Evolved Anon

Chapters

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Right To Bear Arms
Chapter 3: Fugitive Finery
Chapter 4: Time's a Rarity
Chapter 5: Lightning's Dust
Chapter 6: Drunken Folly
Chapter 8: Still?
Chapter 9: Finale
Chapter 7: Hairy Critters

Chapter 1: Introduction

You vault over the car wreckage, back tight against the rusted steel >The choppers wail in the background as they pursue you, another pest to be stomped out by their military boots. Blackwatch always smelled fishy to you, but now with them on your tail you can’t help but curse yourself for not trusting your instincts. The second they show up so did the infected, mindless zombies who’ve been deformed and mutated by some plague. You sniff, footsteps pounding from behind you, the intense sweat of Blackwatch soldiers emanating off their flesh.

Flesh… You grip your stomach painfully and look back up to the ruined back alley. You sprint out from cover and down the alleyway. ”There he is!” They fire upon you, three shots tearing through the flesh of your back and into the brick wall. You grimace as your insides are exposed to the steamy air of the city. ”Command, target neutralized.” If only…

You fingers grip the concrete and you lunge yourself forward around the corner. They hunt you mercilessly, but you won’t die. Not by them. The breathless soldiers lean against the wall, their bodies exhausted, “Command, we lost him.” You stand atop the roof and give them one last look before you walk away, your skin stitching back together.

This isn’t the life you set out for when you moved here. You never asked for this. Drink some water they said. It’s clean they said. We promise they said. You shake your head at the thought. A false truth had you strapped down in a Blackwatch lab while the infection bubbled within you.

You put a knee on the roof’s edge and lean over to peer at the facility in the distance. That’s it. That’s where you’ll end all of this. You jump off the rooftop and slam into the stone beneath you harmlessly. You work your way into the crowd, all the while moving to your objective. They said they were working on a cure, experimental, something called Whitelight. Blackwatch, Whitelight… Needless to say you were getting fucking tired of the colors. They said they needed ‘consent.’

You laughed through clenched teeth at the statement. They threw people from their homes and cut down people in the streets. It didn’t matter if you consented to it or not, they were going to have their guinea pig. So you said yes and they pumped you full of their liquid death. The gleam in the scientist’s eye told you right away that you weren’t going to survive. But your parents told you when you were a kid you could be anything. And dead wasn’t it.

You dodge into an empty roadside shack before darting back out, adjusting your tie and lab coat. It felt dirty to impersonate the grim bastard who made you like this, but you didn’t have a lot of choice. The rim of the glasses is what truly drove you batty. Scientists… What do you expect? ”Oh, Dr. Cohen,” the guard salutes you at the checkpoint, “I didn’t know you were arriving so soon.”

“I do not have time to report my every move to Blackwatch, I have important business to attend to.”

The guard stammers, “I-I’m sorry sir, let me open the gate.”

“Be lucky that I don’t contact your CO. If they heard…”

”Please sir, I apologize.” You huff in his persona and step into the facility’s courtyard. “Get back to work,” your voice stabs at him as you walk away, “Busy, busy, busy.” Just hearing his voice makes you want to puke.

When the so called cure hit your bloodstream everything you knew about pain was wiped away. It was as if they had replaced your blood with oil and then lit you ablaze, except worse. You tore out of your restraints and punched the attending guard in the helmet, crushing both it and his skull. The power was unreal, but it wasn’t your own. You press your hand against the scanner, looking around to make sure you’re clear. *Ding* “Welcome Dr. Cohen.”

You threw the doctor against the wall as your skin sizzled and eroded away into a mass of morphed bone and blood vessels. All he could do was smile at his creation. And as you stood there, your body twisted and mangled, pinning the good doctor, is when you felt the hunger. A hunger so intense, so foreign, that it couldn’t be stopped. His smile disappeared when you tore him in two, tendrils ripping from your back and sucking the doc into your own core. Relief, temporary, but relief all the same.

”Dr. Cohen? I thought you were running the Whitelight tests today?” a scientist inquires at your entrance.

“Finished. I have come to check in on the prototype.”

”Very well sir, this way.” When you, consumed, the doctor, you also absorbed his collective memories. Vast records of knowledge poured into you, too much to sort through normally, but you caught a glimpse of something. The scientist flips a switch, the observation room’s lockdown lifting and raising the metal gate. Something that you could be of use to you. ”She sure is a beauty.”

“Yes. Yes she is.”

A cure…

”It’s still experimental of course and there’s a couple hundred miles of red tape before we can even think about testing,” he explains as you’re lead down the stairs. The device looks rather simple, a metal sheet where the subject is to lie down, straps to ensure cooperation and two top-of-the-line military grade miniature reactors. What could go wrong?

“You don’t need to explain that to me.”

”Of course sir. I can only imagine how much effort you’ve gone through putting this together.”

“Indeed,” you give it a once over. It’ll do. “Turn it on.”

”Sir?” the scientist asks in shock.

“I said turn it on, or do I need to pull seniority on you.”

”But sir,” he tries to argue, “The device is still unstable, if we turn it on…” You grab him by the collar and stare into his eyes.

“Do it. Or I’ll make sure you never see so much as a magnifying glass again!”

”Y-y-yes sir.” You release him and he runs off, flipping switches and hollering to his peers. It’s so close you can taste it.

Your stomach growls and you grab hold once more. A guard notices your predicament and walks over, assault rifle… HK- 416. 5.56x- Ugh… 45mm. ”Sir, is everything alright?”

“Does it look like everything’s alright?! You snap at him. He looks coldly upon you as your fingers dig into your coat, “Sir. I’m going to ask you to stay still for a second.”

“Take your time,” your grunt, focusing your attention on the scientist fulfilling your request. The reactors roar to life and you can’t help but smirk as you look to the soldier. He’s carrying a- Wait that isn’t a- *Beep beep beep*

The soldier’s eyes widen as he looks up to your monstrous metamorphosis. “Play time’s over I guess.” He raises his gun but you force your hand over his mouth and reach behind his neck. You close your eyes as you break his neck, the marine slumping to the floor. The light’s glow red as a siren blares.

”Security Breach!”

Hooking a pair of grenades from his belt you lob them at the top of the stairs on either side. The explosion knocks out the supports on both sides, leaving you trapped inside with your prize. “I never wanted this,” you explain through the bullet proof glass, “I just wanted to be left alone.” You close the soldier’s eyes, a true marine, not one of the Blackwatch scum you’ve come to despise. Planting your body against the steel plate you type out the starting sequence from memory.

”Anon…” one of the scientists says over the microphone, “You don’t need to do this. We can help you.” You strap yourself in and extend a lengthy tendril from your fingertip. You smile and lie back in your seat.

“Help? You’ve helped enough.” *click* Blinding white light, and then darkness.

Moisture titters on your exposed back lightly, a soft rain filling your ears. Your body aches as you try and stand, the weakened muscles sending you back down to the soft earth. Earth… Where are you? This isn’t the park, the air’s too clean and the sky’s a deep blue. Maybe… Oh lord. It has to be. It worked! By god and his miracles you’re cured!

They must’ve thrown you out once they realized you weren’t of any use. You’re not sure where they deported you too, but that doesn’t matter. You may feel like shit. You may look like shit, but holy hell you’re more than happy to be shit. The soft petals of the grass stroke your face as you inhale the fresh air. You can finally start over. It’s done… You can go home. *growl*

Your eyes split open at the noise. Please be a rabid animal, please god. *growl* The flesh around your torso rumbles hungrily like the true animal it is. Dear god no… The blood in your veins burns once more, solidifying what you already knew. It was for naught. Everything… You work up to your knees, your body exposed fully to the elements as you grip the floor with your head cast. The rumbling in your stomach grows as you feel it work its way up your throat. A rustic fluid fills your mouth and you purge over the ground. It runs red, both relief and sorrow coming at the thought of it not being yours.

You fall to the side, the world growing hazy. After all this you still failed… A sheet is thrown over your body, the silky touch reminding you of home. You hear a voice, but see nothing, her concern thick in her tone. Closing your eyes you ask only one question. Where are you?

The sides of your head throb painfully as you awaken to- a ceiling. The crown molding wakes you up in a jiffy. So you go from a military base to some fields to Rooms To Go. Must’ve been a wild night. You sit up in bed- Alright, you’ve got a bed to, fancy at that. Your skin sits exposed to the air and you give an experimental sniff. The fierce aroma of perfume makes you want to rip out your nose hair. Curse your acute sense of smell. Looking around you find the room you’re in fairly dim and you walk over to the window, using the bed sheet as a towel.

You immediately regret opening the blinds as your eyes are seared by the intense rays of the sun. You grunt and escape back to the side of the bed where it’s safe. A person gasps from the other room They get closer, their steps one you don’t quite recognize. It must’ve been the girl from last night. You should thank- her?

Before you stands, and you’re going out on a limb here, a white unicorn p0ny thing with curly purple hair. ”Thank Celestia you’re awake. How’re you feeling?” And she wants to know how you feel. Oh yeah, she can talk too, this isn’t an immense mindfuck. She watches you as you stand there silent. ”Do you understand what I’m saying?” You nod, too stunned to speak. ”Well, would you like some breakfast? I made pancakes.” Food, maybe that’ll take the edge off.

You nod to her once more, “Why don’t you just lie down and I’ll be right back.” She twirls around and disappears from view off to get your pancakes. Alright, what the hell just happened? You focus, your skin twisting to morph back into your clothes. It takes a bit out of you but you make it work.

You step on through the door, your eyes assaulted by the rabid colors that are flung about. You haven’t seen this much color since you had that bad Chinese. Mannequins, p0ny ones, stand about allowing you to piece together something about your host. She must be a fashion designer of some kind. Listen to yourself, it’s a p0ny not a human. But where does that leave you? And where the hell are there talking p0nies that makes dresses? The smell of fresh flapjacks pulls you away from the clothes and into another room. The sweet aroma of maple syrup assaults your nostrils as you enter. She stands off by the stove, apparently p0nies know how to cook to, and flips the pancakes. Without touching them. And the pan is levitating. Congratulations, Mind Fuck has reached rank two.

You spy a stack of magazines to the left and read over some of the titles. Equestria’s Rising Stars. P0nyville Confidential. The Princess’s New Look. You start to piece some of this stuff together, but when you apply them to what you know- Nothing makes sense. The unicorn turns around nearly dropping the plate when she spots you looking over her magazines. “Ooh you startled me. I didn’t hear you come in- How- Where did you get those clothes?” You look down to your attire silently, “How can I be so rude as to interrogate you upon our first meeting. Please sit.”

You oblige her, the unicorn setting the plate in front of you. ”I hope you like them, it’s a Canterlot recipe that I’ve been dying to try out.” Taking hold of your fork you take a bit of the fluffy cake. ”Soo…”

You swallow, covering your mouth. “It’s good.”

She smiles triumphantly, “Of course it is. Just who do you think I am?” You raise a brow and set down your fork. She realizes her mistake and laughs it off, “Silly me. My name is Rarity.” Rarity urges you to continue eating, which you do. It feels like you haven’t eaten in ages. ”And just what may I call you?”

You dab your mouth off with your napkin. “Anon.”

She nods, “A mysterious name. Can I?” she offers to take your plate out of your way. ”When I saw you out there by the forest edge I was terrified, but what kind of lady would I be if I didn’t try to help you.”

Alright let’s stay focused. You need to find out where you are and how to get out. Someone in Blackwatch knows how to cure you and Blackwatch ain’t here. “I’m sorry Rarity,” you interrupt her, “But where am I?”

”Well in P0nyville of course. Where did you think you were?” P0nyville. This has to be some kind of joke. You stand up and look out the kitchen window, dozens of other p0nies walking along.

“Am I dead?”

She puts a hoof on your heart, “You seem very alive to me. Now, I don’t mean to pry but what were you doing off naked by the Everfree Forest?”

“Forest. Oh, I don’t remember.”

She gives a small ha before looking at you, “It must’ve been quite the party.” Your stomach growls again, your ears picking up the strong throbs of her heart. ”My word, you have quite the appetite. Let me fix you up something else.”

“No! I mean, no thank you. It’s quite alright you’ve done more than enough.” You have to get out of here. This has got to be some elaborate ruse by Blackwatch in order to pacify you. There’s no other explanation. This just happens to be a very elaborate ruse with skillful animatronics. But that’s not it.

You can smell it in the air, the musk only an animal would give. Her heart beats in her chest, that blood shooting up through her tender veins… Stop it! You have to keep a firm head if you’re going to get through this. ”So Anon, don’t take this the wrong way but… By Celestia this sounds silly to ask, what are you? Species-wise.”

You’d like to know that yourself, but for now you’ll have to do with your previous answer. “I’m a human.”

”Really? Are you in anyway related to those minotaurs?”

“You have minotaurs here?”

”They’re rare but- You know, I have a feeling you aren’t from around here.” Wonder what the fuck gave her that impression? The fact that you asked where you were and look lost. Or maybe it was the fact how you woke up naked next to a god damn- Calm… There we go. Nice and relaxed.

“I’m not ma’am. Just one tinsy question,” Going for broke, “Have you heard of Earth?”

”Like the soil?” You nod to her and look back out the window. Yeah, it’s going to be one of those days. ”This is so exciting,” she glees, “I just HAVE to introduce you to my friends. I know Twilight will berate me for not bringing you straight to her, but I couldn’t leave you passed out on her doorstep.” Let’s see, unladylike? ”How unladylike.”

Rarity doesn’t seem like she’d be able to help you. She can make pancakes, that you’d never deny. And damn were they good. But as far as helping you get home, she’s doesn’t smell like the sharpest tool in the kitchen. She takes you out to the front of her room and heads up the stairs. ”Let me grab my bag, and we’ll be on our way. So exciting!” She disappears up into one of the upper rooms.

What could’ve sent you to a place like this? That contraption is the obvious answer, but how does it fuck up that bad? How does something go from curing a virus to sending you to p0ny land? It’s going to be alright. You just need to keep telling yourself that. As long as you keep your… hunger, under control you should be fine. If there’s one thing that you excelled at its not drawing attention to yourself. You pick up a faint breathing comes from your right behind a curtain. You stand up and walk over to the source. “There’s one thing I despise-“ You tear open the curtain revealing a smaller p0ny behind. “And that’s peeping toms.”

It’s just a kid, whatever you call a young p0ny. ”I’m sorry I didn’t mean to-“

“Mean to what? Spy on me? I’m sure you accidently hid behind here.”

The kid’s shaking at your tone, “No it’s just-“

“Do you do this often? Huh?” Moisture builds in her eyes and her lips quiver, and then you catch the red reflected off her eyes. Calm. You kneel down to her level. “Shh shh, I didn’t mean to yell. Please don’t cry. I hate seeing people cry.”

You’re not a monster. Not yet at least, you’ve got some semblance of humanity left in your bones. She picks up her chin and sniffs in an attempt to stay strong. “There you go,” you tap the bottom of her chin and wipe away a stray tear, “What’s your name?”

”Sweetie Belle,” she manages to peep.

“That’s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.” Alright you’re nice, but you’re not a pedophile.

The kid manages a blush after her brief fright, “What- What’s yours?”

“Anon. I assume you live here?”

She shakes her head, “Rarity’s my sister so she lets me come over, but I live with my parents.” You nod as Rarity comes back down the stairs clutching a bag.

”Oh Sweetie have you said hello to Anon yet?”

”Yep,” she jumps away from the display and hugs her sister.

”Me and Anon are going out for a while alright Sweetie?”

”Ok…”

”Don’t have too much fun while I’m gone.” Because there’s so much to do here. She opens the door, leading to an unknown future, “Shall we?” Remember Anon, keep cool, stay calm, get out. That’s the plan and you’re sticking to it.

“Let’s." You step through the door and into what lies ahead.

Chapter 2: Right To Bear Arms

”And this is Twilight,” Rarity introduces to the last p0ny in the library tree thing. It’s like everyone took a seminar on strange ass names and you weren’t invited. Actually… The purple unicorn and her four peers stand slack-jawed, that is until the pink one begins to bounce.

”We’re going to be just the best of friends,” the ball of energy speaks.

“I’m sure of that.”

The Pegasus, her nature only weirder by the fact that her mane is a rainbow, looks to Rarity, “Where did you say you found this guy?”

”Off by the forest, darling.” Twilight seems to be the leader of this group of friends, the air around her is one of superiority. Intriguingly, you don’t feel as though she uses this to her advantage.

“And why were you out by the forest?” Twilight asks her.

She adjusts her mane and raises her head, “I was out for a stroll. Is that a crime?”

”I suppose not. It’s a good thing you found him when you did, who knows what could’ve happened to him.”

The library is soundly uptight, not much to be criticized about it. One thing you could pick out was the smell. In contrast to Rarity’s home which smelled like a perfume shop, Twilight’s library reminded you more of a lab. You detected hints of cleaning agents along with a subtle almost sulfury quality. The rustic appearance of the wood and a homey atmosphere do well to dispel any negative memories that might arise. Only now do you notice the closeness of Twilight who’s been steadily inching closer to you. “See something you like?”

Twilight backs off when you find her out, the p0ny trying to apologize and breathe at the same time. She wasn’t very good at it. “Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” you joke. Twilight eagerly accepting. Hold on you didn’t- *click*

She grins and lowers her camera, shaking the Polaroid. The muscles in your arm begin to twitch as a foreign rage sweeps over you. You grab hold of your wrist and twist the skin, temporarily subduing yourself. ”Hold still so I can get another.” Another shot of light hits your eyes and you feel it taking over. Your pupils shrink to pinpoints as she fumbles with the film. When she looks at you she’s able to tell right off the bat something’s wrong. That fucking bitch is going to get what’s coming to her. You take a step forwards wholly intent on shoving that camera where the sun don’t shine, a hoof landing on your arm.

”I must say that this fabric is simply awful, how can you stand it?” Rarity’s interruption sends you back into control.

“Blame Kohl’s.”

”This ‘Kohl’s’ has a terrible sense of fashion I must say.” That’s… actually kind of funny.

”So what’s your plan Anon?” Rainbow Dash asks you, “Plan to stick around?”

”Of course,” Rarity responds, “You do plan to stay right?”

Before you can speak Pinkie interrupts you as well, “Why wouldn’t he? I mean, who wouldn’t want to stay?” They play the ploy completely straight as each look onwards for an answer.

“I have to get back home. I can’t waste time before-“

You shut up before you can reveal too much. ”Before what?” Twilight asks.

The grumble in your stomach answers softly. “Nothing, just a slipup on my part.”

She seems to buy it, though you note the increase in heart rate she’s exhibiting along with a steady buildup of sweat. She’s the only one who can tell that there’s something off about you, but is unsure of what. ”In any case, I need to know where you’re from before I can help you find your way back. ”The rest of you can go if you want, but if you want to help me find this book-“

The others are gone in a flash, leaving behind a comical trail of dust. Twilight wipes her head, “I thought that’d work, it always does.” She trots over to her bookshelf and begins going through it one by one.

“So where should we start? I’m not sure that there’s any book you have than can-“

”Just who are you?” she asks never looking back to you.

“Excuse me?”

She flicks another book over her shoulder, “I didn’t want to bring it up in front of the others because I feared your reaction, but now that we’re alone I want answers.” Hook, line and sinker. This only proves your suspicion. ”Whenever you’re ready.”

“I’d rather not.”

”Not what?” You twirl your hand in the air and smirk. “I’m not doing this.”

Twilight does not appear amused to say the least, “Anon, I don’t know if that’s your real name-“

“It is.”

”-but, what I do know is that you’re holding something back.” She stands and meets your gaze issuing a silent challenge.

“And what proof do you have to back that up Ms. Scientist.”

”Wonder how you knew that? Mind explaining?”

“Clean your equipment better, I picked it up the second I walked in.”

”I haven’t performed an experiment in weeks, must be nice having a nose like that.”

“It’s really not.”

”And just why is that?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” By this time she’s standing inches away trying her best to look intimidating. That’s fairly difficult when you know the worst she’d do is hit you with a book.

