Your Eyes On Me

Chapters

Entry #1.1 - A Quiet Kid
Entry #1.2 - A Special Celebration
Entry #2 - The Gang’s All Here (And Boy, Are They Weird!)
Entry #3 - The Abyss
Entry #4 - Reality Deferred
Entry #5 - Y.B.I.
Entry #6 - Revelations
Entry #6.1 - The Tape
Entry #7 - Pinkie’s Lament
Entry #8 - Confrontation
Dear Princess Celestia: Reunion
Chapter 1: The Work Begins
Chapter 2: Breakthrough
Entry #9 - Reunion
Chapter 3: Letitia
Entry #10: Final Logs
Chapter 4: First Contact
Chapter 5: Real
From: The Department of Anomalies To: Site-101 Subject: [Anomalous Object Relocation]

Entry #1.1 - A Quiet Kid

My mom used to always say I was an easy child to raise.

Right out of the womb, I barely cried when the doctors pulled me out. It actually caused them a bit of worry, assuming that I had respiratory problems. Really though, I just wasn’t crying as baby often should.

When I grew older, I’d have the occasional temper tantrum, but nothing serious. More often than not when I was angry, I would be unusually quiet. I’d silently fume on my butt, scowling at everything. My mom even told me a story that I got angry during preschool. I just sat at my table arms crossed, scowling like I was practicing my Batman impression. When the teacher tried to pick me up to move me, I suddenly swiped at a bucket of markers and crayons spilling them. That seemed to scare everyone enough to the point of calling my parents. The teacher even described it as a “tranquil fury”.

When I wasn’t being a terrible two year old, I was lackadaisical and obedient. I played in relative silence, babbling only loud enough for myself to hear. I would wander around and do the typical kid things, but my parents were always in control. In fact, my father used to tell me about how at a bus top, I would play dangerously close to the street. When a concerned adult asked my dad why he would let me wander like that, he simply called out my name. Like a computer told to cancel a task, I suddenly stopped what I was doing and casually came back to my father’s side. I had all the complexity of a house pet.

Naturally, being this reclusive I was bound to live a rather lonely life. I could be in the company of others, but I could just as easily be by myself. In the beginning, there wasn’t a problem with this. However, as I entered elementary school, I had been the victim of bullying. While not physically abusive, my bullies were able to erode my self-confidence and, by proxy, my confidence. Couple this with a not-so-stellar home life with two divorcing parents and you have a recipe for a bad time.

As a quiet kid, the TV became my vice. Even when I was a toddler, I could just sit in front of a television set and I wouldn’t move for hours. My babysitter loved me for that. As my home life worsened as did school, it only became more and more essential to my daily functioning.

I would come home from school, my shirt covered in snot stains and dried tears, walk past my parents who were having a low level argument that would eventually grow out of proportions, close myself in my room, and turn on the TV.

As I sat on the floor, my eyes would be filled with wonder and colors. The yelling outside my door descended into silence as my laughter filled my little bubble. I felt a connection with the TV that I seldom had with many others. At least, I thought it was the TV, but let’s put a pin on that thought.

Eventually, my mom grew wary. I had gotten into the routine during middle school of doing my homework and chores, then immediately hunkering down in front of the TV. There was only ever a foot of distance between us, the TV and me. My mom even heard me have full on conversations with the TV. Whenever she turned it off, she told me, I would get hysterical. I would cry “boo-hoo” tears about how she was taking my friends away. She initially worried that I was schizophrenic or suffering from bipolar disorder. After visiting a child therapist, it was recommended that I be refrained from watching television.

It was rough.

At first, it was a simple rule: No TV. However, I quickly learned to be more sneaky in when and how I watched it. There was a period of time where I was home by myself, when I got home from school but mom was at work. To remedy this, my mom had unplugged and sealed the outlet. Somehow, I managed to actually find a way to not only break the seal, but found a way to reattach it so that my mom wouldn’t know. This lasted for a while until she came home early one day.

Next, the TV was moved from the living room to her room and she made sure to lock the door. Simple, right? She later found lockpicking equipment in my room during a surprise cleaning. This started to unnerve her, as I was still in middle school during this time. After a stern punishment, the TV was removed altogether. Even when we visited family, she made a concerted effort to have them remove their TVs as well, in order to prevent me from getting a hold of it. She even went so far as to get rid of our computer and monitor before I grew to be tech savvy.

For a while, I complained, begged, and even raged over not having a TV, or any electronics, anymore. It was months before I finally learned to live without it. I had resorted to writing, reading, and studying in my free time, since I still failed at basic social skills. Life was not easy and there were many times I had been tempted to seek out a TV. But I held fast, not wanting to disappoint my mom any further.

Fast forward to high school, Junior Year. I’m up to my neck in AP classes, Honors classes, and college prep classes. Miraculously, I was managing to keep all of my grades up, but at the sacrifice of my sanity. After what had to be 4 years without a television in the house, she finally took the chance of putting in a new one. After a run down of the ground rules, including 1 hour limits, only watching when she was in the house, and to report to her if there was anything wrong, specifically in the mental department.

Today is Friday. Monday was when I spent my first time back on the ‘ol tube. I flipped through all the channels, some old, some new. A lot of the modern day cartoons weren’t my cup of tea and anything else I just found boring. I was endlessly flicked through the many channels, a sudden, vivid memory popped into my head.

“Channel 222…” I muttered, timing each press to the syllable. The screen briefly turned black, as it did when changing channels. When it came back, I was greeted by a familiar intro. It had been a long time, but I had seen it enough times that nostalgia washed over me in waves. I smiled and chuckled, reading the title of the show.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

Entry #1.2 - A Special Celebration

MLP: FiM was one of my favorite shows back in the day.

I remember watching it as soon as I had developed sight and a memory. It was the show that played when my mom watched TV with me while she was recovering in the hospital. It was the show my babysitter would sit me down to watch when she had somewhere else to be. It was the show I came home to in order to drown away my sorrows from my elementary years. It was the show I committed minor criminal activities for when the TV was off limits.

There were plenty of other programs though. You had all the classic sports channels, cooking channels, home improvement, crime, late night infomercials, and of course, cartoons. There was even anime and more adult animations during the night I would catch. But if there was any show that dominated most of my life in hindsight, it was MLP.

I couldn’t tell you why I like the show. Oh wait, I could. The show had a colorful cast of characters, both figuratively and literally. The adventures and shenanigans they had were cute and humorous. Hell, they even taught me a lot as a kid. In fact, more than I knew. The show had been with me through the highs and lows, practically since birth. Remember that pin? They were the connection I made with the TV.

I decided that if I was going to have an hour of TV, the first show I watch was going to be the one I grew up with. I sunk into my chair, watching as the opening credits faded to black.

The scene opened on a gigantic crystal, which was already interesting. I never remembered a crystal castle being there the last time. I guess the show went places while I was away.

Pinkie Pie, one of the main characters and the Element of Laughter, dashed toward the castle as a pink blur. She blasted past the doors, tripping on the rug, and tumbling into a enormous library. In the middle of the library was Twilight Sparkle, the central character of the story and the Element of Magic, reading a book.

I had to admit, I was a little too proud of what I remembered of the show. Yet, I didn’t remember neither the pegasus wings on her side nor the crown placed a top her head. Apparently, she had become an alicorn princess like the two sisters. That was quite the move of the writers, to drastically change the status quo like that. I’m sure the fandom celebrated her ascension with vigor.

Twilight was startled upon the pink whirlwind suddenly appearing in front of her, tossing the book away like a used napkin.

“HE’S BACK!” The pink pony screamed in Twilight’s face, causing her face to flap in the wind comically. Pinkie then began jumping around the screen, appearing every which way. “He’s back! He’s back! He’s back! He’s baaaaack~!”

Ah, classic Pinkie Pie.

Twilight fixed her face, rubbing her cheek as she smoothed out her features. “Who’s back?”

“Him, silly! Duh!” Pinkie said, leaning forward on only her front hooves and raising her eyebrows. Twilight looked puzzled, pressing a hoof to her jaw.

“Him? Him…” Twilight echoed to herself, scratching her chin. Suddenly, her pupils shrunk to the side of pinpricks, before dilating into two black discs with shining sparkles in her eyes. She rose from her seat, standing up on her own two front hooves to boop snoots with Pinkie. “HIM?!”

Pinkie frantically nodded, hard enough that I was afraid her head would pop off. Twilight then pranced around the room, squeeing adorably. Pinkie, after watching Twilight for a bit, imitated her prancing and squeeing. Finally, Twilight stopped, with Pinkie bumping into her behind.

“If he’s back, we have to round up the others!” Twilight exclaimed in an epiphany. She quickly went from excited to panic as she started to pace around the room. “Oh Celestia, he’s going to be so confused! We need to find a way to bring him up to speed in as little time as possible! Not to mention actually come up with something to do!”

“Well, I was going to throw a party.” Pinkie rested a foreleg on Twilight’s head, shining the other hoof on her coat with a smirk. “You know, like I do~!” She winked at the camera. It got a weird chuckle out of me.

“That’s perfect! We can just-“ Twilight suddenly stopped as her ears drooped, her face frozen with an expression of absolute terror. She grabbed Pinkie by her cheeks and brought them both nose to nose. “Pinkie, you can’t do that! He’ll notice!” Twilight backs away, realizing what she had said. “Uh, I mean, our guest! We can’t just throw a party because...um, he’ll notice that we are, uh, unprepared! Yeah, we’re unprepared! So, Pinkie Pie, lets go prepare for the party!”

“But I can just prepare a party like that!” Pinkie countered, snapping her hoof, even though the action itself was impossible. Twilight loomed over the party pony. While her face was as amiable as ever, her eyes were piercing and her smile was just a tad taut.

“I said…” Twilight strained. “Let’s. Prepare. For. The. Party!”

“Ooooooh.” Pinkie let out, before nudging Twilight. “Don’t worry, Twilight. I catch your cold!” Pinkie let out a cute little sneeze to emphasize her point. Twilight groaned as she planted a hoof on her muzzle.

It was that gag I decided to change the channel. It was like I thought. Although some things changed, it was the same little song and dance: ponies being cute. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel a little off about the whole thing.

The characters were definitely still in character, but the way they acted was a little uncanny. For the start of an episode, they didn’t really have much of a setup. From what I could gather, there's someone that’s returned and they want to throw a party. Though they never stated who. I would’ve just chalked that up to the hook of the episode, but I couldn’t help but get the impression they were talking about...me?

I quickly disregarded the thought. 5 minutes on the TV and I’m already becoming dependent again. I decided that I’ll catch the episode at a later date and settled for a channel that was running a bunch of action movies. I could at the very least catch a peak at one of those.

For about 15 minutes, I had watched a fast-faced, violent gunfight ensue between the protagonist and a bunch of goons. The choreography was stellar and I was both impressed with the cinematography and a little disappointed I had to catch it while it was airing on such a small screen, rather than a big movie screen. Yet, it was what happened after that really stuck with me. The movie went into a car commercial and I prepared myself to take a piss. As I stood up, another commercial abruptly cut off the car commercial.

“Tonight on the Hub!” A cheery male voice played on the TV. I saw a weird little logo that I could describe as a teardrop with two ends with the words, the Hub, inside it. “A brand new episode of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic!” The following scene was the one in which Pinkie bursted through the room shouting. That scene was then followed by a montage of the other ponies doing their part for the party.

I watched in astonishment. The network had to be tone deaf to air a kid’s commercial on what was to be assumed an adult program. And yet, here it was, airing the exact episode I switched from. I considered that for a moment. This could very well be a coincidence but that uncanny feeling was starting to creep on my like something was crawling on my back.

The commercial ended on a voiceover of Twilight playing over footage of the Mane Six gathering for a photo with the rest of the town. “Catch our new episode right now! Please?” Then, the commercial faded into another commercial.

I turned off the TV at that point. At the time, I thought I was too tired and delirious to be watching anything and just went to bed. That was Monday. Like I said, today’s Friday. I’ve been thinking about the night for several days now.

Please. Please. I hadn’t watched television in a while, but I know that I had never heard a program ask someone politely to watch their show. Then again, this is Friendship is Magic we’re talking about, so maybe I’m overthinking it.

I grabbed one of my school journals and I am currently writing this now. I’m gonna give the show another shot. I don’t know what’s going on, but I want to refrain from bringing this up to mom. I don’t know for sure if I’m unwell or what. I do know that the show airs on Channel 222, apparently on a network called the Hub.

I hope I’m not crazy.

Entry #2 - The Gang’s All Here (And Boy, Are They Weird!)

It’s pitiful how much time I have in the day and how little I have to do anything with it.

Today is Saturday. I decided that I would revisit that episode, the apparent celebration of a returning character. It started exactly as it had the first time I watched it, with Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie having their little argument, before descending upon the town. The majority of the plot revolves around the other ponies being told the news.

I’ve written the summary of what happened below. It went something like this...

