A little distanceby Biscuits and GravyChaptersPrologue: The end of an old routine.Chapter one: This isn't happening.Chapter Two: Some ClarificationChapter Three: Angry Men and Mares.Chapter Four: Things Keep Escalating.Chapter Five: BeautyPrologue: The end of an old routine.You sit at your sofa, with the TV operating as background noise, while you stare at the door intently. Don't you dare, don't you dare, don't you dare- *Knock* *Knock* *Knock* “Dammit!” So it begins... You let autopilot take over as you make your way over to the door and unlock the seventeen differently built-in locks that keep the wooden door shut... Then the chain lock... Then the wooden bar placed across the door frame... And finally the padlock. Too excessive, you say? Then explain how half the fucking town still manages to get past them! You open the door to reveal YellowQuiet herself, standing at the door, dressed in a manner of tribal garments with poorly painted black stripes covering her body and small bones tied into her hair. Needless to say, you were a little speechless. “...the hell?” You simply state, nothing else coming to mind. “...um...are...uh...Z-Z-Zebras your fetish?” She nervously stammers out, looking up at you with hopeful eyes. “Yellow...” You say with shocked astonishment, pinching the bridge of your nose in irritation. “Y-Yes?” “That's racist.” You reply, then slam the door shut and lock it again. Well, she'll never run out of ideas, that's for sure. “Yee-Haw!” You look out your kitchen window as your other primary tormentor swings Tarzan style towards it. This should be good. You watch as she swings towards the window with determination. You smirk, knowing what's coming next as her entire body smashes, full momentum, into the reinforced glass you had put in place a few weeks ago. She flops to the floor with a pained groan. But she'll be fine. That was like the fourth time that's happened...this week. *Knock**Knock* Round two...*sigh* You let your shoulder slump as you go over and open the door and your eyes widen in shock. YellowQuiet stands there, a white sheet over her body giving her striking resemblance to a member of the Ku Klux Klan... When did she even... “...is...uh...Racism...your fetish?” *Slam* NopeNopeNopeNopeNope. You take a seat on your couch and flip on the TV, not bothering to change the channel to something good as you just watch 'The Power Ponies'. But not five minutes after you sit down... *Knock**Knock**Knock* “Motherfucker!” you shout, marching your way over to the door. “Yellow! I swear to God if that's you, I'm gonna – Oh hey bro...and Purple...” Nope, it was not the butter Yellow pegasus who never left you alone, but Rainbow and Twilight. “Uh...come in?” You meekly gesture to the interior of your home as they make their way inside. “So what brings you two here?” You ask, confused as you lock the door behind you. They don't get an opportunity to answer before... *Thump* *Thump* *Thump* Ugh... “Twilight? Could you get that please?” You ask, cupping your face in your palms. “But you're closer to the –” “JUST...could you get it, please?” With a quick glance around, she shrugs as she walks past you and opens the door with her magic. Seconds later she is tackled to the floor by the orange farmer. “AH HA! Ah finally got ya, ya slippery monkey...ugh...h-h-hi Twilight...” She nervously stutters, looking at the peeved mare below her. “Over here numbnuts.” You quip, earning the farmer's attention. “Heh heh...sorry Twilight.”She nervously steps off of the irritated unicorn and slowly trots out of the house, through the door and closing it behind her, maintaining awkward eye contact with the three of you the entire time. Twilight graciously closes all of the locks for you as Rainbow laughs hysterically at the situation. As they move over to the couch, you groan out loud, rubbing your temples in circular motions. “You okay big guy?” Your Bro asks, taking a break from her laughing fit. You shrug it off and make your way to the kitchen. “Yeah I'm fine. Just irritated I guess.” You sigh as you fetch a glass of orange juice, not only because you like orange juice, but also because you wanted to spite Applejack. “You guys want anything?” “No thank you.” Twilight replies, levitating a small notepad and quill out of nowhere. Rainbow just shakes her head and flips on the TV. “So Anon, you wanna hang out this weekend?” Rainbow asks, looking to you hopefully. You shrug and take your seat in between the two mares. “Sure. I heard the new Daring Do movie's coming out, that should be interesting.” Rainbow does a subtle hoof pump after you turn towards Twilight. “So Purple, I'm assuming you want to do your check-up just now?” You ask, gesturing to the quill and notepad, being levitated by her side. She gives you a proud smile and nods. Just like every week. “So, how has the past week been for you Anonymous?” She asks, preparing to scribble down your answer. “Straight to business I see. Uh...Well, it's been okay, I guess. Fluttershy and Applejack are still trying to break into my house; they only succeeded once this time, so there's that...uh, work has been pretty dry, nobody needed a handyman last week...and...I believe that's all I have to say about the past week...not much. I know.” You drone out as Twilight copies out what you said with intensity. “...Alright, so just one more –” *Knock**Knock**Knock* “Go away Yellow...!” You call to the front door, a small 'eep', being your only response. Your bro looks up to you in astonishment. “How did you know that was her?” She asks. You let out a tired sigh. “It's always her... Or Applejack, but she has a much more aggressive knock.” You say, leaning back into the chair. “I don't understand why you don't just get a special somepony...” Twilight says with a small blush and a hopeful smile. “...I'm sure everypony would leave you alone if they knew you were taken.” Rainbow also gives you a hopeful simile, but it shatters when you let out a skeptical laugh at the comment. “Yeah, you're probably right, but I also believe that after the initial rejection, the person should fuck off somewhere else...not keep pestering me and driving me to the point of homicidal thoughts. Besides, I find it difficult to be attracted to a pony when they're all freaking insane.” You take a glance at Rainbow and notice that she has a more...dejected look about her. “You alright there bro?” You ask, patting the back of her mane the way she likes it. However, instead of leaning into it, like she usually does, she just moves away from your hand. Strange... “...Yeah, I'm fine.” She says with very little energy. “...Uh, I'm just going to go. I think I need to go home to...uh, feed Tank.” And with that, she gets up from her seat and leaves through the front door with heavy hooves. Her attitude leaves you confused and a little worried. “What was that about?” You ask, looking to Twilight. She gives you a deadpan look, before waving her hoof in dismissal. “It probably doesn't matter...uh...is this whole thing with Applejack and Fluttershy really bothering you?” *Thump**Thump**Thump* You didn't reply, you just fall forward and attempt to grind out your eyeballs with your palms; you let out a pained groan as the sound at the door continues. *Thump**Thump**Thump* “Uh, could you leave us alone please!?” Twilight calls and suddenly the noise stops, followed shortly by the sound of retreating hoofsteps. She gently rubs her hoof on your back while you just sit there. “Anon...are you okay?” You lift your head up as you look to your purple companion. You think for a moment before sighing painfully as you prepare to answer her. “...No. No I'm not.” Her expression doesn't change as you lean back again and relax against the backrest. “I don't know how long I can take this Twilight...” You admit. She tenses up a bit as you use her actual name. “..Everyday. They're always here. I can barely go outside, I can't even take a shower when it's daylight and even then I have to watch the curtains, which is creepy as hell! In fact, I have to go into the Carousel Boutique and get groped by Rarity, JUST to get underwear because Fluttershy stole all of the others!” Twilight 's expression turns more sympathetic as she rubs your shoulder reassuringly. You make serious eye contact as you finish your rant. “Look, I'm flattered, I really am, but I shouldn't have to say no so many times and still not get the message across. I'm fucking sick of this.” *Knock**Knock**Knock* You feel you anger boil over as you act without thought, grabbing the glass of orange juice and hurling it at the door frame; it shatters on impact, causing a frightened yelp as the pony behind the door rushes off in fear. Twilight looks to you with concern, as you huff visibly from your small outburst, before walking over to the door and levitating the broken shards into the dustbin. “I'm sorry.” She just shakes her head in understanding as she continues to clean up your mess. “It's okay Anon. it's fine.” “No, it's not. I'm not even sure if that was someone trying to bother me, or the mailmare.” You say rubbing your forehead to try and alleviate some of the stress. Twilight alternates between looking at you and looking at your door, thinking on the best course of action for the situation. She lets out a sigh of resignation before looking to you thoughtfully. “I'll have a word with the girls and I'll see what I can do...” “You would?” You ask in bewilderment. Twilight just nods happily. “Come by around noon and I'll tell you how it went.” She says as she opens the door. You didn't have much time to say anything before the door closes and you were left alone. “You left your notes!” You shout. The door opens and the purple mare's head pops back in, grabbing the notepad and quill in her magic and levitating it towards her. “Whoops heh heh.” She chuckles embarrassingly. Now was your chance. “Eh, thanks for this Twilight.” You say nervously, making her smile. “No problem at all, Anon. Anything for a...friend.” She says as she closes the door for the last time. ...Now what? You guess you could go out into Ponyville. It is getting later in the morning and your tormentors should probably be taking a break about now. I really do need to get new boxers from Rarity. Just the thought of it makes you shudder with dread. Every time you go in there, she makes up some reason for you to get undressed. She would then proceed to sneak her hoof around your body to...well, we all get the idea. She's not even subtle. Sure, you believed it was a slip of the hoof the first time she did it. The first time. She does it so often now that you've started referring to her as Rariperve. She was less than thrilled. But you guess you have to go there sooner or later. At least she shuts the blinds...so there's that. So with that, you grab your coat and head for the door, only to find YellowQuiet on the doormat, her hoof held out pre-knock before you opened it. You glare down at the yellow pegasus, who is still wearing the white sheet over her head, only now she has placed a flaming cross on your front yard. You continue to glare down at the mare as she struggles to find her words under your pissed-off stare. “Y-Y-You didn't say racism wasn't your fetish.” She stutters out, looking up at you with a strange mix of fear and hope. “It was heavily implied.” You say through gritted teeth. Fluttershy just shrinks back, avoiding eye contact. “...A-are...uh...horrible, horrible mistakes y-your fetish?” She asks with fear in her eyes. You merely sigh and stare to the burning cross. “Listen up, Yellow: put out that fire; take the cross down; take off that costume; go home; and shove a twelve inch cactus up your ass.” You say, slightly cheered up by your statement. The mare nods and starts to tidy up her things as quickly as possible. “That's a 'no' by the way.” You shout as you walk off. You didn't want her getting the wrong idea. The bell rings out as you step through the front door of Rarity's shop. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique and magnifique.” Rariperve says as she comes into her main work floor. “OH Anon! It's good to see you. How have you been, darling?” She starts to drag you across the floor to one of the podiums, fussing over your every article of clothing. “Uh, fine. I was wondering if you could make me some new boxers...A certain pegasus has stolen them all.” Rarity's eyes go wide as she fetches her measuring tape. “Why of course! If you'd just like to remove your clothing and I'll get your...measurements.” And just like that, you want out. She drew out the word measurements in an almost sultry way and that makes you extremely uncomfortable. “That's fine, I got a pair of the old ones right here.” You say, pulling out the underwear from your pocket. Rariperve is clearly not amused as she stares at the fabric in your hand. She however softens her complexion and levitates the boxers over to her working desk, out of sight. “Nonsense, darling. You need to have new measurements every time you get new clothes.” She lectures, drawing the measuring tape across your waist, making sure to put a lot of focus on a particular region. “Look...I –” “Anon, stop being such a child and remove your clothing!” She shouts, taking the measuring tape away and trying to remove your jeans with her magic. “I don't think this is about quality anymore.” You say, keeping your hands firmly grasped on the waistline. Rariperve looks up at you with a horrified expression. “How dare you! I assure you that everything that I am instructing is based on the quality of the product. I pride myself in the quality of my work.” She says, puffing her chest out happily. You give her a level stare. “I'm not taking my clothes off.” You say sternly. “Well there's no way I'll be able to make your new clothes without your measurements. I suppose you'll be able to make due without.” She says, looking to your smugly as she knew she had you there. Those boxers you gave her were your last pair; you're going commando right now. She has you by the balls here, no pun intended. There's another pony that makes clothes in town and you need these boxers. So with great hesitation, you nod your compliance. Rariperve grins at her victory as she watches you pull your trousers to the floor. Your face heats up as you catch her ogling you. “Eyes up here.” You say irritably. “I'm not looking for your eyes.” She replies, a steady blush forming across her face. For fuck sake. She can never be subtle. “Rarity I swear to god, if you touch my dick one more time, I'm gonna shove my fist so far up your ass I'll be able to rearrange your teeth!” You shout, slapping the offending hoof away from your man zone. Far from your intended response, Rariperve just moans in thought, dragging a hoof down your bare legs. “Darling, I have to get precise measurements to ensure a snug fitting garment. I would -” “Thirteen times.” You say through clenched teeth. “I don't think they're gonna get more precise.” Rariperve avoids your glare as she moves over to the table to draw up her designs, deciding to play it safe and stop there. “Yes, I am done now. Come back later and they'll be ready.” She says with a smug grin as she sneaks off into one of her other rooms, one of her hooves snaking down her body to rest on her – Ew, gross! Fucking Rariperve. You close the door as quickly as you can, letting out a sigh of relief that you got out of there in time. Rariperve had very quickly forgot what she was meant to be doing and immediately began to fondle herself behind the door frame. You tried to ignore it, but when she started moaning and making eye contact, well, lets just say you got the fuck out of there as quickly as possible. Even if your balls are rubbing against your jeans. You begin to quickly walk towards town. Maybe you'll stop by Sugarcube Corner, or hang out with your bro. Maybe you should go see Twilight and see how her promise is going...no it's only been a few hours. She can't have done much by- “Howdy there, sugarcube.” You tense up as you can feel the hot breath of the farm mare on the back of your neck. It's okay, it's okay. She can't harm you in a public place...you think. “H-Hey Applejack.” You say nervously. You keep moving, trying to find an escape route. “So how are ya doing?” She whispers, sounding oddly more sensual than before. You just need to ignore her and remain in public view. “I-I'm fine! Absolutely...how about you?” “Oh ah'm fine, ah just needed to speak to you for a few moments.” You arch your eyebrow curiously. “Oh? What ab-OOF!” Before you could finish your sentence, she has shoved you into one of the alleyways to the side and is currently resting on top of you. Given her superior strength and positioning, you have no chance of getting the mare off of you. “Oh, nothing, just stuff.” She continues to whisper. God, is she trying to avoid the cops or something?...Actually given the current situation, you wouldn't be surprised. She leans her head down, so your noses are touching. “Ya know...sexy stuff.” She said with her normal voice, steeling a quick lick of your cheek before retreating a little and fetching her rope from her saddlebag. “Applejack, I don't want this.” You plead,knowing that it is futile to even try to reason with the lust-crazed mare. “Do ya think ya have a choice?” ...and you're back to whispering. She displays the rope to you. “Hands.” She instructs as you just furrow your brows in confusion. “Do you honestly believe that I'm just going to give you my –” “HANDS! NOW!” She shouts, baring her teeth angrily. “I don't think this term could be any more relevant than it would be just now, but go fuck yourself!” You shout right back at her. “Anon, if ya don't give me what ah'm asking for, then ah'll just have to knock ya out and bring ya back to ma-” “APPLEJACK!” You both freeze as the deep and masculine sound of the red stallion reverberates throughout the alleyway. Applejack's eyes shrink to the size of pinpricks as she turns to look at her brother. She jumps off of your body with break-neck speed. “H-Howdy there Big mac...uh...we were just playin' around...everything's fine...” She says, forcing the most unconvincing smile you have ever seen. Her forehead is also sweating out a river and she tries to look as innocent as possible. And in doing so, she manages to make herself look like the guiltiest mare in the world. Big Macintosh just sighs heavily and plants his hoof on his forehead, gesturing with the other hoof for her to leave. Applejack takes a moment to consider her options, before huffing irritably out of the alleyway. You could have sworn you heard her say something along the lines of 'cock blocker' under her breath, but you really couldn't care less. You were saved. “Ah'm sorry about her.” Big Mac says, helping you to your feet. “Ah just don't know what's gotten into her.” “You and me both.” You reply, dusting yourself off and straightening out your shirt. Then an awkward silence sets in as you both stand there quietly. You decide to break it quickly, before it gets worse. “Eh, thanks for...eh, that.” You nervously say, rubbing the back of your neck. Big Mac just nods and turns to leave, seeing his opportunity. “That's no problem pardner. Ah'd suggest keeping a better eye out in the future.” “Will do.” “Eeyup.” Okay, now you need to get something to drink...but it's too early for anything good. Screw it. To Sugarcube Corner. *ding-a-ling* The door chimes as you enter. Nobody is inside. All of the tables are unoccupied, the counter is unmanned and there is a deathly silence, ringing out through the store. This could only mean one thing. “HI NONNIE!” Pinkie shouts, tackling you from behind. Now, normally you would be panicky if a pony full body tackled you to the floor – just ask Applejack – but Pinkie was different. She was quite possibly the only pony you know who wouldn't do anything to jeopardize a friendship...even if she likes you. She just wants to get a hug...and you weren't going to deny her that. So without hesitation, you swivel around and wrap your arms around the puffy pink pony. She lets out a squeak and a snort, before giggling in return. “Hiya pinks. Wow's it going?” She stands to her hooves again and bounces in place. “Oh I'm great! First I got to do the morning shift - WhichIsTheBestShift! - Then, I got to make my favorite kind of cupcakes! – BananaSugarnutSquash! - And then I got so many customers earlier, but they all left - BecauseOfSomeKindOfCrossBurningThingAtFluttershy's - And then my three favorite little fillies came in over there!” She points to one of the stalls where in fact there was the Cutie Mark Crusaders, drawing up plans of some form. “...And then, you came in! My favorite human!” She shouts, dragging you into another hug. You chuckle inwardly as you didn't understand a word she just said. “So I was wondering if I could-” “Get something to drink!? Of course!” She shouts, before returning with a milkshake and a muffin. “Strawberry milkshake and Banana Butternut Squash cupcake!” She shouts as she drags you over to the table with the three fillies and sits you down, not spilling a drop of your milkshake while she shoves the tray down in front of you. “Here you go!” She shouts happily. “Hi Anon!” The three fillies say in unison. “Hey girls. Watcha working on?” You ask, pointing towards the colorful sheet of paper on the table. “We're gonna get our Cutie Marks in trap building!” Sweetie Belle declares. You had to hold your heart for that one. Fuck these fillies are cute. You inspect the drawing, noticing that the trap is just a pitfall with a piece of meat over the top, the hole covered in leaves and sticks. “So what are you planning on trapping?” “We don't know, but Fluttershy said that we need to build something like this?” Apple Bloom says, glancing over the plans with confusion. Fluttershy? You don't like the sound of this. “Where are you planning on building this?” “She said that the best animals are just outside of yer house, which is mighty strange because you live in the middle of town.” She says, bringing a hoof to her chin in thought. You internally groan. Well, you can't say that little YellowQuiet isn't resourceful. “I don't think you'll get your Cutie Marks this way.” You say with a little uncertainty, the fillies all looking up to you curiously. “I personally think that you should give a hand at...at...uh...” You frantically search the place for an idea, not finding anything until you look at the glass in front of you... “Milkshakes!” You shout, raising the glass in front of you. Pinkie pops besides you out of nowhere curiously. “We already tried making food...didn't go well.” Scootaloo informs you, resting her head in her hoof. “Not making...testing.” You say halfheartedly. To be honest, you didn't care what they did so long as they didn't try to trap you in a cage. Their eyes lit up at the prospect of free milkshakes as they chant their name and what they plan on doing. Pinkie however, pulls you by the shoulder around the corner. “Are you crazy?!” She silently shouts, trying to keep her volume low. “I can't just give away free milkshakes. Mr Cake said he'd fire me after the last time!” You hold up your hand and take a sip of the milkshake that was dragged along with you. “Relax Pinkie, I'll pay for it.” You say with some measure of calm. It's a small price to pay to avoid being treated like a sex slave. Pinkie looks to you with confusion. “You'd pay for these fillies to have all the milkshakes they want?” She asks, you shrug. “Wow, Nonnie. That's really sweet.” She whispers as tears start to form in her eyes. You back away a bit, a little confused by her reaction. “Pinkie, I doubt it's that great. I'm just doing it to avoid Fluttershy.” She lets out a dreamy sigh. “...Oh, and modest too. Oh come on then.” She says, pushing you back into the stall with the fillies and leaving to go get some milkshakes. “Okay, girls...” Pinkie announces. “...Anon's going to let you drink all the milkshakes you want! Just ask and I'll get em.” She declares with determination. You're beginning to regret this decision. ”CutieMarkCrusadersMilkshakeTestersYAY!” Really starting to regret this. “Owww...” Sweetie Belle groans, clutching her stomach in pain. “Too much cinnamon crunch.” This was a really bad, bad, bad idea. “ComeOnComeOnComeOn What's next? Chocolate Chip Fruity cream? Or Super Pinkie Pinkieness? ComeOn!” “Apple Bloom?...Did it work?” Scootaloo asks, rolling over to show Apple Bloom her flank. “No...how 'bout me?” “No.” Bad, bad, bad idea... at least you won't have to deal with Fluttershy when you get home. Speaking of which, you should probably go visit Twilight at some point. “...I think I got to go.” Pinkie immediately snaps out of her obsessed state to give you those adorable puppy dog eyes. “B-But we were having so much fun...” She whines out. “I know, but I've kind of got to go see Twilight at some point...so...yeah...” You awkwardly stand up and slowly back away towards the door. “B-But you didn't give me a goodbye cuddle!” She pouts, stomping her hoof on the floor. “Fine.” you say holding out your arms to accept your 'demise'. She joyfully jumps into your arms and nestles herself into the crook of your neck. She squeezes lightly, holding in place for a few moments as your face is enveloped into her pink poofy mane. You can tell she likes you, but she doesn't seem as... feral as the others. So, you return the hug for a moment, but things start getting too much as she doesn't seem to be showing any signs of letting go. “Uh...Pinkie?” “What?” “You can...uh...let go now.” She practically jumps from your form. “Whoops! Sorry...” She says awkwardly. You turn to leave, but Pinkie has other ideas. “You didn't say goodbye to the fillies!” She shouts, before you reach the door. Deciding not to stretch this out longer than it needed to be, you just call out to them. “Goodbye girls.” “Grandma?! Is that you?!” shouts Sweetie Belle. A really bad idea. *knock**knock**knock* The door to the library opens as Spike pops his head out. “Hiya Spike. Is Twilight home?” You ask, trying to peek past him. “Yeah, she's inside.” He announces, moving to the side to let you pass. You spot Twilight sitting at one of her desks, reading a rather large tome - probably on magic - but you weren't really that bothered about it. Her eyes light up when she sees you enter, quickly finding a bookmark for her page. “Hi Anon. What brings you here?” “I just came to say hi.” You lie, taking a seat across from her. She smiles from ear to ear when you say that and tries to organize her appearance. “Oh, good! I was hoping to speak to you soon anyway.” This should be promising. “Oh?” “Yes, I spoke to a lot of mares today, Fluttershy and Applejack included...and they don't seem to believe me...They seem to believe that I'm just trying to trick them so I can...uh...have you to myself...” She finishes with a nervous chuckle, avoiding eye contact. Your eyes sink to the ground as you let out a sigh of regret. Guess it was too much for you to hope for. She seems to notice your depressed expression and quickly tries to revive your mood with a hoof under your chin. “BUT, I managed to convince them to go out with us tonight...just the seven of us...and I have a plan to get everyone to leave you alone.” And now you're interested. “Really?” You as with a cocked eyebrow, her hoof still under your chin. “Yes...well it would just be you, me, Rainbow, Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack and Fluttershy. Once you make your point and I tell them my plan, everypony will spread the word that you're not to be harassed. And eventually everyone will know.” She finishes with an awkward smile. “I don't know...” You say hesitantly. “Where would we go?” “I was thinking just the local bar downtown.” she says without missing a beat. “You? At a bar? I don't think this was your idea.” You say, punctuating your point with a small jab to her chest. “You may think that, but I think with the sensitivity of the subject matter, we're going to need a relaxing atmosphere so this doesn't escalate.” Oh, okay-wait what? “Escalate? How bad do you think it could get?” You really don't want to be forced to hang around these mares if they're likely to explode on you. Twilight quickly shakes her head in protest. “Nononono, I don't think anything bad will happen, just... a precaution.” You arch an eyebrow as she shifts her gaze awkwardly. “What are you planning anyway?” She smiles deviously, making you a little curious. She lifts a hoof up to her lips and imitates a zipping motion. “Ah Ah Ah, It's surprise.” You should question this, you really should... oh fuck it. You're too caught up in the idea that you're close to stopping all of this madness. “Fine, but if I get raped, it's on your head.” You say, standing up and going to the front door. “Wait, didn't you come to see me?” She asks sadly. “Yeah, but now I got to go prepare.” You say, closing the door. Well, into the frying pan and into the fire. And with that you proceed to make your way home. “Hey Bro.” You flinch a little at the sudden appearance of Rainbow Dash, flying above you. “Hey.” You reply, continuing to walk. “You coming to the gym? I was thinking about working on my forelegs today.” She punctuates this by flexing one of her fore-legs to reveal the strong muscles beneath her fur. You've been going along to these gym sessions since the two of you started hanging out. In fact, these gym sessions your bro insists on you coming along on have probably been the reason why Applejack and Fluttershy haven't gotten to you yet. Too bad you've got shit to do today. “Sorry, not today, I have to get ready for tonight.” You wave her off. Rainbow flies down so that she's floating on her back, eye to eye with you. “Oh yeah, that's right. Twilight's crazy plan to get everypony to leave you alone. You going?” What kind of question is that? “Kind of have to don't I?” Rainbow just nods he head in agreement. “So what you gonna do until then?” “I suppose I'll grab my new clothes from Rarity and then I'll take a nap or something.” Rainbow just looks down as she works up the courage to ask you... “...so...uh, do you want to hang out?...like, at your place?” She asks hopefully. You shrug as you approach Carrousel Boutique. “Sure. I could use the company.” You find the door to be locked and a small package addressed to you on the front step. A small note reading: Dear Anonymous, I hope that these garments are to your liking. I put my heart and soul into making them just for you. Do not worry about payment. All of my wares are free of charge for all of my close friends. I look forward to seeing you tonight. Rarity Fuck, even when she's just writing, she creeps you out. You wouldn't mind so much if the "garments" she made, weren't designed to be touching your nads. "What's it say?” Rainbow asks, prodding your arm to get a look. You remove the note and scrap it, shoving it into your pocket. “Nothing worth mentioning.” And so, you begin the walk home with your trusty Bro, as you move into early afternoon. “...so, Anon.” “Yes?” “I was wondering if...you know, you wanted to be...” She quiets down into nonsensical mumbling. “What was that?” “I was wondering f you wanted to be...” She sighs in defeat. “...back home or here in Equestria?” Rainbow Dash mentally scolds herself for wussing out at the last second. You however completely miss that and answer her question without any sensitivity whatsoever. “Back home. Without a doubt.” you say happily. “I mean, don't get me wrong. Here's great, but I'm always having to look over my shoulder for anyone who wants to try something. So I'd just love to go home personally.” You didn't even look over to see Rainbow's tearful expression, her heart wrenching at the thought of you hating it here. “I-Is there nothing that...you like about here?” Here croaking voice causes you to look over in concern, but she is looking too much away for you to see her. “You okay?” “Uh-huh.” Noticing her expression, you realise that you should probably not insult her place of birth so quickly. “Well, yeah. Of course this place has some redeeming features...I mean, there's the fact that there's little to no wars here, and the whole acceptance thing was pretty cool.” “W-What about ponies?” She asks, still not looking at you. “Well of course they're okay, I can't imagine hating them. I just don't see me ever having romantic attractions towards someone of a different species. It's just taboo where I come from and it seems pretty hard wired.” Rainbow doesn't seem to be getting any better. She just keeps sniffling. “Rainbow, are you sure you're okay?” “I have to go!” She shouts, looking at her foreleg quickly before flying away at high speeds. She is all over the place today. Didn't she want to hang out with me ten minutes ago? Nevertheless, you're almost home and you can see the yellow demon now...and she's walking rather funny. “Hi Fluttershy.” You call, walking past her, looking around for some form of prop that she'd be using today...but nothing, just herself. Not even a costume? “H-Hi AAHnon.” ...okay. “Are you okay?” “J-just f-fine.” “What's wrong?” “I-If you're fine with it. T-Then I'm fine with it.” What? “What are you talking about?” She shuffles in her hooves a bit; her back arched in the air clearly showing discomfort. “What did you do?” She looks you in the eyes with a half lidded smile as she shakes her rump in an attempt at seduction, but just ends up whimpering in pain. “Your fetish...” My fetish? What fetish? What is she talk- oh no. “Fluttershy, tell me you didn't.” She smiles sweetly as she tries to lean in for a kiss. “You told me to...” “I didn't think you'd take it literally.” You start to rub your temples to alleviate yet another headache coming on. “I-I have to admit, it was difficult finding one that was exactly the length, but I did it...f-for you.” You let out a groan of frustration. “Fluttershy, I really shouldn't have to tell you this, but a...that...um...! Anyway, it's not my fetish. In fact, I think you need to go to the hospital...like, now.” You make you way past her, only to see her squeak in pain as she tries to move her hind legs again. “Um...is carrying mares to the hospital your fetish?” You glance down to see her looking up at you with pleading eyes. You are so fucking done. “No, but I guess I have to.” You grumble through clenched teeth. You slowly roll her onto your arms and start your gentle walk to the hospital. “How did you even get here in the first place?” Fluttershy merely blushes and snuggles into your chest. “You're a great motivation, Anon.” She whispers as she closes her eyes to sleep. Fuck, you hate ponies. That Night You are sitting quietly in the corner booth of at this dimly lit bar. Twilight is sitting besides you, holding a little scroll. “So they all agreed to show?” You ask, Twilight nodding in return. “Yes, they all agreed to come to hear you out. They should be here soon.” “What if they don't listen to me?” “They don't need to listen. You just need to tell them so they know that I'm serious.” “This plan of yours, it doesn't involve me getting tied up does it?” Twilight just laughs and shakes her head. “Nope.” “Are you going to tell me what it is?” “Nope.” Before you could question further, the first arrival appeared. Fluttershy nervously scuffs her way in, clearly distressed at the location, but she take a seat the seat next to yours and scoots herself closer to you, having to compensate a little to sit comfortingly. “H-Hi.” “Hey Flutters. How are you feeling?” “F-Fine. A little itchy though.” She squirms a little in her seat. “T-Thank you for helping m-me...” She places a hoof over your hand, but promptly takes it away when she notices your glare. “You try anything yellow, and I'm shouting out changeling.” She nods her understanding and leans into her chair. You down your drink as fast as you can. This is going to be a long evening. Soon after, the rest of the group arrive. Most of them strutting in confidently - Applejack giving Fluttershy a harsh glare for sitting next to you – but Rainbow Dash just trudges in sadly, taking the last available seat opposite you. “Hello girls.” Twilight announces, a serious tone lacing her words. “I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here...” Applejack raises her hoof to get the others attention. “Ah thought we were just comin' here for a little get together.” “Unfortunately, no. We're here for a meeting about an important issue.” Everyone present raises their eyebrows in question. Twilight turns to you. “Anon?” “What?” “Don't you want to tell them about your feelings?” At the sheer mention of feelings, everyone present grows a mixture of emotions. Some of hope, some of jealousy and some of complete hurt and others of panic, looking to you for answers to their questions. “UH...” You start, but find the situation too awkward to speak. Twilight rolls her eyes and speaks for you. “He wants ponies to stop hitting on him.” She states simply. She is immediately met with shouts of denial. “Horse apples!” “I-I don't think that's true.” “You just want him to yourself don't you?!” Rarity finishes, slamming both of her hooves onto the table. Deciding to fix thing before they get out of hand, you speak up. “It's true.” Everyone present stops suddenly, looking to you in shock. “What? It's not the first time I've told you I'm not interested.” You say, baffled by their reactions. Everyone continues to look on in confusion, processing this new information. Fluttershy is the first to speak. “I-I thought you were just playing hard to get...” You narrow your eyes in irritation before replying. “I'm one hundred percent confident that telling you to fuck off, is not playing hard to get.” “But that was the point of us flirting with you darling, we wanted to gain your attraction.” Rarity chips in, staring at you hopefully. “Yes, fair enough, but if I've already stated my lack of interest, you should pay me the courtesy of giving up.” “But what if we feel we could get you to like us?!” She continues to argue. “Yeah, I hate to sound harsh, but seeing as you're not human, you're not gonna get very far.” And at that moment, all of the ears present folded to their respective heads. Great, now I feel like an ass. “Look, it's not that I'm not flattered, I really am, but where I come from, you don't fuc—uh...have relationships with ponies...it's just wrong.” Applejack looks to you with tears brimming in her eyes. “B-But we're sentient.” She pleads, but your level stare stays put. “True, but all those years of hard wiring are hard to undo.” There is suddenly a harsh silence at the table. You try not to feel bad, but the scene in front of you makes that hard to do. You shouldn't feel bad. You shouldn't have even had to do that. “No.” ...What? You look to the yellow mare beside you. “Excuse me?” “I'm not giving up! I don't want to!” She shouts, flying out of her seat and landing straight in front of you, on the table, forgetting her erlier discomfort. “You can't just do that! You can't just deny all of these mares and expect us to just take it! Now you are going to accept our love or we'll just have to force it onto you!” She shouts, her nose practically touching yours. “Fluttershy, That's enough!” Twilight shouts, causing the yellow pegasus to snap out of her stupor. “B-But, I –” Twilight huffs loudly, pulling out a scroll and rolling it under Fluttershy, across the table; it rolls right across to the other side. Fluttershy barely has time to register what's going on before Twilight starts to explain. “I'm sure none of you know what this is?” She says irritably. She was right, the looks of confusion and curiosity are evident on each pony present as they inspect the document in front of them. “This is something Anon told me about a while back. It's called a restraining order.” She recites, gesturing to the different parts of the parchment. Your eyes widen in shock at the purple mare. Nobody else knows about such a thing, so their reactions go unchanged. At least until PurpleSmart explains. “This order completely prevents anypony who has this filed against them from contacting and approaching the home or person of the subject, in this case Anon.” They all stare at the paper worried. You however are completely shocked. When did you even tell her about this?! A freaking restraining order! You could die, right now. Rainbow raises her hoof into the air. “Quick question...what's to stop somepony going up to Anon, even with this restraining order thingy?” Twilight smiles knowingly. “Good question. If somepony were to violate the restraining order, said pony could be subject from fines...” Everyone present sighs in relief. “...up to imprisonment.” And they all go wide eyed again. “Imprisonment?!” Pinkie shouts, her hooves connecting with the table in panic. “Yes, it's all dependent on the severity of the violation, but it is a possibility.” Twilight states matter-of-factly. “How does one know if they're on the order?” Rarity asks, her eyes shifting nervously between you and the document. Twilight smiles proudly. “I would like to draw everyone's attention to this small box, here...” She points to a single large box at the bottom of the page. “...Anypony who has their name written in that box, filed under this order, can't speak to Anon...they will be notified and therefore under the order.” An audible gulp can be heard throughout the booth. In fact, you can hear a few nervous mutterings coming from other places in the bar. Twilight quickly rolls up the parchment and hands it to you; you hesitantly take it. “Anon, ya can't possibly be considering taking that thing!” Applejack states, begging you with her eyes not to take it. Fluttershy – who was starting to tear up now – promptly flies out the door, leaving you all behind. “I-I'll go check up on her.” And just like that. Rarity was gone too. “Ya see what you're doing here?! You're breaking our hearts!” She practically screams in your face as she leans over the table. “Now, ah understand that ya do thing differently back where ya come from when it comes to romancin', but here, a mare should be allowed to chase any stallion she wants until he gives in. Just because yer not from here doesn't mean-” Aaaaaand that's enough! “If I was to start forcing you to eat meat because of my customs back home, you'd try to beat me to death! You'd do the same if you came to my world and someone tried to make you eat it! There's no difference!” You shout right back, getting right up in Applejack's face. She recoils slightly but tries to hold her ground, although you see the defeat in her eyes as they gloss over. She quickly turns and runs out of the building, leaving just you, pinkie, Rainbow and Twilight, the scroll still clutched in your hands. Pinkie holds her head low as she follows Applejack, saying nothing. Well, now you feel like an asshole. Is it too much to want to be left alone for a day or two? Can you not even have that? “They'll get over it.” Twilight says, standing up and exiting the booth. “Take that to Mayor Mare tomorrow and make it official.” She says, pointing to the scroll in your hand. You nod and allow her to leave. You just remain sitting there, staring at the document that would grant you your freedom from the mares that harass you, day and night...but why does it feel like a hollow victory? You can't help but feel like this could be the worst mistake of your life. There will be so many things that can go wrong...but it's your freedom, your privacy, the ability to not need to convert your entire house into a cold war bunker. “You alright there big guy?” Rainbow says quietly as she nudges your side to get your attention. “Yeah...thanks.” A heavy sigh escapes you as you look up to the rainbow-maned pegasus. “Shouldn't you be...happy?” You just shrug as you sit in your chair. A brief quiet overcomes you, before Rainbow Dash silently leaves the table, only to come back a few moments later with two large foaming flagons. “Wanna talk about it?” She asks, her depressed demeanor suddenly evaporating as she sits next to you. “Hit me.” “Wai...Wai... I-I don't undershtand...” Rainbow rambles out, jabbing into your shoulder as gently as her drunken hoof-eye coordination will allow her, which was not very gently. “What don't you understand?” You respond, not nearly as smashed as your blue furred companion. “I-I thought you wanted all us p-ponies to...to l-leave you alone?” She asks, her lip quivering slightly. “Not all ponies, just the ones who can't take a hint.” You take another swig. “Yeah, b-but I thought t-this was what you wanted?” You let out another sigh of regret as you signal the bartender for another two drinks. “I guess, but did you see Applejack's face when she left? Or Pinkie's? Or Fluttershy's? Hell, even Rarity was upset...And it was because of me...” You feel a hoof resting on your shoulder. “Hey bro, I know you feel bad just now, but just think. Every time I've come over, every single time; your door has been knocked on and it hasalways been AJ or Fluttershy. You've always complained about everyone harassing you, but now you have a chance to stop it and I think you should take it.” Rainbow says in quite possibly the most sober voice you've ever heard from her. Seriously, not even sober Rainbro is this sober. You look to the scroll on the table, the key to your happiness and the key to your privacy all- “Fuck it.” with a sigh of resignation, you place both hands on the scroll and tear it straight down the middle and then again for good measure. Rainbow Dash sits there, shocked at your actions. “What? They're not that bad. Besides, I'd be fucked if Rarity wasn't allowed near me. I'd need to go to Manehattan for clothes!” She searches your face for any sign of deceit and finds none. She smiles that bro smile you often see from her as she nuzzles your shoulder affectionately. Tired of the dramatic stuff for one night you take the new flagons of hard cider and hand on to her. “Race ya!” “You're on!” Even later that night. “Shhooooowwww me the way to go hoooommmmeeee I'm tired and IWantToGoTo bed I had a little drink about an hour agooooo And it’s gone right to myHead Everywhere I roaaammm Over land or sea or foaaammm You can always hear me singing this sooonnnggg Said show me the way to go hoooome!” The two of you slowly stagger your way back to your place, drunk off your ass and not caring who heard your terrible singing. “Ssshhow me the way to go Hoooommmmmeee. IIIII'MMMM Tired and I wantgoto Bed. ...Wait, Anon?” You stop your absolutely fabulous singing to look to your bro, who was currently leaning agianst you for dear life. “Whu whe Wha?” Fucking lexical genius right there! “W-W...Why are we shinging thishhh shong?”