"I feel like a prisoner." I let out a wistful sigh as my face reached through a high-up window, the wind caressing my furred face gently while the warm sunshine bathed me thoroughly. My eyes were focused onto the streets below, in front of the large castle I now called my home, with a sense of annoyance and light dread. A herd of ponies argued quite loudly with the pair of guards in front of the enchanted gate, not the one's bearing candy-themed names but just as stubborn. My vision slowly hovered a bit behind the screaming match at several filled carriages; their cargo were furniture and personal items, ours, Gentle Touches’ and mine.

I closed my eyes and took in the fresh mountain air, taking note of the sweet smell of freshly baked goods; the delivery for the cafeteria near the barracks had arrived.

Two years had passed since the nightmarish encounter, the cleric beast slain and the filly in distress saved. And although the deed was most heroic, I was left alone once again in my journey on the pony planet. However, things were not quite the same after that night.

Poison Resistance - lv 6 (Exp: 7,49%) --> lv 6 (Exp: 7,50)

I shivered slightly in disgust as I felt sudden yet a sadly familiar wave of discomfort worm through my body. 'That one adventure really fucked you up, didn't it?' I thought grimly. I could see how this being was one of the most, if not the most marvelous creation to exist, but also a great partner on the side, but he was fragile while he morphed ever closer with my soul and body. A future that I dreaded not in the slightest.

Apologies for the disruption; however, I believe that this was the last retrospective adjustment of Aether the spider nightmare gave us. The Game answered softly; the sensation of his presence was enjoyable occasionally, but it was an acquired taste.

"Now where did this depressive talk suddenly come from you?" Hauhuthos Hilihuth spoke with quite the concern in his voice originating from the other side of the table behind me. "I understand that this must be quite the change to you, however, there was nothing else to be done. Who could have known that termites have consumed the foundation?"

"It's not like that, it's just so permanent." I complained with a deep breath before turning around and facing the great owl once again. "I had at least some privacy at home, but here I can't even go to the toilet without a battalion of guards behind me, there are even, like, four of them in front of my door all the time!" I swung my hoof into the air, barely missing the manameter on the table in the process, making Hauhuthos face strain considerably for just a fraction of time.

Hauhuthos Hilihuth sighed deeply, letting his wings sink slightly, probably suppressing the old 'ya know, a whole lot of colts would be happy to live in the caste' crap. "Star, I understand that this is not quite what you wish for things to be, I know this feeling very, very well, but please understand that you are a prince, a crown prince, for that matter."

"You can't shut yourself out from this future, but when it comes to privacy, please just remember this is not done to taunt you, but for your protection, as your position and power make you..." He ruffled his feathers as his claw reached over the table, adjusting the rings around the purple crystal orb. "-quiet the easy and lucrative target."

'Easy target my ass, if need be I'll just knock out some teeth.' I grumbly pondered with a frown. Well, tried at least, damn curse. 'Not like here it's any safer.' I thought darkly as my eyes slowly traveled to the right. Leaning forward, I placed my left elbow on the table, resting my head on my hoof while my eyes glossed over a large framed picture of Fillydelphia, but in truth, stared at my stats, or rather, a part of it.

Star Touch - Nightmare Slayer 1 (John Weaver)
Level - 23
Class - Warrior - level 16 (The Gamer)
Race - Unicorn
HP (Health Points) - 743 [74 per minute]
MP (Mana Points) - 990 [166 per minute]
SP (Stamina Points) - 743 [74 per minute]
STR (Strength) - 74,25= 74 (74,25) [99]
END (Endurance) - 74,25= 74 (74,25) [99]
DEX (Dexterity) - 46
INT (Intelligence) - 99 (99) [44]
WIS (Wisdom) - 88
CHA (Charisma) - 44 (44) [88]
LCK (Luck) - 32

Poison Resistance - lv 6 (Exp: 7,50)
*Poison damage is reduced by 6 points. If the amount of resistance outweighs that of the damage, no damage is dealt to the user.
The horrific toxic haze and venomous sludge that once would dwindle our frail bodies into everlasting sleep now became our mantle of protection, our home.
-chapter 1, verse 42 from the Mogonoth swamp legacy.

Vilethorne Immunity - lv Max
The gruesome Vilethorne, one of nature's most sadistic creations, spreads in the bodies of those who consumed this plant; the spores will reproduce in the victim like a virus and liquidize it in a slow and agonizing process. After excessive and continuous consumption, you have gained immunity from its toxicity and cannot receive any poison-related status effect from it or any weaker plant.
*Immunity to poisons up to the level of the Vilethorne

Grow Vilethorne - lv 1
The gruesome Vilethorne, one of nature's most sadistic creations, spreads in the bodies of those who consumed this plant; the spores will reproduce in the victim like a virus and liquidize it in a slow and agonizing process. After excessive and continuous consumption, your body has entered a symbiotic relationship with the plant, allowing you to grow it from your body.
*Rapidly grow Vilethorne from your body.
*Vilethorne spores can be planted.

'This shit hole is barely any safer than the outside world. I just don't understand mommy's plan. Dear goodness, woe is me, I'm being poisoned, nightmares on my arse and the game broke. Sheesh, I was gonna ask what's my luck, but I got it white on blue.' I thought and forced myself to portray a casual smile while the owl was preparing the machine. Basically, it looked like a five-dollar plastic globe of earth, just that this one bore metal rings, and instead of an orb-shaped map, there was this mesmerizing purple crystal. 'Welp, fuck my life.'

"I don't possess adequate tools to fill a hole this size."

My elbow slid across the table; I scrambled furiously but ultimately planted my face right into the thick carpet, sending empty glasses and plates flying in every direction.

"Are you well Star, it looked like something bit your flank." The teacher commented with worry, even though all I saw was fabric and the cleaning direction, I could very well muster myself a picture of him worryingly leaning to the side, his head tilted and staring at me.

"I felt a disturbance in the energy." I responded dryly, still not moving.

"What is that supposed to-" Hauhuthos started before a loud, rapid knocking interrupted him. His eyes slowly turned to a half-closed state as if he knew something.

"Mister Hilihuth, Princess Celestia has asked me if you could rep-" A female voice started before a loud crash and clashing of metal against the marble floor interrupted her. "Ehm, Mister Hilihuth, Princess Celestia has asked me if you could replace the Manameter."

"Is it expensive?" I asked, plucking my face from the field of cotton strings.

"Very." He answered dryly. I already knew it was, but I always wanted to say.

Hauhuthos sighed deeply, his face scowling for just a moment before snapping upwards, ruffling his feathers in the process. "Star, would you be kind enough to carry this replacement?"

I nodded shortly, not that I'd say no to a walk away from the lessons, my poor flank. The device laid heavy in my magic grasp, so much so, I dared not to take my eyes off it, but as my eyes traveled, my face soured. My head snapped forward as I followed the large owl in quickstep, reaching him just as the door opened.

"Greetings, I'm just going to take that and be on my-oh, hello your highness, I believe we haven't met yet." The flaming unicorn mare said as her mood suddenly shifted, spiking in heights I was uncomfortable to climb.

The unicorn before me bore an aura that caught my attention; she radiated with power and might, an inner burning flame dimmed and ignited again in a continuous cycle. Her short yellow-orange coat was well kept and groomed yet bore none of the obnoxious scents or shines of luxury oils. The mare's teeth were white as snow and her muzzle the smallest I've ever seen, yet her frame was a little bit bulkier than unicorns I usually see possessed. Her mane was great and long, bearing crimson and beige colors, with the latter being a streak through the hair. But the cutie mark she bore was mesmerizing to my eyes; two suns, one of red, the other yellow, melted into one eclipse.

She stepped forward quickly, lowering her face and staring into my eyes too profoundly for my taste. "I'm Sunset Shimmer, student of your mother, Princess Celestia. I, huh, actually can't believe we haven't met yet given how long I've been studying and you, well, living here."

My pupils flickered between her face and the corridor behind her, subconsciously wondering if I should make up an excuse and bolt away from the student. "Well, the castle is of large size, and given that I previously only spend less than half the day here-" I spoke slowly and firmly, I am sure Porcelain Vase would've been proud.

"Oh my gosh, you speak just like the Princess, you're like a mini Celestia, and, well, a colt." Sunset Shimmer spoke rapidly with excitement.

