Starlight Twilight and Anons redemption

Chapters

The Dance of new beginnings
Date with Starlight
Twilights Intervention
Anons Memories of what used to be
Anons past revealed
A fresh start
Contemplation
Re-Opening the wound
Misery
Rekindling
Trying to contain the fire
Surprise Visit
Change doesn't mean redemption
Flashback, how it all began
Reassurance
Settlers Specter, Ghost haunts campground
Haunting
Mystery Solved
Conclusion
Getting sick

The Dance of new beginnings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46935NAqjhQ [Embed]

It's the Summers eve festival.

A time for humans and ponies to celebrate their differences by partaking in a dance in the human world.

It's still hard for you to believe that all these cute girls are actually ponies.

You see one in the corner that really catches your eye.

She's hiding behind the punch bowl forcing a smile as she watches everyone else dance.

You adjust your tie as you stride over to her.

"Fun party huh?"

She turns to you.

"Oh yeah, it's a.. Real scream."

She says shoving her fist up in a 'right on' sort of way.

She turns up her cup of punch downing it like a shot at the bar.

"Something wrong?"

She coughs halfway between drinking.

"Oh, no! Why would it be!? Twilight Sparkle and her friends have done a magnificent job of getting everyone together tonight."

Shes forcing a grin which seems uncomfortably pasted on.

"Well, I mean, everyone's together except for you that is."

"Pfft, who me? I'm fine. I, you know my feet are kind of sore. Gosh walking on two legs is so different.. And oh my look at all the decorations Pinkie put up, aren't they lovely-"

You grab her hand.

"Wanna dance?"

"D-dance? Me, oh I couldn't. I just couldn't, its.."

"What?"

"I can't dance."

"It's not that hard, come on, I'll lead you through it."

"Well.. I guess if you insist-"

You yank her out on the dancefloor.

It's a little awkward at first, but you and this girl cut the rug.

Old timey music is jamming in the background and you start to get her to loosen up.

Before long she's like a different person dancing around and having a good time.

Later that night.

"Whew, that was sure something!"

"You bet, you know for someone not used to moving around on two legs you're pretty dexterous."

"T-thanks. You were good too."

"Hey, you uh, wanna get out of here?"

She pauses.

"Where.. Did you have in mind?"

"Oh, you know, I was just thinking back to my place, maybe some, Netflix and chill?"

"What's a Netflix?"

"Well it's actually-"

"Starlight there you are!"

The grand host of the party Twilight interrupts.

Twilight shoots you a dirty look.

"I see you've already met Anonymous."

"Is something wrong?"

"Anon I don't want you going near my student you hear me?"

"Woah what's this all about?"

"Yeah, we were just having fun."

"Starlight doesn't need any bad influences after her recent reform you hear me?"

"Reform?"

You look to Starlight, she looks away smiling uncomfortably.

"I may have started a cult and tried to brainwash an entire town, and maybe tried rewrite the history of Equestria through timetravel.."

Is this shy little girl is some kind of evil mastermind?

"Uh.. Ok then."

"Come on Starlight, let's get you back to the hotel."

"W-will you, at least let me say goodbye first?"

She walks up to you looking you in the eyes.

Her soft purple eyes as she offers her hand.

You take it.

Her other hand grabs your hand as you feel something slide upon the palm of your hand.

Twilight sighs rolling her eyes.

"Alright, I think that's quite enough."

She says grabbing Starlight by the shoulder dragging her away.

"I'll see you later Anonymous, it was fun dancing with you!"

She says waving as Twilight drags her off.

Cockblock Twilight strikes again..

Wait what's this piece of paper in your hand?

It's her phone number..

You're surprised she's already taught them about phones.

Then again, you're sure Twilight already gave them the crash course on how the human world works.

Though you'd hate to be the one receiving that lecture as it would probably sound boring coming from her.

A rainbow haired girl approaches you.

"Hey there Anon, can't say I didn't expect you to be here."

"Sup Rainbows?"

"Oh not much, I saw you got chewed out by Twilight again."

"Yeah, but I don't blame her."

"Still haven't patched things up with her huh?"

She seems concerned.

"I don't think I'll ever be able to make up for what I did."

"Heh, you sound just like her, just like Starlight that is."

You pause for a moment, Rainbow dash grabs a cup of punch downing it.

"That stuff about her being a cult leader, it wasn't true was it?"

"Oh yeah it's all true."

"Hmm."

"Er! What I mean to say is, oh shoot, will you look at the time! It sure is late, I'd better head back to the hotel before Twilight gets mad."

She sheepishly walks off looking mildly panicked.

Now let's see.

Logic would dictate you probably shouldn't pursue someone with that type of background.

But then again you've never been the most logical person.

It's later that night at your place.

The familiar scent of home as you prepare some snacks and crash on the couch.

Tonight it's Leftover lasagna and the refreshing taste of Coca Cola®.

You wish you had someone to share it with.

It's been a few months since you've fucked someone.

The desperation is real.

You call the number.

Brrrrrr.

Brrrrrr.

"Hello?"

"Hey it's Anonymous I-"

"I'm sorry about taking so long to answer, I just stepped out of the shower, someone spilled punch on me while Twilight was dragging me away."

"Woah, you stepped out of the shower just to answer the phone?"

"Yeah, I'm still naked and soaking wet."

You feel a swelling taking place in your lower regions.

"T-tell me more about that."

"Well, my skin here isn't like Equestria, everything feels a lot colder. Hold on, I just wanna get some clothes on real quick."

"Oh, sure."

"Thanks, it'll just be real quick."

Rustling noises on the other end of the phone.

You wonder how long she's actually been here.

"Sorry, I'm dressed now. Stupid clothes."

"Er, alright."

"Twilight says I have to wear clothes all the time because the humans will think I'm weird if I don't."

"OH, well, heh, you don't have to worry about wearing clothes around me if you don't want to."

"Really? That's great. Twilight got really mad when I walked around naked the first day at the hotel. But the other guests didn't seem to mind, although they were kind of looking at me weird."

The swelling of your boner is causing you to lose focus and making it difficult for you to think.

"E-er.. Yeah, well that sounds about right.."

"Hey listen, I think I have some time off tomorrow between my cultural analysis classes, wanna go hang out?"

"Sure, that sounds great."

"I wanna do the Netflix thing you talked about earlier."

"O-oh, you don't say.."

"Yeah, I asked someone and they told me it's some kind of thing that lets you watch movies. It sounds fun!"

"Hehe, yeah, it'll be great."

"I'm really excited I'm making another friend here in a new world. It's a fresh start, and a clean slate."

"I know the feeling."

"Huh?"

"Nothing, anyhow, I hope to see you tomorrow."

"I hope to see you too."

"Goodnight Starlight."

"Goodnight Anonymous."

Click.

Date with Starlight

Later at the Mall.

Starlight arrives just on time walking past scattered crowds of people.

"Hey there."

"Hi Starlight, can I call you Star for short? You can call me Anon instead of Anonymous."

"Sure. It's good to see you again Anon."

"So uh Star, how about we go get some Coke and see where the day takes us."

"Sounds good."

You walk toward the Mc Donalds and order two large Coca Colas®.

You're served as you begin to walk through the mall.

Starlight sipping at her drink.

"How do you like things here?"

"It's.. An adjustment. There are a lot of people, and new things. I've never seen places so busy.. And it seems so convenient too! Twilight was telling me about these motorized transport vehicles I've been seeing, and they're like carraiges without needing someone to pull them."

"Oh yeah, that was a real marvel back in the day I guess."

"Just so many different things, It feels like it would take forever to learn about it all."

"Well, I could teach you if you want."

"Are you sure? I don't want to bother you by asking a bunch of stupid questions."

She's frowning.

You place your hand on her shoulder.

"Hey don't say stuff like that. You're new here, you're just learning. Ask as many questions as you want, I'll answer every one as best I can."

"Thanks.."

Later at a local park

Time seems to fly when you're with her.

Shes been asking you questions, and she seems so nice.

Though theres always this feeling like she's holding on to something.

Or that she's holding something back from you.

You're almost positive it has to do with her past.

As much as you've been trying to sort of skirt the issue..

"So I-"

Starlight was looking off at the scenery but turns her attention to you.

"I was saying, you know, about your past."

"Mmm.."

She looks rather sad about you mentioning it.

"I was just wondering, that whole cult leader stuff, you're ok now right?"

"Oh, yeah, I'm different.."

"Did you, wanna talk about it?"

She sighs.

"Well, you're probably going to hate me after this but.. I mean, I did lead a cult and brainwash a town with a warped ideology about cutie marks."

"You mean that special talent thing?"

"Hey you know about those?"

"I was thinking about immigrating to Equestria for a while so I had to study up."

"Wait, you mean you never went then?"

"Well, something got in the way but.. I'll tell you about it later I guess."

"Alright."

"But anyhow, you're changed now aren't you? Twilight said you were reformed and-"

"Yeah, I'm totally different now. I swear I'm not the crazy pony I used to be. Completely changed, reformed!"

Shes smiling awkwardly.

"Relax, everything is good."

"Is it?"

You put your hand on her shoulder.

"Yeah, just chill out."

"Thanks Anon.. You know most guys get worried when they hear about my past."

"I mean, everyone's done something they're not proud of."

Including you of course.

Some things you can never erase..

"Anon, are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's getting late, we should take you back to the hotel."

"Wait already!?"

She walks around in front of you.

"But that wasn't enough time, we were just getting to know each other!"

"I know, but you don't want to piss Twilight off do you?"

She pauses for just a moment.

"I-it's ok, I mean, if it's just for one night."

"What-"

"Thats ok right? I can stay over at your place can't I?"

"Sure."

What could possibly go wrong?

Later at your place.

Her eyes peer over the place.

She walks slowly inside.

She turns back to you.

"Show me around, I wanna see everything."

"I'd love to, but first, why don't you take a moment to relax on the couch, I'll get us some refreshments.

"Ok."

Phase one of getting her home went off without a hitch.

It's been several months since you got laid.

But you've run this race before, and you're not about to fuck it up on the final lap.

You rip open a bag of doritos pouring them into a bowl.

You grab a few cans of Coca Cola® from the fridge as you hustle toward the couch.

You grab the remote and turn on the t.v.

"So what's playing right now?"

You smile.

"Whatever you want. Feast your eyes on the technological marvel that is the television. It can display any movie or show in the blink of an eye."

"Can it display past events too? Like wars and such?"

"Err, if people took the time to record them. Otherwise you'll have to settle with re-enactments."

She frowns for just a moment before marveling at the screen again.

"You humans really have it made here don't you?"

"Sometimes."

You decide to put on some pretty decent films you've seen at least a dozen times.

"Pretty sweet here huh Star?"

She responds casually.

"Yeah."

"Have you gotten used to your human body?"

She pauses for a moment.

"Well, sometimes I'll try to lift something with magic, or teleport around, but then nothing happens. It really sucks."

"Oh."

She puts her hand on yours.

"But then sometimes I'll be overwhelmed by all the new stuff around me, it makes me totally forget all the drama I went through back then."

"This world tends to do that."

She grabs a chip and eats it.

"Mmm, yeah and.. You know, I could use a vacation away from Twilight, and her friends."

"Uh.."

Twilights Intervention

"I feel like I'm always being watched, always under pressure. Like I can't relax. I'm always scared I'm gonna do something and slip up again and.."

You wrap your arm around her.

"Well, theres no need to feel like that around me. I'll help you relax and teach you everything there is to know about this world."

"You mean it?"

"Sure, that's what friends do right?"

She hugs you.

She breaks the hug.

"I get the feeling you and I are gonna become good friends!"

"Oh hey, speaking of which, I mean heheh.."

"What?"

"You were saying earlier on the phone how you'd wanna walk around naked and stuff."

She has an uncomfortable look on her face.

"I was talking to Applejack this morning, and she told me that only people who are really close like lovers should show off their bare bodies to each other."

"Oh, pftt, you know how old fashioned she is?"

"I've just been thinking like, it feels weird not to have my clothing on the more I stay here."

"Right.."

She suddenly looks at you worriedly.

"It's just, I don't wanna do anything wrong or weird without realizing it! It's not that I don't like you.. I mean."

Shes fidgeting her hands in her lap and blushing pretty hard.

"It's ok, let's just, focus on the movie."

She leans herself against you hugging your arm.

"You aren't mad are you?"

You feel your cheeks flush with blood.