Twilight and Pinkie ran across Ponyville, heading to Canterlot Boutique. Pinkie Pies, as she does, bursts through the door without a care, pronking about with an excited smile. Behind her, hunched over with nervousness I’m her eyes, was Twilight Sparkle. Her eyes darted around the room, as if she was scared someone would see her.

“Rarity~!” Pinkie called out in a sing song voice. When she wasn’t meant with a response, her face quickly soured. “RARITY!”

“Not so loud, Pinkie!” Twilight scolded, rubbing her ears as she winced. “Rarity’s probably just busy.”

“This is no time to be busy! We’ve had all this time to be busy! Now, it’s time for action!” Pinkie began to bounce up the stairs, a mare on a mission. Twilight sighed and, much more slowly, climbed the staircase.

Rarity was entranced by the sewing machine, the roar of the motor having a certain cadence that enraptured her thought. The fabric she held was heavenly to the touch, rubbing against the frogs of her well-manicured hooves. Her eyes were unfocused as she found herself in a deep, almost meditative statement. Although her hair was frazzled, her eyes heavy, she was at peace with herself.

All that came crashing down as Pinkie blasted by her bedroom door. Rarity let out a scream as she suddenly pushed the fabric deeper into the sewing machine, jamming it. Pinkie tackled Rarity from behind, wrapping her hooves around her abdomen. Rarity felt all the wind squeezed out of her.

“Rarity!” Pinkie cheered. “He’s here! He’s finally here!” Rarity, while struggling to breathe, levitated the pink mare off of her. As she was suspended in the air, Rarity took a gasp of hair and took some deep breaths to level her heart rate. When she was finally calmed, she glared icy daggers at the Pinkie.

“Sweet Celestia, darling!” Rarity yelled. “You nearly gave me a heart attack. Again. This week.” Pinkie blushed and smiled sheepishly. “Exactly what could have happened this time to make you forget. You know, besides from the usual sugar rush and lapses in judgement.”

“He’s here, Rarity! Weren’t you listening?” Pinkie frowned. Rarity gently set Pinkie back on the ground, putting a hoof to her face.

“Pinkie Pie.” Rarity started, massaging the bridge of her muzzle. “That are quite a lot of ‘He’s’ in Equestria. Can we skip the pronoun games already?” Pinkie’s eyes lit up.

“The pronoun game?” She asked excitedly. She then began to bounce in place. “Oh, oh! We can totally play the pronoun game!”

“Pinkie, I just said-“ Before Rarity could finish, Twilight let herself in the room.

“I wouldn’t bother, Rarity.” Twilight interjected. “Pinkie is in an especially good mood today and nothing’s going to calm her down.”

“I assume it has to do with this stallion she’s worked up over?” Rarity raised an eyebrow. “I’ll admit, I never took Pinkie for the romantic type.”

“I wouldn’t exactly say a stallion, Rarity.” Twilight corrected.

“Wait a second…” Rarity started, growing suspicious. “Is Pinkie…?” Rarity looks left and right, before approaching Twilight to whisper in her ears. “...one of those interspeciests?” Twilight groaned and stuck her face with her hoof.

“No, Rarity.” Twilight rolled her eyes. She then gestured her head in a direction. I would like to note that the gesture was subtle, as though she had tried not to draw much attention to it. I’ll wait to make a judgement.

Rarity was as confused by the gesture as I was. Up until she wasn’t.

Rarity gasped, a blush coming to her face. “Twilight! You don’t mean…?”

Twilight answered with a nod, a little smile forming on her face. Slowly, one began to slowly for, on Rarity’s. Then, suddenly, her face changed to a look of sheer terror. She quickly ran behind a divider, from which I could only see her silhouette. Even in the silhouette, I could recognize that she was covering herself as though she was naked behind there. Which was odd since she was covering her chest, when she has no breasts and her crotch, when it shouldn’t even be visible in her stance.

“I-I’m not ready!” Rarity cried out. “If he’s back, I want to look my absolute best! Oh, please tell me he’s not here yet!”

“Well, not entirely.” Twilight answered. “It’s a bit complicated, but regardless, he will be here. Pinkie suggested we throw a party. We could use your help!” Rarity peeked her head past the divider.

“You think I would miss this for the world, darling?” Rarity smiled, her horn glowing. Several dresses flew into the divider with her. “I would happily join in the festivities and even provide assistance. But, not until I’ve found a suitable outfit! I mean, honestly Twilight, couldn’t you give a lady a ‘head’s up’, as it were?”

Rarity ducked behind the divider, looking between two pairs of dresses. Twilight backed away, smiling.

“That’s one down, Pinkie! Where next?” Twilight turned to where Pinkie was. Emphasis on was, as Pinkie was nowhere to be seen. Twilight sighed, heading back downstairs.

Twilight managed to follow the sounds of squeeing and laughter to the town's market district. She found Pinkie bouncing circles around Applejack, who looked unamusedly at the unicorn as she approached. Twilight could tell that AJ was in the middle of selling apples when Pinkie came to harass her.

“Finally!” Applejack took one of her apples and popped it into Pinkie’s mouth. Pinkie sat, staring at the apple. Then, she began to nibble the apple contentedly. “Ah was hopin’ you weren’t far behind. Mind tellin’ me what in tarnation has Pinkie bein’ extra Pinkie today?”

Twilight repeated the gesture before. Unlike Rarity, Applejack understood almost instantly.

“Woah, are ya’ serious, Twi?!” Applejack pulled her hat off her head, holding it to her barrel. “Don’t be pullin’ my leg here! He ain’t been around here in...ah don’t know how long!”

“I wouldn’t lie to you, Applejack. He is back.” Twilight looked away, somberly. She mumbled to herself, “Hopefully.” She peeked back up when Applejack threw her hat into the air.

“Yee-haw!” Applejack cheered, catching the hat again. “It’s about darn time he showed back up. I just knew he’d have the good sense to remember us. Just like we remembered him.” She placed the hat back on her head. Just overhead, a pair of pegasi approached the group.

“What’s going on over here?” Rainbow Dash asked, torpedoing towards the three ponies. She came to a grinding halt in front of them, before she could crash through them like technicolor bowling pins. Behind her, Fluttershy landed with much more elegance and grace. “First, we hear Pinkie running through Ponyville like a maniac and now AJ is yelling like she won a lottery! Is there something I should know about?”

“Rainbow, there doesn’t have to be something.” Fluttershy said warmly. “AJ can be excited and Pinkie can be Pinkie. Nothing special has to be occurring for that to happen.” By this time, Pinkie had finished her apple. As such, she sprang back into the group, bouncy as ever,

“But something special is happening, Fluttershy!” Pinkie grabbed her cheeks and squished them. “The most, spectacular, incredible, amazing, show stopping, never the same, totally unique-“ Another apple was shoved into her mouth, courtesy of Applejack.

“The boy is back.” Applejack answered frankly. Behind her, Twilight stiffened, shocked by what she had heard. Applejack, sensing the alicorn’s tension, turns to look at her assuredly. “Don’t worry, sugarcube. I know what I said.”

After a couple rewatches, this line stands out to me. Twilight has spent the entire episode talking around the narrative crux of the plot, seemingly nervous ever step of the way. And here, Applejack seems to shake her deeply. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but this moment seems significant. Just thought I’d make note of it. Back to the recap.

“Wait, really?!” Rainbow asked incredulously. When Applejack confirmed with a head nod, Rainbow shot directly into the air, hooting and hollering. After a few fly-bys, she comes to another screeching stop. “It’s been like, forever and a half since we last hung out! Can we talk to him now?”

“No!” Twilight shouted suddenly, before reflexively covering her mouth. The other ponies stared at her. Twilight cleared her throat.

“I mean, it’s been such a long time.” Twilight clarified. “We don’t know how he might react if we just, you know, go back to how we were before.” The other girls looked at each other, frowning. They all then collectively nodded.

“It would still be nice if we could.” Fluttershy spoke up, her head tilted toward the ground. She pawed at the dirt. “I miss him.” Twilight approached, wrapping a wing around her.

“Don’t worry, Fluttershy.” She reassured the pegasus. “We”ll figure something out. We always have.” Twilight moved to stand before the rest of the ponies. “As of now, let’s focus on giving him-“ Pinkie pushes Twilight to the side.

“-the greatest party EVER!” She screamed, finishing Twilight’s sentence. The others cheered in agreement.

It was at this point the show began its musical number. I was always a fan of the show’s music. From the ear worm of “Winter Wrap Up”, to the bop that was “Til The End Of Time”, to my all time favorite, “The Smile Song”. So, picture my amazement when the musical number seemingly encompasses elements from all the previous songs from the show. It was a medley, combining melodies and referencing lyrics. It was a song celebrating all of the show and where it had gone. It even helped to fill me in on some of the things that happened, such as a few villains being reformed, a school being built, and the entire cast having fought a trio of recurring villains.

However, as much of an absolute delight of a song it is, I noticed something worth writing down. I’ve listened to this song a lot. An embarrassing amount actually. The thing I notice is that the song is not only about celebrating the past episodes, but of the mystery character as well.

Pinkie led with her singing of all the stories she would tell and how she loved to make him smile.

Applejack followed with her verse on how the mystery character was a part of her family.

Rarity, from her room, sung of how she wished to dazzle and enrapture him as she once did before. She later joined the group in an ornate dress, even for her.

Rainbow’s part focused on the stunts that she would perform for the character's amusement.

Fluttershy sung of how she would enjoy the quiet moments they share and how she would sing lullabies to soothe the character to sleep.

Twilight closed out the solos with her fondness of the character, seeing them as a friend, partner, and closest companion despite being far away.

Finally, they all sung in harmony, the verse united by the praise they gave to this unknown individual.

After some thinking, I came to understand why I loved the song so much: I felt like it was about me. Looking back on my memories, I remembered the laughter Pinkie gave me, the admiration I had for Applejack, the beauty that endeared Rarity to me, the awe that Rainbow gave me, the calm that Fluttershy provided, and the lessons and values Twilight taught me. It all felt so personal. The song resonated with me. And as I sat, listening to the TV set, I felt like I did when I was a kid. I felt like that kid again.

So, why do I find it unnerving?

As the song concluded, a new pony entered the room. This one was one I was unfamiliar with. Her most memorable feature was her curly, purple mane with a blue streak. She looked at the group curiously, asking the question that’s been burning in my mind.

“Who are you guys talking about?” Starlight asked. The mane six were all startled by her sudden appearance. Twilight was the first to answer.

“Oh, um, well it’s…” Twilight’s voice died down, as she came to a realization. One that I noticed as well. It was practically seconds before the episode would hit the credits. Twilight stuttered as she tried to think of a name. “Y-you see, we’re throwing a party for…” She looked around at the decorations they had set. It was all too generic to be for anyone in particular. A sweat drop rolled down Twilight’s face. Just then, just when it looked to be over, Spike entered the room behind Starlight.

“Hey, Twilight!” He greeted, lugging several saddlebags behind him. “I’m back from the market! You won’t believe how long the lines were-“ As Spike talked, the six ponies all surrounded him, smothering him in a sudden embrace.

“Spike, of course!” Twilight laughed nervously. “It’s the anniversary of when I hatched him out of his shell! Right, girls?” The other five vigorously nodded their heads.

“But it’s not even-“ Pinkie stuffed a cupcake in his, silencing him in a bit of irony.

“We’re so glad to have you back, Spike!” Pinkie beamed, her eyes completely unconvincing. “You are TOTALLY the dragon I was excited for the entire time! Yup! Definitely!” Spike gave an aside glance to the camera. As he did so and a circle closed in on his face, I saw for a brief moment that his eyes widened in surprise.

Then just like that, roll credits. The episode ended and so had my fifth or so viewing.

I’ve studied over the episode. I’ve studied over the song. I have wasted so mush of time understanding what this episode was about. By all accounts, this episode failed the most basic principles of writing. There was no goal, the characters talked around the plot, and the ending was unsatisfying. It was like the episode was made last minute.

That’s when it hit me.

It was last minute. They weren’t expecting anyone to watch the show, least of all me. The ponies didn’t expect me. The episode was about me, wasn’t it?

I am the one who came back.

What the fuck.

Entry #3 - The Abyss

You know how in horror movies, the protagonist never seems to get the hint that they should leave the plot alone?

Like, whenever there’s a spooky ouija board, they’re just compelled to ask the ghost questions, rather than just put the board away? Or, they decide to go down into the dark, decrepit basement, even though they know they heard something down there?

I always thought of myself as a rational person. I would know when to quit. When I stare into the abyss and it stares back, I had the sense to turn around and go the other way. So, what did I decide to do when a bunch of cartoon animals celebrated my watching them, like a creepypasta written in kindergarten?

I kept watching, of course. Like an idiot.

In my defense, I didn’t know if I was still a skitzo. Hell, I still very well could be. But, regardless, a couple weird events weren’t enough for me to make a judgement. So, over the past month, I’ve made a habit of watching the show.