We stared at one another for several seconds, I was not sure what was going through her mind, but my skull content was not happy. Her... everything seemed a tiny bit off, though I couldn't put my hoof on it, I wouldn't quite say a bullshit act you see recruiters pull through, but she most certainly was overhyping this meeting, or she just was even less social than I was. My head slowly turned towards Hauhuthos, who blankly stared forward, utterly ignoring this assault on royalty.

Observe. The Game spoke with a cold tone as my head snapped back to the mare.

Sunset Shimmer - Protege
Level - 32
Class - Arcanist- level 32
Race - Unicorn
HP (Health Points) - 1210
MP (Mana Points) - 4520
SP (Stamina Points) - 1210
STR (Strength) - 121
END (Endurance) - 113
DEX (Dexterity) - 82
INT (Intelligence) - 226
WIS (Wisdom) - 195
CHA (Charisma) - 101
LCK (Luck) - 57

Titles

[Protege]
*Increased experience gain by 100% through lessons

Perks

[Greater Unicorn Heritage]
*Intelligence is increased by 100%*

[Mage ancestry]
*Mana capacity is increased by 100%*

Abilities

[Advanced Arcanist grimoire] lv 42 (Active/Passive)
The caster has gained the ability to cast every spell up to the Advanced spell group. All spells below this level are hidden by this ability unless the [Observe] ability is higher than that of the skill.

[Levitation] lv 58 (Active)

'Huh, wha-whut, how!' My eyes nearly burst out of my skull when I saw those stats and skills and, how was it possible that it exceeded her level! That wasn't fucking fair!

That is indeed true; even though the concept of fairness is entirely based on perspective, however, are we in any position to speak about the possession of powers beyond those of our peers? The Game noted while I could only roll my eyes hard in response. What is worth noting is that you cannot compare us to either mortal or nightmare, for, in a sense, we are in the middle of both. We need a stable level of power to keep regeneration, rejuvenation, and recalibration as synchronized as possible in energy expanse. The most crucial point would also be that should the energy expense be greater than the level, it would allow for our purified Aether to bleed into the world, like a dam spilling over. His voice suddenly dropped and fell into silence and seriousness.

"Anyway, I think we should get going." I sputtered, walking under the mare with my frail body. 'I suppose it's only fair that there are some disadvantages too.' I thought with a silent sneer, feeling my power burn addictively in my chest, my mana and mine alone, the yearnful pure Aether.

"Oh, Star, before you go." Hauhuthos called out with a loud, and surprisingly, ever so lightly joyous tone. "Since I will be busy repairing this irreplaceable artifact, our lessons for today are done, however, if you wish you may spend the time with Princess Celestia, I believe she wanted to make a short introduction into Affinities."

"Okay, until Thursday mister Hilihuth." I waved him away with a big, sincere smile. He was still my favorite; at least his magic caster recruiting pyramid schemes didn't try to rip me off.

"Hehe, bye." Sunset said nervously, as the owl gave her one last scowl before quickly walking away like a giant penguin; how nopony has ever laughed about it was a mystery to me. Thinking about it, there were absolutely no guards around me. Weird.

"How did you manage to destroy the Manameter?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. She most certainly wasn't going to drop formalities, so I made the first step.

Sunset chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her head while her gaze slowly distanced itself from me. "You see, the thing didn't work, but when I reached the door it clicked, and my magic blinded me like a lightning strike."

I stared blankly at her. No muscle moved. Snort.

"Har de har har, I bet it's the funniest thing you've ever heard." Sunset rolled her eyes as she started walking forward; I followed suit with a little smile on my face. "Well, it matters not, 'cause I just found out that I have two affinities." She said with a ring and falling tone before blowing a raspberry in my direction.

"Well, you're not wrong, that really was the funniest thing I have ever heard." on this world. My voice was silenced by the game, but that did not stop me from chuckling afterward.

"Really? Come on, that can't be true." The young mare spoke with an exaggerated look of disbelief. "Really?! Wow, but there are so many fests in Canterlot, you've got to have seen at least one jester." She urged my memory to start and find any remnant, but I didn't; Mayhaps it was because I knew the difference between discomfort and content when it came to life, but it only really now dawned on me that I genuinely was tightly bound to the schedule every day, except for my sixth birthday. Ouch.

I shook my head, my ever longer becoming mane tickling my nose. "Nope, never been to one. There is no time on mommy's schedule."

"B-but what about the spring welcoming fests, hearts warming eve parade, nightmare night sprawls through the city?" Sunset asked with desperation, throwing her hoof into the air as if I was supposed to see a hologram of said holiday. "Weekend visits to the zoo?"

"Nope, nada, nein, niet." I answered shortly, stopping in my track soon after she did; the mare looked like she was close to crying. "My schedule is full, the only free time I have is the same walk from the castle to hoof iron street, jewelry avenue, and horse way before returning to the evening lessons. I also have playtimes in the castle garden tri-weekly. Oh, I visited my grandparents once a few years ago." Although my face remained still, I think I depressed myself, sheesh, even my dad from the other world took me on more trips. We did celebrate holidays in a small little circle, in other words, Celestia, Gentle Touch, and me, but no interaction with the rest of the population. I wonder if they are indeed as great as the old cartoons described them, these festive, magical nights. Sunset grasped my face tightly and pulled me closer to her chest into a hug.

Her hoof went up and down my neck as she shushed me. "Don't worry, I swear by the end of the month I’ll take you along on an adventure." Sunset spoke with growing excitement before pulling us apart as she beamed at me. I smiled back, and to be honest, I was almost really excited for the chance to see more of the world that lay outside.

"That sounds awesome." I said as I could practically see the stars in my eyes shimmer. I knew not what sensation was bursting in my chest, but it was more than the mere sense of freedom. It was a collective mass of nostalgia.

Sunset smiled before her facial expression suddenly bittered. "What are we waiting for, the Princess is waiting."

I nodded in response and took on a much faster pace, eyeing my stamina out of reflex as the halls rushed past us. It didn’t take long to reach Celestia's chamber; honestly, I didn't even need the map anymore, but it was still very nice to have my very own *©* map.

"Mother, can we enter?" I asked loudly, waiting a few meters in front of the door, while a pair of guards waited at each side of the door with a cold expression. Although she was 'mommy' in private, there was still an image to keep, or rather, expectations to be kept high.

"You may enter." Princess Celestia said with surprise before her sentence's end finished with a coy tone.

I barely opened my mouth before the guards simultaneously took precisely two steps away from the door, their sides barely brushing the large door frame. I said it once, and I'll repeat it; some of them are not ponies. The heavy chamber doors opened and revealed an ocean of cushions that laid on the ground with books splayed out. Was that tea?

"Hello Mommy, I've brought the manameter." I said with a proud smile as I put the heavy machine in front of the solar alicorn, only for her to stare at the old thing with a flabbergasted expression. I tilted my head in confusion, but before I could speak, the Princess Interrupted me.

"That isn't my-." Celestia's voice broke off before her eyes suddenly widened, her left hoof rose into the air as she exclaimed with a loud tone. "Nooo!"

"W-what, is it broke too? I didn't do it, I swear!" Sunset followed my confused expression.

"No, the old owl tricked you." She spoke dramatically with a solemn voice. "He switched the device, knowing full well that his is making these awful sounds. I'll get you back for this, even if it takes another hundred years."

'Ehm...' I thought with great awkwardness overwhelming me.

The older one gets, the more one will appreciate the small disturbances in life and uncanny hobbies. Said the disco ball that spent heaven knows how long looking through dead peoples' memories.

"I, uh, am also supposed to tell you that mister Hauhuthos finished the lesson early and that maybe I should take part in the introduction of affinities." I slowly walked towards the nicest-looking cushion right in front of mommy and sat down on the warm seat.

"Hey, that's my spot."

Correction, I sat down on the cushion next to it, much to the surprise of both mares. I was a delivery person, not a hermit crab.

"Probably celebrating right now." Celestia muttered with a sour tone before instantly switching to a much nicer expression. I was honestly scared of how fast she could just change the mask. "Well, I've already started the lessons, but I suppose it can't hurt to go over them once more." She shook her head slowly, her mane still somehow staying perfectly in place, before she took a long sip of what I presumed to be green tea.