"N-nah, I'm fine."

"That's good. I don't wanna lose my only new friend here."

You crack a smile.

"Don't worry, you're just fine."

You ruffle her hair.

She smiles back.

The next morning you get up.

You and Starlight talk for a moment, and for some reason you're craving doughnuts.

Feeling a bit too lazy to do it yourself, you send Starlight across the street to go get some doughnuts.

Then you get a knock on the door.

As you approach the knocking turns into pounding.

You look through the peephole.

Twilight and some of her friends are there at your door.

You reluctantly open the door.

You get tackled to the floor by Pinkie as Applejack readies the rope.

"Hold him down! Now listen here 'Non, yer gonna tell us where Starlight is or so help me I'll tie you up quicker than you can spit."

"Well, actually she just went to-"

Pinkie Pipes in.

"That's right, and I'll make sure while you're tied up to yank down your pants and spank your bare bottom until you're forced to tell us where she is!"

"T-tied up and spanked.. You know on second thought, I won't tell you where she is."

Twilight puts her hand up to her lips and is blushing.

"Enough! You'll never get answers out of him that way!"

You get up and stand now looking at her.

"You'd better not be doing anything funny to her!"

"Why not? Starlight likes jokes."

"That's NOT the kind of funny I mean."

She says as she gives you a stern look waving her finger at you.

"I know. Trust me, nothing happened, everything is fine."

"Which is exactly what someone would say if everything WASN'T fine, now where is she."

"Jesus purple batman calm down. She just went to the convenience store to-"

Starlight arrives on the scene dropping the box of doughnuts and gasping at the three standing in front of you.

"T-twilight I.. I can explain!-"

"No need! I know what you two were up to, and don't think I don't!"

She's waving the finger at the both of you now.

"B-but Twilight I-"

"Starlight you know you have an 8pm curfew you're to be back at the hotel and in your rooms! I have to keep track of 113 students and I CAN'T have all of them gallivanting around uneducated about the world around them!"

"I'm sorry Twilight, I just-"

"No excuses! You're losing your outing privileges for the rest of the week you hear me?"

"Yes Twilight, I'm sorry."

"Good."

You sigh.

"I told you last night to stay away, looks like I still can't trust you."

"You're right, you can't."

Twilight grimaces and walks away with Starlight and the rest in tow.

You sit in silence on the couch.

The box of doughnuts sits on the table in front of you.

It has a crease in it from when she dropped it.

However you haven't even opened it since she left.

Only hours ago had she occupied it and already the room feels like a chasm without her.

It's only a week without her getting time off to see you but..

Not to mention you have your own work to worry about too.

You pull out your phone and stare at her number.

You want to be with her, so you can forget all those times beforehand..

The times you'd pushed to the back of your mind.

The times you made mistakes that you could never take back..

A few days have passed.

You wonder what Starlight has been up to.

Wondering if Twilight hasn't brainwashed her to stay away from you.

Though, maybe for Starlight's sake staying away from you..

No, you've gone over this enough in your mind.

You still deserve happiness the same as anyone else..

Suddenly you get a call from an unidentified number.

Normally you wouldn't pick up the phone but..

"Hello who is this?"

"Hi, is this Anon?

"S-star?"

"How have you been? I missed you."

"I-i'm ok.. I missed you too."

"Sorry I didn't call you sooner, Twilight took away my cell phone."

"But you got it back right?"

Another voice can be heard in the background.

"Um, not exactly."

"Rainbow Dash?"

"Yeah, it's her phone."

"Cool, well, at least she let you use it."

"I don't understand why Twilight doesn't trust Starlight. I mean she is one of us now."

It probably isn't Starlight that Twilight doesn't trust..

Not that you could blame her.

"So you wanna hang out?"

"Of course, I.."

A pause.

"You what?"

"Uh, well Twilight still has Star on lockdown."

"Shes right, I can't go to the bathroom without people right outside the door."

"Didn't realize you were staying in a prison camp."

"Neither did I, till recently."

"Well lets see, if you can't come here, maybe I can go there."

"You would come to see me?"

"For sure. I'll be there in like 20 minutes, is that cool?"

"Sure. I just hope Twilight thinks it's cool too."

She probably won't.

But it could be worth a shot.

Later at the hotel

"What do you mean I can't get in?"

"Sorry 'Non, but Twi's given us strict orders not to let y'all come through."

"That's right, so we absotively posalutely can't let you through."

"If Twilight told you to jump off a bridge would you do it?"

"Well ain't you just a cheeky son of a-"

"Applejack, it's fine."

Twilight pushes past her shoulder.

"So I see you've come back. No doubt to see Starlight?"

"C-come on Twilight, can't we just take it easy with the whole rules thing and let me and Star have some fun?"

"Of course, because you're all about breaking rules aren't you?"

"That's not what this is about-"

"I know. And.. As much as my own.. History with you has been, less than perfect. I'm sure Celestia wouldn't like it very much if I forcibly kept the two of you apart."

"Twilight I-"

She grabs you by the collar.

"But if you lead my student astray so help me Anon I will personally drag you down to the depths of Tartarus myself and banish you there for the next 200 years."

"F-fair enough?"

She releases her grip and sighs.

She walks away.

Pinkie and Applejack are whistling pretending they didn't see anything.

You sigh and head up to the front desk to locate Starlights room.

You're walking down the hall toward Starlights room when suddenly you see her run toward you and wrap you in a hug.

"Anon!"

"So they let you go?"

"And gave me my privileges back. How'd you do it Anon, what'd you say?"

Even now she still hasn't forgiven you..

"Anon?"

"It doesn't matter. Anyhow let's get out of here."

"Hold on real quick, I uh. I'm gonna get some things."

Starlight grabs you by the hand and leads you to her room.

"Hehe, ta-da! Whaddya think?"

The room seems very orderly.

There are two beds, although the color palette that matches her clothing is the one closest to the window.

Suddenly knocking from behind.

Rainbow Dash at the door.

"Uh, I got this message from Twilight, apparently she's approved you being gone for the next three days. Does anyone know what's going on here?"

"Mmm good, I'm already packed!"

She pulls a giant duffel bag out of the closet.

"Oh.. Uh.."

Yeah you've got nothing.

Twilight must really be torn up about seeing you again if she's sending you away for the next three days.

"Isn't this great? We can spend the next three days all to ourselves!"

"Yeah, that's good."

She sets the bag down running over and grabbing your hands shaking them up and down.

"Come on look more excited! We're gonna have so much fun over the next few days!"

"Y-yeah, you're right. Lets go."

Starlight grabs her things as you both head out the door.

Anons Memories of what used to be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op4n0pGQ3F4 [Embed]

You're traveling down the road in your car.

Starlight in the passengers seat peering curiously out the windows.

You can't get it off your mind.

Everything about that situation.

All those repressed memories coming back causing you to regret.

You wanted just for a moment to hate her..

Just to hate Twilight and say to yourself what a mega-bitch she was.

But in the end, she was never in the wrong..

It was always you.

It was always..

You grip tightly on the steering wheel.

"Is everything alr-"

"Everything is fine!"

Starlight gasps at your outburst.

Silence for a few moments.

"I-i'm sorry I-"

"It's not your fault.."

"Anon if you just want to talk about it I-"

"As usual it's my fault, like it always is."

"I'll.. Stay quiet for a while, if that helps.."

"Ok."

As much as you thought you'd gotten rid of it through drinking, binging and gambling.

Through fucking new girls to try and replace the feelings you had.

Somehow you knew it'd never be the same.

Starlight is on the couch with you in your home.

The t.v is on, and it's quiet.

Starlight is learning against you.

Sometimes she looks at you with a worried expression.

A part of you wants to tell her.

But a part of you doesn't think she'll understand.

There certainly wasn't anything redeemable about it.

Or about you for that matter.

It's nice having her here.

It's nice having her pressed against you.

But every nice thing is like poison seeping into the wound.

You can only remember every happy memory.

"I really like this movie Anon, don't you?"

Every blessing you ever had..

"Yeah, it's a good one."

And how despite all of it..

"I'm glad you're letting me stay here."

You managed to piss it all away.

A year and a half ago.

"Isn't this house just like we always dreamed?"

"It's perfect Twilight."

Twilight stands on the deck overlooking the snowy landscape.

The luxurious alpine lodge you stand in belongs to you.

"I'm surprised we were able to afford it."

"Are you kidding, the blueprints you sold to those scientists are really going to benefit mankind. You're a genius and demand a genius salary."

"Oh stop.."

She says blushing and twirling her hair.

You walk over to her and hold her in your arms.

"It's true.. Compared to you I'm-"

She presses her finger to your lips, and then quickly moves it kissing you.

The sweet taste of her clean mouth.

The kiss breaks.

"Remember what I said?"

"I know, I'm not allowed to talk down about myself."

"You are so special to me.. You taught me everything there is to know about the human world. What to look out for. You know how much trouble I'd be in if it weren't for you?"

"Well I'm still not as smart-"

She grabs your hand squeezing it.

"Please, you don't need to be. Let me take care of all the academics."

"But-"

"There's more to life than booksmarts.. You're so kind and thoughtful. And you work so hard. Even though you always think of yourself as ordinary, or even as a jerk sometimes.. I know that you're the sweetest, most special guy I've ever known. And I don't know what my life would be like without you."

You feel tears welling up in your eyes.

"D-dammit Twilight.. You can't just say super heartfelt stuff like that without giving me warning first."

She giggles helping to wipe away your tears.

"I'll be a bit more considerate next time. Anyhow, let's go inside. I'll help you make dinner as always."

"Beef stew?"

"Ooh sounds nice. I would try and make it myself, but.. Without my magic in these sorts of things, I'm afraid I'm just not very practical."

"Heh, you'll get the hang of it."

She gives you a little salute.

"Lead the way head chef Anonymous!"

"Alright."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN5jRb2ADto [Embed]

You're eating beef stew with Twilight.

The warm smell of the stew.

The crackling fireplace giving warmth to the home.

Twilight leaned against you with a pleased expression.

And yet..

"What's wrong Anon?"

"N-nothing, everything is perfect sweetie."

"Anon, please."

She puts her hand on your face.

"We talked about this, and we promised we'd never keep any secrets from each other."

"Y-you.. You're right. I'm sorry, I just.. When I think about how you're a big time Princess and all, I can't help but think that I'm just not worthy to be here. Not worthy to have all of this great stuff and-"

"So, it's because I'm a Princess is it?"

"W-well I mean-"

"I'll be right back."

What could she be doing?

She's not going to pack her stuff and leave is she?

No, that's silly, but what..

She hurries back.

She clears her throat.

"It is, with great honor, that I, Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of friendship, do grant peerage to, and give thee the title, 'Prince of Friendship."

She places her crown on your head.

"Heh, Prince of friendship huh?"

"And well, there's one other thing I can do for you.. That is if you.."

She gets down on one knee.

She pulls out a little box.

"T-twilight.."

She opens it.

"Will you, Anonymous, take me, Twilight Sparkle to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

You're flabbergasted.

"T-twilight.."

"This way, you'll technically be the King of friendship.. And you'll never have to feel like you're beneath anyone ever again."

"Twi-"

"If I could I would give it all away to someone else. I never wanted to be the Princess or have a fancy crown, or castle, or title anyway. I was happy just being plain old Twilight Sparkle. A little known bookworm with a few close friends to call her own.. You're the best friend I've ever known. And being away from you, even for a little while hurts. I know I can't go one more day without demanding that you take my hoof--, er hand that is, in matrimony. So that we'll always be together no matter what."

You feel the tears welling up.

"O-oh shoot, I guess I forgot about that warning."

You collapse down and wrap her in your arms.

"You goddamn adorable little bookworm. Of course I'll marry you."

You wipe the tears hastily from your eyes.

"I love you Anon, and I always will."

"I love you too Twilight."

You kiss her and hold her tightly in your arms.

You never want to let her go.

You give Starlight an extra pillow and blanket to sleep on the couch with.

You retire to your room saying goodnight before walking down the rest of the hall.

The vacant space in your room solidifies your isolation.

You climb into the empty bed.

This is what you deserve.

All those happy memories came back just as things were going well with Star..

But it never would have happened if Twilight didn't let her go.

She didn't have to do that..

You grip your pillow.

You pound the bed with your fist.

Speaking aloud softly you say,

"Dammit all, even now you probably still wanted me to be happy, even if it wasn't with you. I'm scum. I'm such complete scum.."