…good question. “It's ...it's just...it's just what drunk people shing, don't fight it.” With both of your minds completely swimming in alcohol, you both just shrug and continue your song. You're so captivated by your own song that you barely just manage to notice your house coming up. After a few moments you find the door unlocked, and allow yourself in. “A-Anon?” Rainbow remains standing at the door, rubbing one of her fore-hooves with the other. “Yeah?” “D-Do you ever think you could be with a mare?” You cock an eyebrow and shrug helplessly. “Don't know. I'm just not ready just now. I just hope I can get through this phase everyone is going through.” You stroke your chin for a moment, thinking on how you were going to deal with Fetishy, Rariperve and RapeleJack...that and the possibility of growing a beard. “Heck, maybe they'll leave me alone as it is.” You shout, letting your arms fan out in excitement. “Not likely though.” And they drop again. You're pretty tired, you should probably go to bed. “Look bro, it's getting late so I think I should go to bed. You okay to get home?” She glances around the house before looking down in disappointment. “I could probably get home by myself...Unless...y-you -?” She never finished her sentence, because you'd closed the door to the bathroom before allowing her to finish. She sighs dejectedly as she closes the door and returns home, the heavy anvil of disappointment and failure weighing in her chest. The next morning. Your head slowly rises from your pillow as Celestia's sun beats down on your face. You let your head flop back down onto the...cold dirty path... Wait... “What the hell?” You jolt upwards, standing to your feet and looking around you. A forest? Weren't you at home last night? Have I returned to Earth?...wait no, this is the Everfree, so what's going on? “Morning!” You almost jump straight out of your skin at the sudden voice. You turn around to see a light grey unicorn mare, wearing sweat bands and a hair band to keep her black mane tied back. You just manage to get your baring back so you can respond. “Yes, good morning.” You say, trying to catch your breath. “You okay mister?” The mare asks, looking from you to your sleeping position. Oh god did she see me? “Uh...yeah, just a little...confused.” Your neck seems like it needs a good sheepish rub around now. “I'll say.” She takes out her headband and lets her mane fall in front of her face as she tries to retie it. “I don't think we've met.” You try to spark a conversation to avoid the awkwardness of the situation. “No we haven't. I'm Grim. You?” “Anon.” ...and here comes the awkward silence. You both exchange awkward glances. Actually more you exchange awkward glances and she looks to you pleasantly. “So...uh, I should probably get home then. Don't want to worry my friends.” "Okay then, see ya around." She says happily, jogging off into the distance, leaving nothing behind but her name. who was that? You take another quick look around the forest. You know exactly where you are. The path you - apparently - slept on is the road leading to Zecora's hut. Judging by the position of the sun in the sky, you can guess that it is about mid-morning. Basically, between waking up and Fluttershy's first knock. Better get a move on. Deciding that you'd rather avoid any worried search parties - or Timberwolves for that matter - you pick up your pace and head into town, the gentle heat of the morning sun beating off of your shirted back. The walk back to Ponyville was rather quiet, the weather was clear and you didn't encounter anything out of the ordinary from where you woke up to where you are now, which is just outside of Ponyville town square. You love going into town this early, it's far too early for anybody to bother you and you love to enjoy that luxury...when you can be arsed waking up. You catch sight of the Ponyville library, Twilight and Rarity conversing outside the front door. It was clear that it was only choice words that are being used. Fuck it, I need to speak to Twilight anyway. You slowly walk up to the ponies as they continue to converse, surprised that they haven't noticed you yet. You were about to raise your voice when suddenly a shrill shriek cut through the air like a million needles puncturing your eardrums. Then another. Everyone around town square takes notice, looking at the supposed source of the screaming. “That sounded like Fluttershy.” You tell no one in particular. Everyone present quickly drops what they were doing and starts to run towards the screaming mare as she continues to screech out in repeated bursts of panic and terror. It took a moment to register what's going on, but you snap out of it and quickly sprint down the road, the ponies having had a head start, but you soon come up the rear, rushing past many of the small equines. The screams lead you to a familiar building...your house. You stop to catch your breath. Fuck sake, she's probably just found out you're not home. You irritably trudge your way past the ponies and into the living room of your home. There you find a traumatized Fluttershy in the arms of a teary eyed Applejack, still screaming though muffled and not as loud. “What's going on?” They don't respond, probably too traumatized to answer. You make your way into the kitchen to find a small red stain on the counter, most of the stuff on the counter on the floor and Twilight frantically trying to reassure a flat-maned Pinkie Pie. The main horde of ponies remain outside, your friends being the only ones inside. “I've contacted the guard, they'll be here any minute now.” Twilight says before breaking down into her own set of tears. “What the fuck is going on?” You ask, but no one hears you. You absentmindedly follow a small trail of blood droplets to the bedroom, hoping to find the source of all this drama. You find Rarity and Rainbow Dash. Both of which covered in blood...just not their own. You see a tall bipedal creature with hands lying on your bedroom floor it's head resting in Rainbow's forelegs as she stared off into space. Is that...me? the creature looked like you. it was certainly human, but... “Oh ha ha. You got me, well done!” You congratulate them with a slow clap, but find silence, being your only response “Hello?” You are met with only the sounds of sobbing and screaming. “Answer me!” “Hello Anon.” You jump at the sudden voice, turning around to see the white mare from the woods, but now she was dressed entirely differently. A black hooded cloak covering her body as she held a scythe in her left hoof as she extended her right. Gazing up at you with a knowing smirk. “Maybe I should introduce myself again. Name's Grim...as in Grim Reaper.” You stare at the outstretched forehoof as she looks up to you with deep red eyes. You can only think of one thing at the sheer magnitude of the situation. The one thought that is bombarding your mind so loudly that you just have to let it out... no matter how pathetic you sound. “...oh Fuck.” Author's Note Wrote this to help with my Post traumatic exam disorder. (Seriously, fuck exams.) Maybe now I'll get some more writing done for my wonderful readers... *Cough*maybe*Cough* Thanks go to The Diplomat for editing. Stay awesome everyone ! Chapter one: This isn't happening.Author's Note Okay, I've figure out what I'm doing with this one. So before we begin, I've made a quick change to the last chapter. Anon didn't get decapitated... I figured it was a little too extreme and I just felt silly writing it. So other than that, new chapter tell me what you think(if ya want.) And stay awesome! Chapter one: This isn't happening. “No sign of forced entry...” This can't be happening. “...There appears to have been a struggle from the mess in the kitchen...” There is no conceivable way that this could be happening. “...Single knife wound to the lower back...” Why now? “...Victim dragged himself through the house...” Why me? “...Where he died in the bedroom...” What did I do? “...It would appear he attempted to call for help....” Inspector Hoofcuff lists off, going through the house periodically, taking not of every little dent and scrape that could be seen. Your friends has left, being forced out of the house by the guards now searching your home for clues. Hoofcuff points to the phone that hung from the receiver over he bedside table, playing the dull constant note of the dial tone, finishing his estimation. “...and he failed...” He finishes, looking over to the other guards questioningly. “...Anything else?” The other guards each shake their heads in denial before resuming their search of the home. Deming it unlikely that they are to find anything else, Hoofcuff claps his hoof on the floor, earning the attention of the guards once again. “Good. With that out of the way, I want photographs of the body where it is now and then I want it shifted to the hospital for autopsy, I need to know exactly how he died.” He orders the first guard, who salutes and trots out of the house at a brisk pace back to the guard station. He move to the second one, who tenses up under the gaze of the inspector. “I need you to get forensics down here. I want hoof prints, hair samples, Whatever you can find! I need it.” The guard salutes and follows out of the house after the first guard. Hoofcuff looks out the window to the crowd of ponies still outside the house and turns to the third guard. “But, before any of that, I want you to get those ponies, out there, gone...” His expression softens for a moments. “...and be gentle about it.” The third guard just nods his understanding before going outside to face the crowd. "And the rest of you, just continue to do search the home." Hoofcuff finishes. The remaining guards present continue to search the house as ordered. what did I do to deserve this? You think to yourself, still unable to comprehend what's going on. “Would, you stop pacing, you're irritating the hell out of me.” Grim calls, slumping in your dining room chair as she watches you have your little freak out. What' going on? I'm not dead, so what's actually going on? is this some kind of joke? a dream?... You continue to pace around your house, taking care to avoid any of the guards roaming about. Grim, however starts to get rather pissed off at this. "Anon!" ...and that was enough to set you off. You immediately sprint out the open door and into the streets outside, past the crowd of curious and worried ponies just outside. “Anon!” You ignore the shouts of the white mare as you continue to sprint down the streets, continuing to run, unsure of 'where to' or 'how long for'. Just run. “Anon, would you stop!” You don't, you just keep running, running for as long as you can. You get past the library, Carousel Boutique and even past Sugar Cube Corner. You keep running until you can no longer feel stone under your feet, but dirt and gravel and the buildings in your peripheral vision gave way to many trees and grass. However, eventually your “body” tires out on you, forcing you to stop and allowing for the white mare to come up behind you, her hood left down. “You done?” Grim asks sarcastically, smacking you on the back for good measure as she comes to a stop right next to you. With all of that energy out of your system, you allow yourself to fall back on your ass, your back leaning against a tree that just so happened to be nearby. Upon closer inspection, it would appear that in your panic you ran over to sweet apple acres, as every tree here is dotted with red and green fruits. You would be curious as to why you came here, but you were too busy trying to comprehend the idea that you might be dead and the very existence of the entity known as Death, who just so happened to be standing beside you. “So, Anon, how you doing?” said entity asks, leaning against the same tree, but in a much more relaxed fashion, he scythe leaning lazily in her foreleg and her black cloak, flowing gently in the breeze. The image sending chills down your spine. “How do you think?” You practically spit those words out. You look up to see Grim wearing a mock-quizzical expression, prompting you to continue. “You're telling me that I've died, and that I'm somehow a ghost now?” Grim cocks her eyebrow before shaking her head at your assumption. “Nah, you're just a soul going from this life to the next.” She beams matter of factly. "What's the difference?" Grim looks at you like you're stupid, before figuring out that you're serious. “If you were a ghost, then the ponies would be able to see you.” She says in deadpan tone. You look away to the distance. “Too bad I'm not dead then.” You state, causing the white mare to furrow her brow in confusion. “Come again.” “I'm not dead. I can't be.” “How?” You look to the white mare before thumping your chest twice with your fist. “because I'm still breathing and last time I checked, dead people don't do that.” Grim just shrugs her shoulders and wave off your comment with a hoof. “That's just your soul adjusting to what's happened. It'll fix itself in a few days.” “My soul?” You ask skeptically, not quite believing her statement. “Yes.” “My soul is confused?” “Yep.” “That's the best you could come up with?” Her nose scrunches up in confusion at your refusal to believe her words. “I'm not making it up Anon. You're dead.” She says a little more irritably. “okay then, how about this? I can't be dead, because I wouldn't be aware of being dead.” You say with a victorious smirk. Grim just looks at you like you've lost it. “How so?” “Well, seeing as in my body, there is my brain.” You say, Grim nodding along to see where you're going with this. “...And in my brain is my cerebrum and more specifically, my neocortex.” She nods, though still looking confused. “Well, that part of my brain is responsible for my conscious thought and if my body is dead, then my brain is dead, including my cerebrum, my neocortex and in conclusion I can have no conscious thought! So I'm not dead!” You say victoriously. Grim just connects her face to her hoof in irritation muttering something "oh god another smart ass." She looks up to you with a less than pleased expression. “Look, Anon, I get that you don't want to accept this, but you are. You're dead and no amount of logic or reasoning you think of will change that... and you're wrong. The brain isn't responsible for conscious thought...your soul is.” You take a moment to register what she just said, really thinking about the possibility... "That's fucking retarded." ...and file it away in the back of your mind under the heading 'bullshit.' "No it's not!" Grim counters, pushing herself off of the tree and stomping her hoof on the dirt below her. "You're dead! Nothing's going to change that!" She shouts, loosing all patients for you, it seems. And finally, you register what she's saying. You're dead?...no. No you can't be. You must be in a coma or a dream or something, but you're can't be dead...right? Seeing the conflict in your expression, Grim softens up a little. “Look Anon, we can stay here and debate the possibility, or we can spend your last five day doing something that matters more.” Grim says, leaning on her scythe as she stands in front of you. “Excuse me?” “What?” “What was that about five days?” You ask, standing to your feet. “Oh, everypony gets five days of aimless wandering, checking up on their loved ones and such, before a being taken to the afterlife.” She says simply as she starts to walk down the road into town, but she stops when she notices you're not following. “Or we can just go now?” You're having a tough time taking in all of this information at once. You're dead? You have five days before you go to the afterlife? Death is real? And she's a she? You start to hyperventilate, the sheer amount of information you have to digest was enough to make you panic. You can't do this! What's actually going on!? This can't be happening! There's not way in hell! You're NOT DEAD?! "Whoa there Anon." Grim says, leaning up and squaring her hooves on your shoulders. "Calm down." She says gently, looking into your eyes as you look back into hers. "Everything's gonna be alright...okay?" You take a moment to calm your nerves, before nodding your head and signalling for Grim to get off of you. No. You're not dead, but freaking out about this isn't going to help you in any way...but you do have a few questions for the white mae beside you. “So, let's say that I am dead... how did I die?” Grim looks to you in the 'are you serious kind of way' before saying. “I'm just guessing here, but I think you got stabbed.” She says sarcastically, starting to walk back into town. You deadpan, crossing your arms in irritation and following her. “Well duh, but by who?” Grim shrugs. “I don't know.” “You don't know?” You ask doubtfully, annoyed by her non-caring demeanor. “Nope.” “You're death.” You say in astonishment, completely confused at her lack of knowledge that she should have. “And that means I know everything?!” You can feel your right eye twitch as you try to comprehend what she's telling you. “Don't you...you know...aren't you there...when it happens?” Grim calmly shakes her head. “No. Why does everypony think that?” You furrow your brow in confusion. “Because you're death!” She gives you a death glare. a look which had a lot more impact, seeing as she is death. “Well, no. I just take the souls to the afterlife after five days.” She says matter of factly, continuing her walk down the road. This time you follow her, quickly matching her pace by her side. "I don't actually see them until they 'wake up'...like you did in the woods." She says irritably. "But..." "I don't know how you died." She interrupts, speaking through clenched teeth. You decide it's best just to leave it be, you really don't want to piss of the angel of death. So you continue to walk into town, dropping the subject all together. “You really aren't what I was expecting.” You say as the two of you reach the edge of Sweet Apple Acres. “Oh? How so?” Grim asks, her curiosity piquing. “I don't know, I was just expecting a tall skeleton with a deep ominous voice. Not a white mare with her hood down the entire time.” You say, absentmindedly keeping your distance. “Well, you get what you get.” She says simply. “Now, where are we headed?” She asks, stopping in the center of town, waiting for your response. “I don't know...I guess I should go home.” You didn't really want to, but you might as well. It's the only place you can think of at the moment. “Okay, just a sec.” She says as she taps her scythe on the brick road and it and the black cloak disappear. You stare at her for a moment as she stands there, looking just like a normal mare. “What? Like what you see?” She asks, trotting past you and on her way to your home. “I'm just curious as to why you were wearing your cloak and scythe before, but not now.” she shrugs again for a moment. “It's just to tell people that I'm serious. I don't really know where the whole cloak and scythe thing came from, but it gets ponies to believe me.” She says happily, beginning to trot happily towards your home. “One more question?” You say, following behind her. Grim rolls her eyes and continues on. “Go ahead.” “Where are all of the other dead people?” “Dead.” You stop in your tracks as grim looks to you questioningly. You just look at her with complete annoyance. “You know what I mean.” You state through clenched teeth. Grim struggles not to laugh at your expense, but manages all the same. “They're there. You just can't see them." She says matter of factly. "I can't see them?" Grim rolls her eyes and nods "That's what I said." "I don't think you get what I'm asking. WHY can't I see them?" "Because if you could see them, then I could see me...and then there's a BIG problem...get what I'm saying." "I don't understand any of that?" You say, confused. Grim stops and grits her teeth angrily as she comprehends your lack of knowledge. She turns around quickly and looks to you irritably. “Okay, this'll take a lot of explaining so listen up.” She says rather quickly, just wanting to get this out of the way. “There is more than one of us. One for each species of Equis. There's a spirit of death for the griffons, a spirit of death for the minotaurs, a spirit of death for the dragons and so on and so fourth...and Me? I'm the spirit of death for ponies...” She say informatively. Your eyes widen in comprehension as she continues to quickly speak. “The dead never see each other, because that would cause complications. In fact we don't even see each other...” She lectures on, you just stare on in bewilderment. “When the dead die, they have five days to make their piece before they go to the afterlife. We are here to make sure that happens.” “We are not restricted to time. I could be in the early days of pony civilization on moment and be in the last days the next. This means that I can be there every time a pony passes, it does not matter when they die. it also means that if the dead could see each other, then I could see me from another time and that would cause a paradox and other time travel related conundrums...” “and finally, no we do not all answer to one big death, we are all self reliant. Okay?” She says, standing up once again and huffing in relief. You just look at her wide eyed. “Why did you just tell me all of that?” You ask in confusion. “Because we'd be here all day if I just waited for you to get it...This just cuts straight to the point.” She replies simply. “now hurry up and let's get to your house...” She grumbles, turning around and trotting off. "But how did you know I'd ask all those questions?" "Because everypony asks those questions! Now hurry up!" Deciding not to piss her off any further, you follow. You continue to walk in silence as your house come into view. The crowd outside has considerably diminished. You can see Twilight speaking to one of the guards by the front door. At the sight of the scene in front of you, you take off towards the house. Grim doing nothing to stop you as she stays back and watches from a distance. You run right up to the teary eyed Twilight as she continues to question the guard pony. “S-So you think it was murder?” Twilight asks, fresh tears streaking down her face. “We aren't allowed to say anything at the moment ma'am.” The guard says sternly. As if this wasn't the first time he was asked. Twilight sniffles loudly but continues anyway. “...but surely you can...” “We aren't allowed to say anything at the moment ma'am.” The guard is starting to look more and more pissed off as Twilight continues to question him, slowly loosing his patients. “How can you not do anything to...” “Leave him be Twi...it's not his fault.” came the completely broken voice of applejack as she slowly exited the crowd, of which was starting to get word of what has happened to you. You can see the rest of your friends exit the crowd, just as depressed as their orange companion. “But we have a right to know. Anon would-” “Please Twi. Just leave him be.” Twilight just sighs heavily, before apologizing to the guard and trotting off in the direction of the library, the others in tow. you would have followed, but your heart was not in it. You stand next to the guard, who stood stoic as usual. You look to the door and then back to the guard. A small problem exposing itself to you... “Yo, what's taking so long?!” Grim shouts, making her way over. You look over your shoulder to speak. “The door's closed. Can't get in.” You turn around to face Grim, but when you do, you see that she has her hind hooves raised into the air ad s preparing to buck. "What? wait-!" *Thwack* You go straight through the door...but you don't feel anything. You're on your ass, but it doesn't hurt. You stand to your feet and look back to the undamaged door. You see just Grim's head and neck poke through the door comically. “What? Never seen a ghost movie before?” She had a shit eating grin plastered across her face as she asked that. You return with a calm (Pissed off*) stare. “You said I wasn't a ghost.” You say quietly, with as much venom as possible. Grim just shrugs and brings the rest of herself through the door and joining you inside. “Doesn't mean there aren't similarities.” She says matter of factly. You huff loudly, and walk further into the house. “It would help to know those similarities.” You whisper under your breath. “Yeah well, it'd be helpful if you didn't piss off whoever killed you, but that didn't happen.” You turn around and glare at the white devil. She holds her hooves up in defense. “Relax, it was a joke...besides, it's kinda true.” You grunt angrily. Who'd have known that death would be such a bitch. “Wow, this place is a dump.” She says, avoiding the small splotches of blood, scattered around the kitchen. “Well, sorry. I wasn't expecting visitors.” You say sarcastically. Grim just smirks and moves around the house nosily. You inspect the mess, your knives and other counter top items were all over the kitchen floor. A small amount of blood staining the hardwood beneath it. Whoever did it...did it here. But who... “Any news on suspects? The inspector asks, trotting out of your bedroom. “Not yet sir.” One of the guards responds. "Damn, then keep looking.” He orders, returning to the kitchen to inspect the same thing you were. “Is all of this blood the human's?” He asks. “As far as we can tell sir. I don't think that...” You tune out. Not really finding any answers from listening to them. You move in to your bedroom. Your body is still lying on the floor, but it has a black sheet covering it-him-you? “You alright there buddy?” Grim asks, trotting in after you. you look over your shoulder at the mare skeptically, before sighing heavily and hanging your head. “...no.” You say sadly. taking a seat against the wall and staring at the blanket-covered body before you. “Hey, don't worry. It's just the beginning for you.” She says, leaving a hoof on your shoulder comfortingly. “Grim?” “Yeah?” “If you're the god of death for ponies, then why are you here for me?” You ask quietly, the severity of the situation catching up to you. “...I don't know...I guess seeing as there's no human death, that this was the most logical.” For the first time since this morning, she sounds more like she cares for once. You look to the body on the floor again. “Why can't I feel pain?” You ask. Grim just looks to you in confusion for a moment, before getting what you're saying. “Strange...I would have thought that would have taken longer.” She says, punching you in the face. You glare at her for a moment, before realiZing that you couldn't feel it. “You didn't feel that?” You shake your head. “Interesting...I think your soul is adjusting to death faster than a pony normally would...” She says matter of facly. You just roll your eyes and let your head fall. “So I'm loosing my humanity faster than I thought...great.” Grim hits you in the shoulder. “Oh stop being so melodramatic. You still get your five days.” She stands up and holds her hoof out for you to take. “Now this is obviously too depressing and you're not doing anything productive. So I say we go see where your friends went.” She suggests, pulling at your arm to get you moving. “Why would I do that?” You ask, taking her hoof for her to pull you up. “Because I want to see how bad people feel about you being gone.” She says with a mischievous smirk. “Why?” “Just curious.” You groan heavily. “You're evil, you know that?” Grim just smiles the shit eating smile. "I'm death..." “Come on. You must be a little curious.” Grim pesters you as the two of you walk through Ponyville towards the library. “I would be if I was dead.” You state simply, trying not to think about all the evidence that suggested otherwise. “Urgh! Come on! I know you believe me now!” She shouts, stopping in her tracks as you continue on. “I don't believe you, I'm merely entertaining the thought.” “Then why are you still going to the library?” The statement is enough to stop you in your tracks. Why are you going to the library? If you don't believe you're dead, then why else would you want to go? “I-I-i'm going to see my friends.” You say more to convince yourself than the mare behind you and her lack of response is enough to show that she's gotten the answer that she wanted. You walk up to the Library door and knock, only for your hand to go through the hard oak wood. You sigh heavily and move through the door seamlessly. On the other side, you are met with only the sound of weeping. You see all six of your friends, dotted around the main room of the library and what you see almost rips your heart out. Twilight is reading books about the Equestrian mind, though she does it with an eerily serious look on her face. A look that is somewhat undermined by the matted fur beneath her eyes Rarity sits in the corner, bawling her eyes out, but given Rarity, you'd assume that one of her stitches didn't come out as proper as she wanted...at least you'd hope that was the case. Pinkie Pie, sits on the couch, trying desperately not to cry, but failing miserably as stray tears bubbled their way down her cheeks. the scene causing you to choke back a sob yourself. Fluttershy was asleep next to her, but you could tell that it was anything but pleasant as she tosses and turns with a pained expression printed on her face. You would hold her close if you could. Applejack was clearly doing the best out of the bunch as she went around trying to cheer everyone up, no matter how little success she had. Though you could tell that she was having a hard time herself by the distant look on her face. But Rainbow Dash, your bro, was doing by far the worst out of all of them. Her eyes are red and puffy, but her face shows no other emotion as she sits in the center of the room, staring at the front door...right at you and that scared you most of all. She stares almost straight through you. In fact, if you had not been certain that they couldn't see you, you would have greeted her. You almost break down from the mere sight of it. “Geez, who died.” Grim says humorously as she joins you. “...oh right.” And then she bursts into laughter. “Fuck off.” you say with little energy, too busy trying not to break down into tear at the sight in front of you. She stops laughing. “What? Too soon?” Your unfazed expression gives her your answer. “Man, tough crowd.” You ignore her and move over to the shell shocked Rainbow. She doesn't move, she doesn't even make a sound, she just... sits there “Hey dash.” You say, taking a seat right opposite her. “She can't hear you Anon.” Grim remarks, walking around the library. “I-I know...I just...” The words die in your mouth as Applejack approaches the two of you. Nudging Rainbow to get her attention. “Ya alright there sugarcube?” Rainbow remains quiet, refusing to say or do anything. “Sugarcube?” “He's gone.” Rainbow Dash whispers out. Fresh tears starting to well up in her eyes, her gaze still fixed on the front door. “Ah beg yer pardon?” “Anon...h-he's gone.” Applejack wraps a hoof around your bro as she continues to silently cry over your death you reach out to wipe away some stray tears, but your hand just goes through her... and that causes your own tears to spill, though they just evaporate into nothing...like they didn't exist. “There, there. Sugarcube. Everything's...g-gonna be alright.” Rainbow doesn't say anything, she just sits there crying silently into Applejack's shoulder. "WHO WOULD DO SUCH A THING!?!?!” Rarity bawls out, earning the attention of everyone present. Twilight looks up from her book for a moment, her expression completely emotionless. “I don't know, but I've got a few ideas...” She says, pulling out a large chalk board and hanging it up on one of the free walls. Everyone else, completely confused, puts their depression on hold to pay attention to the purple mare. Even Fluttershy woke up to see what she's getting at! “Okay then...” Twilight begins. “...why does one commit murder?” The way she said it was as if she is teaching a class of children, but there was something else there...anger? Everyone remains silent, nobody saying anything, until... “j-jealousy?” Fluttershy asks, but quickly shrinking down when all eyes were on her. “Yes.” Twilight quickly writes Jealousy onto the board. “What else?” “Anger?” Applejack suggests. “Good. What else?” “Insanity?” “Viable. Anything else?” “Self defense?” “True, but I don't think it's relevant to Anon.” “...rejection?” Everyone stops and looks to Pinkie Pie, seeing her depressed state dissapear for just a second to replace curiosity. “...Exactly.” Twilight writes another heading on the board. “And now I know there are others, but let's just work with these for now...” She underlines each heading and points to the first one. “Okay, now...who do you think would be jealous of Ano-” “Man this isn't good.” You say, standing to your feet. “How so?” Grim asks, nodding to the board. “You were the one who wanted to know who killed you.” “Yeah, but I don't think it's healthy for them to do this. They should be moving on.” “Well, I guess you're just the lucky one.” “WHAT?! HOW?!” Applejack shouts, standing to her feet and pushing her face right into Fluttershy's. The whole event bringing your attention back to the six mares. “I-I...w-well...I-I-I was just saying that...” “Leave her alone Applejack.” Twilight calmly commands, prompting an insulted look from the Apple farmer. “But, Twilight, did ya not hear what she said!? There's no way Big Mac coulda done it!” Applejack shouts, backing away from the terrified Fluttershy. “It's a possibility and there is a motivation...” Twilight says, drawing up Big Mac's name onto the board. “What motivation?!” “Oh come on AJ!” Rainbow shouts, finally finding her voice. “Ever since you started going goo goo eyes for Anon, you've not been the same! You've just been obsessing over him! Do you not think that your brother might have noticed!?” Applejack shoots a killer glare towards the bothered Rainbow Dash. “Well, she is correct?” Twilight announces, looking to the orange mare knowingly. “Whether he felt he was protecting you, or just trying to get you back to normal, he is still a possible suspect.” She says returning to her board. “B-But what about Rainbow!?” “What?!” “Ya know what ah mean. As far as ah can tell. Ya were the last one to see Anon last night and if ya ask me, that seems might' suspicious.” Rainbow stares at Applejack with slack-jawed horror. The other girls staying out of this. “How could you even say that?! He was my friend!” “Please stop this...” You croak out fruitlessly. “Well sorry, but if the boot fits.” Applejack says, turning her nose upwards. “P-please stop arguing...” You keep trying despite the fact that they can't hear you. “Oh yeah, well while we're on the subject of the boot fitting, you did leave the bar yesterday in a less that pleased mood about that order thingie. Didn't like the idea of not seeing Anon?” “Stop...please...” “Are ya sayin' what ah think yer sayin'” "Both of you, stop." Twilight attempts to break up the argument, but it proves fruitless to try. “I'm just saying that of all of us, you're the most likely.” “Oh ah am am ah?” Applejack says, moving up to the blackboard and pushing Twilight away, taking the chalk in her hoof. “Let's see, motivations? Ya'll want motivations? Rainbow was the last to be seen with him, maybe that and the fact that Anon never looked at her twice was probably enough to tell that she's the killer!” “what?” You ask, looking to Rainbow for confirmation. “T-That's not true...” “Oh ya know darn well that it is! Anon never looked at ya the same way. Anon didn't return yer feelings! And Anon didn't love you!” Rainbow Dash starts to heave back tears as she endures Applejack's assault. “Ya couldn't handle it so ya got him all liquored up and brought him home, where you borrowed one of his knives and killed him! Didn't ya! Ya killed him because ya were too weak to buck up and tell him ya loved him!” She shouts in her face. That was the last straw. Rainbow Dash's dam broke as she collapsed to the floor, sobbing hysterically. You just stood there dumbstruck. Rainbow Dash...had a thing for you?...how?...when?... Then it all dawns on you, the behavior, the way she nervously stuttered whenever she asked you to do anything with her...how could you have been so blind...and then everything you said to her yesterday...oh fuck. You probably crushed her. “Applejack!” Rarity exclaims, rushing over to the blubbering Rainbow Dash. "Well, ah'm just bein' thorough. I don' think that Ya are too innocent in all this either, huh Rares?" "What are you talking about!?" "Everypony stop!" Pinkie Pie shouts, her tone alone causing everyone to go silent. Grim pats your shoulder in congrats. "Wow, I've gotta hand it to you, I don't think anypony's death has ever struck this much depression. Well done.” She announces, trotting past you. “...shut up.” You say as you turn around and walk out the door. “aw come on man, it's just a-” “Just, shut the fuck up, Grim. I'm not in the mood.” *Knock* *Knock* You stop in your tracks as the door continues to knock. "C-Come in." Twilight calls. The door opening shortly after to reveal Inspector Hoofcuff, trotting in with a small notepad and pen in his magic. "Good evening ladies." The stallion announces, levitating the notepad in front of him. "I'm so sorry to bother you after the events of this morning, but I was hoping you could answer a few questions about last night..." Chapter Two: Some ClarificationSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter Three: Angry Men and Mares.Day Three In Equestria. *Clank* “Shit!” *Clank* “FUCK!” *Clank* “COME ON!” *Clank* “DAMMIT ALL!” No matter how many times you attempt to do so, you can't brake the bars that hold you in this cell. You still can't quite get your head around what's happened to you yet. It was only a few days ago; you were out for a light jog, along a route that you've taken countless times without incident, when out of fucking nowhere found yourself thrown into...wherever the hell you are! You mean it too, you were literally hurled, full force, into a tree. You think you might have passed out at the time, but Anyway! The first thing you saw was some weird wooden dog/wolf thing, sniffing at your prone form, probably trying to determine if you were good to eat. Naturally, your first instinct was to punch the strange wooden nightmare, right in the snout...that probably wasn't very wise of you... You put up a decent fight, all things considered. You managed to find a large stick and climb a tree quick enough to get out of harms way...after being pursued across what felt like miles of terrain. You thought you'd made the right call, but apparently attacking some gigantic wooden wolf thing that's trying to eat you is not the right thing to do in those situations, because when help arrived in the shape of half a dozen waist high horses -that apparently heard your screaming from their home- they felt that because you were able to fend off the gigantic wooden wolf thing, you were too dangerous to be allowed to move around freely. 