The first thing I’ve noticed was that the show made a concerted effort to explain the large gap in time from since the last time I watched it. I’ve learned that a centaur dude wiped the old treehouse, which apparently gave birth to a bigger, shinier treehouse. Then, a new unicorn came along and had a villain arc before becoming a secondary character. Then, a bunch of folk heroes resurfaced and are now living in the modern, pony world. Then, a single filly managed to one up the entire main cast, before being sent to prison. And then, 4 of the old villains, five including the twist that is Discord, basically overthrow the kingdom before the gang beats them with one last rainbow laser, for old times’ sake.

The only thing more peculiar than the direction the show went in while I was away was the way in which the show decided to tell me this. Spike, to his dismay, served as the narrative device. He was sitting in front of a chalkboard, being lectured by Twilight. As she explained each event, clips from episodes I’ve never seen played out before me. It was surreal. Couldn’t the channel just host reruns of the old episodes? Did the channel have reruns? Does the channel have any other show?!

8/3

Back to writing in the journal. I’m gonna find more time to write here. Also, I’m going to start dating these entries, for bookkeeping purposes. Exactly who else is gonna be looking at the mad scrawlings? Hell if I know.

Last entry, I was questioning if this “The Hub” had any other shows. Well, after some time researching the channel, I’ve come across a revelation: it doesn’t. In fact, I don’t think it exists.

Now that the TV is unbanned, the same goes for internet access. I’ve had access in school, so I wasn’t an absolute Neanderthal on the keyboard. Throughout all the web browsing, forum trolling, and wiki diving, I didn’t see a single mention of The Hub. Neither did I find any evidence of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

This begs the question, did I just make up an entire show in my head? That seemed unlikely, right? I did try searching for mental disorders that pertained. Among diagnoses were the likes of bipolar disorder, depression, and even post traumatic stress disorder. I mean, I am confirmed for depression and it would make sense. Quiet kid, poor home life, decides to fill the void of social interaction with an overactive imagination? Checks out.

So, it would seem that I figured it out? I’m just experiencing hallucinations and false memories? If that’s the case, why now?

After some thought, I think it’s just the stress of school. Given that I’m spending days on end in boring, difficult classes I barely prepare for, it would seem reasonable that once I get back on the TV, I would relapse.

I guess then I am insane. I should probably just stop watching TV.

8/4

Alright, I know I said I wouldn’t but here me out. I mean, yeah, I concluded that I’m unwell and I should stop watching TV. But, it doesn’t seem right to brush it off yet. I mean, it was only one day. That’s not good science, Twilight taught me that. Well, in the past, she did.

I remember that episode where she spent days trying to study Pinkie’s Pinkie Sense. Now, I couldn’t actually tell you if it was all day or multiple days, but it was a significant amount of time. And the fact that I have that memory means something, right?

Right. So, I spent another hour watching the show. This is how it went...

Spike dragged his blanket with him into the castle’s library. Twilight pranced from bookshelf to bookshelf, collecting books in her magical grasp. Spike rubbed his eyes.

“Uh, Twilight?” Spike yawned. “What are you doing at 4 in the morning?”

Twilight barely regarded the drake. “Come on, Spike. Isn’t it obvious?”

Spike blinked. “No. It’s not.”

Twilight looked up at the mess of books she was levitating. To her, it was clear that she was getting far ahead of herself.

“Hmm. You’re right.” Twilight agreed. “Maybe it will be more familiar like this!” She arranged the books on top of one another. Each book was carefully placed in a particular order, until it resembled a classic bookfort. In fact, it looked familiar. I held my tongue. I imagined that the ponies were none the wiser that I suspected something was up, so I didn’t want to blow the lid on my investigation.

“I mean, I guess it’s a little familiar.” Spike relented, cocking his head to one side. Then, his face lit up like a flashlight. “Wait, isn’t there we used to read comic books with-“ Twilight grabbed a remaining book and smacked it on the drake’s head.

Yup, none the wiser.

“Why yes, it is the bookfort we used to read your comic books in!” Twilight corrected. She crouched down and ducked under the low hanging roof of the bookfort, Spike crawling after her. The two found themselves squeezed together, their faces uncomfortably close to one another. Twilight chuckled nervously. “Hehe, Spike? Did you get a little...bigger since we last did this?”

“Jeez, Twi. I don’t know.” Spike answered, unamused by the comment. “Maybe it has more to do with the wings at your sides?” Spike pinched the wing, causing Twilight to yelp in shock. With that, the bookfort came tumbling down their sides. Twilight grabbed her wing and rubbed it.

“Okay, I get your point.” Twilight chuckled. Spike picked up one of the books that made up the wall. It was a collection of nursery rhymes. He picked up another, aptly named “Little Red Riding Mare”. Another book, “Three Little Ponies”. Spike and I were sensing a pattern here.

“What’s with all the kiddie books?” Spike asked, echoing my own thoughts. “Why even build a bookfort now?” Twilight pulled the books from her assistants claws and held them in front of her. Then, in a surprising move, she grabbed each one and hugged them tightly. Although her eyes were close, I could tell that she was remembering them fondly.

“I don’t know.” She finally admitted. “I guess I was just feeling nostalgic. I remember when we used to read everyone of these when you were younger. Whenever we finished a book, we’d added them to the wall. It was like we were making a home for ourselves out of stories. Every adventure, every lesson, would build a world for us to live in and be together. Don’t you agree, Spike?” Twilight looked excitedly to Spike, who looked to be dozing off. He snapped awake.

“Oh, you were talking to me?” Spike asked, pointing a claw at himself. Twilight glared at him,before breaking into a small smile. She ruffled the spines on his head, as a big sister would.

“You're a piece of work, you know that?” Twilight teased. The two shared a laugh, ending out the scene.

I stopped the episode at that point. Pffft, like it was an even an episode. I get the strange feeling that this “show” is more than a show. It’s like I’m peering into a window into another world, one in which they’re aware that I’m peeking in on them. If they're real, why don’t they find that creepy or disturbing? If they aren’t, why would I put myself through the mental gymnastics?

I’m gonna go through the DSM again, see if there isn’t anything else wrong with me.

Entry #4 - Reality Deferred

8/6

~~It’s Tuesday. I’m tired. I know, it was only Monday. I don’t know man.~~

8/9

Alright. Ground rules. No using this journal for writing about personal stuff. This is purely a record of my developing insanity. Just writing that stuff put me in a garbage mood for like a week.

Oh yeah, speaking of which, I think the show can tell my mood. I think. I say this because this week’s airings were...interesting.

I should first note that due to Tuesday, I didn’t watch the show that day. Was in my feelings. However, Wednesday I resumed my hour-long binging. That was the day Pinkie starred in an episode. It was unlike any other episode before. I won’t go through the trouble of transcribing it like the others, but here’s the gist:

The episode was framed as a late night talk show. Took place in the basement of Sugarcube Corner, which is apparently Pinkie’s Party Cave? Anyway, she had lined up a bunch of stuffed animals and pastries for the party. Typical Pinkie behavior. However, it was a rather unsubtle excuse to have her talking and facing the camera directly.

It felt weird, having to pretend like I didn’t know that she was watching me. I tried to not think about it, but that only made me think about it harder. What did she see, staring back at her? What do any of them see? Is it just a camera that follows them wherever they go or a similar screen of me sitting on the floor, watching them? Or do they just get the sense that they are being watched from somewhere?

I kept my best poker face, despite the endless questions. I don’t think she caught on. In any case, she performed a ton of skits, all of which she did by herself. I recall one being about a substitute teacher getting names wrong, one about her hiding a journal with embarrassing notes from Gummy, and even one of a Mexican standoff (with no actual guns, mind you).

The reason I’m noting this episode is mainly for how it ended. Pinkie ended her show on an important message that she wanted to share with the “audience”. Needless to say, I paid attention as closely as I could so I could accurately write it down now. She enjoyed that. Here’s how that went…

Pinkie tossed the rubber chicken and Groucho glasses off screen, having finished her latest skit. She had a laughing fit herself, causing her to do those cute little snorts. Let me just say right now: no matter if she is a creature from another world or a manifestation of my childlike innocence, that shit will always be precious.

She wipes a tear from her eyes and clears her throat. “Sometimes, I just don’t know how I do it myself, fillies and gentlecolts!”

The lights begin to dim on set, with only a spotlight shining on her from above. The camera briefly cut to Gummy, who looked to be as immobile and dead as ever. Pinkie looks back into the camera, sitting up straight but still keeping her perky smile.

“Now, I want to end this episode of Night Mare with Pinkie Pie! on a special message for our lovely viewers.” Pinkie beamed. My heart caught in my throat, as I felt like any moment she would just reach out of the TV. I wouldn’t put it past her.

“We’ve all had our days. You know, those icky bad days that leave an awful taste in your mouth, like a cupcake with hoof polish instead of frosting!” Pinkie continued, retching at her own metaphor. “Many things can cause these icky days. Maybe you have something stuck in your mane, or maybe you forgot to take your refrigerator for a run, or maybe your best friend is out of town for the week and you just can’t wait for them to come back!”

Pinkie was standing on her makeshift desk at this point, having hyped herself up on worry. She caught herself, slowly lowering back in her chair. As she did so, her hair also straightened a little and her ears grew limp.

“Whatever the case is, feeling all icky sometimes makes you not want to do anything. Even as amazing as hanging out with your friends.” Pinkie looked down toward the floor. I had a feeling that the impetus for this episode was me missing Tuesday’s episode. I think Pinkie saw me looking a little guilty because she gave a small gasp.

“Oh, but it’s totally reasonable! Even your friendly neighborhood party pony has her off days!” Pinkie attempted to reassure me. She practically dropped any pretense of their being anything else in the room. “That being said, I will always be here to make you smile! It’s my sworn duty to everypony, especially you!” She pointed her hoof towards me. “So, whenever you’re feeling down, just know that I’m here for you, okay? Don’t forget me, alright?”

Pinkie’s smile disappeared for a moment, her eyes peering at me with a sense of pain. It unsettled me. She looked like a wounded animal, like I had abandoned her or something. For all I know, I might have.

Before I could ruminate it any longer, Pinkie shook her mane back to its usual puffiness. She then gave a big, beaming smile toward the camera. “Well, that’s the hour folks! Tune in tomorrow to see Rainbow’s newest Wonderbolt performance! I love you all and goooooodnight~!” She frantically waved both hooves, before rushing to a drum set and playing her own outro music. Then, the credits rolled.

So, from what I’ve gathered, they know both when I, watching them and when I’m not. Time still moves when I’m not, so it’s not like they blink out of existence if I don’t watch the show. Instead, I’m just absent for however long a day here equates to them.

The more I rationalize this, the less I think I’m actually crazy. I mean, there’s rules to this world that I’m discovering. Dreams and hallucinations are usually defined by how they break the laws of reality. So, what are they? Aliens? Eldritch abominations? Or just some form of AI that likes to fuck with me? Either way, the lines get muddier the more I watch.

Oh, and the next day, there was an episode featuring Rainbow Dash’s performance. Just like Pinkie said. Take that as you will.

Entry #5 - Y.B.I.

Author's Note

Chapter title and opening line is in reference to this song. It relates to our protagonist's struggle (who isn't me, I swear. Would I ever lie?) and served as the inspiration for this chapter.

Also, this is like my third time adding music to these fanfics, like this shit got a soundtrack. But whatever, I guess.

Entry #5 - Y.B.I.

8/11

As I sit and count these clouds, I sure hope mom’s proud of me.

I know I said this was a journal for the documentation of what I’m now dubbing “The Case of the Living Television Show”.

It’s a...work in progress.

However, today I went outside. It’s something I rarely do these days. This is coming from someone who was deprived of the luxury of having a TV set at home.

It’s a risky venture, given the times, but I ventured the risk anyway. There’s a park nearby, where little kids play and, on the odd occasion, basketball players come over to practice. This was one of those even occasions.

There was a patch of grass where I chose to sit, for the shade under a tree. I still had a good look at the clouds overhead. I risked laying down, since I hated bugs and the feeling of them crawling over me. It wasn’t necessarily comfortable, but it would do.

I’m still here as I write this, just thought I’d set the stage. A minor reason I’m even journaling is because I have this stupid dream of being a writer. Hence why so far these entries are written weirdly.

Whatever. I’m beginning to think I don’t want anyone to read this. I must sound like a weirdo or something. Well, it’s not like I’m NOT a weirdo, but believing that a nonexistent television show is communing with me from another world sounds like something out of the Twilight Zone.

Oh yeah, I gotta tie this entry to the ponies somehow.

Well, I guess even bothering to come outside today is partly their fault. I watched an episode where the girls were mostly outside. They were cloud gazing, looking for shapes in the clouds. I guess, I wanted to do something like that. Maybe not consciously, I never had any interest in nature. But seeing them doing it and enjoying, I guess I wanted to imitate that?

