because they weren't able to enjoy their time at the Gala as much as me, I feel deep sorrow.
And my sorrow finally shows the moment I step into my home, "Golden Oak Library". I magically close the door behind me and, after letting out a long, drawn-out sigh, close my eyes and let the tears fall on the floor freely.
Why does this whole scenario have to be so difficult?!
"Twilight? Are you okay?" comes a comforting voice from behind me. Turning around, I notice Spike standing there with a worried look on his face.
Despite the ordeals that we had at the Gala, Spike was the least affected by it... and yet, like me, he doesn't feel any better because of the way how things turned out for the girls and I.
I wipe my tears from my cheeks and weakly smile at him. "Oh... hello, Spike. Y-yeah, I... I'll be fine. Just... lost in thought, is all."
Spike sighs before walking up to me. He gently places a claw on my shoulders and pats me on the back before shaking his head left and right. "Twilight, it's been a whole week, now. You and the girls shouldn't be so depressed like this! What if this is all just another test from Princess Celestia? I mean... sure, the odds of that are quite unlikely, what with her being there at the end and all, but... well, you know how she can be at times."
I lightly chuckle at him, gently pat him on the scalp, then trot towards my bedroom. "Thank you, Spike... but I just need some time to relax, if that's okay."
He sighs again before nodding his head. "Well... don't forget that I'm here, okay? If any of you need me, I'll be tending to the bookshelves."
I nod my head appreciatively before slowly trotting up the stairs. "Okay, Spike... and thank you. Believe me, I doubt if any of us would be able to recover without your help."
He smiles and places his balled up claws on his waist triumphantly before walking to the bookshelves to tend to their contents. I smile at him one last time before the lower half of the house is no longer visible, due to the wall being there, dividing the library from the house.
I step into my room and place my saddlebags next to the door before plopping down onto my bed. I levitate the nearest book up to my face before studying its contents. Eventually, I get so lost in my readings that I don't even notice the door knocking hours later.
After I finish reading, I decide to close the book, only to yelp when I find a strange looking book at the lower corner of my bed.
I tilt my head confusedly before cautiously scooting towards it. Its frame isn't cloth... it's metal! In the center of it, my cutie mark rests; engraved into it like a journal.
My eyes widen in shock as I slowly start to recognize what it is... a miniature personal computer, or a "Mini-PC", as some would call it!
I don't recall ordering one, though, which strikes me as odd. In fact, I even recall them being quite new, with knowledge of them still being quite limited from the public!
Did... did Princess Celestia send it to me?! This would've cost her a fortune, even on princess standards!
I waste no time in opening it, basking in the majestic glow of the new device. The plastic wrap is even still there, and not a single print is on it! If I didn't know any better, I'd say that I'm, quite literally, the first pony... no, the first living creature to touch this particular device... and it feels breathtaking!
The interior lighting matches the highlights of my mane and tail, and the buttons are colored similar to my mane and tail's primary colors. The shell on the inside, however, is the same color as my fur. The exterior, however, is more of a yellowish copper color.
Wasting no time, I tap on the power button, and before I know it, the computer springs to life, seemingly for the first time!
I spend about an hour going through the usual startup processes. Connecting to the PonyNet isn't that difficult, however, since my home literally has an antenna on top that includes a far more advanced connection speed than the average pony's home could handle... probably a reason why so many ponies use their "E-Phones" in the library when my work hours begin.
Upon reaching the search site named "Google", I notice right away that there's an advertisement on it already. The advertisement reads, "Are you a science enthusiast, but with nobody to share your ideas with? Are you an athlete, but need a place to speak to your friends about your next big game? Are you alone, and seeking to speak with someone in the same boat, WITHOUT the risk of giving out information? Please click here now!"
I roll my eyes after having seen that same advertisement several different times, and roll the mouse wheel towards the "Remove AD" button.
Before I could reach it, however, Spike opens the door and calls my name, causing me to quickly jump up and bump the left mouse button... but I'm too startled to even notice.
"S-Spike! W-whatever happened to knocking?!" I stutter out, only to realize the awkwardness of the situation.
Both of our faces turn red and he quickly covers his eyes before turning around. "S-sorry! I didn't see anything, I swear!"
I quickly shake my hooves defensively before shaking my head. "N-no, it's not what it looks like! I-I'm not doing anything like that, honest! I-I just didn't expect you to come barging in the door, is all!" I levitate my Mini-PC in front of my face and reveal the screen to him. "See? Nothing at all!"
