It's All In Your Head

“Show me how it ends, it’s all right. Show me how defenseless you really are.”

-So Cold (Breaking Benjamin)

        It wasn’t exactly hard for Holly to find the Books and Branches Library in Ponyville proper.  He passed by it all the time in his travels.  He never paid much attention to the strange tree with windows until today, when he learned there was a dragon inside.  A small, approachable...dragon.  Heart pounding in his ears in anticipation, he raised a shaky hoof to knock on the door.

Inside the library, Spike groaned in frustration.  It was bad enough being without Twilight, but it was even worse when the others kept coming by asking when she would be back.  He didn’t know, and seeing their dejected looks made him feel worse.  The little dragon began to think she was never coming back.  The knocking grew louder, and Spike shook his head.  If it was those two ponies with their friendship pamphlets again he was going to...

Nah, he couldn’t do that.  He was a gentlecolt after all.  He looked back to Peewee standing on the table in front of him.  The tiny pheonix tilted its head in confusion at Spike’s change in attitude.  “Sorry, Peewee.  Playtime is over for now.”  He put down the ball he held in his claws and walked to the door.  The knocking was now an annoying rhythm as Spike grabbed the handle and flung the door open.

His mind didn’t have time to register what was going on, as all he saw was a stallion starring at him almost seductively.  His mouth a giant Pinkie Pie worthy grin as he dove for the tiny dragon.

***

        All the ponies in this town are crazy!  That’s what I once told myself.  Turns out, not only was I correct in my assumption, they were also contagious.  An entire year’s worth of misadventures and social issues culminated in the manifestation of chaos personified, who now decided to take up residence in my already addled brain.  In a way, it’s all their fault I’m in this mess.  I sometimes wondered if all of this was some sort of crucible set up by Princess Celestia, to see if I’m a worthy successor to the throne someday?  I’m already technically family, so it isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

        But if this was indeed all a test, then I have failed her spectacularly.  Discord was always ranting to me about how he can help prevent me making the same mistakes as the Princess.  At least she knew how to cope with the situation.  All I did was...wind up here...

        Maybe I should snoop around a bit?  After all, I am kind of an amateur sleuth.  I distracted Holly for a reason, so better not waste time.  Where should I look first?  My file?  Some offices?  Would this even be possible?  Maybe if I could somehow get a message through Spike to the others to act as my street team then I can....

        No...it’s their fault I’m in here.  They would just make things worse.  So this is what losing faith feels like?  Discord said something about it before, but I was adamant in my stance.  I would never give up on my friends again.  In a way, I didn’t.  They gave up on me it seems.  What bothered me even more was why Princess Celestia didn’t intervene in all of this.  Does she think I deserve to be locked away too?  Why didn’t she come to visit?  Or at the very least petition for my release?  Perhaps she fears I’m another Nightmare Moon in the making?  Or she feels it’s her fault all this pressure she heaped on me did this.

        Great, I made my mentor feel guilty.  Way to go.  In truth, I was all too happy to help Celestia with any problems that may arise.  I never thought of it in any light other than saving the world and better bonding with my friends.  It was Discord who gave a new slant on things.  How I wasn’t a hero at all, just Celestia’s go to pony to clean up her messes.  Nightmare Moon was partially her fault, and she admits that.  But Discord’s tone hinted that there was something more between him and her that he wasn’t going to tell me.

        Of course, that bastard always tried to play the sympathy card.  I never believed a word he told me until it actually happened.  Which, I guess, is why I’m here instead of doing what I should be doing.  I didn’t believe him about the others ignoring my warnings.  In fact, it seemed more like they were blaming me for it...

        I am kind of curious what my file says about me though.  Holly said it didn’t mention my, less than stellar moments.  I want to trust him, but it’s so damn hard!  He’s been better support than the rest of my friends, which I noticed haven’t come to visit me either.  They’re probably off trying and failing to stop the darkness that I tried to warn them about.  Serves them right for ignoring me!

        Maybe I can make some new friends?  Holly seems nice enough, and I would like to reconnect with Lyra again.  That’s what I’ll do!  I’ll pay Lyra a visit!  She is right down the hall from me.  With images of talking to a pony I actually like fresh in my mind, I made my way to the door.

