Abode of Madness

You'll follow me back

With the sun in your eyes

And on your own

Bedshaped

And legs of stone

You'll knock on my door

And up we'll go

In white light

I don't think so

But what do I know?

What do I know?

I know. -Keane

It was a dark, foggy night in Manehattan. the rain was Bellowing down like bullets on tin. Anypony who was out right now was bound to be drenched, cold and disheartened. Along in the Distance came a light galloping. it was hard to hear over the  roar of the rain.

This light, Gentle tapping in the Distance soon  Grew lager until we saw the mare it was emanating from.  A Pony's  silhouette thundered  down the back alleys of manhattan, hoping to find herself in the main streets somehow. she ran faster, and faster. well. at least she tried, but she couldn't help but notice a Tug on her tail. She tried to ignore it, but, it got stronger. so strong in fact that her Dash slowed into a steadied walk once she felt like her tail was literally about to rip out of her Flank.

She stopped. she knew who was forcing her to stop. but she didn't look around to see. she felt too embarrassed.

"Sister" Came a male voice from behind her.

"Are they serious!?" She screamed out into the rain.

"Diablo, Listen, What Ma' and Pa' may have said upset you, but you've got it all wrong. they're.. not banishing you. they feel that their caging you from the world. They know that your talent isn't here in the circus, but out there somewhere. and you need to go get it''

"You agree with them, Hoops?'' Diablo spat.  she couldn't believe that  her older brother was even saying this. he's always been on her side! Betrayal!

Diablo turned around to look hoops straight in the eyes, There was fire in her purple irises.  Her parents had told her to leave. forever? Why! why, why, why!  she thought they loved her!

"No, I'm just saying that They mean well. and you shouldn't be upset by this. just please, you're fifteen now, you should have understood what they're trying to say. no pony can go without a cutiemark." Said hoops.

"oh, and having a cutiemark is everything to you? why is it so important so suddenly?" Diablo said, Her anger rising in her tone.

Her brother was Twenty five years old. but as of recently, the most unimportant things have become suddenly so relevant to him. like getting a marefriend, or helping me find my cutiemark. so what? it's all so boring.

"Listen. you're fifteen now. I think I can finally be honest. Getting a cutiemark decides who you are, and how you can contribute to this word. Ma' and Pa'a want you to go find your purpose so you can quite frankly stop dicking around with your life. you're getting clumsier and clumsier as time goes on without your mark. Diablo, you almost killed sompony the other day when you dropped  the tent poles.

i'm sick of seeing  Ma' and Pa's angry faces when they yell at you.

i'm sick of seeing the rest of the family bitch about your attitude.

i'm sick of having to clean up after you.

I'm sick of Watching you suffer in here!''

Hoops paused, uncomfortable as if he had more things to say, but he didn't want to upset his baby sister anymore. Diablo noticed tears welling up in his eyes.

"I... I'm sick of having be ashamed of you. I Don't want to be, Because you're a Lunacy. and Lunacies stick together. but, I know I won't be ashamed of you when I see you for what you really are.  I know you'll do good out  there in the world, and I love you. I want to see you spread your wings, and quite frankly, I feel the circus is holding you back."

Diablo's anger dissipated. She just felt like her brother, her Hero. had been living a lie this entire time. He was the kindest one to her, and helped her whenever she needed it. If her kart was too heavy, he'd Be there. if she couldn't tie the finishing knot on the tent, He'd be there. And if one day she forgot to breathe. there he'd be.

..and all this time she had been  nothing but a Burden.

huh. Well that's a new feeling. She felt selfish.

"I'm sorry. hoops."    The worry in her eyes turned into that of determination. Yeah. Shell make it out there.  She'll make everyone in the hoops family proud.

Hoops said nothing in return.

"Okay, you're the boss. I'll go."

Diablo Spun on her hooves to walk into the buzz of Manehattan. A hoof on her shoulder

"No"

"You're the boss, Lunatic" He smiled.

Diablo Paused a moment, she looked away, semi- deep in thought. then, looked back. "Do I need to collect my things?" she asked.

"No" said hoops" that will only remind you of your life here this is your chance to make new friends and collect new memories. And even start a new family. Now I suggest you walk forward, over there, into the city, catch a train. or not. go where ever you feel. this is your life now."

Diablo nodded, And embraced her brother in one last hug. " I'll come to see the circus, someday, as a customer. you won't even know i'm there" she whispered into his ear as they hugged.

"are you kidding?" hoops chuckled" I can see you form a mile off with a mane like that" they both giggled. Without words. Diablo Spun on her hooves. and walked into the  smoggy city. hoops watched her go. making sure nopony walked into her as she left. ( she was never very good at looking both ways as she crossed a road)

He smiled. knowing it was for the best. He turned around and walked back into the outskirts of the city, Neither of the two looked back at each other. both of them drenched, but both of them happy.