Rainfall
Rainfall

‘The beginning…’ A voice said.

Synth opened his eyes and peered into the darkness. He looked left and right but there was nothing else. His body slowly took his forward. The voice continued to repeat itself, until Synth was engulfed by the dark completely.

‘It’s the beginning…’ The voice said.

‘The beginning of what?’ Synth asked.

‘The end…’ The voice replied much harsher and very hoarse.

Synth’s eyes opened. He was facing the ceiling now. His forehead was covered in sweat, but it wasn’t cold sweat, he was feeling very hot. Synth rolled over on his new bed and tried to get out. After a few attempts, his legs untangled themselves from his bed sheets. He placed them on the ground, and stood up.

Synth stretched his legs, but once again found them to be numb. It’s been almost a week now, his patience with his condition was getting low. He walked over to the kitchen, and grabbed himself some cupcakes.

‘Courtesy of Sugar Cube Corner,’ Synth said eating a few.

‘You know, eating sweets for breakfast won’t get rid of your problems,’ Shade said.

‘Well not eating them won’t help. Doctor said he doesn’t know when I’ll get better. If I’ll ever get better…’ Synth said.

‘Still, you’re going to be overweight if you keep eating those,’ Shade said.

‘Pinkie was kind enough to bring them, I’ll be kind enough to eat them,’ Synth said.

‘Or you could let Vera have them,’ Shade said.

‘And since when have you decided what the right thing to do is?’ Synth said.

‘Just saying, is all,’ Shade said.

‘Well she’s probably getting her fill every now and then,’ Synth said.

‘She is over there an awful lot, isn’t she?’ Shade asked.

‘She’s making friends, and I don’t mind the alone time,’ Synth said.

“Morning Synth, feeling better?” Vera asked coming down the stairs.

“Morning. Not yet, but I’m not giving up,” Synth said.

“Okay, is it alright if I go to Sugar Cube Corner again?” Vera asked.

“Sure, go ahead. Thank Pinkie for the amazing cupcakes, too,” Synth said.

“Okay, I will. Is there any left?” Vera asked.

“Yeah, help yourself. Just remember to eat something healthy later,” Synth said.

Vera sat down to eat the cupcakes. Synth felt that he’d eaten enough, and stared off into space. Shade was quiet, so Synth thought about his recent bad news.
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“So, let me have a look at the problem,” The doctor said.

Synth showed him his legs, and the doctor was confused. When Synth told him of the feelings/ lack thereof in his legs, the doctor examined his hooves. After a few seconds on each hoof, the doctor was stumped. Synth took the usual blood pressure test. The doctor also measured his height and weight. When the doctor returned the next day, he asked for a blood test and asked for Synth to tell him about recent activities. The doctor returned on the third day with a sheet of paper.

“I’m sorry to say I haven’t found any disease with these symptoms. Other than what you’ve described, we haven’t found anything wrong with you,” The doctor said.

“Well, then what should I do?” Synth asked.

“I recommend bed rest, and a decrease in physical activity. Maybe you’re body is having side effects from recent damage,” The doctor said.

“Okay thanks, Doctor,” Synth said.

“And one more thing…” The doctor asked.

“What?” Synth asked.

“Next time, let me examine you at the hospital. House calls aren’t my style,” The doctor said.

“I’ll think about it,” Synth said.

“Okay then…” The doctor left and Synth was left alone and confused about his situation.
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“I’ll see you later, Synth,” Vera said closing the door.

“Oh yeah, bye,” Synth said awakening from his memory.

Synth walked up to his bed and started to put the sheets back. He was already feeling bored from the lack of entertainment. He finished, and looked to the entire bed. When the sheets are on, it looks so comforting. It also made him feel like sleeping whenever he looked too long at it. That was why he chose this new bed, was because he didn’t want any bad thoughts, or else another bad dream might occur.

It had worked, at least until today. Synth had the bed put upstairs, across from his old bed that now belonged to Vera. She was glad to have a big bed to herself, and she had already changed the sheets and replaced them with her cyan and scarlet bed sheet.

Synth was surprised she brought it with her. That’s not something you pack if you’re going to be coming back to your normal house. Synth didn’t think too much about it, because she was already making his place feel livelier.

‘So, got anything else exciting for today?’ Shade asked.

‘… No, what about you?’ Synth said.

‘Same, let’s go back to sleep,’ Shade said.

‘I’m not tired right now. I’ve been stuck in here for too long. I can’t take it…’ Synth said.

‘Then why don’t you leave?’ Shade asked.

Synth remembered the last time he’d left his house to go ask Twilight about that book.
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“Hey Twilight, I was-,” Synth started.

“Synth, what are you doing out of bed?” Twilight asked, cutting him off.

“I was just-,” Synth started.

“No, the doctor said you need to stay in bed. He knows what he’s talking about,” Twilight said.

“And who told you that I needed to stay in bed?” Synth asked.

“The doctor, he said that if we see you, we need to take you back to your house,” Twilight said.
(Editor’s Quote: “Doctor goes and tells everybody in Ponyville about Synth’s problem and tells them to make him stay at home. Seems legit. Rule 4 of being a doctor: Tell Everyone. Rule 1: hang degrees and all accomplishments on your walls.)

“Why would he say that?” Synth asked.

“To make sure you stay safe. That’s what doctors are supposed to do,” Twilight said.

“But I don’t-,” Synth started.

“No, I’m taking you back, and that’s final,” Twilight said.

‘Wow, you must have made a good impression on the doctor for him to care this much,’ Shade said.

Synth couldn’t get a word in as she took him back to his house and informed Vera to tell her if he tried to leave. Whenever Synth went out to get some fresh air, he wouldn’t get far before one of the townsfolk asked if he was better. To which Synth replied by walking back inside.