”How did you get here?”

“I told you I don’t know.”

”You were just sitting around and wound up here? I’m not buying it.”

“I’m not selling you shit alright. I just want to get home so you can either help me or you can get out of my face.” She backs off and lifts another book to her level, “Have it your way, but if you want my help you have to play ball.”

That… *growl* Bitch! “Listen here you big headed floozy,” you roar at her, “I don’t have time for your petty fucking games. I need to get home. NOW!” Another growl sends you to a knee as you struggle to retain control, every second harder than the last. Twilight grows concerned at this developed and tries to get closer. “Stay back!” you grunt shooing her away as you feel the skin of your back split and begin to amass into hunger-filled tendrils.

You back away from her and stumble to the door, forcing your way out clumsily. The p0nies stare at your seemingly drunken display and turn away trying not to give you much attention. Better for you. You hit the ground running and get the fuck out of sight the second you can. So hungry…

You unknowingly speed past Rarity and the others in your rush to the edge of town, Rarity calling after you. A part of you says to stop, but you know you can’t do that. Just have to get as far away from them as possible. Too many people…

When you hit the forest’s edge you drag yourself along the edge in a near primal state like an animal in search of its next meal. Most of the critters you detect are too small to be of consequence, a snack if anything. How can you think like this? But the hunger- *growl* it’s too strong. You gaze upon a cottage near the forest and turn your back to it. But you hear a strong steady thump from the nearby grounds and peer back.

The meal breathes in the cool Equestrian air, you matching its breath as you follow it. Past the picket fence and around the cottage you find the prey scrounging about near a tree. Its fur’s a deep brown, darkened from a quick swim, its snout sniffing at a bushel of berries. Never had bear before…

The beast sees your approach and stands to full height above you. Your flesh twitches in anticipation of your upcoming feast. It senses your intent to harm it and draws upon its primal strength to bear into you. The blow cuts deep into your chest, but as it comes in for another strike you grab hold of its clawed hand. Another voice inside your head beckons you on as the gashes close up on your chest. You squeeze the creature’s paw in a sadistic manner, a foreign smile forming as you hear its bones snap beneath your pressure.

The bear roars softly as you slam its body into the ground before throwing him to his back and grip him by the neck. ”Feed,” the voice commands, “Feed.” The tendrils tear themselves from your back and impale the weakened creature’s belly. It manages one last pathetic whimper and begs at you with its pleading eyes. An eerie red luminescence is reflecting off its glassy bulbs. You lift the creature towards you, your heart pounding in anticipation. ”Feed.”

You curl up into yourself on the cold dirt floor, the sun occasionally penetrating the dense treetops. The warmth of your body calms your mind as you flip to the other side for a more comfortable position. An itch sprouts at the top of your forehead, your hand scratching it causing a sharp prick. Your eyes shoot open at the sudden twinge of pain and you back yourself into a tree stump. ”Anooon!” a voice calls from the further down the forest.

You hold out your hands, if you can even call them that anymore. Fear takes hold as you gaze at the four digits sprouting from your corrupted arm. Each finger, or claw, sprouts from the base of your hand, the monstrous abominations extending a good foot in length each. This isn’t you. The infection’s getting worse. ”Where are you?” Rarity calls, her voice closer than before.

You look down at your body, your clothes stain free and clothing seemingly back to normal. But you’re newest additions still stand out. A stick cracks under a hoof. You don’t have much time. Go away! Presto digitos. Reverto ploxo? You grab your head, almost cutting yourself a second time while you try and revert back to normal. She’s closer now, you could run, but that’d make things worse. But what could be worse than her seeing you like this? Shit shit shi- ”Anon?” she asks gazing down at you. You’re done. ”It’s quite unkind not to reply when I call your name wouldn’t you say?” She’s not-

You look back to your hands, your skin returning to normal along with your fingers. Why did they change? How? She giggles as you continue to observe your hand, “You might need a hooficure but they’re soundly clean. Rarity lets out a gasp when you look to her, “What did you do to your head? You’re bleeding.”

“Oh that, uh I…”

She whips out a hankerchief from bag and levitates it over to your head, wiping off the blood. ”You should be more careful when you’re running like that. Where- I don’t see a cut.”

“Must be some animal. Maybe a bird or a squirrel.”

”Well then we have to get you in the hospital right away.”

“I’m fine,” you try and assure her.

”We have no idea what type of diseases that vile creature could be carrying.” That’s the least of your worries right now. ”Come on. Hop to it, we should get you there as quickly as possible.”

You lie down on the hospital bed and look to the ceiling. ”Doctor Stable with be with you shortly,” the nurse explains.

”Thank you most Nurse Redheart,” Rarity says as the nurse leaves.

You take a deep breathe when the door clicks shut. “I hate hospitals.”

”Don’t be such a filly Anon. If you wanted to understand hate you’d see this season’s Canterlot trends. Truly atrocious.” You chuckle much to Rarity’s annoyance. ”It is no laughing matter.”

“Of course not I’m sorry.” Even with your sarcasm she manages a smile and shakes her head.

”How am I going to put up with you?”

“I am ruggedly handsome after all.”

”Hmm, could use some work. And a bath.”

“Rarity, your words sting.”

The door opens and a professional looking stallion trots in clutching a clipboard. ”Mr. Anonymous?”

“The one and only.” Literally.

“Good afternoon. My name is Doctor Stable, what seems to be the problem?”

“There isn’t one sir. I’m fine and dandy.”

Rarity steps in at your reluctance, “He was running through the forest and some fiend bled on him.”

”Some fiend?” the doctor repeats, “Did you get a look at the creature?”

Rarity turns, “Did you?”

“No.”

”That makes it hard to pin down what creature it was, but at least you’re safe. The creature’s out in the Everfree are some of the most dangerous in Equestria. Be glad.” Oh yeah, they’re such a threat. ”Well first things first we need a blood sample to run some tests.”

Welp, that’s not going to fucking happen. “I’m going to have to respectfully decline, I have a condition.”

”A fear of needles is no condition.”

“It’s not good for my health.”

He nods, “If you insist…”He flips through the pages of the clipboard. ”My notes say that you managed to gather some of the blood.”

”Yes!” Rarity accidently shouts fishing out her handkerchief.

”Very good. If you mind…”

She hands it over hesitantly, “This is Saddle Arabian silk, be very careful.” And yet she wiped your blood with it?

He takes it off her hooves and moves it under a microscope. ”If there’s any disease I can identify- By Celestia!”

”What is it?” Rarity asks in concern. Hope he enjoys the view.

”This is- I’ve never like this before.”

”Is Anon going to be alright?” You try your best to look worried.

”This is out of my level of expertise. You’d need a microbiologist for this type-“

”Is he going to be alright?” she says again, firmer than the last.

A bead of sweat escapes his brow, “Did you get any in your eyes or mouth?”

“No, just my forehead.”

”Most infections are transferred via open cuts, sores or through various openings in the body. You should be fine.”

“Thank god,” you act wiping your head.

”Just to be safe I think it’d be best if you both took a decontamination shower, just in case.”

“I understand sir. Where would that be exactly?” He leads you downstairs to the shower, the one shower. “Ladies first.”

”I am not letting you stand around any longer when it could damage your health. Now get in.”

She pushes you inside and closes the curtain behind her. “Shouldn’t you-“

”Don’t think that I’m willing to stand out their either. I have a figure to maintain.” Can’t let any infection ruin that. ”Now, bend over.”

“I never heard a girl would say that to me in the shower.”

She gives you a knowing glance, “We need to get rid of those clothes first.”

“Says who?” She points to the sign. Get rid of clothes. “Dammit.”

”Chop chop.” You strip, albeit timidly with her ever-present gaze. It feels like you’re tearing off a layer of your own skin, but you suffer through it. She pulls the lever and the water steadily arches over the two of you.

You’re pleasantly surprised by the tepid nature of the stream. In your mind you always thought of it as blisteringly hot or freezing cold. But it’s actually rather soothing. Of course you could do without the shrieking. Apparently the ‘shower’ part didn’t exactly hit Rarity until the water did. She tried desperately to protect her well-kept mane, but you both knew it was a fruitless gesture. “What did you say before? Don’t be a filly?”

”It’s different for a lady,” she says over her tears.

“Here lies Rarity’s mane, it died valiantly in the great decon showers of the hospital as it fought for-“

”Please stop. You’re only making yourself look foolish.”

“Says the p0ny with the saggy hair.” She flips her soaked mane to her other side and gives you the cold shoulder, her peeking eye proving it to be a façade. “How long are we supposed to stay in here?”

”Hmm, fifteen minutes it says.”

You sigh and let the shower run its course. Stepping out you dry yourself off with a towel left out by the good doctor. Rarity does so after much debate, the course fabric not good for her coat apparently. It is a lovely coat you’ll admit. She smacks your hand as you reach for your old clothes, “Don’t think about it mister.”

“But they’re fine. All that got touched was my forehead.”

”And what if it got on your clothes?”

“Would I be so repulsive as some ferocious creature from the woods?”

”Yes,” she says without a second’s hesitation. Nothing after that, just yes.

“I didn’t expect that answer to be honest.”

“A lady has her standards Anon,” she says as you slip back into your clothes, the fabric molding back to your skin. Figured her to be a little less shallow is all. You can’t blame her, not when you can hardly stand the very flesh of your being.

When you’re finished getting back into sorts you find your way back to the room you’d previously left. To your surprised Doctor Stable isn’t alone, instead Twilight’s with him, and she’s looking through the microscope. “Quite the creature huh? Wonder what it is.”

”Indeed,” Twilight says not taking her eyes off the sample, “I might be able to get a better understanding of this material, but not here.”

”Anything you need to take you’re welcome to.”

”I appreciate that doctor,” Twilight says swiping the handkerchief and sealing it in a plastic bag.

She gives you one last look and heads to the door, “If you want to talk I’ll be at the library Anon. Don’t wait up.”

Rarity tries to grasp her meaning, “What was that about?”

“Beats the hell out of me,” you lie. You stop Doctor Stable before he leaves as well and asks him why Twilight took the blood sample.

”I had a messenger sent to Twilight’s shortly after I sent you two downstairs. I don’t know a p0ny more qualified to take hold of this case?”

“This isn’t a case. Some creature got hurt and a drop of blood fell on my head. It’s that simple.”

He whispers into your ear, “I’ve seen all sorts of blood in my day, even got a look at some Manticore one time, but whatever that was-“ he shudders, “It’s a monster.”

You clench your fist but Rarity places a hoof on your shoulder, “I think it would be best if you went to see her.” You’re sure Twilight was more than happy to help when she found out you were involved.

“Are you sure? I don’t know her all that well-“

’Anon please, I’ve known Twilight for a long time and if there’s anyone who can help it’s her. Trust me.” Trust, now ain’t that some shit? Especially seeing how trust got you here. But… if she really thinks you should…

“Alright. I’ll see her.” Let’s hope you don’t go crazy this time.

”And when you get back I think you need some new clothes.” You’ll go crazy when you get back for sure.

You shut the door behind you, Twilight already hard at work if the smell is any consolation. She’s got papers splayed out over the floor and counter while she stands off in the back in her lab coat, eyes fixed on the microscope. ”Haven’t you heard of knocking?”

“I thought this place was a library.”

”It’s also my home.”

“Should’ve picked a better place to stay, preferably one with a view.”

”I get plenty a view right here thank you.” Oh you already missed this back and forth, it’s like she’s your annoying sister and you want to split her- Nope. You stop the negative images before they can fully mature. This is exactly why you left before. ”This blood sure is strange,” she emphasizes, “I wonder who’s it is.”

“Isn’t that just the question of the century?”

She looks away from her microscope and walks over to you, checking off her clipboard. ”Last time we talked you seemed adamant enough to run away. I don’t fool myself to say I know why, but you came back. I wonder if it’s because you changed your mind.” The two of you stare each other down. She wasn’t wrong but she wasn’t right either.

“I came back at the request of a friend.”

”A friend?” she asks, “I didn’t know Rarity had made such an impact on you.” That she hit right on the head.

“I- I’m not from here as you know, but what you don’t know is that I’m not sure where my home is anymore.” You explain that you took part in an experiment and that somehow it took you here. You also made sure to keep everything else apart from the machine secret. She takes in this information as you dish it out and remains surprisingly quiet. Hopefully this’ll appease her for now.

She jots down the last of your story onto a notepad and sets it down. ”Anon, when you first arrived I thought there was something different about you.”

“Pretty sure my story shows that.”

She shakes her head and searches for words, “IF you had told me this before, I would’ve left it at that.” But she’s not going to. ”Come over here, I want to show you something.” She leads you to the microscope, Rarity’s bloodied handkerchief lying beneath, “Take a look.”

You look into the lens- Holy shit so that’s what your blood looks like. The normal red blood cells are- well- fucked up. The infection seems to have burrowed itself into the normal cells and shifted their make up. Small spikes protrude from the fleshy pods, the insides mottled with a black and red hue. ”It turns out you were hiding something a bit more important that where you came from.” You step away from the microscope and think of an exit plan.

There isn’t one. You can try to deny it, but when you refuse for her to take a blood sample it’ll be all the proof she needs. You could… no you can’t. Once you start there’ll be no stopping it. Maybe… “I didn’t want to frighten any of you.” She steps closer as the truth comes through in your tone. “I’m- I told Rarity I’m human and that would’ve been true, but to be honest I don’t know anymore.”

”So that blood is yours.” You nod to her and she voices her triumph, “I knew it.”

“It’s difficult to explain. I haven’t been able to figure out what I am, but since I figured you for a visual learner…” your arms shake and tear as you focus all your energy.

”By Celestia-“

You stretch your claws before they revert back to normal. “Maybe you can tell me?”

Chapter 3: Fugitive Finery

Twilight looks up at you, “Seriously?”

“Hey! You’re the one who wanted me to bring up anything that I felt was weird. Don’t look at me.”

She picks up the garments and scratches her head, “And… Ugh, what’s the problem? I’m sure Rarity can get these fixed up for you.”

“I already told you it’s not- How do I explain this?” You lean against the wall, your fresh clothes nearly driving you up the wall.

”Aha! I see what the problem is.”

Thank Christ. You were getting worried. “What is it?”

She hovers the shirt over to you, “The tag’s still on.” You glare at her and she grins smugly, “Warmer?”

“I can end you.”

She lobs the clothes onto a chair, “What do you want from me Anon? Do you want me to tell you that your clothes don’t fit? I’m not a fashion designer.”

“Look,” you pick up your clothes, “I don’t feel right without these. It feels like I’m shedding off a layer of skin when I take it off.”

She takes them from your hand and brings them to the light. ”That sounds like something I can go with. An extra layer of skin huh?”

“I know it sounds crazy-“

She stops you right there, “Trust me, this is far from the craziest thing I’ve seen since you’ve arrived.” Twilight moves to the other side of the room and folds your clothes on the table. ”I’ll get to this as soon as I can. In the mean time, how has everything been?”

“Fine I guess.”

”Details…”

“It’s easy enough living at Rarity’s. She always has something for me to do or to critique.”

”Sounds about right.”

“I get a square three meals a day which is a nice change, although my stomach doesn’t necessarily agree with the choices.”

”How’re you handling it?”

The low rumble sounds off as she asks. You rub your stomach over your shirt. “It’s getting worse. I’ve been trying to keep it back, but it’s only a matter of time before it takes over.”

She grabs hold of her notepad, “And when was the last time you… consumed?” It’s been a few days since you got here and since that first time with the bear. You shiver at the memory, the pained whimper as you feasted upon- Stop thinking about it Anon.

“Not since the first time.”

She nods, marking off her notes, “And the hunger has intensified since, correct?”

“Yeah.” She sighs and sets down her pad and quill.

”This isn’t good Anon. You need to be able to control your craving.” Myself? Hasn’t she been listening?

“What do you think I’ve been doing?!” you snap. “Do you think I’m not trying? Do you think I want to be like this?!”

”I never said that-“

“But you were thinking it! I can smell the vibe seething off of you.”

”I think you should try and calm down.” Calm down?! You are fucking calm! Twilight takes a step back, “Please…”

You clench your fist, the tips cutting into your palms. Looking down at the claws you pull yourself back, the abomination receding back into hiding. “I’m sorry.”

”I think you should take some time to cool off.” You nod and walk out the door. She’s always right.

Ponyville is peaceful at this hour. Not dead mind you, just calming. The morning’s just past, but the afternoon rush hasn’t quite arrived yet. In the meantime you’re allowed to walk through the streets without much fuss. Albeit, the p0nies here don’t seem to mind your unique appearance. In fact they almost welcome it. It’s quite the opposite off life back in New York where every person was liable to stick it to you. And the outbreak didn’t make it much better. But here there’s certainly a different atmosphere.

You run your hand across one of the decorative toadstool tables and take a seat. Shame this place wasn’t filled with people. At least the p0nies can hold a half decent conversation. ”What can I get for you sir?” You’re taken by surprise when the waiter speaks up.

“Actually I was just resting my legs. Is that alright sir?”

”Of course, if you change your mind just holler.”

You nod a thank you and go back to admiring the scenery. A couple passes you chatting about the day’s weather and you sport a grin. Who talks about the weather anymore? The grin fades. You never get to talk about the weather. ”This seat taken?”

“Not at all,” you reply to the mare who sits across from you.

She sets her bag to her side and smiles, “So what’re we having?”

“Oh I didn’t order.”

Rarity looks at you curiously, “Then why are you sitting here?”

You shrug in response. “Just looking around.”

”Well, I’ll order something if you don’t mind.”

“Go right ahead.”

She motions over the waiter and orders an herb salad with a side of dandelion. ”Anything for you sir.”

“No thanks I’m fine.”

Rarity digs through her bag and checks her mane. You twiddle your fingers as you wait. “So… how about that weather?”

”I had heard from Rainbow Dash that we were expecting a light rain. I had to change my whole attire when the sky so clear.”

“Can’t be that bad. At least it’s sunny.”

She nods as the waiter plates her food, “Quite, but in that time I could’ve made it to market at a decent hour.” Well there is that. She delicately takes a bite of her salad, “How delightful.” You watch as she works the greens away and soon you catch her eye, “What?”

“What what?”

”You’re staring.”

“Staring? I would never- I was simply observing.”

”Would you mind stopping?”

“Stopping what?”

”Observing. It is quite unnerving.”

“Look at that. You’re a poet and you didn’t even now it.” The tries to stop a laugh, but a hint of it get out. “Ahhh I got you there.”

She smiles and tries her best to keep a straight face through her laughter. ”I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh I think you do Ms. Chuckleworth.”

”Is that supposed to mean something?”

“I don’t know it just popped in there.”

She shakes her head as the waiter comes over with the bill. Rarity looks to it and then back to you. She doesn’t honestly expect- “Care to take care of that.”

“I didn’t even eat anything.”

This of course doesn’t work, “Is it not polite to pay for a lady’s meal?”

“Well it is, but I can’t exactly pay with the skin of my back.”

She catches that, “How could I forget you’re still new here. You’re off the hook this time.” But next time she’ll ride your ass. She plops a line of bits on the table and you pick up on of the pieces. ”If you like them so much you should get a job and earn some. Then maybe you could buy a mare some dinner.”

“Yeah yeah…”

You fiddle the bit in your handle before setting it back down. “I haven’t seen a gold used as currency since I visited Medieval Times.” Before she gets the wrong idea you tell her it’s a restaurant. Don’t want anyp0ny thinking you’re a time traveler. That’s all types of attention you’d love to avoid.

”What is it you use then?”

“Paper currency. It’s light, easy to handle and identifiable.”

”Paper? How absurd, I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

Of course she hasn’t. “Give it a few hundred years. I’m sure you’ll come around.”

”We’ll just have to wait and see.” She gets up and walks down the street, you joining her. ”So how do you like your new clothes? I’m sure they fit well.”

“Yeah, of course,” you lie.