        “They’re watching you, Twilight.  I’d be careful snooping around,” Discord warned me as my hoof touched the door handle.  It was odd going back to doing things with my hooves, since my magic still wasn’t working.  I pushed open the door quietly and glanced down both ends of the hall.  Nopony was around, which meant I could sneak down to Lyra’s room no problem.  This is just like when I was a filly in the castle at Canterlot!

        A giddy thrill shot through me as I tip-hoofed down the hall, stealing glances every now and again to make sure nopony saw me.  Finally I was back to Lyra’s room, and I looked through the small window in the door.  She wasn’t attempting to reach for that glass anymore, and instead seemed resigned to playing her lyre.  How she got it was anypony’s guess, but I bet Holly had something to do with it.  I knocked lightly, watching her eyes snap to the door.  They seemed to light up when they saw me and she came and opened the door.

        “Twilight?  Have you come to visit me?”  She asked, looking me over.  She noticed the same gown she had on and frowned.  “Oh...”

        “Yeah, long story.  Why are you here?”  I asked, trying to change the subject.  I came here to not think about myself.

        “Well...” she hesitated, staring at the floor.  A shaky hoof brushed through her silvery mane.  “Bonbon felt that it was in our best interest that I....seek help...”

        “For what?”

        “Everything, I guess.  The way I sit, the way I grab things with my hooves.  She thinks it’s weird and it scares her.  She doesn’t believe me when I talk about humans either.”  Lyra frowned.  “But she still loves me though, that stupid silly mare...”

        “I hardly think that’s grounds to be committed to here,” I shook my head.  Lyra only shrugged, not making eye contact the entire time.  It was a shame though.  She had such pretty orange eyes.  “I’m sorry I haven’t stayed in touch as much as I should.  I see you around town all the time.”

        “Nah, it’s cool.  We have our lives to live.  I haven’t talked to Amethyst Star in a while either,” Lyra waved a hoof.

        “Oh I saw her!”  I exclaimed, sitting on the edge of the bed,  “She was at the Sisterhooves Social!  Said she was volunteering in the ‘big brother, big sister’ program.  Really helped Derpy a lot since Dinky wanted to participate.”

“That sounds like her.  I’ve been playing my lyre around town and in the park.  Get some bits here and there.  Bonbon gave me a part-time job at her cafe too.  But I can’t do anything while stuck in here,” Lyra frowned again, her eyes misting up as she looked at me.

“I know how that feels,” I muttered.  I glanced up to see a blue mare standing in the doorway.  Her violet eyes seemed frantic as she looked about the room then stared right at me.  “Oh, am I doing something wrong?”

The sky blue mare only barked.  So that’s who was barking!  She then narrowed her eyes at me and growled.

“No, I’m not trying to escape!  Just catching up with a friend,”  I gestured to Lyra.  The mare nodded and left me to talk.  That was strange, but I figured it wasn’t worth pursuing.

“You better get back to your room.  Don’t want to get in trouble now,” Lyra smiled, though her voice sounded hurt.

“Okay...I’ll try to keep in better touch with you.  I promise.  It’s just...I’ve been so caught up in studying, and helping the Princess and playing hero and...”

“If all I ever care about in life is the imprints I make in this world, then the most I’ll ever leave is a grave,” Lyra replied, her voice even and perhaps a bit melodic.  I wouldn’t expect anything less poetic from a bard like her.

“I’ll keep that in mind...”  I muttered.  “Thank you.”  With that, I left the room.  The sound of Lyra’s lyre accompanying my exit, almost like melancholy theme music.  I walked back towards my room when I saw another door slightly open.  Peeking my head in, it was some kind of small office.  Papers littered the table and floor and there was a tape player among the debris.  My natural curiosity got the better of me and a trembling hoof reached out to push the play button.

“Doctor Anderson, Day Three: Still no progress made with patient Twilight Sparkle.  If she is so adamant in her refusal of my help, then I have other matters to tend to anyway.  But...since policy stipulates that all patients must have a doctor, I think I’ll have a little fun.  Ms. Sparkle wants to be stubborn?  Fine!  I’ll dump her off on that new kid!  He seems dense enough to tolerate her.  Maybe he would even be gullible enough to think he can make progress!”