He wasn’t completely bored though. Pinkie dropped in and gave him boxes of cupcakes. Applejack came and left him apples for days. Vera was glad about that. The first time she ate a cupcake, she went sugar happy. Now she only gets a little more energetic, but Synth doesn’t mind. Rarity also came by and they had a conversation about how different Synth was. Synth eventually showed her his new cape and necklace, to which she went on about how it matched him.
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Synth wasn’t expecting anyone else, and as far as he knew, the town was busy as ever.

‘You know what? I’m going to enjoy myself today,’ Synth said.

‘That’s the spirit, so how about we go fight something?’ Shade asked.

‘That’s not what I would call enjoying myself…’ Synth said.

‘Then what are you going to do?’ Shade asked.

‘Watch,’ Synth said.

Synth activated his magic. He felt the magic go through his face and the right side of his neck, although only his upper right torso felt the magic. Synth looked down, and his lower body was still there. Most of his body parts he would normally see were still visible, although he did notice that there were some spots on his torso where he could see through.

‘Yeah, no one’s going to notice the headless horse…’ Shade said.

‘Okay, so there’s one flaw in my plan…’ Synth said.

‘Just walk outside, if anypony asks, you’re doing some gardening…’ Shade said.

‘Alright, I’ll go with your idea,’ Synth said.

Synth undid the spell and walked to the door. He opened it, and stepped outside. Normally, he would catch sight of a pony here or there, but today the streets were cleared. He continued and walked to the back side of his house. He looked down at the plants growing there. Including the Chillroot he planted a few days ago.

Synth had surrounded the Chillroot with rocks and added some pebbles to give it a mountain feel. It didn’t work very well, but there was some improvement. The Chillroot was slowly growing back some of the pedals that he’d taken. He kept the pedals in the bags that he took with him. It was in case he was ever in need of heat, or a fire.

Synth looked at the other miscellaneous plants that had been growing. A blue flower with green spots was so far the largest. It had already bloomed and was showing off its colors. Synth couldn’t tell what some of the others were, because they hadn’t shown their colors. He realized that he didn’t have very many seeds or plants anymore. He’d need to get more eventually.

Synth remembered the Biodome that was being constructed. It had been off his mind since he left Ponyville. Now, he realized that it’d probably be finished by now. Synth was about to make his way to the Biodome, until something stopped him. A raindrop hit his horn. Synth looked up at the sky.

The familiar blue was replaced with puffy grey clouds. Small drops of rain were falling down. The rain eventually sped up and Synth heard the sound of the rain hitting his roof. Synth smiled, rain was just what he needed. Synth walked over to a group of trees that were close together. He picked two that were close enough to each other. They were about twenty feet from his house, but Synth had an idea.

‘Hey Shade, I’ve got something I want you to do,’ Synth said.

‘Why would I do something for you?’ Shade asked.

‘Because it lets us stay out here longer,’ Synth said.

‘I still don’t see why I should do this for you,’ Shade said.

‘Look, I’ll owe you one, okay?’ Synth asked.

‘Fine, but I’m going to call you on that later,’ Shade said.

‘Okay, so here’s the plan…’ Synth started.

Synth finished telling Shade what he wanted, and Shade agreed. Synth let Shade take control of his horn, and watched as Shade sent magic towards the two trees. The leaves and branches of the two trees began to shift. They folded towards the middle and the branches started to weave together. The leaves covered where the branches were weaved, until there was a green hammock formed perfectly.

Synth walked up and jumped in. He could feel the smooth leaves on his back, and the burning in his legs was lessening. He found the more time he spent on them; the more it burned or itched. Now though, he looked up at the leaves blocking him from the falling rain. Synth felt the breeze pass and raindrops made it onto his coat. He didn’t care though, he was finally relaxing.

Synth looked up at the clouds, and remembered something like this. It was from when he was younger. He was with his professor and their guide. Synth didn’t know why it reminded him of that, but it did. He recalled the grey sky, and the hard floor. The sound of birds chirping and hooves running towards him, it was all coming back to him.
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“Synth!” called a voice in the distance.

“Synth, where are you?” The voice called in from closer.

Synth was looking at the sky, his mind blurry. He tried to stand up, but he couldn’t move. There was something crawling on him. He moved his head to look down, and watched a snake crawl from Synth’s torso towards his head. Synth was scared, he was looking into the eyes of the snake.

“Synth!” The voice called again, it was sounding familiar.

Synth looked towards where he thought the voice was coming from. He looked towards the bushes and found them start to move. He was hit with relief that he was going to be saved. That relief was shattered, though. He watched as two more snakes emerged from the bushes. Synth let his head drop. He could hear the snakes slithering onto him.

Synth looked back into the sky thinking about how it came to this. The last thing he remembered, was that he’d drank from his water bottle. He’d forgotten where he’d put it, but found it next to Blossom’s bag. He remembered drinking from it, and then he’d lost consciousness. But that was at the camp site, not in the jungle. The hiss of a snake made him look back down to his torso. They were looking at each other, and one of them was preparing to strike.

“You have to fight for your food,” Synth commented weakly.

One of them looked at him and hissed before turning towards the others. Synth stayed quiet and watched them. They would strafe left and right, but their lower body wouldn’t move. The snakes were too busy fighting to notice Synth moving. He could feel his torso now, and his breathing increased. Synth watched the first snake strike first. He bit open air. The other two struck at the same time and bit the first snake on either side. The snake went down, and that left the other two.