'at least for the time being' as that stupid mayor person would have you believe. These horses have the worst logic you've ever heard of. And you haven't even gotten onto the fact that you're in a world of magical talking horses yet. “Would you fucking let me out!” You shout down the hall, going unanswered. “Sonuvabitch!” You decide to give up for now, falling back into your straw mattress - for a bed, or your dinner, you have no idea- opting to try again later. “You're not going to make any friends that way.” You jump from the sudden appearance of a sweet young voice around the corner from your cell. A purple unicorn horse thingy comes into view on the other side of the bars, nobody else joining her, just her. You don't know what to say...should you ask her name? What if it's not a she? maybe you should ask where you are? Or how you got here? How do horse operate the keyhole of the cell without hands? What is the purpose of the pile of hay? Are they even horses? No they can't be so what are they?...there start with that! “What the hell are you things?” You ask calmly, but that doesn't stop her from scrunching up her nose in offense. At least you manage to catch yourself, throwing up your hands in regret. “Sorry! I shouldn't call you things, but I've had a long couple of days and quite frankly I don't know what to call you.” You say a little nervously, play nice and maybe you can find away to dig yourself out of this chasm you've found yourself in. The purple horse smiles sweetly, sitting down comfortably as she answers. “Ponies...as in our species is pony, but my name is Twilight. Twilight Sparkle.” She says with a serene smile, studying you from a distance and you think up a response... oh what harm could it do? “I'm Anon. Anonymous Unknown.” You say, mimicking her tone of voice and extending your hand through the bar. Twilight retreats a little in fear of your alien appendage, but eventually calms down when you don't do anything. “..it's uh...nice to meet you?” You hold your hand there for a moment as Twilight keeps staring at it intently, studying every curve and bump and scrape. “You shake it.” You say, completely deadpan. That causes Twilight to snap out of her stupor. Taking a rather reserved sigh of resignation, she hesitantly extends her hoof forward so that it lightly touches your fingers, but is unsure whether to continue or not, obviously fearful of what you might do. “uh...?” You roll your eyes and extend your hands further out and gently wrap your fingers around the hoof, you can feel her tense up slightly, a sharp intake of air making it past her lips. Deciding not to torture her for too long, you shake it quickly then release. When your hand slinks back into the cell, you see her examining her hoof with a distant expression, not quite comprehending what just happened... “I... just... shook hooves... with an alien!” She speaks gleefully, bouncing on the spot. “I mean, what are the chances that your culture would have developed one of the same greeting as us?! What are the odds!?” She asks rhetorically, looking at you with fascination. You're starting to like this one. “I have to tell Celestia! She'll surely be fascinated by this discovery.” She shouts as she trots back down the corridor, out of sight, but you are quick to act. “Wait! Come back!” You hear the sound of her hooves stop dead, as she returns back around the corner, looking to you with a strange mix of curiosity, concern and a little bit of glee. “What is it?” She asks, curiosity prevalent in her voice. You look to the bars of the cell, then back to her. “Do you think you could get me out of this thing?” You ask, tapping one of the bars for emphasis, but her expression turns worried, staring at you for a moment. “I don't know. When we found you, you were...” “That was self defense, I swear! I'm not going to go about hurting anyone for no reason. Please, I just want to go home!” You plead, trying to appeal to Twilight's better nature, and for the most part, it seems to work. Twilight looks to her hooves in contemplation, looking back up to you after a solid minute of thought. “You promise to not hurt anypony?” She asks seriously. “Yes! Yes! I- wait, anypony?” You say with complete confusion, causing a sweet little giggle from the unicorn. “I'll ask Celestia about it, you don't seem like your gonna be trouble.” If looks could hug, she'd be pretty uncomfortable right now. “You may want to stop banging on the cell though, it's scaring the guards.” You smile back at her, grateful for the potential freedom. “Thank you. Thank you so much, Twilight!” Your gratitude gains another suppressed giggle from the purple mare. “Of course, Anon. I'll be right back.” She says as she leaves around the corner again. You turn around and take a seat on the hay. Maybe things will be okay... Present Day. “I swear, you're making a mistake!” Twilight pleads at the top of her lungs, but just ends up shouting to nobody. She's locked away in a cell for the night. The same one you were locked in when you first came here. Ironic, Twilight helped you then and technically, you're the reason she's in here now...Isn't life a bitch...or death. One of those two. “Wow, She just won't shut up, will she?” Grim remarks, covering her ears comically. “She's locked in a cell while some guards ransack her house. You'd be upset too.” You say matter of factly. For the past hour you're purple friend has been locked in the cell in front of you. You've heard your body has gone missing, but you haven't got any information other than that. Grim is being as helpful as she usually is, which is not very helpful and Twilight just yells at the top of her lungs to let her out. “So you think she did it?” Grim asks, hinting towards Twilight with an inquisitive look... You furrow your brows and look Twilight over. She's sitting on her rump as she holds the bars of the cell. A single metallic ring wrapped around her horn to suppress any magic she tries to use. She said she was trying to solve your murder and she doesn't seem to be the kind of person who would do such a thing. She can let things get out of hand sometimes, sure, but killing someone? No way. Not Twilight. “I believe her.” You say consciously. Grim just shrugging her shoulders and trotting on down the hall to alleviate her boredom. “Whatever, tell me if she says anything good.” You decide to shrug off her comment, instead applying your attention to Twilight, who is currently hanging her head against the bars defeated. Her mane disheveled, her skin tight burglar lies discarded in the corner of her cell and her eyes red and puffy from one of the many reasons they have to be that way. You sigh heavily. Your heart unable to be more broken after today's events. You kneel down so that you are eye to eye with her, or you would be if she knew you were there. You can hear her quiet breaths, fighting back tears. “Twilight?” You ask. She doesn't respond, but that's not going to stop you. “I know you can't hear me, but I just thought you should know...” You say gently, as if consoling a sick relative. “...I'm gonna find a way to help you. I'll fix this...some way. This whole thing will just be another strange occurrence that we can just laugh off in a few months. I promise.” Twilight doesn't even look up, but you feel better, like you have a responsibility now. A promise you have to keep. “...So don't get too comfortable, because you're not staying in this hell hole for long. I'll get you out, just like you did for me.” You smile down at her comfortingly, bur she does not return it, continuing to stare at the lower half of the wall behind you. “Are we gonna do something, or are you just going to be a sappy dick?” Grim asks, irritably. You groan from the interruption, but you get up all the same. “Would you shut the fuck up and just-” “Anon...?” You freeze solid. what the hell “...Twilight?” You turn back to the purple mare as she continues to hang her head in the dingy cell. “...I'm sorry.” She says regretfully. “Twilight?” You lean down to eye level with her, but she doesn't respond to your presence. “This is all my fault...” She says sadly, the atmosphere in the room dropping a few degrees. “Twilight, you should really dye your fur bright green and throw eggs at children.” “...that whole restraining order thing was my idea.” She forces out, practically a whisper. You sigh heavily, you guess she's just talking to air. “...maybe if we hadn't all gone out, you'd still be alive...maybe you'd be okay.” Her quiet, depressed demeanor is enough to make you want to just cuddle up to her, hold her until she's okay. Until she's happy again. Say what you will about the sex drive of these ponies, they sure do know how to draw sympathy from you. You reach your hand down to lift her chin up, to make her look at you, but your hand just fazes through her, causing a notable shiver to run through her form. “This is all my fault...I-I...” The rest of her confession is cut off as she fails to hold her composure and the previous day's activities finally catch up to her. She let's her legs fold up under her, deciding to lie on the cold hard ground, weeping silently, like so many others you've seen in the past day. “You sure she didn't do it?” Grim asks from behind you, seemingly listening in. You look to the mare in front of you and then to the mare behind you. You're too tired to deal with this. You sigh heavily, rubbing your hands over your face in frustration... “No. No she didn't.” You say simply, earning a raised eyebrow from Grim, but she knows better than to question it. You stand there for a moment longer, watching as Twilight cries softly into her hooves. The silence ringing out in your ears... strange. Shouldn't there be a guard or something? You look around the corner of the cell to see the one guard who drew the short straw that evening, asleep at the desk. You just sigh in knowing. It was probably for the best, it would be really bad if the guard heard her say that your death was all her fault when it clearly wasn't. Grim taps her hoof on the floor in annoyance. “So we've seen your little friend here, she's fine. Can we go now?” Grim asks, impatiently waiting for your response. “No, I think I'll stay a little longer.” You say softly, phasing through the bars of the cell and sitting next to your friend. “But, what about your body!? Don't you want to know where it is!?” Grim asks disbelievingly, Unable to comprehend your calmness of the situation. You just let out a long drawn out breath through your nose. “Not when my friend is trapped in a place like this.” You try to run your hand through Twilight's mane, but it just phases through again. You let out a sigh of defeat, looking back up to Grim. “Besides, the guards are on it, and whether they find it or not, they'll come back here. There's no point in wasting our time...” You notice that Twilight seems to be much more calm now. She lies on her belly with a distant look on her face, her fur matted and her chest gently rising and falling. Poor girl. She's had a long day. They all have. “I'd rather spend my time making sure they're okay. No matter what happens I'm still dead, it doesn't matter how or who.” Grim just shakes her head defiantly, not giving in to your views so easily. “But it's your body! If you find it, then you know who-” *SLAM!* The sound of the front door being slammed open startled the three of you as the sound of purposeful hoof steps make their way down the corridor. Each step is carried with confidence, arrogance and just a general knowing. Hoofsteps that anyone who didn't find something would never be carrying. You'd give yourself three guesses as to who it is, but you only need one. “Well, Well miss sparkle..!” Inspector Hoofcuff announced as he rounded the corner of the cell, showing a folder to the mare in question. “It seems you haven't been quite honest with us.” He says with a self satisfied smile that made you want to back hand him into oblivion. “What are you talking about!? I already told you; I had nothing to do with the murder!” She shouts defiantly, but Hoofcuff's expression doesn't falter, it only grows sickeningly with each passing syllable. What the hell did he find at the library? “Well, then, my dear, would you care to explain these photographs, I found in your home...” He waves the folder in the air for emphasis, causing Twilight's eyes to widen in fear, but she remains defiant. “I-I don't know what you're talking about.” She says matter of fact. Causing the inspector to grin, like a child who's been allowed to open their first Christmas present. “Well then, allow me to enlighten you.” He says joyously as he throws the folder onto the floor, spilling out all of the contents inside. Twilight's eyes widen as photos spread out across the floor, photo's of you. “Have a little bit of a fascination with the victim did we?” The photos varied in context, but they were all of you. You couldn't believe this. Where did she get these?! Some of the photographs were completely innocent, friendly pictures of you and Twilight, group photos and even a few single shots of just you, but others were not so innocent. There were photos of you in the shower and getting dressed. There was even one of you in a more...personal situation when you thought you were alone. “Jesus Christ.” You breath out. You can't help but feel betrayed. Twilight had been stalking you and you didn't even realize! “Wow...I...Oh wow.” Grim's eyes glance over the pictures, trying hard to remain professional, but her definitive blush betrayed her. “Stop looking at my junk!” You snap, earning a rather guilty look in return. “Sorry.” “Well, Miss Sparkle?” The Inspector asks, but Twilight remains silent, keeping her eyes fixed on the opposite wall. Hoofcuff, not liking that one bit, decides to move himself right into her field of vision, baring down on the guilty mare. “Here's what I think happened...” The inspector begins, inquisitively. “...I think, that you grew rather attached, to Mr Unknown here.” He taps one of the pictures for emphasis. “...so much so that you began to obsess over him.” You want Twilight to explain herself, you want her to say that they weren't hers, but Fluttershy's or Applejack's, but...no. She just stays silent, allowing the Inspector to continue. “...I believe that when he came to you, asking for help with his mare troubles, you finally got it into your head that he wasn't going to ever be yours! That you couldn't have him! And that's when it snapped. You decided that if you couldn't have him nopony could, is that it!?” Twilight, finally looks up in shock, staring right at the inspector. “No! I-I...I didn't kill him! I wouldn't do that to anypony! Especially not Anon! I swear! You have to believe me!” Twilight begs, but the inspector remains cocky in his interrogation. “So you are saying these aren't yours?” He asks. You hang on every word, watching Twilight, but she remains silent. “Were these Photographs taken by you!?” Twilight hangs her head in shame. “...yes.” And with that, any resemblance of trust you ever had is destroyed, crushed and incinerated. You feel hollow, like someone's ripped out your stomach. “Well I believe this is enough evidence to warrant your continued detainment, Miss Sparkle.” He said, rather proudly. “...b-but I didn't-” “Well, unfortunately, you have no evidence to prove that, do you? and you are still technically under arrest, so for now you will remain he-” The inspector is interrupted by the appearance of the Guard who was asleep at the door, now fully awake, wide eyed and panicked. “Sir!” He offers a quick salute, but the panicked expression on his face showed that formality is the last thing on his mind. He doesn't give Hoofcuff a chance to respond. “...The Princess, She's here!” At this news, the inspector doesn't even flinch. He just straightens himself up, not even bothering to move the pictures from the floor. He prepares a toothy smile, before replying. “Feel free to send her in.” The guard audibly gulps, clearly afraid of something. After just a few seconds, Celestia herself takes his place, clearly not impressed at the situation at hand. “Inspector.” She speaks, no malice or pleasure, just plain acknowledgment. Hoofcuff simply bows politely at her presence. “Your majesty, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.” He says. Rather extravagantly, either being too much of a kiss ass, or he's taking the piss. Either way the Princess doesn't call him out on it. She just rolls her eyes at the display and gets right down to business. “I understand that you have detained one of my students.” She questions, looking down at Twilight, who is refusing to meet her gaze, eyes fixed shamefully on the pictures scattered across the floor. The gray stallion raises from his bow, standing up straight once again. “Ah yes, I believe that Miss Sparkle is a prime suspect in the murder of Anonymous Unknown.” He begins, earning a rather heated look from Celestia. “Well, whether that be the case, or not, as my personal student, I am ordering her immediate release.” She says with the grace of a politician. Hoofcuff, however doesn't even flinch. “But Princess, I must insist that the suspect remain here. It is highly unorthodox to release a suspect, just because the Princess is her mentor. What if she were to flee, or-” “I am sure you are aware that it is possible to pay a fee towards her release and in doing so, she would be subject to certain laws and rights.” Celestia says sternly, but caring. An impossible mix that only the greatest of leaders can conceive. The inspector tries to stand his ground, standing up tall to the Princess of Equestria herself. Celestia however just quirks an eyebrow. “Do I have to write up a new law, right now?” She asks, trying to stifle the shit eating grin that's trying to worm its way onto her muzzle. At her show of power, the inspector merely grumbles under his breath before levitating a key over to the cell door and opening it. Leaving Twilight free to leave, after he removes her magic inhibitor. She doesn't say a thing, slowly standing to her hooves and walking away from the cell that holds her. Celestia, being the caring mother figure that she is, wraps a wing around her pupil, escorting her out of the building, leaving you, Grim and Hoofcuff alone. Once he hears the front door close shut, he slams his hoof into the brick wall behind him. “BUCK!” He screams, Bucking the cell door shut with a loud bang. “I can't believe this!” “Sir?” “That...That whorse! She thinks she can escape the law just because she's got friends in high places! Well, we'll see about that!” He says sinisterly, turning towards the rookie guard and jabbing a hoof in his direction. “Search every one of her friends houses, starting with the Rainbow one! If there's anything to bring that bitch in, I want it found!” the young guard offers a snappy salute and a quick 'yessir' before trotting off, back to his desk, leaving the Inspector to retreat to his office to brood in his defeat. You remain in the cell, sitting in thought over what has just transpired. Doing so, however, brings out concern in the white mare behind the bars “Anon?” Grim gently questions, sitting beside you. “I can't fucking believe this.” You say, completely emotionless. “I thought you'd be happy she got out.” Grim tries to comfort you, but it only draws further attention to the matter. “It's not that. It's those!” You say, much more malice in your voice, pointing to the photos that Hoofcuff left behind. “The pictures?” You shoot Grim an obvious glare, trying your hardest to restrain your emotions. “Yes. The pictures. I thought that she was different. I thought that she was normal, but...she was stalking me. The whole fucking time.” Grim tries to rest a hoof on your shoulder, but you quickly swat it away. “This whole fucking time I was feeling sorry for these ponies, but they were all part of my misery weren't they?!” “You don't know that.” Grim tries to reason, but you refuse to listen. “I wouldn't be surprised! They all apparently felt that way! Heck, maybe Rainbow was the one who kept stealing my underwear! She clearly had all the opportunity to, when she crashed at my place all those times after so many I'm so FUCKING tired! Let me sleep here!'” Grim winces at your tone, but does nothing to stop you, probably knowing she can't. “And then there's Pinkie. Heck she probably had a whole spying business made around me! She had all the equipment! And she could get just about any-fucking-where! Heck, maybe she was the one who stole my fucking body! Would you be surprised?! She could do that!” You don't allow her to respond as you storm out, through the cell doors, through the corridor, and out through the front door, outside once again, where Twilight sits next to Celestia, crying into her chest, seeking comfort. You'd care, but you're too pissed off. “What else! Maybe they were all working together! Maybe Rainbow stole my underwear to get me to go see that fucking pervert Rarity! Wouldn't that be a fucking twist and then she would get me nice and naked for Twilight Stalker over there! Who would then sell the picture to fucking Fluttershy who would somehow use them to figure out which fetish to proposition me with. Then Applejack would move in to try to widdle me down somehow, by trying to rape me! And then while I'm distracted by the two of them, pinkie Pie would sneak in and set up whatever stupid shit she'd want to, in turn making the whole stealing my underwear easier for Rainbow Dash! I'm fucking sick of these fucking horses! I fucking hate all of them!” You scream to the heavens, panting in irritation as you allow your rant to subside and the excess adrenaline to seep from your system. You fall to your knees in despair, breathing heavily through clenched teeth. “You really believe that?” Grim asks condescendingly, subconsciously breaking you out of your angered state. “No.” You admit pitifully. “So what now?” Grim asks, causing you to wonder. You look back to Twilight as she speaks with Celestia, and then back to Grim. A dark glare etched onto your face. “Fuck this, Let's go find my fucking body.” So with that, to Pinkie's place. “Anon, would you calm down?” Grim pleads, concern and panic evident in her voice. You just keep walking, keeping to your heavy pace. Grim keeps trying to get through to you, but you just ignore her. You walk straight through the door to Sugarcube Corner without hesitation. You said Pinkie could have been the one. Might as well start with her. The whole building is completely desolate. All of the kitchen looks to have been abandoned, baking equipment strewn about all over the place. The sound of ponies, which you are usually greeted with, is replaced with an eerie silence. The cake twins probably asleep, along with their parents and Pinkie Pie. The light's are on though, so there's that. “So...where do you think it is?” Grim asks quietly, You respond with the same dark tone as before. “No idea. I'll search the basement, you have a look around the kitchen.” You move towards the door leading downstairs, Grim traveling into the kitchen, her scythe in hoof. You only question it for a second, before you faze through the door, and find yourself at the top of the stairs, the lights switched off. Since you can't see a thing, you just faze back through, into the main room of the bakery. “You okay over there?” Grim calls from what you'd assume was the top of the stairs. “I can't see shit.” You say irritably. “Oh, hold on a sec, I can fix that.” She says happily, before trotting over to beside the door. You watch with curiosity as she wedges the blade of her scythe into the door handle and pulling. The weight being enough to pull the handle and allow the door to open slightly. Grim finishes up with a proud little smile as she gauges your reaction...which is, much to her surprise, not good. “You can do that?!” You shout in disbelief. “You could do that this whole fucking time!?” Grim merely smiles sheepishly, her scythe evaporating into thin air once again. Probably so you don't try to shove it down her throat. “Well, it's not what you think, it only-” “Just shut up. Shut the fuck up!” You say darkly, the anger brewing inside of you, threatening to boil over. You storm past her and into the basement, Grim taking extreme care to stay out of your way. The additional sliver of light, illuminates the room just enough for you to see faintly what's inside. You make your way down the oak stairs, seeming to glide down effortlessly. There's nothing here. Just labeled boxes, a few sacks of flour and what would appear to be a freezer...well, if anywhere... “Grim, open this would you.” You say darkly, malice dripping from your voice, but you don't see Grim anywhere. She's disappeared from the doorway. “Grim!” At the sound of your voice, her head pops through the crack. Her expression looks irritated above anything else. Probably has something to do with your tone. “What?” “I need this open.” You say simply, unable to contain your frustration. Grim either doesn't notice or doesn't care as she descends the stairs, summons her scythe, and uses it on the freezer door. The lid opens without a hitch. You let the freezer open completely before looking inside. The mere thought of something grotesque being stored inside, being enough to give you cold feet. “Just fucking look!” Your sight bounces off the contents off the freezer for a millisecond. Your breath releasing slowly in relief. “Nothing.” You declare with relief. Gesturing for Grim to close it once again. With nothing in the basement, you return to the kitchen. You find that Grim has all of the cabinet doors open, clearly displaying their contents to the world. “Nothing?” You ask, very little emotion in your tone. “No, just foodstuffs.” “What about the fridge?” “Same there. Nothing out of the ordinary. I guess there's nothing here.” Grim concludes You look to the stairs to the next floor, a knot steadily forming in your stomach. “No. There's one more place to check.” Grim doesn't respond, she just follows quietly as you climb the stairs, the usual creaking of the wood under your feet is absent, as you progress, you can't even hear the gentle sounds of snoring. The deathly silence is starting to disturb you, until you hear the crying. That sound. Just from the last day alone, you really hate that fucking sound! It appears to be coming from Pinkie's room and it has a more frantic sound to it. High pitched breaths. Trying to choke out the sobs, but ultimately failing. The door to Pinkie's room is just beside the stairs. The dark purple wood, decorated with hastily drawn balloons usually brought out some form of calm from you before, but not this time. Now you feel like you are about to walk into a slaughterhouse. Behind these balloons, there could be the most horrible sight you've ever imagined. She could be crying about anything and that scares you. So with hesitant steps, you slowly walk through the door, the wood passing over you like water around a rock. You get your first good look at what's inside and your breath catches in your throat. Refusing to believe what you are seeing. “Jesus Christ!” You proclaim. Grim, charges in shortly after, only to stop at the scene in front of you both. In the corner of the room, sits Pinkie Pie, flat mane and all. A long cutting knife held in her hoof, drawing a shallow scar into her other foreleg, tears streaming down her face, crying loudly as the blood seeps out from under the stainless steel. A small hiss emanating from her mouth as the pain reaches her brain. “Pinkie!?” You exclaim, quickly walking forward as she lines up the blade on another piece of uncut flesh. “She can't hear you.” Grim says matter of factly, but you refuse to listen. “Pinkie, put down the knife.” Pinkie pulls the blade across, leaving another shallow cut in her flesh. She lines up another one. “Pinkie!” You try to grab the blade, but your hand goes through it. “FUCK!” Why do you keep forgetting that?! You look back to Grim. Or more accurately, her scythe. “Grim, you have to help me!” You cry out pleadingly. Grim just looks at you in bewilderment. “What do you want me to do?” She ask. Her response causes you snap and loose your composure. “YOUR FUCKING SCYTHE, DIPSHIT! GET HER TO STOP THIS!” You scream, desperate to stop your friend from hurting herself. “I can't. We're not allowed to interfere. I can't jus-” You don't have time for this. You stand up and quickly run towards Grim, but before you can grab the Scythe, she vanishes it! It's very existence evaporating into thin air. You stop in your tracks, staring at the empty space where the scythe used to be. You must be showing anger in your features, because Grim is quick to try to talk you down. “Now Anon, You need to remain calm. I know it doesn't look like it, but-” You must actually be angry because the next thing you knew, you have Grim pined up against the wall by the scruff of her neck, your eyes glaring into hers with seething rage. “Anon, you're hurting me.” She grunts out, but you don't let up. “Get. Her. To. Stop!” You spit, Grim not giving in. In fact she's looking like this is more of an inconvenience to her than anything else. “Put me down.” She demands, every word laced with her authority. “Give me the scythe!” You scream back, not having any intention to let her go without it. “NO!” She shouts in an almost echoing voice and in the next split second, she's on fire, her skin and muscle melts away to reveal a red hot skull, burning so hot that you're forced to let her go and tumble back onto the floor. This is more like what you were expecting. “What the fuck?!” You exclaim, but Grim only seems so advance on you, angry glare burning into your soul. Her every feature is gone. The flaming bones being the only things left intact. Her cloak from earlier has materialized and now gracefully covers her body, adding to the whole demented spirit image. “YOU ARE NOT IN CONTROL OF ME, ANONYMOUS UNKOWN! I AM DEATH, I AM THE OBJECT OF YOUR DEMISE! YOU ARE TO RESPECT ME OR BE DAMNED TO TARTERUS FOR ALL OF ETERNITY!” She pounces, pinning you to the floor as her burning hot aura bears down on your very soul. Her eyeless sockets staring down at you as you try to wriggle free. For a moment, you are just left staring at her, the darkness that encompasses you, frightens you to no end, but you bear with it. After a few moments of complete fear, her form reverts back to normal. A bright flash of blinding white light graces your vision before allowing you to see her once again, staring daggers at you, fur and all. “Are we clear!?” She asks, her voice once again normal. You can't help, but feel that stubborn instinct kick in, you have to do something, but at the moment she's holding all of the cards... “...Crystal.” You say with a taut voice. It's enough for Grim however as she lets you free. You are left glaring at the angel of death, your eyes locked in a angry staring match, desperate to not be the first to break. Until a feral cry is heard behind you as Pinkie throws the blade to the floor, discarding it some distance away from her as she wails into her crossed forelegs, clearly ashamed of what she's done to herself. “Come on. Your body's not here.” Grim grunts irritably as she turns towards the door. You don't respond. You just stand there, watching as the red of the blood spills out of her foreleg and onto the hardwood floors. “I can't.” You whisper painfully. Grim becomes irritated by your stubbornness as she just groans and turns to you. “Anon, there's nothing you can do. any-” Unfortunately for her, you've just about had enough. “Just because you've never had a friend, doesn't mean I have to abandon mine!” You shout at Grim in anger. You expected a similar expression of rage from her, but instead you actually see she's apparently hurt by your remark. Well done, asshole. No. You're not giving in to this...thing. Grim responds first. “You're mad, I get that, but taking it out on me isn't-” “How's about you shut the fuck up! I'm fucking sick of you trying to act like you care! You don't! I'm not leaving my friend alone! Do you fucking understand that! Now either fuck off, or shut the hell up, because I'm done talking to you!” You finish your rant by taking a seat on the floor, next to Pinkie Pie, watching her as she silently cries into her forelegs. Grim appears to reluctantly respect your wishes, remaining silent while you sit here, just waiting for something to happen. The next couple of hours are just as awkward as would be imaginable. Pinkie must have fallen asleep at some point, her abused foreleg, hanging in plain sight of both you and Grim. The white mare herself was ignoring it, opting to silently stare at you with malice. Her cloak still wrapped across her back, her scythe still not with her. She only needs her eyes Those red. angry eyes. She's clearly pissed, but what do you care. That mare has been a bigger burden on you by the day. She's lied to you, she's allowed your friends to suffer, but worst of all; She doesn't care. You don't feel any remorse over what you did, but her staring is starting to get irritating. “Got something you want to say?” You spit out coldly. Grim doesn't respond, continuing to stare at you argrilly. “Well, I'm sorry for trying to help my friend.” Your comment causes Grim's angry demeanor to switch to confusion. You don't stop. “I'm sorry that when I was forced to watch my friends suffer, I couldn't help. I'm sorry that when you offered me a sliver of hope, I tried to grasp it!” Grim flinches slightly, but you still don't stop. “And I'm sorry that when you cruelly took away that hope, I snapped! Yes, I'm so fucking sorry!” Having finished, you shuffle in your place as the awkward silence sets in. the best thing now is to remain quiet. You don't want to dig too deep now, do you? “I'm sorry too...” You lift your head up in shock, not believing your ears. You see Grim looking down at her hooves in shame. “...I guess I just forgot how hard this is for you, and I shouldn't have reacted the way I did...But please understand that I can't do anything...” Is she fucking with you? You'd think so, but from the sound of her tone, her apology would appear to be genuine. You can't help, but let out a remorseful sigh as you try to think up a response. “I don't know. How am I suppose to take this? You said we couldn't do anything back at the library, or my house...but you have that scythe...it can interact with the world, why can't we use that?” You ask remorsefully, unable to keep the feeling of betrayal down. At the mention of her trusty tool, Grim forces the Scythe into existence once again, the tool falling into her hooves without a sound as she inspects it. “It doesn't work like that...” She says regretfully, looking up at you with sorrow. “every time I use thing, the living world reacts accordingly, like when I opened the door downstairs. so when you see me opening a door, the living world sees a chain reaction of coincidences...do you understand?” You furrow your brow in confusion, a few questions burning in your mind. “But I didn't see anything?” your question causes Grim to give you a appologetic smile. “sometimes it can be subtle, like changes in air pressure or wind, it's not always that obvious.” You just furrow your brows in further confusion. “That's awfully convenient.” Grim shrugs ignoring your comment, continuing to inspect her scythe. “But this thing doesn't have that much power, it does have it's limitations...” “Like what?” You ask, more skeptical than curious. Grim just inspects the blade once more before responding. “Well, the blade is the only part that's enchanted, meaning that you can't grip anything and to avoid contacting the living, the blade doesn't actually leave a mark anywhere in the living world...that and we're just not allowed to interfere with the living world in the way you're thinking, or we cease to exist and someone else takes over.” Grim finishes, looking to you expectantly. “but that doesn't-” “Please, it's hard to explain.” Grim pleads, practically disarming you. So you shelve it for now. “So what's the point of it then? If you can't actually do anything with it?” Grim responds with a rather sinister smile, a smile that send a fearful chill down your spine. “Because that's only a bonus of having this, it's main purpose is to send ponies to Tartarus.” ...and now you were terrified, if that thing could do that, then you really need to be careful around Grim from now on. You see the light from the rising sun trail across the floor, the sounds of the birds singing usually pissed you off, but now, you were glad to hear the annoying little fucks. The last time you heard them, was probably yesterday and you weren't paying much attention to them, all things considered, but now they serve as a reminder...that all things go on, even after your death. Wow, what a bummer. “I think she's going to be okay.” Grim says, gesturing towards Pinkie Pie. You look over to her to see that she's snoring away, as she sits in a fashion similar to a drunk that's fallen asleep while sitting down, her bloodied foreleg has clotted up and though she will need to clean it later, it doesn't look too bad. You think the knife was clean. “Yeah...” You agree, still a little hesitant to leave her. She was one of the ones you liked after all. It was unfair to judge her like you did. “Are we okay?” Grim asks, her expression one of hopeful worry. You sigh heavily in thought. You have got to practically live with this mare fore the next four days... “Yeah, sure...” You say, your heart not really into it. It's been a long day and an even longer night. “Where to next?” Grim asks, walking towards the door. With one last glance in Pinkie's direction, you follow, not much you can do anyway. “So why are we here?” “If you'd known Fluttershy beforehand, you'd know.” You say fazing gently through the door to another pitiful sight; on the sofa, lies Fluttershy asleep, but her face scrunched up in discomfort, obviously having a bad dream of some sort, an occasional twitch or flinch to support that theory. The light from Celestia's early morning sun, seeps in through the window, basking the room in a warm loving glow, providing a clear contrast to the scene it's illuminating. The many animals around the cottage, are all sitting in their little groups watching intently as they await the mare to wake up. From your best guess, you'd say they looked pretty hungry. A guess that is proven when you see a group of them, trying to tear into a burlap sack of food. “So where would she hide it?” Grim asks, idly searching the nearby rooms for anything suspicious. “I don't know, there's only like four rooms in her house, so this shouldn't take long. You look down here, I'll check upstairs.” You inform, already making your way up the oak steps. You wonder how your feet don't just go straight through them like they would the door, but you just shoulder it for now. You'll ask Grim later. The upstairs is as it's always been, not changed since the last time you were in this house... now that's a scary thought. It's been months since you've been here. You haven't even seen Angel in ages. The house feeling rather alien to you. You guess Fluttershy's antics kind of acted as a deterrent towards this place for the last few months and to be honest, you'd never imagined you'd be here again. Well, no use dwelling on it now. You first take a look under the bed, the covers undisturbed, Fluttershy obviously opting to sleep on the sofa last night. You check the en suite...nope. No decomposing bodies in the bathtub, just the horrible smell of animals, obviously the source of many a dog bath in it's time. Next is the...well...that's it. Fluttershy's house is Pretty small. It's not like there are many places she could hide your body...if it was her. So without finding anything, you descend the staircase once more. From the lack of any shouting, you assume Grim hasn't found anything either. “Found anything?” You ask. “Nope.” Simple enough. The downstairs is similar to the upstairs, the entire place is spotless, not a single sheet out of place, or even a stain. The house is as clean as they come. You can never do anything about that smell though...That horrible, Disgusting Smell, that stings your nostrils with every breath. The smell of animals. It does beg the question though; where does that smell come from? The house is clean, the animals are clean – as far as you can tell – so where...? You see it. The putrid smell finally making sense. The burlap sack. It's that industrial all brand pellet mix that Fluttershy only keeps for emergencies. The thing only seems to smell worse every time you notice it. Like processed bile, coated in sulfur, and packed inside someone's colon – Or Quorn...either comparison would suffice – But that doesn't stop the various animal inhabitants of the cottage from trying to rip open the burlap sack to get to the foul smelling nourishment inside. They must really be hungry. “I don't see anything here either.” Grim remarks, coming back from her sweep of the floor. You just shrug it off with an acknowledging grunt, your attention being drawn to the little white bunny, gently rocking his owner awake. Deciding you really should check up on her, you move to stand beside her, watching as she begins to stir from her slumber, her eyelids flickering open to reveal the teal beneath as she begins to take in her surroundings. For a moment, she looks normal. Not the weeping mare from yesterday, not even the stalker you had to deal with for the past several months...she looked normal. Like the friend you made when you first came here. You've missed her. The image brings a small smile to your face. It's been so long. But it doesn't last. Because the next moment she seems to remember what's happened to you. She seems to remember that the horrible dream she just had, wasn't just a dream. You watch as the beautiful teal eyes begin to water once again as she covers them with her hooves and begins to weep frightfully, turning her back to the rest of the world as she seeks safety in the back of the sofa. Angel tries to nudge her shoulder, to try and indicate that he and his animal friends are hungry, that they haven't eaten in an entire day...but Fluttershy just ignores his prodding, opting to weep even louder into her hooves. One more prod from Angel... “GO AWAY!” She screams, causing you to flinch back in fright. Angel also jumps from the sofa in fear. Fluttershy has never screamed like that... “JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!” She's now full blown wailing into her hooves now. “Just leave me alone!” Usually the sight would break your heart, cause you to feel guilty, but now...? No you're sick of this. “Oh for fuck sake! Feed your fucking animals!” You burst out, swearing to the heavens. Much to the confusion of your white companion. “She's grieving for you, Anon.” Grim informs, causing you to switch your angry gaze to her. “Well she shouldn't! I'm an asshole! I never returned any of her feelings! Or any of them for that matter! I treated them all like shit! So why do they all insist on treating my death like a big deal!” Grim's switches to sheer shock from your statement. “You can't honestly believe that...?” “I just don't think I'm worth all this!” You flail your arms around exasperatedly, causing Grim to take a cautious step back from you. “You need to calm down, Anon...you can't-” You hold your hand up to shut her up, which she does. You have an idea. “I know, I know. I just need some fresh air...” Grim is all too quick to jump at the idea, not even noticing your sudden mood change. “Yeah sure, let's just go outsid-” “I'm not leaving her, just open a window.” At your rather calm suggestion, Grim's Scythe reappears in the air, allowing her to catch it and trot towards the window. You however have other ideas... With Grim distracted, you snatch the scythe from her grasp. Her reaction is almost comical. A brief stage of confusion at the sudden loss of her tool, and then pure, unadulterated rage at the realization of where it went. She glares you down, her black mane beginning to singe at its ends. You'd assume that's because she's about to go demented hell spawn in a minute. Any other man would be terrified by her angered glare, her all powerful attitude, but you? No. You're just sick of this shit. You swing the scythe around as fast as you can, impacting it into the side of the burlap sack, causing it to tip over and upon impact with the floor burst open and release its contents. The many animals of the cottage seize their opportunity and swarm the food, starting a frenzy right there on the floor. Grim however has other things on her mind. “Give. That. Back!” She orders, on the verge of exploding at you. You look at the scythe once more, inspecting its long, slender, handle and sharp, shiny, blade. This thing could send anyone to Tartarus. It can interact with the real world and it is quite possibly the most dangerous thing you have ever held. “Sure.” You toss the Scythe on the floor, effectively disarming Grim's rage. She stares at it on the floor for a few seconds in bewilderment, while you exit through the door, staring at the sun as it is still low in the sky. “What in the name of Celestia's teats, was that?!” Grim screams, also coming through the door. “I fed the fucking animals. What did it look like?” You reply condescendingly, earning a frustrated growl from the white mare. “We're not allowed to interfere with the world of the living!” she growls out, Anger very much evident. “I couldn't trust you not to fuck with me again...” You imagine Grim's face is pretty pissed right now, but you're making a point of not looking her in the eye. A sentiment that appears to be pissing her off even further. “Anon, I'm not 'fucking' with you, I'm merely obeying the rules...” “What rules?” You ask, finally looking at her. “The rules of death? Have you ever heard of something so fucking stupid?” Stop digging, Anon. “For all I know, this is just a fucking game to you! You're just playing with me because I have no choice but to play by your rules!” And that did it. “The ways of death and the afterlife have to follow strict code. No interfering with the world of the living no-” “Code? Rules? None of what you've told me makes any sense!” You say solemnly. “Why would I be forced to watch my friends suffer without being able to do anything...” “You've asked that already!” “...I haven't gotten an answer yet.” You respond, hanging your head in defeat. At that, Grim keeps quiet, allowing the two of you to bask in the suns warmth, waiting for the next thing to happen. The gentle sunlight seeping over the horizon, gives you a realization. “I'm only going to see that sunrise four more times...” You say changing the subject. Grim just nods. “...do you think I'll see them again...my friends, I mean?” She doesn't respond, sparing you of her answer. The two of you spend the next few minutes watching the horizon. The sun climbs into the sky, the town waking up once again to a new day. Hopefully today will be better than yesterday. “You could leave, ya know?” Grim suggests, offhandedly. “...you keep complaining about being forced to watch all of this happening, but you could just leave now... so why don't you?” You don't know. How would you? They were your friends, but they made your life hell...why can't you just cut them loose? You're about to respond, when the sky explodes with color, the many different hues of the spectrum