The fabric scratches up against your skin unnaturally, though you yourself found it soft to the touch. ”Marvelous. Now, two pairs of clothes simply won’t do. When we get back to the boutique I’ll want to take some more measurements.” Please god, have mercy. ”You can never have enough clothes.”

“I’m sure the male population would disagree.”

”And that’s why I never take no for an answer.”

She’s real stubborn like that. An idea suddenly dawns on you to delay the coming of the tape measure. “Actually I have to head back to Twilight’s real fast.”

”For what exactly?”

“I told her I’d meet her you know, for book stuff.”

By the look in her eyes she’s going to be praying for you. ”Well, try not to have too much fun,” she manages to get out. You both part, Rarity heading home and you to Twilight’s library.

You note the swift clopping of hooves before you enter which strikes you oddly. “Twilight?” you call out entering the door. She’s running all over the place like a madmare.

“No. No. No not there. No. No. Please be- No.”

She almost flips over her table in a frenzy. “Uhm, you alright?”

She looks at you and only freaks out further, speeding up twofold. ”No no no!”

“Is something wrong?”

”Of course not!” she snaps. “Why in Equestria would you think that?” Her eye twitches every few seconds.

“You’re so calm and collected but now-“

She slides to her knees in front of you and grabs hold of your feet, “Please forgive me. I don’t know what happened.”

“What are you-“

”I was looking at your clothes like you said,” she says between breathes, “I put it under the microscope and couldn’t believe my eyes. She continues before you can stop her, “I went to get my notes and looked back but- I’m not crazy. You understand? I’m not!”

“Slow down Twilight. Take a deep breathe and sit down.”

”O-okay,” she does as you ask, her heart beating like a drum. When you’re sure she’s calmed down some you ask her what happened. ”I made sure to double check I really did.”

“Just tell me step by step.”

”Well I went to get my notes like I said. I looked back to the table…” Her legs shake nervously and you pat her back.

“Annnnnd?”

She looks to you with a straight face, “They were gone.”

You blink as you search for something to say, one finally coming up. “Bullshit.”

”I knew you wouldn’t believe me.”

“So what? They just got up and walked away? I’m not buying it.”

”I know how it sounds, but it did happen. I’ve been looking all over for them.” You can’t believe she managed to misplace your clothes and doesn’t have the decency to make up a good lie about it. Amateur level stuff.

“Have you looked upstairs?”

She goes blank in the face, “Uhhh-“

“Thought so.” You walk up the stairs and look around. Finally you move to behind her bed, your clothes thrown out by the closed window carelessly. You turn to the railing. “Found them! I can’t believe you didn’t,” you turn back, “look… upstairs…” The hell? They were right there. Must’ve been imagining things.

”Did you find them?” That’s a first. Must be the water, shit’s making you trip out.

“No, I- Minds going crazy you know?”

”Uhmm, Anon?”

“What?”

”I think I found them.” About damn time. You walk down the stairs, Twilight looking off to the door.

“I thought you said you got them.”

She points her hoof, “I just did.” Off by the creaked open door rests your clothes, the mess laid out nearby.

“Can’t believe I missed those when I walked in. Good eye-“

A quiver catches your eye, “I’m not crazy right?”

“Did- Did my clothes just twitch?”

The bundle twitches again and shoots outside. ”And ran off. Yeah, we’re both crazy.”

“Okay. So I’ve got talking p0nies, mythical creatures, magic and now sentient clothing. Are you sure I’m not dead?”

”I’m right there with you,” she says still stunned. You rub the outside of your mouth as you too try and comprehend the gravity of the situation. ”Do you believe me now?”

“That they just got up and walked away? No, they fucking squirmed away like a snake.” She frees herself from her paralysis and gets back to the microscope. “I think we have bigger problems right now. Like mutant clothing on the loose.”

She puts in a slide and nods, “I thought as much. Your clothes, the ones that just wiggled out of here, they aren’t clothes.” You let your head wrap around that one.

“Yea-no. What does that even mean they’re not clothes?”

”It’s not just fabric anymore. It’s- I truly am going crazy. They’re part of you. I’ll explain on the way.”

You exit the library and follow the trail of disturbed dirt. “So how’s that explanation?”

”When I looked at the clothes the first time I had to double check to makes sure I was seeing it right, and I was. That pair of clothing, when viewed down at the microscopic level, contains remarkable similarities with your blood.”

“This isn’t the sci-fi channel Twilight. In fact, it would make more sense if this was on the sci-fi channel.”

She ignores your remarks, “I went to check if my hypothesis was correct, but the ‘clothes’ disappeared before I could check the results.”

“So what? The clothing is part of my body?”

”I can’t say for sure, but you said that it felt like you were shedding when you took it off? This could explain why.” That… does make some sense. It would also explain why these clothes felt unnatural. ”When your hands morphed into those claws,” she makes sure to keep her voice subtle, “Your clothing shifted as well.”

You faintly remember that. At the time you were more focused on the visceral knives that were replacing your fingers. ”My theory would be that if you consumed this set of clothes, they would feel just as natural as your last.” Interesting hypothesis. It would certainly save you some time changing clothes. You duck into an alley where the trail leads and give it a try.

Twilight looks on as your skin bubbles and rises over your clothing, the deep recesses of your being taking over them. You exhale as your skin returns to its normal hue and you can instantly recognize the difference. “Next time you have a theory don’t be afraid to share it.”

”Feel better?”

You stretch your arms, the layer of clothes almost feeling nonexistent. “Hell yeah.”

”Good, but we’ve still got a pair to track down.” Ugh, you hate shopping.

You tear the alley apart in search of it, but to no avail. “Christ, if Rarity was here there’d be no hiding from her.”

This statement gets her attention, “You haven’t told her have you?”

“About me? Oh hell no. I’m not stupid enough to do that.” This seems to put her at ease and you can understand why. The more that know about this the harder it’ll be to cover it up.

After a continued search Twilight speaks up again, “I’ve got another theory if you’re up for it.”

“I’m all ears.”

”If they’re a part of you, shouldn’t you be able to track them down?”

“They’re clothes, not a dog.”

”I’m saying this wrong. Couldn’t you sense where they are?”

You don’t think they’d work like that but you can try. “Just give me a second.” You close your eyes and phase out your other senses. This is a stupid idea now that you think about it. How in the hell is this supposed to work? You just concentrate and you’re able to feel the fine grass brushing underneath its- Well fuck you sideways.

”Did you get it?”

You refocus, the grass evenly cut. A field of some sort, perhaps- The sensation quickly changes again this time to a hard almost grainy texture, the smooth bumps rubbing against the fabric. You open your eyes, Twilight waiting for an answer. “How many tracks are there near P0nyville?”

”There’s two, one west and the other farther south near the forest. Does that mean you found them?”

“It’s a hunch, but it’s better than nothing. You head on west and I’ll go south.”

”Just be careful.”

“You too.”

You jog off down the street, your mind constantly tuned to the fugitive garments. This would make an exceedingly strange episode of Cops. Keeping your speed under control you keep your eye out for any visual cues that could help guide you. It’s not like there’s going to be a sign that says ‘Athletic Track 50m’ on your left hand… Fuck it you’re just going to stop thinking.

You slow down and stop behind a tree on the edge of the track grounds. It looks deserted. Strange, what reason did it have to come here? You grab hold of your stomach, an intense pain shooting through you. ”Feed,” the voice echoes in your skull. No. Not now… You fight through it, a muffled yell barely catching your ear. Oh shit it better be what you think it is.

Still holding your stomach you run across the open track from where the yell came from. Your nose picks up the heavy odor of sweat, the moisture thick in the air. Someone was here and you can only pray they’ve left already. More yells, muffled through the bushes, the masculine cries of both rage and fear. Cutting through the brush you find the source of the voice, an impossibly muscular white Pegasus, his muscles definitely compensating for something.

Your clothes wrap around him in an attempt to tangle the stallion, but he’s far too thick for it to work. He pins a portion under his hoof and bucks it away, raising his hooves in the air, “YEEEAAAH!!” The pair of clothes slithers to your feet weakly, “Whoa buddy watch out! Those things are crazy.” The voice rings in your ear, your control slipping away. ”Buddy, what’s with the smile? Didn’t ya- Holy hay…” You step towards him, claws sprouting forth once more. ”Feed.”

You suck on your thumb as you rest, a faint drizzle reaching your cheeks. A sense of fullness overtakes you and all you feel like doing is sleeping. Hmmm, so quiet and peaceful. ”My word…” a voice says over you. Your brain kick starts back into gear and you sit up, Rarity once again over you. ”Twilight!” She calls out, “I found him.” She knows, oh fuck this is bad. Rarity leans down next to you, “And to think that I gave you a fresh pair of clothes only for you to slip back into your old ones.” She runs a hoof up your arm, “I must say though, I never realized just how muscular you were.”

What does she- You look down at yourself, your body thick with added muscle mass. Shit! Roll with it Anon don’t freak out. “Yeah uhh, how couldn’t you notice that?” Fucking genius.

Twilight breaches the bushes and looks at you both relieved and shocked. ”Anon, it’s good you’re alright.”

”And what big arms he has.”

“The better to…”

”Carry things with. He’s been working out, haven’t you Anon?” Twilight plays damage control.

“Of course. You know, gotta keep in shape.”

”Well if you’re going to keep looking like this then I need to keep you around for some heavy lifting.” Rarity seems to buy it, and that’s good enough for you right now. She hover his umbrella over you and helps you up, though you have to crouch underneath it.

“I guess Dash was right after all huh?”

”Quite,” Rarity says leading you two out back to P0nyville. Rarity heads off to the boutique. Twilight almost had to pry her off of you to get going. Twilight said you two still had bookwork to do so you’d have to stay a little longer. Needless to say she wasn’t happy about it, but she left without much fuss.

When she closes the door, she whips back around, “What happened this time?”

“I don’t- I remember tracking it down to the southern field when I felt the hunger rise back up.”

”And you didn’t think of finding me?”

“I was too close and then I heard someone in trouble.”

”So you tried to help them with your stomach?” You cast your head in shame.

“I should never have stayed here. I’ll only endanger the p0nies here.”

She shakes her head, “No. You’re safer here where I can try and keep an eye on you then out in the unknown.” Her logic is sound but it doesn’t make you feel much better.

”It was Snowflake wasn’t it?”

“I never asked his name.”

”Pegasus, white, thicker than a manticore?” You nod, “Yeah that’s Snowflake. May he rest in peace.”

“If I hadn’t gone to him…”

”You can’t change the past Anon, but you can alter the future. You need to keep a tighter leash on this hunger of yours.”

“They’ll be looking for him soon won’t they?”

She nods, “It’s alright Anon. Just try not to think about it.” How can’t you? It’s not like his memories aren’t flowing through your mind.

“What if I said he was leaving overseas or something?”

Twilight once again has a look of curiosity, “I doubt they’d believe you.”

“What if I said it *as* Snowflake.”

”What do you mean?”

You shift your weight from a foot to another. “I haven’t told you everything about what I can do. You know about the claws, the speed, strength, hunger that stuff, but that’s not everything.”

”Anon, if you want my help you need to tell me everything you know.”

You nod and step towards the window. “When I consume- God I hate that word. I’m not an animal.”

”Continue…”

“I don’t just end that hunger, they become part of me. I absorb their strength, their memories, all of it.” You focus all your efforts once more, limbs wobbly as you fall to all fours, two fins sprouting from your spine.

This new form isn’t easy to walk in, but you’ll learn in time. “Anon?”

“I can also change into them,” you say turning back to her.

She holds a hoof to her mouth, “You’re…”

“Yeah…”

Chapter 4: Time's a Rarity

You look out the moving side of the train, standing back on two feet. Why did you ever agree to this? Taking a deep breathe you roll off the train and to the floor, your body twisting up as it rolls to a stop. Thank god your body’s more durable than an average man’s or you’d be hospitalized for weeks. Your bones hold together as you stand brush yourself off, the virus stitching together any cuts and scrapes you’ve earned like they were nothing.

It’s getting stronger, faster even. At least your last meal has left you satisfied. Snowflake was a big’un after all. Gotta say though, you like the muscles he gave you. No you don’t Anon, don’t think like that. Nothing this virus gives you will be worth it. Nothing.

You walk the long haul back to Ponyville and take a much needed breather. Impersonating Snowflake felt wrong, criminal and cruel to the very bone. He was just a bystander who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Twilight said to focus on the future and forget the past. But that’s all you have left of your humanity, and you won’t let that go. You step back into the boutique and sigh, taking in the intense aroma of the building. It’s not cutting through your sinuses like a red-hot knife anymore. By this point it’s almost welcoming. ”Anon is that you?”

Rarity calls you from upstairs in her work room. Come to think of it, this entire building is her work room. She’s just in the disaster area where it looks like a tornado tore the place apart. “Can I say no?”

You pick up the light laugh she tries to conceal, “Get up here. I need your opinion on something.”

“Dammit…” you mutter.

”I heard that.”

Christ, you’re not the only one with super hearing in this place it seems. You give a nod to Sweetie Belle in the corner with her two friends, Bow Head and Ms. Chicken. “You three up to trouble?”

”We’re thinking of new ways to get our cutie marks!” Sweetie exclaims excitedly.

“So… yes.” They’re persistent you’ll give them that. Sweetie’s a good friend to them, and to you. Who else would’ve showed you the secret backdoor to escape Rarity’s ever watching gaze? Not that that’s particularly a bad thing, she’s saved you from a couple embarrassing ‘fly’ problems. It’s equally embarrassing for her when you stab at her for looking. But she always shakes her head and preserves her dignity. Like a mare.

You step over the mess of fabric and into her work room. No sign of Rarity except for the faint hum of her heart behind one of those things you get dressed behind. Surely Rarity’s told you what they were before but you seem to have tuned it out. “So what catastrophe have you created this time,” you joke.

Cue gasp, “I never-“ She stops at your chuckling, “I should’ve known better.”

“Are you only realizing that now?”

She peeks her head out, “Alright, are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

She steps out with her dress waving behind her. You’re utterly speechless. ”So…”

“Wow.”

The encrusted gems shimmer beneath the light granting a near angelic glow. ”Just wow?”

“I don’t know what else to say to be honest.”

She whips her waist around to inspect it personally, “I’m not so sure it’s that great. It’s too long at the flank.” Anything she makes won’t look as good in her eyes; it’s that way for everyone. ”Just look at the brocade! The design is no way what I intended.” It fits her perfectly and the way it curves would be enough to draw the attention of every stallion in the room.

Whoa okay Anon take it easy there, just because you’ve got some stallion in your veins doesn’t make you on of them. ”Can you honestly look at me and say there’s nothing you’d change?” You take one last look, scratching in your chin contemplatively for good measure.

“Yes I think I can.” She rolls her eyes and ducks back behind the dressing screen. That’s what it’s called!

”I also have something for you to try on.” Dammit, you were hoping to avoid anymore clothes. You walk toward the screen, might as well right?

She smacks you away as you look behind the screen, “Manners Anon!” You rub your arm, more out of good nature than pain.

“What’s the big deal?”

”One does not walk in on a mare when they are changing.”

“Aren’t most ponies naked half the time anyways?”

She humphs in retort, “It is the principle of the matter Anon. Where were you raised without such manners?”

“That’d be New York.”

”Well then. New York is a vile place that needs to learn some manners.” Right on the money actually.

You cover your eyes as she walks back out, “What in Equestria are you doing?”

“Making sure you won’t hit me for looking.”

”A lady does not hit, that is something I’d expect from Applejack.” You inquire just what a lady does, hands still cupped tightly. ”Hmm, that’s a good question.” She gives you another playful smack, “Something like that.”

“You brute.”

Cue second gasp, “Don’t tempt me Mr. Anon. I may be a lady, but I’ll defend my honor tooth and hoof.” Sure she would, you’d like to see her try… The soft growl hits you once more, “I must say your belly is more bottomless than Pinkie’s.”

“Must be the diet, its hard getting used to it you know?”

”I can’t say I do, but I know just the thing to quiet that little troublemaker. But first, clothes.” She has no idea how right she was about the troublemaker.

You slide behind the screen and begin to strip. You’re not sure you’ll ever get used to this, and you certainly can’t go out wearing her clothes over your old ones. If she wanted to make a change to it there’s no telling how they’d react. That’s not a chance your willing to take. She hovers a pair of dress clothes around to you, nothing too fancy though, just a button up and her interpretation of slacks. Shit you stopped dressing up like this since you had your last job interview. Damn how long ago was that?

Whatever, food for thought at another time. You plant your foot atop your old clothes and give them a steady glare so they know just who’s in charge. Can’t have them slipping away again. At least you don’t have to search for them buck-naked.

You step on out spreading your arms as if you were Jesus Christ himself. ”Smashing.” Don’t change the face… ”So how does it feel?” Like a thousand spiders crawling over your skin.

“Feels great, you did a wonderful job on this. Thank you.”

”Don’t thank me yet,” she inspects the garments on you. “I haven’t revealed your surprise yet.”

“Rarity you’ve been too kind to me. There’s nothing you need to do for me.”

”Nonsense. I consider you a close friend and friends do nice things for their friends, no?”

“I’m sorry but your overload of the word ‘friend’ just boggled my mind what?”

She shakes her head with a smile, “You’re a slow one you know. That might just be the reason I keep you around.”

“I thought it was my flawless personality.”

”Don’t push it.” You laugh as she releases your sleeve, “I guess it’s good enough to work with. Get freshened up and be ready to go.”

“Where are we going?”

”I told you it’s a surprise.” You know better than to try and squeeze anymore information out of here and slip back behind the screen as she exits. You consume this newest set of clothes and look down at yourself. They’re definitely not that bad, though you prefer jeans to slacks. Might have to try that out sometime.

With your new clothes assimilated you head out downstairs, the troublemakers already gone. Opal, the feline menace hisses at your approach. You always liked cats, though it seems they don’t like you back. Thankfully, you hate this cat just as much. Fucking Opal.

You sit down on the couch as you wait for Rarity to come down. You’re almost excited at the prospect of the surprise. If it’s another pair of clothes you swear to all that is holy… ”Ready to get going?” She steps down the stairs in her dress from before, as much as a shining star as ever.

“Does a lady always make a man wait?”

”A lady is never late, nor is she early. She arrives precisely when she means to.” You furrow a brow at the statement.

“I’m fairly certain that’s wizards, not ladies.”

”Can a lady not be a wizard?”

“I’m fairly certain the term is witch.”

”Preposterous. That sounds so negative, maybe Enchantress. That sounds mystifying.”

“It does, but it isn’t a wizard.”

”Hush.” Anon 1. Rarity 0.

She grabs her bag and you hold the door open for her. “So do I get to know my surprise yet?”

”You’ll see when we get there.” Not even a hint, shame. You walk beside her blindly and try to guess where you’re going. It’s definitely not Twilight’s place, you’d pick up on that like yellow snow. Dash and Pinkie are hanging out with Applejack so that eliminates them. And Fluttershy’s still looking for her bear. You’re going to have to confront her about that one of these days. What to say though? Oh yeah, I kinda maybe ate your bear and stuff, we’re cool right? Yeah, that’s not going to happen. In fact it’d be better if you didn’t tell her altogether. Two birds with one stone. What if you ate a bird? Do Pegasi count as birds?

Oh wait Rarity’s talking. ”I can’t believe that Snowflake would just up and leave like that. I know it must’ve been hard on him with those wings, but I always knew he was a gentlecolt deep down.”

“Maybe he saw a brighter future elsewhere. I read in one of those Seaddle magazines that’s there’s lots of opportunities opening up.”

”I guess you’re right.” Yes! Finally reading has been an instrumental part in helping you lie your way out of something. Oh, that’s not a good thing is it? ”I thought it’d have been nice for Rainbow Dash to see a friendly face when she leaves for the Wonderbolt Academy.”

“Did she get her letter finally? I thought I’d have heard her cheers from across the town.”

”Well she hasn’t yet, but sometimes a mare just knows.” True. If Snowflake got in then surely Dash would. She’s the fastest Pegasus you’ve seen around.