Synth watched the body of the snake tumble off of him. It wasn’t dead, but it was paralyzed. They must have used different poisons. Synth watched the other two strafe, not attacking first. Synth heard another rustling in the bushes, and turned towards the sound. One of the snakes must have turned too, because the smart snake struck the other. Synth watched the body of the second snake fall off. The third snake turned towards Synth now.

“Oh no,” Synth heard from the bushes.

Synth watched as the snake on top of him was about to strike. He didn’t get far though, because a crude knife stabbed him in the chest and sent him off Synth. Synth was relieved; he didn’t feel like dying today. Synth turned towards the direction the knife came from. He saw his guide walking up to him. Synth tried to get up, and he managed to move his arm. He reached out towards the guide, but he saw the guide’s face change from relieved to worry.

Synth felt pain in his hoof. He cried in agony, and he felt something slip underneath his skin. Synth looked down towards the paralyzed snake. He had bitten Synth, and he wasn’t letting go. Synth tried to smash him against the ground in an attempt to stop the pain, but the guide came up to him. He held a torch up to the snake, and the snake let go.

Synth grasped his hoof with the other, and looked at the injury. The fire had gotten too close, and the wound was getting burnt. The guide looked at his hoof and then shook his head.

“We need to go back to the city. What you need is a remedy,” The guide said.

Synth nodded and stood up. He followed Blossom and the guide to the closest village. When they reached the village, Synth felt a little lightheaded. They took him to a doctor, and Synth was seated on a bed while they talked in a weird language. When they finished, the doctor talked to him.

“I am sorry, for this poison there is no remedy,” The doctor said.

“Isn’t there anything you can do?” Blossom asked.

“No the poison is too strong, it seems this one will die young,” The doctor whispered into Blossom’s ears. Synth managed to hear it, but his eyesight was getting blurry.

“Then… how long?” Blossom asked, obviously on the verge of tears.

“Your time left to pray, is less than a day,” The doctor said.

Synth’s hearing got worse after that, and he couldn’t understand what they were saying. He eventually looked up towards the grey ceiling. He could hear muffled sounds, and the pain in his leg was gone. Soon, he drifted into sleep. But what surprised him, was that he woke up.

Synth woke up and his eyes shot open. He looked up at the grey ceiling, still there. He looked to his left, right, and saw Blossom sleeping in a chair nearby. He yawned, and his legs wanted to be stretched. Synth got off the bed, and landed onto the floor noiselessly. He stretched his hind legs first, and then his forelegs. While he was stretching, he noticed the wound on his hoof again. It was smaller, and it looked like it was healing faster than normal.

“Synth, how are you feeling?” Blossom asked, her eyes bloodshot.

“I’m feeling a lot better,” Synth replied.

“Really?” Blossom asked her eyes going wide.

They called in the doctor, and he was baffled. Synth had been asleep for two days, but they didn’t declare him dead because he was breathing. Now, the doctor said that the poison must have left his system. Synth devoured his next meal, and with the guide, they left back to the camp site. The only thing Synth remembered feeling weird about, was when he stepped outside, everything he saw looked a lot clearer.
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Synth heard hoof steps coming up to him. He looked to his left at the approaching figure. He surprised to see Fluttershy walking up to him. She was bringing a basket filled with flowers. Synth turned back to the sky, she was probably walking by.

“Um, hey Synth,” Fluttershy said.

“Hey Fluttershy, any reason you’re out in the rain?” Synth asked.

“I was coming to check on you. I heard you’re still sick,” Fluttershy said.

“I’m doing okay. But shouldn’t you be at your house? It’s raining,” Synth said.

“Shouldn’t you be in your house?” Fluttershy said.

“Touché,” Synth said.

“You should really get back in bed. You could catch a cold out here,” Fluttershy said.

“It’s not that cold out here. Besides, I really like the rain,” Synth said.

“Oh, well then I should get back home,” Fluttershy said.

“Well, why don’t you stay a while, I haven’t seen you since that dragon incident,” Synth said.

“I don’t know, I don’t want to be a bother,” Fluttershy said.

“It’s no bother, here let me get you a seat,” Synth said.

‘One more time…’ Synth said.

‘Just choose where,’ Shade said.

Synth found another tree close by and a sapling that was just growing. He used his magic that he’d stored up the past few days to grow the sapling to the desired height. When he was satisfied, he let Shade take control of his magic and copied what he did the first time. This time though, he made it slightly larger. Fluttershy took a cautionary step inside, and then lay down. The hammocks were about five feet from each other. They were side by side on the edge of the trees.

“Thanks, it’s… soft,” Fluttershy said.

“Well, It is for relaxing,” Synth said.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Fluttershy said.

“So, I heard you made that dragon cry,” Synth said.

“I feel bad about that… but he should have known what he was doing,” Fluttershy said.

“You know, sometimes you’re a little too kind,” Synth said.

“Am I? I’m sorry,” Fluttershy said.

“It was a joke, you’re just being you,” Synth said.

“Oh, I see,” Fluttershy said.

Synth heard the silence that ensued. He didn’t know if it was awkward or comfortable, but the rain made him enjoy it. Fluttershy was physically relaxing now, there was a slight breeze and the hammocks rocked slightly.

“Um, what exactly is wrong with you,” Fluttershy asked.

“It’s just a numb feeling. It’ll go away eventually,” Synth said.
Synth didn’t want Fluttershy worrying about him for no reason, although he knew that whatever was wrong with him spread fast. He remembered how it started with his hooves. After that day he climbed the mountain, it slowed down. It ended up at his torso, but he noticed when he tried to go invisible, that it was still spreading.

“That’s good, I hope it’s not serious,” Fluttershy said.

“It’s probably not, but this bed rest lets me relax each day,” Synth said.

“This is kind of relaxing,” Fluttershy said.