bursting out from a single source as a similarly colored rainbow trail follows from the center. “A Sonic Rainboom?” You whisper to yourself, the shock wave of color flying over your head. “What does it mean?” You watch as the rainbow trail flies into the distance, towards the other side of town. This can't be good. A sonic Rainboom takes a phenomenal amount of speed to accomplish and given the state Rainbow Dash was in last night, you'd assume she'd be unable to muster up the motivation to do so on her own. Which only means one thing; Rainbow Dash is angry. Really, Really angry. “Where to then?” Grim asks, almost sensing your thoughts. “I have a feeling that we're going to need to go there.” You say, pointing to the end of the Rainbow. Author's Note I swear there are only so many ways someone can write that someone is crying, before they get bored of it. Chapter Four: Things Keep Escalating.Day Thirty Seven In Equestria “Could you take this out to the northern orchard to Applejack?” Big Mac asks as he loads the wagon full of empty baskets for you to take to the field. It's been a busy day and you've barely started. The early morning sun shines through the barn doorway, giving the place a rather serene golden glow to it. Big Mac taps on the side of the wagon twice for emphasis, turning and walking away to resume whatever it is he needs to do. “Sure, I'll be quick.” You say happily as you grab the specially designed handle of the wagon and drag it out of the barn, earning an absent minded nod from the red stallion. “Eeyup.” That's all he says before you leave. Since you've started working here, Sweet Apple Acres has become your favorite place in Equestria so far. It's quiet, it's warm and the smell is always fresh. The wagon wheels churn through the grass, making your journey a little bit difficult, but not too bad. You've been working here for about nine weeks now and you have to say, you've gotten used to life here. In fact, you'd probably say it's better here. You've always felt welcome, you've had everything practically handed to you and you have the greatest company a man can ask for. Your life is unique, but pleasant. If you died now, you'd die happy...well, for the most part. So you pull on the cart and drag it down the 'path' through the trees and keep pulling. The gentle breeze of the summer wind is just what you need. The calm sounds of birds nestled in the trees, tweeting away at each other fills your ears makes the journey that bit more pleasant. There's nothing that can disturb this atmosphere... Until you hear the dull thwack of hoof on wood. You can see Birds that were unfortunate enough to be perched nearby flee for the heavens at the sound of the cracking of wood. From there, all you have to do is follow the sound right up to the orange mare herself. You find her, bucking away at a sturdy looking apple tree. Full baskets of apples surrounding her. The tree itself, being about three times as wide as yourself, but Applejack gives one swift kick to the trunk and every single apple falls. It never ceases to amaze you, the sheer strength of this mare. You'd hate to be on the wrong side of her. “Hey AJ!” You call, tearing her away from her job as she stops to address you. “I've got some more baskets for ya.” You inform, pulling the first couple from the cart. Applejack moves to your side to help unload the containers. “That's great Anon, just put 'em over by that there tree.” She orders, pointing to the tree she'd just bucked clean. You nod your compliance and start to unload the stacks of baskets, followed by piling them up in neat little rows and as soon as you are done with that, you move to place the full baskets that are lazily scattered around the field onto the cart. “So how are ya'll settling in?” Applejack asks, sitting down for a little break. “I've already told you, I'm fine.” You say happily as you pass her, hulking over another particularly heavy basket of apples onto the cart with a rather relieving *Clunk* “Phew!...I have to say though, this place has grown on me.” You don't see Applejack's warm smile in your direction as you move to grab another basket. “You like it, huh?” Applejack says as she delivers a swift kick to another tree, allowing for a single apple to fall into her outstretched hoof. She's just showing off now. Applejack takes a crisp bite out of her apple, a happy hum vibrating from her throat. “Yeah, it really is beautiful.” You sigh reminiscent of the place you'll happily call home for an unspecified amount of time. “Yah ever miss home?” Another question, another bite. It would appear that she has decided to take a break, resting her back against the trunk of a currently un-bucked tree. You scoff playfully, sitting beside the orange cowpony at the first hint of a break. “Of course I do! Every day, I miss my home, my family and my friends...” You don't see Applejack deflate at your words. “...but if Twilight's said that Princess Celestia is working on it, and I'll be home as soon as possible.” You pinch one of that apples from the tree above you, taking a bite and sighing at the fresh taste. “So ya'll can't wait ta go back?” Applejack asks, looking at you expectantly, preparing to hang on your every word. You stare at your apple pondering your answer. Eh, what the hell. “No. I can wait.” Applejack looks to you, confused. “But ah thought ya'll said-” “I said I miss my home, but that doesn't mean I dislike it here. The place is beautiful, there's little to no mass conflict and the peopl- er ponies are some of the kindest...uh... beings, I know. I mean who else would offer to house me while they try to figure out a way for me to get back?” Your question causes Applejack to grow red across her cheek. “Ya'll still have ta earn yer keep.” “Still better than what some people I know might do.” She doesn't argue it, so you continue. “And on top it all off, I get to meet Aliens! I mean, how cool is that?!” You shout joyously, earning a chuckle from Applejack. “How'd we ever think ya'll were dangerous?” She replies jokingly, taking another sizable chunk out of her apple. “You'd have to ask the mayor.” You say with a sigh, watching as the wind manipulates the leaves of the trees to blow calmly in the wind. The soothing sound of the rustling calming you further. “I really owe you one, AJ” You say offhandedly. Applejack shifts in her place, snapping out of whatever thought process she was having. “What for, Sugarcube?” You look right at her, straight into her large emerald eyes. “For looking out for me. You and your friends. Twilight, Rainbow, Fluttershy, you know... I'd be lost if it weren't for you guys...or worse.” Your praise causes her to look at her hooves bashfully, a deep blush rising on her cheeks. “Well shucks, Anon. Ah think ya give me too much credit. We was jus' doin' what we thought was right.” You shrug, examining your apple in the breeze. “Maybe, but you still helped me when I needed it, so I'm saying I owe you one.” You smile and raise your apple towards her. “To friends?” Applejack just stares at you quizzically, but her expression soon turns deadpan. “Are ya seriously toasting with an apple?” She asks, trying not to laugh at your antics. You examine your apple once more. “No, I'm toasting with a half eaten apple.” You say with as much innocence as you can muster. And there goes Applejack's defenses, as she starts to giggle freely, punching your arm playfully. “Yer something else, Anon.” She giggles, tapping her half eaten apple to your half eaten apple. “I know.” You state arrogantly, taking another bite and resting your free hand behind your head. “It's because I'm awesome.” Applejack laughs wholeheartedly, causing you to deflate slightly. “Ya'll have been hanging around Rainbow Dash.” “Yeah actually. Ah've been hangin' around all y'all.” You say, mimicking her speech, which causes her to playfully stare daggers at you. “Oh, so ah'm just another pony to ya?” She questions playfully, discarding her apple and standing to her hooves. “Well, you're not just any pony.” You say happily. There goes Applejack's blush again. “Definitely top sixty.” And at that comment, you found yourself having an orange mare being launched at you at high speed. “Yer gonna get it now!” She laughs, but you quickly roll out of the way, dodging her attack. She lands with her hooves on the trunk of the tree. Just a small clunk from the tree, so you can tell she's just playing. You stand to your feet, watching as her gaze turns to you with a determined look, she launches again. You decide that it would be best to run. So you do. Running through the orchard with a giggling Applejack in pursuit, all the while laughing your ass off. But the constant expulsion of air and exercise causes you to quickly find yourself exhausted, causing you to loose speed. “Get back here... ya two legged... varmint!” She calls. “No... You're gonna yell at me!” You call back, happily. You run for a few more seconds, before you find yourself too tired to continue. You spin on your heel, ready to face your pursuer, arms outstretched to catch her. She barrels into you at full speed, sending both of you laughing into a tumble, rolling down a slop until you find her on top of you pinning you to the ground. You remain like that for a moment, laughing at the silliness of the situation, but eventually it breaks down into heavy breathing as you both remain transfixed on each other, too tired to say anything. She seems too busy, looking over your face, searching for... something. You don't know how long you've been here, but the situation seems to be getting more and more awkward, so you decide to end it quickly. “You gonna let me up?” Your question seems to break through to her, snapping her out of her daze, another deep blush breaking out across her cheeks for some reason. Must just be tired. “Uh...sure, we'd better get back to work, before Big Mac comes looking fer us.” She says happily, looking back the way you came. “Yeah...we'd better.” You say, standing to your feet. “RACE YA!” You shout suddenly, taking off towards the cart. “Anon! ya cheatin' mother-buckin'.” Present day. You run at a brisk pace through the orchard, hoping to find the location of Rainbow Dash. If she's here, then something's wrong. Very, very wrong. The apple trees are bare now, each one of them stripped of their apples. You could have sworn you saw them there yesterday, but that's at the back of your mind right now. Rainbow Dash wasn't in the state to be pulling off sonic Rainbooms for leisure, so she's flying fast for a reason. And given how Rainbow and Applejack were almost at each others throats yesterday, you don't even want to know what's going on here, but you kind of have to. The rainbow trail seems to have dissipated, leaving you to guess where she is, but that doesn't stop you from sprinting as fast as you can for as long as you can go. “You gonna calm down!?” Grim calls from behind you. “I'll calm down when I'm dead!” You shout back, your voice ragged, but determined. “You are dead!” Grim shouts irritably. You shake it off, deciding to ignore her for the time being. They will have to be around here somewhere. You just need to look for the sound of bucking or screaming. “They're probably fine!” Grim tries once again to reason with you, but it's pointless. You're dead set on finding them. “Where is he!?” ...You stop in your tracks as the sound of Rainbow Dash's voice echos through the orchard. It's coming from your right and that's the direction you sprint off in. You're so close now. “Ah don' know what ya are talkin' about!” Applejack's voice graces your ears. It would appear that you were correct in your assumptions. You find a small clearing in the trees. A single red cart filled with apple baskets is the first thing to grab your attention. The second thing being Applejack pinned to the back of the cart by Rainbow Dash, her blue hooves squarely on Applejack's chest. Rainbow's eyes were bloodshot and soaked, but that didn't drown out the rage that was boiling into Applejack's skull. “Don't bullshit me, you fucking rapist!” “What did ya call me!?” Rainbow Dash clearly hit a nerve as Applejack starts to blindly throw her hooves at Rainbow Dash, but her attempts are futile as her hooves are just swatted away. “You heard me! Now, where is Anon's body!” “You really have a fan club don't you.” Grim says snidely, sitting on the grass with her foreleg folded over the other as she watches the scene unfold. You look back with halfhearted shock. Grim just shrugs you off. “I'm not giving you my scythe, if that's what you're going to ask.” You huff angrily, turning back to the two mares that are, quite literally, at each others throats. “... oh I don't know! Maybe it's the fact that you're the one who strikes me as most likely to do something like this! You know, one last fuck you to his wishes!” Rainbow screams, but applejack finally gets a grip and manages to push Rainbow Dash back, stunning her. Applejack uses her time to get into a defensive stance, he forelegs spread wide and ready to strike. “Ah LOVED him!” She shouts back in defense. The whole thing feeling empty to you now as they both just shout at each other. “You wanted sex! Nothing more!” “An' you didn't!?” “I spent every waking moment with him that he was too afraid to spend alone, because he was too afraid of you!” You can't watch this. There has to be something you can do. You can't touch anything. Nobody can hear you. The only tool you can use is in the possession of some evil death horse. And you've got absolutely no way of convincing her to give it to you. And there are two pissed off mares trying to kill or at least seriously injure each other. Not a lot of options... “Yeah, an ah'm sure ya didn't have any ulterior motive!” Applejack retorts, her anger, obvious. “Fuck you!” Rainbow Dash retorts, her anger boiling over, more and more. “Oh yeah... Ah, bet ya tried to abuse his trust, once or twice too?” Applejack begins to advance towards Rainbow threateningly. “Ah bet when he was good and comfy on the sofa, ya tried to get 'im a little more comfy?” “I'd never do that! I'm not like you!” “Well this is escalating quickly!” Grim says offhandedly, lying on her back and looking to the sky as if nothing was happening. You move to stand over her, making sure that your most threatening expression is present. “Ya sure about that! Ya still haven't proven you didn't kill him!” Applejack says accusingly, her hooves digging into the ground, ready to deal with the inevitable. “You're just going to let this happen!?” You shout gesturing to the scene beside you both. Grim waves her hoof in the air dismissively. “Meh, they'll be fine.” “But-” “What do you expect me to do about it?” She interrupts, but you are quick to respond. “Stop them from killing each other.” “Anon, if they die, then they di-” “Please...” You whimper. All of your pain breaking through as you fall to your knees in a pleading gesture, breaking through her defenses rather quickly. “I'd never kill him! I was his best friend!” Rainbow tries to defend, but Applejack just laughs condescendingly. Rolling onto her front and climbing to her hooves, she looks into your begging eyes and then back to the two fighting ponies beside you. She sighs heavily in resignation. “I'm sorry.” She whispers, turning around and walking away. You hang your head in defeat. You feel so helpless. “Ya think that matters to him!? He didn't care about you! If he did, he woulda noticed you! That's why ya killed him! Because you saw that you mean nothing!” “I DIDN'T KILL HIM!” Rainbow screams as she charges forward. Both Applejack's hoof and her own collide as she is blocked, but Rainbow's wings allow her to stay upright and throw her other hoof down, this blow connecting with Applejack's gut. You look up in shock at the scene beside you. Shooting to your feet, you run to stop them. Applejack curls over slightly in pain, allowing Rainbow Dash to slam her full weight into her, her shoulder connecting with Applejack's head, throwing her backwards and into the rear of the Apple cart. A solid thunk resonating through the area, but she's not done. Rainbow jumps to the air and ascends so high that you can't see her. You'd hoped she was retreating, now that Applejack's immobilized, but she has other ideas. You see Rainbow's silhouette reappear as she rapidly descends, her foreleg held out straight, prepared to strike. “Rainbow Stop!” You shout, but your pleas, once again, fall on deaf ears as the rainbow maned pegasus continues to fall. Applejack looks up just in time, rolling out of the impact zone just before Rainbow lands with enough force to send the cart into a nearby tree, shattering on impact. You're surprised that anyone survived it, but Equestria's laws of physics can still surprise you. Even when dead. Rainbow stands at the center of the crater, her foreleg firmly pressed to the ground, but upon seeing a strange lack of Applejack beneath her hoof, she begins to search for her target. But the minor dust cloud that was stirred up from the impact acted as the perfect smoke screen as Applejack barrels into her from outside of her sight line. They roll over each other a couple of times, their hooves at each others throats. When they do stop rolling, Applejack finds herself on top. Seeing her shot, she slams her hoof into Rainbow's face, causing her to reflexively retrieve her hooves, giving Applejack a clear shot as she wraps her hooves tightly around Rainbow's throat. You stop moving in panic at what you see as Rainbow's eyes widen in panic as she realizes what's happening, her own hooves go to remove the threat, but she find's Applejack's earth pony strength too much to counter as she tries in vein to remove the hooves from her throat. Applejack just glares down at the pegasus below her with unadulterated rage, tightening her grip slowly. “Applejack, Stop!” You try desperately to pull her off. Your hand constantly phasing through her shoulder doesn't seem to register with you as you keep trying. “How dare ya! How dare ya accuse me of that!” She screams down at her victim as Rainbow slowly starts to loose consciousness. “I'm not worth this!” Tears start to stream down your face as you watch your friend kill Rainbow Dash. “Ah loved him! With all mah heart! A'd never do anything ta hurt him!” Rainbow's hooves beating against Applejack's was beginning to weaken, loosing the strength to keep it up. “Please! I'll do anything!” “Do ya think he loved you!?” Applejack taunts, her hooves tightening further. “He didn't! He didn't love you! He never did!” “Please! I'm begging you! Stop this!” Tears have been running down Rainbow's face, from emotion or trauma, you don't know. “Ya don't believe me? Then ya can ask him when ya se-” “STOP!” Applejack is cut off when the massive hulk of red that is Big Macintosh smashes into her, knocking her off of Rainbow Dash. Rainbow instinctively clutches her throat as she takes in as many desperate hacks of breath that she can, choking and stuttering violently. Applejack finds herself pinned beneath her older brother. She tries to struggle, but even her strength isn't enough to break free of the behemoth above her. He rapidly exhales through his nostrils, glaring angrily at his sister, who refuses to break. You stare on in shock. Applejack was about to... No. She'd never... “You okay?” A voice calls out sympathetically. You turn to see Grim watching you with concerned eyes. You feel an all too familiar sense of anger boiling up inside of you as you look at this mare. You shouldn't be surprised. It's literally the same thing, over and over again. You find friends. Friends tear into each other. You beg grim to help. She doesn't. You get angry at her and then forget about it soon after. Same song and dance. It's not worth the bother anymore. “You... fucking... psychopath!” Rainbow screams when she gets her voice back, gaining the attention of the other two living beings present. Applejack responds with a stone cold death glare, her eyes narrowing dangerously. You have no doubts that she'd attack if she wasn't restrained. Big Mac on the other hand responds rather understandably. By switching his death stare to Rainbow Dash and growling like a mutt. You'd think it'd sound silly, but to be honest, you felt like you were about to piss yourself, and you're already dead. “What's goin' on here?” He asks in a scarily low tone. Rainbow Dash backs up slightly in fright, but she remains strong all the same. “A-Anon's gone missing...” her answer managed to get Big Mac's brows to furrow in confusion before switching back to pissed. “Ah thought he wus dead...?” He asks accusingly. Rainbow immediately forgets about the danger of Big Mac and focuses her attention to Applejack. Answering with an equally accusing tone. “He is. Somepony stole it...” She didn't have to say it. The implication was all it took. Big Mac has to take a moment to register what he just heard and you can see it. There are probably more emotions that cross his face than you've seen on him when you were alive. Confusion as to whether he heard right. Realization that he did hear right. Disgust at the idea of what he heard. Realization again of the fact the Rainbow is Accusing his sister. Contemplation of the idea that Applejack might have. Affirmation that she couldn't have. and finally anger that Rainbow would even think such a thing. “...So ya think AJ did it!?” He ask...his voice quiet as he looks over his sister. Rainbow doesn't respond, she just remains locked in the angry staring contest with Applejack. It's enough for him to get his answer. “Yer wrong.” He says simply, deciding that now would be a good point to let his sister up. Applejack climbs to her hooves and dusts herself off, before resuming her death glare. “Of course you'd say that! You never saw how she was with him!” Applejack steps forward but finds Big Mac's hoof come across her path. A single look is all it takes to stop her from doing something stupid. “She wus workin' all night. Ah wouldn't even be able to contemplate how she'd manage to get to the hospital an back, without me noticin'.” “How am I supposed to believe that!? For all I know, you could be in on it!” She screams. For Big Mac's credit, He doesn't even look offended. He just points to the trees behind Rainbow dash and says simply. “If yud bothered to take a look around, you might have noticed that the trees are completely bare.” Now that you notice it, the orchard is looking a little less red today. “AJ's been workin' all night, much to mah disapproval.” He says in a matter of fact way. Rainbow Dash seems to get it now, but she still doesn't seem satisfied. “Then who!? Who would be so sick to do such a thing!?” “Me, apparently.” Applejack comments, her voice dripping with malice and sarcasm. Her comment received a disapproving look from her brother, who returned his attention to Rainbow. “How did ya hear about this, anyhow?” He asks. “I heard about it when the guard burst through my door!” she says angrily. “I barely had time to get out of bed before they were in my house!” Big Mac just shakes his head slowly in thought. Opting to kill this conversation in it's tracks, but first. “Look, ah don't know what's happened to Anon, but ah give you mah word that he's not here.” He reassures cautiously. “And ah know that he meant a lot to you two -heck, every mare in town seems to be down in the dumps!- but ya need to remember who yer friends are in times like this.” You think this is the most he's ever talked. He's properly beaten his record of thirty straight words, but you're getting off track a bit. Rainbow hangs her head for a moment, before feeling her neck for the obvious bruises that are now showing clearly. For her credit, Applejack looks genuinely ashamed of herself for it, but before she can say anything, Rainbow dash huffs aggressively and takes to the air. The two siblings being left alone... as far as they know. A silence dawns on the group, neither Applejack or Big Mac daring to speak. Grim doesn't say anything so neither do you. The silence is short lived however when Applejack lets out a regretful sigh. “Ah'm sorry.” She says quietly, earning the wrath of her brother once again. “Yer darn right yer sorry!” He says loudly, causing Applejack to flinch back in fear. “Ah-” “What were ya gonna do!? Kill her?!” He says, getting his face close to hers. “Ah...ah...” “Ah don't care what happened to Anon! You have no right to take another pony's life!” “but ah wasn't gonna-” “Ah heard you AJ!” He says finally, leaving Applejack to hang her head in shame. “Now get inside while ah figure out what to do with you!” He orders. Applejack, having no reason to disobey him, keeps her head held low and trots off in the direction of the barn house, Big Mac in tow. You and grim just stand there, contemplating what just happened. You can still feel the dried tears on your cheeks. Your heart going strong. You can't believe what you just saw. Even Rainbow look as though she intended to kill, but how could they? They were friends before you came along. Why did this have to happen. “Anon?” Grim's voice comes out once again. She slowly approaches you, but you hold your hand out, gesturing for her to stop. “Don't. Just don't.” You say quietly before walking away, towards town. “But...” her voice dies in her throat when she notices you're not listening. Author's Note Hey guys, have you stayed awesome? because I sure as hell haven't... Sorry. I got caught up in things, like college and work and I just lost my motivation to write. (hell, this chapter was half baked until about a week ago.) I have no idea what I'll do, but I don't intend to stop writing. So if you were somehow worried about that, then don't be. for now, tell me what you think, and where I screwed up, and I'll just focus on this. Thanks, and Stay awesome! Chapter Five: BeautyDay Twenty Five In Equestria It really is beautiful out here. You crawl through the wooden landscape. The light from the midday sun is more than enough to breach the canopy above your head and illuminate your path. There are more than a few areas that are completely blacked out by the foliage above, but those are easy enough to avoid or were small enough to ignore entirely. Why are ponies so scared of this place? You ask yourself as you step over another twisted tree root of a near dead tree, the grotesque plant, growing to more than 3 times the size of you. It's more than enough to give yourself the chills. You wouldn't dare touch it, through fear of breaking off a piece of rotting bark and a million tiny bugs crawling out to consume your form. "A-Anon?" A meek little voice calls out from behind you. "Are we nearly there yet?" Fluttershy asks, keeping a close distance to your back. The whole display is enough to almost make you chuckle but, you wouldn't dare do it externally. Fluttershy was nice enough to accompany you to the Everfree forest - even though she's obviously terrified of the place - and you weren't going to be a jackass by laughing at her. But still she was the one supposed to make you feel safer. Scanning your surroundings, you approach a clearing that seems all too familiar to you. "Here we are, shy." You announce as you ditch your backpack onto the ground and take a breather. Fluttershy does the same, placing her saddlebags onto the wild grass of the forest floor. "You remember this place?" Your little prompt was more than enough to see her face light up as she remembers what you're referring to. "I remember a certain human climbed up a tree and throwing sticks at a nasty Timberwolf." She says with a nostalgic smile. That was how you all met. that was when you fully realized that this world was not your own. When six brightly colored miniature horses ran in and saved your dumb pink ass... and not when you were nearly lunch for a timber wolf, literally made out of timber. "How was I supposed to know it would make it stronger?" You ask when you see Fluttershy's condescending smile. "They're made of wood, sweetie." She finishes matter of factly. You'd think given her name, that she would be well... you know... shy. But once you got to know her, you found out that's not entirely the case. She was only really shy when she was in situations that made her uncomfortable, like public speaking or talking to new people. But in the short amount of time that you've had here in Equestria, Fluttershy and her five friends have been so accommodating that you couldn't help but feel welcome. You guess your comfort showed, because all six of them were getting more accustomed to you by the minute. You roll your eyes, searching for the specific tree, and once that was done, you begin to retrace your steps from three weeks ago. Just down past the overgrown shrubbery that was still scarred by you storming through it, just a few weeks ago, past the large tree with the bark that looks like a face and a few seconds past that and maybe you'd find what you were here for. If you could just find out where you fell into Equestria, then maybe you'll find out how you got here and then all it would take was a little bit of reverse engineering and then hey presto! you're back in human world! You're letting your hopes get a little too high if you're honest. You're banking on something obvious being there, when in actuality you could just be setting yourself up for a harder fall. "That way, I think." You say, eighty five percent sure that this was the way you came. You quickly grab your pack from the ground, Fluttershy doing the same. The next ten minutes is spent carefully watching your surroundings, keeping your eye out for any predators that could be watching. From what you remember, Timberwolves have these weird glowing eyes, that you can use as a reference, but that wasn't the only thing you have to be concerned about in this place. Anything can get you. "A-Anon? W-where do we go now?" You were in a darker place in the forest, not dark as in pitch black, but it was certainly more shaded. It was more open than the rest of the forest, more space to move, without crawling through a bush or ivy or other crap like that. A few dead trees lay resting, probably until they rot, the darkness of this area was more than enough to make your yellow companion uneasy, but there was something else about this place that made your stomach churn with discomfort. "T-this...this is it." You scan the area one more time just to be sure, but there is no denying it. "This is where I came to Equestria." A revelation like this, might make you feel better that you found this place. You found what you are looking for, so what's the problem? Well there's nothing here. You were expecting a bright shining portal, something obvious, that swirled with the sound of...well... a portal. But nothing. Your next hope would have been that it was simply invisible. That you couldn't see nor hear it, but that thought is soon dashed as you hear the gentle pitter pattter of raindrops, dropping against the leaves of the tree above you and then cascading down onto the forest floor. There's nothing here. Your companion who has been sitting quietly as you stare into the distance, taking in the surrounding, finally pipes up. "Anon...I'm so sorry." She says, her hoof placed on your leg comfortingly. It's not here. You check again. The tree you fell into when you landed here, the dead tree you first saw the Timberwolf crawling over and looking right into your soul, ready to pounce, and...nothing. This was the place, but there was nothing here. You fall to the ground, your butt cushioned by the moss on the tree roots, your hair starting to cling to your head and the clothes drenching with the rain. Fluttershy, sits beside you, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly as your head falls into your hands and you try so hard to hold back tears of hopelessness. Noticing this, Fluttershy wraps her hooves and wings around you in a comforting embrace, the heat is welcome in this rainfall, but it still isn't quite enough to stop you from whimpering in despair. "This doesn't mean anything." Fluttershy whispers reassuringly. Causing you to lift your head up. "The princesses are working hard to find you a way home. Twilight and some of the best magicians in Canterlot are pouring over books to find a way to send you home." What she said helps a little, but what if they can't, what those magicians pour over every page of every book of every library in the country, but they never find anything to get you home? What will you do if you're stuck here? In this land of talking horses with absolutely no human contact for the rest of your life? Almost sensing your thoughts, Fluttershy tightens her hug. "...And they can't. well... w-we'll just have to do our best to make Equestria your perfect home." Her words should probably make you feel worse. They should probably make you lose all hope of going home, because even she has doubt, but it doesn't. This yellow horse... she cares about you. You've only been here three and a bit weeks and she already cares about your well being. Hell, even if you couldn't go home. even if you're stuck here forever, you have friends. You have a home at the farm and a job, even if it is temporary. You have Twilight doing everything in her power to help you and make sure you have a friend. There's Rarity and her unwavering generosity, Pinkie's always trying to make you laugh, Rainbow Dash is Trying to keep your spirits up when you need it and then there's this one... Fluttershy. She came out here into the Everfree forest, even though it scared the shit out of her, even though it probably wasn't what she had planned for today, but she did it anyway... for you. Because you didn't want to go alone, and all you wanted to do was find the slightest glimmer of hope. You could easily build a life here, sure there probably wouldn't be other humans, but you won't be lonely. You'll always have them as your friends... and maybe that'll be enough... Present Day. "Anon?" Grim asks as you make your way out of the orchard. Each tree completely bare of apples. In fact, the entire lot seems to be bare. "She must have worked all night..." You all but whisper to yourself. Your body is just going through the motions now. Left foot. Right foot. Left foot. Right foot. You're too caught up in your thoughts to really... think. "If she cleared the plot in one night, then how the hell would she have stolen the body?" You think to yourself as you pass under the archway to sweet apple acres. Grim following you silently. "Twilight's house was searched and there was nothing, as was Rainbow's, plus I'm more inclined to believe that she wouldn't do it" maybe you were being foolish, thinking that way, but your friendship with Rainbow seemed to be the most genuine towards the end. Plus that reaction she had towards Applejack, kind of cemented your theory...unless it was an act? We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. "Grim and I searched Fluttershy and Pinkie's house and found nothing. Applejack physically couldn't have done anything harmful and inspector Hoofcuff searched Twilight's and Rainbow Dash's places, so that just leaves Rarity." "We're heading to Carousel Boutique." You say to your ghostly companion. "I assume you wish to come?" You weren't expecting her to refuse, Grim has just been following you this whole time and giving stupid commentary. You assume that she either has a moral obligation to escort you through your final days or she has a sadistic sense of humor, maybe both? At your sudden vocalization, Grim seems taken aback. You've been walking for about ten minutes now and you haven't said a word, but none the less, she responds. "I have to follow you, Anon. You choose where we go. I can only advise." She speaks in a mock-official tone, doing a curt bow to lighten the mood, but when you don't respond, her demeanor turns a little more concerned. "Are you okay? I can understand that this can be a little overwhelming for you..." She trails off as you don't reply. You don't have time for this. You only have so little time. You had five days and you've already wasted one of them, so now you should make the most of what time you have left. "Anon?" "I'm fine." You say, a little more harshly than you intended. Best get to the clothes house. "Why are we going to Carousel Boutique?" You stop in your tracks. You know the answer, but you're not sure if you want to tell her. Grim is funny, some things she'll support, but at this point in time, you're not sure if this will be deemed interfering with the rules or not. You guess there's only one way to find out. "I want to find my body." You say, turning toward the mare behind you. "I want to find out who killed me. Rarity is the only one who's house hasn't been searched yet. If I find my body, I might find out who killed me, and who hurt my friends so much." Your tone isn't sad or angry. It's completely dead and you think that's what stops the Grim Reaper from reacting. She knows your look, she knows what you're thinking. She's seen it all before. You don't even hesitate when you get to the purple door of carousel boutique. You walk right up to it, then through it into whatever god forsaken hellhole your death has turned it into. From what you can see it's not much different to what it usually looks like. In fact, it was almost as if nothing happened. The purple walls were still clean, the curtains still hung from the roof to hide her next big project, mirrors still set up to capture every angle. Everything was orderly and despite prior assumptions, there weren't tear-stained tissues strewn all over the floor. It was quite refreshing. You were used to finding something wrong. Unfed animals, Friends fighting to the death, Secrets you never wanted to find out, but here... it's like you never even died. Grim follows close behind you. "Well this is nice." She says sarcastically cheerily , and then the atmosphere is harshly ripped back to reality as you remember why you are here. You sigh in frustration. "Can't you like...just leave me to it?" You ask, dejectedly. Grim just shakes her head with pursed lips. "No can do, buddy." She says matter of factly. "I am duty bound to follow you until you pass into the afterlife." You hang your head in defeat. "Then could you please just start looking for my body...? I'm not in the mood." You start in the laundry room in the back. You don't really know where to start, so the smallest room was as good a place as any. There isn't really anything to search. the washing machine was running, a couple of baskets were full of piled up laundry and that's about it. Where could you hide a body in here? The laundry room is kind of a bust, so you move into the store room, which is also a bust. The only thing in here is the lines of fabric, the boxes of pins and needles and many different strings and spools dotted around the shelves. You just need to think, if you were Rarity, where would you hide a body. You'd want it to be close by and have ready access to it. You don't want to think why you'd want ready access to it, but if you were to steal a body, then it's probably likely, you don't plan on being respectful... unless. "HOLY SHIT!" You shout aloud. A sudden revelation coming to your mind. Grim comes running out from wherever she was looking a look of panic crossing her face. "What is it?" She asks when she reaches you, eyes darting around for whatever reason made you shout. Your hand rubs your forehead in frustration. "I'm a fucking idiot." You say in answer. Grim just quirks a brow with a crooked smile. "Well I already knew that, but-" You don't let her finish. "Shut up for a second and let me think." How could you have been so assuming? "The body! I've been assuming that it's been taken because these ponies are insane..." Grim nods in understanding. "...and so I've been assuming that my body would be near whoever stole it..." Another nod. "...But what if that's not why they stole it? What if they got rid of it because it's evidence!" Grim's brows furrow. "How'd you get that logic?" She asks, you just smile knowingly. "That's why I'd steal a body." You walk towards the door. Grim rolls her eyes in annoyance. "What about this place?" She asks condescendingly, you're about to respond when a gentle knock echos from the front door, alerting anyone inside of an intended visitor. You look at the offending wood and at first you're more worried it's going to be the inspector, coming to harass another one of your friends, but that knock wasn't rough or demanding. It was calm, gentle, almost...familiar. A sad smile graces your lips as you realize who is on the other side of the door. "I guess we can wait." You listen as you hear hoof-beats from upstairs, moving across the ceiling and then down the stairs. You see Rarity for the first time since yesterday. You would be surprised at how... normal she looks, but you should know better. Rarity wouldn't put anything before perfectly styling her mane and keeping her coat clean and pristine. She's not wearing any makeup however and she doesn't seem to move with that same spring in her step or that enthusiastic smile she gets when offered a task. You suppose not everything can be the same after one day, but it's still nice enough to see someone who's not completely run ragged by your death. Rarity trots to the door, undoing the locks before opening the door to reveal exactly who you thought it was. "Hey Rarity." Fluttershy says quietly, pawing at the floor in front of the white unicorn. Rarity just offers a sympathetic look and politely gestures that the Pegasus come inside with a free foreleg. Fluttershy takes the invitation without problem and canters in. "It's good to see you, darling." Rarity says, locking to door behind the yellow Pegasus. "Though I am curious as to what this is about?" Strangely enough, Fluttershy just smiles, confusing the hell out of you. Earlier this morning she couldn't open her eyes without bawling them out, but now she's actually... smiling. It's relieving and concerning at the same time. "I saw Anon today." That catches you off guard. You look to your silent companion. Grim just shrugs her shoulders and shakes her head, protraying the universal sign for I don't fucking know what's going on! Rarity watches Fluttershy with worry, as if her friend has just admitted that she's insane...which may not be far off from the actual case. "He was at my house this morning." She clarifies, your chest tightens. How the hell did she...? Rarity rests a comforting foreleg onto Fluttershy's shoulder. "Darling, I know that this whole thing is affecting you. It's affecting all of us, but...A-Anon's...Anon's gone...sweetie. H-he...He was murdered..." Tears begin to stream down her face as Fluttershy gently takes Rarity's hoof and holds it tight in comfort as the white mare begins to silently weep. "I..." She pauses trying to think for a second on what to say. "I know. But he's back!" Her words stop Rarity from "I just know it!" The way she said that made her sound as if what she was saying is fact. Like there was no disputing it, but she couldn't have seen you, you're dead. She can't know you're here. "He fed my animals, this morning..." Your thought process is ground to a halt as you remember exactly what she is referring to. You remember the scythe, the bag of foul smelling food and finally a pissed off grim reaper who is no doubt glaring daggers at the back of your skull right this second. "He's back, Rarity! I know it was him!" Fluttershy announces gleefully, as happy as you've ever seen her. Rarity just stares at Fluttershy as if she suddenly changed into a changeling. A look of fear evident on her face. You just turned looked to your demon-spawn friend behind you, who is understandably pissed off. "What the buck have you bucking done..?" You just sigh in defeat. Seems you may have made things worse. Author's Note Hey guys... so... it's 2016. been a while...huh. Please don't kill me. I do have excuses, most personal, some not so personal, but I'm back now. I want to get these stories finished and I *Cough*might*Cough* want to write some new stories. dependent on whether or not you guys'll still have me... So with the year and a half hiatus. (for this story at least) Some things are bound to happen. What I am most worried about is my writing abilities going to shit (or further to shit) so if you guys could point out any mistakes, problem areas, or just want to yell at me for leaving this for so long, I'd feel eternally grateful. Expect the next chappies in the coming weeks and stay awesome!