"There is a widespread misunderstanding that all unicorns use the same mana and that it would mould itself into any form, shape, or spell that the caster desires, be it as a fuel source for pyromancy or nourishment for growth acceleration casts. That is absolutely false. While a pony with an affinity outside of combat is able to cast spells such as heating, which is in its matrix actually a fireball spell with much less magic involved, possibly due to a cutie mark involving flame or an incredibly skilled mage scraping the bottom of the magic tree by simulating the natural magic circumstances, it generally is impossible. The mythos was actually formed due to neutral spells, which are commonly used by the large majority of unicorns, while more advanced forms of magic are sadly becoming a lesser part of pony life as time goes on."

'Basically the same as the big one, with just a few tweaks?' I raised my eyebrow with a curious look. My time working at Wellington well's transportation center where forklifts were sometimes used as 'indoor cooperation vehicles.' Cheap money bag. 'Wait a second, is that how you got me the fireball spell? I thought you found it in some kind of survival guide!'

It was in a survival guide, just like the cooling spell, the stun spell was in a self-defense manual, mana knife, mana construct, and mana bolt were too. I do have quite the liberty when it comes to basic and mark one spells, and I think, given I have 'manipulator' in my name, to be quite good at it. The Game elaborated while his pride shone through like the sun through the curtains of a morning grouch.

"Why are there so many common spells based on battle magic? Like cooling." I asked with quite a lot of curiosity.

"Well, given the number of transcripts you have read about the pre-equestrian era, I believe you should be well aware of how... active pony past is." Celestia played with her tongue in her mouth while she looked for a most fitting word.

"Wait, you are reading those horrid things freely? Dear Celestia." Sunset asked with horrific astoundment before her face sank, whispering the last part.

"Ehem, anyways." Celestia said with a glare, probably feeling insulted given that she was featured in like half of those texts. "After the tribes unified, one of the biggest problems was the future of a large number of soldiers that were left, it would be a waste to degrade them to farmers and lumber gatherers, so a lot of focus was set on transforming their abilities to the needs at the time. This was the birth of the 'neutral' spells, with previously there only being levitation and shields."

'You've got to be kidding me here. Even here the biggest thing that made these creatures evolve in any damn way is war? This running gag ain't funny.' My mouth sank lightly, and so did my eyelids.

"Now, back to the topic of affinities." Celestia said with a smile, lifting her head a tiny bit higher. "Affinities determine the kinds of mana a pony can utilize, thus also the kinds of spells which can be cast. Every unicorn has at least one of four: Manipulation, Illusion, Combat, Magic, although magic being the rarest of all of them, it is sometimes considered to be all of them at once, which isn't exactly true. Now, there are cases where ponies have two, those being incredibly rare with barely any around alive in our time, and those few who possess three, but never has there been one with four."

"Ohh~ You heard that? I'm special!" Sunset said with a smile as she cupped her face with excitement.

'Sheesh, tone it down Napoleon.' I thought with a roll of my eyes before my eyes were caught mid-roll with those of Princess Celestia, who raised a single brow in response.

"Special? Is there something I mayhaps should hear?" Celestia asked with a tone of cat-like curiosity, leaning forward with her head as her eyes observed the young mare.

Sunset Shimmer giggled vividly behind her hooves, her grin gleaming so much with joy it led me to wonder if I just lacked the empathy to understand the rich emotions radiating off her. "Yep, I've got two of them. Manipulation and combat! Isn't that great, I mean I know it is, but don't you agree?"

"Of course, these are great news, although it does sadden me slightly I wasn't able to share in discovering it, I am however proud you waited this long, instead of testing too early and being disappointed by false results." Celestia spoke as she emptied her mind's content through her mouth. No wonder she is so believable; she talks like the word 'deceit' doesn't exist in her vocabulary.

"Huh, congratulations!" I said with a smile, I didn't need to understand this enjoyment's emotions, but I could guess the importance. "When can I try it?" I asked.

"Well, usually ponies do this test at the age of twelve. However, given that your body... How should I say this, let me think... Ah yes, already took several properties of adulthood, it could be possible you'll get your results now. However, please do not be disappointed if you don't receive the utmost accurate result." Celestia said with discomfort, while Sunset raised a brow and stared at me with the most immense lack of background information I've ever seen. Stop, now, you'll break your neck like that!

I shrugged and leaned forward and held my horn against the base of the device, feeling the drain as my magic was gently sucked from my core. The machine brimmed with energy, rumbling and shaking as the rings started to shine like molten gold; the purple sphere let out a gruesome crack, whistling a tone that hunted ghosts out of their graves.

"S-Star, I think I get the whole s-special thing, but could you, you know, turn it off maybe, please?" Sunset pleaded as all three of us stared at the device that slowly turned white, like cloth in a pool of bleach; the colors were warped, and so were the properties of the metal, but I could see the shine of my Aether embedding itself into the machine. It occurred to me not that my spells would transform every last scrap of Aether used as a sacrifice; the only, smaller sigh of relief I received was that it was stuck in the device and didn't leak out.

"Fascinating. Divine magic, but in such purity too, but there is something more about it. Something more... primordial, refined." Celestia spoke her mind with a soft tone, not filled with amazement, but her interest was greatly peaked. She stared deeply into the orb; her hoof carefully reached forward but stopped just the tiniest bit away from it before her golden horseshoe licked the device. The shine slowly dimmed down as the very last scrap was used, the whisks fading away.

I am requesting you to not ever give away pure Aether; for one, we cannot leave this world yet; second, we don't want the population to think of us as a magic cash cow. The Game spoke firmly, clearly not happy.

"Can somepony fill me in on why that just happened?" Sunset said while pointing her hoof at the manameter, only for a sizzle to bite her hoof tip. "Eh! That's not supposed to happen." She licked her hoof.

"Hard to tell, but it would appear as if Star yet again does not play by the rules." Celestia said with a leisurely shrug, clearly attempting not to spread the information freely. Huh, you'd think her student would deserve some more trust.

"B-but that can't be just worth a shrug!" Sunset protested as she jumped from her flank onto her hooves. "This is a completely new affinity, this got to be studied."

Was she talking about my magic or me?

"I think it kind of already is given the number of examinations I have to attend each week." I added from the side.

Celestia stood up with a kind of caring smile, walking up to the flaming mare and put a hoof on her back. "There is no need to worry my faithful student. Star is a very special pony from birth, one who has encouraged mages to work with past-times dedication. But please don't tell this to anypony, we don't want rumors to start coursing. " Such sweet, warm words Celestia said while staring with both motherly and stressful eyes at Sunset.

"Of course your Highness." Sunset spoke with a little bow of her head. "Huh, you really are a special pony spreading interesting times. Hey, your nickname could be 'anomaly'!" She spoke with the words of a teenager but with the eagerness of a child.

My lungs slowly, ever so tediously, grew as more air was absorbed, while at the same time, my eyelids fell until they narrowed down to the thickness of a blade's edge. "No." I spoke breathless as the accumulated air started seeping out, and my head shook from left to right heavily. "Just no."

I laid heavy in my bed, the room dim with only the fewest of sun rays shining through my barely open curtains; my vision was frozen still, focused on the ceiling; however, a white, marble surface didn't greet me. Instead, I saw a detailed map of The entire continent, currently explored world, with Equestria taking up the largest space.

A deep, hot blow of wind escaped my throat as I moaned slightly, stretching and feeling the powers within flow through me, heating my flesh up to comfortable temperatures and something else, I'm sure.

Please don't move so much; you should be grateful I am doing maintenance while you're awake, to begin with. The Game lectured, momentarily shutting out the world and blurring my vision as I saw the orb of colors project itself before me.

"Sorry." I whispered with my ears folding against my skull before leaning my head back once again. My eyes slowly closed themselves, but it was doubtful I could take a nap right now. 'What did Mother say again?'

Which one? The Game mused while humming an alien tune to me, but it was very calming, like something you'd sing when the muscles protested, and eyes fell heavy before a warm fire.

'Skittles.' I thought with a short sniff.

Her lengthy explanation can be shortened to the following, most important data. Ponies are born with at least one class but can have multiple, and they determine the kinds of spells they can utilize. We don't play by these rules; we are running at perfect efficiency, there are no defects or imperfections like weak nerves in the horn, low keratin density, or mortal magic core, we can be active at one hundred percent efficiency, something that would reduce the lifespan of a pony down to ten to fifteen years. However, due to the lack of specialization, we are able to use the ever-changing Aether but lack the potency a unicorn with the fitting affinity might have.