“I always liked it better when it was raining,” Synth said.

“It’s… okay. I wish the sun was out, though,” Fluttershy said.

“At least there’s no thunder,” Synth said.

Synth felt his eyelids growing heavy. He gave in, and his body changed into a more comfortable position. He let his eyes close, and felt his numb body slump. Nearby, Fluttershy also couldn’t resist closing her eyes. The patter of the rain eased their minds. The wind blew and added a soft whistle from the leaves. Synth dreamt of a past memory, but one that he didn’t remember.
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The sky was dark. The clouds blotted out the moon. Synth was looking out of his window. The streets were busy with party goers and fashion stars. There was a party next door. Synth’s family was invited, but Synth chose not to go. His parents told the others he was sick and couldn’t come. They believed it. Now, Synth was watching everyone enter the house next to his.

There were ponies of all shapes and sizes, and he could identify them. Synth watched each one as they passed. He saw the normal day to day ponies, as well as the stuck up snobs. He saw the party animals, and the ones who would enter, only to leave early. Synth knew each one by the way they held themselves.

What caught him off guard, was when he saw a pony he’d never seen before. The pony had his face covered by a mask. It was a normal party mask, but this wasn’t a costume party. When Synth left his eyes on the pony for too long, the pony turned towards him. Synth was surprised, because the windows were one way. He kept watching, but the pony turned around and left. He never entered the party.

Synth continued to watch, but he never saw him again. He would have thought more of it, but he was too young at the time. Synth’s dream changed. He was no longer that young. He was a little younger. When he turned around, he was facing his door, but it was bigger than he remembered. Synth tried to use his magic to open it, but nothing was happening.

Synth went back over to the window, and peered outside again. Before he could see what was outside, he saw his reflection. His face was really young, and his body short. He looked out the window, and saw it was daylight.

Synth looked at the street below, and noticed a crowd gathering. They were talking to each other about something. Synth leaned farther, and he saw a pony wobbling and barely moving his mouth while he spoke. Soon, the pony walked away, being supported by another masked pony. Synth could see his coat was grey, and the mask looked really weird. For a second, the mask disappeared, but Synth didn’t get a chance to see what was there.

Synth heard a voice and turned around to look at his mother. She was smiling and reached over to pick him up. He was lifted into the air, and placed into a cradle that he just realized was there. She closed the door and left again. Synth reached up to the top of the cradle, but his movement was stopped by a hoof. Synth looked to the owner of the hoof, and saw a mask staring back at him.
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A strike of lightning awoke Synth from his slumber. His head shot straight up, and his heart was beating. He looked over to Fluttershy, to find her shaking. She was sitting up, looking up at the sky. Synth looked around, and realized the rain had picked up. The wind was getting stronger, and there was a full on storm going on.

“Fluttershy, you okay?” Synth asked.

“Y-yes, we need to get inside,” Fluttershy said.

“Think you can make it home?” Synth asked.

“I’d rather not try,” Fluttershy said.

“Okay, I guess you can wait out the storm at my house,” Synth said.

Synth waited until another strike of lightning came before jumping out of his hammock. It didn’t work very well, because his legs got caught on themselves. He landed face-first onto the ground. He picked himself up, and made sure his legs weren’t hurt. He looked over to Fluttershy who was looking at his legs with worry.

“Let’s go, we don’t want to be out here in the middle of a storm,” Synth said.

Fluttershy nodded, and they made a dash for the house. It wasn’t too far away, but Synth found his legs slipping constantly. He almost fell over, but managed to steady himself. When they reached the house, Synth hit his front hoof on a rock in the ground, and he went sliding across his lawn.

“Synth, are you alright?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah, just get inside, I’ll be right there,” Synth said, getting up.

Fluttershy opened the door and wiped her feet on the mat Synth didn’t realize was there. He picked himself up, and let the rain wash away the mud that caked his torso. He looked up into the sky, and waited while the mud to washed away. He saw a flash of lightning nearby, and turned to see where it hit. When he turned, he noticed something across the road.

There was something there. It was watching him. Synth continued to look back at it, but he could only make out a mask on its face. The rest of it was covered in a dark grey cloak. There was another flash of lightning, and Synth covered his eyes, so they wouldn’t get damaged. The figure was gone now, and Synth turned back to his house. He walked inside, and closed the door behind him.

Synth wiped his hooves on the mat, and went to get a towel to dry off. Fluttershy had the same idea, and they dried off in the living room. Synth lit the fireplace and sat down in the couch, letting his mane dry off. Fluttershy sat down on the other side of the couch, and they both looked into the fireplace.

“That’s some storm,” Synth said.

“I forgot we were scheduled for that today,” Fluttershy said.

“At least we weren’t caught in it. Looks like it’s going to be pretty nasty,” Synth said.

“Are you sure you’re alright? You look like you were having leg problems,” Fluttershy said.

“Look, I know it looks bad, but I’m fine, really,” Synth said.

“Oh, okay. Sorry I keep asking,” Fluttershy said.

“It’s alright, I know you’re just looking out for a friend,” Synth said.

“You don’t think the others got caught in the storm, do you?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m sure they’re fine. Lightning only strike the tallest things anyways,” Synth said.

“What about Rainbow Dash? She lives in the clouds,” Fluttershy said.

“But her house is above the storm clouds, she’s probably just bored up there with nothing to do,” Synth said.

“Okay, if you’re so sure.” Fluttershy said.

“Great, now that the worry is gone, how about we relax in the warmth of the fire,” Synth said.