Prologue: The end of an old routine.You sit at your sofa, with the TV operating as background noise, while you stare at the door intently. Don't you dare, don't you dare, don't you dare- *Knock* *Knock* *Knock* “Dammit!” So it begins... You let autopilot take over as you make your way over to the door and unlock the seventeen differently built-in locks that keep the wooden door shut... Then the chain lock... Then the wooden bar placed across the door frame... And finally the padlock. Too excessive, you say? Then explain how half the fucking town still manages to get past them! You open the door to reveal YellowQuiet herself, standing at the door, dressed in a manner of tribal garments with poorly painted black stripes covering her body and small bones tied into her hair. Needless to say, you were a little speechless. “...the hell?” You simply state, nothing else coming to mind. “...um...are...uh...Z-Z-Zebras your fetish?” She nervously stammers out, looking up at you with hopeful eyes. “Yellow...” You say with shocked astonishment, pinching the bridge of your nose in irritation. “Y-Yes?” “That's racist.” You reply, then slam the door shut and lock it again. Well, she'll never run out of ideas, that's for sure. “Yee-Haw!” You look out your kitchen window as your other primary tormentor swings Tarzan style towards it. This should be good. You watch as she swings towards the window with determination. You smirk, knowing what's coming next as her entire body smashes, full momentum, into the reinforced glass you had put in place a few weeks ago. She flops to the floor with a pained groan. But she'll be fine. That was like the fourth time that's happened...this week. *Knock**Knock* Round two...*sigh* You let your shoulder slump as you go over and open the door and your eyes widen in shock. YellowQuiet stands there, a white sheet over her body giving her striking resemblance to a member of the Ku Klux Klan... When did she even... “...is...uh...Racism...your fetish?” *Slam* NopeNopeNopeNopeNope. You take a seat on your couch and flip on the TV, not bothering to change the channel to something good as you just watch 'The Power Ponies'. But not five minutes after you sit down... *Knock**Knock**Knock* “Motherfucker!” you shout, marching your way over to the door. “Yellow! I swear to God if that's you, I'm gonna – Oh hey bro...and Purple...” Nope, it was not the butter Yellow pegasus who never left you alone, but Rainbow and Twilight. “Uh...come in?” You meekly gesture to the interior of your home as they make their way inside. “So what brings you two here?” You ask, confused as you lock the door behind you. They don't get an opportunity to answer before... *Thump* *Thump* *Thump* Ugh... “Twilight? Could you get that please?” You ask, cupping your face in your palms. “But you're closer to the –” “JUST...could you get it, please?” With a quick glance around, she shrugs as she walks past you and opens the door with her magic. Seconds later she is tackled to the floor by the orange farmer. “AH HA! Ah finally got ya, ya slippery monkey...ugh...h-h-hi Twilight...” She nervously stutters, looking at the peeved mare below her. “Over here numbnuts.” You quip, earning the farmer's attention. “Heh heh...sorry Twilight.”She nervously steps off of the irritated unicorn and slowly trots out of the house, through the door and closing it behind her, maintaining awkward eye contact with the three of you the entire time. Twilight graciously closes all of the locks for you as Rainbow laughs hysterically at the situation. As they move over to the couch, you groan out loud, rubbing your temples in circular motions. “You okay big guy?” Your Bro asks, taking a break from her laughing fit. You shrug it off and make your way to the kitchen. “Yeah I'm fine. Just irritated I guess.” You sigh as you fetch a glass of orange juice, not only because you like orange juice, but also because you wanted to spite Applejack. “You guys want anything?” “No thank you.” Twilight replies, levitating a small notepad and quill out of nowhere. Rainbow just shakes her head and flips on the TV. “So Anon, you wanna hang out this weekend?” Rainbow asks, looking to you hopefully. You shrug and take your seat in between the two mares. “Sure. I heard the new Daring Do movie's coming out, that should be interesting.” Rainbow does a subtle hoof pump after you turn towards Twilight. “So Purple, I'm assuming you want to do your check-up just now?” You ask, gesturing to the quill and notepad, being levitated by her side. She gives you a proud smile and nods. Just like every week. “So, how has the past week been for you Anonymous?” She asks, preparing to scribble down your answer. “Straight to business I see. Uh...Well, it's been okay, I guess. Fluttershy and Applejack are still trying to break into my house; they only succeeded once this time, so there's that...uh, work has been pretty dry, nobody needed a handyman last week...and...I believe that's all I have to say about the past week...not much. I know.” You drone out as Twilight copies out what you said with intensity. “...Alright, so just one more –” *Knock**Knock**Knock* “Go away Yellow...!” You call to the front door, a small 'eep', being your only response. Your bro looks up to you in astonishment. “How did you know that was her?” She asks. You let out a tired sigh. “It's always her... Or Applejack, but she has a much more aggressive knock.” You say, leaning back into the chair. “I don't understand why you don't just get a special somepony...” Twilight says with a small blush and a hopeful smile. “...I'm sure everypony would leave you alone if they knew you were taken.” Rainbow also gives you a hopeful simile, but it shatters when you let out a skeptical laugh at the comment. “Yeah, you're probably right, but I also believe that after the initial rejection, the person should fuck off somewhere else...not keep pestering me and driving me to the point of homicidal thoughts. Besides, I find it difficult to be attracted to a pony when they're all freaking insane.” You take a glance at Rainbow and notice that she has a more...dejected look about her. “You alright there bro?” You ask, patting the back of her mane the way she likes it. However, instead of leaning into it, like she usually does, she just moves away from your hand. Strange... “...Yeah, I'm fine.” She says with very little energy. “...Uh, I'm just going to go. I think I need to go home to...uh, feed Tank.” And with that, she gets up from her seat and leaves through the front door with heavy hooves. Her attitude leaves you confused and a little worried. “What was that about?” You ask, looking to Twilight. She gives you a deadpan look, before waving her hoof in dismissal. “It probably doesn't matter...uh...is this whole thing with Applejack and Fluttershy really bothering you?” *Thump**Thump**Thump* You didn't reply, you just fall forward and attempt to grind out your eyeballs with your palms; you let out a pained groan as the sound at the door continues. *Thump**Thump**Thump* “Uh, could you leave us alone please!?” Twilight calls and suddenly the noise stops, followed shortly by the sound of retreating hoofsteps. She gently rubs her hoof on your back while you just sit there. “Anon...are you okay?” You lift your head up as you look to your purple companion. You think for a moment before sighing painfully as you prepare to answer her. “...No. No I'm not.” Her expression doesn't change as you lean back again and relax against the backrest. “I don't know how long I can take this Twilight...” You admit. She tenses up a bit as you use her actual name. “..Everyday. They're always here. I can barely go outside, I can't even take a shower when it's daylight and even then I have to watch the curtains, which is creepy as hell! In fact, I have to go into the Carousel Boutique and get groped by Rarity, JUST to get underwear because Fluttershy stole all of the others!” Twilight 's expression turns more sympathetic as she rubs your shoulder reassuringly. You make serious eye contact as you finish your rant. “Look, I'm flattered, I really am, but I shouldn't have to say no so many times and still not get the message across. I'm fucking sick of this.” *Knock**Knock**Knock* You feel you anger boil over as you act without thought, grabbing the glass of orange juice and hurling it at the door frame; it shatters on impact, causing a frightened yelp as the pony behind the door rushes off in fear. Twilight looks to you with concern, as you huff visibly from your small outburst, before walking over to the door and levitating the broken shards into the dustbin. “I'm sorry.” She just shakes her head in understanding as she continues to clean up your mess. “It's okay Anon. it's fine.” “No, it's not. I'm not even sure if that was someone trying to bother me, or the mailmare.” You say rubbing your forehead to try and alleviate some of the stress. Twilight alternates between looking at you and looking at your door, thinking on the best course of action for the situation. She lets out a sigh of resignation before looking to you thoughtfully. “I'll have a word with the girls and I'll see what I can do...” “You would?” You ask in bewilderment. Twilight just nods happily. “Come by around noon and I'll tell you how it went.” She says as she opens the door. You didn't have much time to say anything before the door closes and you were left alone. “You left your notes!” You shout. The door opens and the purple mare's head pops back in, grabbing the notepad and quill in her magic and levitating it towards her. “Whoops heh heh.” She chuckles embarrassingly. Now was your chance. “Eh, thanks for this Twilight.” You say nervously, making her smile. “No problem at all, Anon. Anything for a...friend.” She says as she closes the door for the last time. ...Now what? You guess you could go out into Ponyville. It is getting later in the morning and your tormentors should probably be taking a break about now. I really do need to get new boxers from Rarity. Just the thought of it makes you shudder with dread. Every time you go in there, she makes up some reason for you to get undressed. She would then proceed to sneak her hoof around your body to...well, we all get the idea. She's not even subtle. Sure, you believed it was a slip of the hoof the first time she did it. The first time. She does it so often now that you've started referring to her as Rariperve. She was less than thrilled. But you guess you have to go there sooner or later. At least she shuts the blinds...so there's that. So with that, you grab your coat and head for the door, only to find YellowQuiet on the doormat, her hoof held out pre-knock before you opened it. You glare down at the yellow pegasus, who is still wearing the white sheet over her head, only now she has placed a flaming cross on your front yard. You continue to glare down at the mare as she struggles to find her words under your pissed-off stare. “Y-Y-You didn't say racism wasn't your fetish.” She stutters out, looking up at you with a strange mix of fear and hope. “It was heavily implied.” You say through gritted teeth. Fluttershy just shrinks back, avoiding eye contact. “...A-are...uh...horrible, horrible mistakes y-your fetish?” She asks with fear in her eyes. You merely sigh and stare to the burning cross. “Listen up, Yellow: put out that fire; take the cross down; take off that costume; go home; and shove a twelve inch cactus up your ass.” You say, slightly cheered up by your statement. The mare nods and starts to tidy up her things as quickly as possible. “That's a 'no' by the way.” You shout as you walk off. You didn't want her getting the wrong idea. The bell rings out as you step through the front door of Rarity's shop. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique and magnifique.” Rariperve says as she comes into her main work floor. “OH Anon! It's good to see you. How have you been, darling?” She starts to drag you across the floor to one of the podiums, fussing over your every article of clothing. “Uh, fine. I was wondering if you could make me some new boxers...A certain pegasus has stolen them all.” Rarity's eyes go wide as she fetches her measuring tape. “Why of course! If you'd just like to remove your clothing and I'll get your...measurements.” And just like that, you want out. She drew out the word measurements in an almost sultry way and that makes you extremely uncomfortable. “That's fine, I got a pair of the old ones right here.” You say, pulling out the underwear from your pocket. Rariperve is clearly not amused as she stares at the fabric in your hand. She however softens her complexion and levitates the boxers over to her working desk, out of sight. “Nonsense, darling. You need to have new measurements every time you get new clothes.” She lectures, drawing the measuring tape across your waist, making sure to put a lot of focus on a particular region. “Look...I –” “Anon, stop being such a child and remove your clothing!” She shouts, taking the measuring tape away and trying to remove your jeans with her magic. “I don't think this is about quality anymore.” You say, keeping your hands firmly grasped on the waistline. Rariperve looks up at you with a horrified expression. “How dare you! I assure you that everything that I am instructing is based on the quality of the product. I pride myself in the quality of my work.” She says, puffing her chest out happily. You give her a level stare. “I'm not taking my clothes off.” You say sternly. “Well there's no way I'll be able to make your new clothes without your measurements. I suppose you'll be able to make due without.” She says, looking to your smugly as she knew she had you there. Those boxers you gave her were your last pair; you're going commando right now. She has you by the balls here, no pun intended. There's another pony that makes clothes in town and you need these boxers. So with great hesitation, you nod your compliance. Rariperve grins at her victory as she watches you pull your trousers to the floor. Your face heats up as you catch her ogling you. “Eyes up here.” You say irritably. “I'm not looking for your eyes.” She replies, a steady blush forming across her face. For fuck sake. She can never be subtle. “Rarity I swear to god, if you touch my dick one more time, I'm gonna shove my fist so far up your ass I'll be able to rearrange your teeth!” You shout, slapping the offending hoof away from your man zone. Far from your intended response, Rariperve just moans in thought, dragging a hoof down your bare legs. “Darling, I have to get precise measurements to ensure a snug fitting garment. I would -” “Thirteen times.” You say through clenched teeth. “I don't think they're gonna get more precise.” Rariperve avoids your glare as she moves over to the table to draw up her designs, deciding to play it safe and stop there. “Yes, I am done now. Come back later and they'll be ready.” She says with a smug grin as she sneaks off into one of her other rooms, one of her hooves snaking down her body to rest on her – Ew, gross! Fucking Rariperve. You close the door as quickly as you can, letting out a sigh of relief that you got out of there in time. Rariperve had very quickly forgot what she was meant to be doing and immediately began to fondle herself behind the door frame. You tried to ignore it, but when she started moaning and making eye contact, well, lets just say you got the fuck out of there as quickly as possible. Even if your balls are rubbing against your jeans. You begin to quickly walk towards town. Maybe you'll stop by Sugarcube Corner, or hang out with your bro. Maybe you should go see Twilight and see how her promise is going...no it's only been a few hours. She can't have done much by- “Howdy there, sugarcube.” You tense up as you can feel the hot breath of the farm mare on the back of your neck. It's okay, it's okay. She can't harm you in a public place...you think. “H-Hey Applejack.” You say nervously. You keep moving, trying to find an escape route. “So how are ya doing?” She whispers, sounding oddly more sensual than before. You just need to ignore her and remain in public view. “I-I'm fine! Absolutely...how about you?” “Oh ah'm fine, ah just needed to speak to you for a few moments.” You arch your eyebrow curiously. “Oh? What ab-OOF!” Before you could finish your sentence, she has shoved you into one of the alleyways to the side and is currently resting on top of you. Given her superior strength and positioning, you have no chance of getting the mare off of you. “Oh, nothing, just stuff.” She continues to whisper. God, is she trying to avoid the cops or something?...Actually given the current situation, you wouldn't be surprised. She leans her head down, so your noses are touching. “Ya know...sexy stuff.” She said with her normal voice, steeling a quick lick of your cheek before retreating a little and fetching her rope from her saddlebag. “Applejack, I don't want this.” You plead,knowing that it is futile to even try to reason with the lust-crazed mare. “Do ya think ya have a choice?” ...and you're back to whispering. She displays the rope to you. “Hands.” She instructs as you just furrow your brows in confusion. “Do you honestly believe that I'm just going to give you my –” “HANDS! NOW!” She shouts, baring her teeth angrily. “I don't think this term could be any more relevant than it would be just now, but go fuck yourself!” You shout right back at her. “Anon, if ya don't give me what ah'm asking for, then ah'll just have to knock ya out and bring ya back to ma-” “APPLEJACK!” You both freeze as the deep and masculine sound of the red stallion reverberates throughout the alleyway. Applejack's eyes shrink to the size of pinpricks as she turns to look at her brother. She jumps off of your body with break-neck speed. “H-Howdy there Big mac...uh...we were just playin' around...everything's fine...” She says, forcing the most unconvincing smile you have ever seen. Her forehead is also sweating out a river and she tries to look as innocent as possible. And in doing so, she manages to make herself look like the guiltiest mare in the world. Big Macintosh just sighs heavily and plants his hoof on his forehead, gesturing with the other hoof for her to leave. Applejack takes a moment to consider her options, before huffing irritably out of the alleyway. You could have sworn you heard her say something along the lines of 'cock blocker' under her breath, but you really couldn't care less. You were saved. “Ah'm sorry about her.” Big Mac says, helping you to your feet. “Ah just don't know what's gotten into her.” “You and me both.” You reply, dusting yourself off and straightening out your shirt. Then an awkward silence sets in as you both stand there quietly. You decide to break it quickly, before it gets worse. “Eh, thanks for...eh, that.” You nervously say, rubbing the back of your neck. Big Mac just nods and turns to leave, seeing his opportunity. “That's no problem pardner. Ah'd suggest keeping a better eye out in the future.” “Will do.” “Eeyup.” Okay, now you need to get something to drink...but it's too early for anything good. Screw it. To Sugarcube Corner. *ding-a-ling* The door chimes as you enter. Nobody is inside. All of the tables are unoccupied, the counter is unmanned and there is a deathly silence, ringing out through the store. This could only mean one thing. “HI NONNIE!” Pinkie shouts, tackling you from behind. Now, normally you would be panicky if a pony full body tackled you to the floor – just ask Applejack – but Pinkie was different. She was quite possibly the only pony you know who wouldn't do anything to jeopardize a friendship...even if she likes you. She just wants to get a hug...and you weren't going to deny her that. So without hesitation, you swivel around and wrap your arms around the puffy pink pony. She lets out a squeak and a snort, before giggling in return. “Hiya pinks. Wow's it going?” She stands to her hooves again and bounces in place. “Oh I'm great! First I got to do the morning shift - WhichIsTheBestShift! - Then, I got to make my favorite kind of cupcakes! – BananaSugarnutSquash! - And then I got so many customers earlier, but they all left - BecauseOfSomeKindOfCrossBurningThingAtFluttershy's - And then my three favorite little fillies came in over there!” She points to one of the stalls where in fact there was the Cutie Mark Crusaders, drawing up plans of some form. “...And then, you came in! My favorite human!” She shouts, dragging you into another hug. You chuckle inwardly as you didn't understand a word she just said. “So I was wondering if I could-” “Get something to drink!? Of course!” She shouts, before returning with a milkshake and a muffin. “Strawberry milkshake and Banana Butternut Squash cupcake!” She shouts as she drags you over to the table with the three fillies and sits you down, not spilling a drop of your milkshake while she shoves the tray down in front of you. “Here you go!” She shouts happily. “Hi Anon!” The three fillies say in unison. “Hey girls. Watcha working on?” You ask, pointing towards the colorful sheet of paper on the table. “We're gonna get our Cutie Marks in trap building!” Sweetie Belle declares. You had to hold your heart for that one. Fuck these fillies are cute. You inspect the drawing, noticing that the trap is just a pitfall with a piece of meat over the top, the hole covered in leaves and sticks. “So what are you planning on trapping?” “We don't know, but Fluttershy said that we need to build something like this?” Apple Bloom says, glancing over the plans with confusion. Fluttershy? You don't like the sound of this. “Where are you planning on building this?” “She said that the best animals are just outside of yer house, which is mighty strange because you live in the middle of town.” She says, bringing a hoof to her chin in thought. You internally groan. Well, you can't say that little YellowQuiet isn't resourceful. “I don't think you'll get your Cutie Marks this way.” You say with a little uncertainty, the fillies all looking up to you curiously. “I personally think that you should give a hand at...at...uh...” You frantically search the place for an idea, not finding anything until you look at the glass in front of you... “Milkshakes!” You shout, raising the glass in front of you. Pinkie pops besides you out of nowhere curiously. “We already tried making food...didn't go well.” Scootaloo informs you, resting her head in her hoof. “Not making...testing.” You say halfheartedly. To be honest, you didn't care what they did so long as they didn't try to trap you in a cage. Their eyes lit up at the prospect of free milkshakes as they chant their name and what they plan on doing. Pinkie however, pulls you by the shoulder around the corner. “Are you crazy?!” She silently shouts, trying to keep her volume low. “I can't just give away free milkshakes. Mr Cake said he'd fire me after the last time!” You hold up your hand and take a sip of the milkshake that was dragged along with you. “Relax Pinkie, I'll pay for it.” You say with some measure of calm. It's a small price to pay to avoid being treated like a sex slave. Pinkie looks to you with confusion. “You'd pay for these fillies to have all the milkshakes they want?” She asks, you shrug. “Wow, Nonnie. That's really sweet.” She whispers as tears start to form in her eyes. You back away a bit, a little confused by her reaction. “Pinkie, I doubt it's that great. I'm just doing it to avoid Fluttershy.” She lets out a dreamy sigh. “...Oh, and modest too. Oh come on then.” She says, pushing you back into the stall with the fillies and leaving to go get some milkshakes. “Okay, girls...” Pinkie announces. “...Anon's going to let you drink all the milkshakes you want! Just ask and I'll get em.” She declares with determination. You're beginning to regret this decision. ”CutieMarkCrusadersMilkshakeTestersYAY!” Really starting to regret this. “Owww...” Sweetie Belle groans, clutching her stomach in pain. “Too much cinnamon crunch.” This was a really bad, bad, bad idea. “ComeOnComeOnComeOn What's next? Chocolate Chip Fruity cream? Or Super Pinkie Pinkieness? ComeOn!” “Apple Bloom?...Did it work?” Scootaloo asks, rolling over to show Apple Bloom her flank. “No...how 'bout me?” “No.” Bad, bad, bad idea... at least you won't have to deal with Fluttershy when you get home. Speaking of which, you should probably go visit Twilight at some point. “...I think I got to go.” Pinkie immediately snaps out of her obsessed state to give you those adorable puppy dog eyes. “B-But we were having so much fun...” She whines out. “I know, but I've kind of got to go see Twilight at some point...so...yeah...” You awkwardly stand up and slowly back away towards the door. “B-But you didn't give me a goodbye cuddle!” She pouts, stomping her hoof on the floor. “Fine.” you say holding out your arms to accept your 'demise'. She joyfully jumps into your arms and nestles herself into the crook of your neck. She squeezes lightly, holding in place for a few moments as your face is enveloped into her pink poofy mane. You can tell she likes you, but she doesn't seem as... feral as the others. So, you return the hug for a moment, but things start getting too much as she doesn't seem to be showing any signs of letting go. “Uh...Pinkie?” “What?” “You can...uh...let go now.” She practically jumps from your form. “Whoops! Sorry...” She says awkwardly. You turn to leave, but Pinkie has other ideas. “You didn't say goodbye to the fillies!” She shouts, before you reach the door. Deciding not to stretch this out longer than it needed to be, you just call out to them. “Goodbye girls.” “Grandma?! Is that you?!” shouts Sweetie Belle. A really bad idea. *knock**knock**knock* The door to the library opens as Spike pops his head out. “Hiya Spike. Is Twilight home?” You ask, trying to peek past him. “Yeah, she's inside.” He announces, moving to the side to let you pass. You spot Twilight sitting at one of her desks, reading a rather large tome - probably on magic - but you weren't really that bothered about it. Her eyes light up when she sees you enter, quickly finding a bookmark for her page. “Hi Anon. What brings you here?” “I just came to say hi.” You lie, taking a seat across from her. She smiles from ear to ear when you say that and tries to organize her appearance. “Oh, good! I was hoping to speak to you soon anyway.” This should be promising. “Oh?” “Yes, I spoke to a lot of mares today, Fluttershy and Applejack included...and they don't seem to believe me...They seem to believe that I'm just trying to trick them so I can...uh...have you to myself...” She finishes with a nervous chuckle, avoiding eye contact. Your eyes sink to the ground as you let out a sigh of regret. Guess it was too much for you to hope for. She seems to notice your depressed expression and quickly tries to revive your mood with a hoof under your chin. “BUT, I managed to convince them to go out with us tonight...just the seven of us...and I have a plan to get everyone to leave you alone.” And now you're interested. “Really?” You as with a cocked eyebrow, her hoof still under your chin. “Yes...well it would just be you, me, Rainbow, Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack and Fluttershy. Once you make your point and I tell them my plan, everypony will spread the word that you're not to be harassed. And eventually everyone will know.” She finishes with an awkward smile. “I don't know...” You say hesitantly. “Where would we go?” “I was thinking just the local bar downtown.” she says without missing a beat. “You? At a bar? I don't think this was your idea.” You say, punctuating your point with a small jab to her chest. “You may think that, but I think with the sensitivity of the subject matter, we're going to need a relaxing atmosphere so this doesn't escalate.” Oh, okay-wait what? “Escalate? How bad do you think it could get?” You really don't want to be forced to hang around these mares if they're likely to explode on you. Twilight quickly shakes her head in protest. “Nononono, I don't think anything bad will happen, just... a precaution.” You arch an eyebrow as she shifts her gaze awkwardly. “What are you planning anyway?” She smiles deviously, making you a little curious. She lifts a hoof up to her lips and imitates a zipping motion. “Ah Ah Ah, It's surprise.” You should question this, you really should... oh fuck it. You're too caught up in the idea that you're close to stopping all of this madness. “Fine, but if I get raped, it's on your head.” You say, standing up and going to the front door. “Wait, didn't you come to see me?” She asks sadly. “Yeah, but now I got to go prepare.” You say, closing the door. Well, into the frying pan and into the fire. And with that you proceed to make your way home. “Hey Bro.” You flinch a little at the sudden appearance of Rainbow Dash, flying above you. “Hey.” You reply, continuing to walk. “You coming to the gym? I was thinking about working on my forelegs today.” She punctuates this by flexing one of her fore-legs to reveal the strong muscles beneath her fur. You've been going along to these gym sessions since the two of you started hanging out. In fact, these gym sessions your bro insists on you coming along on have probably been the reason why Applejack and Fluttershy haven't gotten to you yet. Too bad you've got shit to do today. “Sorry, not today, I have to get ready for tonight.” You wave her off. Rainbow flies down so that she's floating on her back, eye to eye with you. “Oh yeah, that's right. Twilight's crazy plan to get everypony to leave you alone. You going?” What kind of question is that? “Kind of have to don't I?” Rainbow just nods he head in agreement. “So what you gonna do until then?” “I suppose I'll grab my new clothes from Rarity and then I'll take a nap or something.” Rainbow just looks down as she works up the courage to ask you... “...so...uh, do you want to hang out?...like, at your place?” She asks hopefully. You shrug as you approach Carrousel Boutique. “Sure. I could use the company.” You find the door to be locked and a small package addressed to you on the front step. A small note reading: Dear Anonymous, I hope that these garments are to your liking. I put my heart and soul into making them just for you. Do not worry about payment. All of my wares are free of charge for all of my close friends. I look forward to seeing you tonight. Rarity Fuck, even when she's just writing, she creeps you out. You wouldn't mind so much if the "garments" she made, weren't designed to be touching your nads. "What's it say?” Rainbow asks, prodding your arm to get a look. You remove the note and scrap it, shoving it into your pocket. “Nothing worth mentioning.” And so, you begin the walk home with your trusty Bro, as you move into early afternoon. “...so, Anon.” “Yes?” “I was wondering if...you know, you wanted to be...” She quiets down into nonsensical mumbling. “What was that?” “I was wondering f you wanted to be...” She sighs in defeat. “...back home or here in Equestria?” Rainbow Dash mentally scolds herself for wussing out at the last second. You however completely miss that and answer her question without any sensitivity whatsoever. “Back home. Without a doubt.” you say happily. “I mean, don't get me wrong. Here's great, but I'm always having to look over my shoulder for anyone who wants to try something. So I'd just love to go home personally.” You didn't even look over to see Rainbow's tearful expression, her heart wrenching at the thought of you hating it here. “I-Is there nothing that...you like about here?” Here croaking voice causes you to look over in concern, but she is looking too much away for you to see her. “You okay?” “Uh-huh.” Noticing her expression, you realise that you should probably not insult her place of birth so quickly. “Well, yeah. Of course this place has some redeeming features...I mean, there's the fact that there's little to no wars here, and the whole acceptance thing was pretty cool.” “W-What about ponies?” She asks, still not looking at you. “Well of course they're okay, I can't imagine hating them. I just don't see me ever having romantic attractions towards someone of a different species. It's just taboo where I come from and it seems pretty hard wired.” Rainbow doesn't seem to be getting any better. She just keeps sniffling. “Rainbow, are you sure you're okay?” “I have to go!” She shouts, looking at her foreleg quickly before flying away at high speeds. She is all over the place today. Didn't she want to hang out with me ten minutes ago? Nevertheless, you're almost home and you can see the yellow demon now...and she's walking rather funny. “Hi Fluttershy.” You call, walking past her, looking around for some form of prop that she'd be using today...but nothing, just herself. Not even a costume? “H-Hi AAHnon.” ...okay. “Are you okay?” “J-just f-fine.” “What's wrong?” “I-If you're fine with it. T-Then I'm fine with it.” What? “What are you talking about?” She shuffles in her hooves a bit; her back arched in the air clearly showing discomfort. “What did you do?” She looks you in the eyes with a half lidded smile as she shakes her rump in an attempt at seduction, but just ends up whimpering in pain. “Your fetish...” My fetish? What fetish? What is she talk- oh no. “Fluttershy, tell me you didn't.” She smiles sweetly as she tries to lean in for a kiss. “You told me to...” “I didn't think you'd take it literally.” You start to rub your temples to alleviate yet another headache coming on. “I-I have to admit, it was difficult finding one that was exactly the length, but I did it...f-for you.” You let out a groan of frustration. “Fluttershy, I really shouldn't have to tell you this, but a...that...um...! Anyway, it's not my fetish. In fact, I think you need to go to the hospital...like, now.” You make you way past her, only to see her squeak in pain as she tries to move her hind legs again. “Um...is carrying mares to the hospital your fetish?” You glance down to see her looking up at you with pleading eyes. You are so fucking done. “No, but I guess I have to.” You grumble through clenched teeth. You slowly roll her onto your arms and start your gentle walk to the hospital. “How did you even get here in the first place?” Fluttershy merely blushes and snuggles into your chest. “You're a great motivation, Anon.” She whispers as she closes her eyes to sleep. Fuck, you hate ponies. That Night You are sitting quietly in the corner booth of at this dimly lit bar. Twilight is sitting besides you, holding a little scroll. “So they all agreed to show?” You ask, Twilight nodding in return. “Yes, they all agreed to come to hear you out. They should be here soon.” “What if they don't listen to me?” “They don't need to listen. You just need to tell them so they know that I'm serious.” “This plan of yours, it doesn't involve me getting tied up does it?” Twilight just laughs and shakes her head. “Nope.” “Are you going to tell me what it is?” “Nope.” Before you could question further, the first arrival appeared. Fluttershy nervously scuffs her way in, clearly distressed at the location, but she take a seat the seat next to yours and scoots herself closer to you, having to compensate a little to sit comfortingly. “H-Hi.” “Hey Flutters. How are you feeling?” “F-Fine. A little itchy though.” She squirms a little in her seat. “T-Thank you for helping m-me...” She places a hoof over your hand, but promptly takes it away when she notices your glare. “You try anything yellow, and I'm shouting out changeling.” She nods her understanding and leans into her chair. You down your drink as fast as you can. This is going to be a long evening. Soon after, the rest of the group arrive. Most of them strutting in confidently - Applejack giving Fluttershy a harsh glare for sitting next to you – but Rainbow Dash just trudges in sadly, taking the last available seat opposite you. “Hello girls.” Twilight announces, a serious tone lacing her words. “I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here...” Applejack raises her hoof to get the others attention. “Ah thought we were just comin' here for a little get together.” “Unfortunately, no. We're here for a meeting about an important issue.” Everyone present raises their eyebrows in question. Twilight turns to you. “Anon?” “What?” “Don't you want to tell them about your feelings?” At the sheer mention of feelings, everyone present grows a mixture of emotions. Some of hope, some of jealousy and some of complete hurt and others of panic, looking to you for answers to their questions. “UH...” You start, but find the situation too awkward to speak. Twilight rolls her eyes and speaks for you. “He wants ponies to stop hitting on him.” She states simply. She is immediately met with shouts of denial. “Horse apples!” “I-I don't think that's true.” “You just want him to yourself don't you?!” Rarity finishes, slamming both of her hooves onto the table. Deciding to fix thing before they get out of hand, you speak up. “It's true.” Everyone present stops suddenly, looking to you in shock. “What? It's not the first time I've told you I'm not interested.” You say, baffled by their reactions. Everyone continues to look on in confusion, processing this new information. Fluttershy is the first to speak. “I-I thought you were just playing hard to get...” You narrow your eyes in irritation before replying. “I'm one hundred percent confident that telling you to fuck off, is not playing hard to get.” “But that was the point of us flirting with you darling, we wanted to gain your attraction.” Rarity chips in, staring at you hopefully. “Yes, fair enough, but if I've already stated my lack of interest, you should pay me the courtesy of giving up.” “But what if we feel we could get you to like us?!” She continues to argue. “Yeah, I hate to sound harsh, but seeing as you're not human, you're not gonna get very far.” And at that moment, all of the ears present folded to their respective heads. Great, now I feel like an ass. “Look, it's not that I'm not flattered, I really am, but where I come from, you don't fuc—uh...have relationships with ponies...it's just wrong.” Applejack looks to you with tears brimming in her eyes. “B-But we're sentient.” She pleads, but your level stare stays put. “True, but all those years of hard wiring are hard to undo.” There is suddenly a harsh silence at the table. You try not to feel bad, but the scene in front of you makes that hard to do. You shouldn't feel bad. You shouldn't have even had to do that. “No.” ...What? You look to the yellow mare beside you. “Excuse me?” “I'm not giving up! I don't want to!” She shouts, flying out of her seat and landing straight in front of you, on the table, forgetting her erlier discomfort. “You can't just do that! You can't just deny all of these mares and expect us to just take it! Now you are going to accept our love or we'll just have to force it onto you!” She shouts, her nose practically touching yours. “Fluttershy, That's enough!” Twilight shouts, causing the yellow pegasus to snap out of her stupor. “B-But, I –” Twilight huffs loudly, pulling out a scroll and rolling it under Fluttershy, across the table; it rolls right across to the other side. Fluttershy barely has time to register what's going on before Twilight starts to explain. “I'm sure none of you know what this is?” She says irritably. She was right, the looks of confusion and curiosity are evident on each pony present as they inspect the document in front of them. “This is something Anon told me about a while back. It's called a restraining order.” She recites, gesturing to the different parts of the parchment. Your eyes widen in shock at the purple mare. Nobody else knows about such a thing, so their reactions go unchanged. At least until PurpleSmart explains. “This order completely prevents anypony who has this filed against them from contacting and approaching the home or person of the subject, in this case Anon.” They all stare at the paper worried. You however are completely shocked. When did you even tell her about this?! A freaking restraining order! You could die, right now. Rainbow raises her hoof into the air. “Quick question...what's to stop somepony going up to Anon, even with this restraining order thingy?” Twilight smiles knowingly. “Good question. If somepony were to violate the restraining order, said pony could be subject from fines...” Everyone present sighs in relief. “...up to imprisonment.” And they all go wide eyed again. “Imprisonment?!” Pinkie shouts, her hooves connecting with the table in panic. “Yes, it's all dependent on the severity of the violation, but it is a possibility.” Twilight states matter-of-factly. “How does one know if they're on the order?” Rarity asks, her eyes shifting nervously between you and the document. Twilight smiles proudly. “I would like to draw everyone's attention to this small box, here...” She points to a single large box at the bottom of the page. “...Anypony who has their name written in that box, filed under this order, can't speak to Anon...they will be notified and therefore under the order.” An audible gulp can be heard throughout the booth. In fact, you can hear a few nervous mutterings coming from other places in the bar. Twilight quickly rolls up the parchment and hands it to you; you hesitantly take it. “Anon, ya can't possibly be considering taking that thing!” Applejack states, begging you with her eyes not to take it. Fluttershy – who was starting to tear up now – promptly flies out the door, leaving you all behind. “I-I'll go check up on her.” And just like that. Rarity was gone too. “Ya see what you're doing here?! You're breaking our hearts!” She practically screams in your face as she leans over the table. “Now, ah understand that ya do thing differently back where ya come from when it comes to romancin', but here, a mare should be allowed to chase any stallion she wants until he gives in. Just because yer not from here doesn't mean-” Aaaaaand that's enough! “If I was to start forcing you to eat meat because of my customs back home, you'd try to beat me to death! You'd do the same if you came to my world and someone tried to make you eat it! There's no difference!” You shout right back, getting right up in Applejack's face. She recoils slightly but tries to hold her ground, although you see the defeat in her eyes as they gloss over. She quickly turns and runs out of the building, leaving just you, pinkie, Rainbow and Twilight, the scroll still clutched in your hands. Pinkie holds her head low as she follows Applejack, saying nothing. Well, now you feel like an asshole. Is it too much to want to be left alone for a day or two? Can you not even have that? “They'll get over it.” Twilight says, standing up and exiting the booth. “Take that to Mayor Mare tomorrow and make it official.” She says, pointing to the scroll in your hand. You nod and allow her to leave. You just remain sitting there, staring at the document that would grant you your freedom from the mares that harass you, day and night...but why does it feel like a hollow victory? You can't help but feel like this could be the worst mistake of your life. There will be so many things that can go wrong...but it's your freedom, your privacy, the ability to not need to convert your entire house into a cold war bunker. “You alright there big guy?” Rainbow says quietly as she nudges your side to get your attention. “Yeah...thanks.” A heavy sigh escapes you as you look up to the rainbow-maned pegasus. “Shouldn't you be...happy?” You just shrug as you sit in your chair. A brief quiet overcomes you, before Rainbow Dash silently leaves the table, only to come back a few moments later with two large foaming flagons. “Wanna talk about it?” She asks, her depressed demeanor suddenly evaporating as she sits next to you. “Hit me.” “Wai...Wai... I-I don't undershtand...” Rainbow rambles out, jabbing into your shoulder as gently as her drunken hoof-eye coordination will allow her, which was not very gently. “What don't you understand?” You respond, not nearly as smashed as your blue furred companion. “I-I thought you wanted all us p-ponies to...to l-leave you alone?” She asks, her lip quivering slightly. “Not all ponies, just the ones who can't take a hint.” You take another swig. “Yeah, b-but I thought t-this was what you wanted?” You let out another sigh of regret as you signal the bartender for another two drinks. “I guess, but did you see Applejack's face when she left? Or Pinkie's? Or Fluttershy's? Hell, even Rarity was upset...And it was because of me...” You feel a hoof resting on your shoulder. “Hey bro, I know you feel bad just now, but just think. Every time I've come over, every single time; your door has been knocked on and it hasalways been AJ or Fluttershy. You've always complained about everyone harassing you, but now you have a chance to stop it and I think you should take it.” Rainbow says in quite possibly the most sober voice you've ever heard from her. Seriously, not even sober Rainbro is this sober. You look to the scroll on the table, the key to your happiness and the key to your privacy all- “Fuck it.” with a sigh of resignation, you place both hands on the scroll and tear it straight down the middle and then again for good measure. Rainbow Dash sits there, shocked at your actions. “What? They're not that bad. Besides, I'd be fucked if Rarity wasn't allowed near me. I'd need to go to Manehattan for clothes!” She searches your face for any sign of deceit and finds none. She smiles that bro smile you often see from her as she nuzzles your shoulder affectionately. Tired of the dramatic stuff for one night you take the new flagons of hard cider and hand on to her. “Race ya!” “You're on!” Even later that night. “Shhooooowwww me the way to go hoooommmmeeee I'm tired and IWantToGoTo bed I had a little drink about an hour agooooo And it’s gone right to myHead Everywhere I roaaammm Over land or sea or foaaammm You can always hear me singing this sooonnnggg Said show me the way to go hoooome!” The two of you slowly stagger your way back to your place, drunk off your ass and not caring who heard your terrible singing. “Ssshhow me the way to go Hoooommmmmeee. IIIII'MMMM Tired and I wantgoto Bed. ...Wait, Anon?” You stop your absolutely fabulous singing to look to your bro, who was currently leaning agianst you for dear life. “Whu whe Wha?” Fucking lexical genius right there! “W-W...Why are we shinging thishhh shong?”