“Day Six.  Patient Lyra Heartstrings seems to be making some progress.  Though I know of several species with hands, some of which are fellow colleagues in my field; I can’t help but think that the ‘hands’ Ms. Heartstrings are referring to, don’t belong to any creature of this world.  The closest I can equate is possibly primate in origin, but her wild theories sound nothing like that.”

“The patient that only refers to himself by the strange moniker of Ponyman, seems to have regressed once again.  Heavy sedation was in order this time, as we could only tolerate so much property damage.  In a way, he has shown me my errors.  Becoming too obsessed on a goal isn’t healthy.  Maybe I could use a vacation.”

        So I wasn’t the only crazy one here.  Least I was in good company.  Sounds to me like the staff is just as disturbed as they think we are.  As I pondered this, the burn of sleep began to make itself known on the backs of my eyes.  This was enough exploring for today, Holly should be back soon.  I wonder what’s keeping him?

***

        “I SAID LET GO OF ME!”  Spike shouted, trying to pry the hooves wrapped around his waist.  The stallion didn’t relent, poking and prodding every place he could find.  Somewhere in the back of his mind, Spike wondered when he was going to be cut open for research.

        “This is way too unreal!  Your scales are so shiny!  I heard they’re fixed in place.  Does that mean they can’t come off?  If they don’t, how do you grow?  Do you grow with them or shed like a reptile?  Are you fireproof on the inside as well as the outside?  I bet you can breath all kinds of things too, like water, ice, bubbles....maybe even lighting!  How many hearts do dragons have?  Are you....”

        Spike didn’t hear any of this as he continued to struggle.  He really didn’t want to belch fire into the guy’s face, but at the same token, his rapid fire questions gave him a headache.  So this is what would happen if Pinkie Pie got a sex change and took up a hobby?  “Aren’t...you....going to...”  Spike couldn’t breathe under the sudden pressure of a bear hug,  At least he thought it was a hug, but the poking of something in his ribs made him think otherwise.

        “Hm?”  The stallion finally came back to reality and released the dragon from his vice grip.  Spike fell to the floor in a heap, shuddering in terror and gasping for air.  “Oh...My name is Holly.  I came here for....”  His eyes grew a bit distant as he tried to recall his initial visiting purpose.  “Oh!  That’s right!  Books!”

        “Well, this is a library.  You have a card?”  Spike managed to regain enough composure to go into customer service mode.  Things certainly livened up around the library when Twilight reopened it to the public.

        “Oh, no.  They’re not for me,” Holly waved a hoof.  “They’re for Twilight, you see I’m her...”

        “Twilight?!”  Spike’s feral eyes lit up with happiness he thought he forgot.  “Is she okay?  Is she coming home?  Can I come visit her?”

        Holly blinked at this sudden turn of events.  He was supposed to be the one asking questions, after all.  “I can’t honestly say.  That depends on her good behavior and other factors.  Now, she said to speak with you about some books for her.”

        Spike scratched his head, then snapped his claws.  “Oh!  Yeah, she has a pile of her favorite books when she goes on trips and stuff.  Light reading.  I’ll go get them!”

        “Wait, hold on!”  Holly spoke up.  Before Spike could ask what was going on, Holly grabbed him up again and looked him over once more.  Spike noticed Holly’s eyes come to a rest on his most private of areas.  “I wonder...”

        “Could you put me down, please?”  Spike began to squirm.  He was really terrified of this guy now.

        “Oh, yeah...sorry,” Holly blushed.  “Just curious is all.”  He put Spike back onto the floor and watched as the dragon took off at full speed up the stairs.   After a few minutes of self recovery and emotional therapy, Spike re-emerged from the upstairs bedroom with an armload of books.  Each step was shaky and hesitant as he tried to find footing.

        “A little help would be nice!”  Spike grumbled.  Holly got the hint and grabbed a few in his forehooves.  Soon the two were safely down the stairs, looking at the giant pile.

        “THIS is light reading?”  Holly starred in shock.

        “Well, yeah,” Spike replied, his smile beaming.  “Twilight is like, the Rainbow Dash of reading!  She’ll probably send you for more tomorrow!”

        Holly shook his head in disbelief.  “Wow...”