The fire went out, and Synth had to remake it. He used the last of his wood that he kept inside. The rest of his stockpile was outside, and it was probably too wet to use now. Synth grabbed two of the pedals he kept with him, and used his magic to rub them together and get the fire starting again. The heat from the pedals caught the fresh kindling, and the logs soon caught on fire as well. He sat back down and hoped it would be enough. Otherwise, he’d have to use some magic. Right now though, he didn’t feel like exerting any more effort.

Synth looked into the fire, and thought back to the figures he saw before. It was strange; he felt that he knew them somehow. The last mask looked different though, and the grey color was his cloak, not his coat. Synth remembered his dream, and the figure that stopped him as a child. Then he thought back to the new figure. Synth didn’t know if he imagined the figure or not, but either way he knew it was going to show up again.

Synth looked deeper into the fire, and tried to think if he’d ever seen the figure before. He couldn’t recall anything about the mask, and the idea that some pony was watching him made him feel uncomfortable. Synth recalled another time he felt uncomfortable, but it wasn’t like this. Still, the fire brought back the memories of that day.
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Synth was in his room reading. It wasn’t only his room, but he thought of it like that. There were only three other ponies sharing the room, and Oliver was one of them. There was a sound of another pony talking on the other side of his door. Synth tried to ignore it, but then it directed its complaints to him.

“Synth, I know you took it,” The voice accused him.

Synth remembered that voice now; it was one of his roommates. His name was Sling. He had a habit of getting over emotional over everything. Synth didn’t have a problem with Sling, but something told Synth that Sling had a problem with him. Every time something bad happened to Sling, Synth would always be the one to blame. Oliver would normally be there to stand up for him, but Oliver was at an appointment on this day.

“Come on out, I know you’re in there,” Sling said.

“I don’t have whatever you’re looking for; I’m just minding my own business. Why don’t you try it?” Synth asked. He was getting annoyed that Sling hated him for no reason.

“What’d you say? Come say it to my face,” Sling demanded, hitting the door.

“Look, I’m trying to read, leave me alone,” Synth said, turning the page.

“Just because you think you’re smart, doesn’t mean you have to act better than us,” Sling said hitting his door again.

“I don’t think I’m better than you. You just decided that on your own, so just go,” Synth said.

“What’s the problem here?” Synth heard a deep voice ask from the other side.

“Synth took my new car, and he doesn’t want to give it back,” Sling told him.

Synth put in his bookmark and closed the book. He walked over and opened the door before the older pony told him too. Synth looked up at Blossom’s brother. His name was Gyro and he was older than Blossom, but he’d been in charge of making sure issues were resolved peacefully. Synth sighed, he wasn’t happy. They probably woke him up from his nap.

“Synth, did you take his toy car?” Gyro asked.

“No sir,” Synth replied, making sure not to get on his bad side.

“Then why is he telling me you did?” Gyro asked.

“I don’t know, I’ve been in my room all day, sir,” Synth said.

“Both of you come to the office. We’ll settle this there,” Gyro said before walking towards the office.

The kids that had started to listen in on the conversation dispersed. The office wasn’t somewhere you wanted to get caught lurking. They weren’t very strict on rules, but trespassing was something they were always on the lookout for. Synth and Sling followed Gyro into the large room that they designated “the office”. They called it that, because you were always in trouble if you went in. That’s also where all of their records and financial plans were kept.

Synth took a seat next to Sling, and Gyro grabbed his dry-erase board that he kept for handling issues. When Gyro wasn’t upset, he was actually a pretty cool guy. He treated them to sweets and made sure games were played fair. In fact, that house was probably the safest place Synth had ever been to. At least, on days not like this.

“Okay, from the start. What’s the problem?” Gyro asked.

“Synth took my car,” Sling said.

“No, say it right,” Gyro said. Sling thought about how he should rephrase it. Then he spoke again.

“I think Synth took my car,” Sling said.

“Good,” Gyro said.

Gyro started writing what they told him. He was a unicorn, but he always used his mouth to write. He also never used magic to pick up objects or open doors. The other fillies and colts thought of him as weird, but Synth understood why. Unicorns in Canterlot were everywhere, and they were often referred to as snobs. Most of them were. They would act like they were better than everyone. That’s why Gyro did things the old fashion way. He wanted to look like a normal pony. That’s why ponies of all kinds thought of him as a good guy.

“Okay continue…” Gyro said.

Synth told his side of the story, which contained mostly details of what he did. He summarized the part of the book he’d been reading, and said how it couldn’t have been him who took Sling’s car. Sling denied it, and tried to say that Synth was covering for someone who did take it. Other than Oliver, Synth wasn’t really friendly with others. He did have respect for some ponies older, and others he thought were cool, but none like Oliver.

Gyro knew that. So he took Synth’s side, and decided that he’d help Sling find their car. They left to go find it, and Gyro forgot about Synth. They left Synth alone in the office. Blossom was out with Oliver, and now Gyro was busy. Synth turned towards the filing cabinet. He wouldn’t get a chance like this. So many times he wondered what brought them all here. Now he could find out.

Synth went over to the filing cabinet, and pick locked the cabinet. Oliver showed him how by using his magic and some rocks. Synth managed to get it open, and pulled the drawer out. It slid out farther than Synth thought it would, and he looked down at the alphabetized names. Most of them were crossed out, but he found the one he wanted first.
Sling Shaught: Referred to as Sling
Parents: Unknown
Location Found: Griffon Territory: Unknown
Status: Emotional
Time of Discovery: [About one month earlier than Synth]
Age Found: About 8 years (Approximate age Unknown)
Data: A very unusual case. If not helped, his mental state could be altered.