…good question. “It's ...it's just...it's just what drunk people shing, don't fight it.” With both of your minds completely swimming in alcohol, you both just shrug and continue your song. You're so captivated by your own song that you barely just manage to notice your house coming up. After a few moments you find the door unlocked, and allow yourself in. “A-Anon?” Rainbow remains standing at the door, rubbing one of her fore-hooves with the other. “Yeah?” “D-Do you ever think you could be with a mare?” You cock an eyebrow and shrug helplessly. “Don't know. I'm just not ready just now. I just hope I can get through this phase everyone is going through.” You stroke your chin for a moment, thinking on how you were going to deal with Fetishy, Rariperve and RapeleJack...that and the possibility of growing a beard. “Heck, maybe they'll leave me alone as it is.” You shout, letting your arms fan out in excitement. “Not likely though.” And they drop again. You're pretty tired, you should probably go to bed. “Look bro, it's getting late so I think I should go to bed. You okay to get home?” She glances around the house before looking down in disappointment. “I could probably get home by myself...Unless...y-you -?” She never finished her sentence, because you'd closed the door to the bathroom before allowing her to finish. She sighs dejectedly as she closes the door and returns home, the heavy anvil of disappointment and failure weighing in her chest. The next morning. Your head slowly rises from your pillow as Celestia's sun beats down on your face. You let your head flop back down onto the...cold dirty path... Wait... “What the hell?” You jolt upwards, standing to your feet and looking around you. A forest? Weren't you at home last night? Have I returned to Earth?...wait no, this is the Everfree, so what's going on? “Morning!” You almost jump straight out of your skin at the sudden voice. You turn around to see a light grey unicorn mare, wearing sweat bands and a hair band to keep her black mane tied back. You just manage to get your baring back so you can respond. “Yes, good morning.” You say, trying to catch your breath. “You okay mister?” The mare asks, looking from you to your sleeping position. Oh god did she see me? “Uh...yeah, just a little...confused.” Your neck seems like it needs a good sheepish rub around now. “I'll say.” She takes out her headband and lets her mane fall in front of her face as she tries to retie it. “I don't think we've met.” You try to spark a conversation to avoid the awkwardness of the situation. “No we haven't. I'm Grim. You?” “Anon.” ...and here comes the awkward silence. You both exchange awkward glances. Actually more you exchange awkward glances and she looks to you pleasantly. “So...uh, I should probably get home then. Don't want to worry my friends.” "Okay then, see ya around." She says happily, jogging off into the distance, leaving nothing behind but her name. who was that? You take another quick look around the forest. You know exactly where you are. The path you - apparently - slept on is the road leading to Zecora's hut. Judging by the position of the sun in the sky, you can guess that it is about mid-morning. Basically, between waking up and Fluttershy's first knock. Better get a move on. Deciding that you'd rather avoid any worried search parties - or Timberwolves for that matter - you pick up your pace and head into town, the gentle heat of the morning sun beating off of your shirted back. The walk back to Ponyville was rather quiet, the weather was clear and you didn't encounter anything out of the ordinary from where you woke up to where you are now, which is just outside of Ponyville town square. You love going into town this early, it's far too early for anybody to bother you and you love to enjoy that luxury...when you can be arsed waking up. You catch sight of the Ponyville library, Twilight and Rarity conversing outside the front door. It was clear that it was only choice words that are being used. Fuck it, I need to speak to Twilight anyway. You slowly walk up to the ponies as they continue to converse, surprised that they haven't noticed you yet. You were about to raise your voice when suddenly a shrill shriek cut through the air like a million needles puncturing your eardrums. Then another. Everyone around town square takes notice, looking at the supposed source of the screaming. “That sounded like Fluttershy.” You tell no one in particular. Everyone present quickly drops what they were doing and starts to run towards the screaming mare as she continues to screech out in repeated bursts of panic and terror. It took a moment to register what's going on, but you snap out of it and quickly sprint down the road, the ponies having had a head start, but you soon come up the rear, rushing past many of the small equines. The screams lead you to a familiar building...your house. You stop to catch your breath. Fuck sake, she's probably just found out you're not home. You irritably trudge your way past the ponies and into the living room of your home. There you find a traumatized Fluttershy in the arms of a teary eyed Applejack, still screaming though muffled and not as loud. “What's going on?” They don't respond, probably too traumatized to answer. You make your way into the kitchen to find a small red stain on the counter, most of the stuff on the counter on the floor and Twilight frantically trying to reassure a flat-maned Pinkie Pie. The main horde of ponies remain outside, your friends being the only ones inside. “I've contacted the guard, they'll be here any minute now.” Twilight says before breaking down into her own set of tears. “What the fuck is going on?” You ask, but no one hears you. You absentmindedly follow a small trail of blood droplets to the bedroom, hoping to find the source of all this drama. You find Rarity and Rainbow Dash. Both of which covered in blood...just not their own. You see a tall bipedal creature with hands lying on your bedroom floor it's head resting in Rainbow's forelegs as she stared off into space. Is that...me? the creature looked like you. it was certainly human, but... “Oh ha ha. You got me, well done!” You congratulate them with a slow clap, but find silence, being your only response “Hello?” You are met with only the sounds of sobbing and screaming. “Answer me!” “Hello Anon.” You jump at the sudden voice, turning around to see the white mare from the woods, but now she was dressed entirely differently. A black hooded cloak covering her body as she held a scythe in her left hoof as she extended her right. Gazing up at you with a knowing smirk. “Maybe I should introduce myself again. Name's Grim...as in Grim Reaper.” You stare at the outstretched forehoof as she looks up to you with deep red eyes. You can only think of one thing at the sheer magnitude of the situation. The one thought that is bombarding your mind so loudly that you just have to let it out... no matter how pathetic you sound. “...oh Fuck.” Author's Note Wrote this to help with my Post traumatic exam disorder. (Seriously, fuck exams.) Maybe now I'll get some more writing done for my wonderful readers... *Cough*maybe*Cough* Thanks go to The Diplomat for editing. Stay awesome everyone !
Chapter one: This isn't happening.Author's Note Okay, I've figure out what I'm doing with this one. So before we begin, I've made a quick change to the last chapter. Anon didn't get decapitated... I figured it was a little too extreme and I just felt silly writing it. So other than that, new chapter tell me what you think(if ya want.) And stay awesome! Chapter one: This isn't happening. “No sign of forced entry...” This can't be happening. “...There appears to have been a struggle from the mess in the kitchen...” There is no conceivable way that this could be happening. “...Single knife wound to the lower back...” Why now? “...Victim dragged himself through the house...” Why me? “...Where he died in the bedroom...” What did I do? “...It would appear he attempted to call for help....” Inspector Hoofcuff lists off, going through the house periodically, taking not of every little dent and scrape that could be seen. Your friends has left, being forced out of the house by the guards now searching your home for clues. Hoofcuff points to the phone that hung from the receiver over he bedside table, playing the dull constant note of the dial tone, finishing his estimation. “...and he failed...” He finishes, looking over to the other guards questioningly. “...Anything else?” The other guards each shake their heads in denial before resuming their search of the home. Deming it unlikely that they are to find anything else, Hoofcuff claps his hoof on the floor, earning the attention of the guards once again. “Good. With that out of the way, I want photographs of the body where it is now and then I want it shifted to the hospital for autopsy, I need to know exactly how he died.” He orders the first guard, who salutes and trots out of the house at a brisk pace back to the guard station. He move to the second one, who tenses up under the gaze of the inspector. “I need you to get forensics down here. I want hoof prints, hair samples, Whatever you can find! I need it.” The guard salutes and follows out of the house after the first guard. Hoofcuff looks out the window to the crowd of ponies still outside the house and turns to the third guard. “But, before any of that, I want you to get those ponies, out there, gone...” His expression softens for a moments. “...and be gentle about it.” The third guard just nods his understanding before going outside to face the crowd. "And the rest of you, just continue to do search the home." Hoofcuff finishes. The remaining guards present continue to search the house as ordered. what did I do to deserve this? You think to yourself, still unable to comprehend what's going on. “Would, you stop pacing, you're irritating the hell out of me.” Grim calls, slumping in your dining room chair as she watches you have your little freak out. What' going on? I'm not dead, so what's actually going on? is this some kind of joke? a dream?... You continue to pace around your house, taking care to avoid any of the guards roaming about. Grim, however starts to get rather pissed off at this. "Anon!" ...and that was enough to set you off. You immediately sprint out the open door and into the streets outside, past the crowd of curious and worried ponies just outside. “Anon!” You ignore the shouts of the white mare as you continue to sprint down the streets, continuing to run, unsure of 'where to' or 'how long for'. Just run. “Anon, would you stop!” You don't, you just keep running, running for as long as you can. You get past the library, Carousel Boutique and even past Sugar Cube Corner. You keep running until you can no longer feel stone under your feet, but dirt and gravel and the buildings in your peripheral vision gave way to many trees and grass. However, eventually your “body” tires out on you, forcing you to stop and allowing for the white mare to come up behind you, her hood left down. “You done?” Grim asks sarcastically, smacking you on the back for good measure as she comes to a stop right next to you. With all of that energy out of your system, you allow yourself to fall back on your ass, your back leaning against a tree that just so happened to be nearby. Upon closer inspection, it would appear that in your panic you ran over to sweet apple acres, as every tree here is dotted with red and green fruits. You would be curious as to why you came here, but you were too busy trying to comprehend the idea that you might be dead and the very existence of the entity known as Death, who just so happened to be standing beside you. “So, Anon, how you doing?” said entity asks, leaning against the same tree, but in a much more relaxed fashion, he scythe leaning lazily in her foreleg and her black cloak, flowing gently in the breeze. The image sending chills down your spine. “How do you think?” You practically spit those words out. You look up to see Grim wearing a mock-quizzical expression, prompting you to continue. “You're telling me that I've died, and that I'm somehow a ghost now?” Grim cocks her eyebrow before shaking her head at your assumption. “Nah, you're just a soul going from this life to the next.” She beams matter of factly. "What's the difference?" Grim looks at you like you're stupid, before figuring out that you're serious. “If you were a ghost, then the ponies would be able to see you.” She says in deadpan tone. You look away to the distance. “Too bad I'm not dead then.” You state, causing the white mare to furrow her brow in confusion. “Come again.” “I'm not dead. I can't be.” “How?” You look to the white mare before thumping your chest twice with your fist. “because I'm still breathing and last time I checked, dead people don't do that.” Grim just shrugs her shoulders and wave off your comment with a hoof. “That's just your soul adjusting to what's happened. It'll fix itself in a few days.” “My soul?” You ask skeptically, not quite believing her statement. “Yes.” “My soul is confused?” “Yep.” “That's the best you could come up with?” Her nose scrunches up in confusion at your refusal to believe her words. “I'm not making it up Anon. You're dead.” She says a little more irritably. “okay then, how about this? I can't be dead, because I wouldn't be aware of being dead.” You say with a victorious smirk. Grim just looks at you like you've lost it. “How so?” “Well, seeing as in my body, there is my brain.” You say, Grim nodding along to see where you're going with this. “...And in my brain is my cerebrum and more specifically, my neocortex.” She nods, though still looking confused. “Well, that part of my brain is responsible for my conscious thought and if my body is dead, then my brain is dead, including my cerebrum, my neocortex and in conclusion I can have no conscious thought! So I'm not dead!” You say victoriously. Grim just connects her face to her hoof in irritation muttering something "oh god another smart ass." She looks up to you with a less than pleased expression. “Look, Anon, I get that you don't want to accept this, but you are. You're dead and no amount of logic or reasoning you think of will change that... and you're wrong. The brain isn't responsible for conscious thought...your soul is.” You take a moment to register what she just said, really thinking about the possibility... "That's fucking retarded." ...and file it away in the back of your mind under the heading 'bullshit.' "No it's not!" Grim counters, pushing herself off of the tree and stomping her hoof on the dirt below her. "You're dead! Nothing's going to change that!" She shouts, loosing all patients for you, it seems. And finally, you register what she's saying. You're dead?...no. No you can't be. You must be in a coma or a dream or something, but you're can't be dead...right? Seeing the conflict in your expression, Grim softens up a little. “Look Anon, we can stay here and debate the possibility, or we can spend your last five day doing something that matters more.” Grim says, leaning on her scythe as she stands in front of you. “Excuse me?” “What?” “What was that about five days?” You ask, standing to your feet. “Oh, everypony gets five days of aimless wandering, checking up on their loved ones and such, before a being taken to the afterlife.” She says simply as she starts to walk down the road into town, but she stops when she notices you're not following. “Or we can just go now?” You're having a tough time taking in all of this information at once. You're dead? You have five days before you go to the afterlife? Death is real? And she's a she? You start to hyperventilate, the sheer amount of information you have to digest was enough to make you panic. You can't do this! What's actually going on!? This can't be happening! There's not way in hell! You're NOT DEAD?! "Whoa there Anon." Grim says, leaning up and squaring her hooves on your shoulders. "Calm down." She says gently, looking into your eyes as you look back into hers. "Everything's gonna be alright...okay?" You take a moment to calm your nerves, before nodding your head and signalling for Grim to get off of you. No. You're not dead, but freaking out about this isn't going to help you in any way...but you do have a few questions for the white mae beside you. “So, let's say that I am dead... how did I die?” Grim looks to you in the 'are you serious kind of way' before saying. “I'm just guessing here, but I think you got stabbed.” She says sarcastically, starting to walk back into town. You deadpan, crossing your arms in irritation and following her. “Well duh, but by who?” Grim shrugs. “I don't know.” “You don't know?” You ask doubtfully, annoyed by her non-caring demeanor. “Nope.” “You're death.” You say in astonishment, completely confused at her lack of knowledge that she should have. “And that means I know everything?!” You can feel your right eye twitch as you try to comprehend what she's telling you. “Don't you...you know...aren't you there...when it happens?” Grim calmly shakes her head. “No. Why does everypony think that?” You furrow your brow in confusion. “Because you're death!” She gives you a death glare. a look which had a lot more impact, seeing as she is death. “Well, no. I just take the souls to the afterlife after five days.” She says matter of factly, continuing her walk down the road. This time you follow her, quickly matching her pace by her side. "I don't actually see them until they 'wake up'...like you did in the woods." She says irritably. "But..." "I don't know how you died." She interrupts, speaking through clenched teeth. You decide it's best just to leave it be, you really don't want to piss of the angel of death. So you continue to walk into town, dropping the subject all together. “You really aren't what I was expecting.” You say as the two of you reach the edge of Sweet Apple Acres. “Oh? How so?” Grim asks, her curiosity piquing. “I don't know, I was just expecting a tall skeleton with a deep ominous voice. Not a white mare with her hood down the entire time.” You say, absentmindedly keeping your distance. “Well, you get what you get.” She says simply. “Now, where are we headed?” She asks, stopping in the center of town, waiting for your response. “I don't know...I guess I should go home.” You didn't really want to, but you might as well. It's the only place you can think of at the moment. “Okay, just a sec.” She says as she taps her scythe on the brick road and it and the black cloak disappear. You stare at her for a moment as she stands there, looking just like a normal mare. “What? Like what you see?” She asks, trotting past you and on her way to your home. “I'm just curious as to why you were wearing your cloak and scythe before, but not now.” she shrugs again for a moment. “It's just to tell people that I'm serious. I don't really know where the whole cloak and scythe thing came from, but it gets ponies to believe me.” She says happily, beginning to trot happily towards your home. “One more question?” You say, following behind her. Grim rolls her eyes and continues on. “Go ahead.” “Where are all of the other dead people?” “Dead.” You stop in your tracks as grim looks to you questioningly. You just look at her with complete annoyance. “You know what I mean.” You state through clenched teeth. Grim struggles not to laugh at your expense, but manages all the same. “They're there. You just can't see them." She says matter of factly. "I can't see them?" Grim rolls her eyes and nods "That's what I said." "I don't think you get what I'm asking. WHY can't I see them?" "Because if you could see them, then I could see me...and then there's a BIG problem...get what I'm saying." "I don't understand any of that?" You say, confused. Grim stops and grits her teeth angrily as she comprehends your lack of knowledge. She turns around quickly and looks to you irritably. “Okay, this'll take a lot of explaining so listen up.” She says rather quickly, just wanting to get this out of the way. “There is more than one of us. One for each species of Equis. There's a spirit of death for the griffons, a spirit of death for the minotaurs, a spirit of death for the dragons and so on and so fourth...and Me? I'm the spirit of death for ponies...” She say informatively. Your eyes widen in comprehension as she continues to quickly speak. “The dead never see each other, because that would cause complications. In fact we don't even see each other...” She lectures on, you just stare on in bewilderment. “When the dead die, they have five days to make their piece before they go to the afterlife. We are here to make sure that happens.” “We are not restricted to time. I could be in the early days of pony civilization on moment and be in the last days the next. This means that I can be there every time a pony passes, it does not matter when they die. it also means that if the dead could see each other, then I could see me from another time and that would cause a paradox and other time travel related conundrums...” “and finally, no we do not all answer to one big death, we are all self reliant. Okay?” She says, standing up once again and huffing in relief. You just look at her wide eyed. “Why did you just tell me all of that?” You ask in confusion. “Because we'd be here all day if I just waited for you to get it...This just cuts straight to the point.” She replies simply. “now hurry up and let's get to your house...” She grumbles, turning around and trotting off. "But how did you know I'd ask all those questions?" "Because everypony asks those questions! Now hurry up!" Deciding not to piss her off any further, you follow. You continue to walk in silence as your house come into view. The crowd outside has considerably diminished. You can see Twilight speaking to one of the guards by the front door. At the sight of the scene in front of you, you take off towards the house. Grim doing nothing to stop you as she stays back and watches from a distance. You run right up to the teary eyed Twilight as she continues to question the guard pony. “S-So you think it was murder?” Twilight asks, fresh tears streaking down her face. “We aren't allowed to say anything at the moment ma'am.” The guard says sternly. As if this wasn't the first time he was asked. Twilight sniffles loudly but continues anyway. “...but surely you can...” “We aren't allowed to say anything at the moment ma'am.” The guard is starting to look more and more pissed off as Twilight continues to question him, slowly loosing his patients. “How can you not do anything to...” “Leave him be Twi...it's not his fault.” came the completely broken voice of applejack as she slowly exited the crowd, of which was starting to get word of what has happened to you. You can see the rest of your friends exit the crowd, just as depressed as their orange companion. “But we have a right to know. Anon would-” “Please Twi. Just leave him be.” Twilight just sighs heavily, before apologizing to the guard and trotting off in the direction of the library, the others in tow. you would have followed, but your heart was not in it. You stand next to the guard, who stood stoic as usual. You look to the door and then back to the guard. A small problem exposing itself to you... “Yo, what's taking so long?!” Grim shouts, making her way over. You look over your shoulder to speak. “The door's closed. Can't get in.” You turn around to face Grim, but when you do, you see that she has her hind hooves raised into the air ad s preparing to buck. "What? wait-!" *Thwack* You go straight through the door...but you don't feel anything. You're on your ass, but it doesn't hurt. You stand to your feet and look back to the undamaged door. You see just Grim's head and neck poke through the door comically. “What? Never seen a ghost movie before?” She had a shit eating grin plastered across her face as she asked that. You return with a calm (Pissed off*) stare. “You said I wasn't a ghost.” You say quietly, with as much venom as possible. Grim just shrugs and brings the rest of herself through the door and joining you inside. “Doesn't mean there aren't similarities.” She says matter of factly. You huff loudly, and walk further into the house. “It would help to know those similarities.” You whisper under your breath. “Yeah well, it'd be helpful if you didn't piss off whoever killed you, but that didn't happen.” You turn around and glare at the white devil. She holds her hooves up in defense. “Relax, it was a joke...besides, it's kinda true.” You grunt angrily. Who'd have known that death would be such a bitch. “Wow, this place is a dump.” She says, avoiding the small splotches of blood, scattered around the kitchen. “Well, sorry. I wasn't expecting visitors.” You say sarcastically. Grim just smirks and moves around the house nosily. You inspect the mess, your knives and other counter top items were all over the kitchen floor. A small amount of blood staining the hardwood beneath it. Whoever did it...did it here. But who... “Any news on suspects? The inspector asks, trotting out of your bedroom. “Not yet sir.” One of the guards responds. "Damn, then keep looking.” He orders, returning to the kitchen to inspect the same thing you were. “Is all of this blood the human's?” He asks. “As far as we can tell sir. I don't think that...” You tune out. Not really finding any answers from listening to them. You move in to your bedroom. Your body is still lying on the floor, but it has a black sheet covering it-him-you? “You alright there buddy?” Grim asks, trotting in after you. you look over your shoulder at the mare skeptically, before sighing heavily and hanging your head. “...no.” You say sadly. taking a seat against the wall and staring at the blanket-covered body before you. “Hey, don't worry. It's just the beginning for you.” She says, leaving a hoof on your shoulder comfortingly. “Grim?” “Yeah?” “If you're the god of death for ponies, then why are you here for me?” You ask quietly, the severity of the situation catching up to you. “...I don't know...I guess seeing as there's no human death, that this was the most logical.” For the first time since this morning, she sounds more like she cares for once. You look to the body on the floor again. “Why can't I feel pain?” You ask. Grim just looks to you in confusion for a moment, before getting what you're saying. “Strange...I would have thought that would have taken longer.” She says, punching you in the face. You glare at her for a moment, before realiZing that you couldn't feel it. “You didn't feel that?” You shake your head. “Interesting...I think your soul is adjusting to death faster than a pony normally would...” She says matter of facly. You just roll your eyes and let your head fall. “So I'm loosing my humanity faster than I thought...great.” Grim hits you in the shoulder. “Oh stop being so melodramatic. You still get your five days.” She stands up and holds her hoof out for you to take. “Now this is obviously too depressing and you're not doing anything productive. So I say we go see where your friends went.” She suggests, pulling at your arm to get you moving. “Why would I do that?” You ask, taking her hoof for her to pull you up. “Because I want to see how bad people feel about you being gone.” She says with a mischievous smirk. “Why?” “Just curious.” You groan heavily. “You're evil, you know that?” Grim just smiles the shit eating smile. "I'm death..." “Come on. You must be a little curious.” Grim pesters you as the two of you walk through Ponyville towards the library. “I would be if I was dead.” You state simply, trying not to think about all the evidence that suggested otherwise. “Urgh! Come on! I know you believe me now!” She shouts, stopping in her tracks as you continue on. “I don't believe you, I'm merely entertaining the thought.” “Then why are you still going to the library?” The statement is enough to stop you in your tracks. Why are you going to the library? If you don't believe you're dead, then why else would you want to go? “I-I-i'm going to see my friends.” You say more to convince yourself than the mare behind you and her lack of response is enough to show that she's gotten the answer that she wanted. You walk up to the Library door and knock, only for your hand to go through the hard oak wood. You sigh heavily and move through the door seamlessly. On the other side, you are met with only the sound of weeping. You see all six of your friends, dotted around the main room of the library and what you see almost rips your heart out. Twilight is reading books about the Equestrian mind, though she does it with an eerily serious look on her face. A look that is somewhat undermined by the matted fur beneath her eyes Rarity sits in the corner, bawling her eyes out, but given Rarity, you'd assume that one of her stitches didn't come out as proper as she wanted...at least you'd hope that was the case. Pinkie Pie, sits on the couch, trying desperately not to cry, but failing miserably as stray tears bubbled their way down her cheeks. the scene causing you to choke back a sob yourself. Fluttershy was asleep next to her, but you could tell that it was anything but pleasant as she tosses and turns with a pained expression printed on her face. You would hold her close if you could. Applejack was clearly doing the best out of the bunch as she went around trying to cheer everyone up, no matter how little success she had. Though you could tell that she was having a hard time herself by the distant look on her face. But Rainbow Dash, your bro, was doing by far the worst out of all of them. Her eyes are red and puffy, but her face shows no other emotion as she sits in the center of the room, staring at the front door...right at you and that scared you most of all. She stares almost straight through you. In fact, if you had not been certain that they couldn't see you, you would have greeted her. You almost break down from the mere sight of it. “Geez, who died.” Grim says humorously as she joins you. “...oh right.” And then she bursts into laughter. “Fuck off.” you say with little energy, too busy trying not to break down into tear at the sight in front of you. She stops laughing. “What? Too soon?” Your unfazed expression gives her your answer. “Man, tough crowd.” You ignore her and move over to the shell shocked Rainbow. She doesn't move, she doesn't even make a sound, she just... sits there “Hey dash.” You say, taking a seat right opposite her. “She can't hear you Anon.” Grim remarks, walking around the library. “I-I know...I just...” The words die in your mouth as Applejack approaches the two of you. Nudging Rainbow to get her attention. “Ya alright there sugarcube?” Rainbow remains quiet, refusing to say or do anything. “Sugarcube?” “He's gone.” Rainbow Dash whispers out. Fresh tears starting to well up in her eyes, her gaze still fixed on the front door. “Ah beg yer pardon?” “Anon...h-he's gone.” Applejack wraps a hoof around your bro as she continues to silently cry over your death you reach out to wipe away some stray tears, but your hand just goes through her... and that causes your own tears to spill, though they just evaporate into nothing...like they didn't exist. “There, there. Sugarcube. Everything's...g-gonna be alright.” Rainbow doesn't say anything, she just sits there crying silently into Applejack's shoulder. "WHO WOULD DO SUCH A THING!?!?!” Rarity bawls out, earning the attention of everyone present. Twilight looks up from her book for a moment, her expression completely emotionless. “I don't know, but I've got a few ideas...” She says, pulling out a large chalk board and hanging it up on one of the free walls. Everyone else, completely confused, puts their depression on hold to pay attention to the purple mare. Even Fluttershy woke up to see what she's getting at! “Okay then...” Twilight begins. “...why does one commit murder?” The way she said it was as if she is teaching a class of children, but there was something else there...anger? Everyone remains silent, nobody saying anything, until... “j-jealousy?” Fluttershy asks, but quickly shrinking down when all eyes were on her. “Yes.” Twilight quickly writes Jealousy onto the board. “What else?” “Anger?” Applejack suggests. “Good. What else?” “Insanity?” “Viable. Anything else?” “Self defense?” “True, but I don't think it's relevant to Anon.” “...rejection?” Everyone stops and looks to Pinkie Pie, seeing her depressed state dissapear for just a second to replace curiosity. “...Exactly.” Twilight writes another heading on the board. “And now I know there are others, but let's just work with these for now...” She underlines each heading and points to the first one. “Okay, now...who do you think would be jealous of Ano-” “Man this isn't good.” You say, standing to your feet. “How so?” Grim asks, nodding to the board. “You were the one who wanted to know who killed you.” “Yeah, but I don't think it's healthy for them to do this. They should be moving on.” “Well, I guess you're just the lucky one.” “WHAT?! HOW?!” Applejack shouts, standing to her feet and pushing her face right into Fluttershy's. The whole event bringing your attention back to the six mares. “I-I...w-well...I-I-I was just saying that...” “Leave her alone Applejack.” Twilight calmly commands, prompting an insulted look from the Apple farmer. “But, Twilight, did ya not hear what she said!? There's no way Big Mac coulda done it!” Applejack shouts, backing away from the terrified Fluttershy. “It's a possibility and there is a motivation...” Twilight says, drawing up Big Mac's name onto the board. “What motivation?!” “Oh come on AJ!” Rainbow shouts, finally finding her voice. “Ever since you started going goo goo eyes for Anon, you've not been the same! You've just been obsessing over him! Do you not think that your brother might have noticed!?” Applejack shoots a killer glare towards the bothered Rainbow Dash. “Well, she is correct?” Twilight announces, looking to the orange mare knowingly. “Whether he felt he was protecting you, or just trying to get you back to normal, he is still a possible suspect.” She says returning to her board. “B-But what about Rainbow!?” “What?!” “Ya know what ah mean. As far as ah can tell. Ya were the last one to see Anon last night and if ya ask me, that seems might' suspicious.” Rainbow stares at Applejack with slack-jawed horror. The other girls staying out of this. “How could you even say that?! He was my friend!” “Please stop this...” You croak out fruitlessly. “Well sorry, but if the boot fits.” Applejack says, turning her nose upwards. “P-please stop arguing...” You keep trying despite the fact that they can't hear you. “Oh yeah, well while we're on the subject of the boot fitting, you did leave the bar yesterday in a less that pleased mood about that order thingie. Didn't like the idea of not seeing Anon?” “Stop...please...” “Are ya sayin' what ah think yer sayin'” "Both of you, stop." Twilight attempts to break up the argument, but it proves fruitless to try. “I'm just saying that of all of us, you're the most likely.” “Oh ah am am ah?” Applejack says, moving up to the blackboard and pushing Twilight away, taking the chalk in her hoof. “Let's see, motivations? Ya'll want motivations? Rainbow was the last to be seen with him, maybe that and the fact that Anon never looked at her twice was probably enough to tell that she's the killer!” “what?” You ask, looking to Rainbow for confirmation. “T-That's not true...” “Oh ya know darn well that it is! Anon never looked at ya the same way. Anon didn't return yer feelings! And Anon didn't love you!” Rainbow Dash starts to heave back tears as she endures Applejack's assault. “Ya couldn't handle it so ya got him all liquored up and brought him home, where you borrowed one of his knives and killed him! Didn't ya! Ya killed him because ya were too weak to buck up and tell him ya loved him!” She shouts in her face. That was the last straw. Rainbow Dash's dam broke as she collapsed to the floor, sobbing hysterically. You just stood there dumbstruck. Rainbow Dash...had a thing for you?...how?...when?... Then it all dawns on you, the behavior, the way she nervously stuttered whenever she asked you to do anything with her...how could you have been so blind...and then everything you said to her yesterday...oh fuck. You probably crushed her. “Applejack!” Rarity exclaims, rushing over to the blubbering Rainbow Dash. "Well, ah'm just bein' thorough. I don' think that Ya are too innocent in all this either, huh Rares?" "What are you talking about!?" "Everypony stop!" Pinkie Pie shouts, her tone alone causing everyone to go silent. Grim pats your shoulder in congrats. "Wow, I've gotta hand it to you, I don't think anypony's death has ever struck this much depression. Well done.” She announces, trotting past you. “...shut up.” You say as you turn around and walk out the door. “aw come on man, it's just a-” “Just, shut the fuck up, Grim. I'm not in the mood.” *Knock* *Knock* You stop in your tracks as the door continues to knock. "C-Come in." Twilight calls. The door opening shortly after to reveal Inspector Hoofcuff, trotting in with a small notepad and pen in his magic. "Good evening ladies." The stallion announces, levitating the notepad in front of him. "I'm so sorry to bother you after the events of this morning, but I was hoping you could answer a few questions about last night..."