        “I appreciate you doing this, no matter how creepy you are,” Spike added, giving a weak salute.  “I hope Twilight is okay.”  He blinked as a thought came to him.  “You know, I’ve heard everything out of you but an apology.”

        “An...apology?”  Holly shook his head.  “Oh, right...sorry...it’s just...you’re a dragon and...”

        “It’s okay,” Spike raised a claw.  “Dragons are pretty rare around Ponyville, and I seem to be the only one nice enough for ponies to talk to.”  He smiled, “Just don’t ask for any loose teeth or body parts!”

        Holly chuckled, blushing slightly.  “Uh, yeah...”  His eyes drifted back to the pile of books.  “You got a bag for this?”

        Spike nodded and rushed to the nearby closet.  After some frantic digging and banging, he emerged with Twilight’s saddle bag.  “Ya know, Holly.  I think purple is really your color.”

        Holly, the ever oblivious stallion he was, took that as a compliment.  “Yeah, it really brings out my eyes.”

        Spike could only roll his as he packed the custom made bags with the books.  “Just don’t rub your crazy off on Twilight.”

        “Not if she rubs off on me first!”  Holly smirked.

        “Don’t joke like that,” Spike turned serious for a moment.  “Oh!  Before I forget, here.”  He handed Holly a scale, shiny and purple in the light.

        “Oh wow!  Thank you!  I can’t wait to...um....” the stallion regained composure.  “Thank you.”

        “Take care of Twilight.  You look like the kind of guy she could use right now,” Spike frowned.  He wished he could be there for her.  He also found it a bit unsettling that the others haven’t gone to visit her either.

        “I will, Spike.  She knows you’re waiting for her, so I’m sure she’ll make a speedy recovery!”

***

        I snapped awake at the sound of hooves echoing in the hallway.  I slowly climbed from the comfort of my bed and made my way to the door.  I heard a muffled voice as I approached, and slowly opened the door to peer out.  There was that pegasus again, standing at the end of the hallway.

        “Uh...it’s something from home?”  That voice was Holly no doubt.  I stuck my head out further to see past that wall of muscle.  Holly was indeed standing there, looking almost miniscule compared to the behemoth of a pegasus blocking his way.  My saddle bags were draped over Holly’s back, and he didn’t even act the least bit embarrassed.

        Duke, that mountain of a pony, shook his head.  “Look,” Holly sighed.  “I really don’t want to pull this card, but what pony put in a good word for you around here?”  Duke looked visibly hurt at this remark.  I too thought it was kind of mean spirited, but coming from Holly, it made me smile.  Maybe he didn’t practice what he preached after all.  Duke stepped to the side, not meeting his stare.  Holly nodded and continued down the hall, which means I had to make sure he didn’t see me.  I ducked back into the room and leapt back under the blankets.

        As I lie in wait for Holly to come in and start his routine again, I heard the sound of galloping hooves and barking.  That pony again.  I heard some playful growling and sniffing, followed by a whine.  “Don’t worry, I trust her,” I heard Holly say.  “Hey, can you bring my special blend of coffee and a blond for Twilight?”

        There he goes trying to suck up to me again.  The barking pony gave a bark of approval and I heard her skitter off once again.  Don’t tell me she works here?  Holly seemed to take his time before he opened my door, and his expression was kind of dark.  “Hello, Ms. Sparkle,” he gave a weak smile.  “I hope you enjoy your books.”  He paused and scuffed a hoof on the floor, still not looking at me.  “Um, I’m gonna have a friend bring us a little treat in few minuets.”

        “Oh, it’s you...” I replied, putting down the notebook full of ramblings that I was pretending to read.  “You really are as stubborn as Dr. Anderson says.”  It was a low blow, but somehow I didn’t care.  He was capable of them too.

        “Stubborn?”  Holly blinked.  “Well...I like to think of it as....persistence!”  He gave a cheesy smile.  “It’s not such a bad thing, though.”

        “Ignorance is bliss I suppose,” I sighed, slumping back into the pillows.  So warm and soft.  “I wish I shared your optimism.  But, why don’t you look at me?  Are you just going to give up and dump me onto another hapless pony?”

        Holly flinched and I knew I had him.  “No...Celestia no!  I’ve already told myself that much.  But...maybe you should tell me more about this darkness?”