Although, I’m starting to realize I’m missing something vital for this to work: friends.

I sat up. Or, I sit up. I’m assuming that I should write in present tense since I’m now writing what I’m doing. Man, this is gonna be confusing for someone to read. Wait, I don’t want anyone to read this. Do I?

Ugh, I don’t know what to fucking do! Am I crazy, am I in danger?! Should I trust the ponies or should I just blackout like before? Will they care? They seem to.

It’s times like this where I wish I did have friends to talk to. Maybe they wouldn’t give me the best advice, but at least I wouldn't be alone in this. We could be like the kids in IT, fighting against some eldritch horror with nothing but our wit and determination. Instead, I’m being talked to by a bunch of horse girls.

Whenever I was feeling alone, the only solace I had was my mother. I hardly talk to her and honestly, I should do that more. Perhaps now more than ever. But I can’t just bring this up. I’ll have to think of a subtle way to handle this.

The back is starting to chafe and I think a mosquito bit me. I’ll save this for later.

8/14

I almost had a heart attack at school today. Well, not really, but I was scared shitless.

I’ve been making a habit of carrying this notebook around wherever I go. I don’t want to risk leaving this in the house and my mom, or even my little brother to come across it and start reading. However, maybe I’ll have to.

I was in my AP Biology class, learning about...something. I usually zone out in the back, no one ever really notices. I even cried back there one time silently and no one even looked back. That’s beside the point. I was back there, reviewing a few of the transcripts I wrote down. Suddenly, the fire alarm goes out. There wasn’t any indication that we were having a drill, so I assume that something went down. (Note: Eavesdropped on a couple of students, apparently some students were smoking weed in the bathrooms. Typical.)

In any case, we were rushed out of the classroom. I followed behind the other students and we went outside, where we waited and waited until the firefighters showed up. They did their thing and we went back inside. Since we had lost so much time, the school must’ve decided to just switch periods. So, everyone just went to their next class, me included. I already had my backpack so I was fine with it.

It took a whole 5 minutes in my class, before I realized that I had left my notebook in my previous class. So, I excused myself to “use the bathroom” and bolted through the hallways, attempting to get to the notebook before someone got curious.

I mean, could you imagine what would happen if someone read this book. Best case scenario, I’ll be thought of as some as some “gay loser that watches a show about ponies” (which, wouldn’t be inaccurate, but still). Worst case scenario, I’m the gay loser AND a scizophrenic that everyone stays even farther away from and my teachers treat like a mentally deficient three year old. And that was only what I thought at the time! I’ve since come up with a bunch of horrifying what ifs if this book got into the wrong hands.

I managed to make it to the door and get a look. Just my luck, the notebook was mere inches from a girl, who was tapping away at her cellphone. She looked like she would be in a few popular circulars, not to mention she was a looker in her own right. Bah, whatever, doesn't matter. What mattered was getting the book and leaving.

A video was playing on the projector, hiding the sounds of the door opening as I snuck into the room. Well, it wasn’t really sneaking as I moved with the confidence that I belonged there. I managed to reach the table where the notebook laid. I grabbed it casually, eyeing the girl to make sure she didn’t have a sudden interest in going through people’s property. But no, she just continued on her phone. I quickly left the classroom, closing the door on my way out.

And that was that. I got my notebook, no one read it, and my secret was safe. It all felt rather anticlimactic. I mean, if it were the Main Six, every part of this adventure would just be a cascading failure. They would try to leave their classroom, only for the teacher to deny them. Then, they would come up with a convincing excuse and run down the hallway, only to be stopped by a hall monitor. Then, they’d distract the hall monitor and make it to the other class, only to find that the book was being read. They’d confront the student, the student would apologize for being nosy, they’d sing a song, and friendship would prevail.

My life didn’t work like that. I moved around like a ghost, with no one suspecting I even existed. Even when I spoke out, I was just another face in a sea of other, arguably more interesting people. Thus, I could leave a classroom, enter another, and no one would be the wiser.

In a way, it was useful for this retrieval mission. Yet, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of disappointment that I was so invisible in my own life.

Oh well, at least I can be a gay, schizophrenic loser in peace.

Entry #6 - Revelations

8/16

I decided that to better understand the phenomenon now, it was time to understand when it all started.

In my first two entries, I wrote about My Little Pony’s prevalence in my life. After rereading and rereading again, it still baffles me, especially since I’m now 65% convinced the ponies are real. If they truly aren’t a figment of my imagination, how could have been so much a part of my life?
So, I’ve decided that I’ll try and dig up some information from my childhood. I’m a little ashamed to admit that most of my life is a blur in my mind. I’m only able to recall vague details. Maybe it’s a result of me repressing a lot of it but again, this journal is for the sole documentation of the Picture Pony Phenomenon (still working on a title). The best lead I have is my mom. So, better start there.

I got a tape from my mom. I brought up why I wasn’t allowed to watch TV as a kid and the answer was pretty much what I knew it was. As my mom recalled, I was glued to the TV in an unhealthy way, constantly spending hours on end watching TV.

However, there were a few insights I gained. One, from my mom’s perspective, I wasn’t watching any one cartoon, but a whole bunch of crap. This included cooking channels, news channels, hell, even horror movies. I guess the show really didn't exist.

Which brings me to my second new insight, that I insisted that this show existed. As a kid, I was told that I would spend days just talking about the show. Mom thought i just had an overactive imagination, but she grew worrisome when I was asking for merchandise and throwing fits when she said there wasn’t anything. However, what worried her even more was when after watching TV afterwards, I apparently came back and told her I understood.

This leads to revelation number three, which just might be the most disturbing: I was talking to the TV. My mom told me stories of me sitting by the television and having full conversations. Again, she chalked this up to an overactive imagination for a while. However, there was one incident that had her convinced that I was developing schizophrenia.

That brings us back to the tape. She gave it to me for me to look at. One day, she had filmed me in secret to show to a child psychologist my odd behavior. I haven’t looked yet. I’m getting a weird feeling, like a growing pit in my stomach. I don’t know why I’m so nervous.

Anyways, I’m going to check it out. Wish me luck.

8/17

~~What tHe fuck what the fuck what fuckwhaT THE FUCK~~

8/22

I’m not going to continue this experiment anymore. I won’t continue this experiment anymore. The rabbit hole is deeper than I thought. Something is wrong. Wrong with them, not me.

I wasn’t ready. I was not ready.

Author's Note

Spoiler: Next chapter is a format (and perspective) switch. Given the format, it might go against the rules of the site but I felt that, for this story, it's imperative that it look the way it does.

Entry #6.1 - The Tape

[Inside the book is a hole made within the pages. An old school VHS cassette sits inside the journal. Taking it out, you insert it into the VHS player.]

VIDEO LOG

DATE RECORDED: 5/10/2006
DATE FOUND: 8/17/2020
DATE RECOVERED BY [REDACTED]: 10/20/20--

NOTE: The following footage depicts the subject, henceforth referred to as “THE JOURNALIST”, interacting with the anomalous entity within the television program. The anomalous entity, henceforth referred to as “PINKIE PIE”, engages the subject in conversation. To the average viewer, the subject appears to be talking to TV static. However, using [REDACTED], we have managed to interpret the data as the subject saw them both in the video and when he watched the tape years later.

[BEGIN LOG]

00:00 - 05:45: The mother sets up the camcorder on a kitchen table, facing towards the living room. The television set can be viewed from a 45 degree angle. A news broadcast is airing. The Journalist is sitting by the television set, drawing on a sheet of paper. He is not paying attention to the television screen.

05:46 - 06:34: The mother announces her departure to the grocery store and footsteps can be heard, followed by the door closing. The Journalist discards the drawing hastily. The drawing appears to stick figure depictions of six different colored horses, likely the main cast of the program. The Journalist uses the televisions sets buttons to flip through the different channels.

06:35 -15:59: Without [REDACTED], this is where the television static would occur. Instead, a flat colored background of a meadow appears on the television set. A pink mare with a bouncy mane, previously established as “Pinkie Pie”, sits impatiently. When her image appears on the screen she visibly smiles and approaches the “camera”. The following exchange occurs.

Pinkie Pie: Finally! I’ve been waiting all day for you, ya little munchkin!

[Pinkie hugs the camera, pressing her face to the screen. The Journalist leans against the television, imitating the embrace with the TV set.]

The Journalist: Hi.

Pinkie Pie: How was school today? Are those meanies still bothering you?

[The Journalist nods.]

The Journalist: Yes...

Pinkie Pie: Is your teacher STILL not helping?!

[The Journalist nods again.]

Pinkie Pie: Ugh! How can people be so inconsiderate in your world? I wish I can just pull you through the screen and give you cuddles and nuzzles and snuggles and hey, what’s that?

[Pinkie points her hoof at the drawing that was laid discarded. The Journalist picks it up and shows it to Pinkie. Pinkie gasps.]

Pinkie Pie: Oh my Celesita, you drew that? You’re so talented, you know that?

[The Journalist giggles bashfully at the ponies' praise.]

Pinkie Pie: Have you shown this to your mama yet?

[The Journalist shakes his head. From Pinkie’s change in expression, it can be assumed that the Journalist has frowned.]

The Journalist: She was too busy...

Pinkie Pie: Uh oh, have they been fighting again?

[Hesitantly, The Journalist nods. Pinkie places a hoof on the screen and The Journalist places his hand over her’s. Pinkie gives a sad smile.]

Pinkie Pie: It’s not your fault, munchkin. I bet when you do show her, her smile will grow so bright, it’ll light up the night sky!

[Pinkie nuzzles the camera with her snout, with the journalist leaning in to nuzzle back. Pinkie starts speaking again in a low whisper.]

Pinkie Pie: Hey, remember when I said I wish I could cuddle and snuggle you?

[The Journalist nods.]

Pinkie Pie: Well, Twilight told me not to tell you this yet, but she’s made a breakthrough on that spell! She said a lot of mumbo jumbo, but somewhere in there I heard her say that our world’s aren’t that far apart! Well, maybe there's just a little far, but each day we talk, we’re getting closer and closer!

The Journalist: What does that mean?

Pinkie Pie: It means that the more time we spend together, the more likely I can come visit you! Or you could visit us! Wouldn't you like to visit Equestria for realsies?

[The Journalist nods enthusiastically.]

Pinkie Pie: That’s my little munchkin!

[Pinkie Pie plants a kiss on the screen. Afterwards, she stares directly into the camcorder’s camera.]

Pinkie Pie: Huh, I think we’re being watched? Munchkin, could you turn off that camera for me?
I’m worried about what your parents will think if they see us talk like this.

The Journalist: Okay, Pinkie.

[The Journalist approaches the camera and, after a few minutes of fumbling under Pinkie’s suggestions and directions, manages to stop the recording.]

[END LOG]

CLOSING STATEMENT: After an interview with the mother, she explained that when she had located the camcorder to look over the events, the tape was missing. She had found it hidden under the Journalist's bed. It is unknown whether the choice to hide the tape was The Journalist or the entity’s decision.

Author's Note

That's right boys (and the one girl, you know who you are)! We goin' SCP wit' it! I don't know if this flies with the mods but I really, REALLY wanted to do this and I argue it makes the fic much more effective and enjoyable because of it. However, if I'm asked to change it, I will.

To that mod, I'm sorry.

Also, no, this is not actually an SCP or SCP related in anyway. It's more inspired by it and uses its interview format to better reflect that an organization is looking over this journal.

Entry #7 - Pinkie’s Lament

10/28

I was hoping I’d never have to write in this journal ever again.

So, some time has passed since I saw the tape. It freaked me out, to think that I was talking to...something that wasn’t there. And for so long too. The way Pinkie talked to me reminded me of a predator. A child predator. They talk to you sweetly, attempting to be as friendly as possible. Because you're a child, you don’t know any better. She even had me convinced enough to interact with the TV like it was a person.

The part that clinched the whole thing for me is what Pinkie said towards the end. Wherever they are, whatever they are, they are getting closer and closer to my world. They’re using me as a bridge. No wonder they’re so desperate for my attention: they’re using me as a tool and I’m their only tool.

What are they gonna do when they get here? Are they going to conquer my world? Are they really monsters disguised as a children’s show? Are they only after me?

I eventually decided that whatever the answer, it’s too dangerous to continue watching. There’s too much I don’t know and confronting them directly risks them further manipulating me. They seem to know a lot about me, even at a young age. The ponies have groomed me, as rough as it is to admit. I had to cut myself off. So, I did.

At least, I thought I did. Hence, this entry.

Today was a quiet day. I wasn’t feeling my best, but that’s nothing new and nothing I feel like writing in here. I often listen to music during these depressive periods, as a way to ride out the current wave. I was close to sleeping, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I was becoming delirious.

That’s when I heard it. An unlisted, unnamed song was queued up and started playing. It sounded something like this...

[Inside the page is a usb drive. The origin of the usb drive is unknown. When plugged into a USB port on a computer with an operating software, a .mp3 file is presented on screen. The file name is “Pinkies_Lament.mp3”.]