I nodded shortly before my face tensed up, my facial muscles pulling in seemingly all direction at once, before melting into the mattress, an ocean of feathers beneath. Dear goodness, this shit is like a massage without the kneading part. 'That sounds scary, we've got to be careful about that. I need to gather as much information as possible, mayhaps I am able to find an exploit through looking through some more autonomy.' My face tightened again as the thoughts coursed again. Although I first dismissed the warning of Hauhuthos, it is undeniable that in this world, I am still a small fry; even if I can survive a slit throat or pierced heart, My ghost can't possess dust.

'Hey, since the whole guideline stuff is our enemy keeping us in the dark, were you able to get, I don't know, something useful from the chaos?' I asked as my head turned to the left; my eyes rested on my beautiful collection of books, resting peacefully in one of many shelves; this room was incredibly huge; I wonder if they just tore down like three walls.

The guideline is not our enemy, it just ensures that should either of us be corrupted that it would not fall into false appendages, and given the few glimpses I have had into my data bank, I believe it is justified given my capabilities. The Game spoke surprisingly neutral, possibly also not very friendly with ol' big brother staring over our shoulder. However, I was able to make some adjustments as I have grown and reached maturity within its horrible chamber, meaning that I could possibly allow a timeframe where we could gain abilities or even enter the next dungeon. However, leaving the dungeon would mean we'd have to wait until the next cheated timeframe.

I smiled coyly while my eyes shifted slowly towards the pin filled wall; so many pictures hung there, all but a few could actually be considered decent, but I was getting better. 'That's good, we need every oh so little advantage we can get.' I replied, before my look soured, the imagery of the cleric rushing through my skull again, but his memory would always start up again once I tried to remember even his silhouette, it was like my brain would be blocked. Something was foul, and I couldn't even catch a glimpse lest I'd just shut down.

As I bit my tongue lightly, my mind sped up again as I thought of new ideas. 'Say, what info were you able to stinge from the locked library, there's got to be something important given how heavily it was guarded. Maybe a way to cure some curses?' My left eyebrow jerked with excitement while the rest of me rested still.

Coincidentally, yes.

"That's nice." I thought while closing my eyes, only for my eyelids to nearly licking my brain. "RE-" I clamped my mouth shut with my teeth, my muzzle's inner flesh bleeding lifeforce for just a moment, before regenerating with frightening speed.

Yes, it was quite cryptic and vague. However, it can be translated to reaching a certain level of the affected attribute and fulfilling a great deed using said points. The Game's voice sounded excited ever so slightly; his image in the top left of my vision's corner burned the tiniest bit brighter.

I was also able to unlock the entirety of theory regarding the universe's fundamentals. The Game said with excitement that nearly fucking, ~~ouch, this is bleaching my eyes, fuck, stop it!~~ blinded me.

My eyes fluttered open and close while the phantom pain marinated my eyes with ghostly salt. 'You mean the whole clouds of Mind washing over the Aether?'

It's an expansion of it. It appears as if the core of the Nightmare realm is an ancient object called 'the well,' it seems to control the graveyard of worlds and the entirety of our plane of existence. As a matter of fact, it appears to exceed the first signs of civilization in our universe significantly. The Game spoke with stutters, almost as if the holes nearly swallowed his tongue.

'That old, I thought your makers were the first one's, like self-proclaimed gods or something similar. Old as time and all that.' I asked and leaned up the second I could feel the procedure complete.

The oldest bones discovered by my maker and his kin are approximately 9.3 billion years old. However, the well is unimaginatively older than them; as a matter of fact, it appears some of its properties were attempted to be copied onto me. The Game's voice slowly trailed off as my chest started to physically heat up to rushes of warmth one could boil vegetables in. There is no further information I can extract, but it is... worrisome, to say the least.

'You know, if you want to talk, I'm here for you G.' I said sincerely, leaning back down once again onto the sheets again and took a deep breath. His emotions shone ever so feebly and dully, but as simple as they were, they almost felt like countless hearts beating with hints of worry. My eyes snapped open, and I leaned on my side; the concern pierced deep into my conscience.

"Right, at least the ring I could hide, but you're stuck with me." I whispered with a glare as my eyes' shine melted deep into my flank's flesh. A cage containing webs with a pearl of white and black entrapped in its core. A dreamcatcher, so much more literal than I wished it to be. From it, threads reached out in all directions down to my calves and a few of them, the longest, enveloped and decorated my inner thighs.

I shook my head before pulling out the ring I was rewarded with; it was beautiful and elegant, bearing engravings and a deep blue stone while a band of silvery metal would hug my horn tightly.

Apprentice Ring
Level 20 item
unique
A small ring given to new sentinels that would defend the mage tower. Although the ring does not offer much compared to the provided equipment, it is still a symbol of accomplishment.
*+ 100 Magic armor
*+ decreased mana cost by 15%
*+ Arcane spell potency risen by 20%

Such a sweet item; I just wonder where I can get some more, mayhaps an exploit here and there, and I'll be set on my path. Hah, I feel all giddy even thinking about the plans, I just need that window of time, and oh boy, I'll have some better chances next time. Just have to muscle up some more before that. I thought with a large smile, shivering with what my mind conjured; it felt almost unfair.

'I feel like a young colt again!' Hauhuthos smiled vividly as he walked down the empty corridors, his claws tapping and tipping the marble floor like a spoon hitting an egg. With a sigh, he freed his facial muscles from their service and lowered his eyes down onto the pile that was the manameter; while it was in shambles, it was still his, originally his, before that damn prude pulled the old switcheroo. This device was ancient but reliable when it came to visualizing a unicorn's mana or finding out the affinity a filly or colt had, much easier than having some senile, bearded, toothless wannabee Starswirl measure some foals like water temperature with the eye.

'I think I've been to this place more often in just two years than in the past several centuries combined.' He mused while increasing his pace ever so slightly as he felt the time pressing just a tad harder, knowing that the next guard rotation was nigh.

'To think just one foal would cause this much ruckus' Hauhuthos Hilihuth Thought grimly. 'I like the colt, even though I don't like foals in general, they're too noisy and basic to spare time with outside the dumbest forms of amusement. Star is different, to an extent where I am almost sorry for proposing to keep tight to the plan.' He sniffed the air, an interesting scent hit his nose, making him shake his head. 'Still, powers going into one direction, purifying darkness, breaking the laws of time already, is just as easy to reverse when the purpose is practically knitted into one's soul. What were the circumstances, I do wonder. A cheap maid with as much magical knowledge as a raccoon eating a spell compendium and a failure of a noble who would pride himself for levitating beverages, hard to believe that he's out of the dungeon and the father of such a talented colt.'

Of course, Hauhuthos wasn't one to judge a pony, or any creature for that matter, from their heritage, but when it came to magical prowess, it was like a fish with water, and expecting one on land was just as rare as seeing a great mage to be from an earth pony couple with weak unicorn genes. Not even the entire family tree, as long as over millennia was he able to track it back, but nothing noteworthy.

' No, something grander must've taken place; flesh would've never even come close to reaching such capacities. Of course, his body is alive in its own right, the strangest mutation I've ever seen, almost like it's sentient, but that isn't enough. Maybe he had come into contact with primordial energy, called upon a greater force upon dwindling between life and death? Possible, there is the legend that an infant's cry can call help from even creatures beyond our reality. Let's just hope that this one is more... benevolent. Hauhuthos shivered with disgust, feeling old sensations crawl out of their graves to haunt him again; the merest resemblance to tar that his mind picked up tingled his gag reflex.

A heavy yet not immovable object pressed deep into his feathery dress, forcing the owl to halt suddenly. His head slowly turned downward, his heart beating like a pulsating crystal as various fears were conducted in his mind, and they all were petrified when his eyes laid not upon a guard but pony still.

Pink.

Oh no.

"Good day miss Touch, how are you?" Hauhuthos asked with exaggerated enthusiasm while staring at the one pony he'd least want to see at least this very moment.

Gentle Touch's head slowly lifted itself upward from a great pile of supplies she carried, her joyous expression melted away like ice in the Saddle Arabian deserts upon making eye contact, her pupils shrink into the nothingness while the shadow of the great bird before her stole away nearly all light, it was almost as if illumination around him was reversed. She could feel her magic waning; objects started to fall from her magic grasp as she slowly walked backward, however before she could come far, her eyes still fixated onto the puzzled expression of the giant owl, her world suddenly turned, and her vision faded to black.