        “Darkness.  Noun.  Can refer to absence of light, lack of illumination for seeing, or the shade of colors.  An absence of cheer or lack of rectitude ---”

        “You know what I mean, smarty flanks,” Holly waved a hoof.  No way he could be that dense, could he?  How is he not getting angry?  "Seriously, Ms. Sparkle.  Have you ever thought that maybe the darkness isn’t so much an ill omen, but rather nature trying to correct something?”

        “You sound like those MoonDreamer ponies from Daring Do.  In all honesty, I don’t see why you care.  You can’t stop it, and keeping me here isn’t going to either.”  I shook my head.  “I suggest you take this time to say your goodbyes.  Unless you want to let me out?”

        “Well if neither of us can stop it, then why waste perfectly good talk time?  Doesn’t make sense, I mean; with every light there will be a shadow,” his eyes lit up for a brief moment.  “What if I do want to keep you here?  Then what?  If this darkness can only be stopped by you, the heroine, then wouldn’t you want to do what it takes to get out of here?”

        “It’s not just me, but my friends too.  All six of us need to be together and in perfect harmony to accomplish anything.  But they’re the reason I’m here now and I hate them for it!”  I slammed my hooves on the bed.  “So even if you did let me go, there’s nothing I can do anyway...”  I began to cry.  It made me feel sick.  “It’s no surprise you’d want to keep me here though.  I saw you checking me out.”

        Holly cringed.  Seemed he was a stickler for a crying mare.  “Now now...crying won’t fix anything, Twilight.  Plus, I’m the only one who wants you to be better.  If you get down over your looks, then who’s to say that evil won’t prey on that weakness?”

        “They’re right.  You really are dense!”  I snapped.  “It’s not about a stallion ‘checking me out’, it’s the fact that I swore to never give up on my friends again, so they give up on me!  That’s why I’m here, isn’t it?  You know something don’t you?  I want to speak to Princess Celestia about this injustice!”  I felt a surge of confidence in my chest as I sat upright, locking eyes with him.  I played the trump card, now he’d have to cow to me.

        “The...the...Princess?”  Holly’s eyes widened in terror.  “Um...how does that work...exactly?”

        “Ponies are just like books if you know how to read,” I gave a coy smile.  “I don’t think Celestia is your type really.  But the question you just asked me makes me wonder if we’re on the wrong sides of this conversation.  Discord did say that those who stare into the void find it stares back.”

        “The void, huh?”  Holly tapped a hoof to his chin.  “I guess that could happen.  But when you live like me, running from Ursa Majors and spending hours on end stoned and hungry, you tend not to concern yourself with such things.”  He shrugged, as if this sudden reveal made him more qualified than ever to be probing me.  “Wait....Discord?”

        I pressed my hooves so hard into my eyes I could see colors.  “You know, you’re reeeeeealy not helping your credibility right now,”  I glare at him.  “First you tell me you’re not even an actual doctor, now you tell me you do drugs?  No wonder Dr. Anderson dumped me off on you!”

        “I never said I did drugs!”  Holly huffed playfully.  “Besides, I find drinking to be a lot healthier, though Berry Punch makes them way too strong...Speaking of drinks, where is that silly mare with our coffee?”

        “Oh, so you’re an alcoholic?”  I rolled my eyes.  “Maybe you should bring me some, I could use it!”  I slumped back into the bed.  “Sounds to me like you don’t want to help.”

        Holly gave a frustrated sigh.  “I suppose I’m not good at much other than idle chatter, but I’m trying!  Not to mention I am the  only pony standing between you and getting out of here.  Plus!  Even if I were to give you the go ahead, you would still be monitored until they believe you have fully recovered.”

        Well that was reassuring.  Given the problems I find myself in, I’d be a repeat offender.  That wouldn’t be beneficial at all.  “How do I know you weren’t already monitoring me?  Who are you really?  There’s no other explanation for why I would be put in here with no intervention from Princess Celestia!”  I paused and glanced over to see Discord holding up a sign for me to read.  “Discord says you’re working for the darkness.”

        Holly frowned.  “Really?  Twilight I am disappointed in you,” he shook his head.  “Imaginary friends...and of HIM no less!”