AUDIO LOG

[BEGIN LOG]

[Dead air fills the first couple seconds. Then, a piano plays in the background.]

My little human, what to say to you
You’ve caught my eye and I barely know your name
When you gazed upon my world, you smiled
And it warmed my heart

I’m dedicating every day to you
A simple life was never quite Pinkie’s style
When you smile, you knock me out
I fall apart and I thought I was so smart

I‘ll take away your frustrations
I’ll laugh and cry with you, I’ll be beside of you
You’re the center of my fixation
If it’s alright with you, I’ll find my way to you

And take you far away
Someday, someday
We won’t be so far away
Someday, someday

Oh, human, when you smile I am undone
You’re fun
So much fun
Your smile is all I’m looking for
If only you could stick around

Oh, human, your smile outshines Celestia’s sun
Her sun
When you smile
I fall apart, and I thought I was so smart

I wish that we could be friends (I wish that we could be friends)
I wish I could be there with you
I’ll do whatever it takes (I’ll smash the screen til it breaks)
So that I can be there for you

I’ll save you from your isolation
I’ll laugh and cry with you, I’ll be beside of you
I’ll run away from my own nation
If I could be with you, I’d do it all for you

I can take you far away
Someday, someday
We won’t be so far away
Someday, someday

[Another seconds of dead air. A sad sigh can be heard faintly in the background.]

[END LOG]

So, yeah. I have no idea what that’s about. Is it another case of the show trying to trick me? I can’t but feel a sense of earnestness. The most curious thing about it? The song was familiar. It was like a lullaby, long suppressed in my unconsciousness. I’m going to assume that this is the case because at this point, there’s no point in playing 20 questions with myself.

In short, it’s about time I had a talk with them. Face-to-face.

Author's Note

A chapter that’s just an excuse to post a lyrical parody of “Dear Theodosia” from the hit Broadway musical Hamilton by Lin-Manuel? My ninja, you know it!

Entry #8 - Confrontation

10/31

How fitting that I’m writing a supernatural encounter on Halloween night. No formalities. No prefaces. Here’s what happened.

It was the dead of night, going on early morning. Mom was asleep in her room no for good measure, I placed my mattress against her door. I didn’t want to freak her out since I’m relapsing back to old, worrisome habits. I walked out to the living room and sat in front of the TV set. My heart rapped across my chest but I did my best to ignore it.

Best case scenario, this will be as awkward for them as it will be for me. My fears of them being extra-dimensional monsters was slightly alleviated by the mysterious song that played a couple days ago. Granted, it could all be an elaborate ruse to lower my guard but there’s just so little I actually know. And I just want answers.

I push the power button. As expected, I’m greeted with a view of Twilight’s Castle. Perfect. If I could rely on anyone to give me a straight answer, it’d be her. The scene transitions to inside the castle, where Twilight is busy reorganizing the many bookcases.

“So, how should you organize you all today?” She pondered to herself. I watched as her tail twitched, a light swishing from side to side. I long since identified as a tick, particularly of Twilight, whenever she becomes aware of my presence. She continued addressing the audience of literature. “We could try the plain old Dewey Decimal, reverse Dewey Decimal, alphabetical titles, word count, page count, reverse alphabetical…”

“Twilight.” I uttered. It was soft at first, as I had a last minute thought of flaking on this decision. Despite that, Twilight froze in place. Her wings hugged her sides. Even her tail stiffened, resembling cardboard. A short inhale, with no following exhale. No doubt about it, I totally caught her off guard. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air between us, penetrating through the screen. In a poetic way, it connected us. Rooted us in the moment with its eldritch atmosphere.

“...R-reversal alphabetical titles, Topics ranging from least to most interesting, alphabetical authors, reverse…” She continued, having chosen to ignore me calling her name. Maybe she thought I had said it absentmindedly or haven’t said it at all. Whatever the case, she continued to act as though I wasn’t watching her. Ironic, given how much the ponies wanted me to acknowledge them before. I cleared my throat and took a deep breath.

“Twilight.” I said with more authority. I could only hope my false confidence could be heard over the incessant beating of my heart. I readied the remote in my hand, in the event Twilight decides to pull a “The Ring” on me. “I...I know you can hear me.”

Twilight shuffled on her hooves, shifting on each hoof. I recognize the behavior, as it was something I did whenever I was unexpectedly called out. She was anxious, as she had the right to be. So was I, after all. Even then, I fidgeted with the remote, caressing each button as I thought of the next words to say.

“I, uh, been knowing that you can hear me. Or, at least, know that I can hear and see you.” I stopped trying to think about what to say and just let my mouth move on it’s own. “You might like to know that I have been taking notes and treating this like a field study, kinda like you would’ve. Or, did. I don’t really know. It was a long time ago.”

“A long time ago…” She echoed, nostalgia lingering inher tone.

“Yeah. I was...younger. I don’t really remember much back then. But, I remembered you guys. A little bit anyways. I just didn’t remember that we...you know.”

“Talk?” Twilight offered, as she turned her head slightly. She was easing up.

“Yeah, talk. I assume we had some kinda...thing going back then.”

“Uhm, if you don’t mind me prodding...” Twilight turned to face the screen. Or rather, me. She didn’t look in my direction yet. She looked more like Fluttershy with how indirect and shy she was being. It was an odd change of pace from the confidant, quirky alicorn from a few moments ago. “What, er, jogged your memory? Was that around the time you…”

“Vanished?” It was my turn to complete the thought. “I saw a tape, one my mom recorded for...it doesn’t matter. I saw myself talking with Pinkie Pie.”

Twilight smiled a little when I said that in particular. A small, knowing smile. There was more to uncover there but I didn’t press that yet.

“Then, what prompted you to speak up now?” Twilight looked up, slightly. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t melt my heart. What monster could be this cute?

“I heard a song. A lullaby, specifically. Sung by Pinkie.”

This time, Twilight chuckled. “Of course. Leave it to Pinkie to find a way to break reality further.” Again, implications abounded in that statement. One step at a time, though.

“So, I wanted to ask...uh, Twilight? Are you alright?” I noticed a look in her eyes. They were more sparkling than usual. Like they were wet. “Are you...crying?”

Twilight’s smile quivered a little, as she raised a wind to rub her eyes. “Uh, yes. I mean, yes, I’m fine. Actually, I...I…” Twilight interrupted herself with her sobbing. I never felt so helpless than seeing a cartoon pony cry for me.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you!” I quickly responded without much thought.

“No, it really is fine!” Twilight attempted to collect herself for a second time. “I’m just so happy! I was worried I’d lost you forever, Anon!”

“Anon?” I asked, perplexed at what she just called me.

“Oh, sorry.” Twilight took another second to wipe away tears. “It’s something we used to call you when you were little. You were hesitant to tell us your name at first, so we gave you a nickname. We settled on Anon, short for anonymous, for obvious reasons.”

“Speaking of,” I tried to steer the conversation back to the topic of getting answers. “How did you first meet me?”

Twilight’s horn glowed, pulling a cushioned chair behind her. She settled in for story time.

“It all started the day before I went to Ponyville.” She started, nostalgic. “I found a mysterious book in Canterlot’s Library. A brown storybook with a gilded pony on the cover. I read it, which led me to the Tale of the Two Sisters. That’s when I noticed I wasn’t alone. I saw a portal open next to me. I saw...you, staring at me.”

“A lot was going on in my head that day, so I originally did my best to ignore you. I had never seen a colt anything like you, so I just assumed you were stressed-induced hallucination. Over time though, I accepted that you were real, especially when the other girls could see you. To your credit, you weren’t a nuisance. You just sat quietly, laughing to yourself and cheering us on. It was much needed support, considering what we were all going through.”

“We noticed that you would periodically disappear and reappear, so I worked to understand the connection between us. I discovered that you lived in an alternate dimension, one where ponies, or Equestria for that matter, didn’t exist. To reach you when you were away, we created little messages that broadcasted to your world. Eventually, you began to speak up after some coaxing. Then, well...the rest was history.”

I sat in the center of the living room, bathed in the light of the television. I was dumbfounded. I was told so much, yet nothing at all. I tried to formulate my thoughts, but was failing. Twilight must’ve read my facial expressions because she sighed heavily.

“Sadly, even I still can’t really explain the connection. You just appeared one day.”

“How old was I when you first found me?”

“You couldn’t have been any older than a colt, maybe a couple years? You grew up fast, I’ll tell you that much. I wish I could’ve seen you grow into the young stallion you are now.”

I felt flushed at the compliment. It was like I was talking to an aunt at a family reunion. I guess I kinda was.

“Do other ponies know I exist?” I asked, rubbing my eyes.

“Oh, of course! All of Equestria has at least heard of you.” Twilight beamed. “You were a phenomenon when you first appeared. Even Celestia was dumbfounded at your existence. But they eventually warmed up to you. You were just too precious back then to really fear or hate.”

I let out an involuntary yawn, attempting to hide it behind a fist. Twilight sagged a little, but still kept a smile.

“Even after all these years, you’re still that sleepy colt I grew to love.” Twilight mused. It felt strange, hearing that I was “loved”. I could believe it too, with the reverence she spoke of me with. But, I still could not get it. I still can’t.

“You should go rest, Anon.” Twilight continued, hopping out of the chair. She approached the screen until she was directly in front of it. She placed a hoof against the screen, the frog of her hoof squished against the glass. I slowly raised my own hand, hesitant. I then placed it against the glass, on top of her hoof.

The gesture must’ve have meant more than I could ever know because Twilight openly sobbed again. She wrapped her around the screen. I briefly wondered what the portal must’ve looked like for her to be able to do this. Her tears streamed down the screen.

“I’m so glad you’re back!” Twilight said through tears. “We’ve missed you so much! I’ve missed you so much! I was so worried something happened to you. We all were. Tomorrow, I’m going to gather the girls. You’ll be able to come back, right? Same time?”

Twilight looked back at me with pleading eyes. Her tear stained face left me breathless. The ways her eyes, for the lack of a better term, sparkled, I found it hard to come up with the words. The surreality of it all drew tears down my face.

“I will.” I had promised, my voice cracking and breaking in my voice. “I will.”

I pressed the power button. Darkness enveloped the screen and the room. I was alone. Again. This time, it hurt more than I could ever imagine.

I allowed myself to break into pieces.

Dear Princess Celestia: Reunion

[A letter is stapled inside the margins of the book.]

TEXT LOG

4/XX/XXXX

NOTE: The following letter was found within the journal upon its discovery. After months of translating the eldritch characters into legible text, we managed to decipher the letter’s contents. The following text is unedited, save for one redaction.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today, I caught up with an old friend. Do you remember Anon? The little colt that miraculously appeared before me with no explanation and disappeared the same way? He’s back! And so much older too. I couldn’t stop thinking about how much time has gotten away from us.

Last night, we had a one-on-one rendezvous. No, not in that way! (I know you were thinking it.) He reached out to me and wanted to know why he can see us and we can see him. I told him what I could. But that’s old news!

We just got done with our little picnic. The girls and I all gathered around and, admittedly, bombarded him with questions. You know, things like “How’s school?”, “Is your family okay?”, “Are you still taking your medicine?” and vice versa. He was overwhelmed, but he stuck it out. Honestly, I can’t imagine how he even puts up with us!

The girls handled it about as well as you expected. Applejack was the most calm about it, often showing the most concern and restraint for Anon, keeping the rest of us in check. Still, Applejack isn’t hard to read. She still regarded Anon as her surrogate little brother.

Rarity couldn’t stop ogling the poor stallion! She kept commenting on “Just how handsome he’s gotten!” and asking if he’d found a special somepony yet. While we were all curious, I still couldn’t believe she went and asked. I’ll have to keep an eye on that one…

Fluttershy was uncharacteristically talkative today, but entirely characteristic in her worry. Out of all of us, she remembered his...troubled home life. A lot of her questions skirted the line of being a bit too personal, at least at this moment. That’s where AJ came in. Fluttershy always had a soft spot for him and it only grew more tender with time.

Rainbow talked more about herself then she did trying to inquire about Anon like the rest of us. Although, oddly enough, that was probably for the best. Rainbow was acutely aware of his apprehension to talking about himself. However, she did express a desire to play Superman and save Anon from all his problems. That’s Rainbow for you.

That brings us to Pinkie...We all know how much Pinkie wanted this. When the rest of us had long since given up, Pinkie never stopped sending those messages. That’s why it worries me when I tell you how quiet she was. It was like she was caught in perpetual stage fright. She stuttered, her eyes darted around, and she kept her tail tucked in her arms. If you want my theory, I think she wanted a moment of privacy with Anon. After all, they were always the closest. Still, I thought it was better to bring everypony together at least for the first time before catching up with him individually. I only hope she isn’t too upset.