Maybe it's her way of forgetting about you, and letting you go but..

This pain in your chest.

This hurt you'd long since thought had faded has come back like an old would re-opened.

It feels like nothing in the world can make it go away.

Anons past revealed

The next morning.

You walk over and sit on the couch.

A pillow with blanket neatly folded on top is there.

"Made you some coffee."

Not only coffee but one of the doughnuts from the other day on a plate.

"Bon appetit!"

She says as she plops next to you.

She bites into her own doughnut.

"Ugh.."

"What's wrong?"

Looking at this food.

You barely feel compelled to eat.

"I.. I'm not that hungry."

"Well, I am. You sure have been gloomy since we came back from the hotel."

"I'm fine."

"Anon, there are many things I can tell about someone just by their face. And you are not fine."

"It's just, something that happened in the past, it's no big deal."

"Anon, you can talk to me, we're friends remember?"

You take a sip at the coffee.

"It's pretty good."

"Making coffee there and making it here is still the same."

She says rather cheerily.

"I'll have what you're having."

She looks at you quizzically.

"But you already are."

You sigh.

"So we are."

"Look, if you promise to open up, I promise I won't think any differently of you no matter what you tell me."

"Oh yeah, why don't you open up about your past?"

She looks down into her mug with a downcast expression.

"That's what I thoug-"

"Fine, I'll tell you everything. But in return, I want some answers."

You sigh again.

"Well, get on with it."

"A while back, I founded a town called "Our Town" gathering ponies from all over Equestria."

"Pretty harmless so far."

"I haven't even started so listen.. All the ponies, I told them they could come to a place where they could be accepted, a place where they could belong and not feel the outside pressures of the world. Our own little paradise if you will."

"Sounds like things didn't pan out that way."

"I wanted everyone to accept our beliefs, or.. Rather my belief, that everyone should be equal."

"Still not seeing the bad part."

"Equality in every aspect disregarding what makes certain ponies special or stand out. Even going so far as to remove what stood out altogether."

"The nail that sticks up gets hammered down I guess, it's the same here too."

"I used my magic to remove their talents, and then I brainwashed all of my citizens to follow my ideologies. I forced them to smile, and behave and act as though each and everyone was part of a single unit, with no individuality whatsoever. Not separating any of them by more than name."

"Ok, now it's starting to sound kinda bad."

"I'm still not done. See after Twilight came and put an end to "Our Town"-"

"Wait, she was the one who stopped you?"

"Yes, her and her friends, as well as inevitably some of the ponies I had brainwashed eventually turned against me and I ran."

"What happened next?"

"I was so mad at Twilight for destroying everything I built that I nearly destroyed everything by trying to re-write history using a time spell."

"Oh...."

"I saw so much pain, and needless suffering. I realized how selfish and awful I was. I blamed Twilight when really I should have blamed myself. And it all started because I wanted everything to be perfect."

You take a moment to absorb what she's said.

"Wow."

"I know."

"I dunno about this whole perfection thing but.."

"Well, it had to do with something that happened when I was little. A friend of mine got his cutie mark before I did, and we were separated. I never saw him again, and I was never able to make any more friends after that."

"Harsh."

"That's one of the reasons I take our friendship so seriously. I hope we can still be friends now that you've heard the whole thing."

"Sure. I've done some pretty bad stuff too. I was skeptical at first, but maybe we have a bit more in common than I thought."

"So you'll open up to me?"

"Why not? It all started about a year and a half ago."

A year and a half ago shortly after getting engaged to Twilight

"You really want to immigrate to Equestria for the wedding?"

"It's your home. And from all the stories you've told me, I want to see this place with my own eyes. So I figure, let's make our wedding the most magical day ever by going to the most magical place ever."

She hugs you from behind.

"Aww, Anon.."

You're reading a book on Equestria and it's culture.

"You have to pass the test on your own you know."

"I know. But it'll be worth it when I get to see your home."

"We'll have to come back after the wedding you know. I am the personally appointed overseer of the immigrants of Equestria."

"I know. I'm sure Celestia probably gave you that job after she realized you were the best one for it."

"Well, I may have pulled a few stings too. But I mainly took the job so I could be closer to you. And have an excuse to be here while upholding my Princessly duties."

"A-are you serious?"

"Yes.. I can't tell you how much it hurt to keep going back to Equestria each night to an empty bed."

"That's how I felt without you here too!"

"Well, now neither of us have to be apart ever again. And I'm so happy you're learning Equestrian culture just for me. I know how much you don't like academics, so I'm really flattered you care enough to do this just for me."

"Of course I care. And I'll always be here for you, from now on."

"And I'll be here for you too."

You continue reading.

"Heh, now that I actually sit down and read some of this stuff, it is kinda interesting."

"There's plenty more in my library if you wanna read more after this."

"Eh.. Let's just take it one step at a time."

"Hehe, alright. I'll make a reader out of you yet."

"For you I think I'd be ok with that."

You both kiss.

It's later at the bachelor party thrown by Spike.

You're by the punch bowl.

"Hey buddy, how's it going?"

Flash dressed up in his suit gives you a friendly shoulder punch.

"Haven't seen you in forever what's been happening?"

"Oh, you know, just getting married to the most amazing girl ever."

"You poor soul. I mean congrats I guess?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Dude, you're about to commit your whole life to some girl, YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. To one girl, you don't see a problem with that?"

"Well it's just I-"

"Dude, I'm banging at least 4 chicks right now. I have trouble keeping track of their names honestly."

"Good for you?"

"The point is, a guy like you, you could be slaying that pussy left and right, while you're still young man! And you're gonna throw away that opportunity on marriage? What happens if you get divorced and you're like 40 and bald and ugly and shit?"

"Woah man, could you cool it, my wedding happens in a few days."

"You wanna go through with it, thats fine. But shit man, I'd try to bang at least a dozen more chicks before I get tied down to one you know what I'm saying?"

"Are.. You serious?"

"A real man should be able to have it all."

Suddenly Flashes phone buzzes.

"Oh shit it's my girl uh.. Sugarcoat that's the one. She is D.T.F brah! I am so in there! I gotta go but, good luck with the wife I guess!"

You're staring into the mirror.

Those words keep echoing in your mind.

'A real man should be able to have it all.'

Is he right?

Maybe this is your chance to be a real man for once in your life.

You never had the opportunity to fuck a girl while seeing another.

And there is this babe you met at the mall the other day, chatted it up.

One in a million, she's probably DTF.

It's a few days before the wedding.

But maybe, if you plan it out just right, you really can have it all.

Your days of being on the bottom rung tier of men is over.

It's later that night back at your place.

"Did you enjoy your bachelor party?"

"Uh, yeah, it was all good."

"I'm so happy. I was worried about leaving Spike in charge, but it looks like he pulled through after all."

You walk over and plop on the couch.

"You seem really tired. I can give you a foot massage if you want. I've been reading some books on it for just such an occasion."

"You're too much babe."

"Remember about two months ago when you were talking about how you wanted a massage?"

"Ah, you can't be serious, that night after work and we made spaghetti?"

"That's the one."

"You're.. So nice.. I just.. Why are you so nice?"

She gives a bit of a confused look.

"Because I love you Anon, and because you're always so nice to me. All those times you surprised me with flowers, took me to the zoo's and aquariums so I could see the animals of your world firsthand. Not to mention all the times you've helped me bail my Equestrian transfers out of trouble. I know you never see yourself as good enough, but trust me you are."

"Really?"

She removes your shoes and socks and begins to work on your feet.

"Really. I'll say it as many times as it takes to get it through to you."

"Thanks Twilight."

The very next night in a motel across town.

"Oh yes, give it to me!"

"Oh Jesus yes! Take my dick Lemon Zest, take it!"

"Yeah baby, fuck me all night just like that!"

It feels so exhilarating.

Flash was right.

You could've been banging girls behind her back this whole time.

Double the sex!

With so many women you would never feel insecure again..

Your dick feels so good right now slamming inside of Lemon.

You never wanna stop.

Suddenly the motel door opens.

And in the light of the moon Twilight stands peering inside at the two of you.

With tears in her eyes and a shocked look she utters,

"How could you?"

A fresh start

"Didn't you ever try to patch things up with her? Why the heck did you cheat? I thought you loved her! Did I miss something?"

"I was insecure, down to my very core I've always been insecure. I never felt like I was good enough. I thought somehow if I was manly enough, or fucked enough women I could validate myself better."

"Still, didn't you at least TRY to patch things up?"

"I did, that night I begged her to take me back. And weirdly enough after a few hours she was willing to give me a second chance."

"But then how-"

"Even after I got the second chance, I fucked it up again, and slept with someone else not too long after. Twilight found out, and from there, it was all over."

"Oh."

"Since then I've had a lot of time to think and grow. And every night I think back to how much I really had, and how I threw everything away because of my own ego. My own vanity and obsession with perfection."

"Anon.."

"I've always thought of myself as a terrible person. But recently have my actions really shown to others just how awful I really am."

"You shouldn't say that, you were just confused-"

"I wasn't confused. I was always in control and in my right mind. I never had a drop to drink either time."

"But.. You've changed right?"

"I don't know.. I'm not sure I really trust myself anymore. Sometimes I think its only a matter of time before I'll screw things up worse."

"Thats.. Sometimes how I feel."

"I guess in the end, we both really messed up."

She grabs you and holds onto you.

"Anon."

"Do you really want to be my friend even after learning all of this?"

She looks away holding your hand.

"If.. What if.. From this moment on, we promise, not just to each other, but to ourselves, that we do our best to change. And try not to blame ourselves."

"I'm still not sure I can stick to it."

"We just have to try our best, can you at least promise that?"

"Fine, I promise to try my best."

"And, I promise as well, to try my best."

You and Star decide to watch movies and eat snacks again.

"There sure seem to be a lot of movies on earth."

"More than you could watch in a lifetime I'm sure."

"Just how many are there?"

"Dunno, but a good majority probably aren't very good."

"I haven't seen a bad one yet."

You pop another cheeto into your mouth.

"That's because I only picked the best ones. Trust me, there are bad ones. But I am not a bad host, so I won't show them to you."

"What happened to the whole 'I'm a bad person' sort of thing?"

"Hey, if you wanna see bad movies be my guest, but not in my house."

"Did uh, you and Twilight watch a lot of movies together?"

"Of course we did. She always did try to get me to read, but even she couldn't resist the allure of film."

"Wait, you don't like to read?"

"Uh, not traditionally no.."

"But you said you wanted to read about Equestria."

"That.. Was different. And it's too late now."

"Too late for what?"

"The only reason I really wanted to go was for her. And even then it was hard to stay focused."

"Well, maybe we could help each other out. I could teach you about Equestria, and you could teach me about earth."

You pause.

"Hmm, that's not a bad idea."

"See?"

"Wait what am I saying, I don't wanna go! I have trouble enough as it is in this world. I can't just go by myself into some crazy new world."

"Well, maybe you won't have to go alone. I could go with you when the time comes."

"Eh, I'll consider it."

"In the meantime, let's watch another movie."

"Sounds good."

It's late at night.

You're laying awake in bed.

It's weird, because normally physical affection means that someone really likes you.

But in this case, you realize pony culture is different.

You realize that even though you've cuddled and held hands, that it doesn't mean anything for you romantically.

You get the encroaching feeling that you might lose her somehow.

That she'll just go back to the hotel in the next day and you won't see her again for a while.

You drift apart, and maybe she'll just go back to Equestria.

Bemoaning the the fact that despite your deeply personal conversation..

She hasn't been particularly moved or affected by you.

Not enough to want to move things to the next stage..

Or maybe you just haven't bridged that gap yet.

So then it falls to you to make a move..

It's the next day.

Starlight is watching some cartoons eating a bowl of lucky charms.

"Do these come on every day?"

"New episodes come out weekly, but you can usually catch re-runs any time of the week."

"I-i'm sorry, whats a re-run?"

"It's just a re-showing of an episode that's already been aired."

"So they just play the same stuff over and over again?"

"Well, some people don't get the chance to see the new episode precisely when it comes out."

"Oh, so it gives a chance for everyone to see them. Makes sense."

"It can get pretty repetitive if you've got nothing else to watch."

"I could see myself watching some of these again if I get bored. Home theaters sure are great. We don't have anything like this back in Equestria."

She's looking at the t.v.

But this whole time you've been looking at her.

Her hair caught in the light from the screen door.