A part of you wonder what might you obtain from her if you… It’s a painful thought, but not one that readily escapes you. The only part that’s holding you back is your rational mind and if you let that get away from you. Some things are best not thought about. Rarity finally stops and looks to you, “Surprise.”

A restaurant. That’s certainly something. “Do I get to change the name?”

”Don’t be like that. I spent the last few weeks trying to place a reservation so you try and enjoy yourself.” A regal stallion opens the door for the two of you, his oiled mane definitely saying a lot about this place. You haven’t even taken a step inside yet and you’re already impressed.

“If you think I’m paying for this…”

”Make good conversation and you won’t have to worry.” She drives a hard bargain.

Another waiter, just as spruced up, seats you at your table. He lists their specials but the names might as well be in Hebrew for all the good it does. Rarity thanks him and orders two drinks for you. “Why can’t they just call things by what they are like fish or salads?”

”Its part of the experience.” A part of the experience is feeling like you know nothing? Sign me out. But Rarity spent a lot of time and work into this night. It’d be rude to disappoint her.

“It seems like you know more about this place then I do, what do you recommend?”

”This is actually my first time here. I’ve been searching for an excuse to come here.”

“Nice to know that I’m an ends to a means.”

”Don’t be like that, I also thought you’d like coming here too. As for what to have…” She sets down your menu and points to one of the many sections, “How about the Griffus cod and mushroom risotto?”

“They serve fish here?”

Rarity nods, “It’s a part of the Canterlot Outreach Program. Not every creature in Equestria is vegetarian you know.” That’s good enough for you.

“I think I’ll have that then. Good eye Rarity.”

She smiles and looks back to her own menu, “My pleasure.” That smile of hers is almost as infectious as Pinkie’s. ”So many choices…”

You look around at the other customers who’re chatting lightly amongst themselves. Upper Ponyville society it would seem. The bar seems crowded enough; you hadn’t even noticed it until now. What type of restaurant has a bar? Actually a lot now that you think about it. Whatever, water under the bridge.

The waiter comes back and you both place your orders, hers far less imposing of a choice than your own. “Tell me Anon,” she says as the waiter leaves, “How are you liking it here?”

“In Equestria, Ponyville or your place?”

”Any and all of the above.”

You sit up in your chair and rub your neck. “Can’t say I know much about Equestria, but I’m rather fond of the town. Where I come from,- Nevermind, it’s not appropriate dinner conversation. Needless to say, this place is better.”

“It can’t have been that bad where you’re from. It gave us you didn’t it?” Marshall law, chaos, street-held executions, constant fear of both the infected and Blackwatch. But then there was you. Something more unnatural than the lot of it. And you have to keep that part of you locked up as much as you can.

“For what that’s worth,” you mutter to yourself and take a sip of your water. “That place is behind me now and I’m not exactly looking forward to going back anymore. After all, with a place like this who needs all that baggage?”

She smiles and looks to the crowd, “I wish more ponies could see it that way. I fear that many of us take it for granted.”

“Let me assure you that I really do appreciate all you’ve done for me. It’s more than I would’ve expected from another person or pony in your case.” She nods and sips at her own glass. “I’m still puzzled though. When I was face down in the dirt why did you help me?”

Surely the sight would have frightened her. ”I didn’t see the strange creature that some others saw. I saw someone in need of a helping hoof, and that’s what I did.”

“But after that, you gave me a bed, clothed me, fed me. No person I knew would’ve done that.”

”I guess that’s what makes this place so special.”

You mirror her smile. “I guess it is.”

The waiter plates your food and you begin to dive in, slowly of course. You’re in front of company after all. ”Do you have any plans later tonight?”

“Me? Nah, just thinking about hitting the hay early tonight.”

”Oh alright then.”

You finish your bite, a tad intrigued. “Was there something you wanted to do?”

She waves her hoof, “It was nothing really, just thought about taking a walk near the forest. The moon’s so bright tonight and you’ve been great company.” As much as you’d like to join her you’re actually rather fatigued. The whole jumping off a moving train and walking back to Ponyville took it out of you. ”A rain check then?”

“It’s a date,” you click glasses with hers.

”I’ll hold you to that.”

“Wouldn’t expect otherwise.”

You catch a whiff of cologne, smelling his cheap add-on before actually seeing him. He’s a unicorn, taller than most you’ve seen, hair styled back, the whole nine yards. And here we go. ”Excuse me ma’am, but I think you owe me a drink.”

”And just why is that?” Rarity asks.

”Because when I looked up at you I dropped mine.” You can’t help but chuckle as you try to hide your smile. Your laughter manages to get a few snickers from Rarity, leaving one dumbfounded stallion.

“Sorry sir, but that sounds like a personal problem.” The buttflustered stallion purses his lips as he tries to find something witty to say. “Don’t try too hard now, save some energy for the other mares you won’t score.” He goes beet red and trots off without another word, Rarity trying her hardest to stay quiet. “Refill please.”

You walk close to Rarity as you leave the restaurant who’s still trying to keep a straight face. You look back to make sure no one’s watching. “It’s alright to laugh now there’s no one around.”

She tightens her lips and shakes her head. ”That was so bad,” she says softly finally regaining control of herself.

“You can’t say it wasn’t a little funny when he started going red.”

”So mean,” she tries not to giggle again. That’s all you need to know.

“I may not feel like walking around town, but may I have the privilege of walking you home?”

”But we’re going to the same place.”

“Then I guess you really don’t have a choice.”

”Fair enough.” You look at the moon shining clear in the night’s sky. ”Admire Luna’s work? It’s one of the reasons I admire these walks.” A part of your mind tells you that it’s just the light from stars thousands of light years away. But the other part beats it over the head with a baseball bat and tells it to enjoy the moment. You like that part much better. You stop by a lamp post, temporarily halting your journey home for a lasting look. ”What’re you thinking about Anon?”

“Nothing, just pointless stuff.”

”Try me.” You give one last look to the moon and then back to her. “I was just wondering how this night could be anymore beautiful.”

It really couldn’t.

Chapter 5: Lightning's Dust

Flip it open. Flip it closed. Flip it open. Flip it closed. It’s been like this since Dash left two days ago. Of all the times you’ve seen her, this is certainly the most impatient one. Happy face, sad face. The cycle continues. You’re not sure how long you’ve just sat here watching her. A part of it is the humor of it, but the other part feels sympathetic towards her. ”She still at it partner?”

“Yep.”

Applejack sighs and adjusts her hat, “You talked to her yet?” You shake your head. ”Think I should?”

“Eyuup.”

Applejack moves off to talk with the bipolar Pinkie by the mailbox, another mare siting down by you. ”Still at it?”

“Yep.”

”Poor dear. She’s always so worried about her friends.” Sometimes it’s worth the wait for your friends.

“Pinkie just wants to maximize the time she has to respond to Dash’s letter.”

Rarity should’ve been there when the mail pony came by the first time ‘round. She was so excited that she tore open her mail with the ferocity of a Bengal tiger. The look on her face was priceless. You don’t think she needs to be worried about avoiding those embarrassing wingboners. Spam mail. Even in Equestria…

”She really should put her mind elsewhere. All this worrying can’t be good for her.”

“I wouldn’t worry about her worrying. She’s been eating plenty of grass and sleeping with one eye open.”

”W-what has she been drinking?” You put on a sly grin to creep her out. ”You’re sick.”

“And you love me anyways.”

”That can be fixed.”

No it can’t. You lean back on the bench, cracking the bones pleasantly. “I’ve been running water detail for her. Someone has to.”

”Well you don’t have to do that anymore. I’m going to help as well.” *growl* Dammit still? It’s been quiet for a good week now, yet it always seems to pop up. ”I think you should fetch some food yourself.”

“You can say that again. Keep an eye on her for me?” She nods and you take a short stroll to Sugarcube Corner. The door dings upon your arrival and the smell of fresh goods does not help your growling stomach. Just need something to take the edge off. Mrs. Cake is working the register today and you wave at her.

”Good morning Anon. How can I help you?”

“Hmmm, let’s see.”

She’s got the usual stuff, but you’re craving a good cupcake right now. “I think I’ll take one of the Sugar Surprises.”

”Good choice.” Of course it’s a good choice. It was one of Pinkie’s specials after all. A trade secret they called it, one that you can’t tell even yourself. Serious business. She slides the treat over the counter.

“How much do I owe you?”

”Don’t worry about it hun.”

“For reals?”

”For reals. With the way you’ve been watching over Pinkie it’s the least I can do.”

You shrug and take the plate. “Who am I to say no to free food?”

”You take care now.” Thanking her you head back outside the rest of Pinkie’s friends trying to talk some sense into her. Breakfast and a show. What else can you ask for? You take a bite as you overlook them. Hmmm, raspberry this time. Gives grape a run for its money. Pinkie’s still rambling on about how Dash will forget about us. Dash would never forget her friends, you know that, but maybe it would be nice for her to see a friendly face.

As a present to Pinkie Pie, you’re going to head on up there and jog her memory. But how to get up there? Now that you think about it, you know a Pegasus who could help with that.

You head outside Ponyville and spread your wings, as far as the nubs could spread. For a hulking guy he really had some pathetic extremities, wings not being the last of it. Flapping your wings came as easily to you as walking does now, probably due to his muscle memory. Such a complex act memorized through repetition. You still look silly as all hell, but damn if you aren’t flying.

As you head closer to the academy you make sure to keep a low profile. Some ponies from town had been called up here and Snowflake would have some explaining to do. That’s something you don’t want to get into. You head up from the bottom and land right up on the edge of the Academy. Dusting a few clouds bits off your shoulders you walk out onto the open field, a few of the fliers in the throes of their training. Well more caught up in with the whole of them wound up in the clouds. Must’ve hit a snag.

”Hey! Visitors are restricted from the track until break!” That tone, those glasses, that whistle, that military uniform. You fucking hated that type. You recognize the Pegasus as Spitfire, Dash shoved the poster in your face when you didn’t know who the Wonderbolts were. Never say that to Dash. She and her two staff members approach you on the track, “Care to explain yourself.”

You look around trying to find something. “Oh sorry, I was just looking for the sign that said that.” She points her hoof off to the side, the sign a giant middle finger to your entire argument. “Fucking hell…”

”Anything else you got wise guy?”

“That’s my bad then ma’am. I didn’t see it.”

She huffs lightly, “Don’t worry about it. I’m just thinking of your own safety here. Don’t want a stray flier crashing into any bystanders.”

“You don’t need to worry about that ma’am, I’m made of sterner stuff than I look.” Taking another look into the mess of fliers you don’t notice Rainbow Dash.

”Visiting someone in particular?”

“Yes actually. Do you happen to know where I can find Rainbow Dash?”

She points over to one of the buildings up in the clouds. ”She and Lightning Dust just finished up the course. They’ll be off in the mess hall.”

“Thanks for your-“

She stops you as you try and walk away, “How’d you get up here by the way?” Gotta think fast.

“I know a guy who gave me a lift.”

”You able to walk on clouds?” You scratch your head as a feeling of nervousness washes over you. ”I think I’ll follow you just in case.”

“Thanks.” She nods to her fellows and takes you by the arm to the cloud top. She’s definitely strong for a Pegasus. ”Alright now I’m going to let you off gently. If you don’t feel your feet touch it then tell me right away.”

Spitfire lowers you down your feet hanging just above the surface. Moment of truth. The soles of your feet shift as you touch the cloud’s surface. It’s a strangely familiar sensation. You felt the same when you were impersonating Snowflake. ”Well I’ll be- You’re just full of surprises.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” She lets go and hovers a few feet away as you get used to your footing. So altered muscles isn’t all you got from Snowflake after all. At least hoof-foot isn’t as noticeable as those damned claws.

”If you ever need another lift just find one of our staff and we’ll help you out.”

“Appreciate it.” You move up to the mess hall that she pointed out earlier and step inside.The hall’s mostly empty save for two pegasi. One turquoise mare you haven’t seen and- “Well well well,” you slowly clap your hands, “If it isn’t the infamous Rainbow Dash.”

She turns her head with a grin, “Anon?”

“Expecting someone else?”

She flies into you for a hug before releasing you for a hoof bump. “What in Equestria are you doing here?”

“I came up to do some recon and make sure you haven’t completely forgotten about us.”

”Like I could ever forget you guys.” You look over to the other Pegasus who’s slowly walking up. “And who’s your friend?”

”Oh, this is Lightning Dust. Dust, meet Anon. He’s a friend of mine from Ponyville.”

She shakes your hand, “Sup.” There’s something about her that you can’t quite place. ”Does your friend want to join us for some grub Dash?”

Dash looks to you, “Got anything to do?”

“Not at all,” she leads you to one of the tables.

”Give me a sec and I can grab you some chow.”

She’s off like a bullet and you look to Lightning Dust who’s polishing some trinket on her suit. “What’s that?”

”This? Oh it’s nothing, just my badge for being Lead Pony.” Looks nice. ”Isn’t easy to be the best, but I manage.” Alright that’s what you smelled about her. She’s a stuck-up cunt. But she’s a friend of Dash and that means you’ve got to be nice to her.

That smug grin on her face makes you want to slap the shit out of… Twilight needs to hurry up on that project of hers. It isn’t easy with this virus in your veins. The thwack of the platter brings you to, Dash sliding beside you. ”Sorry about that. I couldn’t figure out what you wanted.”

“No worries Dash. Thanks again.”

”Anything for my friend.” You take a bite of some jello when you catch a glimpse at her badge. Lightning Dust’s was gold, but hers is silver. “What’s with the badge?”

”Oh that…”

Lightning Dust cuts in, “She’s my wing pony. Together we’re an unstoppable team. I wouldn’t want any of those other chums by my side.” And there she goes with the talking again. Every single time…

You can tell that she’s getting on Dash’s nerves as well. “Really? I always thought of her as more of a leader.”

”Spitfire said I like to push myself so that’s why she made me Lead.

”It’s for the best,” Dash says with a tinge of pain in her voice. Being a Wonderbolt has been her dream and now it’s in danger because of Thunder Cunt here. Maybe if you… No, don’t even think about it. You try and drown out the voices by devouring your food but they don’t help.

This amuses Thunder Cunt, “Slow down there champ it’s not going anywhere.” Your eyes meet hers and she backs the fuck down. ”Not that I could tell you how to eat.” Or who. Your stomach growls roughly and you wince.

Dash puts a hoof on your arm, “You OK Anon?”

“Must’ve eaten something bad.”

She looks at you with concern, “Did you order a Sugar Surprise?”

“It was free!” you try to reason with her.

”That’s just like you. You know how they knock you on your flank.” So very worth it, but you know this isn’t because of that. You need a warm fleshy body to dive into. You could put on their flesh like a new coat and take a stroll. The sun beating down on you, wind at your back.

You squeeze your leg through your jeans and inhale sharply. The strength of your grip fights the durability of your bones, neither able to overcome the other. That just makes this an incredibly painful ordeal. One that takes your mind off of things.

Dash watches as you finish off your plate, “Gonna lick the rim?”

“Rarity would have my head.”

She rolls her eyes, “You’d roll over and beg if she wanted you to.” You’re appalled. How could she think something like that?

“I’d roll over but begging is one step too far. I have my standards.”

”I thought you turned those over for her to redesign.”

You squint your eyes and think of a response. “Touché.” You put down your fork and rub your belly. “Damn that hit the spot.”

”Glad you liked it.”

Lightning Dust clears her throat, “We going to stretch for the next exercise or do you two want to talk all day?”

”Yeah. You don’t mind do you Anon?”

“Not at all. Have fun.”

You follow Dash out the door and watch as she flies down towards the field. ”So what’s the deal with you?” Thunder Dust approaches from the back while Dash is away, “Do you have a problem with me?”

“I keep to myself thank you.”

She moves around you to block your path, “Right there, I heard it in your voice.”

“Do you want me to be frank?”

”I sure do.”

You rub your chin and stare her down. “I don’t think you’re worth being Lead Pony. You’re not the type. Headstrong. Dash is the same way, but she doesn’t reek of cunt all the time.”

”You think you have me all figured out don’t you?”

“No, but I could tell the second I met you that you’re not worth my time, let alone the Wonderbolts.” Take that cunt face.

She glares at you with response, a seething rage carrying off her body. ”Let me tell you something Anon. I don’t care who you think you are, but I’m more than good enough for the Wonderbolts.” She points out to Spitfire out on the field, “She promoted me to Lead Pony. She’s the one I’m trying to impress not some bipedal monkey with a big mouth.”

“Big words for a tiny mare.”

”Your friend is good, but I’m better. You want proof? Fine, you’ll get your proof. Try not to get blown away.” She gives you one last glance before bolting off to join Rainbow Dash. Something about what she said was downright unsettling. You’re not so much worried about what she could do to you, but more so what it might take for that to happen.

”Alright let’s gather up,” you hear Spitfire yell from the field below. You head to the cloud’s edge as the previously occupied fliers meet up with their drill instructor. You want to be there for Dash but when you look around you don’t see any of the so called staff Spitfire told you about. The gap between you and the floating course is fairly wide… An idea drills its way to your conscious mind and you silently grin.

Worse case scenario you miss and morph back into Snowflake. You back up to get a running start, grinding your feet into the cloud. Sprinting forward you leap up at the last second, your astounding strength sending you speeding upwards. Shit shit too high! You flail your body as you come falling back down to earth. You manage to slow down enough not to splat against the ground. When your feet touch the ground your body follows in a continuous roll forwards. The spinning is kind of annoying.

After further slowing you manage to end your roll and land on your feet. You dust yourself off like nothing happened even as Spitfire walks your way with a chuckle. ”Very smooth.”

“You should watch me dance,” you joke as she passes you.

Spitfire leaves the runway off to her office no doubt, another staff member explaining the rules. It’s basically cloud smashing, but you have to stick with your partner the whole way through. You stand by the scoreboard, “Get set. Go!” A blast of wind hits you as Dust and Dash take off into the sky. Dust’s eyes hit you and a chill rolls up your spine. You won’t let her intimidate you.

“Go Rainbow Dash!”

Dash smiles at you and pushes herself even faster into the sky. You couldn’t be more proud of her. She bucks her hooves into a cloud and it explodes into nothingness. “That’s one point for Dash.” He tallies it up, Dash already scoring another two. “Two more.”

Looks like she’s going in for a super. Using her wings she slices three in a row and they fade into mist. “Add three.”

The Pegasus drops the piece of chalks in a fit of annoyance. ”Do you want to do my job or what?”

“I’d certainly do it faster than you.” He steps to the side and lets you have at it.Like a sir. You jot down the scores, one eye on the sky and the other on the board. Derpy doesn’t have shit on you.

“Two. One. One.” Ok you can see how he got annoyed by that. Dust certainly does a good job with Rainbow Dash, but nothing spectacular. They do make a great team. You could never deny that. But she’s not the hot stuff she implies. Dust turns to Dash and says something, but they’re too high up for you to hear them even with your sensitive ears. She looks at you, her eye’s holding a devious gleam about them. What’s she doing? Rainbow Dash looks uneasy but follows Dust nonetheless.

The two fly in a circle, each loop subsequently faster than the last until they begin sucking up nearby clouds. She better not be doing what you think she is. They fade into the center of the building twister as it inches towards more of the clouds. ”Wow,” the stallion whistles, “Keep tallying.” You drop the chalk and take a step towards it. ”Hey what do you think you’re doing?” How could she be so stupid?

The twister wavers, Dust shooting out the side. “Shit! Get the other fliers out now!”

”What’s the matter they can handle-“

You grab him by the scruff of his jacket. “NOW!”

You lob him upwards and Dash soon follows in being thrown out of the twister. And now it’s coming right for you.

You brace for impact and the twister takes you clean off your feet and spiraling inside. Clenching your eyes shut doesn’t help much but it does keep you from seeing funny. The sharp shrieks from the fliers reaches your ears and you feel yourself being sucked out just as fast as you were pulled in. Your back cracks against the flag pole and you grab hold of yourself painfully. The infection numbs the pain and you watch as the twister continues its rampage across the runway.