Synth didn’t know what some of it meant, but he did know that Sling wasn’t like him. At least he had parents and a life before coming here. Now he regretted seeing the file. He put it back, and looked at the other names. He found another file that he was curious about. He pulled it out and read the contents.
Oliver West: Referred to as Oliver
Parents: Deceased (Tragic accident)
Location Found: Canterlot (Parent’s house)
Status: Healthy, making friends
Time of Discovery: [About one year before Synth]
Age Found: 6 years old
Data: Young case, heavily traumatized. Currently recovering at a more rapid case. New friends allow for quicker recovery, keep closer eyes on.

Synth didn’t like the way it described them. It was like this was all an experiment. He shuddered at the thought of being used as a lab rat. He put the file back, and was about to close it, having read enough. His eyes landed on his own folder, and he was going to try to ignore it, but there was something different about his name. He wasn’t in the same alphabetical order like the others. Instead, he was in the very back. Synth pulled out his own folder, and found a note stuck to the front. He read the note, and then read the contents.
Caution: Do not edit entries without consent from Blossom. This case is rare and will be documented for further analysis.
Synth Meadows: Referred to as Synth
Parents: Both Alive (Consent from parents given. Unusual behavior)
Location found: Canterlot (Parent’s house: after failed burglary)
Status: Completely stable. Unusual mental and physical conditions: needs to be kept an eye on.

Synth stopped reading and stared back at the file. He couldn’t believe it. He was different, even more different than the others in the same position as him. He put the file back and closed the drawer. He made sure the lock was back in its position before leaving out the door and walking to his room.

Others tried to ask about the earlier incident, but Synth shrugged them off. He closed the door behind him and lay on his bed. He was feeling like he read something he shouldn’t have and he probably did. Synth closed his eyes and thought about what he read. Some of it wasn’t understandable to him at the time, but he could tell what most of it said.

“Hey, I found my car. I left it in the kitchen,” Sling said walking in the room.

“That’s good, “Synth said.

“Um, sorry about earlier, I just really thought you took my car,” Sling said.

“It’s alright, I don’t blame you. I haven’t really been nice to you lately,” Synth said.

“Let’s just forget this ever happened,” Sling said.

“You never forget about the past,” Synth said remembering it in a book he read.

“You might not forget, but I will,” Sling said smiling to him.

Synth smiled back, but he knew that deep inside, Sling wasn’t smiling.
------------

Synth heard a soft noise next to him. He looked over to the slumped Fluttershy. She was sleeping quietly, and Synth felt a yawn coming too. He woke her up, and walked her to the bedroom. Synth insisted she take his bed, and she nodded, still barely awake. Synth noticed that Vera hadn’t come back yet, and she’d probably stayed over at Sugar Cube Corner.

Synth slipped into Vera’s bed because of her absence, and made himself comfortable. Before he laid his head down, he noticed Fluttershy was sound asleep. Synth smiled; she looked so peaceful when she slept. Although, Synth noticed that whenever there was thunder, she would twitch her leg.

Synth closed his eyes, grateful that Shade hadn’t interrupted any of his memories. Synth didn’t know if he should be worried or not that his legs might not be the same, and not just that, it was also still spreading. Whatever it was, Synth didn’t know if it was something he should be worried about. It only made his legs feel numb, but it also stopped him from using his magic wherever it was numb. Synth tried to put those negative thought aside, and concentrated on sleep.
------------

Synth was standing in an open field. All around him, blue and yellow flowers were bathing in the sunshine. The wind blew and they rustled together, making soft noises. Synth turned around when he heard a hoofstep. Fluttershy was there. She was carrying a basket that she placed on the ground.

“Um, hi Synth. Could you help me pick some flowers, I mean, if you’re not busy,” Fluttershy said.

“Yeah… sure,” Synth said feeling weird about this. He couldn’t remember anything.

Synth picked the flowers the old fashion way, and started placing them in the basket. When the basket was about half filled, Synth looked towards the rest of the flowers. The wind was picking up, and they were moving in all directions. It was like the wind was coming from every side. Synth looked towards Fluttershy, and found her looking at the sky.

Synth looked up at the clouds that were forming. They didn’t look normal. Synth looked down at the flower basket, and found the picked flowers were being carried off in the wind. Soon, they were back to an empty basket. Synth’s eyes followed the flowers that were being carried away. They were being lifted into the sky. The wind was getting even stronger, and he felt it trying to push him.

Fluttershy was staying close to the ground as the clouds started spiraling. Synth looked up to at the flowers, and saw them spiraling into the center of the clouds. The clouds were changing colors now, and they were slightly tinted green. Synth grabbed the empty basket before it could be lifted away. He started taking steps away from the wind.

Fluttershy was also trying her best not to let the wind take her. She was inching away from the center, and slowly making her way to Synth. Synth kept his head down, until he heard his name being called. Synth turned to Fluttershy, who was leaving tracks in the ground as the wind pulled her in. Synth tried to reach out and help her, but his legs wouldn’t do what he said.

Synth looked down at his legs. There was a dark grey coating that was already halfway up his legs. He tried to squirm or break free, but it was too strong. Synth watched as Fluttershy was picked up by the wind and taken into the sky. She cried out his name as she disappeared into the eye of the storm. Synth up, and found the wind was starting to pick up dirt and grass. He could now see the directions and paths that the wind was traveling in. He was in the dead center of it all.

Synth felt the ground give way from under him. The grass he was standing on started to crack. The ground underneath him was lifted into the air. He looked up at the twisting clouds above as the grey coating covered his face. Synth tried to scream, but it wasn’t his voice he heard.

“There’s always quiet before a storm,” The voice said. Synth thought it sounded familiar, but his breathing was suddenly stopped.
------------

“Synth, wake up,” Fluttershy said.