All ponies seem to have these strange hair colors.

But it never seems unnatural to you.

Her pale looking skin, bright violet eyes.

You scoot closer.

She turns to you.

"Whats wrong?"

You lean in and press your lips against hers.

Her confused face for a moment as she hurriedly drops the bowl onto the nearby table.

Mouth still half full of lucky charms she hastily swallows.

You press your tongue against hers.

You run your hand through her bangs and her hair.

The kiss breaks.

Shes blushing and fidgeting her hands.

"A-anon, I didn't know you felt that way about me.."

"Of course I did."

"This is gonna sounds weird but.. I've never had a proper boyfriend before."

"Forgive me for saying but, didn't you lead a cult?"

"Oh, well. That's different. They weren't really following me out of love, so much as fear.."

She has a concerned look on her face.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just.. I've never had a chance to become close with someone in that way. And I'm, a little bit afraid."

You grasp her hands.

"I'm right here."

"I-i know.."

You lean in for another kiss.

She meets you halfway.

You press your lips into hers.

You feel her soft shoulders and neck.

The lingering taste of cereal.

Her weird kissing techniques that only a virgin would do.

You rest in each others arms making out.

Starlights soft lips against yours, saliva dripping between momentary cracks in the lips.

Feeling hastily along each other as you become more intimately familiar.

The growing sensation of pleasure as you realize your days of solitude may come to a close.

You feel a warm feeling of hope you haven't felt since your early days with Twilight.

Deep within her embrace as her body presses against you.

You feel that she's losing herself to you as she becomes more enraptured by your affections.

Such a happy perfect moment you wish you could capture and enshrine in a portrait forever.

Contemplation

The day goes on.

You and her, held securely in each others arms.

A whisper of conversation here and there.

But really neither of you have left the embrace of one another.

It seems that Starlight had been longing for someone to hold in her arms.

From what you can gather she's led a pretty lonely life.

Even lonelier than you strangely enough.

But you're happy you're able to give her that special company she deserves.

Two of a kind, both screw ups in your own rights.

Your mistakes seem to have brought you together as if by fate.

Fingers interlaced with hers as the sun shines warmly upon her skin and yours.

Body leaned up against yours.

Your other arm wrapped around her shoulder.

Sometimes you touch or play with her hair.

Sometimes she feels your shoulders or touches your face.

These special little things reserved only for lovers..

Truly not since Twilight have you been so comfortable in a woman's arms.

Not that you didn't try.

A somber thought occurs to you.

How Twilight has been coping without you.

You scarcely wish to ponder such darkness in the wake of this light.

Thoughts like these you wish to save for a later date.

Even if it's just for a moment, you are grateful for this break in your solitude.

Though you're hoping you won't end up messing this up somehow.

Starlight drags her duffelbag out the door.

Pinkie and Applejack have come to see her back to the hotel.

Where did the time go?

However long it was, it wasn't enough.

She waves goodbye with that hint of sadness in her eye forcing a smile..

You don't want to seem desperate so you wave goodbye putting on your pokerface as she leaves.

She walks down the street, you watch her till she's no longer visible.

The noise of the street, the cities ambiance.

Bludgeoning you with cacophony.

Everything you liked, the sounds, the feelings, the sensations.

Replaced with loud, echoing sounds reverberating unto nothingness.

You close the door and look at your home.

You have work later today..

At least you can focus a little on that.

Though it's bittersweet.

All with the thoughts that if this thing with Starlight doesn't pan out you'll be lonely.

The cycle will begin again.

It may be a few days before you can see her.

In those days you must attempt to deepen the bond, or risk losing her.

It's often in these beginning phases a relationship is most fragile.

You get a call from Lemon.

It's brief, but it looks like she's looking for it.

As depressed as you are without Star, you maintain a casual conversation but don't go farther than that with her.

It lasts for about 5 minutes before she seems to get bored.

She hangs up, and all of your memories from those nights long past come back like demons tormenting you.

It was so sweet, and yet so bitter.

Never again..

You can't do it, ever again.

Re-Opening the wound

Days pass.

You sit bored on your couch.

Suddenly your phone rings again.

Hoping it to be Star you pick it up.

"Hey Anon."

That all too familiar feminine rasp.

"Twilight?"

"I'm coming over, answer your door when I get there."

"Twilight what-"

CLICK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=supTTAOFIa8 [Embed]

Knock knock knock

Not but 10 minutes after the phone call you hear this knocking.

You go to answer.

Sure enough through the peephole it's Twilight.

She doesn't seem particularly happy.

You open the door.

She brushes past you going directly toward your couch sitting down.

She's wearing a slimming peacoat and her hair is neatly styled.

"Uh.. So.."

You close the front door.

"How've things been?"

"What do you mean?"

She balls her fists, just for a moment.

"You know damn well.."

She seems to be trying to restrain herself.

"Are you, alright?"

She's quiet.

She's breathing in and out, in and out.

Hands in her lap, but fists balled.

Head facing toward her legs.

"Twilight.."

"How!"

She catches herself once again calming her tone.

"How, are things with Starlight?"

"Uh.."

"Planning to break her heart? Just like you did with me?"

"Twilight! I-"

"I know, it's been a while since we had a chance to talk about it.. But I want a real explanation this time."

"What is there to explain? I cheated, I was insecure, I messed up?"

"You could have talked to me Anon. I made it perfectly clear that I would do anything for you."

"I know that.. It's just, I can't take back what I did."

Twilight with a harsh look says,

"You're right, you can't."

"I'm sorry, for everything."

"You think you've had it rough since we broke up? You think I haven't had it ten times worse? I can't bring myself to trust anyone. I just feel like they might betray me again.. I only have friends, but nothing more. Every day I'm so alone and I ask myself what I did to deserve it."

Tears start building up in her eyes.

"I loved you with all my heart and soul. I would have given you the world on a silver platter if it meant we could be happy together."

"I-i know.."

"After the first time, I was a little shaken, but I had faith that you would overcome your little moment of weakness or whatever. I mean, we all make mistakes. You told me, never again, you promised.. And I really believed you, and I wanted it to work.."

"I'm sorry."

"Now I'm ruined.. I just can't bring myself to open up, and try to love anyone the way I loved you.. I think about all the times you were perfect. How much I enjoyed making you smile.."

Tears are streaming down your face.

"I never wanted this to-"

"And now I have to watch, as some other girl, gets to have you. And maybe you'll break her heart too. But for as long as I live, I know we can't ever be together again."

"Twilight please-"

"No! I hate you! I hate you so much!"

She walks over to you.

She punches on your chest.

"Why.."

You can't bring yourself to speak.

"Why can't I forget about you?! Why are you always on my mind!? Why can't I have someone to love!? I've been good! I've done everything right!"

Tears pouring down her face.

Fists lightly pounding on your chest.

"Even now. Some small part of me still wants you. And I wish I could just rip these feelings out and throw them away.."

You try to wrap her in your arms but she slaps them away as she walks toward the door.

"I came to tell you, that there's a camping event going on for the next two weeks."

"What-"

"It involves humans and ponies getting together for a camping trip.. And you're invited so.."

And with one last bitter tone she finishes with,

"Enjoy it."

She opens the door and walks out, not even shutting it as she goes out to her car.

She gets in and speeds out of the parking space and down the road.

Misery

You're looking at yourself in the mirror.

Why even exist?

It'd be one thing if she'd just told you the real reason she came over.

Or had just mentioned over the phone, "By the way we're all going camping and I hate you".

But no, of course not.

It had to be the most soul crushing thing.

Deep down you know you deserve this.

But that doesn't make it any less painful.

You sigh as you walk away and begin to pack your things for this camping trip.

You haven't been camping for real since you were little so it aught to be a nice change of scenery.

Maybe you can forget about your woes and focus more on your woos.

With you wooing Star that is.

Looks like you'll be taking that vacation time a little sooner than you thought this year.

But hey, a little fun in the sun.

Then some songs by the campfire roasting marshmallows and cuddled up with Starlight.

Yeah, this might be just the thing you need.

You're about to board the bus.

Twilight walks up to you.

She has a, very odd grin on her face.

"Oh hey there Anon, I see you decided to go camping with us after all."

Suddenly Starlight comes up.

Hold on, is she holding hands with some other guy?

"Hey Anon great to see you again!"

"S-star, who's this?"

Twilight has the most wickedly smug grin.

"Oh Anon, I see you've yet to meet Starlights childhood friend."

He adjusts his glasses.

"S-starlights told me so much about you. I'm Sunburst by the way."

You rather reluctantly shake his hand.

"Starlight has been getting re-aquainted with her new friend since she got back from your place. And guess what? He'll be tagging along with us during the entire trip."

Starlight pipes in,

"Isn't this great Anon? Now we'll get to go together! I just know you and Starburst will get along perfectly!"

"Y-yeah, great.."

Suddenly you get approached by a guy in a "security" shirt.

"Um excuse me, we need to check your ID."

Everyone else is boarding the bus quickly cutting in front of where you were.

"What's this all about?"

"Sir please cooperate."

"But I didn't do anything!"

"We got word that you might be smuggling illegal paraphernalia as well, just a quick bag search and we'll have you on your way."

"Who the hell told you that!? I don't do that shit, come on what is this bullcrap? You can't just search me without a warrant!"

"Well I suppose you won't be getting on this bus then."

He stands in front of the bus doors.

Everyone else is looking at the scene unfolding.

You grumble.

"F-fine whatever, make it quick.."

You finally get on the bus, but all the seats are taken.

The bus begins to take off, but you're left standing.

Suddenly a voice.

"Aww, looks like all the seats are filled up."

Twilight with a rather innocent looking expression is looking at you.

"You.. You did this didn't you?"

"Such a shame. It's almost as if the entire buses seating arrangement could only occupy a certain number of people. But oh, what's this?"

She moves her bag.

"I seem to have an extra space right here that would be just perfect for you if you'd like."

"Sorry but forget it. Your little scheme won't work on me, I-"

Twilight chimes,

"I'll let you sit by the window."

"Mmm.."

You sigh..

"Alright.."

Twilight allows you to get in and you get a lovely view of the scenery.

"See isn't it perfect?"

"Uh.."

She suddenly leans her head on your shoulder.

"This bus trip is going to be about 2 hours of nonstop driving, better get comfy Anon."

It's later after you reached the glorious wooded campgrounds.

"What do you mean the boys cabin is all filled up!?"

"I'm sorry, but there seem to be an overwhelming number of males on the trip, and you just won't fit!"

"Oh, that's just fucking great, where exactly am I supposed to put my stuff?"

Suddenly a whistle from behind.

It's Twilight in a campers uniform and sexy short shorts.

"Well Anon, seems like you'll have to get comfy and pitch a tent out here, or.."

She's twirling a ring of keys.

"I just so happen to have a single vacancy in my exclusive cabin which is separate from both boys and girls dorms."

"Twilight, you do realize I'm with Starlight now right?"

She rolls her eyes.

"Well, I suppose it'd be the first for you to actually honor a commitment."

She snaps her fingers.

Mr. security guy from earlier throws you a tent in a box and a sleeping bag.

This isn't good.

If you go into that cabin who knows what could happen.

Hell for all you know, Twilight has brought you out here just to murder you in your sleep and play with your organs like silly putty.

You look around the woods.

All this rough pine and grass.

Exposed to the elements.

A bear could come up and fucking eat you.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Time passes.

You're in a cabin making crafts with the other campers.

You walk up to Starlight.

She's with Sunburst of course.

You sit down with them.

"So hey Star, how've you-"

"Hey Star, look at this."

She gasps.

"Is that a friendship bracelet?"

"It most certainly is!"

"Anon, look at this, isn't it great? Starburst used to make these things, ALL the time when we were kids."

"Oh.. Great."

"What's the matter Anon, you should make something too!"

You stare down at the assortment of craft supplies.

Is there enough rope here to make a noose?

It's late that night.

Everyone is around a big bonfire singing campfire songs.

Star and Sunburst are singing these weird pony songs from when they were little.

You keep trying to interject, but you feel it's hopeless.

As you hold your stick above the fire, the marshmallow burns and sinks off the stick into the fire.

Rekindling

You're cold and alone as you try to pitch this tent.

Insects buzzing at you.

This is the fucking worst.

Starlight seemed to barely want anything to do with you.

And now, here you are, surrounded by a ton of people, but still all alone.

You can't help it..

No matter what you do..

You drop the tent you were holding and begin to cry.