He leans his head closer to the screen to get a better look at it. Then his eyes shoot open before he gives me a smug smile. "Oh, really now?" Then he rolls his eyes and turns towards the doorway. "Well, I guess I'll just leave you to chatting with your, um... colt-friend, then!"
I blink confusedly at him before tilting my head to the side. "Um... what do you mean by-" he closes the door, no longer in my room, "-that?"
I slowly rotate the Mini-PC to where I could see the contents on the screen. When I see it, however, my cheeks only heat up even more than they were a second ago, as I notice that I'm now on that chatting website, and am apparently connected with someone.
Thinking quickly, I decide to try exiting out of the browser. Before I can, however, a message pops up, breaking my movement down into a complete halt.
JD: "Um... hello?"
My gut instinct tells me that this is just some random bot, and that I should just close the browser now... but my curiosity also matches the instinct.
I continue to wait for a moment, unable to move, until I realize the words "JD is typing something in..." appear right above the typing window.
Then, another message appears.
JD: "You aren't a bot, are you?"
Again, I'm at a loss for words. I don't even know what to do at this point! I could easily just close the browser, but then I would leave someone who could be in need of a friend behind... and ever since I moved into Ponyville, I've never once wanted to go back to that old lifestyle... not after seeing what loneliness could do to some individuals.
On the other hoof, this could be a bot itself! For all I know, it could be a potentially dangerous criminal! Hay, it could be anyone! Maybe somepony I know!
But... why name itself "JD", then? And just what does that even mean?!
Eventually my curiosity gets the better of me. My mouse drifts towards the chat bar, stopping at the center of the words, "Type here..." I click the words, making them vanish, and replacing them with a blinking vertical line at the far-left corner of the bar.
Taking a deep breath, I raise my hooves to the keyboard and begin typing.
TS: "Wait! Sorry, I was interrupted by something, and didn't notice your message! Um... hello!"
"The Chat" Day One
Justin Daniels - Goldwood, Mississippi
TS: "Wait! Sorry, I was interrupted by something, and didn't notice your message! Um... hello!"
Huh... well, I'll admit I wasn't expecting that! My mouse is literally hovering over the "X" for the tab, and my finger is just millimeters over the button, arched down, and ready to click.
Seeing that I've received a reply, however, I quickly move the mouse away from the tabs and return to the chat bar. Clicking it once, I type in my response.
JD: "Ah, good. Was worried that the website was just a hoax, or something like that."
I wait for a moment once I see the "TS" person typing his or her response.
TS: "I know what you mean! Um... but how can I tell that YOU aren't a bot, though? Or maybe some creepy individual?"
I lightly chuckle and nod my head, confirming that this, indeed, is not a bot. Then I try to think of a response to tell TS.
Finally, I shrug my shoulders before responding.
JD: "Good question. I guess it's just something that we'll have to rely on our instincts for. If it helps, though, I won't even ask for your name, location, or anything like that."
Once more TS begins typing in a response. I then start to grow curious, though, about who this person is. Because of the speed of the responses, I'd wager a guess that it's another individual who's skilled with typing on a keyboard... but eh, I'm just glad to be speaking to a real person, at least.
TS: "Fair enough. So, um... how are you doing today?"
I crack my fingers before beginning to type. Knowing that I may end up having to type a lot, it would be best that my fingers don't risk locking up, after all.
JD: "Eh, can't complain. Mostly just here to find someone to talk to about my day, and what-not. How about you?"
TS: "Not so great, unfortunately."
"Huh," I say to myself before continuing to type, while whispering, "I wonder what's going on there?"
JD: "I'm sorry to hear that. Do you feel like talking about it?"
It takes TS a short while to reply. No doubt, he or she must be about to question my concerns.
TS: "Why do you ask, exactly?"
JD: "I don't know. Just thought maybe, if you're having troubles, we could both share with the other, maybe support one-another."
TS: "Um... but we just met?"
JD: "I don't have to know you to know that you have feelings like me. That's just something we all have in common, if you know what I mean. Figured I could try helping someone solve their problems, is all."
TS: "Oh... well, I appreciate the offer, but I don't really think there's anything that could be done in this situation."
JD: "Doesn't hurt to try, though... but it's entirely up to you. You don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to."
TS: "Thanks... I'm just not ready to go into those details, just yet. We did just meet, after all."
I nod my head in approval. Secure, and thoughtful. This TS person must be quite an intelligent person, indeed, which is good. At least I know I'm not chatting with some drama queen.
JD: "Of course... and sorry if I've offended you. I promise, invading your personal life isn't my intentions at all."
TS: "Oh, it's fine! I'm not offended... just being cautious, is all. Can't rely on these websites TOO much to give any information to strangers... um... no offense."