"Gentle I said not to strain yourself too much, you can't keep pushing yourself like that or-oh, ehm, what went on here?" Cadance suddenly broke her sentence off as she beheld the sight before her. "Mister Hilihuth?"

Hauhuthos Hilihuth sighed, rubbing his face with his wing's feathers. "Cadance, I believe Star has some free time, please do take him out for some fresh air, and maybe not the same old path, if you'd be nice enough. I have a mare to patch up here." He sighed once again before picking up the unconscious Gentle Touch and waddled his way back.

"There goes the fun mare day." Cadance slumped with a pout before her eyes hovered over the mess before her. "Horseapples." She mumbled before turning around with a shake and headed off to Star's room.

Star, have we not discussed that you are not a game character? The Game, ironically, attempted to deny my doings and asked with as much concern as there were annoyance and curiosity in his voice.

"Y-yeah, urgh, that burns, and I have an urge to grunt like a boar, but it's-it's-worth it." I choked out while my muscles begged me for mercy before finally some was given when I let my halberd fall to the ground with a clunk, and followed by a hefty thud. I let my head hang down, the cool water streaming from up above onto my mane.

Then why are you lifting weights? The Game asked with a tone that screamed quotation marks while he inspected the weight(s). I still don't understand why he had the need to give himself a 'physical form' when he was quite literally everywhere already.

"Cause it's just like you said. I could defeat fucking Galactus and gain nothing if I don't feel anything from it, gain a unique memory." I said while looking down at the Hobgoblin; his chest sunk in like a deflated balloon, my experiences with monster corpses were going somewhat nicely, but a crafter class would be useful. "I've been gaining levels like crazy cause I saw a monster before, heck, never killed anything bigger than a fly, but that boost will soon end, then I'll have to grind, but you see, the higher the attribute gets, the harder it will become to get more points for it." I explained as the Game closed in towards me.

You mean that you will... The Game started as his colorful tones turned yellow.

"Yes, I'll exploit the system, because..."I whispered with a small yet gleeful smile. I put my hoof onto the saggy corpse of the Hobgoblin and slowly turned my face towards the sun; the light illuminated my upper body with golden rays, forcing me to squint ever so slightly as the wind blew past me ferociously, my mane flying in the wind. "I've never visited a gym before."

The crazy effects suddenly ended when I put my hood back down and greeted the Game with a somewhat joyous smile. "Besides, if I can get a bit more ripped, maybe I'll be able to get rid of that flaw, just wonder what the task will be." Questions over questions, they piled up until the light of day was blocked. With a sigh, I sat down onto the corpse; of course, I washed it; dear goodness, it would've contaminated my soul if I didn't deep clean that beast.

The Game suddenly blinked and got right into my face. Princess Cadance is attempted to get your attention by repetitive knocking on the door.

"Urgh! Fine!" I groaned loudly, the annoyance practically seeping from my every pore as the embodiment of Valentine's day cut my free time short. "Wake me up buddy, let's see what she wants."

"Yes?" I asked with a groggy tone, rubbing my eyes while I stood before the pink princess of fucking love~, who could only muster a look of surprise. "What, I've been taking a nice nap." I whined lightly.

"Oh." Cadance spoke only with surprise on her face. "I didn't know that, but while you're awake-" Yeah, what a coincidence. "-I wanted to ask how a nice long walk would sound to you?" She asked nicely, a whole lot more persuasive than usual. What was she planning?

"Thanks, but I'd rather go over the path in my sleep." I spoke nonchalantly; the sass was getting thick, but so was my annoyance.

"Oh, I was actually proposing a new path for today, it's actually going past a new playground, right now it should also be mostly empty with all the foals in school."Cadance said with a mundane tone, no effort put into it while lightly shaking her head.

"Who are you and what did you do with the real Cadance?" I thought out loud with suspicion while my left hoof, which currently held the door open, tightened around the wood. I knew the Lings were getting desperate, the masseuse looked more desperate with each visit, but this blatancy was unexpected.

"Should I feel insulted by that?" Cadance asked with a tilted head, almost unsure if that was an insult, to begin with.

...

"Maybe?"

Cadance snorted loudly while rolling her eyes. "Okay, I got it, you're getting tired of the routine, so let's spice thing a bit up, wouldn't that be nice?"

I took a deep breath before halting myself. "You know what, fine, can't hurt to see something new."

"Excellent, maybe you'll make some friends too." Cadance said with excitement. Now I was unsure if that was an insult.

Maybe?

Canterlot's city design was like a multilayered cake, with lavish levels rising exponentially, with the upper crust being covered with the most delicate bonbon Vanille and the bottom being beggars' cake, don't ask what's it made of. The mansions closest to the castle, which are still far too close for my taste, are ancient and expensive, going so far that the very gates are covered in leaf gold, while the lower levels house the poorest, who are still living much better than I was, not a lovely place I've heard of, at least Gentle spoke very ill of it. The middle layer suited my taste the most, it being a nice mix between luxury and functionality; hey, the creatures seemed to bare a bit of average and typical, which I say with the biggest relief I could speak of.

I couldn't help but grin, which was a usual smile given my forced standards, while my eyes couldn't stop, unable to see enough to fill their hunger of sight, from the cobblestone path with many old imperfections and moss covering the cracks to the stores and houses that were all decorated by their respective owners, oozing to the brim with warmth and love for what they called their own.

I closed my eyes, taking my steps long and slow, and taking in the friendly chatter from every corner, the smells of sweet and spicy, the wind that soared through the wide-open streets. My heart pumped vigorously, my breath grew faster as a sense of life, truly being alive and free, seeped into my body, stroking every oh-so-common yearning string of hair that grew on my body.

"What do my eyes see, are those petals growing from the sides of your head?" Cadance said a twirling voice, filled with lots of joy. "Oh, I am just joking, but the escape from the routine does seem pleasantful." She said when she saw my expression fall again.

"Heh, pleasant, yes..." My voice trailed off, and so did my eyes as I felt my heart fall heavy once again. It almost hurt me to feel the free wind, not forced or created in the depths of the dream, to let me have but the most starved taste of what freedom was. I could complain much about my time as a human, but one thing was always true, I was free to do as I liked, mayhaps it wasn't always the best for me, or on a moral level, but they're more choice than the iron rule of the schedule. Can't believe I'm starting to miss the holidays I once so grouchily endured, and I can only guess why my parents seem so distant from them.

A horrible tune suddenly caused every tendon in my body to pull together as if I had eaten a lemon so sour the tree it grew on withered away.

"Oh sorry young mare, mayhaps another time you'll let your talent shine through." Someone spoke with an old and gentle voice. My head turned to the source, and I found an old Stallion, but strapping, I might say, sitting on a wooden box holding a guitar, his grey fur was shining in the sunlight, and his white, puffy mane still bore fluffiness I could only dream of. "But that is what lessons and training are for, just ask and I might give some lessons for free."

"Yeah, right." Spoke a young mare with a roll of his eyes while walking away, her fur barely grazing mine. There was a gleam in her eyes that was filled with so much anger and hate, it gave me a sense of intense familiarity, yet I've never seen someone like her. Her ashen fur, copper mane, the gleam of pale green eyes, and a cutie mark of a dimming flame.

'Keep an eye on that one, something's fishy about her.' I commanded shortly, a quick beeping sound informed me of the deed done.

"And what about you, might there be some musical talent slumbering in your bones?" The old stallion asked with a smile, but my eyes wandered off to a petite filly, her body nearly entirely concealed behind a giant cello. A coat as grey just as her, presumably, father with a black mane, the eyes bearing a pale violet and a cutie mark of a purple note rested on her flank. "Now, here's the violin and a few notes, don't worry if you don't recognize them, they're horn written."

I cringed at the large eyes he gave me while holding the instrument before me; with a shyness that revealed my once great hesitance to slay nightmares, the stallion pushed me into the spotlight. My head turned around towards Cadance, who gave me a broad smile and a look of encouragement, while in truth, it only spurred the butterflies in my stomach to chew their way through my thin jerky skin.

Do not worry, I may assist you in this, by peer pressure invoked, endeavor. The Game said with a tone that, while awoke my trust in him, made me no less weary of such a task. For I wished nothing more than to just walk past as if I've never seen anything.

I took the instrument from him; it was quite an old piece of wood, but I could feel the great love and care that was fuelled into the instrument; the hope and interest of decades accumulated deeply into the dead fibers. It was much more vibrant and fierce than the bell, but the taste of emotions laid just as heavy on my heart. The old stallion smiled vividly and stood up, patting his old spot for me to take.