Chapter Two: Some ClarificationSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter Three: Angry Men and Mares.Day Three In Equestria. *Clank* “Shit!” *Clank* “FUCK!” *Clank* “COME ON!” *Clank* “DAMMIT ALL!” No matter how many times you attempt to do so, you can't brake the bars that hold you in this cell. You still can't quite get your head around what's happened to you yet. It was only a few days ago; you were out for a light jog, along a route that you've taken countless times without incident, when out of fucking nowhere found yourself thrown into...wherever the hell you are! You mean it too, you were literally hurled, full force, into a tree. You think you might have passed out at the time, but Anyway! The first thing you saw was some weird wooden dog/wolf thing, sniffing at your prone form, probably trying to determine if you were good to eat. Naturally, your first instinct was to punch the strange wooden nightmare, right in the snout...that probably wasn't very wise of you... You put up a decent fight, all things considered. You managed to find a large stick and climb a tree quick enough to get out of harms way...after being pursued across what felt like miles of terrain. You thought you'd made the right call, but apparently attacking some gigantic wooden wolf thing that's trying to eat you is not the right thing to do in those situations, because when help arrived in the shape of half a dozen waist high horses -that apparently heard your screaming from their home- they felt that because you were able to fend off the gigantic wooden wolf thing, you were too dangerous to be allowed to move around freely. 'at least for the time being' as that stupid mayor person would have you believe. These horses have the worst logic you've ever heard of. And you haven't even gotten onto the fact that you're in a world of magical talking horses yet. “Would you fucking let me out!” You shout down the hall, going unanswered. “Sonuvabitch!” You decide to give up for now, falling back into your straw mattress - for a bed, or your dinner, you have no idea- opting to try again later. “You're not going to make any friends that way.” You jump from the sudden appearance of a sweet young voice around the corner from your cell. A purple unicorn horse thingy comes into view on the other side of the bars, nobody else joining her, just her. You don't know what to say...should you ask her name? What if it's not a she? maybe you should ask where you are? Or how you got here? How do horse operate the keyhole of the cell without hands? What is the purpose of the pile of hay? Are they even horses? No they can't be so what are they?...there start with that! “What the hell are you things?” You ask calmly, but that doesn't stop her from scrunching up her nose in offense. At least you manage to catch yourself, throwing up your hands in regret. “Sorry! I shouldn't call you things, but I've had a long couple of days and quite frankly I don't know what to call you.” You say a little nervously, play nice and maybe you can find away to dig yourself out of this chasm you've found yourself in. The purple horse smiles sweetly, sitting down comfortably as she answers. “Ponies...as in our species is pony, but my name is Twilight. Twilight Sparkle.” She says with a serene smile, studying you from a distance and you think up a response... oh what harm could it do? “I'm Anon. Anonymous Unknown.” You say, mimicking her tone of voice and extending your hand through the bar. Twilight retreats a little in fear of your alien appendage, but eventually calms down when you don't do anything. “..it's uh...nice to meet you?” You hold your hand there for a moment as Twilight keeps staring at it intently, studying every curve and bump and scrape. “You shake it.” You say, completely deadpan. That causes Twilight to snap out of her stupor. Taking a rather reserved sigh of resignation, she hesitantly extends her hoof forward so that it lightly touches your fingers, but is unsure whether to continue or not, obviously fearful of what you might do. “uh...?” You roll your eyes and extend your hands further out and gently wrap your fingers around the hoof, you can feel her tense up slightly, a sharp intake of air making it past her lips. Deciding not to torture her for too long, you shake it quickly then release. When your hand slinks back into the cell, you see her examining her hoof with a distant expression, not quite comprehending what just happened... “I... just... shook hooves... with an alien!” She speaks gleefully, bouncing on the spot. “I mean, what are the chances that your culture would have developed one of the same greeting as us?! What are the odds!?” She asks rhetorically, looking at you with fascination. You're starting to like this one. “I have to tell Celestia! She'll surely be fascinated by this discovery.” She shouts as she trots back down the corridor, out of sight, but you are quick to act. “Wait! Come back!” You hear the sound of her hooves stop dead, as she returns back around the corner, looking to you with a strange mix of curiosity, concern and a little bit of glee. “What is it?” She asks, curiosity prevalent in her voice. You look to the bars of the cell, then back to her. “Do you think you could get me out of this thing?” You ask, tapping one of the bars for emphasis, but her expression turns worried, staring at you for a moment. “I don't know. When we found you, you were...” “That was self defense, I swear! I'm not going to go about hurting anyone for no reason. Please, I just want to go home!” You plead, trying to appeal to Twilight's better nature, and for the most part, it seems to work. Twilight looks to her hooves in contemplation, looking back up to you after a solid minute of thought. “You promise to not hurt anypony?” She asks seriously. “Yes! Yes! I- wait, anypony?” You say with complete confusion, causing a sweet little giggle from the unicorn. “I'll ask Celestia about it, you don't seem like your gonna be trouble.” If looks could hug, she'd be pretty uncomfortable right now. “You may want to stop banging on the cell though, it's scaring the guards.” You smile back at her, grateful for the potential freedom. “Thank you. Thank you so much, Twilight!” Your gratitude gains another suppressed giggle from the purple mare. “Of course, Anon. I'll be right back.” She says as she leaves around the corner again. You turn around and take a seat on the hay. Maybe things will be okay... Present Day. “I swear, you're making a mistake!” Twilight pleads at the top of her lungs, but just ends up shouting to nobody. She's locked away in a cell for the night. The same one you were locked in when you first came here. Ironic, Twilight helped you then and technically, you're the reason she's in here now...Isn't life a bitch...or death. One of those two. “Wow, She just won't shut up, will she?” Grim remarks, covering her ears comically. “She's locked in a cell while some guards ransack her house. You'd be upset too.” You say matter of factly. For the past hour you're purple friend has been locked in the cell in front of you. You've heard your body has gone missing, but you haven't got any information other than that. Grim is being as helpful as she usually is, which is not very helpful and Twilight just yells at the top of her lungs to let her out. “So you think she did it?” Grim asks, hinting towards Twilight with an inquisitive look... You furrow your brows and look Twilight over. She's sitting on her rump as she holds the bars of the cell. A single metallic ring wrapped around her horn to suppress any magic she tries to use. She said she was trying to solve your murder and she doesn't seem to be the kind of person who would do such a thing. She can let things get out of hand sometimes, sure, but killing someone? No way. Not Twilight. “I believe her.” You say consciously. Grim just shrugging her shoulders and trotting on down the hall to alleviate her boredom. “Whatever, tell me if she says anything good.” You decide to shrug off her comment, instead applying your attention to Twilight, who is currently hanging her head against the bars defeated. Her mane disheveled, her skin tight burglar lies discarded in the corner of her cell and her eyes red and puffy from one of the many reasons they have to be that way. You sigh heavily. Your heart unable to be more broken after today's events. You kneel down so that you are eye to eye with her, or you would be if she knew you were there. You can hear her quiet breaths, fighting back tears. “Twilight?” You ask. She doesn't respond, but that's not going to stop you. “I know you can't hear me, but I just thought you should know...” You say gently, as if consoling a sick relative. “...I'm gonna find a way to help you. I'll fix this...some way. This whole thing will just be another strange occurrence that we can just laugh off in a few months. I promise.” Twilight doesn't even look up, but you feel better, like you have a responsibility now. A promise you have to keep. “...So don't get too comfortable, because you're not staying in this hell hole for long. I'll get you out, just like you did for me.” You smile down at her comfortingly, bur she does not return it, continuing to stare at the lower half of the wall behind you. “Are we gonna do something, or are you just going to be a sappy dick?” Grim asks, irritably. You groan from the interruption, but you get up all the same. “Would you shut the fuck up and just-” “Anon...?” You freeze solid. what the hell “...Twilight?” You turn back to the purple mare as she continues to hang her head in the dingy cell. “...I'm sorry.” She says regretfully. “Twilight?” You lean down to eye level with her, but she doesn't respond to your presence. “This is all my fault...” She says sadly, the atmosphere in the room dropping a few degrees. “Twilight, you should really dye your fur bright green and throw eggs at children.” “...that whole restraining order thing was my idea.” She forces out, practically a whisper. You sigh heavily, you guess she's just talking to air. “...maybe if we hadn't all gone out, you'd still be alive...maybe you'd be okay.” Her quiet, depressed demeanor is enough to make you want to just cuddle up to her, hold her until she's okay. Until she's happy again. Say what you will about the sex drive of these ponies, they sure do know how to draw sympathy from you. You reach your hand down to lift her chin up, to make her look at you, but your hand just fazes through her, causing a notable shiver to run through her form. “This is all my fault...I-I...” The rest of her confession is cut off as she fails to hold her composure and the previous day's activities finally catch up to her. She let's her legs fold up under her, deciding to lie on the cold hard ground, weeping silently, like so many others you've seen in the past day. “You sure she didn't do it?” Grim asks from behind you, seemingly listening in. You look to the mare in front of you and then to the mare behind you. You're too tired to deal with this. You sigh heavily, rubbing your hands over your face in frustration... “No. No she didn't.” You say simply, earning a raised eyebrow from Grim, but she knows better than to question it. You stand there for a moment longer, watching as Twilight cries softly into her hooves. The silence ringing out in your ears... strange. Shouldn't there be a guard or something? You look around the corner of the cell to see the one guard who drew the short straw that evening, asleep at the desk. You just sigh in knowing. It was probably for the best, it would be really bad if the guard heard her say that your death was all her fault when it clearly wasn't. Grim taps her hoof on the floor in annoyance. “So we've seen your little friend here, she's fine. Can we go now?” Grim asks, impatiently waiting for your response. “No, I think I'll stay a little longer.” You say softly, phasing through the bars of the cell and sitting next to your friend. “But, what about your body!? Don't you want to know where it is!?” Grim asks disbelievingly, Unable to comprehend your calmness of the situation. You just let out a long drawn out breath through your nose. “Not when my friend is trapped in a place like this.” You try to run your hand through Twilight's mane, but it just phases through again. You let out a sigh of defeat, looking back up to Grim. “Besides, the guards are on it, and whether they find it or not, they'll come back here. There's no point in wasting our time...” You notice that Twilight seems to be much more calm now. She lies on her belly with a distant look on her face, her fur matted and her chest gently rising and falling. Poor girl. She's had a long day. They all have. “I'd rather spend my time making sure they're okay. No matter what happens I'm still dead, it doesn't matter how or who.” Grim just shakes her head defiantly, not giving in to your views so easily. “But it's your body! If you find it, then you know who-” *SLAM!* The sound of the front door being slammed open startled the three of you as the sound of purposeful hoof steps make their way down the corridor. Each step is carried with confidence, arrogance and just a general knowing. Hoofsteps that anyone who didn't find something would never be carrying. You'd give yourself three guesses as to who it is, but you only need one. “Well, Well miss sparkle..!” Inspector Hoofcuff announced as he rounded the corner of the cell, showing a folder to the mare in question. “It seems you haven't been quite honest with us.” He says with a self satisfied smile that made you want to back hand him into oblivion. “What are you talking about!? I already told you; I had nothing to do with the murder!” She shouts defiantly, but Hoofcuff's expression doesn't falter, it only grows sickeningly with each passing syllable. What the hell did he find at the library? “Well, then, my dear, would you care to explain these photographs, I found in your home...” He waves the folder in the air for emphasis, causing Twilight's eyes to widen in fear, but she remains defiant. “I-I don't know what you're talking about.” She says matter of fact. Causing the inspector to grin, like a child who's been allowed to open their first Christmas present. “Well then, allow me to enlighten you.” He says joyously as he throws the folder onto the floor, spilling out all of the contents inside. Twilight's eyes widen as photos spread out across the floor, photo's of you. “Have a little bit of a fascination with the victim did we?” The photos varied in context, but they were all of you. You couldn't believe this. Where did she get these?! Some of the photographs were completely innocent, friendly pictures of you and Twilight, group photos and even a few single shots of just you, but others were not so innocent. There were photos of you in the shower and getting dressed. There was even one of you in a more...personal situation when you thought you were alone. “Jesus Christ.” You breath out. You can't help but feel betrayed. Twilight had been stalking you and you didn't even realize! “Wow...I...Oh wow.” Grim's eyes glance over the pictures, trying hard to remain professional, but her definitive blush betrayed her. “Stop looking at my junk!” You snap, earning a rather guilty look in return. “Sorry.” “Well, Miss Sparkle?” The Inspector asks, but Twilight remains silent, keeping her eyes fixed on the opposite wall. Hoofcuff, not liking that one bit, decides to move himself right into her field of vision, baring down on the guilty mare. “Here's what I think happened...” The inspector begins, inquisitively. “...I think, that you grew rather attached, to Mr Unknown here.” He taps one of the pictures for emphasis. “...so much so that you began to obsess over him.” You want Twilight to explain herself, you want her to say that they weren't hers, but Fluttershy's or Applejack's, but...no. She just stays silent, allowing the Inspector to continue. “...I believe that when he came to you, asking for help with his mare troubles, you finally got it into your head that he wasn't going to ever be yours! That you couldn't have him! And that's when it snapped. You decided that if you couldn't have him nopony could, is that it!?” Twilight, finally looks up in shock, staring right at the inspector. “No! I-I...I didn't kill him! I wouldn't do that to anypony! Especially not Anon! I swear! You have to believe me!” Twilight begs, but the inspector remains cocky in his interrogation. “So you are saying these aren't yours?” He asks. You hang on every word, watching Twilight, but she remains silent. “Were these Photographs taken by you!?” Twilight hangs her head in shame. “...yes.” And with that, any resemblance of trust you ever had is destroyed, crushed and incinerated. You feel hollow, like someone's ripped out your stomach. “Well I believe this is enough evidence to warrant your continued detainment, Miss Sparkle.” He said, rather proudly. “...b-but I didn't-” “Well, unfortunately, you have no evidence to prove that, do you? and you are still technically under arrest, so for now you will remain he-” The inspector is interrupted by the appearance of the Guard who was asleep at the door, now fully awake, wide eyed and panicked. “Sir!” He offers a quick salute, but the panicked expression on his face showed that formality is the last thing on his mind. He doesn't give Hoofcuff a chance to respond. “...The Princess, She's here!” At this news, the inspector doesn't even flinch. He just straightens himself up, not even bothering to move the pictures from the floor. He prepares a toothy smile, before replying. “Feel free to send her in.” The guard audibly gulps, clearly afraid of something. After just a few seconds, Celestia herself takes his place, clearly not impressed at the situation at hand. “Inspector.” She speaks, no malice or pleasure, just plain acknowledgment. Hoofcuff simply bows politely at her presence. “Your majesty, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.” He says. Rather extravagantly, either being too much of a kiss ass, or he's taking the piss. Either way the Princess doesn't call him out on it. She just rolls her eyes at the display and gets right down to business. “I understand that you have detained one of my students.” She questions, looking down at Twilight, who is refusing to meet her gaze, eyes fixed shamefully on the pictures scattered across the floor. The gray stallion raises from his bow, standing up straight once again. “Ah yes, I believe that Miss Sparkle is a prime suspect in the murder of Anonymous Unknown.” He begins, earning a rather heated look from Celestia. “Well, whether that be the case, or not, as my personal student, I am ordering her immediate release.” She says with the grace of a politician. Hoofcuff, however doesn't even flinch. “But Princess, I must insist that the suspect remain here. It is highly unorthodox to release a suspect, just because the Princess is her mentor. What if she were to flee, or-” “I am sure you are aware that it is possible to pay a fee towards her release and in doing so, she would be subject to certain laws and rights.” Celestia says sternly, but caring. An impossible mix that only the greatest of leaders can conceive. The inspector tries to stand his ground, standing up tall to the Princess of Equestria herself. Celestia however just quirks an eyebrow. “Do I have to write up a new law, right now?” She asks, trying to stifle the shit eating grin that's trying to worm its way onto her muzzle. At her show of power, the inspector merely grumbles under his breath before levitating a key over to the cell door and opening it. Leaving Twilight free to leave, after he removes her magic inhibitor. She doesn't say a thing, slowly standing to her hooves and walking away from the cell that holds her. Celestia, being the caring mother figure that she is, wraps a wing around her pupil, escorting her out of the building, leaving you, Grim and Hoofcuff alone. Once he hears the front door close shut, he slams his hoof into the brick wall behind him. “BUCK!” He screams, Bucking the cell door shut with a loud bang. “I can't believe this!” “Sir?” “That...That whorse! She thinks she can escape the law just because she's got friends in high places! Well, we'll see about that!” He says sinisterly, turning towards the rookie guard and jabbing a hoof in his direction. “Search every one of her friends houses, starting with the Rainbow one! If there's anything to bring that bitch in, I want it found!” the young guard offers a snappy salute and a quick 'yessir' before trotting off, back to his desk, leaving the Inspector to retreat to his office to brood in his defeat. You remain in the cell, sitting in thought over what has just transpired. Doing so, however, brings out concern in the white mare behind the bars “Anon?” Grim gently questions, sitting beside you. “I can't fucking believe this.” You say, completely emotionless. “I thought you'd be happy she got out.” Grim tries to comfort you, but it only draws further attention to the matter. “It's not that. It's those!” You say, much more malice in your voice, pointing to the photos that Hoofcuff left behind. “The pictures?” You shoot Grim an obvious glare, trying your hardest to restrain your emotions. “Yes. The pictures. I thought that she was different. I thought that she was normal, but...she was stalking me. The whole fucking time.” Grim tries to rest a hoof on your shoulder, but you quickly swat it away. “This whole fucking time I was feeling sorry for these ponies, but they were all part of my misery weren't they?!” “You don't know that.” Grim tries to reason, but you refuse to listen. “I wouldn't be surprised! They all apparently felt that way! Heck, maybe Rainbow was the one who kept stealing my underwear! She clearly had all the opportunity to, when she crashed at my place all those times after so many I'm so FUCKING tired! Let me sleep here!'” Grim winces at your tone, but does nothing to stop you, probably knowing she can't. “And then there's Pinkie. Heck she probably had a whole spying business made around me! She had all the equipment! And she could get just about any-fucking-where! Heck, maybe she was the one who stole my fucking body! Would you be surprised?! She could do that!” You don't allow her to respond as you storm out, through the cell doors, through the corridor, and out through the front door, outside once again, where Twilight sits next to Celestia, crying into her chest, seeking comfort. You'd care, but you're too pissed off. “What else! Maybe they were all working together! Maybe Rainbow stole my underwear to get me to go see that fucking pervert Rarity! Wouldn't that be a fucking twist and then she would get me nice and naked for Twilight Stalker over there! Who would then sell the picture to fucking Fluttershy who would somehow use them to figure out which fetish to proposition me with. Then Applejack would move in to try to widdle me down somehow, by trying to rape me! And then while I'm distracted by the two of them, pinkie Pie would sneak in and set up whatever stupid shit she'd want to, in turn making the whole stealing my underwear easier for Rainbow Dash! I'm fucking sick of these fucking horses! I fucking hate all of them!” You scream to the heavens, panting in irritation as you allow your rant to subside and the excess adrenaline to seep from your system. You fall to your knees in despair, breathing heavily through clenched teeth. “You really believe that?” Grim asks condescendingly, subconsciously breaking you out of your angered state. “No.” You admit pitifully. “So what now?” Grim asks, causing you to wonder. You look back to Twilight as she speaks with Celestia, and then back to Grim. A dark glare etched onto your face. “Fuck this, Let's go find my fucking body.” So with that, to Pinkie's place. “Anon, would you calm down?” Grim pleads, concern and panic evident in her voice. You just keep walking, keeping to your heavy pace. Grim keeps trying to get through to you, but you just ignore her. You walk straight through the door to Sugarcube Corner without hesitation. You said Pinkie could have been the one. Might as well start with her. The whole building is completely desolate. All of the kitchen looks to have been abandoned, baking equipment strewn about all over the place. The sound of ponies, which you are usually greeted with, is replaced with an eerie silence. The cake twins probably asleep, along with their parents and Pinkie Pie. The light's are on though, so there's that. “So...where do you think it is?” Grim asks quietly, You respond with the same dark tone as before. “No idea. I'll search the basement, you have a look around the kitchen.” You move towards the door leading downstairs, Grim traveling into the kitchen, her scythe in hoof. You only question it for a second, before you faze through the door, and find yourself at the top of the stairs, the lights switched off. Since you can't see a thing, you just faze back through, into the main room of the bakery. “You okay over there?” Grim calls from what you'd assume was the top of the stairs. “I can't see shit.” You say irritably. “Oh, hold on a sec, I can fix that.” She says happily, before trotting over to beside the door. You watch with curiosity as she wedges the blade of her scythe into the door handle and pulling. The weight being enough to pull the handle and allow the door to open slightly. Grim finishes up with a proud little smile as she gauges your reaction...which is, much to her surprise, not good. “You can do that?!” You shout in disbelief. “You could do that this whole fucking time!?” Grim merely smiles sheepishly, her scythe evaporating into thin air once again. Probably so you don't try to shove it down her throat. “Well, it's not what you think, it only-” “Just shut up. Shut the fuck up!” You say darkly, the anger brewing inside of you, threatening to boil over. You storm past her and into the basement, Grim taking extreme care to stay out of your way. The additional sliver of light, illuminates the room just enough for you to see faintly what's inside. You make your way down the oak stairs, seeming to glide down effortlessly. There's nothing here. Just labeled boxes, a few sacks of flour and what would appear to be a freezer...well, if anywhere... “Grim, open this would you.” You say darkly, malice dripping from your voice, but you don't see Grim anywhere. She's disappeared from the doorway. “Grim!” At the sound of your voice, her head pops through the crack. Her expression looks irritated above anything else. Probably has something to do with your tone. “What?” “I need this open.” You say simply, unable to contain your frustration. Grim either doesn't notice or doesn't care as she descends the stairs, summons her scythe, and uses it on the freezer door. The lid opens without a hitch. You let the freezer open completely before looking inside. The mere thought of something grotesque being stored inside, being enough to give you cold feet. “Just fucking look!” Your sight bounces off the contents off the freezer for a millisecond. Your breath releasing slowly in relief. “Nothing.” You declare with relief. Gesturing for Grim to close it once again. With nothing in the basement, you return to the kitchen. You find that Grim has all of the cabinet doors open, clearly displaying their contents to the world. “Nothing?” You ask, very little emotion in your tone. “No, just foodstuffs.” “What about the fridge?” “Same there. Nothing out of the ordinary. I guess there's nothing here.” Grim concludes You look to the stairs to the next floor, a knot steadily forming in your stomach. “No. There's one more place to check.” Grim doesn't respond, she just follows quietly as you climb the stairs, the usual creaking of the wood under your feet is absent, as you progress, you can't even hear the gentle sounds of snoring. The deathly silence is starting to disturb you, until you hear the crying. That sound. Just from the last day alone, you really hate that fucking sound! It appears to be coming from Pinkie's room and it has a more frantic sound to it. High pitched breaths. Trying to choke out the sobs, but ultimately failing. The door to Pinkie's room is just beside the stairs. The dark purple wood, decorated with hastily drawn balloons usually brought out some form of calm from you before, but not this time. Now you feel like you are about to walk into a slaughterhouse. Behind these balloons, there could be the most horrible sight you've ever imagined. She could be crying about anything and that scares you. So with hesitant steps, you slowly walk through the door, the wood passing over you like water around a rock. You get your first good look at what's inside and your breath catches in your throat. Refusing to believe what you are seeing. “Jesus Christ!” You proclaim. Grim, charges in shortly after, only to stop at the scene in front of you both. In the corner of the room, sits Pinkie Pie, flat mane and all. A long cutting knife held in her hoof, drawing a shallow scar into her other foreleg, tears streaming down her face, crying loudly as the blood seeps out from under the stainless steel. A small hiss emanating from her mouth as the pain reaches her brain. “Pinkie!?” You exclaim, quickly walking forward as she lines up the blade on another piece of uncut flesh. “She can't hear you.” Grim says matter of factly, but you refuse to listen. “Pinkie, put down the knife.” Pinkie pulls the blade across, leaving another shallow cut in her flesh. She lines up another one. “Pinkie!” You try to grab the blade, but your hand goes through it. “FUCK!” Why do you keep forgetting that?! You look back to Grim. Or more accurately, her scythe. “Grim, you have to help me!” You cry out pleadingly. Grim just looks at you in bewilderment. “What do you want me to do?” She ask. Her response causes you snap and loose your composure. “YOUR FUCKING SCYTHE, DIPSHIT! GET HER TO STOP THIS!” You scream, desperate to stop your friend from hurting herself. “I can't. We're not allowed to interfere. I can't jus-” You don't have time for this. You stand up and quickly run towards Grim, but before you can grab the Scythe, she vanishes it! It's very existence evaporating into thin air. You stop in your tracks, staring at the empty space where the scythe used to be. You must be showing anger in your features, because Grim is quick to try to talk you down. “Now Anon, You need to remain calm. I know it doesn't look like it, but-” You must actually be angry because the next thing you knew, you have Grim pined up against the wall by the scruff of her neck, your eyes glaring into hers with seething rage. “Anon, you're hurting me.” She grunts out, but you don't let up. “Get. Her. To. Stop!” You spit, Grim not giving in. In fact she's looking like this is more of an inconvenience to her than anything else. “Put me down.” She demands, every word laced with her authority. “Give me the scythe!” You scream back, not having any intention to let her go without it. “NO!” She shouts in an almost echoing voice and in the next split second, she's on fire, her skin and muscle melts away to reveal a red hot skull, burning so hot that you're forced to let her go and tumble back onto the floor. This is more like what you were expecting. “What the fuck?!” You exclaim, but Grim only seems so advance on you, angry glare burning into your soul. Her every feature is gone. The flaming bones being the only things left intact. Her cloak from earlier has materialized and now gracefully covers her body, adding to the whole demented spirit image. “YOU ARE NOT IN CONTROL OF ME, ANONYMOUS UNKOWN! I AM DEATH, I AM THE OBJECT OF YOUR DEMISE! YOU ARE TO RESPECT ME OR BE DAMNED TO TARTERUS FOR ALL OF ETERNITY!” She pounces, pinning you to the floor as her burning hot aura bears down on your very soul. Her eyeless sockets staring down at you as you try to wriggle free. For a moment, you are just left staring at her, the darkness that encompasses you, frightens you to no end, but you bear with it. After a few moments of complete fear, her form reverts back to normal. A bright flash of blinding white light graces your vision before allowing you to see her once again, staring daggers at you, fur and all. “Are we clear!?” She asks, her voice once again normal. You can't help, but feel that stubborn instinct kick in, you have to do something, but at the moment she's holding all of the cards... “...Crystal.” You say with a taut voice. It's enough for Grim however as she lets you free. You are left glaring at the angel of death, your eyes locked in a angry staring match, desperate to not be the first to break. Until a feral cry is heard behind you as Pinkie throws the blade to the floor, discarding it some distance away from her as she wails into her crossed forelegs, clearly ashamed of what she's done to herself. “Come on. Your body's not here.” Grim grunts irritably as she turns towards the door. You don't respond. You just stand there, watching as the red of the blood spills out of her foreleg and onto the hardwood floors. “I can't.” You whisper painfully. Grim becomes irritated by your stubbornness as she just groans and turns to you. “Anon, there's nothing you can do. any-” Unfortunately for her, you've just about had enough. “Just because you've never had a friend, doesn't mean I have to abandon mine!” You shout at Grim in anger. You expected a similar expression of rage from her, but instead you actually see she's apparently hurt by your remark. Well done, asshole. No. You're not giving in to this...thing. Grim responds first. “You're mad, I get that, but taking it out on me isn't-” “How's about you shut the fuck up! I'm fucking sick of you trying to act like you care! You don't! I'm not leaving my friend alone! Do you fucking understand that! Now either fuck off, or shut the hell up, because I'm done talking to you!” You finish your rant by taking a seat on the floor, next to Pinkie Pie, watching her as she silently cries into her forelegs. Grim appears to reluctantly respect your wishes, remaining silent while you sit here, just waiting for something to happen. The next couple of hours are just as awkward as would be imaginable. Pinkie must have fallen asleep at some point, her abused foreleg, hanging in plain sight of both you and Grim. The white mare herself was ignoring it, opting to silently stare at you with malice. Her cloak still wrapped across her back, her scythe still not with her. She only needs her eyes Those red. angry eyes. She's clearly pissed, but what do you care. That mare has been a bigger burden on you by the day. She's lied to you, she's allowed your friends to suffer, but worst of all; She doesn't care. You don't feel any remorse over what you did, but her staring is starting to get irritating. “Got something you want to say?” You spit out coldly. Grim doesn't respond, continuing to stare at you argrilly. “Well, I'm sorry for trying to help my friend.” Your comment causes Grim's angry demeanor to switch to confusion. You don't stop. “I'm sorry that when I was forced to watch my friends suffer, I couldn't help. I'm sorry that when you offered me a sliver of hope, I tried to grasp it!” Grim flinches slightly, but you still don't stop. “And I'm sorry that when you cruelly took away that hope, I snapped! Yes, I'm so fucking sorry!” Having finished, you shuffle in your place as the awkward silence sets in. the best thing now is to remain quiet. You don't want to dig too deep now, do you? “I'm sorry too...” You lift your head up in shock, not believing your ears. You see Grim looking down at her hooves in shame. “...I guess I just forgot how hard this is for you, and I shouldn't have reacted the way I did...But please understand that I can't do anything...” Is she fucking with you? You'd think so, but from the sound of her tone, her apology would appear to be genuine. You can't help, but let out a remorseful sigh as you try to think up a response. “I don't know. How am I suppose to take this? You said we couldn't do anything back at the library, or my house...but you have that scythe...it can interact with the world, why can't we use that?” You ask remorsefully, unable to keep the feeling of betrayal down. At the mention of her trusty tool, Grim forces the Scythe into existence once again, the tool falling into her hooves without a sound as she inspects it. “It doesn't work like that...” She says regretfully, looking up at you with sorrow. “every time I use thing, the living world reacts accordingly, like when I opened the door downstairs. so when you see me opening a door, the living world sees a chain reaction of coincidences...do you understand?” You furrow your brow in confusion, a few questions burning in your mind. “But I didn't see anything?” your question causes Grim to give you a appologetic smile. “sometimes it can be subtle, like changes in air pressure or wind, it's not always that obvious.” You just furrow your brows in further confusion. “That's awfully convenient.” Grim shrugs ignoring your comment, continuing to inspect her scythe. “But this thing doesn't have that much power, it does have it's limitations...” “Like what?” You ask, more skeptical than curious. Grim just inspects the blade once more before responding. “Well, the blade is the only part that's enchanted, meaning that you can't grip anything and to avoid contacting the living, the blade doesn't actually leave a mark anywhere in the living world...that and we're just not allowed to interfere with the living world in the way you're thinking, or we cease to exist and someone else takes over.” Grim finishes, looking to you expectantly. “but that doesn't-” “Please, it's hard to explain.” Grim pleads, practically disarming you. So you shelve it for now. “So what's the point of it then? If you can't actually do anything with it?” Grim responds with a rather sinister smile, a smile that send a fearful chill down your spine. “Because that's only a bonus of having this, it's main purpose is to send ponies to Tartarus.” ...and now you were terrified, if that thing could do that, then you really need to be careful around Grim from now on. You see the light from the rising sun trail across the floor, the sounds of the birds singing usually pissed you off, but now, you were glad to hear the annoying little fucks. The last time you heard them, was probably yesterday and you weren't paying much attention to them, all things considered, but now they serve as a reminder...that all things go on, even after your death. Wow, what a bummer. “I think she's going to be okay.” Grim says, gesturing towards Pinkie Pie. You look over to her to see that she's snoring away, as she sits in a fashion similar to a drunk that's fallen asleep while sitting down, her bloodied foreleg has clotted up and though she will need to clean it later, it doesn't look too bad. You think the knife was clean. “Yeah...” You agree, still a little hesitant to leave her. She was one of the ones you liked after all. It was unfair to judge her like you did. “Are we okay?” Grim asks, her expression one of hopeful worry. You sigh heavily in thought. You have got to practically live with this mare fore the next four days... “Yeah, sure...” You say, your heart not really into it. It's been a long day and an even longer night. “Where to next?” Grim asks, walking towards the door. With one last glance in Pinkie's direction, you follow, not much you can do anyway. “So why are we here?” “If you'd known Fluttershy beforehand, you'd know.” You say fazing gently through the door to another pitiful sight; on the sofa, lies Fluttershy asleep, but her face scrunched up in discomfort, obviously having a bad dream of some sort, an occasional twitch or flinch to support that theory. The light from Celestia's early morning sun, seeps in through the window, basking the room in a warm loving glow, providing a clear contrast to the scene it's illuminating. The many animals around the cottage, are all sitting in their little groups watching intently as they await the mare to wake up. From your best guess, you'd say they looked pretty hungry. A guess that is proven when you see a group of them, trying to tear into a burlap sack of food. “So where would she hide it?” Grim asks, idly searching the nearby rooms for anything suspicious. “I don't know, there's only like four rooms in her house, so this shouldn't take long. You look down here, I'll check upstairs.” You inform, already making your way up the oak steps. You wonder how your feet don't just go straight through them like they would the door, but you just shoulder it for now. You'll ask Grim later. The upstairs is as it's always been, not changed since the last time you were in this house... now that's a scary thought. It's been months since you've been here. You haven't even seen Angel in ages. The house feeling rather alien to you. You guess Fluttershy's antics kind of acted as a deterrent towards this place for the last few months and to be honest, you'd never imagined you'd be here again. Well, no use dwelling on it now. You first take a look under the bed, the covers undisturbed, Fluttershy obviously opting to sleep on the sofa last night. You check the en suite...nope. No decomposing bodies in the bathtub, just the horrible smell of animals, obviously the source of many a dog bath in it's time. Next is the...well...that's it. Fluttershy's house is Pretty small. It's not like there are many places she could hide your body...if it was her. So without finding anything, you descend the staircase once more. From the lack of any shouting, you assume Grim hasn't found anything either. “Found anything?” You ask. “Nope.” Simple enough. The downstairs is similar to the upstairs, the entire place is spotless, not a single sheet out of place, or even a stain. The house is as clean as they come. You can never do anything about that smell though...That horrible, Disgusting Smell, that stings your nostrils with every breath. The smell of animals. It does beg the question though; where does that smell come from? The house is clean, the animals are clean – as far as you can tell – so where...? You see it. The putrid smell finally making sense. The burlap sack. It's that industrial all brand pellet mix that Fluttershy only keeps for emergencies. The thing only seems to smell worse every time you notice it. Like processed bile, coated in sulfur, and packed inside someone's colon – Or Quorn...either comparison would suffice – But that doesn't stop the various animal inhabitants of the cottage from trying to rip open the burlap sack to get to the foul smelling nourishment inside. They must really be hungry. “I don't see anything here either.” Grim remarks, coming back from her sweep of the floor. You just shrug it off with an acknowledging grunt, your attention being drawn to the little white bunny, gently rocking his owner awake. Deciding you really should check up on her, you move to stand beside her, watching as she begins to stir from her slumber, her eyelids flickering open to reveal the teal beneath as she begins to take in her surroundings. For a moment, she looks normal. Not the weeping mare from yesterday, not even the stalker you had to deal with for the past several months...she looked normal. Like the friend you made when you first came here. You've missed her. The image brings a small smile to your face. It's been so long. But it doesn't last. Because the next moment she seems to remember what's happened to you. She seems to remember that the horrible dream she just had, wasn't just a dream. You watch as the beautiful teal eyes begin to water once again as she covers them with her hooves and begins to weep frightfully, turning her back to the rest of the world as she seeks safety in the back of the sofa. Angel tries to nudge her shoulder, to try and indicate that he and his animal friends are hungry, that they haven't eaten in an entire day...but Fluttershy just ignores his prodding, opting to weep even louder into her hooves. One more prod from Angel... “GO AWAY!” She screams, causing you to flinch back in fright. Angel also jumps from the sofa in fear. Fluttershy has never screamed like that... “JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!” She's now full blown wailing into her hooves now. “Just leave me alone!” Usually the sight would break your heart, cause you to feel guilty, but now...? No you're sick of this. “Oh for fuck sake! Feed your fucking animals!” You burst out, swearing to the heavens. Much to the confusion of your white companion. “She's grieving for you, Anon.” Grim informs, causing you to switch your angry gaze to her. “Well she shouldn't! I'm an asshole! I never returned any of her feelings! Or any of them for that matter! I treated them all like shit! So why do they all insist on treating my death like a big deal!” Grim's switches to sheer shock from your statement. “You can't honestly believe that...?” “I just don't think I'm worth all this!” You flail your arms around exasperatedly, causing Grim to take a cautious step back from you. “You need to calm down, Anon...you can't-” You hold your hand up to shut her up, which she does. You have an idea. “I know, I know. I just need some fresh air...” Grim is all too quick to jump at the idea, not even noticing your sudden mood change. “Yeah sure, let's just go outsid-” “I'm not leaving her, just open a window.” At your rather calm suggestion, Grim's Scythe reappears in the air, allowing her to catch it and trot towards the window. You however have other ideas... With Grim distracted, you snatch the scythe from her grasp. Her reaction is almost comical. A brief stage of confusion at the sudden loss of her tool, and then pure, unadulterated rage at the realization of where it went. She glares you down, her black mane beginning to singe at its ends. You'd assume that's because she's about to go demented hell spawn in a minute. Any other man would be terrified by her angered glare, her all powerful attitude, but you? No. You're just sick of this shit. You swing the scythe around as fast as you can, impacting it into the side of the burlap sack, causing it to tip over and upon impact with the floor burst open and release its contents. The many animals of the cottage seize their opportunity and swarm the food, starting a frenzy right there on the floor. Grim however has other things on her mind. “Give. That. Back!” She orders, on the verge of exploding at you. You look at the scythe once more, inspecting its long, slender, handle and sharp, shiny, blade. This thing could send anyone to Tartarus. It can interact with the real world and it is quite possibly the most dangerous thing you have ever held. “Sure.” You toss the Scythe on the floor, effectively disarming Grim's rage. She stares at it on the floor for a few seconds in bewilderment, while you exit through the door, staring at the sun as it is still low in the sky. “What in the name of Celestia's teats, was that?!” Grim screams, also coming through the door. “I fed the fucking animals. What did it look like?” You reply condescendingly, earning a frustrated growl from the white mare. “We're not allowed to interfere with the world of the living!” she growls out, Anger very much evident. “I couldn't trust you not to fuck with me again...” You imagine Grim's face is pretty pissed right now, but you're making a point of not looking her in the eye. A sentiment that appears to be pissing her off even further. “Anon, I'm not 'fucking' with you, I'm merely obeying the rules...” “What rules?” You ask, finally looking at her. “The rules of death? Have you ever heard of something so fucking stupid?” Stop digging, Anon. “For all I know, this is just a fucking game to you! You're just playing with me because I have no choice but to play by your rules!” And that did it. “The ways of death and the afterlife have to follow strict code. No interfering with the world of the living no-” “Code? Rules? None of what you've told me makes any sense!” You say solemnly. “Why would I be forced to watch my friends suffer without being able to do anything...” “You've asked that already!” “...I haven't gotten an answer yet.” You respond, hanging your head in defeat. At that, Grim keeps quiet, allowing the two of you to bask in the suns warmth, waiting for the next thing to happen. The gentle sunlight seeping over the horizon, gives you a realization. “I'm only going to see that sunrise four more times...” You say changing the subject. Grim just nods. “...do you think I'll see them again...my friends, I mean?” She doesn't respond, sparing you of her answer. The two of you spend the next few minutes watching the horizon. The sun climbs into the sky, the town waking up once again to a new day. Hopefully today will be better than yesterday. “You could leave, ya know?” Grim suggests, offhandedly. “...you keep complaining about being forced to watch all of this happening, but you could just leave now... so why don't you?” You don't know. How would you? They were your friends, but they made your life hell...why can't you just cut them loose? You're about to respond, when the sky explodes with color, the many different hues of the spectrum bursting out from a single source as a similarly colored rainbow trail follows from the center. “A Sonic Rainboom?” You whisper to yourself, the shock wave of color flying over your head. “What does it mean?” You watch as the rainbow trail flies into the distance, towards the other side of town. This can't be good. A sonic Rainboom takes a phenomenal amount of speed to accomplish and given the state Rainbow Dash was in last night, you'd assume she'd be unable to muster up the motivation to do so on her own. Which only means one thing; Rainbow Dash is angry. Really, Really angry. “Where to then?” Grim asks, almost sensing your thoughts. “I have a feeling that we're going to need to go there.” You say, pointing to the end of the Rainbow. Author's Note I swear there are only so many ways someone can write that someone is crying, before they get bored of it.