I lightly chuckle before nodding my head.
JD: "None taken."
TS: "So, um... what should we talk about first?"
I rub my chin in thought. I probably could have thought this through a little more. Here I am, having a conversation with some random person, perhaps from a completely different country, and yet I have nothing to talk about!
Thankfully, another message appears.
TS: "Do you like books?"
Books... now there's a subject I can talk about!
JD: "Depends on what kinds of books you're referring to... why do you ask?"
TS: "Just curious, is all. I, um... live in a library, after all."
I lightly snicker at that statement.
Twilight Sparkle - Ponyville, Equestria
I groan awkwardly before planting my face in my right hoof. Here I am, trying to be secure about this whole thing, and already I've told a stranger where I live! Yeah... real smooth, Twilight!
My attention is drawn back to the screen again when I hear the message "bloop" onto the screen. Scanning JD's message carefully, I sigh in relief.
JD: "A library, huh? Book fan, then?"
I lick my lips, then carefully type in my response.
TS: "I... guess you could say that, yeah."
I patiently await his response. Seeing how fast JD types does make waiting a lot more bearable. It makes me wonder if this JD person could be an intelligent individual as well! That, or maybe just somepony who has a lot of free time on his or her hooves.
JD: "I hear you. Sometimes, with how much junk gets dragged into my home, I can't help but wonder if I live in an apartment, or if I live in a museum!"
"That's it! My chance for a witty response!" I think to myself as a clever grin spreads across my face.
Justin Daniels
I sigh before planting my face into my right palm. "Well, so much for security... might as well give this TS person my name, while I'm at it!" I sarcastically tell myself before noticing the message. Reading it, however, eases my worries and makes me lightly chuckle.
TS: "An apartment, huh? So I'm guessing you like to live a simple life?"
I sigh in relief before typing out my response.
JD: "I guess YOU could say that, yeah."
I smirk as I post that last comment. I can't help but wonder if TS is also getting a good laugh at me using his or her words back.
Twilight Sparkle
I cover my lips with both hooves as I hold back my laughter. I have to say, it's not every day that I get my own words used against me. Unfortunately, though, some of the laughter escapes my grip, and I let out a hearty chuckle.
Finally, I reply to the comment.
TS: "Ah, touche."
I think of what else to say for a moment until an idea pops in my mind.
TS: "So hey, I was wondering... how many friends have you made? On this website, that is."
It doesn't take long for JD to reply. His or her answer, however, catches me by surprise.
JD: "So far, just one. You ARE the only person I've met, after all."
He doesn't even know me... or she... and as such, I don't even know him or her! And yet... this JD already views me as a friend? Well... that's kinda sweet, I'll admit, but also pretty sketchy.
TS: "Friends?"
Once more, JD responds. This time, however, it appears far less sketchy, and a lot more friendly by nature.
JD: "Well... yeah! You seem like a pretty cool person, and I'd love to chat with you some more... that is, if you want to. Of course, maybe calling each other FRIENDS would be a little odd, considering we don't know each other..."
I nod my head before typing a response.
TS: "Of course... and you seem like an interesting person, yourself! I'd love to chat with you some more! And... well, we may not be legitimate FRIENDS yet, but I do believe we could consider ourselves as something."
I rub my chin in thought. Just what exactly could we consider ourselves as? Acquaintances would be something, but that sounds a little too much like a business-related partnership, if you ask me.
Suddenly a new message appears.
JD: "Pen pals?"
I smile again at JD's message before nodding my head and replying.
TS: "Pen pals... perfect!"
Suddenly the front entrance to the library begins to knock.
TS: "Um... sorry, but I have company at the moment. Do you... think we could chat again sometime?"
Justin Daniels
I smile and start to type my response when my alarm begins to go off, telling me that I have work soon. I groan before rolling my eyes and nodding my head at the screen.
JD: "Absolutely! Funny thing, I actually have to go, myself. Gotta work tonight. So... same time tomorrow?"
I quickly rush to my phone and disable the alarm before returning to my computer screen. The moment I sit down, TS's response appears.
TS: "It's a date, then!"
I grin smugly before replying.
JD: "Then I'll see you around, TS."
TS: "Of course, JD... but, um... you can call me Twilight, if you want."
Nodding my head, I murmur the word, "Twilight..." before typing in my response.
JD: "Of course, Twilight... and you can call me Justin, if you want."
TS: "Sounds good. I'll see you later, Justin!"
JD: "You have a nice day, Twilight. Oh, and thank you, by the way. It's not every day I get to speak to a fellow egghead... um... no offense."