What’s that at the edge of the field? It looks like a balloon and there’s- No no no. Dash sees the same thing and shoots towards them. The twister tears the balloon apart in a matter of seconds and- they fall. “No…”

Dust lands next to you, “Blown away.”

You grab her neck. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?! This isn’t a fucking game you-!”

You sprint down the track but stop halfway down as you see the other fliers touching your friends down. They saved them. Thank god. You- you have to find a place to breath. Moving over to the tree line you lean against one of the bases and begin to dry heave. A spark ignites within you and your fingers begin to press into the bark. Seeing them safe brings relief, but when you see the cause of their danger. Your teeth clench as your hands begin to shift and cut through the wood. The muscles in your arms ands legs double in size and you stare at Lightning Dust from concealment.

Spitfire, pissed beyond belief, rips the badge from her suit and pins it on Dash. She slumps off in defeat, flying towards her dormitory. This is her last day at the Academy it seems. Good for you.

~~~

You look to your left as you enter the dormitory. C54, Lightning Dust. So she rooms alone, even better. You knock on the door, Dust slowly opening the door. ”Hey Anon,” she say softly and moves to her bed where she continues to pack. ”Looks like you were right after all. Headstrong… Not good enough for the Wonderbolts.” You close and flip the door lock, the curves of your mouth flared lightly. ”I did something that endangered your friends, Dash’s friends and my fellow pony. I don’t know what to say besides… I’m sorry.”

“Consider us even,” you respond earning her attention.

”What- *gulp* W-w-what’s wrong with your hands…” You crack your neck and growl.

“This is personal.”

~~~

You spread your arms and flip to the other side of the bed. A knock on the door stirs you from your light nap, “Dust you’ve got a half hour to get your stuff.” Oh yes. You rub your belly at the memory. Extra tender. So now that you’ve had your fill what next? Get off the premises disguised as Dust, dispose the baggage and- You look at yourself in the mirror. This is what you’ve become. It’s instinctual. The more you consume the more you lose sight of yourself. When you… did the others. The memories were hazy like- You don’t know. But when you shut the door on Lightning Dust it was so clear. You made the choice, it was you. You close your eyes and put your head against the mirror. Please god. End this nightmare.

Chapter 6: Drunken Folly

You duck your head at the piercing rays of the club. An unnecessary pain you don’t wish to deal with. The waitress comes over and you look up to her with half-closed eyes. “Leave the bottle.” It’s not easy getting drunk with this shit in you, but you found a way. What better way to forget than to lose half your brain cells? Your body’d probably regenerate those too. You fumble with the bottle, finally managing to pry it off and send it flying off god knows where.

Raising the bottle in the air you silently toast to a swift demise that’ll never come. If there’s no beating the odds, might as well enjoy the time you’ve got. You down the glass like it were juice and leave it at that. Maybe you’ll drink yourself into a stupor this time. Wouldn’t that be a change of pace?

You lay your head atop the cold table as the music flares back up. Even if it does make your ears bleed volume-wise it’s catchy. Your foot taps away and the beams of light shine against your closed lids. A hoof taps your shoulder. Ugh why can’t anyone leave you in peace? Is that really so much to ask for? The hoof prods you again, this time with more force. “Mmmmm.”

”I’m trying to talk to you flankhole!” The stallion pushes you one more time and sits you up. You blink several times as you try and clear your vision. What’s her got in his hands now? ”This cap yours?” Ha it does look kinda familiar.

“I don know. Maibe it was thems,” you point over to another group of ponies at nearby booth.

”They don’t have a bottle. You do,” he replies, his two friends backing him up. Oh why does he have to go and do that?

“Whut’re ya impli- implying?”

”Your cap grazed my suit. It’s worth more than you can imagine.” Would you look at that.

“That’s un of those fanci verlum coats ain’t it?”

He snorts in response. “So you do know how much it costs. Then you know just how pissed I am.” You puff your cheeks and shrug.

“Ah think it luks bettr that weh.”

He brushes it off and looks to his friends, “You know what? I’m having a good day today and I’d hate to ruin it further by bloodying up coat. So I’ll cut you a break. You make me laugh, and we let you walk away without some broken bones.”

“O-okay now,” you hold up your hands drunkenly and wobble to your feet, “Jus give mi a secnd.” You press your finger against your temple as you try to think of a joke. “Ah got it! Wait… How’d it go on again?” His friends laugh, but the stallion silences them. “Oh yeah. What’d- What’d the… shit. How many was it?” You start counting on your hand. “One, three, six, four… Five!” you shout in drunken pride.

”Go on.” He and his friends are anxious to hear it. It’s a real show stopper.

“What’d the five- *hic* five fingers say to the face?”

He shrugs, “What?” You smile, mouth open for dramatic effect.

“SLAP!” He hits the edge of the table and cuts his head open while his friends stand in shock. “Ha ha ha! Get it? Slap! HAAA!” You have to hold the side of the table so you don’t fall over, only laughing harder when his blood gets over your hand. When you point and laugh it pulls the other two out of their stunned state. You drunkenly fall back on the table, narrowly dodging one of their bucks as you grab the bottle of alcohol.

Lunging forwards you cry, “Anon uses Bottle Bash!” You bring it over the left ponies skull and knock him out in a single hit. “It’s super effective!” You wallow in your victory, completely forgetting about the last guy until you hear the shattering of glass. The alcohol in your boils away in an instant as you feel a wetness splash against your feet. He didn’t just- You look to the broken bottle in your hand, the stallion shivering in fear. He did.

You grab him by the neck and throw him onto the table, the broken bottle pressing into his throat. “Not so fucking tough now are you? You wanted to tango well here I am!”

”Please- he was buzzed. I wasn’t looking for a fight,” he breathes out with tears in his eyes.

“Should’ve kept your mutt on a leash then because a fight is what you found.” He begins to pray as you overpower him. The music’s stopped. You ruined the show. All the ponies in the club are staring at you, the bouncer standing just behind you.

”I think it’s time for you to go Anon. No hard feelings.” You grunt and let go of the stallion, “He’s not worth the breath.”

“I’ve got some to spare.”

”Come on big guy, I’ll lead you out.” He takes you out the back. “Don’t stop on our account,” he hollers back. The music flares back up as he shuts the door behind you.

You reach into your pockets knowing that what you seek won’t be there. “Wouldn’t happen to have a cigarette would you?”

”Nope.” Fucking figures. You lay down over the dumpster, “You should probably head home.”

“Real great idea. Too bad mine requires me to travel through time and space.”

”I meant Rarity’s.” That too could be considered home you guess. ”I might suggest getting cleaned up first.”

Vomit still covers the bottom of your legs and the stench of booze is unmistakable. “Pretty sure she’d kill me if she saw me like this.”

”She’d clean you up if anything.”

“Yeah that’s what I meant.”

You pull yourself up and the bouncer pats you on the back. ”So you got a place to say for the night or not?”

“What’s it to you,” you joke, “going to drug me and take me back to your place.”

”Nothing quite as glamorous, but my couch is always open.” You’ve already got a place you think you could stay. That is unless your host doesn’t hide behind the door when you knock.

“Thanks, but no thanks. I appreciate the offer.”

”Well I’ve gotta get back to work. Come around when you’re looking for some ‘friendly’ drinking.”

You stop him before he enters. “I didn’t catch your name.”

”I don’t think I said it in the first place.” He smiles and shuts the door. Clever bastard.

~~~

The walk outside Ponyville is a nostalgic one, though those memories always seem to follow with death. You walk up the path and stand by the door. *knock knock* The door peeps open and the pink mane pokes through. “Have any extra room for tonight?”

”Umm, ok.” Fluttershy opens the door the rest of the way and you enter, the heavy aroma of animal musk coating the air. ”Why aren’t you at Rarity’s- I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.” You show off your body, “Oh…”

“I was hoping you’d show some kindness and let me sleep out back.”

”You could use my bed if you want…”

“Where would you sleep?”

”Umm, there’s the couch and-

“I’ll take the couch.”

She averts her eyes, “Ok.” She directs you to the back where you can wash your clothes, but you instead morph into another pair. The coating of vomit and booze slip off at the change and you quickly scrub it away. You’ll just say you’re a master cleaner. You stretch your arms and yawn as you walk back out to the couch. Fluttershy’s off in the kitchen brewing something and might you say, it smells delicious.

“Late night feeding?” She almost drops the pan she’s so startled. You chuckle and she turns velvet. “It’s alright. I find your demeanor rather refreshing.” Fluttershy goes back to cooking. “So who’re you cooking for?”

”Y-you…” Ain’t that sweet? She’s just a right up fine mare.

“I appreciate it.”

She wouldn’t be so nice if she knew what happened to her bear. Maybe… “Hey Fluttershy?”

”Hmm…”

It’ll be fine right? You pause and sit down on the couch. “Never mind.”

It’s not the time. Maybe it’ll never be the time. She feeds you and wishes you goodnight, you doing the same. The saying goodnight part not feeding her. You couldn’t cook your way out of a Hot Pocket. You slip off your shoes and make sure to let them know what you’ll do them if they walk away. Maybe you really are just crazy? Talking to clothes and such. Meh, could be worse. You lie down on the couch and rest your eyes. Blissful sleep.

Of course, peaceful sleep is for pussies. You find yourself back in New York where Blackwatch plagues the streets and the infection patrols them. Looking down on them all you can feel is disgust. The very air of this place is tainted with the sins of man and monster. How different it is from back home… A chill runs up your spine, “Why don’t you just give in?”

It’s just a dream. Just a dream. He laughs, “Keep telling yourself that kid. Now then, I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced.

“And I don’t care to,” you say facing the menace.

”Ouch. You hurt my feelings, now we’re both in the wrong.” How can he be so calm and collected? So… in control. He walks to the edge of the rooftop and looks down on the city with you. ”Disgusting isn’t it? Must be doubly bad for you considering that paradise you found.”

He knows! How? “Not a fan of those ponies though, especially that unicorn. The one with the purple hair thing? You’re a tolerant one.” He turns to you smugly, “You thought I didn’t know? Who do you think has been helping you get used to your new self?” That voice… ”Most of the ‘Evolved,’ I think they call themselves, aren’t strong enough to resist as you have. Don’t you find that odd?” He grabs you by the throat as you lunge at him, “Just remember who’s the stronger of us.”

“What- do you want?”

He throws you back down to the floor, “I want you to follow orders. Consume, and grow stronger from the joining.”

“I’m my own man. I control myself.”

“Control? You’ve done a great job so far, but if you were to accept it…” He kneels to your level hands on his knees, “That’s what you want isn’t it? Control?” You look away from him, “That’s it. I know it is. You’d rather have it work for you than the other way around.”

“I’d rather not have it at all.”

He stands back up in disappointment, “Keep telling yourself that, but we both know otherwise.” No, he’s wrong. “You will give in. All I have to do is wait.” You ball your hand into a fist and stand back up. “Nobody resists forever.” He looks down to the city, “It’s up to you to determine how many people will get caught in the crossfire.”

“I can protect them.”

His ears perk up, “Sounds like you’re failing at that already.”

“What do you mean by that?”

He stands at the edge, “Time to wake up.”

~~~

A slap stirs you from slumber, the white rabbit knocking on your head. Just- just a dream. He slaps you again and you rub your cheek. “What the hell is that for?” He jumps off of you and paws at the front door as you work your chest up. “It’s already morning? Damn, I must’ve slept harder than I thought.” You yawn and walk over to the door. “Take a piss and get back- What the…” The yard is trashed. Pieces of fencing have been lobbed to and fro, the chicken coop is all but gone. There’s not a single peep from any of Fluttershy’s critters either. Whatever happened here must’ve- Fluttershy.

Angel darts down and into the bushes around the house and you run after him. Fishing through the bushes you pick the mare up, her breathing is shallow but she’s very much alive. “Fluttershy can you hear me?”

She winces as you move her inside and set her on the couch. What could’ve done this to her? It wasn’t you, or she’d be roughly somewhere in your colon. You realign the feathers on her wing and pick out the twigs while she rests. “Angel, did you see what happened?” He shakes his head. Not like he’d be able to tell you, you don’t speak rabbit. Angel rubs Fluttershy’s neck as you slip on your shoes and move back outside. The musk of animals has always been heavy around here, but you smell something different this time.

You kneel down to the grass, the dirt still moist from the morning dew, a paw print pressed within. Opal’s print is small as fuck and this one is about the size of that little fuck. The tracks lead away from Fluttershy’s house, down to Ponyville. “Angel, take care of Fluttershy until I get back.” And you set back to town.

~~~

You hear the calamity before you actually see it, a hundred cries and screams shooting out from the town. Any ponies that are still on the streets when you arrive are galloping back to their homes and boarding them shut. A roar bellows from deeper in town and you follow it. Your senses are tuned in to finding whatever creating this havoc. And all the while you hear him inside your head. ”Consume.”

But you cast the thought aside as you turn the corner to see Twilight diverting the masses back home. ”Anon!” she calls as you approach, “We have to get everypony to safety.”

“What’s going on?”

”A monster’s rampaging through the city. We’re not sure why, but we need to help everypony first.”

“I just came back from Fluttershy’s.”

”Is she ok?”

“She got hit pretty hard.”

”I’ll head out to help her.”

”Get back home!” she calls out, Applejack escorting them along. “In the mean time, I need your help.”

“Just tell me what to do.”

But that look in her eyes says it all. ”Please be careful. We just need it out of town, you don’t need to-“

“It won’t come to that.”

You jog off and leave Twilight and her friends to their work. The wails of the masses draw silent behind you the further you go. The stench is thicker here. It must be close by. A twig snaps ahead of you forcing you to dive for cover. Looking through the bushes you make out a fearsome creature walking down the street. Its snout sniffs at the ground before raising its hind leg and marking its territory. At least you know where the scent is coming from.

You peek your head over the top to get a clear view of the creature, or creatures. In truth you’re not entirely sure what it is. It has the body of a lion coupled with two elongated bat wings stretching from its back, the tail of a scorpion hanging above it ready to strike. “The fuck?” Its head shoots to you, eyes narrowing on its next meal. You stare right back at him. This meal happens to fight back.

The creature takes a step towards you before whipping its head around once more. It snarls and lunges away from you as you stand up. You feel almost relieved until you realize it has a new target. A filly that happened to have strolled into its midst, a unicorn with a knack for singing. You won’t let it have her.

You catch up to the creature as it lunges for her and tackle it into the side of the house. “Sweetie get out of here!” The creature’s claws dive into your back but you keep it pinned down. She won’t move, frozen with terror. Dammit! You push yourself off the creature, its claws ripping small chunks from your back as you grab Sweetie Belle and run. “I told you to run,” you scold her as you keep the pace, the flesh of your back molding together painfully. She sobs in your arms and you rub her head with your cheek. “I’m just glad you’re safe.”

”I’m sorry…”

“It’s going to be alright, but the next time I say to run just-“ Your body crashes through the wall of a nearby building and you instinctively shield Sweetie Belle. The creature marches through the hole and you let go of Sweetie Belle. “Run.”

”But-“

“Run!” Sweetie darts for the door, the menace turning to her, stinger quivering. No you don’t. You leap between the two and hit the stinger mid-strike, the creature wailing painfully. Sweetie looks back to the floor where the decapitated tail lies next to you, your claws bore. “Don’t make me say it again.”

The door slams shut while the creature rubs the end of its tail. This… You won’t let it harm anyone else. Not Fluttershy, not Sweetie Belle, no one. “NO ONE!” You ball the claws into a fist, muscles bulging in your arm, your hand cutting into the monster’s face and sending him outside. You’ll fucking kill it.

You stomp over to it, each step picking up a storm of dust. It moves to strike you but you duck the blow and kick it in the face. You grab hold of his arms and spin him through the air, knocking him through walls and stalls before lobbing him through the air. You sprint after him and kick him just before he lands. You’re going for a new high score. As it reaches its apex height you hear the shrill of ponies. Looks like you moved a bit closer than you thought. Putting all your force into your legs you leap into the air after him and pull your fist back. Its eyes are filled with fear as you close in, the two of you high above the crowds of Ponyville.

Fear… You like the sound of that. You spike him into the dirt and land amidst the upheaval of dirt that serves as a cloak. Locking your hands together you send him flying away from you. Silence…

Your limbs twitch as you step out of the dirt cloud and spot the hole in Twilight’s house. Would’ve been a nice shot if you had planned it. No pony says a word, each as transfixed on the hole as their neighbor. Only a gasp escapes when they spot the creature hobble out and limp to the edge of town. ”Anon!” Twilight calls as she runs up to you, covering your body with a towel to hide your… appearance. ”You did it. Thank you.”

“It’s still alive.”

”But it’s gone thanks to you.”

Not good enough. “It needs to die.” It can’t be allowed to live. Not after what it’s done. “I need to…”

At the edge of the gathering crowd you spot the two of them in each other’s hooves, Rarity and Sweetie Belle. The sight of them- It’s a calm you’ve not felt for an age. ”Feed…” the voice commands. But you won’t listen, not at that. You feel the skin of your hands return and the weight of your muscles lessen.

“We’re going to be alright.”

”Yes we are,” Twilight says watching them as well.

He was right, you did want control. However, wrong at the same time. You don’t want to control the virus to work for you. You want to contain the virus within you. Maybe then things will be different. It may take you years to contain it, but you’ll find a way. Humans are a good at that.

~~~

”I can’t believe you sent him flying into my house,” Twilight nags as you shovel debris out of her living room.

“Seemed like a good idea at the time.”

”How could you ever think that was a good idea? What if the manticore broke something?”

“Besides the front of your house? I don’t think there’s much to worry about.”

”Anon.”

“What? Don’t take it the wrong way, I like books as much as the next guy, but I don’t.” You grab one such book from the floor and flip it open. “The chemical make up of a Hydra’s gastral cavity consists of lollipops and melted gumdrops. Pretty sure half of that is false.”

”Anon.”

“What?”

”You didn’t happen to see the other half of this did you?” She holds a tattered handkerchief in the air, the fabric discolored from-

“Where’s the other half?”

”That’s what I’d like to know.”

“You don’t think- It couldn’t have just stumbled upon it.”

She shakes her head, “It’s hard to believe it was an accident, but it could’ve torn it by chance.” She told you once before how infectious it could be. That’s why she had it kept it under her care. ”If the manticore happened to get some of it-“

“We need to find it.”

Twilight’s pacing back and forth, “Out in the Everfree Forest? There are worse things than manticores out there.

“And they’ll be that much worse if they manage to get infected.”

She nods, chest throbbing rapidly as if she were having an attack, “You’re right. We need to round up everypony. I already got Fluttershy, but the Apple’s would be better here.”

“Sound enough. I can track it down myself. If I’m lucky I can stop things before they get bad enough.”

“No way, you aren’t going by yourself. Let me contact the Princess, surely she’d be able to help.”

The Princess? Oh hell no. “And what’re you going to tell her? A manticore’s infected with my blood? I like my feet on the ground not the moon.”

“Either way, I’m not letting you go alone.” There’s no debating with her. Her stubbornness is only matched by her intelligence. Maybe that’s why you get along so well with her. That and she’s the only pony you can confide in. “Tomorrow. We’re going to find the manticore and make sure it’s not infected.”

“And if it is?”

