Life in Barrel Arbor was not enough for me. I didn't like the thought of everything I did being predetermined, a byproduct of the Watchmare's grand plan for me. I wanted to break from the mold, to do something different. I wanted to be somepony, without Her help. Unfortunately, life outside the Watchmare's careful protection often entails… discrepancies. And now, it may be safe to say my whole life is a discrepancy. At least that's how She put it…

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This is a story inspired by the album Clockwork Angels by legendary Canadian rock band Rush, as well as other songs by them. The story contained within is based solely on the album lyrics and liner notes, and above all, the music. You needn't be familiar with them or their music to understand the story.