Synth gasped, his mind doing circles. He looked around his room, and tried to calm his beating heart. He was starting to get used to waking up from dreams like that, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t any less frightened by what happened.

“Synth, did you have a bad dream?” Fluttershy asked. Synth took a deep breath before answering.

“Yeah, it was just a dream,” Synth said.

“Well it’s okay. Everything’s fine now,” Fluttershy said.

“I know, I know. I just need some time to think,” Synth said.

“Okay, take as long as you want. If you need to talk about it, I’d be happy to lend an ear,” Fluttershy said.

Synth nodded and laid his head back on the pillow. He took a few breaths to make sure everything was okay, and then thought about the dream. He couldn’t remember the exact details, but he knew for certain that it was telling him something. Dreams always had a knack for knowing the future.

Synth decided that he wouldn’t worry too much about it, and go about his day normally. The dream was probably nothing. He turned to Fluttershy who was waiting on the other bed. Synth sat back up and sighed.

“I’m okay now,” Synth said.

“Are you sure? It’s better to tell others about your problems,” Fluttershy said.

“No, really. I think I’ve just been in my house for too long. I’ll just go for a walk,” Synth said.

“Here, let me help you up,” Fluttershy said.

“That’s alright, I can do it,” Synth said.

Synth leaned over to get his hooves on the ground, but he didn’t notice that the covers were tangling his legs. Fluttershy reached to untangle them, but she was too late. Synth fell out of his bed, and the covers followed. Synth’s body didn’t hit the ground like he thought. He felt something cushion his fall. Although, he didn’t know what it was, because his head hit the floor. He was out like a light.
------------

Synth felt something warm next to his cheek, and opened his eyes to investigate. He saw yellow and pink covering his vision. Synth tried to move away, but he didn’t know if his legs were making any progress in that. Synth heard what sounded like a soft yelp. He turned his head in that direction, and found Fluttershy’s face. Her eyes were closed, but she was definitely not asleep.

Synth tried to roll away in the other direction, but he couldn’t get a good position with his legs. When he tried to move them, he couldn’t tell where they were. Synth tried using his magic, but he couldn’t tell how tangled his legs were. He also didn’t know where his legs were tangled. He decided to try one more time at rolling away.

Synth pushed off the ground, and managed to flip himself onto his back. He turned towards Fluttershy, Who was trying to get the sheets off of her. Synth used his magic to help her. He noticed that her face was a darker color than her hair. She managed to get herself free, and Synth turned his attention to his own hooves.

The sheets hadn’t only tangled them; they were being restrained by the multiple knots and layers. Synth sighed; it would take a while before he could untangle himself. He looked over to Fluttershy, for assistance. She was looking away from him, but she was walking towards him.

Fluttershy started using her teeth to pull away the tighter parts of the sheets. Synth was more afraid of ripping it, than he was of staying stuck. Synth did notice that Fluttershy wasn’t looking at him while she got his front hoof free. Synth tried to help with his magic, but he couldn’t get a hold on anything he could pull. The quiet during all of this made him feel uncomfortable, so he broke that silence.

“Sorry about that, I always forget to check my hooves,” Synth said.

“I-It’s… alright,” Fluttershy said.

Synth noticed a wavering in her voice, but he didn’t know if he just imagined it. She was always shy, so it probably wasn’t important. Synth looked down to his front hoof. He managed to slip it out after Fluttershy undid another knot. Synth smiled as he moved the hoof around freely now. He didn’t feel any better, and the situation didn’t get any better, but at least he knew there wasn’t anything wrong with his limbs.

“That’s one, three to go,” Synth said.

Fluttershy didn’t respond as she worked on another knot. Synth used his free hoof to prod around his back hooves, but he didn’t feel anything. Synth saw his other hoof slip out from the tangles. Fluttershy started working on his back hooves. Synth moved his other hoof, and found it to still be numb. He couldn’t tell if anything bad happened to them while they were being strangled by the fabric.

“Thanks for helping, I don’t think I could’ve gotten out by myself,” Synth said.

Fluttershy didn’t respond as she undid another knot. She was getting faster at the knots, Synth noticed. Fluttershy went straight to the last knot on Synth’s back left leg. Synth looked back to the bed and where he’d fallen off from. There was an indent on the floor where his horn hit the ground. Aside from the entanglement, he felt that nothing too bad happened.

Fluttershy pulled one last time on the knot, and Synth saw the sheets get pulled away from his legs. He rolled onto his stomach, and tried to stand up. Synth felt his back left leg painfully fail. He kept his mouth shut as he winced. He wasn’t expecting to feel any pain. Synth felt around his back leg, and tried to find out what the problem was. He noticed that it was back to its normal color.

Synth felt the pain in his leg disappear. He watched as his leg turned back into a faded green color. Synth tried putting pressure on it, but his leg felt completely numb again. Synth looked up to Fluttershy, and she looked away from his leg.

“A-Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked, still not looking at his eyes.

“Yeah, I just felt a little something for a second. I’ll be okay now, thanks to you,” Synth said.

“I couldn’t just leave you there, you could have been hurt,” Fluttershy said.

“I didn’t feel anything actually, but still, thanks,” Synth said.

Synth looked back to the sheets. They weren’t ripped or damaged, so he was glad about that. Synth remade the bed, and stood back to admire his work. It looked worse than what Vera would do, but it was okay for him. It didn’t need to be perfect.

Synth looked back, and found Fluttershy was gone. Synth walked downstairs, wondering where she could have gone. He found her in the kitchen, staring into his fridge. Synth didn’t say anything, and stood outside of the room. He waited while the air in the fridge started to enter the other rooms. He decided that if he didn’t do anything, he might be sent back into the ice age. Synth coughed when he entered the kitchen. Fluttershy closed the fridge and turned to look at him.