Suddenly from the darkness, the light of a lantern.

A hand touches your shoulder.

Twilight looking down smiling.

You yell.

"What!?"

Tears streaming down your face.

"Is this what you wanted? To see me all alone, broken and pathetic? I-

She slips her arms around you.

"Shh.. I'm sorry."

"W-what?"

"I noticed your marshmallow fell in from earlier.. So I saved you one of my smores."

She has such a kind gentle look in her eyes.

You take the smore.

You bite into it.

It's delicious of course.

You close your eyes trying to hide your tears a bit.

"Come on, let's get you inside."

You sigh as she leads you back to her cabin.

It's warm by the fireplace in Twilights cabin.

Theres only one bed here.

"Doesn't this remind you of our lodge from all those years ago Anon?"

You're sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Twilight.."

"When we used to stay up late playing video games? You'd always win of course.."

"You realize we can't go back Twilight."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, how could you! You completely sabotaged my relationship with Star!"

"So what?"

"W-what?"

Shes sitting cutely on the bed.

"Listen, I've been thinking-"

"No, no it can't be this way! It can't ever be like it was!"

"Yes it can Anon, because I'm DONE playing by the rules!"

She has a serious expression on her face.

"T-twilight."

Suddenly she starts tearing up.

"I want it back.. I want it all back. Our special times we used to have together."

She reaches under the bed pulling out a scrapbook.

"I saved them, all our special times together, look!"

You take it looking through the old photos.

"We look so happy together."

"That's because we were!"

She wipes away her tears as she hugs your side.

"Don't you see! We were always happy together."

"Yeah.."

"I realized that playing by the rules didn't get me anywhere. And that you broke the rules we set for each other when you made that promise. So, I did what I thought was wrong and leveled the playing field. I completely destroyed your relationship without any regard for how it might turn out. So guess what? Now we're both big screw ups who don't play by the rules."

"I.. I don't know what to say.."

"Well, here's what I say.. Let's start over. You and me, now that the dust has settled, and we've both done selfish things.. We can try again.."

"Hmm.."

She pulls out a wooden box.

"I made these today."

She opens the box.

Inside are two crudely crafted wood rings.

"If you just promise you'll be with me, I'll promise to make mistakes with you. And even if you mess up big time. I'll be right there to mess up with you. Maybe it's my fault because you saw me as infallible.. Well, I'm not. I'm just as flawed and imperfect as anyone else."

With tears in her eyes she raises up the bigger ring toward you.

"P-please."

You tackle her to the bed in a hug.

"I do, I accept!"

"A-anon.."

"Twilight, I'm so sorry for every single thing! You were right, and you're amazing and you-"

She kisses you.

Her mouth tastes a little like the smores you just had as you both hold each other tightly and make out.

You reach for the littler ring in the box and slip it onto her finger.

And then she places the bigger one onto yours.

"Now and forever."

"We'll always be together."

Your fingers interlock as you both kiss.

The fireplace crackling.

You make out for a little while longer, crying a bit here and there.

But eventually you both fall asleep in each others arms.

You wake up.

The smell of Twilights hair as you lay next to her.

Twilights face so sweet and innocent as she's wrapped in your arms.

You sit up in the bed.

It is a rather small bed, but it was rather comfortable.

Twilight curls slightly for a moment before waking.

"A-anon.."

Her hair rather messy from this angle.

She sits up stretching for a moment before wrapping her arms around you.

Playfully she says,

"Don't go."

"I won't."

You press your lips against hers tasting her mouth.

Bad idea, morning breath stinks.

Twilight notices your disgust.

"S-sorry, I'll go brush."

"I should too."

You walk with her to the small bathroom.

It's partitioned by small thin walls and doesn't include more than a sink, shower and toilet.

Twilight reaches for her toothbrush.

You get a cute idea though and grab her brush before she does.

"Hey, how about I brush your teeth and you brush mine?"

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

You grab the brush putting toothpaste on it.

You raise it toward Twilights face.

She opens her mouth.

You stick the brush inside and begin to slowly brush along the surface of her teeth.

She makes a bit of a moaning sound as you do.

Going along her front teeth, then the tops and sides of her molars.

You swear these moaning sounds keep getting lewder.

Her breaths more shallow and rapid as the brush caresses each tooth.

Once you're finished you remove the brush from her mouth.

Twilights mouth full of leftover toothpaste and saliva she spits a large glob into the sink.

She then takes in a mouthful of water washing out the leftovers and spits the remains into the sink.

What's left is Twilights pretty white teeth.

"Do they look ok?"

She says displaying her teeth.

"You have a very pretty smile."

She smiles.

"Let me do you now."

"Ok."

Trying to contain the fire

You're back in the same cabin that was used for arts and crafts.

However this time it's morning, and it's chow time.

Waffles and bacon is on everyones plates this morning.

"Open wide, ahh!"

You open your mouth as she slides the biteful of food inside.

She leans against you nuzzling.

"I'm so glad we're back together.. It's like nothing ever happened.."

Twilight sounds so happy.

And heck, you're happy too but..

Across the way you see Starlight looking at you.

She seems concerned.

Food squishes against your mouth.

"Anon, you were supposed to say 'ahh."

Twilight smiling cutely as a little strand of syrup pulls away from your lips.

"Here, let me get that for you.

Twilight licks and kisses your lips.

Starlight visibly gasps as Twilight almost sensually cleans your face slowly with her tongue.

At least you know her mouth is clean from earlier..

Starlight seems to be talking with Sunburst now.

Well, maybe she isn't as upset as you thought.

After all, she was more concerned with him than she was with you.

Maybe, it's for the best..

Sometime later all the campers get together to go to the lake.

And its just..

Breathtaking.

Like something straight out of a postcard.

So early as the golden sun rises shining brightly through the trees.

It's glow reflecting off the water as the cold fog of night disperses.

All the ponies and humans are here playing in the water together.

They're all technically 'humans' but you can easily tell by the hair colors which ones are the ponies.

Anyhow, they seem to be having fun together.

You can see now why this project is so important.

Humans and ponies living together in harmony like this..

It's perfect.

You're here by yourself however as Twilight went to use the outhouse.

Even horse-women have to go every now and then..

Suddenly you get grabbed.

You're being dragged through the woods.

"Woah what the-"

You're grappled and pushed against a tree.

"What the hell was that?!"

"W-what?"

"I thought you promised to try your best! That we were both going to change, together!"

"I erm, well.."

"And now you're all back together with Twilight?"

Starlight visibly saddened and upset.

"H-hey, what about yesterday? I mean, with you and Sunburst huh!?"

She's quiet for a moment.

"Oh.."

Silence from you as well as wind blows lightly through the trees.

"I guess I did kind of pay more attention to Sunburst. B-but I never meant anything by it! I was just so happy to see him, really! I mean, after I left, all I did was think of you. Night and day you were always on my mind!"

"Star.."

"Anon, please, just give me another chance! I didn't mean to ignore you!"

"I'm sorry, but things are different, Twilight and me are back together again."

She has a heartbroken expression.

"B-but you can't! You're my first boyfriend! I can't just let this end like this.."

She grabs your hand tightly shaking it.

"I wanted to get to know you more.. I thought this trip was going to be like a special bonding experience for us.."

"Star.."

"Anon."

Suddenly a voice.

"Oh hey Starlight there you are, I was worried when you disappeared all of a sudden!"

"Sunburst?"

He grabs her hand.

"Let's go swimming come on! It'll be just like when we were kids. Gosh you remember when we used to levitate tadpoles?"

Sunburst is sort of pulling her along.

Starlight keeps looking back at you.

You sigh.

You walk back to the lake.

Twilight emerges from the woods some ways away from the rest of the campers.

She beckons you toward her.

You meander toward her, but not too slowly.

You peer back at Star who seems a bit distracted as Sunburst plays around with her.

A few minutes later you reach where Twilight is at.

"Come over here, I think the water is a little warmer over here."

"Is it?"

She shrugs.

"I dunno. I'll be honest, I just want you all to myself.."

"Fair enough.."

She starts taking off her shoes and socks.

She slips down those snug camper booty shorts revealing white panties with purple stripes across them.

Removing her camper shirt and undershirt her white bra is revealed.

"I didn't wear a swimsuit, but this is pretty much the same thing."

You sigh stripping down to your boxers.

She walks over to you as she slips her hands over your shoulders.

You feel her fingers cross behind your neck as she looks lustfully into your eyes.

"You're so handsome just like I remember."

You slip your hands around her waist.

"And, you're very pretty, just like I remember."

She has such a bright smile as she rubs her nose against yours a bit before giving you a light peck on the lips.

"Come on Anon, let's go for a dip shall we?"

She says letting go and walking toward the lake.

You've gathered both Starlight and Twilight together.

It's midday and you're in a place more secluded from the main campsite.

"Alright, so I've gathered you both here because I want to work this out before drama starts."

Starlight with a worried look in her eyes.

Twilight has a neutral expression.

"Anon please, I just want to be with you. I promise, nothing I do with Sunburst is ever going to get between you and I. Not anymore I swear."

Twilight sways her hips wrapping her arms around you.

"Seems like someone isn't putting their best foot forward. I surely expected a little better from my student."

"W-what?"

"Twilight no, what are you doing!?"

"Oh nothing, just that it seems like there's a pretty good reason why you aren't her boyfriend anymore."

Twilight shoots a smug grin at Star before grabbing you and kissing you right in front of her.

Starlight gasps.

Twilight looks back at her again wiping the bit of saliva from her mouth with a victorious smile on her face.

"You see, I'm willing to give him things you probably never ever considered."

"L-like what?"

Twilight strides over to Starlight.

"Oh, I dunno, maybe sleeping with him? Sex?"

She says as she slides her hand under her chin.

Starlight with an incredulous expression.

"Y-you!"

"A girl doesn't walk into homeroom with only half the material studied and expect to ace the test now does she?"

Twilight struts back over to you.

You're speechless as to why Twilight seems to be behaving so uncharacteristically ruthless toward her.

"Y-you set me up didn't you!?"

Twilight turns back raising an eyebrow.

"Y-yeah, you're the one who brought Sunburst here, and you did all that just so you could swoop in and steal him away?!"

Twilight laughs.

"I didn't 'steal' him silly. He was already mine. Didn't Anon tell you we were engaged?"

Starlight seems to be struggling to find words.

"But he cheated on you!"

Twilight shrugs.

"So he's a bad boy. Well guess what, from now on, I'll be bad too. The days of me playing by the rules are over."

Starlights mouth agape.

Yours too honestly.

"Besides, you have Sunburst don't you?"

Twilight makes a shooing motion with her hand.

"Run along now and brush up on your rudimentary courses with him. Anon and I are in the advanced class now, and it seems you don't quite make the grade."

"M-make the grade? I'll have you know I graduated at the top of my class in-"

"Girls!"

They both look at you.

You yank Twilight by the ear.

"Oww!"

"Especially you. This is NOT the Twilight I fell in love with."

You let go of her her.

She's grimacing.

"I already chose to be with you so there's no reason to gloat about it alright? I know you've been through some harsh things this past year, but you need to get a grip! Starlight is your student! How could you be so mean to her?"

Twilight has her arms folded.

"Sorry."

Starlight seems upset.

"You're a jerk Twilight. If I knew I would've been studying under someone like you, I would have never came to this world."

She promptly walks off.

You're raising your eyebrow at Twilight.

"What?"

"When we get back we're getting you and I are getting some serious counseling understood?"

"I don't need counseling Anon, the only thing I need is you."

She tries to grab onto your arm but you push her away.

"Don't touch me right now. I don't know who I'm talking to but it isn't Twilight. Go cool off, and then we'll talk."

She frowns as you walk away from her.

You're slowly walking through the woods back toward the campsite.

Try to forget about past mistakes, just makes them stick around longer in your mind.

Try to move on with a new relationship, the old one suddenly comes back.

Try to defuse a tense situation, it just blows up in your face.

Every single thing you've done has been an utter failure.

Every move you make seems fruitless to the point where you feel like you're not even in control.

You're just a mannequin going through the motions.

A mere spectator within the shell.

All you wanted was love.

All you wanted was happiness.

To feel validated, to feel accepted.

You grip your fists as your vision seems to blur.

Your head hurts.

You want to lie down.. No..

You want to curl up in a corner and cry.

You never wanted to hurt Star..

The thought that you broke her heart makes you die a little inside.