”We’ll think of something.” That’ll be fresh.

~~~

You shut the door, exhausted from your day of clean up. Rarity practically squeezes the life out of you when she sees you. ”Oh thank you Anon,” she repeats time and time again. “If it weren’t for you…” She looks to Sweetie Belle with a smile, “She’s safe thanks to you.” Back in the house. With the manticore. She saw you, the real you.

“What’d she uh- tell you exactly?”

”Only that you saved her when she ran off with her friends. She got lost and that’s when you found her.”

“Glad to be of service,” you reply still looking to Sweetie.

“We were just about to celebrate when you arrived. Care to join us?”

“Sure,” you say as she trots ahead of you and Sweetie Belle. “What you saw-“

”Your secret’s safe with me.” You kneel down and hug her, “For a price.” She laughs at your loss of breath, “Only kidding.”

“Thank you Sweetie Belle.”

”No,” she responds locking you tighter in a hug, “Thank you.”

Chapter 8: Still?

You leap over a log and stumble down to the ground. He was so close you had him in your grasp. The scent leads up this mountain, a strange place to hide indeed. Perhaps the beast thinks you wounded enough to no longer constitute a threat. Perhaps it believes you to be dead from your injury. Perhaps it’s a fucking retarded animal. You like the last choice better. At the edge of the mountain you spot the fiend huffing at the air. It bellows into the sky before running further up. There’s only one place for him to go now, up. You walk up the trail and take your time. No sense rushing into a trap.

You keep close to the mountain’s base as you ascend. One misstep and you’re going to start over. The sun hits your eyes at just the right angle to seer them into oblivion. You shield yourself with your hand and press forward, keeping your eyes down but ears open. There’s not telling where or when that bastard is going to show himself. You reach the dark side of the mountain and take the moment to look down at the forest. From up here you wouldn’t be able to tell what horrors hid beneath the tree tops. “It almost looks beautiful.”

”Of course it does.” You grab hold of your wrist and keep moving. ”The silent treatment? Fair enough.” Just let it fade into the back of your mind. If you don’t acknowledge it it can’t really be there. ”Lying won’t help.” You force it back down as you keep moving.

You stop at the mountain wall, sniffing the worn rocks. The manticore fell to his side here, the rocks press inwards too narrowly. Something forced him into the wall, but what? You kneel by the edge and peer over. Couldn’t have been those spiders, could it? Nah. They’re a league away at least. The side feels strange though. You feel tiny indents drove through the stone. It’s perplexing that’s what it is. The signs are there, but no spider would venture this far away from its home.

That, and you don’t recognize the smell. Whatever managed to hit that manticore had some serious pushing power. Much more than any mere spider could possibly exert. That doesn’t bode well, but if the manticore could take the hit so can you. If you can still call it that anymore.

You whip out Twilight’s book and flip through the pages finding the glossary. Mountains, mountains… ‘Rocky terrain and plains.’ Well this place is rocky. You quickly look it over but think nothing of the contents. Most of them are simple critters, vultures and the like. A deep squawk shrills from above, two of the bastards lurking high above. “Sorry boys but I’m not on the menu.” At least you know how to cook up the bird. This book is good for that at least. Back to your quest to ascend the mountain. Damn this thing is big. Why can’t they have elevators in Equestria? That’d save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

You come to another stop further up when the scent takes a turn. Right into a cave leading into the mountain. ”Find it. Kill it. Consume it.” It’s got no way out from here. It’ll have to go straight through you if it wants to escape. Here’s to hoping things fare better this time around. Your shadow’s thrown through the cave entrance as you survey the brown interior.

“Here kitty kitty kitty. I promise I won’t hurt you… much.” Alright that’s a lie you’ll likely pay it back for tearing off your arm. You rub your shoulder at the memory. No one hurts you so and gets away with it. Your eyes dart to the back of the cave, the sound of crumpling rock echoing off. You bare your claws as you proceed deeper into the darkness. Time to say goodbye.

Your eyes have trouble adjusting to the overpowering thickness of the darkness. The light from the entrance is all but a speck in the distance. But you can not deter now, it’s so close you can smell it, literally. You run your claws against the cave wall, a spectacular firework show of sparks lighting up your path. At best it’ll intimidate the beast long enough for you to strike. But you can’t fucking see it in this damn lighting! “Show yourself!” you scream shaking the very foundation. You pant through your teeth eyes and ears trained for the slightest- *crack*

The manticore tackles through you and sends you slouched to the ground. “No you don’t!” You follow the speeding monstrosity as it attempts to escape before it stops at the entrance. It looks at the rim of the cave and then… it almost grins. “You mother-“ Before you can finish it smashes its regenerated tail at the loose rocks before it. The light disappears under the ton of rock left in the cave-in’s wake. “FUCKER!”

You pound the rock with your claws to no avail, the adaption not designed for this type of demolition work. It- It hasn’t gotten you yet. You won’t let it get away. You’ve got a promise to keep after all. Even with the entrance blocked off, a faint glow resonates from deeper within the tunnel. And if there’s light, there’s an exit. With no time to lose you charge through the darkness and follow the light. As you round the winding tunnel the light seems to disappear, only to pop up just out of your range. It’s almost toying with you. You slow your pace to a contemplative walk as you try and understand this development. What sort of creature could do that? But as you slide down a slope you don’t need to know. Light.

Albeit it consists of circles on the ground. You approach one such circle and look up, the sky piercing the top of the mountain. It must go all the way up by the looks of it. The faint sage glow hits your back and you slowly turn to it. A single flame hovers tantalizingly above the ground in the center of the chamber. You step towards the intense ball and away from the light. This thing guided you here through the darkness. You reach your hand out towards it, the orb vanishing into the blackness. A smile creeps on your face and you give it a silent thank you. *click*

All joy drains from your body as you hear that sound, your eyes detecting movement in the shadows. “Well fuck me,” A pincer grabs hold of your wrist and squeezes down. You barely manage to dodge the second one that comes in at your neck. Fighting the pain you grab hold of your wrist and pull back towards the light, the scorpion’s rows of eyes coming into view. “Oh fuck me!”

Its stinger shoots down narrowly missing your head and shattering the stone behind you before rising back up. Seems you found out what gave that manticore such trouble. No matter how hard you pull on your wrist the creature refuses to let go. If he wants to play this game, you can show him what you showed those spiders. You shift your left hand into claw form and strike its bulky claw. Your claws grind across its exoskeleton harmlessly, using its other pincer to knock out your feet. Now on the ground you desperately fight to free yourself from its grasp, once again its second pincer coming in and clenching onto your thigh.

Its razors cut into your flesh causing desperation to take hold. Barbs come thrusting out of your limbs, but it’s exoskeleton treats them as much as it did the claws. Christ this thing is strong! Its stinger whips back at you, imbedding roughly an inch beside your head. At least that one’s gone.

Your chest is impaled to the floor, a second thick stinger protruding from your heart. Its mouth clicks at its dominance as it lifts you into the air away from its maw. “What’s the matter,” you gasp as the tip breaches your back, “Had enough?” Venom gushes out of your chest cavity as your eyes roll to the back of your head. To think you were so confident of your superiority to these creatures. To think that you were the ultimate badass here. You’ve never been more wrong.

A sickening crack echoes from its carapace, your eyes gazing upon its trio of tails hanging overhead. This is its cave, you’re just a guest. Rarity should teach him some manners. Its back creaks open in some abominable fashion revealing its true mouth, a host of razor sharp teeth breathing in unison at their feast. Rarity would tell him her mind. What you wouldn’t give to be there now.

You clench your teeth as it begins to draw you in. “Not dying yet!” You bring your claws upon your own flesh, letting out a bloody mist as your wrist detaches from your forearm. Before it has a chance to react you do the same to your leg and pull yourself off its stinger with your free hand. The fine dusty grain fills your mouth as you hit the ground, good ol’ earth. No time to rest, it’ll only take a few moments before its back onto you. You crawl away as your limbs regenerate. The puke up a gush of blood as its stinger finds your back, but you won’t let it have its victory. It might resist your claws, but it can’t resist physics. You roll over to your back, twisting its tail around your arms tight enough for its body to follow. Even with its many legs it can’t help but tip over with one last roll. Its legs grasp at the air fruitlessly as you untangle yourself and bolt to the wall. You sprint to the wall and don’t stop.

Your feet press into the rock as you push yourself upwards, the next stop following the same process. Holy shit! You’re- Stop thinking Anon, this isn’t the time… Alright it is pretty awesome. Ascending the wall you find the avenue of your escape growing increasingly thin. You duck slightly, speeding up when you hear a roar from above. If you’d just ran up the mountain side you could’ve skipped this entire part. Clairvoyance is bullshit. Just a little more and- stuck. Fucking hell. You turn your head down to the cavern floor, its eyes staring back up at you. NOPE.

You pull all of your strength into your core and thrust your arms outwards. The fresh air fills your lungs as you pull yourself free from the spire. And right in front of that fucking manticore. “Out of the frying pan…”

~~~

You dig your fingers into the dirt as you slide across the mountain top. Standing up you brush yourself off and clear your throat. “Thank you, I needed a stretch.” The manticore charges you but you stand your ground. Whipping your hand back you throw a flurry of barbs into the manticore’s face. You count down as the toxin spreads, your virus’s venom combating his own. Its paw trips and he grinds to your feet. “Miss me?” you ask grabbing him by the mane, the hair ripping out in your hand. You shake your hand off as it struggles to get up. “Where do you think you’re going?” His spikes quiver and you raise your foot to- *phew*

You blink dumbfounded and lower your leg. You touch your neck, plucking out the barb imbedded to the side. “Mother…” The dirt feels better anyways.

You should probably get up. What? You’re muscles don’t want to move? Meh, lying here is fine by you too, not like your life’s in danger. The sky looks nice this time of year, clouds hovering lightly in the sky, vultures descending to pluck out your eyes. You know, the usual. Horse shit, really. Since when did you do this? You’ve spent all your time kicking back and enjoying the sun. It’s like what you’re doing now except not paralyzed and going to be eaten. Not that different really, just a lot more exciting. You wiggle your fingers, one of the vultures landing on the manticore who growls softly.

At least if they’re eating him first you’ll last a bit longer. Wait a second, the entire reason you came was because he might infect others. And that means you’ll have to protect him while trying to kill him. Quests are garbage.

Before you can get up one of the flying beasts lands on your leg. You get a look at its outstretched wings rattling in the wind in a way you’ve never head before. Its claws dig into your leg slightly as it turns to its slithery neck to you. A pair of fangs juts from its mouth as it plunges into your chest, but you can’t even feel it over the toxin. Your stomach churns, your skin clutching onto the vulture-snake’s fangs when it attempts to pull away. Should’ve picked some better prey. Your chest cavity sinks in and a volley of thin tentacles come grasping out at the vulture who squawks passionately as it’s pulled away. You hum as you feel it trying to peck its way out of your stomach, a sickening crack is shortly followed by silence. Delicious.

Renewed with your meal you stand up slowly, the strange birds flocking away. You kick the last bird off the feeble manticore. “You alright kid?” It responds with another weak growl, struggling just to keep its eyes open. “Good to know,” You look around you, “Beautiful view wouldn’t you say. To die for, I might add.” He doesn’t like the sound of that and struggles to get his claws beneath him. You shh him and stroke his claw like you would a pet’s. “Don’t strain yourself deary, showoffs don’t go far with the ladies. One told me so herself, though, in a far less crude manner.”

Looking at his weakened form you want to feel sorry for it, he didn’t even- Oh wait a second! Your memory jogs and you grab hold of his foreleg by the top. “Do you agree with the phrase, ‘An eye for an eye’? With one clean swipe of your claws you cut off his leg. “Because I sure do.”

You discard the lump of flesh to the side, the mere sight of the limb disgusting you. This is nothing more than a tainted creature, a cancerous growth that needs to be cut out. But you’re in more or less a merciful mood if such a thing exists. You hear the rumbling before you feel it, the mountain rock violently quaking. “After I deal with an old friend you’ll be next alright?” The manticore owed you an arm, but this guy owed an arm and a leg. A fissure of stone spews out its carapace hammers through the spire and sends it crashing down on the mountain side. Its trains its many eyes on you as you kick a bird away from the manticore’s limb. “So… Ready for round two?”

It clicks its incisors and brandishes its trio of tails, a dollop of venom simmering off the end. You crunch the limb beneath your foot, tendrils devouring it into your calf giving you the strength to push out the last of the venom. “I won’t be so easy this time.”

You walk up to the scorpion nonchalantly and await its move with your eyes catching the slightest change in motion. Its center tail lunges at your chest, but finds itself lodged squarely under your armpit. “If you can’t scratch it,” you raise your arm, “Crack it.” The sensual shattering of bone almost arouses, alas, exoskeletons don’t bring the same thrill. You duck under another tail and pull it over your shoulder, the beast’s tendons slurping as you rip them from its body. The mangled flash looks good not to eat, and that’s just what you do. You’re not sure if the creature can feel fear, but it sure as hell does now. The skin beneath your clothing begins to compress as its last tail hits you square in the chest. But this time, it responds with merely a thud as its stinger cracks upon impact. “Bad idea,” you reply as the skin of your head darkens and solidifies with an extra layer of armor.

Using your enhanced strength you swing the beast by the tail over your head and onto its back. You pull it back to you through the rock and eye its soft underbelly. “Weak spot.” You pummel into its stomach again and again and after your punishment its armor gives. Claws jut forth within it’s and you shred as much of it as you can. At least you did before one of its flailing legs knocks you on your ass. You rub your jaw and lick your fingers clean. Needs salt. The creature flips back overhead and whizzes over to you in a flash, his pincer finding your torso.

It lifts you into the air and you can’t help but feel like you’ve been here before. It’s carapace opens up and you suddenly remember why. All those beautiful rows of teeth, you’re fairly certain you haven’t had any before. The slab seals you in as its incisors come slicing into you. The teeth try their damndest, that much you’ll give them, but as for how well it works? 1/10.

Your clothes melt into your skin as the scorpion’s innards try and fail to devour you. You push your hand into the inner lining and find it remarkably squishy. This thing’s had a long day and a nice meal is just what it’d need. Yourself, not the scorpion. Pulling your arms in you shiver and shake as you wind up a whirlwind within. Tendrils cut free of your thickened skin and delve into the fleshly walls around you. The creature slumps to the floor with a low thud, light piercing the top of its exoskeleton. You pry your hands through and burst back from its stomach, the last pieces of the creature melding into your own. “Should watch what you eat,” you explain to the birds, “It might give you a wicked bad tummy ache.”

You step out from its hollow corpse. Now that he’s done, all that’s left is… The manticore that’s disappeared.