Chapter Four: Things Keep Escalating.Day Thirty Seven In Equestria “Could you take this out to the northern orchard to Applejack?” Big Mac asks as he loads the wagon full of empty baskets for you to take to the field. It's been a busy day and you've barely started. The early morning sun shines through the barn doorway, giving the place a rather serene golden glow to it. Big Mac taps on the side of the wagon twice for emphasis, turning and walking away to resume whatever it is he needs to do. “Sure, I'll be quick.” You say happily as you grab the specially designed handle of the wagon and drag it out of the barn, earning an absent minded nod from the red stallion. “Eeyup.” That's all he says before you leave. Since you've started working here, Sweet Apple Acres has become your favorite place in Equestria so far. It's quiet, it's warm and the smell is always fresh. The wagon wheels churn through the grass, making your journey a little bit difficult, but not too bad. You've been working here for about nine weeks now and you have to say, you've gotten used to life here. In fact, you'd probably say it's better here. You've always felt welcome, you've had everything practically handed to you and you have the greatest company a man can ask for. Your life is unique, but pleasant. If you died now, you'd die happy...well, for the most part. So you pull on the cart and drag it down the 'path' through the trees and keep pulling. The gentle breeze of the summer wind is just what you need. The calm sounds of birds nestled in the trees, tweeting away at each other fills your ears makes the journey that bit more pleasant. There's nothing that can disturb this atmosphere... Until you hear the dull thwack of hoof on wood. You can see Birds that were unfortunate enough to be perched nearby flee for the heavens at the sound of the cracking of wood. From there, all you have to do is follow the sound right up to the orange mare herself. You find her, bucking away at a sturdy looking apple tree. Full baskets of apples surrounding her. The tree itself, being about three times as wide as yourself, but Applejack gives one swift kick to the trunk and every single apple falls. It never ceases to amaze you, the sheer strength of this mare. You'd hate to be on the wrong side of her. “Hey AJ!” You call, tearing her away from her job as she stops to address you. “I've got some more baskets for ya.” You inform, pulling the first couple from the cart. Applejack moves to your side to help unload the containers. “That's great Anon, just put 'em over by that there tree.” She orders, pointing to the tree she'd just bucked clean. You nod your compliance and start to unload the stacks of baskets, followed by piling them up in neat little rows and as soon as you are done with that, you move to place the full baskets that are lazily scattered around the field onto the cart. “So how are ya'll settling in?” Applejack asks, sitting down for a little break. “I've already told you, I'm fine.” You say happily as you pass her, hulking over another particularly heavy basket of apples onto the cart with a rather relieving *Clunk* “Phew!...I have to say though, this place has grown on me.” You don't see Applejack's warm smile in your direction as you move to grab another basket. “You like it, huh?” Applejack says as she delivers a swift kick to another tree, allowing for a single apple to fall into her outstretched hoof. She's just showing off now. Applejack takes a crisp bite out of her apple, a happy hum vibrating from her throat. “Yeah, it really is beautiful.” You sigh reminiscent of the place you'll happily call home for an unspecified amount of time. “Yah ever miss home?” Another question, another bite. It would appear that she has decided to take a break, resting her back against the trunk of a currently un-bucked tree. You scoff playfully, sitting beside the orange cowpony at the first hint of a break. “Of course I do! Every day, I miss my home, my family and my friends...” You don't see Applejack deflate at your words. “...but if Twilight's said that Princess Celestia is working on it, and I'll be home as soon as possible.” You pinch one of that apples from the tree above you, taking a bite and sighing at the fresh taste. “So ya'll can't wait ta go back?” Applejack asks, looking at you expectantly, preparing to hang on your every word. You stare at your apple pondering your answer. Eh, what the hell. “No. I can wait.” Applejack looks to you, confused. “But ah thought ya'll said-” “I said I miss my home, but that doesn't mean I dislike it here. The place is beautiful, there's little to no mass conflict and the peopl- er ponies are some of the kindest...uh... beings, I know. I mean who else would offer to house me while they try to figure out a way for me to get back?” Your question causes Applejack to grow red across her cheek. “Ya'll still have ta earn yer keep.” “Still better than what some people I know might do.” She doesn't argue it, so you continue. “And on top it all off, I get to meet Aliens! I mean, how cool is that?!” You shout joyously, earning a chuckle from Applejack. “How'd we ever think ya'll were dangerous?” She replies jokingly, taking another sizable chunk out of her apple. “You'd have to ask the mayor.” You say with a sigh, watching as the wind manipulates the leaves of the trees to blow calmly in the wind. The soothing sound of the rustling calming you further. “I really owe you one, AJ” You say offhandedly. Applejack shifts in her place, snapping out of whatever thought process she was having. “What for, Sugarcube?” You look right at her, straight into her large emerald eyes. “For looking out for me. You and your friends. Twilight, Rainbow, Fluttershy, you know... I'd be lost if it weren't for you guys...or worse.” Your praise causes her to look at her hooves bashfully, a deep blush rising on her cheeks. “Well shucks, Anon. Ah think ya give me too much credit. We was jus' doin' what we thought was right.” You shrug, examining your apple in the breeze. “Maybe, but you still helped me when I needed it, so I'm saying I owe you one.” You smile and raise your apple towards her. “To friends?” Applejack just stares at you quizzically, but her expression soon turns deadpan. “Are ya seriously toasting with an apple?” She asks, trying not to laugh at your antics. You examine your apple once more. “No, I'm toasting with a half eaten apple.” You say with as much innocence as you can muster. And there goes Applejack's defenses, as she starts to giggle freely, punching your arm playfully. “Yer something else, Anon.” She giggles, tapping her half eaten apple to your half eaten apple. “I know.” You state arrogantly, taking another bite and resting your free hand behind your head. “It's because I'm awesome.” Applejack laughs wholeheartedly, causing you to deflate slightly. “Ya'll have been hanging around Rainbow Dash.” “Yeah actually. Ah've been hangin' around all y'all.” You say, mimicking her speech, which causes her to playfully stare daggers at you. “Oh, so ah'm just another pony to ya?” She questions playfully, discarding her apple and standing to her hooves. “Well, you're not just any pony.” You say happily. There goes Applejack's blush again. “Definitely top sixty.” And at that comment, you found yourself having an orange mare being launched at you at high speed. “Yer gonna get it now!” She laughs, but you quickly roll out of the way, dodging her attack. She lands with her hooves on the trunk of the tree. Just a small clunk from the tree, so you can tell she's just playing. You stand to your feet, watching as her gaze turns to you with a determined look, she launches again. You decide that it would be best to run. So you do. Running through the orchard with a giggling Applejack in pursuit, all the while laughing your ass off. But the constant expulsion of air and exercise causes you to quickly find yourself exhausted, causing you to loose speed. “Get back here... ya two legged... varmint!” She calls. “No... You're gonna yell at me!” You call back, happily. You run for a few more seconds, before you find yourself too tired to continue. You spin on your heel, ready to face your pursuer, arms outstretched to catch her. She barrels into you at full speed, sending both of you laughing into a tumble, rolling down a slop until you find her on top of you pinning you to the ground. You remain like that for a moment, laughing at the silliness of the situation, but eventually it breaks down into heavy breathing as you both remain transfixed on each other, too tired to say anything. She seems too busy, looking over your face, searching for... something. You don't know how long you've been here, but the situation seems to be getting more and more awkward, so you decide to end it quickly. “You gonna let me up?” Your question seems to break through to her, snapping her out of her daze, another deep blush breaking out across her cheeks for some reason. Must just be tired. “Uh...sure, we'd better get back to work, before Big Mac comes looking fer us.” She says happily, looking back the way you came. “Yeah...we'd better.” You say, standing to your feet. “RACE YA!” You shout suddenly, taking off towards the cart. “Anon! ya cheatin' mother-buckin'.” Present day. You run at a brisk pace through the orchard, hoping to find the location of Rainbow Dash. If she's here, then something's wrong. Very, very wrong. The apple trees are bare now, each one of them stripped of their apples. You could have sworn you saw them there yesterday, but that's at the back of your mind right now. Rainbow Dash wasn't in the state to be pulling off sonic Rainbooms for leisure, so she's flying fast for a reason. And given how Rainbow and Applejack were almost at each others throats yesterday, you don't even want to know what's going on here, but you kind of have to. The rainbow trail seems to have dissipated, leaving you to guess where she is, but that doesn't stop you from sprinting as fast as you can for as long as you can go. “You gonna calm down!?” Grim calls from behind you. “I'll calm down when I'm dead!” You shout back, your voice ragged, but determined. “You are dead!” Grim shouts irritably. You shake it off, deciding to ignore her for the time being. They will have to be around here somewhere. You just need to look for the sound of bucking or screaming. “They're probably fine!” Grim tries once again to reason with you, but it's pointless. You're dead set on finding them. “Where is he!?” ...You stop in your tracks as the sound of Rainbow Dash's voice echos through the orchard. It's coming from your right and that's the direction you sprint off in. You're so close now. “Ah don' know what ya are talkin' about!” Applejack's voice graces your ears. It would appear that you were correct in your assumptions. You find a small clearing in the trees. A single red cart filled with apple baskets is the first thing to grab your attention. The second thing being Applejack pinned to the back of the cart by Rainbow Dash, her blue hooves squarely on Applejack's chest. Rainbow's eyes were bloodshot and soaked, but that didn't drown out the rage that was boiling into Applejack's skull. “Don't bullshit me, you fucking rapist!” “What did ya call me!?” Rainbow Dash clearly hit a nerve as Applejack starts to blindly throw her hooves at Rainbow Dash, but her attempts are futile as her hooves are just swatted away. “You heard me! Now, where is Anon's body!” “You really have a fan club don't you.” Grim says snidely, sitting on the grass with her foreleg folded over the other as she watches the scene unfold. You look back with halfhearted shock. Grim just shrugs you off. “I'm not giving you my scythe, if that's what you're going to ask.” You huff angrily, turning back to the two mares that are, quite literally, at each others throats. “... oh I don't know! Maybe it's the fact that you're the one who strikes me as most likely to do something like this! You know, one last fuck you to his wishes!” Rainbow screams, but applejack finally gets a grip and manages to push Rainbow Dash back, stunning her. Applejack uses her time to get into a defensive stance, he forelegs spread wide and ready to strike. “Ah LOVED him!” She shouts back in defense. The whole thing feeling empty to you now as they both just shout at each other. “You wanted sex! Nothing more!” “An' you didn't!?” “I spent every waking moment with him that he was too afraid to spend alone, because he was too afraid of you!” You can't watch this. There has to be something you can do. You can't touch anything. Nobody can hear you. The only tool you can use is in the possession of some evil death horse. And you've got absolutely no way of convincing her to give it to you. And there are two pissed off mares trying to kill or at least seriously injure each other. Not a lot of options... “Yeah, an ah'm sure ya didn't have any ulterior motive!” Applejack retorts, her anger, obvious. “Fuck you!” Rainbow Dash retorts, her anger boiling over, more and more. “Oh yeah... Ah, bet ya tried to abuse his trust, once or twice too?” Applejack begins to advance towards Rainbow threateningly. “Ah bet when he was good and comfy on the sofa, ya tried to get 'im a little more comfy?” “I'd never do that! I'm not like you!” “Well this is escalating quickly!” Grim says offhandedly, lying on her back and looking to the sky as if nothing was happening. You move to stand over her, making sure that your most threatening expression is present. “Ya sure about that! Ya still haven't proven you didn't kill him!” Applejack says accusingly, her hooves digging into the ground, ready to deal with the inevitable. “You're just going to let this happen!?” You shout gesturing to the scene beside you both. Grim waves her hoof in the air dismissively. “Meh, they'll be fine.” “But-” “What do you expect me to do about it?” She interrupts, but you are quick to respond. “Stop them from killing each other.” “Anon, if they die, then they di-” “Please...” You whimper. All of your pain breaking through as you fall to your knees in a pleading gesture, breaking through her defenses rather quickly. “I'd never kill him! I was his best friend!” Rainbow tries to defend, but Applejack just laughs condescendingly. Rolling onto her front and climbing to her hooves, she looks into your begging eyes and then back to the two fighting ponies beside you. She sighs heavily in resignation. “I'm sorry.” She whispers, turning around and walking away. You hang your head in defeat. You feel so helpless. “Ya think that matters to him!? He didn't care about you! If he did, he woulda noticed you! That's why ya killed him! Because you saw that you mean nothing!” “I DIDN'T KILL HIM!” Rainbow screams as she charges forward. Both Applejack's hoof and her own collide as she is blocked, but Rainbow's wings allow her to stay upright and throw her other hoof down, this blow connecting with Applejack's gut. You look up in shock at the scene beside you. Shooting to your feet, you run to stop them. Applejack curls over slightly in pain, allowing Rainbow Dash to slam her full weight into her, her shoulder connecting with Applejack's head, throwing her backwards and into the rear of the Apple cart. A solid thunk resonating through the area, but she's not done. Rainbow jumps to the air and ascends so high that you can't see her. You'd hoped she was retreating, now that Applejack's immobilized, but she has other ideas. You see Rainbow's silhouette reappear as she rapidly descends, her foreleg held out straight, prepared to strike. “Rainbow Stop!” You shout, but your pleas, once again, fall on deaf ears as the rainbow maned pegasus continues to fall. Applejack looks up just in time, rolling out of the impact zone just before Rainbow lands with enough force to send the cart into a nearby tree, shattering on impact. You're surprised that anyone survived it, but Equestria's laws of physics can still surprise you. Even when dead. Rainbow stands at the center of the crater, her foreleg firmly pressed to the ground, but upon seeing a strange lack of Applejack beneath her hoof, she begins to search for her target. But the minor dust cloud that was stirred up from the impact acted as the perfect smoke screen as Applejack barrels into her from outside of her sight line. They roll over each other a couple of times, their hooves at each others throats. When they do stop rolling, Applejack finds herself on top. Seeing her shot, she slams her hoof into Rainbow's face, causing her to reflexively retrieve her hooves, giving Applejack a clear shot as she wraps her hooves tightly around Rainbow's throat. You stop moving in panic at what you see as Rainbow's eyes widen in panic as she realizes what's happening, her own hooves go to remove the threat, but she find's Applejack's earth pony strength too much to counter as she tries in vein to remove the hooves from her throat. Applejack just glares down at the pegasus below her with unadulterated rage, tightening her grip slowly. “Applejack, Stop!” You try desperately to pull her off. Your hand constantly phasing through her shoulder doesn't seem to register with you as you keep trying. “How dare ya! How dare ya accuse me of that!” She screams down at her victim as Rainbow slowly starts to loose consciousness. “I'm not worth this!” Tears start to stream down your face as you watch your friend kill Rainbow Dash. “Ah loved him! With all mah heart! A'd never do anything ta hurt him!” Rainbow's hooves beating against Applejack's was beginning to weaken, loosing the strength to keep it up. “Please! I'll do anything!” “Do ya think he loved you!?” Applejack taunts, her hooves tightening further. “He didn't! He didn't love you! He never did!” “Please! I'm begging you! Stop this!” Tears have been running down Rainbow's face, from emotion or trauma, you don't know. “Ya don't believe me? Then ya can ask him when ya se-” “STOP!” Applejack is cut off when the massive hulk of red that is Big Macintosh smashes into her, knocking her off of Rainbow Dash. Rainbow instinctively clutches her throat as she takes in as many desperate hacks of breath that she can, choking and stuttering violently. Applejack finds herself pinned beneath her older brother. She tries to struggle, but even her strength isn't enough to break free of the behemoth above her. He rapidly exhales through his nostrils, glaring angrily at his sister, who refuses to break. You stare on in shock. Applejack was about to... No. She'd never... “You okay?” A voice calls out sympathetically. You turn to see Grim watching you with concerned eyes. You feel an all too familiar sense of anger boiling up inside of you as you look at this mare. You shouldn't be surprised. It's literally the same thing, over and over again. You find friends. Friends tear into each other. You beg grim to help. She doesn't. You get angry at her and then forget about it soon after. Same song and dance. It's not worth the bother anymore. “You... fucking... psychopath!” Rainbow screams when she gets her voice back, gaining the attention of the other two living beings present. Applejack responds with a stone cold death glare, her eyes narrowing dangerously. You have no doubts that she'd attack if she wasn't restrained. Big Mac on the other hand responds rather understandably. By switching his death stare to Rainbow Dash and growling like a mutt. You'd think it'd sound silly, but to be honest, you felt like you were about to piss yourself, and you're already dead. “What's goin' on here?” He asks in a scarily low tone. Rainbow Dash backs up slightly in fright, but she remains strong all the same. “A-Anon's gone missing...” her answer managed to get Big Mac's brows to furrow in confusion before switching back to pissed. “Ah thought he wus dead...?” He asks accusingly. Rainbow immediately forgets about the danger of Big Mac and focuses her attention to Applejack. Answering with an equally accusing tone. “He is. Somepony stole it...” She didn't have to say it. The implication was all it took. Big Mac has to take a moment to register what he just heard and you can see it. There are probably more emotions that cross his face than you've seen on him when you were alive. Confusion as to whether he heard right. Realization that he did hear right. Disgust at the idea of what he heard. Realization again of the fact the Rainbow is Accusing his sister. Contemplation of the idea that Applejack might have. Affirmation that she couldn't have. and finally anger that Rainbow would even think such a thing. “...So ya think AJ did it!?” He ask...his voice quiet as he looks over his sister. Rainbow doesn't respond, she just remains locked in the angry staring contest with Applejack. It's enough for him to get his answer. “Yer wrong.” He says simply, deciding that now would be a good point to let his sister up. Applejack climbs to her hooves and dusts herself off, before resuming her death glare. “Of course you'd say that! You never saw how she was with him!” Applejack steps forward but finds Big Mac's hoof come across her path. A single look is all it takes to stop her from doing something stupid. “She wus workin' all night. Ah wouldn't even be able to contemplate how she'd manage to get to the hospital an back, without me noticin'.” “How am I supposed to believe that!? For all I know, you could be in on it!” She screams. For Big Mac's credit, He doesn't even look offended. He just points to the trees behind Rainbow dash and says simply. “If yud bothered to take a look around, you might have noticed that the trees are completely bare.” Now that you notice it, the orchard is looking a little less red today. “AJ's been workin' all night, much to mah disapproval.” He says in a matter of fact way. Rainbow Dash seems to get it now, but she still doesn't seem satisfied. “Then who!? Who would be so sick to do such a thing!?” “Me, apparently.” Applejack comments, her voice dripping with malice and sarcasm. Her comment received a disapproving look from her brother, who returned his attention to Rainbow. “How did ya hear about this, anyhow?” He asks. “I heard about it when the guard burst through my door!” she says angrily. “I barely had time to get out of bed before they were in my house!” Big Mac just shakes his head slowly in thought. Opting to kill this conversation in it's tracks, but first. “Look, ah don't know what's happened to Anon, but ah give you mah word that he's not here.” He reassures cautiously. “And ah know that he meant a lot to you two -heck, every mare in town seems to be down in the dumps!- but ya need to remember who yer friends are in times like this.” You think this is the most he's ever talked. He's properly beaten his record of thirty straight words, but you're getting off track a bit. Rainbow hangs her head for a moment, before feeling her neck for the obvious bruises that are now showing clearly. For her credit, Applejack looks genuinely ashamed of herself for it, but before she can say anything, Rainbow dash huffs aggressively and takes to the air. The two siblings being left alone... as far as they know. A silence dawns on the group, neither Applejack or Big Mac daring to speak. Grim doesn't say anything so neither do you. The silence is short lived however when Applejack lets out a regretful sigh. “Ah'm sorry.” She says quietly, earning the wrath of her brother once again. “Yer darn right yer sorry!” He says loudly, causing Applejack to flinch back in fear. “Ah-” “What were ya gonna do!? Kill her?!” He says, getting his face close to hers. “Ah...ah...” “Ah don't care what happened to Anon! You have no right to take another pony's life!” “but ah wasn't gonna-” “Ah heard you AJ!” He says finally, leaving Applejack to hang her head in shame. “Now get inside while ah figure out what to do with you!” He orders. Applejack, having no reason to disobey him, keeps her head held low and trots off in the direction of the barn house, Big Mac in tow. You and grim just stand there, contemplating what just happened. You can still feel the dried tears on your cheeks. Your heart going strong. You can't believe what you just saw. Even Rainbow look as though she intended to kill, but how could they? They were friends before you came along. Why did this have to happen. “Anon?” Grim's voice comes out once again. She slowly approaches you, but you hold your hand out, gesturing for her to stop. “Don't. Just don't.” You say quietly before walking away, towards town. “But...” her voice dies in her throat when she notices you're not listening. Author's Note Hey guys, have you stayed awesome? because I sure as hell haven't... Sorry. I got caught up in things, like college and work and I just lost my motivation to write. (hell, this chapter was half baked until about a week ago.) I have no idea what I'll do, but I don't intend to stop writing. So if you were somehow worried about that, then don't be. for now, tell me what you think, and where I screwed up, and I'll just focus on this. Thanks, and Stay awesome!
Chapter Five: BeautyDay Twenty Five In Equestria It really is beautiful out here. You crawl through the wooden landscape. The light from the midday sun is more than enough to breach the canopy above your head and illuminate your path. There are more than a few areas that are completely blacked out by the foliage above, but those are easy enough to avoid or were small enough to ignore entirely. Why are ponies so scared of this place? You ask yourself as you step over another twisted tree root of a near dead tree, the grotesque plant, growing to more than 3 times the size of you. It's more than enough to give yourself the chills. You wouldn't dare touch it, through fear of breaking off a piece of rotting bark and a million tiny bugs crawling out to consume your form. "A-Anon?" A meek little voice calls out from behind you. "Are we nearly there yet?" Fluttershy asks, keeping a close distance to your back. The whole display is enough to almost make you chuckle but, you wouldn't dare do it externally. Fluttershy was nice enough to accompany you to the Everfree forest - even though she's obviously terrified of the place - and you weren't going to be a jackass by laughing at her. But still she was the one supposed to make you feel safer. Scanning your surroundings, you approach a clearing that seems all too familiar to you. "Here we are, shy." You announce as you ditch your backpack onto the ground and take a breather. Fluttershy does the same, placing her saddlebags onto the wild grass of the forest floor. "You remember this place?" Your little prompt was more than enough to see her face light up as she remembers what you're referring to. "I remember a certain human climbed up a tree and throwing sticks at a nasty Timberwolf." She says with a nostalgic smile. That was how you all met. that was when you fully realized that this world was not your own. When six brightly colored miniature horses ran in and saved your dumb pink ass... and not when you were nearly lunch for a timber wolf, literally made out of timber. "How was I supposed to know it would make it stronger?" You ask when you see Fluttershy's condescending smile. "They're made of wood, sweetie." She finishes matter of factly. You'd think given her name, that she would be well... you know... shy. But once you got to know her, you found out that's not entirely the case. She was only really shy when she was in situations that made her uncomfortable, like public speaking or talking to new people. But in the short amount of time that you've had here in Equestria, Fluttershy and her five friends have been so accommodating that you couldn't help but feel welcome. You guess your comfort showed, because all six of them were getting more accustomed to you by the minute. You roll your eyes, searching for the specific tree, and once that was done, you begin to retrace your steps from three weeks ago. Just down past the overgrown shrubbery that was still scarred by you storming through it, just a few weeks ago, past the large tree with the bark that looks like a face and a few seconds past that and maybe you'd find what you were here for. If you could just find out where you fell into Equestria, then maybe you'll find out how you got here and then all it would take was a little bit of reverse engineering and then hey presto! you're back in human world! You're letting your hopes get a little too high if you're honest. You're banking on something obvious being there, when in actuality you could just be setting yourself up for a harder fall. "That way, I think." You say, eighty five percent sure that this was the way you came. You quickly grab your pack from the ground, Fluttershy doing the same. The next ten minutes is spent carefully watching your surroundings, keeping your eye out for any predators that could be watching. From what you remember, Timberwolves have these weird glowing eyes, that you can use as a reference, but that wasn't the only thing you have to be concerned about in this place. Anything can get you. "A-Anon? W-where do we go now?" You were in a darker place in the forest, not dark as in pitch black, but it was certainly more shaded. It was more open than the rest of the forest, more space to move, without crawling through a bush or ivy or other crap like that. A few dead trees lay resting, probably until they rot, the darkness of this area was more than enough to make your yellow companion uneasy, but there was something else about this place that made your stomach churn with discomfort. "T-this...this is it." You scan the area one more time just to be sure, but there is no denying it. "This is where I came to Equestria." A revelation like this, might make you feel better that you found this place. You found what you are looking for, so what's the problem? Well there's nothing here. You were expecting a bright shining portal, something obvious, that swirled with the sound of...well... a portal. But nothing. Your next hope would have been that it was simply invisible. That you couldn't see nor hear it, but that thought is soon dashed as you hear the gentle pitter pattter of raindrops, dropping against the leaves of the tree above you and then cascading down onto the forest floor. There's nothing here. Your companion who has been sitting quietly as you stare into the distance, taking in the surrounding, finally pipes up. "Anon...I'm so sorry." She says, her hoof placed on your leg comfortingly. It's not here. You check again. The tree you fell into when you landed here, the dead tree you first saw the Timberwolf crawling over and looking right into your soul, ready to pounce, and...nothing. This was the place, but there was nothing here. You fall to the ground, your butt cushioned by the moss on the tree roots, your hair starting to cling to your head and the clothes drenching with the rain. Fluttershy, sits beside you, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly as your head falls into your hands and you try so hard to hold back tears of hopelessness. Noticing this, Fluttershy wraps her hooves and wings around you in a comforting embrace, the heat is welcome in this rainfall, but it still isn't quite enough to stop you from whimpering in despair. "This doesn't mean anything." Fluttershy whispers reassuringly. Causing you to lift your head up. "The princesses are working hard to find you a way home. Twilight and some of the best magicians in Canterlot are pouring over books to find a way to send you home." What she said helps a little, but what if they can't, what those magicians pour over every page of every book of every library in the country, but they never find anything to get you home? What will you do if you're stuck here? In this land of talking horses with absolutely no human contact for the rest of your life? Almost sensing your thoughts, Fluttershy tightens her hug. "...And they can't. well... w-we'll just have to do our best to make Equestria your perfect home." Her words should probably make you feel worse. They should probably make you lose all hope of going home, because even she has doubt, but it doesn't. This yellow horse... she cares about you. You've only been here three and a bit weeks and she already cares about your well being. Hell, even if you couldn't go home. even if you're stuck here forever, you have friends. You have a home at the farm and a job, even if it is temporary. You have Twilight doing everything in her power to help you and make sure you have a friend. There's Rarity and her unwavering generosity, Pinkie's always trying to make you laugh, Rainbow Dash is Trying to keep your spirits up when you need it and then there's this one... Fluttershy. She came out here into the Everfree forest, even though it scared the shit out of her, even though it probably wasn't what she had planned for today, but she did it anyway... for you. Because you didn't want to go alone, and all you wanted to do was find the slightest glimmer of hope. You could easily build a life here, sure there probably wouldn't be other humans, but you won't be lonely. You'll always have them as your friends... and maybe that'll be enough... Present Day. "Anon?" Grim asks as you make your way out of the orchard. Each tree completely bare of apples. In fact, the entire lot seems to be bare. "She must have worked all night..." You all but whisper to yourself. Your body is just going through the motions now. Left foot. Right foot. Left foot. Right foot. You're too caught up in your thoughts to really... think. "If she cleared the plot in one night, then how the hell would she have stolen the body?" You think to yourself as you pass under the archway to sweet apple acres. Grim following you silently. "Twilight's house was searched and there was nothing, as was Rainbow's, plus I'm more inclined to believe that she wouldn't do it" maybe you were being foolish, thinking that way, but your friendship with Rainbow seemed to be the most genuine towards the end. Plus that reaction she had towards Applejack, kind of cemented your theory...unless it was an act? We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. "Grim and I searched Fluttershy and Pinkie's house and found nothing. Applejack physically couldn't have done anything harmful and inspector Hoofcuff searched Twilight's and Rainbow Dash's places, so that just leaves Rarity." "We're heading to Carousel Boutique." You say to your ghostly companion. "I assume you wish to come?" You weren't expecting her to refuse, Grim has just been following you this whole time and giving stupid commentary. You assume that she either has a moral obligation to escort you through your final days or she has a sadistic sense of humor, maybe both? At your sudden vocalization, Grim seems taken aback. You've been walking for about ten minutes now and you haven't said a word, but none the less, she responds. "I have to follow you, Anon. You choose where we go. I can only advise." She speaks in a mock-official tone, doing a curt bow to lighten the mood, but when you don't respond, her demeanor turns a little more concerned. "Are you okay? I can understand that this can be a little overwhelming for you..." She trails off as you don't reply. You don't have time for this. You only have so little time. You had five days and you've already wasted one of them, so now you should make the most of what time you have left. "Anon?" "I'm fine." You say, a little more harshly than you intended. Best get to the clothes house. "Why are we going to Carousel Boutique?" You stop in your tracks. You know the answer, but you're not sure if you want to tell her. Grim is funny, some things she'll support, but at this point in time, you're not sure if this will be deemed interfering with the rules or not. You guess there's only one way to find out. "I want to find my body." You say, turning toward the mare behind you. "I want to find out who killed me. Rarity is the only one who's house hasn't been searched yet. If I find my body, I might find out who killed me, and who hurt my friends so much." Your tone isn't sad or angry. It's completely dead and you think that's what stops the Grim Reaper from reacting. She knows your look, she knows what you're thinking. She's seen it all before. You don't even hesitate when you get to the purple door of carousel boutique. You walk right up to it, then through it into whatever god forsaken hellhole your death has turned it into. From what you can see it's not much different to what it usually looks like. In fact, it was almost as if nothing happened. The purple walls were still clean, the curtains still hung from the roof to hide her next big project, mirrors still set up to capture every angle. Everything was orderly and despite prior assumptions, there weren't tear-stained tissues strewn all over the floor. It was quite refreshing. You were used to finding something wrong. Unfed animals, Friends fighting to the death, Secrets you never wanted to find out, but here... it's like you never even died. Grim follows close behind you. "Well this is nice." She says sarcastically cheerily , and then the atmosphere is harshly ripped back to reality as you remember why you are here. You sigh in frustration. "Can't you like...just leave me to it?" You ask, dejectedly. Grim just shakes her head with pursed lips. "No can do, buddy." She says matter of factly. "I am duty bound to follow you until you pass into the afterlife." You hang your head in defeat. "Then could you please just start looking for my body...? I'm not in the mood." You start in the laundry room in the back. You don't really know where to start, so the smallest room was as good a place as any. There isn't really anything to search. the washing machine was running, a couple of baskets were full of piled up laundry and that's about it. Where could you hide a body in here? The laundry room is kind of a bust, so you move into the store room, which is also a bust. The only thing in here is the lines of fabric, the boxes of pins and needles and many different strings and spools dotted around the shelves. You just need to think, if you were Rarity, where would you hide a body. You'd want it to be close by and have ready access to it. You don't want to think why you'd want ready access to it, but if you were to steal a body, then it's probably likely, you don't plan on being respectful... unless. "HOLY SHIT!" You shout aloud. A sudden revelation coming to your mind. Grim comes running out from wherever she was looking a look of panic crossing her face. "What is it?" She asks when she reaches you, eyes darting around for whatever reason made you shout. Your hand rubs your forehead in frustration. "I'm a fucking idiot." You say in answer. Grim just quirks a brow with a crooked smile. "Well I already knew that, but-" You don't let her finish. "Shut up for a second and let me think." How could you have been so assuming? "The body! I've been assuming that it's been taken because these ponies are insane..." Grim nods in understanding. "...and so I've been assuming that my body would be near whoever stole it..." Another nod. "...But what if that's not why they stole it? What if they got rid of it because it's evidence!" Grim's brows furrow. "How'd you get that logic?" She asks, you just smile knowingly. "That's why I'd steal a body." You walk towards the door. Grim rolls her eyes in annoyance. "What about this place?" She asks condescendingly, you're about to respond when a gentle knock echos from the front door, alerting anyone inside of an intended visitor. You look at the offending wood and at first you're more worried it's going to be the inspector, coming to harass another one of your friends, but that knock wasn't rough or demanding. It was calm, gentle, almost...familiar. A sad smile graces your lips as you realize who is on the other side of the door. "I guess we can wait." You listen as you hear hoof-beats from upstairs, moving across the ceiling and then down the stairs. You see Rarity for the first time since yesterday. You would be surprised at how... normal she looks, but you should know better. Rarity wouldn't put anything before perfectly styling her mane and keeping her coat clean and pristine. She's not wearing any makeup however and she doesn't seem to move with that same spring in her step or that enthusiastic smile she gets when offered a task. You suppose not everything can be the same after one day, but it's still nice enough to see someone who's not completely run ragged by your death. Rarity trots to the door, undoing the locks before opening the door to reveal exactly who you thought it was. "Hey Rarity." Fluttershy says quietly, pawing at the floor in front of the white unicorn. Rarity just offers a sympathetic look and politely gestures that the Pegasus come inside with a free foreleg. Fluttershy takes the invitation without problem and canters in. "It's good to see you, darling." Rarity says, locking to door behind the yellow Pegasus. "Though I am curious as to what this is about?" Strangely enough, Fluttershy just smiles, confusing the hell out of you. Earlier this morning she couldn't open her eyes without bawling them out, but now she's actually... smiling. It's relieving and concerning at the same time. "I saw Anon today." That catches you off guard. You look to your silent companion. Grim just shrugs her shoulders and shakes her head, protraying the universal sign for I don't fucking know what's going on! Rarity watches Fluttershy with worry, as if her friend has just admitted that she's insane...which may not be far off from the actual case. "He was at my house this morning." She clarifies, your chest tightens. How the hell did she...? Rarity rests a comforting foreleg onto Fluttershy's shoulder. "Darling, I know that this whole thing is affecting you. It's affecting all of us, but...A-Anon's...Anon's gone...sweetie. H-he...He was murdered..." Tears begin to stream down her face as Fluttershy gently takes Rarity's hoof and holds it tight in comfort as the white mare begins to silently weep. "I..." She pauses trying to think for a second on what to say. "I know. But he's back!" Her words stop Rarity from "I just know it!" The way she said that made her sound as if what she was saying is fact. Like there was no disputing it, but she couldn't have seen you, you're dead. She can't know you're here. "He fed my animals, this morning..." Your thought process is ground to a halt as you remember exactly what she is referring to. You remember the scythe, the bag of foul smelling food and finally a pissed off grim reaper who is no doubt glaring daggers at the back of your skull right this second. "He's back, Rarity! I know it was him!" Fluttershy announces gleefully, as happy as you've ever seen her. Rarity just stares at Fluttershy as if she suddenly changed into a changeling. A look of fear evident on her face. You just turned looked to your demon-spawn friend behind you, who is understandably pissed off. "What the buck have you bucking done..?" You just sigh in defeat. Seems you may have made things worse. Author's Note Hey guys... so... it's 2016. been a while...huh. Please don't kill me. I do have excuses, most personal, some not so personal, but I'm back now. I want to get these stories finished and I *Cough*might*Cough* want to write some new stories. dependent on whether or not you guys'll still have me... So with the year and a half hiatus. (for this story at least) Some things are bound to happen. What I am most worried about is my writing abilities going to shit (or further to shit) so if you guys could point out any mistakes, problem areas, or just want to yell at me for leaving this for so long, I'd feel eternally grateful. Expect the next chappies in the coming weeks and stay awesome!