You wanted to atone for your past, but..

In the end your efforts amounted to nothing.

Surprise Visit

You're just coming to.

You feel lips around your cock.

Tongue working itself around the head.

Twilight sure has an interesting way of making you feel better..

Her head bobbing up and down beneath the covers.

Your cock stiffens at the hot wet pleasure stimulating it.

You grab her head.

"Mmm yeah Twilight, more, good, just like that."

She takes more of you deeper into her oral cavity.

Her slight gagging and moaning seem a little off to you.

Maybe it's just because you're sick.

You don't care though.

Your cock throbbing, mind lost in bliss.

Gripping her head, thrusting into her mouth.

Heart beating quickly as you feel yourself reaching the zenith.

Lips all the way at the base as she's taken your entire length.

You release your seed deep inside her mouth.

She pulls off the covers.

"Surprise Anon, it was me Star."

She opens her mouth wide, your cum still inside.

You cough.

"S-star, what the hell!?"

"Who's the beginner student now? I'm willing to do all kinds of things with you.. Including.."

She sits up as she begins to unbutton her camper shirt.

She reveals a lavender bra as she tosses her shirt to the side.

"Star no! We can't!"

"It's ok when we're doing these sorts of things isn't it Anon? Because we're boyfriend and girlfriend."

She's grinding against your exposed member as you feel it come to mast once again.

She leans down getting close to your ear.

"I want to give you my virginity."

You can't think, your dick so hard and throbbing right now.

You want to pin her to the bed and slam her mound till the bed breaks.

The thought of you on top of her, her soft feminine moans..

Dripping sweat all down her hot body.

That feeling as you press inside popping that sweet cherry.

Her lower cavity leaking all over the bed as you thrust inside.

Fucking her till she's nothing but a mess of sexual moans and grunts.

But..

What would Twilight think?

Starlight eyeing you sexually, you think back to the times that Twilight walked in.

The shame in you having betrayed her..

Could you really live with yourself if it happened again?

Starlight lifts your hand toward her chest.

"I want you to feel them.. They're very sensitive so be gentle.."

"Star.."

"What is it? Come on, feel them-"

"No-, get out."

"W-what?"

"I said get out, leave."

"B-but what about us, what about the things we were going to do? Even knowing that Twilight sabotaged our relationship, you're really going to just go along with it? Twilight was playing dirty, I'm just fighting back."

"Star.."

"Ever since the dance where you swept me off my feet, and gave me hope that I could find happiness in this world."

"It's too late. I've already chosen Twilight, leave now."

"But-"

The cabin door creaks open.

You and Starlight freak out.

But thankfully it seems to be just the wind.

You and her breathe a sigh of relief.

Starlight puts her shirt back on.

"I don't want to leave Anon."

"I know, but this is for the best."

"But it was Twilights fault that we're apart now!"

"No Star, it's my fault. If I would have never cheated in the first place, Twilight and I would have still been together."

Starlight seems sad.

"But, then we never would have met like this."

"Maybe we would have, but you would have known me as Twilights husband or something."

"S-so.. There's no chance for us?"

"There's not."

Starlight is quiet.

"Fine. I guess I can't force you to love me."

She walks toward the door.

Just before she leaves you say.

"Good luck."

Starlight has a broken look as she looks at you for the last time before walking away.

Change doesn't mean redemption

Not more than a minute later Twilight shows up.

You've managed to pull your pants up of course.

She has this serious look that really only leads you to one conclusion.

"You, heard everything didn't you?"

"I did."

Silence between the both of you as the wind sways the door slightly.

Twilight takes a moment to shut the door before walking to the bed.

You go sit next to her.

"I wasn't able to find any soup, or icepacks.. I did find some leftover chicken and vegetables and I thought about making chicken noodle soup from scratch, but then, you know I'm no cook."

"That's alright, I think I've recovered just a bit."

"I'm glad to hear that.."

More silence.

Is she mad or something?

It'd be terrible to have turned down Star only to have Twilight end up dumping you.

Though knowing your luck, it wouldn't terribly surprising either.

"I just wanted to say.."

She takes in a deep breath.

"How proud, I am of you Anon.."

You let out a sigh of relief.

"Anon, the fact that you were able to turn her down and honor your commitment means the world to me.."

You're not sure how to respond.

"I saw the look on Starlights face."

"Yeah, she took it pretty hard I think."

"I'm sorry too. I just wanted you back so bad, I didn't care about who I hurt to make it happen."

Even more silence.

"I know it sounds terrible, and I can never make up for what I've done. All-"

"We can do is keep moving forward."

Twilight smiles.

"Right."

Flashback, how it all began

You're in the kitchen with Twilight making soup.

"Thanks for helping with the soup even though you're sick.."

"No problem. I'm glad you had the keys to get into the cafeteria cabin so we could do this."

"I am technically the camp councilor, so I'm pretty much in charge."

She says twirling her locks.

Picking out food like this..

Something about being here like this just..

Takes you back.

Rain pouring outside.

You're in a convenience store.

You stare at some of the snacks on display.

As if each one was a window into some kind of paradise yet to unfold.

You're not really here to buy anything.

Being here for you is just..

An excuse to stretch your legs, maybe brainstorm your situation a bit.

The bell rings, and some girl in a dark grey hoodie with her hands in her pockets walks in.

You decide to sort of stalk her in the store.

You've made it a habit to scope out girls wherever.

Just trying to keep your eyes open really, but you don't have a lot of faith about actually hitting it off with them.

You notice her picking up booze.

"Going to a house party tonight?"

"Sorry, this is just for me. Do I, know you?"

Her eyes seem so, vacant..

"No I uh.. Was just wondering is all. I'm Anonymous by the way."

"Twilight, thats my name.."

She stares at the case of beer she's picked out.

"I wonder if this will be strong enough.."

"Strong enough, for what? To get drunk?"

"To stop feeling.. Anything."

You smile.

"I'm not sure they've got one here strong enough for that. Are you, sure you want to be drinking?"

She's staring hard at the case of alcohol.

"I don't know.. I just.. Don't know what.."

"Are you ok?"

"Do you ever feel like, life just doesn't have a purpose?"

You give her a strange look.

"Uh, no. Never felt like that. I feel like life sucks a lot sometimes, but that's different."

She looks to you.

"What keeps you going?"

You pause for a moment.

"I guess, maybe finding someone to love. Someone I could have a true connection with."

"I.. Don't know what that's like.."

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Well hold on there, you telling me you never felt like you might find someone worth living for?"

She pauses.

"I guess I've always been so busy I've never had time for it. You'll never believe how much is on my plate.. What's expected of me.."

"Sounds like you're pretty stressed out.."

"You have no idea.."

She seems to be hovering toward you a bit.

"Anyhow, it was cool meeting you I guess. You wanna exchange numbers-"

She grabs your hand.

"Uh.."

"How about I just come over to your place, we could get to know each other and.."

She realizes what she's done.

She backs off about to go back to the fridge to get the booze again.

"F-forget it. I uh.. I wasn't thinking.. You're probably busy and-"

"I mean that's cool I guess. I don't live far from here."

"Thanks."

You're back at your place with Twilight in tow.

She's on the house still shivering a bit from the rain.

What's her deal?

She must really be depressed if she's hanging out with some guy she barely knows..

Actually, what are her intentions here exactly?

"So, why'd you wanna come back here with me? You.. Are aware of how weird that is right?"

She says with complete seriousness,

"What's weird about going over to a guys place by myself?"

"Err.. I mean, you're a girl. And I'm a guy? And I mean, guys can do things to girls when they're all alone and.."

Twilight has an uncomfortable look on her face.

"I-i mean, not that I personally would do any of those things but-"

"You're right. I am weird."

"Uh, that's not really what I-"

"I came here to get away.. All the stress from my work just piles up.. And I came to this world hoping to leave it all behind."

"Makes sense, sometimes you just gotta-, wait what did you say about 'this' world?"

"I-i er, nothing! Hahah, what. I'm from earth, look at me, I look human don't I?"

Other than her purple hair nothing really jots out at you, nothing that suggests she isn't human.

If this were anyone else you might think it was a joke or something, but it's almost like she really is hiding something.

You decide to play it straight.

"So, you really are from another world huh?"

"T-thats not! W-what I mean is.. Um.."

Is she for real with this?

She sighs.

"You caught me, I'm not from here. I'm from Equestria."

One long series of explanations and trip to the portal later.

"And now you see that I'm actually a princess from another dimension."

"Welp, you weren't kidding."

"And you'll promise to keep it a secret?"

"Yeah, sure."

As if anyone would really believe you.

"Thanks.. You seem pretty knowledgeable about this world.. While it was my goal to get away for a while, it was also my goal to find out more about this world and it's culture."

To you it just seems like common sense stuff.

But to a horse alien from another dimension there's perhaps a bit more nuance than you realize.

"So, hold on, you're a princess, and you said it never occurred to you to date or hookup with someone?"

"I mean, I realized it was a way for someone to biologically reproduce, and I understood that certain ponies were happy together."

"But you never had like guys lining up around the block just to date you?"

She blushes..

"I wasn't always a princess, I think I mentioned it but, I started off just like anyone else, just a humble bookworm. I spent most of my time indoors, and. I was what you might call a, bit of an eccentric.."

Well isn't this just the biggest stroke of luck?

"Wow, so, you never had anyone?"

"I-i mean, there was this guy named Flash back in high school."

"Flash.. Wait no way, Flash Sentry?"

"Yeah how'd you-"

"I went to high school with that dude! I mean, my parents moved about a year after I met him freshman year, but yeah."

"He seemed to like me, but we never really hit it off somehow.. After that, I figured I was just doomed to be alone."

"Yeah, he was cool. But he's not exactly the ideal first boyfriend I'd say."

"Well.. What about you?"

She's so direct holy crap..

"I-it's just.. Yes? Are you sure?"

"You seem pretty nice. I guess if I do want to find someone I should put myself out there."

You're holding her hands right next to that horse statue.

She's blushing as the wind blows her hair around.

You move closer to her face.

She seems surprised but moves her face closer to you in response.

Your lips meet, you slip your tongue past.

Tongues pressing against one another under the light of the moon.

You wound up going to culinary school.

Meanwhile Twilight would sort of infrequently bounce back and fourth between her world and yours.

Every time she came over she was so happy to see you and hang out.

You taught her everything she needed to know, and she taught you things too.

But things didn't stay that way forever.

Eventually Twilight came to stay in this world full time and work on her science projects here.

Her curiosity about this world fascinated you, even if a lot of what she said went over your head.

Twilight was assigned to be an overseer of the immigrants from Equestria, and she managed to balance it well.

She loved to bounce ideas off of you, and some of the stuff that came about, like the school was your idea.

But you often felt overshadowed by her ambition, by her raw talent.

She got money from selling her ideas to science.

Which allowed her to rent out a hotel for the purposes of education.

This allowed her to keep close watch over the students and their living conditions, as well as educate them and keep them out of trouble.

You mingled with some of the students, and admittedly wound up bailing them out of trouble on more than one occasion.

You had always dreamed about owning your own lodge someplace far away.

Even mentioning it to Twilight a few times.

Which of course led to her paying for it eventually.

Not long after moving into it you got engaged.

It seemed for a while that nothing could go wrong.

But then, everything changed for you the night of the engagement party..

Reassurance

You're back in the cabin with Twilight.

It's pretty dark, but you feel warm underneath the blankets.

"I know I've said this so many times but.."

She grabs you hugging you tightly.

"I missed being with you so much. And now that you're here, everything feels complete again."

"Yeah.. I was just remembering all the times we had together. How much we desperately wanted to be together all the time."

"Yeah, I remember. You know, In Equestria ponies always came to me with their problems. I mean, it was nice, and I liked helping them. But it seemed like more drama just kept piling up. Not to mention stopping Equestrias villains from taking over everything and starting a whole new world order."

"Oh yeah, you guys have those over there."

"Ugh, they're so annoying. Always new world order this, and I'm going to takeover everything that."

"So, Starlight was at one point one of those villains right?"

She's quiet for a moment.

"Starlight.. Had a tough childhood. She took me back in time and showed me how her and Sunburst were separated because of their cutie marks."

"I heard a bit of that on her end. Said she wasn't able to make any friends after that. Sounds horrible, could you imagine a life without any friends?"

"I couldn't.. Even with friends life was challenging. I can't imagine ever doing it on my own."

On her own..