"Hehe, here goes nothing." I said with the little confidence I could muster; the warmth of his seat was like a wave trying to push me off while the waiting eyes drilled into my skull, which in turn, bound me in place. I was not scared of crowds or what others think, but I hated most dearly if people held expectations of me; otherwise, and I've done so in the past, I would've just raised both middle fingers and walked away.

I shuddered frugally as the bow tickled the strings of the violin, the sparks of emotions sparked like a flint against steel; the taste was still new. Compassion and love for a thing, a deed, a dream. The stage, the eyes, the aspiration and appreciation of many towards one.

The strings tingled and started to dance a continuous trance slowly; there was no soul in the song, for it was played by one bearing none when he should. The music waved like the ocean, a heartfelt tune in nature, however, ramping up higher until scraping the heavens and calming down, rising and falling upon high tunes, before descending, repeating again and again. The minutes passed, I ignored the world outside and focused on the string's glide, carefully, gracefully taking control back, following the rhythm, there was an error or two, but it broke me not to shudders but encouraged me to keep the pattern the same.

A light tap broke the harmony surrounding me; like a burst bubble, the world around me returned, yet a fragment of the tune still played in me, not like a catchy record, but more literal.

Lesser Heartfelt tune: Strength and Endurance are increased by six points for five minutes.

"Haha, if I didn't know any better then I might say I've been teaching you for half a decade." He Praised proudly, while the filly behind him could only watch me with curiosity. "I haven't, have I? My memory is getting fuzzier the older I get! Oh, I'm Piecero by the way, and this is my daughter, Octavia."

"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Star Touch. And, well, what can I say, the instrument just has a mind of its own is my best guess." I spoke shyly while rubbing the back of my head.

"That it really does." Piecero said with a humble tone while inspecting the instruments. "Say, I think maybe you're right, it does have a mind of its own, and it made it up again. It's yours."

"It's mine?" I asked with disbelief at the sudden change of tune, the emotions engraved in the wood, wasted and given away like they were trash to a stranger. I never cared much about the shiny, luxurious things, but I was insulted in place of the soul resting inside the stringed instrument.

"It's his'?" The daughter, Octavia, was her name if I recalled correctly, spoke out in shock. Perhaps this was a first.

"It's yours, the old thing has lasted longer than my career and been suffocating for a long time, it's time for some fresh blood, besides, it has been an extensive time since it was able to sing such tunes this way, I've been using it as practice for pupils mostly." Piecero nodded while reassuring himself before levitating the instrument and bow into a little case before handing it to me. "Under one condition." He suddenly pulled it back before his eyes turned to his daughter.

'No! It ain't worth it anymore!' I practically screamed in my mind. The sweet tunes were not worth the lures and lies of the old man; even if I were to break his hopes like crumbling porcelain, I'd take such a deed of hurt than this pact.

"When I am old and feeble, I want you two to let me-" No, screw you! "-hear a song of mine own choice." Piecero finished, leaving me with a great, emotional hole in my chest. Now I felt sad for my accusations and at the thought of aging, even if I wasn't the target.

"Very well, I accept the pact, and honor the agreement." I responded while my eyes laid heavy on the case, I cared not for this world's gold or power, but the objects imbued with emotions were greater riches to me than all metal the world could muster. I've experienced it only a few times, but the lust I possessed for the refined emotions that let me feel alive more than anything before were the sweetest of all, and even though the lifeblood of the nightmares made my heart beat harder than anything else, such dreams embedded into everyday objects made it sway.

"Excellent, a fine colt indeed, I am sure you two will get along splendidly." I knew it!

I turned around with my smile ever-present and turned towards Cadance, whose neutral expression quickly shifted toward a happy demeanor. "Where did you learn to play this way? Did Porcelain Vase try to push music culture onto you too?"

"No, the instrument told me how." I said with a beaming smile while my eyes quickly fell onto the violin again. Such sensation's made the energy, the memories, and cravings flowing through the old wood, make me feel and yearn for. Such passion and desires of decades accumulated into a hazy dream, oh heavens, I think my vision is waning.

"Really? May I see?" Cadance asked with a raised eyebrow and looked at me with an expecting look; only hesitatingly did I offer my newly acquired relic to the mare in pink. Her blue magic enveloped the instrument while staring at it with the deepest concentration, but her expression turned to confusion. "I can't find anything abnormal about it except, well uhm, outlawed glue from... well, I'd assume griffon or minotaur origin."

"Why do you look so worried?" I asked with a lifted eyebrow.

"Nothing, nothing, just never search up how glue is made." Cadance sucked in a stream of air as disgust waved across her face. "Wait, what is it telling you exactly!?" Her face snapped at me as terror filled her every fiber.

"Uhm, well, it's not like words or anything like that. More like a really warm feeling, it's like I could almost sense all the hours it was used and cared for." I said with much discomfort, balancing between the line of truth and being busted. "Well, I also don't feel anything other than that, should I?"

"Oh, goodness, thank Celestia." Cadance whispered before turned her head back to me, handing over the instrument as well. "No, please don't, but that is interesting to know, but, well, you also should most certainly not look any deeper, that's certain, but how come you never said anything about it?"

"Should I have? I really never saw anything abnormal with that." With a tilted head, I said, my vision partially focused on the alicorn with peaked curiosity while the rest stared off at the horizon. "It's just how I perceive the world, I didn't know that it would be different for anypony else. It's really getting tiresome with all the special rules and treatment." I sighed and shook my head. Suddenly two strong hooves enveloped me, and I just had to add, when I think of a princess, I considered things like petite but not buff AF with enough strength to break my spine and a comforting look on Cadance's face.

"I do-" Cadance stopped herself in mid sentence as her language was about to pique into the royal speech. "I am sorry for having come off as blunt, I just sometimes forgot that you're in possession of special gifts, but you'll grow into them one day, just like me." She let go of me and started to walk again, and I followed.

"When I was young I was very confused about the world as well, for I could feel and understand the emotions of those around me. At times it got so bad I spent weeks in my castle room just to try and block out the impulses of the busy Canterlot days, even if the emotions of Love made me feel more alive and happy than anything else that gave me joy."

"If so, then why am I treated like you were, I sense no pain or hurt, I feel more alive than I ever could, and so far I could always block out even the darkest of emotions." I spoke with a questioning tone, increasing my pace, and turned my head toward her; having eyes on opposing sides of the head made trotting much easier this way.

"Sensing emotions is not the problem, object or pony, but the fear lies in the fact that mayhaps you'll encounter something you can't block out and overwhelm you." Her voice was filled with concern.

"So I am supposed to live in fear of the possibility of breaking?" I asked with a slightly aggravated tone. "I feel closer to my limit within the castle walls than in the streets."

"It is just for protection, yours and others." She reiterated, more insistent this time.

"You fear me as a danger to others?" I asked, appalled while stopping in my tracks. I've been feeling much chaos in the past years, in the heart and body, but this kind of cold, creeping sensation leaving me just barely not numb enough to gnaw at the edges of my mind left me irritated.

"No, it's just-" Cadance tried to diffuse the situation, at least, that is what I believed she tried to do in retrospect, but at this moment, I've not sensed anything but silence, empty words, and a waste of air.

"No, it really does sound to me like that, why else would I be kept behind walls and guards like some kind of monster?" I could feel my body warm-up, my breathing growing heavier as I looked into the shocked eyes of Cadance Star, the consequences! I let out a huff and turned my eyes away from her, hiding my frown and glare. "Just forget it." I sighed and continued the path.

It didn't matter; nothing ever did with any bond, any day I've wasted on this damn dirtball. Why should I start to bother now? Even with absolutely no expectations, I am always, every time, left disappointed again.

The pink alicorn kept following closely, her eyes drilled into the back of my head. The concerns rising, but no fear or worry, at least the latter directed at herself, present.

What was there to say about herself? Gentle Touch had often asked herself that, of course, less frequent as time went on, but even then, she could always answer this question to herself in a long tirade. She was once a wife and now a mother and nurse; she went through many downs and, she'd say, just as many ups with the latter being more widespread than the former. Gentle considered herself complete, in the sense that she had experienced everything, well, mostly everything she wanted to see and do in her life, and she also experienced many things she did not.