        “You said yourself to live without thinking about the void,” I shrugged.  “So am I right?”

        “Touche...”  Holly nodded.  “I see what you’re doing, but that’s not it.  The fact you’re taking advice from...DISCORD at all.  I’m a neutral party to all of this, and in all honesty, I could have you back in society with a flick of a hoof.  However, if you’re still intent on being Discord’s mouthpiece..."

        I felt a violent surge of anger at those words.  My body lashed forward on its own, my hoof stopping inches from his face.  “Discord’s better conversation than YOU!  AND he knows what’s going on!  I’ve...got a new friend now...”

        “Twilight, think!”  Holly rubbed his forehead with his hooves.  “If Discord knows what’s going on, who better to be suspicious of?!”  He gave a rough sigh and crossed his forelegs.  “I really expected more from you.”  I could feel myself shrinking, like the scared little filly under Celestia’s disappointed gaze.

        “That darkness touched me!  I felt it!  It was nothing like Discord it was...nothing in this world.  I felt dirty...cold...afraid...”  I shivered at the thoughts of being consumed by that venomous black ichor once again.  Seeping into my body, dissolving me from the inside out.

        “Calm down and really think about what’s important to you real quick.  The one thing in this world that is irreplaceable,” Holly began.  “You know...a dream...a special somepony.  Anything!  Remind yourself of who you are!”

        “I don’t have a special somepony,” I frowned.  “I fulfilled all of my dreams and most of Celestia’s.  And my friends, well you don’t see them or the Princesses here, do you?”  I cocked a brow, sarcasm evident once again.  “So i’ve got nothing to live for actually.”

        “So this whole mission you're dead set on, is because you’re trying to fill a void?  There’s nothing you want to protect, or see change?  Nothing to make a difference for all the fools that can’t see them anymore?”  Holly was starting to get philosophical on me, and I didn’t like it.  I could show him a thing or two.

        “Just because I said I don’t care doesn’t mean I don’t have a conscience.  I’m an Element of Harmony, and I’m honor bound to defend Equestria from whatever evils may threaten it.  Even if I don’t really want to,” my voice trailed off as I stared at the wall in front of me.

Holly seemed ready to get up and leave when that barking pony from before came in balancing a tray on her

back.  Two steaming cups were perched upon it, and I eyed them carefully as the pony carrying them made frantic movements.  It was almost like watching Pinkie in action.  Finally, the mare removes the tray with her teeth and places it on the table.  I immediately grab mine in my hooves, taking a long sip to calm my nerves.  I then eyed the mare, being scratched behind the ear by Holly as her hind leg kicked.

        “First an alcoholic, then that musclehead...now her?  Talk about the inmates running the asylum,” I rolled my eyes and took another swig to hide my self satisfied smile.  The blue mare frowned, gave a snort as her nostrils flared, then turned and galloped out of the room.

        “She can understand us, you know,” Holly shook his head, a frown on his face once again.  “Honestly, Twilight...you’re starting to sound like Trixie!”

        I nearly choked on my next gulp.  What did he just say to me?!  No, he wants me to get angry so he can keep me here!  I won’t play his game!  “I try not to look into that void,”  I mused.  “Acting this way is kind of...liberating!  I can see why Trixie does it.”

        “It is nice to take breaks, isn’t it?”  Holly smiled, hoping that this time he could get somewhere.  “A break allows us to enjoy our accomplishments before we have to get back into the game.”

        “I once asked Princess Celestia how she copes with outliving all her subjects.  She told me that life isn’t measured by time, but accomplishments.  That ponies who make a difference will live forever in history,” I gave a sigh of defeat.  “I’ve done that...so many times...and now look at me...”

        “Be happy for that.  This is nothing.  One day you’ll look back on this and laugh,” Holly paused and smiled.  “well mostly at me.  But, for the time being, know that I am trying to help you out.  Okay?  Mom’s a little strict, but you got a better chance than some.  Don’t do anything TOO bold, okay?”

        “I suppose...”  I muttered, feeling my anger slowly breaking.  “So how does this work?  I get off for good behavior or something?  They’re not going to try and slip me pills in applesauce or lobotomize me with lasers are they?”