You silently curse yourself for letting him get away. Perhaps… Screw it, it still has some memory. You hold your head as you go channel surfing through your mind. Snowflake, Bear, Spider, Lightning Dust… Scorpion. Ticking away in the cave, light vanishes, creature enters. You retreat, pull it deeper, it follows, so close. Tail thrust, barely miss, the creature’s startled, it runs. These memories are getting you nowhere. It’s you, scrapping your claws on the wall, the flame flickers. Fast-forward, trap, escape, anger. Devour, the creature limps away, you move but the pain- It falls… so do you. You run and lean over the edge, the manticore’s tail disappearing back into the forest. “That clever mother…” You leap off the mountain top and crash fist first into the floor. Back into the forest it is.

~~~

“Come on out you little fucker,” you chirp in the darkness climbing through the brush blindly. You brush aside a row of ferns, greeted by more forest. This cat is getting on your nerves. Time and time again you could’ve gotten him, but you just- fail to get the job done. You stopped counting the days after the mountain incident. The poison had slowed him, but you made the mistake of keeping your armor up which slowed you just as much. By the time you realized this though he’d recovered and put a gap between the two of you. It took you some time to track him down. You caught him by the waterfall once before, but your feet fell over the slippery stone and alerted it to your presence. After you’d rung out your clothing he’d already gone. But still, you felt as if eyes were upon you.

You didn’t let it get to you then seeing as how that very same feeling encompasses this entire place. But you always made sure to look over your shoulder every once and a while. It never hurts to watch out right? You trudge onwards before stopping midstride. You look through the darkness at the hundreds of eyes that silently observe. They’ve snickered at your failures, bellowed at your hardships. All you had to do was find one manticore but… “I’m tired,” You lean against a tree and slump to the floor, “I can’t do this forever.” Everything was set in the right path for you. A new home, new friends, new faces. You dig into your leg. But this guy wouldn’t let it be. Then one simple drive, a fleeting quest turned sour when it turns your world upside down.

You could’ve made a new life here, you really could’ve. Maybe not free from the infection, but free from the persecution of others. Your friends would be there for you. That’s more than you could say for anyone else. Friendship is such a fragile thing and you gave it up, for what? This? You shuffle through the different forms you’ve acquired with disgust. No form or weapon is worth having to abandon your friends. You look longingly to the back road, the viney trail a tempting path back to civilization. But then your mind wanders to the future of what is to come if you don’t see this through. Fields of red, bloody and dark, abominations only your mind could forge roaming the rooftops. You can feel the town burn with the infection yet there is no flame. Your friends would gather helplessly to defend themselves and try as you might, with all your strength you are but one. ”They will die,” the voice whispers, “Each and every one of them.”

There’s no victory here. Pieces of flesh have been scattered about like pollen in a summer’s breeze. You wanted to end the spread, not stoke the fire. The hunger returns like an old friend as the voice plagues your mind. Maybe it’s right after all. The end is inevitable, but if you… *snap* You whiz around to the snap of a twig, the purple glow both alarming and soothing. “I thought I told you to head back to Ponyville.”

”And I thought I told you to kick some flank for me,” Twilight jokes, “I guess we both couldn’t keep that promise.” She looks over you with her magical illumination, “You don’t look good.”

“Just about how I feel.”

”I shouldn’t have let you go alone.”

“You would’ve been dead if you followed.” She sits next to you. “Should I bother asking how you found me this time?”

”No. It’d only worry you.”

“That answers me more than the actual answer probably would.”

She nods and looks away from you, “How safe is it?” There’s really no telling, but it seems to have subsided for now.

“Not good, but well enough I suppose. I still have some sanity left in me,” you attempt to joke.”

It falls flat by the look on her face. ”That’s not funny.”

“I know, that’s my point.” You grip your head and lean forward. “I’m losing it, faster than before. Every fight makes it stronger and makes me weaker.”

”You can control yourself Anon, I believe in you. We all do.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but words won’t help me. Nothing in this world can.”

She moves beside you and wraps a hoof around your shoulders. ”I remember when you got flustered back in the ruins. Nothing I said worked, remember?”

“Yeah. You interrupted a perfectly good meal,” you laugh lightly.

”Do you know how I got you to calm down?” She said her name. ”I see it in your eyes. You’re still in there.”

“I’ve got a little left.”

She rubs your shoulder, “Rarity is what’s keeping you from turning. It doesn’t matter how strong that junk in here gets,” she taps your chest. “She keeps you strong up here.” She knows just what to say to put you back on the horse. ”So if Rarity was here, what would she want you to do.”

“First she’d want me to stop ruining her clothes.”

Twilight rolls her eyes, “And then?”

You stand up and look back into the woods. “She’d tell me to get a move on and save the day.” She turns back and whistles sharply, five others coming through the foliage. “Fluttershy?”

”Fluttershy.” Like anyone else could track you this fast. You freeze up as one of them trots towards you.

”You leave without a word in the dead of night only to find you with my dirtied attire? What kind of gentlecolt are you?” You avoid her gaze as she walks up closer. ”Anything to say for yourself?” You shake your head and look down. ”Well perhaps you wouldn’t mind if I share my own thoughts on this matter.”

“Go right ahead.” She’s going to hit you right where it hurts, you can feel- Her hooves around you?

”I’m so glad to see you safe.”

“B-but the clothes-“

”I’m just happy you’re alright.”

You smile and return the hug. “You too.”

Chapter 9: Finale

You help Rarity over a log, earning a thanks in the process. ”Why don’t you help us as well,” Twilight prods as she and others reach the very same log.

“Because Rarity needs my help all the time.” *smack* “What? It’s true.” And another smack for the wall.

The others scale the impossibly trivial obstacle with your assistance. You’re starting to have second thoughts about allowing them to tag along at all. The things out here almost kill you and that’s no easy feat. Keeping an eye on them will be your top priority. You’ll not lose them to any beast within these parts. Leading them, you find yourself at a vast bog, the mud slick and waiting for the right moment to suck you in, the water the same, but in liquid form. You pull out your book and run through it.

”W-what does it say?” Fluttershy asks timidly.

“We’ve got a whole mess of things in these parts. Crocodiles, Mosquitoes, Mud Pits, Hydras, the works.”

”We can take them,” Rainbow boasts in confidence.

”Let’s be careful y’all,” Applejack states.

“I agree. It doesn’t say anything about wheel skeletons though so we should be alright.”

”Wheel skeletons?” Rarity asks.

“They’re like skeletons, but on wheels with spikes on them and they charge at you.”

”Celestia, how horrifying.”

“At least the Everfree forest isn’t that cruel.”

”We’ll see about that,” Twilight replies. In truth she’s correct, there’s no telling what this place holds. For all you know there’s wheel skeletons her too, but now they’re on fire. A hilarious and terrifying thought all in one.

You scan the waters as you traverse the edge of the swamp. You’re sturdy enough to survive a gruesome mauling, but one of them. Rarity smiles when you look to her. They’re not as lucky. Once you sense the coast is clear you sink to the ground. You can faintly pick up his scent over the swamp’s natural odor. He’s been a few days ahead of you but by the age of these tracks it seems he’s decided to stick around. They lead towards the cliff’s base off in the distance. Something’s off about that place. You can feel it in your bones. “I think I found him. You all stay here. I can take care of him myself.”

Rarity gasps, “I did not trek through such dreadful terrain to watch you get hurt. We’re not going anywhere.”

The others agree with her, seems you’re stuck with them. “Just be careful.”

You drop into the murky waters of the swamp and Rarity almost screams. ”How could you?!”

“It’ll wash out.”

”By hoof! Have you any idea how long it’ll take to wash out?”

“Umm, a week?”

”Try two.”

“I think you can knock that down to one.”

”I loathe you.”

“Love ya too.”

Her face burns scarlet, “What?”

“N-Nothing.” Not the time or place for that. Applejack jumps on in, splashing the others with a brown rain earning yet another squeal. You hold your arms out to Rarity. “Would you care for a ferry?”

”As a matter of fact I would,” she says sliding into your arms.

”Me too!” Pinkie exclaims leaping on your back.

“Jesus fuck!” you scramble to regain balance while keeping Rarity out of the water.

”Right, lean right!” You finally get both feet back on the ground and breathe a sigh of relief, Pinkie’s head slowly coming into view from above.

”Weee?”

“Never again.” She frowns, but she smiles happily when you boop her on the nose. “Kidding.”

”Better not be,” Rarity sneers as she inspects her mane.

You slowly traverse the waters, a dense fog cutting out light from above. The limbs of the trees seem to reach towards you whenever they can. Rarity holds your arm tighter the further you go and you can’t blame her. Not many dare venture this deep you imagine, with the threat of death and all. It’s an oddity that such a place even exists at all. You use your arm as a bridge as Rarity moves back onto dryer land. The others work their way out with your assistance, the bog almost pulling in an attempt to keep them in. Not on your watch, they go Bog Free. They shake the muck off their hooves as you breach the water, the grime pulling away from your cloth unnaturally. This earns a few stares from your friends, but they keep quiet about it. It’s not like your suspicious already. Oh wait…

Twilight walks closely as you put a gap between the group, “When do you plan on telling them?”

“It doesn’t matter when I say it. They’re here. They’re going to see it.”

”Couldn’t you hold back a little? You could play it off as being strong or-“

“I’m getting rid of this creature, all of it. Beating around the bush led to its escape in the first place. I won’t fail yet again.”

She nods, “I’ll do what I can to calm them down if they- overreact.”

“I appreciate that.” Your ears pick up a faint shuffling coming up ahead and you stop the group.

”It’s trapped,” Twilight says, “I think we can keep it there long enough to-“

“Not this time,” you reply interrupting her.

”What is it?”

The manticore walks out, tail at the ready, his transformation complete displaying his bare reddened muscles. And he’s got two more next to him. “He made some friends.”

They’re not manticores anymore, just some good ol’ brawlers with a few additions. Maulers… You push Twilight back towards the others and raise your fists. The Maulers growl to one another and the lead one bows its head to charge. You bulge your muscles and prepare for him.

”Come on ya big oaf!” Applejack yells at your side.

”Please do hurry up so we can escape this dreadful place,” Rarity adds with a bit more tact.

“This isn’t your fight,” you growl as the others come to your aid.

”We’d never leave a friend alone,” Twilight says. You hide the smile on your face and turn back to the Mauler pack.

“Then let’s do this by the books, just for you.” The Mauler pack’s leader raises his head fearfully and steps backwards, the others quick to follow.

”Even they don’t like these odds,” Dash boasts. But that’s because they see what only you hear… The drip of water back into the swamp…

You whirl around in time to see a body crash back into the dirt, half its body gnawed off as it struggles to regenerate. ”What was- AHHH!” You cover Rarity’s eyes from the gruesome view, pints of blood gushing out of the Mauler’s open belly.

“Twilight find a cave and hide.”

”What could’ve-“

“Twilight!” you yell in no mood for detective.

She sees what danger you’re in and finally takes your advice, ”Let’s go girls. Come on! Rarity!”

Rarity pulls on your sleeve, “Let’s go Anon.”

“No such luck I’m afraid.”

”Anon please…” The water ripples signaling the few moments you have left as the Mauler’s retreat back into their cave. You kneel in front of Rarity, “Come with us.”

“Rarity you’ve always been there to help me. Ever since you first found me you were there.” The ground rumbles ever so slightly, a fin breaching the water. “I owe my life to you and I’d do anything for you. You know this.”

”Anon hurry up!” Twilight shrieks.

You hold her hoof in your hand. “But this is my fight, right here. I can’t protect you forever, but maybe I won’t have to. Whatever happens here, just know that- I-“ You sigh, “I’ll tell you later.”

”I’m not leaving you here alone.” You smile and embrace her as the cortet of heads enters your peripherals.

“I know.” You flick the tip of her horn and she faints in your arms, Twilight quickly taking her away. “Keep her safe.”

You turn to the open waters as the colossus stands before you, each of its four heads twisted and mangled with the infection. The Mauler who’d been discarded attempts to scoot away but a tendril pierces its chest and pulls him back into one of the creature’s hungry mouths. “You’re a big one.” Your stomach growls with an intense need, “I’ve got a big appetite.” The center head screams with a stunning cry forcing you to hold your ears, a pain shooting through your chest. The tendril sends you flying at the hydra’s maw and almost manages to pull you in before you cut it off.

You whip out your claws and dig into what is left of the creature’s snout while you try and free your leg. It bites down on your foot and damn near chops it off as its other head comes in for your upper half. You close your eyes and quickly raise your armor as its teeth clench down on your strengthened torso. No luck for him.

Your glee quickly disappears as its heads begin wrestling for ownership of your body. Their teeth meet squarely on your waist and they try pulling you in two. You whip out your claws and begin tearing up the roof of his mouth, but it only makes him bite down harder. A tooth manages to cut into your skin and the others feel like they’re going to follow. Quick, quick- Barbs! You fire a blast into both of their mouths, relieving your stomach instantly. You scramble away from its smothering tongue and climb back onto the second head’s face. It goes cross-eyed as they stare at you.

You grin mischievously as you tear into its left with your claw and move to blind him with its right. A tendril wraps around your wrist before you can finish and holds you back. It rips you off and back tosses you back into the bog where the thick water fills your lungs with the taste of piss and rotten fish.

Relieving your weighty armor you cut free of the pinning tentacle and pull yourself out of the water, gasping for air. A hoof stands out in front of you, “Need some help?” You finish coughing up your lungs and move her hoof aside, “Or not.”

“Get out of here before you get hurt Dash.”

”You need the help, don’t even try to deny that…” she hushes when she sees your morphed claw. The duo of hydra heads wobble about drunkenly in the background, “Your hand-“

“I said get out of here.” You get a running start and impale yourself onto one of the hydra’s necks. The beast wails as you run up its elongated neck, cutting it open long ways with the sweet sound of gurgling filling your ears. Your feet pound on its scales and you cut upwards in one last thrust, driving your claws up its throat and through the top of its head. It’s head falls to the swamp floor soaking everything around it. “Don’t need help.”

“Get back with the others, I’ll have this punk down in a-“ a slick tendril grabs your ankle and pulls you fast first up the scaly neck. Your head bobs up and down, hitting the neck every few seconds as it keeps you immobilized. When you reach its mouth you hold out your hands to stop from getting slurped down once more. The creature almost cackles at this, a familiar head grinning at you as its eye burns red before healing back up. “So you’re going to be like that.”

The head you cut open shivers and bursts into the air as its neck stitches back together and boy does it look pissed. It hisses and lunges at you, the second head smacking him with a domineering gaze. A whiz of blue cuts through the sky and giving them both a one two bitch slap. Their eyes whirl in confusion as Dash lands next to you. ”Thank me later.”

“Will do.” She kicks the hydra right in the eye and frees your ankle. Alright that’s three, but where’s the fourth? Dash hollers, one of her wings bound in the grip of a mouth tendril and sucked downwards. “Hold on!” You leap off the hydra’s snout and bullet down past Dash.

”ANON!” You stay on target and whip your fist backwards and crash into his snout. His bones crack as your weight shatters his neck into the swampy ground with enough time for you to leap up and catch Dash. Damn why are you such a badass, and those Maulers are just hiding in their cave. You land back on the ground, Dash cradling her wing, “I think he broke it,” she stifles a gasp.

“Can you still fight?”

”I can-” she winces when she tries to move her wing, “I can try.”

“It’s alright. You’ve done enough.”

A shadow overtakes you and you turn back, one of them towering above you. ”Didn’t think I’d go out like this.”

“We won’t,” you reassure her. “You’ve still got plenty of life left in ya.”

”For what it’s worth, I don’t care about what I saw. You’re my friend, no matter what.” You stare down the hydra as it licks its lips. ”Might not want to show Rarity though.” The hydra throws its neck at you with the intent of crushing you. ”See you on the other side,” she says as you cover her with your body.

An electric crack surrounds you, “Yeehaw!” One swift buck to the face is enough to earn its retreat, the purple shield dissipating around you.

“Like I said, you’ve got plenty of life left in you.”

Fluttershy helps Rainbow Dash away. “Want our help now?” Twilight asks.

“Don’t make a big deal out of it.” The creature rallies back and reevaluates its prey giving you time to prepare. “Do what you do best, but make sure to keep on the defense. One misstep and you’re a goner, understood?”

”Understood.” You grab hold of your claws with one hand, wincing as you snap them off, the nubs growing back seconds later.

”What’d you do that for?” Twilight asks. You throw one at an oncoming tendril and cut it in two. “Oh.”

The hydra goes on full attack mode now, flinging everything it has at you. Pinkie dodges every swipe and bite that comes her way like she were picking daisies in the summer, blasting off her cannon like it were nothing. Applejack sticks close to Twilight and they form a troublesome duo, AJ sticking to close range and Twilight being the ranged and support. Nice little RTS you got going.

Twilight shields the three of them from another smash which leaves it open for a nice counterstrike. You sprint under its stunned form and leap up at its neck claws first, the force piercing the scales and lodging you in its throat. You cut through its neck in a clean line, shredding through both flesh and bone before your hands connect with a pop. The steamy air of its throat meets the dense fog of the swamp and- Well it’s not that different. What is is that its neck is now firmly detached from its body. “Take that you piece of shit Hyyyydra…”

You forgot that little part. The fact that it’s a hydra. Another neck smacks you into the mud and rises. Your armor goes up as it lays into you again. *crack* You gush up a mess of blood as your armor cracks under the blunt force, another strike doing the same. You raise your hand only for it to beat you down again, your limbs breaking and healing in an endless cycle. Twilight raises a shield to help you, but before you can warn her it’s too late. It was waiting to strike at that very moment, binding not just her but all three of them with its tendrils. Its fourth head mocks you silently as it bops to and fro. Have to- move…

Your bones don’t heal this time though, leaving you a heap on the muddy terrain watching as your friends are held just out of reach. Someone… Please- “Call them,” the voice whispers to you, “They will listen.” Cowards. Just look at them, hiding in their cave while you fight and bleed. ”Embrace us and they will aid you.” Your muscles twitch painfully, “Choose.”

You form a fist with your hand, countless screams filling your mind. Fields of your fellow man mowed down for this- this thing in you. Your father said you always had a choice and this one is yours. You force yourself up, life burning within once more. The maulers peak out from their hiding spot and meet your gaze. You can feel the blood in their veins and you call out to it with your own. Kill. They bare their teeth in defiance, but you won’t have it. Kill it! Desperation takes you as they refuse once more. “KILL THE DAMN HYDRA!”

”Say please.” Shut up.

The creatures howl in the fog and bolt out their hidey holes. You watch as they climb the hydra like it was a wall, their claws carving through its scales with ease. They slash into the fleshy part right under their chin, devouring all they can. The tendrils holding your friends give in and sends them in freefall, the maulers leaping underneath them to dampen their fall. The two remaining heads grab hold of one such Mauler and tear him in two with a resounding gulp.

You hold out your arms and catch Twilight in your arms, the Maulers setting your friends down. The look in their eyes show how deep their hunger rages within them, but you silently order them to back down. And now there’s no denying your hold over them. ”Anon?” Twilight asks opening her eyes.

“Ain’t that easy is it?” You set her down and step forward with your maulers at your side. Applejack and Pinkie passed out from the trauma. “Get them with the others, we won’t be long.”

She doesn’t argue this time and you stare down the menacing hydra. Its scales flush red as the infection continues to spread within it. But it’s still part of you, and that means it’ll listen. “Go home and hide,” you command, “Get out of my sight.” It shifts its head in confusion like it didn’t understand. “You’ve got ten seconds to recede into that shit pile you call your home or I will end you.” You slice outwards to your sides, decapitating your two helpers with ease, your body consuming them in seconds. Their strength is added to your own, the strength an intoxicating drug. “Leave or you’ll end up like them.” You’re not bluffing this time.

It’s lead head moves closer to you almost innocently. ”Consume.”

“7 seconds.” Its tongue flicks out and softly caresses your face like a dog would its owner. Your face is stone, an unflinching plate of rage. “5 seconds.” It rises up, a pout on its face and you’re almost fooled that it’s going to leave. But you catch the smile of its peers and raise your armor. Its opens its maw and lunges back at you, forcing you down its slick throat pushing down on you. “3 seconds.” Its throat resonates with a laugh as you’re drug further down his throat. Your nose curls at the stench of… lollipops? You stop yourself just short of its stomach and peer into the acidic lake. Well fuck you sideways that book was right. Melted gumdrops and lollipops. You dive into the pool of stomach acid and ignore the sweet smell. How many seconds have passed? Has to have been ten right? “Times up.”

This thing’s going to learn the same lesson that scorpion did, along with every creature that tried to make you its lunch. You make a far better dinner, but that’s not the point. “You don’t mess with Anon.” When the hunger hits you it’s as natural as breathing. You dive your hands into the acid and imbed your claws into the flooring, the skin of your back crawling with anticipation. You can definitely get used to this. “Feed.”

The sizzling of acid corroding your skin washes out over the layers of flesh splitting off from your body. It’s- too big… No, you can do this Anon. Just- GO! Everything goes fuzzy as the infection within you pulls all the strength it can into your core, your head weak with the lack of blood. At last you fire your tendrils in all directions, your inner strength shining through like a beacon. “I gave you the chance!” you scream as the stomach walls clench around you as the hydra wails. A spark ignites within your chest, the first inches of hydra flesh melding with your own. You throw your hands into the mass surrounding you and scream, the suffocating folds silencing you as they’re pulled down your throat. You draw more of it in, and more, then more, and more after that. Not an ounce left… You eyes flutter weakly in the blackness. And close.

~~~

”Time to wake up.” You stir at the light chirping of birds, a gentle hum in your ears. The light burns as you open your eyes, a mere annoyance. A blanket wraps around you as you sit up, hands clenching the soft bedsheets.

“Where-“

A relieved sigh fills in the final gap. You should’ve been able to tell from the smell. ”How are you doing?” she asks in that delightful tone of hers.

“Better than expected,” you reply taking the hot cup of cocoa she offers to you.

She sits beside you with a warming smile, “You’ve been out for a while.” You shrug and sip the delicious concoction.

“What’d you expect? Hydra slaying ain’t easy.”

”For a stout stallion such as yourself I thought you’d come trotting back home, not sleeping.” She has you there. You realize quickly you’re in Rarity’s room, the finest dresses displayed for her viewing pleasure. ”Oh I have to show you something,” she says hovering the cup away, “Let’s just put this down and…” She smacks you across the face with a handkerchief, “That’s for knocking me out. How could you do such a thing?!”

“I just wanted to-“

She interrupts you again with a hug, “And this is for caring about my safety.” You welcome the hug with open arms, “That was still very rude of you.”

“Uncouth you could say.”

”Exactly the word I would use.” You hold onto her for a little longer, a niggling voice irritating the back of your mind. It speaks to you, but you ignore it and lie next to Rarity. ”Such a sloth, is sleeping all you think about?” She couldn’t be more wrong.

“Just about.”

She yawns and covers her mouth, “I do say that little adventure took some out of me, maybe a quick nap is just the thing to rejuvenate me. I need my beauty sleep after all.”

“I don’t think sleep could make you anymore so.”

She blushes and lays her mane neatly on the bed sheets and slips next to you. ”What did I do to deserve someone like you?”

“I could ask the same thing.”

She grins and closes her eyes, chest rising softly, “Be a dear and turn out the lights would you?”

“Don’t you have magic?”

”You’re closer.”

“That’s not fair.”

”Tough,” she grins and nuzzles into the pillow. She plays a hard game. A cute one too. You throw the sheets off you and flip the lights off, fingers clenching on the door frame. The hunger returns still. You thought you’d rid of it with the hydra.

”We had a deal,” the voice echoes in your head, “We’re one now.” Your foot steps back towards the bed, fingers curving into blades as you try to fight it. You won’t let it. Not anymore. ”Finish her, and let us begin.” You grip the bedpost and sink to your knees, your own body fighting against you. ”You’ll never win Anon. Never.” Loosening your grip you feel- relieved. You don’t need to win. Your hand smoothes out and you give it an experimental clench. Stalling is enough for you. You slip back into bed with her, hand caressing her hair.

“Beautiful…” The voice lies dormant as you drift off into slumber.