"I-i mean, at least she has Sunburst right?"

"It's hard to say, I thought they would hit it off right away.. But it seems like things are a bit slow between them somehow."

"I think it's my fault.. Without me Starlight wouldn't have been so distracted."

"You can't blame yourself Anon."

"But she's all alone because I couldn't give her the love she deserves.."

Twilights hands grip you.

"Anon please.."

"No matter what I do.. I always seem to hurt the people I care about."

"You have me Anon.. Yes you hurt me, but I think you've always been a good person deep down."

"Do you really believe that?"

"Would I really be laying here next to you if I didn't? You have such a kind heart, and I've always loved that about you."

"Heh, you always manage to see the good in me. Even when.. I can't seem to find the good myself."

Twilight looks into your eyes.

"Please don't say that. You're always so hard on yourself. I can't stand it."

"I'm sorry.."

She sighs.

She kisses you.

"Be nicer to yourself, for me ok?"

"Alright."

"Goodnight Anon."

"Night Twilight."

Settlers Specter, Ghost haunts campground

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFmfuRyN_Kc [Embed]

A scream can be heard across the campsite.

You and Twi are jolted awake.

You both slip on shoes and a jacket as you head outside.

The fog in the woods is thick.

You make your way to the cabin where the noise came from.

Seems to be the girls dorm.

You both rush inside.

Tables and chairs seem to be knocked over and some of the girls look scared.

"What's going on in here?"

Applejack slowly approaches Twilight.

"I-it was a ghost.."

"Ghost?"

The other girls turning and nodding to each other.

"What?"

A pink haired girl comes up.

"I-it's true, a ghost came and frightened everyone! Tables flipped over, stuff got thrown about."

"B-but Fluttershy, how can that be? Anon, are ghosts real in this world?"

"Uh, well, some people seem to think so. I personally don't believe it."

"Actually, come to think of it.. When I rented this place out the locals were telling me about an old ghost story.."

"A-are you serious? Come on, you don't really believe this do you? This looks more like a prank than the work of some ghost. Don't you think you're overreacting?"

"How dare you Anon, I never over-react to anything."

You raise an eyebrow at her.

Her friends seem to be giving her a skeptical look as well.

"W-what?"

"How about that time you wrote a letter to McDonalds and got them to replace the toy inside with a book?"

"T-that was um.."

"I remember that! Boy there sure were a lot of angry children showing up at the hotel that week."

"W-well Pinkie, it's not my fault the youth of todays generation don't show an interest in expanding their minds.."

You and Twilight look around a little more.

Portraits fallen off the walls, scratch marks in the wood.

"Well, I suppose based on this physical evidence one could assume it's a ghost. Did anyone actually SEE the things happening?"

One of the girls speaks up.

"I-i saw her, floating through the hallways. I screamed and hid under my bed.."

"Hmmm.."

Twilight asks,

"Does anyone here remember how that story goes?"

"I reckon I do, the ghost supposedly hauntin these campgrounds was a settler woman. 'Parrently she was real keen on a marryin' this explorer fella till's that is he ran upon a native camp. Wherein he met a native princess and her tribe. She charmed her way into his heart and he fell for her and not the settler woman. Realizin she could never marry the one she loved she committed suicide. Legend says she haunts these grounds to this day.."

It's quiet for a moment.

"A-anon, you don't think.. No, that's impossible, ghosts don't exist here, you said it yourself.."

"Well, I suppose it is an odd coincidence.."

It's later at breakfast.

Pancakes for breakfast.

Everyone is sitting around chatting with each other,

"So did you hear about the ghost?"

"What ghost?"

"It trashed the girls dorm apparently."

You're sitting next to Twilight.

Something feels weird about this scenario but you can't put your finger on it.

Is it really possible some vengeful ghost is wreaking havoc on the campsite?

No.. I mean, that's ridiculous isn't it?

You notice Starlight from across the cafeteria.

That story seemed awfully similar to what happened to you.

A princess makes a guy fall in love leaving his girl all alone.

Could it be Starlight who's behind this?

It did happen in the girls dorm after all.

Come to think of it, you don't recall seeing her there.

Could she be behind this?

Looking at her now she seems rather miserable.

Elbows on the table with her head in her hands.

Maybe.. You should talk to her..

It's still foggy as heck out today.

Navigating through the woods, you're nearly positive she headed down toward the lake.

The chill of the woods as you feel a bit cold and vulnerable walking through the trees.

You can't see her, but you can just barely hear her sounds moving through the trees.

For some reason you can't bring yourself to call out to her.

You focus on navigating your way through the trees quietly.

It isn't long before you seem to almost lose your way.

Deep within these trees following the faint noises of footsteps and cracking twigs, leaves, and branches.

Eventually you see her as she slumps herself against a tree.

From your vantage point she has her back to you.

You think about approaching her when suddenly Sunburst appears.

"H-have you thought about what I said?"

She's quiet for a moment.

"I'm sorry Sunburst, but I'm just not ready to start over with someone else."

"B-but I'm different, I won't just leave you for someone else! I know you must be feeling lonely right now."

"I can't! I'm sorry Sunburst, but I need to be alone right now.."

"I-i.. understand, I'll let you have some time then.."

Sunburst begins to leave the way he came.

Star slumps against the tree crying softly.

You quietly slink away.

Just like Twilight.. She didn't want to be with anyone else.

You hope she can move on a little better than Twilight did..

You had only just earned her trust and she had opened up to you.

And then with no warning at all you left her.

Now instead of leaving her bad memories behind, she's just made new ones.

Someone like Sunburst deserves her more than you do.

Someone who grew up with her, and cares for her.

But most of all, Star deserves to be happy.

It's dinner time.

Sirloin steak and mashed potatoes.

You're sitting next to Twilight poking at the meat with your fork.

"What's the matter Anon?"

You look over and see Starlight and Sunburst sitting apart from each other.

You feel a sense of melancholy as you look over at her.

Suddenly the lights above you flicker.

The earth begins to quake.

Rattling of plates and panicked students.

Twilight stands up.

"W-what's going on?"

Suddenly the lights go out.

Screams from the campers in the darkness.

You feel the room become cold.

Your eyes adjust to the light of the moon just in time for you to catch a glimpse.

A pale figure trails through the cafeteria.

Screams as the other campers notice it.

It makes this tortured wail as it passes.

The earth rumbles again and the lights flicker back on.

The specter seems to have vanished.

However the cafeteria seems to be in a state of panic.

"E-everyone, please remain calm!"

Haunting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUz9kFm_zbc [Embed]

It's later after everyone is cleared out of the cafeteria.

"Alright, so I've called everyone here tonight to try and figure out the mystery of this ghost."

"Now we're talkin, let's go a ghost-bustin and see if we can't stop this varmint from ruining our camp."

"I-i dunno guys, wont disturbing the ghost make it angry? What if one of us gets hurt?"

You sigh..

"If I know anything about watching paranormal shows, it's that we're going to waste the next few hours bumbling around in the dark asking the ghost to come and find us, and I doubt we'll find anything.."

Fluttershy swallows.

"G-gosh I sure hope you're right Anon.."

"Don't worry silly-willy! Just giggle at the ghosties and watch as all our problems disappear!"

"I-i'm not sure that's really what I would do in that situation.."

"Girls focus! If we're going to get to the bottom of this, we need to put our heads together. Now let's split up and search for clues."

"Darn tootin'! I'm fixin to get to the bottom of this myself."

"Alright, heres the plan. Anon and I will check back at the girls dormitory and see if we can't find some evidence we missed the first time."

"A-and what about us?"

"Fluttershy, Pinkie and Applejack, you'll search the cafeteria and see if there was any way someone could have pulled off what happened earlier."

They all give a quick salute as you and Twilight split from the group.

You're back at the girls dormitory.

You and Twilight quietly search the dark cabin with flashlights.

"Hey wasn't this little table here knocked over?"

"Yeah, well, if we were looking to find the crime scene undisturbed I think we should be disappointed."

Twilight examines the table and the area surrounding it.

"Hmm.."

"Watcha thinking Twi?"

"Our ghost friend sure wanted us to make sure we knew they were here."

"Er, well how else would we know they were there unless they made it obvious."

Twilight snaps a photo with her phone.

"I'll save this for later. Let's keep searching for clues in the meantime."

Twilight goes around snapping pictures and looking over evidence.

"Alright well what about this one? We got claw marks here on the wall. Although everyone here claims it was a ghost, do ghosts even have claws?"

"I don't think so.. But it is curious.. What kind of thing could have made these marks?"

"It's a scary thought.. But I don't like the idea of some stranger being around the girls."

"I don't either, that's why we need to solve this mystery and fast, or we'll end up having to send everyone home."

Meanwhile back in the cafeteria.

"D-does applejack really think we'll find anything in the kitchen?"

"Who cares? I know they have cake here back in the fridge Flutters. So while they're out searching for clues, we can eat whatever we choose!"

"W-well, it does sound better than searching all alone for some scary ghost to pop out at us at any time.."

"Think Apples, what kinda do-hicky is gonna make the floor shake? Dag nabbit, I can't think a' nothin.. Well, the lights can be turned off by a switch.."

Applejack walks over to the lightswitch holding the flashlight up to it and examining it.

"Hmm, nothing seems off about this.."

She walks around toward the middle..

"Whew, these floors are real dirty, you can practically see all the dirt and dust from everything tracked through here.."

She looks down around where the ghost was.

"Well this is weird.. Better take a picture of it so Twilight can have a look at it."

She clicks a picture with her phone.

"Gosh this cake sure is delicious."

"I agree, so filling, I love the frosting, yum-yum!"

"Oooh look at this, a full sub sandwich in here!"

"C-can I have some?"

"Sure, let me just cut it real quick."

Pinkie walks over to a counter.

"Oh this doesn't have any condiments, can you pass me the mayonnaise?"

"Grrr..."

"Geez you don't have to groan about it."

Pinkie slaters on the mayonnaise.

"Now, just hand me the bread knife Fluttershy?"

"Grrooahhh.."

"Geez hang on, you'll get your share in a minute! Also your hands are really clammy!"

Fluttershy gulps.

"Who are you talking to over there?"

"Well duh, I'm obviously talking to you FluttershYIYIYIY!"

Pinkie turns and sees a very perturbed ghost standing next to her.

"Let's get outta here Fluttershy!"

"R-right behind you Pinkie!"

You and Twilight return to the cafeteria to hear the sound of screaming.

"Woah what's going on?"

"What in hay are you two doing? I thought I told ya to search the kitchen!"

"G-g-ghost!"

"It was super duper scary!"

"What ever happened to laughing at them to make them go away?"

"D-don't judge me!"

"So you two really saw the ghost back there?"

"Duh, that's what we've been trying to tell you! One minute me and Fluttershy were trying to rustle up some grub, but we rustled up some spooks too!"

"I-i'm really freaked out girls, c-can I leave?"

"Not until we get to the bottom of this. Lets all go back there together and see if we can't find out if this is a real ghost, or some prankster."

"Either way it won't bode well for us. But onward unto oblivion."

The lights start flickering.

Those otherworldly moans.

Suddenly the lights go out.

The specter appears again.

"I-it's the Settlers Specter, run for it!"

It looks rather imposing coming toward you.

You feel yourself tremble.

"Any ideas Twilight?"

"I've got one.. RUN!"

You all skedaddle out of there.

"M-maybe we should leave.."

"Or I reckon we could call a priest.. Get gone ye specters!"

"I'm sure we can just rustle up a priest out of these neck of the woods no problem.."

"Well, maybe we've pushed our luck tonight.. Let's meet up again tommorrow night and discuss how we can deal with this then."

"I guess it would be easier to think on a full night of sleep."

"E-exactly, n-now, I'll just be heading to bed and going to sleep.. With the lights on.."

It's been on your mind..

Somehow you don't want to think about it.

But, the way the two things correlate..

"What's the matter Anon?"

"Well, you know that story about the settlers ghost? I-"

"It's too convenient isn't it? Do you think Star is behind this?"

"I.. I don't want to think it's possible but.."

She puts her hand on your shoulder.

"We all want to assume the best of people."

"M-maybe I should go talk to her.."

"No.. Maybe I should.."

"Why?"

"I just think maybe since I'm the one who egged her on, maybe she's mad because she thinks I stole you away."

"In all fairness you DID steal me away."

"All the more reason to make amends."

"Are you sure about this Twi?"