Holly shook his head and chuckled.  “No, nothing like that.  The first is too obvious and the second is too

messy.  Really, what will happen, is that you will be put in front of a board of ponies who ask questions based on what they deem ‘normal”.  You’re good to go if you answer right, so I suggest against letting Discord influence your mouth.”  He smiled, “Unless you want to see more of me.”

        “Am I petitioning for release or publishing a story?”  I sighed.  “You said yourself that ‘insane’ is such a subjective word.  Well, so it ‘normal’.  Who are they to judge anything?  What do YOU think?”  I snapped, putting the ball in his court now.

        “Sweetheart, I can’t rightfully answer what the board things.  But as far as what I think, you’re definitely trustworthy.”  He nodded and actually looked me in the eye for the first time since this started.  “I promise you this.  If you get rejected, I will personally see to it that you get out.  I can’t stand this place anyway, I prefer the E.R.”

        “Sweetheart, huh?  Ya know, Holly...I don’t have a special somepony.  And if I DO get out,” I paused.  What was I doing?  This isn’t me!

        Holly blushed.  “Oh, that.  I didn’t think you’d take my flattery seriously.”

        I felt a smile, a real smile, cross my own lips.  “You know, Holly.  when you’re not being an idiot, you’re kind of cute.”

        “An idiot?!”  He sighed, that smile disappearing.  “Well, I never thought I was that bad.”

        “Your heart’s in the right place, and that’s all anypony can ask.  And...despite all my sarcasm and everything...” I glanced to the floor, rubbing my arm with a hoof.  “Thank you for being a better friend than most...”

        “Sure thing,” Holly smiled.  “I guess all we do now is...wait.”

        “How long?”

        Holly shrugged.  “Well, I sent your paperwork in ahead of time, so...about two days.”

        ‘TWO DAYS?!”  I groan and fall into the bed, burying my face with the pillow to muffle my screams.  “Everything will be destroyed by then!”

        “How do you know?”  Holly asked, glancing at me suspiciously.

        I sat up and pulled the pillow off my face, giving him a dark stare.  “I’m a genius, remember?  The darkness takes the form of a storm cloud.  Before it touched me I saw how fast it was moving...and growing.  By my calculations, it will consume all of Equestria and parts of the neighboring kingdoms by tomorrow.”

        “I’m a sucker,” Holly groaned.  “Well, seems like you best be getting ready, though you better say goodbye to Ponyville.  because they’ll be looking for you while the one assigned to you was in the restroom.”  He gave a sly wink.

        “Wait....You’re gonna help me...escape?”  I felt a surge through me.  Something about that word made me feel more adventurous than in my short life.

        “No, I just have a real bad urge to go to the restroom, then possibly chat with a few guards while you slip out the back door.  Who knows?  You might run into a zebra named Zecora in the Everfree Forest.  After all, no sane pony would venture in there, right?”

        “If I wasn’t so confused about what I wanted, I could kiss you!”  I made a slight squeeing noise and blushed at the outburst.  I hurried to grab my things as I flung that accursed gown off my body.  Holly had did me the greatest favor in the world.

        And I was about to ditch him just like that.  Suddenly all the guilt I should’ve been feeling during my constant manipulation came welling up all at once.  Was this another trick?  A ploy to make me feel guilty and stay of my own accord?  Well played, Holly...

        “You don’t have the luxury of time,” Holly gestured to the door.  “GO!”  He shook his head and muttered to himself.  “Mares will be the death of me...”

        I made my way down the hall and towards the back door, Holly having walked out and keeping that muscle bound pony occupied.  The back door was in my grasp, and I could already feel the cool night air washing over me once again.  Licking my lips in anticipation, I threw myself at the door and stumbled outside.  The grass beneath my hooves a welcome feeling.

Fresh air.  I forgot what it felt like.  The night was cool and everything was basked in the warm glow of the

moon.  I looked up at the waxing orb, drinking in its wonder and beauty.  At one point in time, I had an odd infatuation with the princess of the night.  Don’t know if it was a forbidden power thing or what, but she always seemed on the level with me.  Not as aloof as Celestia.

        Yes the moon and stars were beautiful and...

        Wait...

        Moon and stars?  Where was the storm?  That...That thing....where....

        “Oh, no...”