…

”So be it.”

~~~

No birds chirp in the morning sun, no humming as you wake. Only silence surrounds you, the scrapping of wood interrupting the serene atmosphere. You roll onto your stomach reaching over to the opposite bedside, the cold sheets meeting your hand. Of course, the past is such a time vampire isn’t it? You sit up and crack your back, shoes forming to the soles of your feet. “What’s for breakfast today?”

”Anything you wish,” it responds.

“Wonderful.” You near skip out of the room slide down the handrail and out the door. You bask in the glory of the sun as its light graces your town, a small step towards bigger things. A foot squishes into the veiny ground, the red mush sticking to the underside of your shoe. “Damn and I just washed these. Still, at least I like red.”

A Mauler lands beside you panting and gazing left and right. “Good boy,” you pick up a stick, “Fetch!”

He runs off in the gloomy mist within the town and you place your hands on your hips. “What is up with this? Where’s the joy?!” A slow clapping of hooves resonates through the town as you command their attention, the ponies cheering lightly. “That’s the spirit!”

God you love this town. It’s about time you get another one too. Everypony loves your happy fun times. Everypony. You find your way to the town square where Twilight’s overseeing the labor force. A filly sits before her trembling, Twilight smacking her across her face. You sneak up behind them without their knowledge, “I know you weren’t alone when we found you, so spill it, or do you want another round with the stallions.”

”Please,” the filly begs, her tiara crumpled under Twilight’s hoof, “I was hiding by myself, promise. Don’t send me back there.” Her flank’s reddened from the mauling they must’ve given her before. Busy busy busy. It’s all work these days.

“So she doesn’t know jack shit huh?”

”Please no Anon!” she cries fearfully before Twilight hits her again.

”You will speak when spoken to!”

“It’s quite alright Twilight,” you say kneeling next to the filly. “I assume you know who I am?” She nods. Of course she does. “And you know I’ll do to you if you’re lying right?”

She sobs and nods again, “Please don’t.”

“Just tell me what I want to know then. Where are your friends hiding and I promise I won’t hurt you.”She looks to the floor and you lift up her chin. “You have my word.”

”They- I’m sorry,” she mutters. “They’re- hiding in Sweet Apple Acres. Oh Celestia…” she cries to your amusement.

“See Twilight, she can be reasonable. Grab my bib.”

The filly’s eyes widen, “What?!”

“You’re far too trusting. Sweet Apple Acres is a bit out of my way and I need a snack first.” Actually, screw the bib. You chest cavity splits open and you silence the screaming filly with a single crunch. “Ahh,” you pat your belly, “Good eating.”

”So shall I send for Applejack?”

“No,” you reply sifting through her thoughts, “She’s been harboring these ones it seems. Foolish, but I admire that spirit. Take a Mauler pack and- Hold that thought.” You see their caravan packing up, the last of them preparing to move out. “They’re moving to Canterlot. Applejack will lead them.”

”Shall I move to eliminate her?”

“A little cold blooded of you don’t you think?”

She licks the splatter of blood off her hoof, “I think you’ve trained me well enough.”

“Then no. Let her move to Canterlot. We’ll be following shortly anyways.”

You call Pinkie and Dash to move out their fellows. The zombielike creatures need a leading mare in charge. ”So Anon, where did you go last night? I had hoped to speak with you.”

“Oh you know. I decided to take a stroll down memory lane.”

”Is it the same as you left it?”

You nod, a foreign sensation filling your heart. “I try not to think about her too much. Too much baggage in the mix.”

”Sometimes a little extra baggage is what keeps us who we are.” You look down to the crowd of ponies shuffling along. ”Would you do it again?”

“It wasn’t my choice. I played the cards I was dealt.”

”And you had the winning hand.”

You shake your head, that image of her lying next to you burned into memory. “No. I didn’t.”

Chapter 7: Hairy Critters

Dusk is upon you and you silently slip out the house while the others are asleep. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. You land softly on the dirt outside of the Boutique and stealth your way outside of town. The icy wind of the night does not discomfort your journey as you soon know the dense wood will protect you. You find yourself at the edge of the wood. A thousand whispers call out for you to come in. And you oblige them.

Whatever horrors await you within is nothing compared to what lies beneath. You feel the very air thicken as you take your first step. First things first, you need a scent to track down, your eyes turning to the soft trail of blood running down the path. That works.

You don’t get far before you feel eyes peering down upon you. Logically speaking there’s nothing in this world that could possibly threaten you, save yourself. But… there’s something off about the wood. They seem to whisper to the night’s sky, their roots harboring some unknown menace. It niggles at that irrational part of your mind you oh so wish was forgotten. But this is bigger than you. More important than any danger you must face. Besides, you’re an Evolved. Not like much could happen to you right? Yeah, that’s the story you’re sticking to. You follow the path deeper into the wood with your fear in hand. May it be both your weapon and your shield. And may it- You look down to the barren road. “Fuck.”

This far into your quest and you’ve already lost track of the beast. What type of hunter are you? Use your head. You lie on the dirt floor and take a deep breath. Good, let it seep into your nostrils. Your eyes open. Got the scent. Picking yourself up you head off the beaten road and through the untamed wilds. And that’s what you’ve been doing for roughly the last six hours. All you do is follow your nose. You rub your eyes as you duck under a branch as the fatigue pecks away at your sanity. How can this creature have traveled so far and so fast? If only you hadn’t let it escape. This entire quest could’ve been avoided. You vault over a row of bushes and find yourself back on a different road leading down to a wobbly bridge. Totally safe.

You step on the bridge hesitantly and are immediately greeted by the board shattering beneath you. When you grab the second board it too proceeds to crack in half under the pressure. Only by holding onto the rope do you manage to stay firmly in the air hanging by your fingertips. “Wondrous fucking adventures.” Why can’t they ever be wondrous adventures of fucking? That’s an idea you can get behind. The worst thing you’d have to worry about is the prospect of AIDS and having your penis chopped off. That brings up an interesting thought, can you regenerate Mr. Johnson? Not like you’d ever actively try and find out. Wait a second, aren’t you forgetting something? Oh yeah! You’re hanging onto a broken bridge made of twine and piss. That’s still a thing.

Screw it. You didn’t like bridges anyways. You let go and shift to Lightning Dust where you soar over to the other side. Reverting back to normal form you take a long look at the sensation of temporarily having a vag. So that’s why you felt like a cunt, no pun intended. Oh what’s this? Some ancient ruin that you strangely seemed to miss? Seems legit. You smack yourself in the head for letting your mind wander freely like a leaf on the wind. Great movie, check it out. Dammit what’d you just hit yourself for?! You slap yourself once more for good measure as you approach the doors leading to the ruins. This place is dusty as all hell and it looks like no ones been here in ages. Wonder what gave that away? The dust and cobwebs or the fact that it’s a fucking ruin. Christ, sometimes you really outdo yourself in the stupid department.

Amidst the stale air penetrating your nose you lose track of the manticore. You silently curse yourself for your failure. Perhaps the creature is hiding somewhere within these ruins. After all, the scent led you here so it would only make sense. You run your hand across the floor and rub the dust between your fingers. If he had come this way then he would’ve left tracks and there’s no sign of that. Plus the door was closed and you’re fairly sure that monsters can’t use doors. Only velociraptors are so cunning, but could they- No, that’s crazy talk. Then again, magic and talking ponies. Who’s to say they don’t have fucking dinosaurs lurking about having tea parties and discussing the fundamental laws of physics. Keep on track, don’t make you use your hand on you… You’re going to forget you ever made that thought.

You decide to take a look around while you’re here. The cracked stone brick walls and tattered banners don’t exactly inspire confidence, but you do make out the design of one of the more intact pieces. It consists of two alicorns, one light the other dark revolving around the sun and moon. You’ve seen similar pictures in some of Twilight’s books. You yawn. Damn just the thought of her history lessons is enough to tire you out. Clearing out the rest of the room is a breeze seeing as how there’s nothing there to clear out. It does, however, make you much more reluctant to lie down. Finding one of the less torn up pieces of furniture you plop down after dusting the cobwebs off. Wouldn’t want Rarity chewing you out for that. You reach inside one of the jackets she made for you and pull out a book you managed to swipe from Twilight’s. Let’s see how far you get before you fall asleep. ’Creatures of the Everfree. Darkweb Terrors. Primarily found in abandoned ruins, they-‘ Fucking asleep.

~~~

You groan and hold your arms tight against yourself, almost crushingly so. Thinking about it its not very comfortable maybe you should- Huh? Why can’t you move your arms? You open your eyes. Why can’t you see anything? Your head feels heavy. Are you upside down?! Holy fuck this isn’t happening. Not again. You didn’t even drink anything this time. Fuck fuck fuck! You thrash around a hand keeping you still. “Thank Christ! Please you have to get me out of here.”

A stabbing pain shoots in your stomach and you muffle a groan. You feel something flow into your belly and begin pushing through your blood stream. That book… It hisses as your body begins to go numb. Can’t… let it… take you… You can’t!

The virus within fights back and begins to devour the venom pumping in your veins. Your muscles expand but the silk vice around your body doesn’t cease its hold. Fine then, try this one on for size. Your claws sprout forth through the webbing causing your attacker to back away with another hiss. The cords binding you give way to the razors you subject them to and you spread your arms wide. “Finally!” you shout. “Can you give me some breathing room next time?”

That’s a spider you’re talking to. Not just any normal spider, a colossal spider the size of a boulder. You’re going to need a big ass newspaper. It crawls atop the ceiling and speeds towards you with its fangs bare. Fuck that you’re not looking forward to another bite from those things. You lean upwards and cut the wire holding your legs with a snap. That was a bad idea.

You plummet to the cold earth, the soil coated with webbing. Attempting to stand proves fruitless as your body clings to the fine silk left by the spider. You manage to roll over, eight blood red eyes gazing down through the darkness. The vastness of the cavern opens up to you as a single ray of light penetrates through the broken wall across the chamber. Right behind the spider that blocks your path. But wasn’t that spider on the- And here you were thinking there was only one. The light squish of dirt comes behind you, a third set of eyes looking down at you. “If you fuckers want to play tough…” You slam your fists into the dirt and send yourself into a standing position. “You better be ready for a fight.”

The spider lunges beneath you as you leap into the air and onto its back. It stampedes about trying to buck you off but you won’t have any of that as you drive your claws into its carapace. It squeals and slumps to the floor, more of its comrades coming to meet you. You withdraw your claws with a splatter of green fluid and set your sights on the reinforcements. They seem to pop out from nowhere. You stab into another with the same ferocity, their blood coating your body. A barrage of barbs strikes your back and the effects are instantaneous. Your limbs go numb long enough for you to lose your balance and fall to the web-laced floor.

The infection drives it off fast enough for you to shift into a more… mobile form. Lightning Cunt has never been so useful to you. Dodging the barbs as you ascend is easy with her speed and agility. If only she’d shown the same tenacity.

You nosedive into a group of the Terrors, changing back at the last second and send them flying with a ground pound. Worked like a- ugh. Your fists are stuck. Wonderful. Thrashing about like a fish out of water is more than enough incentive for the others to lick their chops so to speak. One in particular descends down from above, the very same who tried to stick it to you. You pull your fists away just in time for the fearsome creature to crash into your spine and back to the floor. It drives its fangs into your neck and you wince as venom seeps into you. “Haven’t you learned? GAH!” You grab it by the mandibles. “That doesn’t work on me!” You throw it overtop you, the fangs retracting with an audible pop as the venom dribbles out. ”Do it Anon.” Oh you will.

Planting a foot on its belly you grab hold of its barbed leg, the virus adapting to the venom at long last. “You will not enjoy this.” You pull with all your strength as the spider desperately attempts to pull back. But like all things in the world- *snap* they end in blood. Tendrils fire off your back as you beat the overturned creature with its own leg. Its sisters can only watch as you devastate their sibling. When your tendrils imbed into its stomach the cry is almost heavenly. The leg is pulled into your torso and you dive your head into its belly, mind foggy with the craze of blood. Your teeth dive into its exoskeleton and you begin to tear it apart. The green goop coats your clothing like an extra layer. You breathe deep of the musky air as you turn back to the others, your skin layered with barbs. “Who’s next?”

~~~

You crack your back as the needlelike instruments pull back into your skin. Nice little additions you must say. They’ll be useful later on. “Ooooh,” you grumble, “That smells mighty delicious.” You turn the leg to the other side over the fire. It wasn’t easy getting it going, but damn if you are going to eat it raw. You’d already had some before and might you say it was not pleasant. The outer crunch was nice but the inside was far too goopy. You could think of it as an egg, but you actually ate the outside. You know it’s an exoskeleton but there’s something about it that makes it delectable. Spider legs… How could you have missed out on this positively divine cuisine for so long?

You hear her as she enters the hall, “Umm…” You smile to Twilight, face covered in goop.

“Howdy! Care to join me for some breakfast?”

”What- Is that a spider leg?!”

“Sure is.”

You pull it off the rack Twilight levitating it out of your hands. ”Are you crazy? Do you have any idea how poisonous those barbs are?”

“Yes,” you say grabbing it right back, “And I’m fine. I kinda had to deal with them already anyways.”

”You killed one? We need to get out of here then, where’s there’s one-“

“There’s about two dozen others give or take. Yeah, took care of that.” She stares at you flabbergasted as you take a bite.

”You make it sound so trivial.”

“I mean- at first they threw me off when they tied me up in my sleep,” you chuckle at the look of horror on her face. “It’s a long story, but needless to say it ended up delicious.” You hold up your hand and fish out her book. “Thanks for this by the way. Who knew they had such great recipes for cooking in here?”

”You stole my book?!”

“Borrowed without permission, but I had every intention of bringing it back.” Hey! You didn’t get slapped. Must’ve not done a good enough impression. But it’s still kind of nice to see her. Now to avoid the nagging.

Like an old coach said the best defense is a good offense. Then again, we lost every game we played. Showed what the hell he knew. “So how’d you find me?” you ask taking another chunk of spider into your mouth.

”It wasn’t easy.”

“Yeah with the whole me leaving before giving you a chance to get ready, but please… do tell.”

”Well I- ugh can you at least put the leg down?”

“What’s wrong with the leg?” you ask taking another nibble.

”It’s distracting.” Sounds like a personal problem to you. Alas, you are a gentlemen after all.

“Okay just one more bite-“

“Anon!”

“Alright fine! Jeez. You can be so impatient.” She sits on the seat across from you. It looked so lonely off by itself and you were hoping for company.

”I was packing up today when Rarity came hollering that you went missing. It was then that I instantly knew you had left.” Of course. Where else would you go? ”I gathered a few things and told her not to worry, but of course she was tying her hair in knots she was so distraught.”

“Knots? Fascinating. I’ve only seen her do that when she saw this year’s fashion line up. I had to tie up her hooves so she wouldn’t tear out her eyes.”

”She didn’t actually try did she?”

“I’ve said too much as it is.”

“Anyways…” she says changing the subject, “I headed out into the forest and followed your tracks to here.”

Very true, your shoes marks do stand out amongst the dirt. “And you just had to follow me…”

”I did. Some one needs to make sure you’re safe.”

“Or is it to make sure someone has an eye on me?”

”Anon you know I would never betray your trust.”

“And just how do I know that,” you stand up aggressively. “Do I look like a fucking psychic.”

”Anon calm down.”

Your arm shakes as rage builds up within you. “I’m done being calm. I’ve been calm my whole life, patiently waiting for you to help me but all you do is question my every move. The day you work your fucking magic to cure me, then I’ll be calm!”

“Anon! I said to calm down!” The hairs on your arm tighten and morph into a forest of barbs jutting through your jacket.

“Make me.”

You stare coldly at her, “What would Rarity say?” Rar- You clench your eye lids and shake your head.

“She’d say not to raise my voice.” Damn… “I’m sorry,” you sit back down no longer hungry.

”It’s getting harder to control isn’t it?” You nod and hold your head between your knees.

“You never told me, you know, how your work was going.” She averts her gaze when you peer back at her. “Just tell me the truth. How’s it looking?”

”It’d be for the best-“

“Twilight,” you beg her, “Please…”

”The test have been…” she stops and swallows.

“Please.”

”Inconclusive. I’m sorry.”

“But that’s not necessarily a bad thing right? There’s still a chance.”

She shakes her head and looks to the flickering flames. ”I can’t do what you ask of me.” Then it’s over. Twilight was your best hope. Now it’s a race against time.

The flames crack and burn as you watch them. “There’s no place for me here then.”

”Don’t say that,” Twilight snaps, “You may be… you, but you’re just as much a pony as the next.”

“I’m dangerous. You saw what I did to the manticore. You know what I’ve done to the ponies next to me.”

”You’re my friend, and I will never let my friends down.”

“That’s a comforting thought, but we both knew the two ways this could end. One alive and the other…”

She crosses the gap and holds your hand in her hoof, “And what would Rarity say to that?”

“She’d say I was a fool, but even fools are right at times.”

”Anon, I swear to you. I will find a way to make things right. With the right amount of time I’m sure I could find a cure.” Once again, a comforting thought but little more.

“There’s only one cure for what I am.”

You pull your hand out of her grasp and reach into the flames, clenching your teeth as it scorches your flesh. She covers her mouth as you withdraw the blackened crisp that was once your hand, nothing left but the bones. “I’m not natural Twilight. I don’t belong here.” Flesh flows up your hand and weaves itself anew.

“We don’t care what’s in here,” she says touching your arm. She moves it over to your chest, “We care about what’s in here.” You smile genuinely, your heart even flutters at the speech. You hold her hoof there, your skin growling beneath her touch.

“What makes you think it’s not there too?” You let go and put out the flames while Twilight watches. “If we’re going to hunt this thing down then we should get moving. It already has a day’s lead on us so we have to move fast,” you look back to her. “You’re not going to let me down now are you?”

”Never,” she follows beside you as you walk to the door. *growl* ”You’re still hungry? How is that possible?”

You stand your ground and ball your hands up. “That wasn’t me.”

”If it wasn’t you then-“ you stop her before she turns around, the heavy breathing drawing closer.

“Walk out the door and don’t look back. I’ll be right behind you.”

”I’m not falling for that.”

“Figured as much.” You grab her around the waist and fling her through the open door, the creature snarling at your rear. You catch a glimpse of its mangled tail before it crashes into your chest. You grab it by the ears and grind your feet in an effort to slow the creature down, but it keeps on strong. This isn’t as fun as before.

The manticore crashes through the stone doors and sends you to your back a good ten yards off. You dust yourself off and look at it, the infection already beginning to take hold of the creature. Its fur has begun to shed, patches of skin displaying its pale pink color where the chunks have dissipated. The eye sockets are sunken into its skull and half of its left eye has become bloodshot due to the virus. It bares its elongated claws and charges you. You’re about to meet it when Twilight cuts in between you and raises a shield. “That’s not going to stop it!” You toss her aside once more and meet his claws with your face instead. It pins your face to a nearby tree and bites into your stomach.

You muffle a scream as you tear your face from its claws and pound its neck, the infection fortifying its bones. It yelps as you form claws and cut into its neck, narrowly missing the spine before it turns and violently throws you off. The missing chunks of your face reform but before you can celebrate the beast is back atop you. “Twilight get across the bridge!”

You struggle to hold the manticore’s attention as it barrages you with a furry of swipes. ”Anon!” she screams when she’s safely across. The creature stops mid-attack and looks up to her with a feral growl.

It moves over you and onto the bridge to Twilight. “No you don’t!” You drive your claws into its side and lock them in place, the manticore roaring as its wound heals itself with your hand still intact. But it won’t stop, instead it wraps the length of its tail around you and pulls. You grab hold of a boulder with your other arm as you keep it back.

”Just wait! I’ll be there to-“

“Stay back! I’ve- ggggot it!” You need to bring it back but with the virus it’s too strong for you to pull back with one arm. And you can feel your arm giving in and it’s not the one holding onto the rock. You double your musclemass and manage to buy yourself an extra minute of time. The bones in your arm crack and muscles tear and all Twilight can do is watch. Barbs! That’s it! You draw the power out of hiding and stick it to the infected creature. It roars in pain and gives one last tug- *snap*

Your eyes widen as a new sensation pierces your being. “FUUUUUUUU-” you muffle the scream as the breeze graces your exposed arm socket. You manage to grab hold of its tail before it can continue, blood escaping your wound in droves. “You’re not getting away that easy!” The numbing toxin hits the manticore’s bloodstream and you throw him backwards, its claws cutting the bridge ropes.

The creature picks itself up slowly and you can see your arm fusing into its core, tiny spikes jutting from its spine. So it can do that too huh? We’ll see how long he can- god DAMMIT! You clutch your nub as the manticore walks off, your mind fixated on the pain. Twilights calls to you from across the gap, “The bridge is out. I need you to fix it.”

“Just a minute, I could use a hand.”

”I can’t help you on this end.”

You grunt and manage to clamber back to your feet. “It’s called a joke!” Seriously, how hard was that one to spot? Agony fills you as bone shoots from out from your arm socket and the arm begins stitching itself back up. You stretch your arm and rub your shoulder. “Good as new.”

You fly on over to her, “So Lightning Dust never made it back.”

“I’d rather not talk about it.”

You’re about to grab the rope, “Thank you for pushing me out of the way. I didn’t have enough time to probably charge my shield. I owe you my life.” You look down vast expanse below you. Perhaps its for the best… A single claw cuts out from your hoof and you cut it. ”Anon what are you doing?”

“Saving your life.”

You move to the second rope, “Anon I can still help you. Just give me another chance.” The bridge collapses down the ravine as it echoes back up, “Please.”

“You’ve got a bright future Twilight Sparkle and I won’t cast a shadow upon it.” You land at the far end, far enough away that she can’t teleport safely to it. “I’ll fix this. Keep our friends safe while I’m gone, keep Rarity safe.”

”I will.” You turn your back to her, “Anon!”

“Yeah?”

”Kick its flank for me.” Will do.