"Positive. In fact I'll head over to the girls dorm right now."

"Be careful."

"I won't do anything stupid. Trust me. Now try and get some sleep."

You give her a quick hug before continuing your trek alone to the cabin.

You wake up to the sound of creaking.

"Twilight?"

You find yourself tied to the bed.

You struggle and move but you can't get free.

"Help!"

The lights flicker, and suddenly the ghost appears.

It floats toward you.

"N-no.."

It now hovers above you.

"You must tell the others, you must tell them all of your sins. How you broke the heart of a certain young girl."

"W-who are you? What is this!?"

"I will always haunt this place until you confess!"

In a wave of fog the ghost seems to disappear.

"Anon, Anon are you alright?! I heard your cry for help!"

"I-it was the ghost!"

Twilight gasps.

"You're all tied up! Hold on."

Twilight reaches under the bed and pulls out a machete.

She removes it from the sheath slicing your bonds.

"T-twilight.. I don't think we're safe here."

"Wait, did you say you JUST saw the ghost? I just saw Starlight.."

"Which means, it can't be her right?"

"I-i.. She didn't say much when I apologized. I'm sure she's still mad at me."

"Maybe, for the sake of everyone.. I should confess what I've done.."

"B-but you didn't do anythig wrong!"

"I broke Stars heart by choosing you."

"I.. I'm to blame too-"

"No, even the ghost thinks it's me.. And if that's what it takes to make this better, then I guess I'll do it."

Mystery Solved

It's the next day down by the lake..

"Starlight, if you would just take time and listen.. Please, I'm worried about you.."

"I'm fine Sunburst, I.. Don't want to make another mistake.."

He gasps.

"Maybe if I knew getting that close to someone would hurt that much, I never would have started in the first place."

"You have to give it another chance! I'm different I swear! You have no idea how many nights I would lie awake at night and think of you.. When Twilight brought me over here and told me you had come to this world, I thought I might finally get another chance.. And you just seemed so happy. Happy about everything, including me."

She's quiet for a moment.

"That was then."

She stands up brushing herself off.

"W-where are you going?"

"Back to the girls cabin."

"W-what about me?"

"You should forget.. About me, everyone else already has."

"Starlight wait-!"

She walks away.

Sunburst kicks a rock but ends up hurting his foot.

You never meant for this to happen..

Forget confessing because of some ghost.

You can't think of a better way to ease this guilt you feel.

It's dinner time as you make your way toward the Caferia cabin.

You imagine the ghost will show up again.

Better to confess now than to have this continue.

"Anon there you are!"

Twilight and friends show up.

"Are you ready to stop the ghost?"

"Twilight figured out a way to stop the ghostie-wostie in it's tracks!"

"D-do ghosts even have tracks?"

"Hmmm. Good question.."

"Y'all are getting sidetracked. Look point is, we got a way to stop it and-"

"I really appreciate it. But I think I can solve this myself."

They all look at you skeptically.

Twilight speaks up,

"Why do you say that?"

"L-last night.. The ghost came to me specifically and told me to confess my sins.. If I do that, it'll leave everyone alone."

Pinkie inquires,

"What sins?"

"Far as I'm concerned y'all've made up for what ya did in the past, least as far as what happened with Twilight.."

"I-i'm confused too I'm afraid."

"It has to do with Starlight, I broke her heart when I chose Twilight over her.."

"You can't hang on to the past forever Nonnimouse, she'll get over it eventually. You aren't THAT much of a catch."

Twilight shoots Pinkie a dirty look.

"W-what? I'm just saying-"

"The point is, you can't keep blaming yourself forever. It's time you learned to man up and move on.."

"Easy for you to say, the only reason you ever did anything wrong was because of me."

Twilight balls her fists.

She slaps you.

"Dammit Anon! I hate it when you put me on a pedestal like this! I'm not some perfect little princess like you think!"

"It's true."

"She can get a bit, excessive at times.."

"S-she forgot my tea party."

"Being a little weird and forgetting minor things is not a flaw in my book. Have you even seen my life? I can't go one day without leaving someone else in tears because of my stupid decisions!"

"A-anon.."

"Face it! I'll never be as good as you, never! And you messing up to bring yourself down to my level just proves what an absolute failure I am.."

Twilight hugs you.

"I-i'm sorry.. I just.. Don't know how to deal with this.. I've never had an issue like this before.. I never tried to make you feel bad, I swear.. I hate making you feel so insecure.. Please Anon, let me help you.. Don't feel like you have to put the world on your shoulders anymore. Let's try and solve these problems together.."

She's tearing up holding you tightly.

You start tearing up too.

"I.. Made someone cry again.."

She squeezes tighter.

"Anon.."

The other girls are tearing up a little too.

"G-gall darn it someone went and left the sprinklers on.."

"I-it's soo cute, I wish I had someone to care about this much!"

Pinkie is bawling.

"Besides.. Don't you want to find out who the ghost is?"

"Hold on.. What do you mean? Isn't it the settler?"

Pinkie tries to compose herself,

"*sniff* t-thats not what we think.."

"As much as we'd like to write it off as some spooky no-gooder terrorizing the campsite we just found too many things that didn't add up."

"D-do you.. Think it's Starlight?"

Twilight has a somber expression.

"I-i'm not sure. Based on what we found though, I imagine someone else is behind this dastardly plot."

"Hmm.."

It's later at the actual dining hall.

The lights begin to flicker.

The girls nod to each other just as the lights go out.

"Now!"

Suddenly flashlights are shone on the ghost.

Applejack lassos it.

Suddenly the lights come on again.

The girls have the ghost tight in the rope.

The three girls surround the ghost.

It makes the spooky moans again.

"You will not escape my wrath, I am immortal!"

"We'll see about that."

"Darn tootin, now, It's time to see who the settlers specter really is!"

Twilight yanks off the mask.

Everyone gasps.

Pinkie speaks up,

"Old man Sunburst!?"

He wriggles around in his bonds.

"Ngh! Drat!"

Starlight approaches him.

"B-but why?! How?"

"S-starlight I-"

Twilight pipes in,

"I think I can explain that.."

"The girls dormitory is rarely cleaned, especially underneath the tables. We found your shoeprints at the scene of the crime!"

"Reckon it had to be a guy, none of them girls wears a pair of loafers that huge."

"Ooh ooh, back behind the Cafeteria cabin, we found this device thingy attached to the circuit breakers which Twilight said makes them flip on and off without the person having to actually be there!"

"Thats right Pinkie. When Sunburst was sitting here in the lunchroom he flipped a switch and was able to slip around in the dark before anyone knew what was going on."

"T-twilight also mentioned he was able to sneak in to the girls dorm during the early hours before anyone was able to see him."

"Slippery little snake actually tipped over and broke all the stuff himself."

"But.. The ghost looked so real!"

"That's because he combined practical effects while also sometimes dressing in the costume himself."

"By alternatin between practical and special effects he made it look like the ghost was really there, and wheelin around his high powered projector thingy he was able to make the ghost float and do all kinds of spooky things."

"A-applejack found the wheel marks in the cafeteria right in the path of where the ghost appeared."

"But, how was he able to build this thing?"

"Back in Equestria, I was caught up in all my research, but somehow it all felt pointless without someone to share in the discovery with. Someone like Star.. I began to wander Equestria and that's when I ran into Trixie who told me she was her friend. It was then that I spent a great deal of time learning all there was to know about the special effects she used in her show."

"So you used those special effects to trick everyone into thinking you were a ghost?"

"Exactly! When Star came to me that night and told me how you turned her away, I knew what I had to do.. I used that old campers legend about the settler to scare everyone into thinking it was real. And when I finally turned my attention to Anon he would be overcome with guilt and be forced to tell everyone what he did to Star!"

"S-sunburst.. Why? You didn't have to do this for me."

"Yes I did, because whether you like it or not, I love you. And if getting revenge on your horrible ex made you happy, I was willing to do whatever it took."

"Guess that didn't really pan out for you did it?"

"I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling campers!"

"I reckon I am still confused about one thing.. Even with all yer fancy high falutin gizmos, how'd y'all make the earth quake?"

"T-that, was rather good timing on my part that there just so happened to be an earthquake when I decided to execute my plan."

"S-sunburst, I can't believe you did all these things for me.."

"I would do them all again.."

Starlight falls to her knees and hugs him.

"Well gang, looks like another mystery is solved."

"Thaaaaaaaank goodness! Cause there's a sandwich still back in the kitchen with my name on it!"

Pinkie skips off to the kitchen, Fluttershy follows for some reason.

"Welp, I reckon this is sweet and all, but are we really going to let Mr.Ghost here off the hook?"

"I suppose we can't let him stay after all he's done.."

Starlight hugs him tightly.

"If he goes, I go!"

"S-star.."

"Twilight are you really going to send them both home?"

"I have no choice. If I let this slide, the campers will practically riot. I need to maintain order here.."

"Well.."

"I don't care if they send us home Sunburst."

"Neither do I my Star, all that matters is that we're together."

"Oh Sunburst!"

"Star!"

They kiss.

"Yeah, hurry up and send them home please."

"Um, will do."

Conclusion

It's months later after the camping Trip.

Fall has just begun.

Twilight had still been making payments on that lodge apparently so it wasn't long after you got back that you both moved in together.

Starlight and Sunburst come over sometimes to visit.

Time has healed the wounds just like Pinkie said.

The way Star puts it, she never would have hooked up if Twilight hadn't brought him here in the first place.

And as far as you can tell, she seems happy.

Twilight has been trying to train someone else for the teacher position so she can spend more time on her projects and more time with you.

You still work as a chef in a respectable restaurant, though Twilights sciencey sales always dwarf whatever income you manage to bring to the table.

And you know, maybe it would have bothered you back then, but you've come to realize that Twilight really loves you.

Like, more than any woman should.

Even though you've cheated, even though you're not as smart, or organized, you still mean the world to her, and that's all that should matter.

You look over the wood ring which has since been carved out to be a bit less crude looking.

"I hope you're hungry sweetie. I've just made a huge platter of bacon casserole just for the two of us!"

"Sounds wonderful Twilight."

"Heh, guess after all those tries I finally learned how to cook something for you.."

Twilight brings the casserole to you as you're sitting at the table.

She has some on her side too.

You blow on it and bite into it.

"W-what do you think?"

"It's lovely Twilight, thanks."

"I'm so happy."

"You've finally achieved perfection.. Now it looks like there really isn't anything I can do better than you anymore."

Twilight looks concerned.

"B-baby I-"

You kiss into her.

"I love you so much. You're the best girl a guy could ask for!"

She blushes.

"A-anon!"

You and her make out at the table.

Trading the taste of her bacon casserole as you kiss.

The End.

Getting sick

You're sitting next to Twilight for lunch.

You're having chicken and mashed potatoes.

"What's wrong Anon? You're not still upset about earlier are you?"

"I am but, I just.."

"What?"

"I feel tired."

"Did you want to go lie down in the cabin?"

"No. I'm fine, I just, maybe I'll go outside for some fresh air."

You stand up and try to walk outside.

"Wait!-"

You stand up but as you do your legs seem to fail.

Everything fades to black.

You open your eyes.

Twilight is at your bedside lightly caressing your forehead.

"T-twilight.."

"Anon, I.. I'm so sorry about earlier.You must have been so stressed out, and I had no idea.."

"Its.. Fine."

"No, it not."

She grabs your hand.

"From now on, I won't let jealousy or bitterness cloud my judgment about you.."

A tear drops onto your cheek.

"I was so worried when you collapsed.."

"Don't cry, please.."

You brush the tears from her eyes as you feel along her cheek.

She nuzzles into your hand.

"You were right, I wasn't acting like myself.. I failed you Anon. I ruined everything because I was selfish and-"

You press your finger on her lip.

You nod no.

She hugs you as she cries into you a little.

You cough.

"Are you, feeling sick Anon?"

Twilight looks at you with concern.

Twilight feels your forehead and gasps.

"I think you're running a fever.."

Her eyes seem to water even more for a moment.

But she gives them a hard shut and forces a smile.

"Don't worry Anon."

She grips your hand.

"O-old Twilight is back, and she's going to make sure you get better ok?"

"Twilight.."

"Shh, rest my love. I think I'll go get you an icepack, and see if I can't find you some soup ok? Call me on your phone if you need anything at all ok?"

"I love you Twilight."

She grips your hand tightly still smiling.

"I love you too Anon."

She kisses your forehead.