There was one last thing I wanted to report. I...I want to [REDACTED]. I know what you’re going to say, but please Princess. You must understand. I’ve watched him grow all this time and have been absent from his life even longer. He’s back now, but what if he disappears again? My heart can’t take that loss again.

For now, it’s just a thought. I’m just happy he’s here again. I just hope it lasts.

Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle

Author's Note

The story enters a new phase...

Chapter 1: The Work Begins

Anno entered his new office. It was clinically dry and colorless, as he expected. Though the containment facilities varied in size, structure, and material, the offices may as well have came straight off the assembly line. The walls were a muted grey, the desks a shit colored brown, the cabinets a bluish grey. Anno liked it. A visually noisy room is distracting and does nothing for him.

He laid his box of office materials on the desk. The first thing he pulled out was his green nameplate with off-white text; “Dr. Anno E. Ansbro, Site Director”. It was a bit worn and he could’ve gotten a new one years ago. Yet, there was something to the sentimental value this old nameplate still had.

His reminiscing was cut off by a knock at his door.

“It’s open.” Anno called out over his shoulder. The door slowly opened and a young woman’s head poked out from behind it. Greasy, stringy black hair hung over the right side of her face, leaving here left eye with a significant bag under it.

“Uh, Mr-Dr. Ansbro!” The woman quickly corrected. “Dr. Ansbro, could I-“

“If you could step into the room completely please.” He turned and sat on the edge of the desk. “I’m a Site Director, not a predator.”

“O-oh, okay?” She was caught off guard by the frankness but powered through. The woman pried herself from behind the door and stood before Anno. “I was just wondering if you had a minute to talk?”

“Mhm.” Anno noted the hunch she held, the inability to maintain eye contact, and the frankly unprofessional level of musk radiating off her. Anno had a bad feeling about the woman.

“So?” Anno asked expectingly. The woman cleared her throat. Suddenly, she shot up right and stiffened like a pencil.

“My name is Floretta Boyd and I am-er, was Acting Site Director of Site-101! I am pleased to make your acquaintance!” She bowed her head, assumingely in a Japanese formal greeting.

Anno audibly sighed. “You? You were acting Site Director?”

“Yes.” Floretta paused. “Well, only for 3 months. I’m normally the Assistant Director of Research.”

That’s still too much responsibility, Anno thought. “Okay, Ms. Boyd. What happened to the previous Site Director?”

Anno braced for the answer. It wasn’t often that Site Director’s get happy endings. The vast majority are given amnestics and demoted, usually because they’ve interfaced with particularly horrific anomalies or events. Those who get to keep their memory, often die with it, via containment breach, suicide, homicide, or the disturbingly common “freak accident”. Anno held his breath.

“Oh, Dr. Smith? He retired.”

Anno raised an eyebrow. “Retired.”

“Yeah. Just…walked away from it.”

Anno was skeptical. This wasn’t an occupation you simply “retired” from. He silently reasoned that a false story was disseminated among the lower clearances. He was going to have to pry into this later.

“He had been Site Director for about 40 years, so it made sense.” Floretta continued. “In any case, I don’t think it’s that concerning. This site doesn’t contain too many high threat level Objects. I guess you’ll see that when you go through the database though.”

“Guess I will.” Anno got up from the desk and began to unpack. “Are introductions over now?”

“Uh, just one more thing…” Floretta’s voice trailed. “Before I was acting Site Director, I was working on an Object we received about 4 years ago. I know you have a lot of Objects to review, most a lot more pressing than this but-“

“You want me to look at something?”

“Not just look.” Floretta corrected. “I want to revise its containment procedures. Currently, we have it stored away, inactive. I think-“ She pauses. “Well, you should probably read it first.”

Anno placed an unplugged monitor on the desk. “I’m not exactly set up here, Ms. Boyd.”

“Oh, I got it right here!” Floretta excitedly pulled out a manilla envelope and presented it to Anno. Anno took it, opened it, and slid the documents within out into his hands. When he saw the black bars over some text, he pulled from his pocket a special instrument that could reveal the marked out text below. It was a relic from before the digital age, where physical docs were more commonplace. The fact that this site still hadn’t gone fully digital didn’t escape him and would be another thing he would inquire about later.

He placed the instrument to the page and read the following:

Object #: 503

Threat Level: Safe

Containment Level: Safe

Containment Status: Contained

Procedure Protocol: OBJ-503 is to be kept in Site-101’s High Value Item Storage Facility. It is to have its own storage closet with no access to an electrical outlet. A blackout curtain is also to be draped over it. To remove or interact with OBJ-503, a Form-808 must be filled and approved by the Site Director. OBJ-503 is to be transported to Cell M-1215 for testing.

Description: OBJ-503 is a Sony XBR-HX900 series television set. It was first obtained by field operatives on December 25, 2019 in Washington, DC, Maryland. The previous owner, [Letitia James], had called local law enforcement and inquired about the nature of her child’s disappearance, which alerted the Department.

When turned on, the television set operates as normally expected, even without a cable subscription or internet access. On channel 222, a television cable network known as “The Hub” airs one singular television program, “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.” Upon the first activation of the television set and first viewing of channel 222, “The Hub” network is introduced and the opening title sequence for a kids program titled “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” plays. This is shown to happen under these circumstances with a consistency of 100%.

Note: Neither “The Hub” or “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” exist within any known media distribution company nor is there any information about the network and show beyond this television set.

From its opening, “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” appears to be a show about a cast of six colorful ponies in a fantasy world. Their names are not given but a visual and description are present. We have labeled these entities Object #503A-F.

In order of appearance:

OBJ-503A-1 and OBJ-503A-2 - A purple unicorn with a magenta streak in her mane. She features prominently in the intro and is the lead singer, indicating a protagonist‘s role. She is accompanied by a purple and green dragon of small stature, who will be given the designation OBJ-503A-2 . She expresses curiosity towards the concept of friendship before meeting the other subjects.

OBJ-503B - A blue pegasus with a rainbow mane. She flies off camera, singing “big adventure”. It is assumed she has a tomboyish personality, seeking thrills.

OBJ-503C - A pink pony with a puffy mane. She blows a balloon, exclaiming “tons of fun”. It is assumed she is a bubbly, eccentric personality, in pursuit of enjoyment and pleasure.

OBJ-503D - A white unicorn with a purple mane. She flicks her hair, intoning “a beautiful heart”. She exhibits an heir of grace in the show, looking to present herself in a favorable manner at all times.

OBJ-503E - A orange pony with a yellow mane. She kicks a tree with her back legs, projecting “faithful and strong”. Apples rain across the camera. It is assumed she is the most physically capable of the group.

OBJ-503F - A yellow pegasus with a pink mane. She feeds a bunny with an apple, whispering “sharing kindness” before being cut off by #503A1 saying “is an easy feat”. It is assumed she is a timid character, perhaps a bit of a doormat.

Note: Personally, I think she is my favorite of the cast.

The intro ends with OBJ-503A-1 returning to the cast in center stage, proclaiming they are all her very best friends. Notably, the final scene in which an unknown entity yet to be considered a POI (Person of Interest) receives a photograph, the scan lines of the television set distort the image, rendering it illegible. Work is currently being done to render the image. After the title drop, in lieu of a directing credit, the following text is displayed in the show’s font: “Developed for [Aaron James]”

Note: Aaron James is the missing son of Letitia James.

After the opening credits, the rest of the program is a black screen, depicting vague forms cast in shadows. The current hypothesis is that it is a live feed of a storage room. The hypothesis is supported by OBJ-503 Incident Report-1, seen below.

OBJ-503 Incident Report-1: During a test of the operation of OBJ-503, the usual image of a black screen was replaced with a slightly less black screen, with a sliver of light flooding through a crack in a doorway. The previously thought vague shadows were revealed to be typical objects of storage such as boxes, vases, a broom, and a mirror. After approximately 3 hrs, the door closed and the image of a black screen returned. This incident has not since occurred.

After Anno was finished reading, he looked back up toward Floretta. For the first time since they started talking, there was an heir of confidence about her.

“I wrote that myself.” She said, rubbing her shoulder with a blush.

“It says that you need an 808 to do anything with this thing.” Anno sifted through the 2 documents. He looked at Floretta with an intense seriousness. “I don’t see an 808, Ms. Boyd.”

The blush in Floretta’s face drained. She hunched down even more. “I-I-I forgot. Yes, Dr. Ansbro, I will get you an 808 on the double! I assure you, I don’t usually make mistakes like-“

“Relax, I’m fucking with you.” Anno casually interrupted and resumed with his unpacking. “Word of advice, don’t take this shit too seriously.”

Floretta tilted her head. “And what is ‘this shit’?”

“All of it.” Anno sighed. “The Department of Anomalies is made out to be this great bastion of human safety. It’s not. It’s a filing cabinet for shit that’s either too difficult to explain or something we don’t want to. Once you stop thinking you’re holding back human extinction everyday, you get a little better at your job.”

“O-oh.” Floretta shifted the weight between her legs, unsure of how to take that advice. “Okay, I guess.”

“Now, what do you plan for its new containment?”

“Well, I think the TV should remain on. Indefinitely. If it is a live feed, eventually something will happen, right? And if we can monitor that feed, catch something else we didn’t see before, perhaps we can discover more about the nature of this anomaly.”

“You’re thinking about-“

“Aaron.” Floretta interjected. Her demeanor shifted again, this time to that of an almost concerned parent. “Yes, I saw when I was briefly Director. The disappearance could be related.”

“Not our job. Remember: Filing cabinet.”

“Doesn’t mean we can’t at least try. Since when did this job have to be so heartless…”

“Since it started getting people killed.”

“So we leave him to die?”

The room sat in silence. Anno closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Your test has been authorized. Containment procedure will be revised.”

Floretta smiles brightly. “Thank-“

“Don’t thank me.” Anno put an index finger up. “We are running a few more tests for the sake of information gathering. As it stands, you’ve given me a reason this Object could be more unsafe than previously thought. Nothing more, alright?”

Floretta nods. “Yessir.”

“Alright then.” Anno turned back to the box, still half filled with supplies. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”

“Uh, likewise.” Floretta said, then stood awkwardly for a few moments before leaving the way she came.

An hour later, Anno got the database up and running. It was an archaic piece of shit system that ran about as well AOL did on its best days, but Anno grew a strange sense of comfort with it over the years. He checked to see how many Objects were located at Site-101. According to the database, about 128 different Objects. He searched the database until he found Object #503’s digital file. For old time’s sake, he did the revision himself.

Procedure Protocol: OBJ-503 is to be kept in Cell M-1215. A camera is to be focused on the display, monitoring the object 24/7. Footage is to be reviewed on a daily basis for anomalous activity. If anomalous activity is detected, report to the Assistant Director of Research, Ms. Floretta Boyd.

Testing of this Object is ongoing.

Author's Note

Author’s Commentary: I liked the idea of adding in chapters, implying that the actual story is just beginning 4 years later. Also, if the names of the humans in this seems familiar, discard the thought. It’s all coincidental.

Also, I wanted to work in the time gap this fic has had so it really has been 4 years since those initial entries and the Department of Anomalies just kinda didn’t pursue it all that much. Speaking of, you’re probably asking “Are we getting more of the diary entries?” The answer is yes. I’m playing around with how this story is told, partly so I can keep my own interest in it. I’m currently working on those entries now but expect one more chapter of DoA setup.

Chapter 2: Breakthrough

2 months since OBJ-503 was relocated, there has been a breakthrough.

Dr. Anno Ansbro looked over the newly filed incident report. He had to just read it over one last time for the information to really sink in before the meeting. He couldn’t afford to make a bad call. Not now. One more time, he read it.

OBJ-503 Incident Report-2: After approximately 48 days since relocation, communication has been recorded from beyond the storage room. The conversation was held between 2 unknown individuals, hereby referred to as Subject #1 and #2. The following is a transcript of the conversation.

[Begin Transcript]

[The sound of glass shattering can be heard.]

1: Aw, damn. You think she’s gonna be mad?

2: Uh, maybe not? I mean, it still kinda looks like it can be fixed.

[A sound of something being lifted can be heard, just before a smaller shattering sound]

2: Hehe, whoops! Scratch that.

1: Well, gotta get rid of the evidence. Don’t need auntie on my ass-

2: Language.

1: Shut it, you pot-bellied lizard! This wouldn’t have happened if your arms weren’t so stubby!

2: No no no! It wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t throw the ball so hard!

[The 2 subjects share a laugh.]

1: What can I say? I don’t do things in half measures.

[The sound of footsteps becomes more audible. Subject #1 appears to be approaching the door.]

1: We’ll just sweep it up in here. Not like auntie goes near this closet, let alone checks it.

[The door briefly opens. A flood of light engulfs the camera, briefly blowing out the image in light. Then the door slams and darkness returns.]

2: Uh, better idea! Why don’t I just burn it all away!

1: Doesn’t your fire, like, teleport stuff? Pretty sure the princess doesn’t want to be showered in glass.

2: It only does that sometimes. Here, watch.