Now, as she grew older each day, she chose for things to be calmer, and she was fine with that; while the long walks through the woods and the runs through the fields were enjoyable, the travels from serene villages to large cities were exciting, especially her time in manehattan was a pleasure, but she grew tired far too quickly for that now. The days in the familiar castle halls, and to this day, she found it weird to speak of it this way, with her days spend cuddling with her only colt, an adoptive and very special offspring she never once saw more distant than what the blood test might say, and the nights sleeping next to a scheming princess to whom she grew quite fond of with time.

While her son's every day new discoveries were an astonishment each time they occurred, it was nothing she'd ever turn her eyes away from, be it fear or other, and at this point, there was likely little that could surprise her at this point, but when she thought she saw it all, once again was there someone to prove her wrong again.

"So..." Gentle Touch stretched out this word so long, her throat grew dry, and she took a sip of tea given to her by the one who spooked her. She scratched her head; the bandage was far too tight and uneven; it almost fell into her eyes. "...you're Star's magic teacher?"

"That would be the utmost simple way to describe my position in the castle here, but for the sake of this conversation let's limit it to just this." The giant owl called by the name of Hauhuthos Hilihuth ruffled his feathers while staring down at her, the sleek and tall figure imposing her even greater than Celestia ever could've.

Gentle could feel the magic power radiating off him, causing every last hair of hers to stand straight. "Oh, I see, heh." Gentle Touch's vision jumped around, almost attempting to evade eye contact. "So, how's S-Star doing, anything important to mention? I would've liked to have this conversation sooner, but, ehm, you're quite hard to catch?"

"You wish to hear my opinion of Star Touch?" Hauhuthos spoke with a cold tone as his head leaned forward, tilting to degrees that would've broken a pony's neck. "I think him to be an excellent student." He smiled, or at least Gentle assumed that it was a smile, even a griffon's grin was easier differentiated from a frown than this. "There is a hunger for knowledge present in him I've barely ever seen before in young ponies, almost as if his life depended on it. Not one task has he failed so far, even some I initiated for him to learn defeat and reconsideration, almost making me fear he's growing prideful, but so far there has been no sign, and I've grown quite familiar with the omen, Blueblood three to... I believe eight?" He stopped in his train of thoughts and leaned back again. "Mayhaps it was nine, but they've taught me not to spoil anyone anymore."

"Oh, that's nice to hear, well, the first part, not the second one, no." Gentle Touch forced a smile, she had a problem being near Griffons due to some of the most horrible events in the past, and while she knew that this made not every avian she came across just as dangerous to what she loved, it didn't mean it was easy to overcome. "So, no complaints?"

Hauhuthos blinked before humming, one of his largest feathers his right wing possessed, caressed his beak, while an inner conflict broke out in the owl. "I fear that your son is... being too sheltered." He finally answered.

"Huh?" Gentle Touch put her tea down onto the table before her and leaned forward with a worried look. "What do you mean with that, sheltered?"

"No, I don't think we are on the same level of understanding. I wish to make the point that Star is starting to show signs of sadness and worry. The long days of continuous lessons and near-permanent stay in the castle are doing him no good. I fear he's starting to..." 'I feel like a prisoner.' "...grow worried that he can't be free or live at least a partially average life as a colt."

Gentle Touch chewed her checks inner flesh, looking down into the contents of her cup, and locked her vision with that of her reflection. "I am not really aware of... Star's timetable, might you be able to tell me more about it?"

"It would take too long for my endeavors, but let's just say it's nearing the princess' in terms of busyness. When was the last time you had some time to be just mother and foal?"

Gentle Touch sighed, shivering with disgust and discomfort. "A while ago, long ago. I... I just can't get over myself, force myself to attend or celebrate any events, it brings back just horrible memories."

Hauhuthos nodded while thinking to himself. 'The arts of psychology and the emotional spectrum do not sit well with me.'. He stood up and turned towards the door with a sigh, but before anything followed, his body sank. "Whatever you do, just remember that the first years of life shape his vision of the world, and it's not recommendable for it to be but a prison, it breeds only anger and apathy."

His wings clung tightly against his body before straightening himself to his fullest and walking not to the door but to the window. With his wings, he opened the glass gate to a long fall using but a gust of wind, and this action was followed with his risen wings; a glow surrounded his body for just a second before his body became invisible. "I wish you a pleasant day." His formless voice spoke before leaving the room.

Gentle's eyes were locked onto the open window before burying her face in her hoof, sighing deeply to herself. "Oh Warden, what would you say were you here?" She asked herself before looking towards the door. "I wonder how much I have to haggle this time for some parenting freedom." Gentle asked herself with a deep frown before starting her walk towards the door, only for her to suddenly lean to the left and fall. It's best to lay on the ground with limbs spread apart after suffering a concussion.

"Game, is there any way to speed up the six-year wait? I’m getting tired of everything right now." I frowned into my cup of hot chocolate, waiting for it to cool but also just not to be forced into eye contact with the pink one. I was so tired of the whole pretend game; couldn't I just be an adult and be treated like a nut case outsider? Just the thought is such a relief. 'Oh don't bother with crazy-flank Star, he's just a little weird, leave him be.'

Maybe, I am still tinkering with the possibilities I possess, or rather, those I could gain within this space of freedom. The only thing I can promise is to cut short the one-week-long penalty for prematurely leaving the dungeon, at least when you possess a majority of your health, stand on the entry point, and wait for about a minute. Even though I often was very vocal of my distaste about the Game's formality, it gave me some sense of tranquility, like a safety speech from a drill sergeant.

'Sweet.' I thought nonchalantly with a grin, even those thoughts could not be filled with any joy while I felt these strange emotions weight down my head, like a kinetic force keeping me in this position for what felt like an eternity.

"Well Star, wouldn't you agree it's such nice weather?" Cadance tried to start a conversation, but I was much more skilled in the arts of 'I don't give a shit' than she was with the opposite.

"I'd assume we wouldn't be at this table if it wasn't?" I raised my head and an eyebrow too. My passive-aggressive comments cut my tongue's tip sharply.

Cadance stared at me with a bewildered expression before pursing her lips. "So, how does the chocolate taste to you? I know you're not much into sweets, but I'd thought you might give it a try?"

'And what's inside it? sedatives?' I stared grimly at her before grasping the little and extremely overpriced cup and downed it in a single gulp.

Fire Damage has been blocked

"It tastes a tad too sweet for me, I think I prefer water." I spoke dryly before coughing slightly; damn, that stuff sticks to the throat like mud to a glass panel.

"Oh, I just thought you'd like it, sorry," Cadance said with disappointment.

I sighed and rubbed my face with a piece of tissue; there was no way I'd touch my face with hooves after walking in these streets. "Cadance, I'm sorry if I've come off as angry, I am not, and not directed either. It's just I'm tired of the schedule, the duties, the burden, the castle, and all. I just feel like it's not my thing, I feel like I'm ageing a week everyday in those halls and barely feel anything there. I am really not happy." I slowly let my head down onto the table, my lower jaw resting on top of the cool glass.

"I can't really promise anything in this regard, but I can see what can be done with a little more wiggle room, though I first have to discuss it with my aunt and Hauhuthos." Cadance fiddled with her cup, stirring the content with a spoon. "Yet I would not abandon a future as prince just yet, I've never wanted to become part of royalty myself when I was young either, and I've received my fair share of criticism for rejecting every foals dream, but I grew into it with time." Her face, so mellow and filled with compassion, it was almost like the most deliberate lie I've ever seen, yet I knew it was not, which pained me even more. "However, if you're unhappy, then we should change that, so I promise you that I will make you a happy little colt."

I sighed with my head resting on my ankle, or was it wrist? The frown and strain left my face as I was met with nothing but empathy, no deception, only honesty. It left an inner turmoil within me, clashing with the thought I've played oh so often, to just go when I can, possibly stay until my... mortal mother's last breath, as cruel and macabre as it sounded... and turn my face on journeys lying beyond mortal kin's comprehension. I would've chuckled at my own dark, gloomy, and complex growing speech was it not for the ponies surrounding me.

"Can we just continue?" I asked dismissively and hopped off my seat and was about to walk away, but there was still a look of concern plastered across her entire face. 'Oh all compassion on this world unite.' I closed my eyes, heavily so, before forming the largest smile I could, and asked with a voice so cheerful you'd expect it in a commercial for children's cereal. "Come on Cadance, you can't waste the whole day away staring at those cold cups of tea."