Twilight Sparkle
Once again, I find myself laughing at JD's... or rather, Justin's comment. At least I've been given reassurance that I'm not the only one that others would consider an egghead... that's a good sign!
I type my response in, but have to correct a few spelling errors due to my laughter throwing my hooves out of place on the occasion.
TS: "None taken! Believe me, you aren't the only one in that boat."
The knocking gets louder, causing me to groan inwardly.
TS: "Sorry, but my visitors are getting loud. I'll be back on tomorrow!"
I hover my mouse over the "X" and await Justin's response.
JD: "Of course, of course! Have a good one, Twilight! I'll see you then! ^_^ "
With that, I notice the "JD has left the room." message appear. With a knowing smile, I hit the "X" before looking over at my window.
Noticing that it's Rainbow Dash knocking on the door, I groan before slipping my Mini-PC under my bed and trotting over to the window. "I'm coming! Give me a second!"
She looks up at me before quickly flying towards the window. My eyes shoot open as I quickly duck my head, narrowly dodging her "grand entrance".
"Hey, Twi! Didn't know ya were in your room, otherwise I wouldn't have even been knocking!" she says with her usual tomboyish tone.
I roll my eyes before opening my door, allowing the two of us to exit my room. "Gee, I wonder how I could've guessed that."
Rainbow snickers before replying, "Eh, probably just your 'Egghead Sense' tingling, or something like that."
While normally I would take her comment as a mild insult, I suddenly cover my mouth as I hold back my laughter once more. She takes notice and raises an eyebrow at me curiously. "Um... Twi?"
I lightly chuckle before shaking my head at her and replying, "Sorry. Just... thought of something."
She eyes me curiously before slowly backing up. "Um... okay? I'll bite, what's the deal?"
From outside the corner of the hallway, Spike's voice echoes, "TWILIGHT'S GOT A COLT-FRIEND!"
My cheeks suddenly burn up. I turn towards his location before squeaking, "I DO NOT!"
My ears splay up the moment I hear hoofsteps approach me. Slowly, I turn towards Rainbow Dash, who now holds a shocked expression on her face. She eyes me for a moment before a wide, cocky smile forms, which only makes me back up a little.
"Oh, really~?"
I don't like the tone she used there.
"N-no!" I retort, only to blush even more.
Finally, she falls over on her back, kicking her hind hooves in the air. Her forehooves are firmly planted on her stomach as she bursts into a fit of laughter.
I deadpan at her, but say nothing, as it would only be pointless.
Even still, deep within my mind, I can't help but think back on the conversation I had with Justin... but more importantly, that name.
Clearly it's a foreign name... but of what origin? And what's more, why does it seem so... familiar, in a strange way?
Suddenly my ears shoot up at another realization. "Holy cow... d-did I just have a personal conversation with a boy?!"
Justin Daniels
I finish saying my goodbyes to TS, or rather, Twilight, before closing my browser. Then I proceed to getting ready for the day.
After taking a long shower and shaving, I quickly pull the keys to my apartment from the hook, unlock my door, step out, and lock it back up before hopping on top of my bicycle.
The ride to my work, a "Seth-Co. Gas Station", isn't long, and when I make it, I still have time to chat amongst my coworker, Kat.
"So, you're in a good mood today!" she says to me as I wheel my bicycle to the back room.
I nod my head with a smile before replying, "Yeah, just had a good night's rest, that's all!"
She raises an eyebrow before checking out another customer's order. "Well, that's good and all, but I get a feeling there's more than that." After finishing up with her customer, she turns to me as I exit the back room and start counting the money in the safe.
I shrug my shoulders before replying, "Well... I did chat with someone before heading here."
She gasps before leaning closer to me. "Really, now?! Who was it, someone you know?"
I shake my head, still focused on the safe, before replying, "No, but that person said that his name is 'Twilight', apparently."
She tilts her head confusedly at me before snickering. She walks up to the register to finish up her work, all while I turn towards her with a look of confusion on my face. "What?"
"Oh, nothing~." she replies in a sing-song voice.
"Okay, what's the deal, Kat?" I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.
She turns to me and replies, "Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but... wouldn't the name 'Twilight' be more of a feminine name?"
I shrug my shoulders before turning back to the safe and counting the money.
Suddenly I freeze in place as a sudden realization hits me. I spoke with this 'Twilight' person, but in a way that I wouldn't just speak with anyone... as if my intuition told me that I were trying to impress that person. And if that were the case...
"Holy crap... did I just have a heart-to-heart with a girl?!"