“Getting ready to raid my fridge?” Synth asked.

“Oh no, I-I didn’t mean f-for it to look like that, I-,” Fluttershy said nervously.

“It’s just a joke, don’t worry,” Synth said.

“Oh, okay…,” Fluttershy said.

The room suddenly became quiet. Synth didn’t know what to say. He didn’t like awkward silences, but he also didn’t like breaking those silences. Synth started whistling, he tried to back out of the room, but Fluttershy spoke up.

“I should really get going. Angel’s probably starving. I forgot to feed him,” Fluttershy said.

“Okay, thanks for stopping by. Hope you can come by again. It’s really boring here when you’re alone,” Synth said.

Fluttershy nodded and walked to the door. She opened the door, and left without another word. Synth closed the door behind her, and turned towards his living room. Synth was getting ready to sprawl out on the couch and go back to sleep, but his head was throbbing again. He felt a little lightheaded, but shrugged it off. It was still morning, after all.

‘You need some fresh air,’ Shade said.

‘Yesterday wasn’t enough?’ Synth asked.

‘No, you need a walk. Like old times,’ Shade said.

‘Well, I can’t just leave, doctor’s orders, remember?’ Synth said.

‘It’s like six in the morning, nopony’s going to see you,’ Shade said.

‘That’s a good idea, I’ll be back before anyone’s awake,’ Synth said.

Synth went back to the door, and opened it. He sniffed the morning air. Morning dew was still on the grass. He stepped out, making sure to close the door. Synth walked to the back of the house first, to check on his little garden. He checked to make sure none of the flowers were harmed by the storm. Other than the Chillroot, they looked okay. The Chillroot was limped, Synth knew because the temperature was off.

Synth walked over to where the hammocks were. They were still there, but the tree that held one end of his hammock was charred. The lightning was obviously to blame, but felt a little weird seeing the burnt tree. Synth looked at Fluttershy’s hammock, but it was fine. He looked beneath the hammock, and his eyes landed on the basket underneath. The flowers inside were gone, but the basket was turned on its side.

Synth levitated the basket over, and saw a note on the underside. Synth looked at the mostly dry note. It had a water stain, but other than that, it was still dry.
I Don’t Mind the Rain

Synth took the note off the basket, and walked back to his house. He entered and put the basket on the table, to give to Fluttershy later. The note he put on his increasing size of letters and papers. When he finished, he walked back outside.

Synth went towards the streets. He followed the street in one direction, and looked towards the sky as he walked. The clouds were still out, but there wasn’t any water left in them. The sun was out of view, and there was a slight chill in the air. Synth thought about the note while he walked. It was puzzling, but it didn’t sound too frightening. If someone was trying to intimidate him, they were going about it the wrong way.

The note was on Fluttershy’s basket, so Synth didn’t know if it was even for him. So Synth took his mind off of it and walked peacefully. His legs weren’t burning, and he thanked the cold air for that. He was glad that winter was almost here. He didn’t find anything wrong with winter, it was a nice season.

Synth felt his head throb again, he was thinking about getting it checked at the hospital, but decided against it. He wanted to enjoy this walk. His legs made him feel like he wasn’t going to be walking like this again anytime soon. Synth hummed a tune while he walked the streets. He stopped to look in a few windows, but he didn’t think anyone was up. That storm did some damage though, some trees were missing from where he thought he remembered them.

Synth passed by a familiar looking building, and he did a double-take. The Biodome looked like it was finished. Synth would have been glad to see it, but there were major holes it it’s exterior. Tree trunks could be seen protruding from the walls. The door had been shattered by a large rock. Synth didn’t know if they were finished or not, but there needed to be some major work now.

Synth yawned, he was feeling tired. Even though he’d been sleeping all day these past days, he wanted to get some sleep. Synth made a path for home, by picking a random direction and walking. He made it back about an hour later, and walked inside. He heard shuffling upstairs, and realized Vera was back. Synth hadn’t seen anyone during his walk, and he was surprised that Vera had come home this early.

“Synth, is that you?” Vera called from upstairs.

“Yeah, I just went out for a little walk, I’m here now,” Synth said.

“Oh, good, you weren’t too bored while I was gone, were you?” Vera asked.

“No, I had some company,” Synth said.

“That was some storm last night; did they make it home alright?” Vera asked.

“Fluttershy stayed the night, she left a little while ago,” Synth said.

“I did see her on my way over here, she looked like she just got out of bed,” Vera said.

“Well she left like at six, it makes sense,” Synth said.

Vera came down from upstairs, and Synth started his adventure up the stairs.

“You don’t look so good either,” Vera said.

“Heh, like I care what I look like,” Synth said.

“Fluttershy’s mane looked like that,” Vera said.

“Well, a bed sure gives you a makeover in the morning,” Synth said from the top of the stairs.

“Who’s bed did she sleep in? I don’t remember if I made my bed yesterday,” Vera said.

“She slept in mine, I wanted to be a good house guest,” Synth said.

“I’m glad I wasn’t home yesterday,” Vera said, leaving the house before Synth could respond.

‘I think you might have given her the wrong idea,’ Shade said.

‘You think?’ Synth said before walking to his bed.

Synth fell asleep before another comment from Shade could come up.
-----------------------------------------
Author’s Notes:
So I finished in about three days, but I forgot to give it to my Editor. ( I still blame my Editor, though.)
I’m still having too much fun in writing this, so don’t expect an ending any time soon.
Next Time: Bridal Gossip, “The answers lie neither in the past nor the future, because gifts are given in the present.” – (Some random quote I remember. It went something like this, anyway.)