Cadance snorted loudly, her mane flying in all directions in certain spots, before taking a long sip from her cup and walking up next to me. "Fine, let's go a bit more, but next time you're gloomy you say so immediately."

"Okay." I responded, although nearly choking upon the words I truly wished to utter, an 'I'll try,' but the fear of this misery continuing, this spiel of depression and pity continuing longer than it had any right too, was much too great for me.

My wandering mind came to a halt as I felt a strong gust of wind soar past me, just like a red ball that ground itself against the tip of my snout ever so briefly, and as my eyes turned to the opposite direction of the flying projectile, my vision was covered in a green-grey-ish coat. The impact was not as heavy, but it sent me toppling across the ground; the pain was barely noticeable, most of it was blocked.

"Ohh-wee." Mumbled a soft and gentle voice, male and twirling as he was clearly dizzied. I fluttered my eyelids a few times as my eyes took in every last detail of his form. It was, if I was not mistaken, a griffon who's outside reminded me slightly of a pigeon, with a green-grey coat and stone-colored feathers, they were ruffled, but still in place as his coat was quite thick and his body was large.

"So looking before crossing is useful after all." I mumbled while pursing my lips and eyeing as the bird slowly pushed himself up, standing quite a good chunk higher than me. My eyes slowly turned towards the bouncy red ball and pulled it towards me. "I think this is yours." I said as I held the red projectile.

"Uh, thanks." He spoke out uncertainly while his eyes wavered for just a moment past me and upwards, probably taking in the expression of Cadance. "Sorry for that, you're quite sturdy. Cairn bucked the ball real hard and I didn't want another one rolling off the mountain." His brown eyes turned away from me in embarrassment. “I’m Gerb by the way.” Gerb mentioned with slight uncertainty while rubbing the back of his head.

My head turned towards where the ball would've headed, and-yeesh! That's a steep, thin, and really long alleyway that was shaped like a ramp. "No problem, nothing's broken." My eyes slowly turned back to the griffon before I heard a new voice enter the fray.

'Ehm... what creature is that exactly.' I thought with a risen eyebrow, but this sensation he emitted made my fur stand up; it was not as intense as the atmosphere the nightmares bore, but it screamed in a subtle and almost peaceful way one thing: Death

The newcomer was a-uhh...

I believe it's a Kirin.

The Kirin was small, the tiniest bit lesser in height than I was. A steel-blue coat adorned his form, and the dull green-blue horn stood sharp even when it wasn't fully grown yet. A black mane adorned his head; however, though some thinner spaces I could make out spots of white, mayhaps soon I'll have to describe his hair as 'Salt and Pepper.' He looked a bit timid, I might say, as his eyes swayed over to Cadance, ears twitching as if he heard something, but he shook his head quickly after.

"Hello, you must be Cairn, I'm Star." I said with a small wave, urging him to come closer, and he did so slowly while his gaze would often switch between his left side and Cadance; what did his eyes catch?

"H-hi, I'm Cairn Song." Cairn said with a polite voice, and soon his eyes were focused on the ball. "Ehm, could I have my ball back? I don't have another one." Gerb coughed awkwardly while looking away.

"Ohh, sure." My eyes scanned the ball intensely while bearing some remnants of beautiful memories; I doubt it would grant me enough to make even a smidge of a difference in the battles. I let go of the ball, and it was taken not a moment later from me; he had excellent control, even if his starch white magic was something I haven't seen yet.

"So, wanna join?" Gerb asked with a tilted head and a lifted claw, palm pointing upwards.

"Sure." I answered without even thinking.

"Cool, the rule is to kick it. 1,2,3 Go!" Gerb said quickly before punching the ball further down the streets.

I stared for just a moment, stunned at the careless, dumb fun, and naivety he possessed, and yet I was for some reason jealous; how long has it been since I last played like this? I must've been like twelve before I started working those long shifts in stores or delivering papers for just enough extra cash contribution to the household.

Time seemed to slow down.

I grinned suddenly and jumped forward into a gallop, my hindlegs pounding the stone road strongly. My vision was focused on the bouncy red ball, eying like a mountain of treasures while only occasionally diverting onto my competitors on either side. I lowered my head and smirked; this one I'd win, even with the anti-cheering from Cadance to be faster.

"N- huff -not bad, jerky." Gerb panted while slowly crawling forward, pulling his body across the cold stone, before his head simply fell and rested onto the ball.

"You're fast." Cairn Song said with heavy breathing, he was much less aggressive, or play-starved, than us, choosing to save his energy for the end. Stole my victory. "that too." He mumbled while hiding his face by looking away.

"Golly, haven't had so much fun in ages." I sighed with a goofy smile and leaned my head back. I couldn't recognize where I was, other than we've ventured into the lower layer, it seemingly had some nice spots too, at least this alley filled with a couple of doors that were barely able to open completely, or just scraped enough wood off until they could.

"What, haven't run in a while?" Gerb asked, his eyes turning towards me while his limp body rested on the ball.

I shuddered at all the damn laps I had to run while keeping my fitness routine, he was like one of those really strict nineties coaches, but he wasn't fat, damn you, Corporal Coast, where are the donuts when you need them? "Not many play partners in the castle." I said briefly.

"Castle?" Carin asked with confusion before his ears twitched once again, and his face slowly drained of all colors. "Oh goodness, we've kidnapped the prince!" It was impressive how he was able to speak timidly and scared at once.

"Gerb. What's all that ruckus about?" Asked an old, gruff voice, and one of the doors opened. An older griffon stood there, while a little chubby, he most certainly could not be called lazy, 'cus he looked like he carried around pianos for fun. "Hi Gerb, Hello Cairn, greetings, your highness." He said nonchalantly before his eyes opened widely, and so did his beak.

"I am uncertain If I should be frustrated with the corporal for pushing you to become a marathon runner, or be thankful that I could open my wings for once." Cadance descended from above, breathing lightly while descending slowly, seemingly savoring every moment for this excuse to fly.

The old griffon made a quiet, screeching noise in the back of his throat. "It surely must be a misunderstanding you highness, whatever happened, I am certain that was just those rowdies from two streets over pinning the blame on my Gerb again."

"But we were just playing?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh thank goodness." He mumbled quietly before smiling again and picking up Gerb quite easily with one of his claws. Damn, I bet those could crack walnuts with those. "So, no trouble?"

"As far as I am concerned, no, but we have exceeded our stay long enough." Cadance said with a neutral expression before her head turned towards me again with a smile. "Come, it's getting late and I am certain dinner will be cold if we don't hurry up."

"Can I play again soon?" I asked with a tilted head before turning my eyes back on the duo.

"Of course." Cadance said after a few seconds of waiting, her vision switching between them and me, smiling now too. "Have a nice evening." The alicorn spoke before turning around.

"Bye!" I exclaimed with a smile, waving at them, before turning around and following my aunt... wait, weren't we cousins? No, I have enough headaches as it is. "Gosh, I haven't had this much fun in an eternity." I chirped loudly with a mellow smile after walking for a bit.

Cadance's face was turned away lightly, but I could see the emotions clash, and she wasn't shy of hiding them. I was unsure if there was speciesism involved or personal disdain, but she most certainly also had feelings of joy pulling the mood to more favorable terms.

"You know, were right about the possibility of losing control." I said slowly while looking at her, waiting for her to do the same a few seconds later. "But I felt all that negativity I've been collecting just melt off. To just have some fun and be normal really took away my fears of bursting and all that like I was an average colt." Cadance looked a bit concerned but eventually sighed and ruffled my long hair with her magic. "Maybe friends are magical." I added, unknowingly, why it came to my mind, but it did, and I wasn't shy to admit it. I closed my eyes, as I felt something other than the wind blowing through my mane.

"They are, and they help you get over any burden." Cadance said with nostalgia coating her words, radiating emotions so sweet and bitter, and for once, I could actually see a single fragment of a memory, a blurry picture of what appeared to be a young cadance surrounded by a whole bunch of species, some of them even the Game wasn't able to recognize, but one looked like a butterfly. "Are you sure you don't want a haircut?"

"Nope." I said cheekily with a grin, to which Cadance snorted with amusement. Maybe I was a prisoner, but it was a much nicer cage than the junkyard I had for myself before.

Author's Note

A big thanks to ZeroOneInFinn,who allowed me to use his OC in this story: Cairn Song.