[The sound of flame propulsion can be faintly heard.]

1: I hope you’re right. But in case you’re wrong…I never knew you!

[Footsteps and Subject #1’s laughter trail off. #1 appears to be running from the door. A smaller set of footsteps follow after.]

2: Hey, wait up-

[A moniker is presumed to be said here but the equipment could not record it. The identity of #1 remains unknown.]

After Anno was done reading, he lowered the report.

“Just couldn’t leave it well enough alone…” He muttered. He stood up from his desk and tucked the Manila folder under his arm.

Down multiple halls, pass multiple card readers, he found himself in a conference room. Same bland architecture, same bland colors. In the center of the room was an oblong table. Seated there were the Assistant Director of Security, Assistant Director of Containment, Assistant Director of Personnel, and Ms. Floretta Boyd, Assistant Director of Research. Floretta was particularly animated, as she stood behind her seat and bounced a leg up and down. Beads of sweat rolled down her head and her smell had gotten more pungent. The other directors didn’t seem bothered.

“Take a seat, Ms. Boyd.” Anno ordered. He had already anticipated when Ms. Boyd ignored him as he took his own seat.

“Just checking,” Ms. Boyd started and looked up at the other directors before her. “We’re all here for the same reason, right?”

“That is what a meeting is.” The Assistant Director of Security (hereby referred to as ADS) stated. Her stern gaze and shaved head gave the message that her role as security is well-earned, a true military type. Ms. Boyd was intimidated but continued.

“I mean, we all know who ‘Subject #1’ is right?”

“No, no we don’t.” The Assistant Director of Containment (hereby referred to as ADC) asserted. He was an older gentleman and he sounded it. Still, one look would tell you he takes pride in his work.

“We have procedures for a reason.” The Assistant Director of Personnel (hereby referred to as ADP) added. He had a combover, glasses, and a nasally voice. You get the idea. “Making assumptions makes ‘asses’ of ‘you’ and ‘me’. Heard of that one?”

“Please try to keep the space professional.” Anno pleaded without much plea in his voice, as though he already accepted that he would be ignored. Even when the ADP, nodded in acknowledgment, Anno kept track of a mental timer.

“B-But why else would Subject #2 be so quick to shut the door?” Floretta began to pace. “You do that when you try to hide something from someone.”

“Ms. Boyd, you are making leaps in judgement I don’t think you can land.” The ADC insisted. “You always did get carried away with your work.”

“I-It’s not like that!” Ms. Boyd became flustered. Anon noted that this is a reoccurring issue with Floretta. “Look, a boy goes missing and we find a TV show that doesn’t exist made specifically for him. Is it such a leap that he disappeared into the show?”

“No.” Anno responded simply. “It’s not. Doesn’t make it any less right.”

“This deserves investigation!” Floretta’s eyes darted around the room.

“Where’s the Ethics Committee’s liaison?”

“Out on leave.” Anno replied with a sigh. The rest of the room either smirked or chuckled.

“Ain’t that awfully convenient?” The ADP asked sarcastically, perfectly coinciding with Anon’s mental timer. “Never here when you need them.”

“I-I have a suggestion.” Floretta spoke up before the room got away from the subject. “We go back to the James residen-“

“Not happening.” Anon shot the suggestion down.

“Oh come on!” Floretta threw her hands in the air.

“I think Floretta is too emotionally compromised for this assignment.” The ADS snarled, venom in her voice.

“A-And I think you’re too heartless to be a person!”

“Enough!” Anno shouted and slammed a hand on the desk. The whole room was taken aback and went silent. “I’m starting to see why I was assigned here. I don’t really give a damn about the politics we got going on here. So, respectfully, if we can focus on the work at hand, I would like to officially start this meeting.” Anno’s eyes darted over to each of the Assistant Directors. Silently, they all nodded.

“Good.” Anno relaxed a bit. “I agree that this development is significant. However, I’m not willingly to expend resources on a hunch. I am going to inquire Councilor P5 if the other objects at Site-234 are related to OBJ-503. If they aren’t, we will continue to monitor OBJ-503 as normal. If they are, I’m authorizing investigations into the materials for any connections therein. Questions?”

The ADS raises her hand. Anno nods.

“Why would we assume the Objects at Site-234 are related to OBJ-503? Wouldn’t the DoA Council have determined relevancy beforehand?”

“The Council are human, too. They could’ve missed something.” Anno leaned forward, interlocking his fingers. “Besides, I find it oddly coincidental that Object #503 remained unharmed when little else did. Same goes for these other Objects.”

“Dr. Ansbro,” Started the ADC. “How did Site-234 get so-called ‘dissappered’?”

“Can’t tell you.” Anno responded. “And it isn’t even a clearance issue. Literally no one knows what happened. The Site’s Blackbox was missing as well.”

“Just great.” The ADP scoffed. “We have a potential ticking bomb in our care. Who would’ve guessed? Death by ponies.”

“That is as much of leap as Ms. Boyd’s assertion to the identity of Subject #1. We don’t know if OBJ-503 was the cause of Site-234’s fate. But we won’t rule it out either.”

“And if OBJ-503 is more than it appears,” The ADC started. “What will we do after?”

“We’ll revise procedures. Elevate level clearances, hire more on-site guards, and segregate OBJ-503 further. We will limit casualties as much as possible.”

The room falls silent for a bit as the weight of the situation started to sink on all of them.

“I’ll take the contemplative silence as a sign this meeting is over.” Anno stood up from the table. “Let me make one thing clear. So long as I’m Site Director, we will not be ran by our emotions. Any decision made will be made with a rational mind. When our emotions control us, that’s when mistakes happen.” Anno collected the manilla file and left.

OBJ-503 Addendum-1: After further investigation of Site-234, the original Site that housed OBJ-503, it was determined that one of the items at the site was in fact related to OBJ-503. It had been sent to Site-12 due to a clerical error. This new item has been designated OBJ-503-G

OBJ-503-G is a leather bound journal. The name [Aaron James] is inscribed within the front cover of the book. The book contains [INCOMPLETE] entry logs, a video tape, a usb, and what appears to be a letter written in an alien language. With the help of DoA Linguistic Scientists, we were able to translate the letter. The previous 8 entries has been detailed above. The following entries will be listed below.

Author's Note

Finally getting back to journal entries now and, subsequently, ponies!

Entry #9 - Reunion

11/7

It’s like I never left. Except I did. Multiple times. But this past week, I’ve been spending more time with them. The ponies. I don’t want to call them “friends” yet. I still can’t shake the sense that there’s some level of emotional manipulation going on.

True to my word, the day after my talk with Twilight, I turned the TV back on. The first thing I saw was Twilight and Spike, sleeping in the exact place I had left them. I almost didn’t want to disturb them but had a feeling they’re waiting for me to wake them.

Let me write what happened the best way I know how: in narrative prose.

“Uh, Twilight? Spike?” I called to the TV. I felt a little stupid, talking to the screen like I was watching Dora the Explorer. But this is what my life had become. Or I guess, has been.

Twilight’s ear twitched and not long after, her eyes slowly opened. She sighed with relief.

“You came back…” She said sleepily.

“Yeah.” I responded. I wiped my clammy hands on my jeans. “Guess I did.”

Twilight slowly rose from her slumber and shambled over to the screen. Suddenly, she leaned against the screen, her cheek pressed against the glass. I reached out and stroked the screen instinctively.

“Do you even feel this?” I asked.

“Yes and no. I can’t physically feel your touch but I can feel the emotion behind it.”

“Like, literally?”

Twilight pulled away to look at me directly. Her face was blissful, with her sleepy eyes and a soft smile. “Does it matter? I know what you want to convey and…that’s enough for me.”

That pause. It sounded like it might not’ve been enough.

“So,” I tried to change topics. “Are you gonna get the others?”

“I wasn’t just Spike and I waiting for you, Aaron.” The camera panned over to a cuddle puddle of 6 sleeping ponies. The adorableness of the scene was almost enough to distract from Twilight had said. Almost.

“Wait!” I withheld a gasp. “I thought I never told you my name?!”

“Not at the start.” Twilight chuckled. “Eventually, you told us everything there was to know about you.”

Everything? Once again, on the swinging pendulum of my emotion between “endeared” and “disturbed”, I firmly found myself in the “disturbed” arc. However, I suppressed it, before I put her on edge again.

“Girls!” She shouted, the tiredness gone from her voice. “There’s someone who would like to see you all again!”

“Ugh, 5 more minutes, egghead.” Rainbow groaned. She burrowed her head deeper into the cuddle pile, specifically between Fluttershy’s barrel and AJ’s flank.

Pinkie, who was under all the other ponies, opened a single eye so wide I’m convinced she was never truly asleep. Then, like a bomb, she exploded up into the air. The others were violently thrown every which way.

“YOU’RE BACK!” She screamed. “YOU’RE REALLY, REALLY, REALLY BACK!”

She damn near flew towards the screen and hit it with enough force to scare me onto my ass. She clearly tumbled for a bit but then started running around the room, like a terrier off the leash.

“Oh, my little strawberry banana flavored cupcake munchkin! Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve last see you smile?! I do! Approximately 6 years 25 days 7 hrs 42 minutes 11 seconds 30 microseconds and 2 nanoseconds! That means I’ve missed, like, a million of your birthdays! I gotta make up for all that lost time! I gotta throw a party that’s bigger than Ponyville. Nay, bigger than Equestria itself! I gotta-“

Pinkie’s rambling was cut short as Rainbow Dash tackled her. The screen, at least from my perspective, kinda rolled along the floor for a second before it stopped suddenly. The camera was then lifted and focused on Rarity. Her mane was a bit of a mess, no doubt from Pinkie throwing her off into what I assume were the bookcases.

“Honestly, Pinkie. You ought to get a hold of yourself!” Rarity scolded the mare. “The poor colt is probably still reeling from having seen us after to so-“

As Rarity looked back towards me, her own words were cut by a giddy “Waa-haa-aaa!” Her eyes dazzled, as though a million stars were just birthed into existence.

“Oh my Celestia!” Rarity exclaimed. Her eyes darted around and I felt as they ogled me. It was bad enough being perceived by the ponies, but being actively examined like that felt like I had just found a security camera in my house that I never noticed before. And it’s been there for a long time. “A colt you are no longer! You’ve grown up into a fine, strapping young stallion~!”

The way she said that almost made me melt into the floor. I felt my skin boil and bubble in the intense, passionate heat of embarrassment. I was glad that she was A) behind a screen and B) a pony because were neither the case, I fully expected to have my cheeks pinched. Unfortunately, Rarity also noticed how flushed I was.

“Aww, you look even more adorable shy~! You’ve even kept your little dimples~!” Rarity squealed. The camera suddenly pivoted to Applejack.

“Dagnabbit, Rarity!” Applejack now scolded Rarity. “Can y’all quit it the fawnin’? You’re no better than Pinkie!”

With a disapproving shake of her head, she looked back me. “Sorry, Sugarcube. Everyone’s a bit excited is all.” Before Applejack could get another word in, Fluttershy nudged her to the leftmost edge of the frame.

“How terrible! No one has even asked how you’re feeling!” Fluttershy cried. “Are you well? Do those meanies at school still hurt you?”

Applejack opened her mouth to say something, but Rainbow pushed up against Applejack’s left side. She was now wedged between the two pegasi.

“They better not!” Rainbow budged in. “Not after all the self-defense training I put him through. You have been keeping on top of your training, right?”

Applejack finally managed to force a little space between the duo. “Y’all ain’t helpin’ neither!”

Pinkie dropped from top of the frame, crushing the rest under her weight. “You guys are hogging all the screen time!”

“You first!” Rainbow argued, then bucked Pinkie off her back.

The room had devolved into a cacophony of arguing, as Twilight tried in vain to quell the room. Spike, meanwhile, was still fast asleep.

Suddenly, everything stopped. A blue magic aura engulfed all of the ponies, which effectively held them in stasis. However, the one thing that could move were their eyes and they all trained to an offscreen doorway. The screen pivots to the doorway and there stood a unicorn I have never met before. She had a pink coat and a purple mane with this cyan streak. In some ways, she was like a palette swap Twilight Sparkle.

“Is it too much to ask for sleep in this town?” She lamented. “If it’s not a world ending catastrophe, it’s a friendship problem. This castle is no different than a crystal cave. So, sound echoes, believe it or not!”

Still holding the ponies in place, she raised a mug with the text “Best School Counselor” to her lips. That’s when she noticed me.

“Who’s that?” Starlight asked, a bit of concern in her voice. When she didn’t hear anyone answer and registered Twilight’s glare, she released the stasis spell.

“For one, Starlight, never do that again.” Twilight commanded, as she massaged her foreleg with the other. She then looked back to me and her temper instantly went away. “Secondly, meet Aaron! He’s a friend we met when he was just a colt.”

“Oh, what happened to him?” Starlight asked, her face contorted to suggest she was cringing.

“I don’t understand-“ Twilight caught herself. “Wait, no, he wasn’t a colt that turned into this. He’s a human that lives in an alternate universe different than ours.”

Starlight tilted her head. “Like Sunset Shimmer?”

“Well, yes.” Twilight said. “But actually, no. He’s a different kind of human than Sunset.”

“Twilight,” Starlight started. “I’m usually able to stick to the same page as you, but you lost me.”

“Uh, hi, Starlight!” I mustered out. I sensed that this conversation was going to go on forever if someone didn’t speak up.

“Oh, it can hear us?” Starlight was caught off guard. My guess is that whatever they’re looking at doesn’t obviously present as a screen. “I mean, hi…Aaron?”

“Ugh, this is so lame.” Rainbow Dash groaned. “It’s Aaron! He’s a friend! What’s so hard to get!?”

“I will admit,” Applejack started as she tapped a hoof to her chin. “I never did consider how weird all of this would look to someone who never met Aaron.”

“Girls, we shouldn’t talk as though Aaron’s not in the room with us.” Fluttershy cautioned. “It’s impolite.”

“Fluttershy is right!” Rarity agreed. “Aaron’s all grown up now. He can surely speak for himself. Isn’t that right, Aaron?”

They had said my name about six times and not once did it ever feel right. I thought by now I would have been used to it. Maybe I would revert back to the kid they all remembered me as, I thought. Something about me must’ve changed because as charming as they all were, as much as their antics were every bit as I remembered, I could not see how these ponies were my friends.

Something was missing.

“Girls, it’s okay!” Twilight assured everyone. The gang all looked at her expectingly. Twilight used her magic to pull up a chalkboard. “I’ll just briefly catch Starlight up on Aaron’s world and his connection to us through an impromptu lecture.”

They all collectively groaned. Before they could protest, Twilight got into it. “It all started one year during the annual Summer Sun Celebration. I was reading The Tale of the Two Sisters when I noticed a pair of eyes watching me…”

I tried to hear the rest of the lesson, as there was probably something in there could explain, well, everything. However, I was distracted by the subtle movement of the screen, as it slowly moved away from the group. It was then I realized that not all of them were there: Pinkie was missing.

The screen showed me entering a makeshift book fort. Then, the frame was filled by the pink pony.

“Hiya, munchkin!” Pinkie sang sweetly. I don’t know why but her calling me that seemingly unlocked a core memory from my childhood.

“Munchkin…” I repeated thoughtfully. The gears in my brain started to turn. “I was, like, 9. You were teaching me how to bake a cake when my parents wasn’t home.”

“Mhm.” Pinkie nodded. “You had trouble reaching the cabinets and all the equipment looked way, way, waaay too big for your little hands.”

“Yeah!” The memory became much clearer. “You had me make this big ass cake half my size. It was a problem because I couldn’t let mom or dad know I’ve been using the cake oven unsupervised.”

“So, when we finished you started stuffing your cheeks!” Pinkie said with a giggle. “You looked so adorable munching down on such a big cake.”

“And thus the name was a double entendre. Munchkin, cause I was small and a big eater.” I sighed happily. I never knew I had memories like that, just sitting in my head undiscovered. I briefly wondered if there were more like it.

Just then, Spike crawled his way into the book fort. He still seemed groggy.

“Hey, Pinkie. Can I crash with you?” He asked, unaware of my presence yet. “I was having this awesome dream where I was sitting atop this giant hoard of gems, when suddenly Twilight showed up, rambling on about-AARON!”

Spike only just noticed last second and nearly toppled the fort. Pinkie quickly grabbed him, her hoofs placed over his mouth. After a couple seconds, when no one disturbed them, Pinkie let go. Spike quickly composed himself by slicking back his head scales.

He shot a couple of finger guns. “Uh, Hey! Long time no see, right?”

“Yeah, it has been.” I said as I shook my head in amusement. “I had been meaning to ask about the wings for a while now.”

“Oh, these?!” Spike showed off his wings, like a giddy child showing a fridge worthy drawing. He caught himself and cleared his throat. “I mean, yeah, I had my molt a few years back. It’s no biggie. Just dragon things, ya dig?”

“Spike,” I started. “Never say that again, ya’ dig?” Then the three of us shared a laugh.

The laughter must’ve finally caught the others’ attention. All of the books glowed with magic and levitated into the air, revealing us. Twilight and the rest stood, clearly deep in their impromptu lesson.

“Pinkie! You can’t just run off with him like that!”

“Actually,” I interjected. “I think it was for the best. I got a bit overwhelmed but Pinkie got me feeling a bit better about things.”

The girls collectively “aww’d” together.

“That’s Pinkie for you!” Rainbow congratulated.

“We’re mighty sorry about overwhelming ya’, sugarcube.” Applejack offered.

“We didn’t mean to smother you, darling.” Rarity joined.

“It’s just that, it’s been so long…” Fluttershy explained.

Starlight looked over the group of girls. She then turned towards me.

“And it doesn’t take a lesson to show me that you matter a lot to everyone here. So, a friend of them is a friend of mine.” Starlight held out a hoof to the screen. “The name’s Starlight Glimmer.”

“Aaron.” I greeted and awkwardly fist bump the screen. “Glad to meet you.”

“Jeez, that only took, like, an hour.” Rainbow chided. She gave Twilight a side eye, who blushed in return.

“The context was important!” She defended herself. She sighed and the flush in her face subsided. “Well, now that everyone is caught up…what should we do?”

As if on cue, Pinkie slid right next to Twilight. She threw a foreleg around the mare’s neck and pulled her close.

“Oh, I know what we should do.” Pinkie answered. “I’m going to throw the biggest, bestest, super-amazingly-awesometastic-est ‘Welcome Home’ party Equestria has ever seen!”

“Who could’ve guessed?” Rarity asked rhetorically.

“Who’s going to be invited-“ Fluttershy started but Pinkie interrupted.

“Everypony!” Pinkie shouted. “And not just everypony! Every dragon, yak, griffon, hippogriff, and any other species I can think of and more!”

“Pinkie,” Twilight slowly pulled herself from Pinkie’s increasingly tight grip. “We just talked about not overwhelming Aaron.”

“Relax, Twilight.” Pinkie reassured. “I’ve already thought several steps ahead and years in advance!”

“Wait.” I interjected. “Years?”

Pinkie nodded furiously. “Yuppers! I have it all set!”

Pinkie sped towards the chalkboard that Twilight used for her impromptu lesson. With a hardy slap, she spun the board at a dizzying pace and, after a few rotations, stopped it on a premade drawing of the entire continent of Equestria. She then pulled a baton from her mane and snapped it against the board.

“The party will start at Ponyville at the crack of dawn! Then, we host a parade all the way down to Applelooza. From there, we catch the train to Canterlot! Next, we take an airship through Cloudsdale and aaaaaaaalllllll the way to the Crystal Kingdom!”

Pinkie drew the path with the prehensile hook of her mane. Despite the plan, Twilight still looked visibly upset.

“Pinkie-“ Twilight started but I cut her off.

“It’s okay, Twilight.” I defend Pinkie. “If she, just, gives me a couple of days, I think I could get behind such a big celebration.”

The main 6 visibly got uncomfortable with that idea.

“A couple days, darling?” Rarity asked worryingly.

“Y-you sure you’ll come back?” Fluttershy continued. “It’s just, we don’t want to lose you again.”

“Yeah, I’ll be-“

At that moment, I heard the door handle to the front door turn. Panicked, I quickly reached for the power button and shut the TV off. It hurt to do that so suddenly but time must’ve escaped me. I’ve must’ve been on the TV for much longer than I thought that now mom had come back from work.

I leaped backward onto the couch, spread myself fully on it and closed my eyes. I feigned sleep as I heard the front door open slowly. I could hear the jangling of keys and the tapping of boots on the wood floor. I muttered in “sleep”, to give the impression any sounds she heard from behind the door was just sleep talking.

For a couple tense moments, I couldn’t hear anything. I assumed she stood there for a moment watching. Then, footsteps, closer to me. Then, a kiss on my forehead. The footsteps faded away shortly after.

I opened my eyes and sat up. I stared a good long while, as though the pony’s on the other side could still see me. Could they? Imagine that, knowing when you were being ignored or left behind.

Regardless, I decided that would be enough for the day. I had a party I had to prepare for.

Author's Note

Sorry ‘bout the way. Work has been whooping my ass. No promises, but I’ll try and get something out every two weeks.

Chapter 3: Letitia

OBJ-503 Addendum-2
On 11/13/2019, Aaron James made a call to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. The transcript was obtained by the Department of Anomalies. Out of respect for the party involved, this transcript will not be transcribed. However, a brief summation will be given.

Aaron James, hereafter referred to as OBJ-503 Subject Alpha made the call at approximately 2:42 PM EST. Alpha informed the operator that he was having a panic attack after catching himself engaging in self injurious behavior. When asked about the nature of his self injurious behavior, Alpha did not elaborate. The operator ordered Alpha to engage in breathing exercises and the subject obliged.

The call resumed normally with the operator running their script. The operator then notices a bit of interference and asked for Alpha’s location. Alpha informed that he was currently in front of Oakwood High School’s main entrance. The call previously did not have interference. The use of the DoA’s anomalous filtering system, also used in the parsing of OBJ-503’s footage, revealed the interference to be the persistent sound of what can best be described as “shimmering”. The rest of the call was non-anomalous and information gathered herein will be complied into a psych evaluation of Subject Alpha.

Note: The current hypothesis is that OBJ-503’s entities were eavesdropping on the call.
—————————-

“I don’t like this.” Floretta spoke up. She looked through the one-way mirror at OBJ-503. With only her eyes, all she could see was static. “For something that behaves so benevolently, it has no concept of privacy.”

“That, or it chooses to ignore it.” Anno replied. He sat behind the monitor and observed the footage that the static hid. It was still that same dark room. “I’ll admit, this is starting to creep me out more than it should.”

“Do you get the feeling that they’re being honest with him?”

Anno shakes his head. “It’s textbook grooming. I’m willing to bet the abduction was premeditated. What I want to know is if there’s more OBJ-503s hiding in plain sight.

“Well,” Floretta started. “My staff looked into a bunch of missing persons cases across the country. They have not yet found any disappearance that mirrors this one in anyway. It’s wholly unique.”

Anno did not immediately answer. He sat and wondered for a bit before speaking. “It seems almost too simple.”

“What’s too simple?”

“Maybe the TV is just a portal. A window to another reality. Kid could’ve just walked right through or could’ve been pulled in.”

“But then why would this one particular kid have access to it that no one else could?”

“Could be coincidence. Aaron just so happened to be the one person who glimpsed a whole new world before any of us.” Anno paused. “Or…”

Floretta waited a moment. “Or what?”

“Aaron himself is the anomaly.” Anno stood up. “He is at the center of everything that’s happened to him. If he were the anomaly, he could’ve manifested this entire scenario as an escapist fantasy.”

“That’s certainly a theory.” Floretta held her shin in thought. “It explains why he could see it but it doesn’t explain why the world of the show exists even when he’s not there.”

“These are only working theories, mind you.” Anno reminded Floretta. “There’s still a lot we don’t know. And as much as I want to leave this well enough alone, I think we’re a bit passed that now.”

“So, what are you saying?”

Anno sighed. “I think we need to pay the Jame’s Residence a visit.”

————————————-

OBJ-503 Letitia James Interview

Date: 10/9/2024

Foreword: A DoA Field Operator- undercover as a Private Detective-visited the last known location of Letitia James. She was found in a one-bedroom studio apartment in Washington D.C., Maryland. The following is the relevant excerpt from the interview.

[Begin Log]

Field Operative: So, could you tell me about the night of Aaron’s disappearance?

Letitia James: What is there to say anymore? I came home one day and my baby boy was missing.

Field Operative: Did he leave a note of some kind?

Letitia James: No. There was no message. No prior warning. He was just…gone.

Field Operative: Was there an antecedent to this event?

Letitia James: No. Just gone.

[Ms. James pulls out a cigarette and lights it.]

Field Operative: I appreciate your level of calm regarding your son.

Letitia James: I still grieve, Detective. I have been grieving for over 5 years.

Field Operative: I didn’t mean to offend, Ms. James. It’s just often I find that even long after a tragedy, recalling such memories often leads to very strong emotions.

Letitia James: I have had practice in controlling my emotions.

Field Operative: May I inquire as to how?

Letitia James: I’ve worked for the Department of Homeland Security. Before that, I was in the CIA. You see and hear things that often bring distress.

Field Operative: I see, a very decorated background. Could you tell me more?

Letitia James: No.

Field Operative: I’m sorry-

Letitia James: My line of work has nothing to do with my son’s disappearance.

Field Operative: I did not mean to imply that the two were connected, Ms. James. However, it is my job to gather as much information as I can to help find your son.

Letitia James: Why are you looking for him? For 5 years, I’ve heard nothing. I’ve been made to sit on my hands while my son is either dead or gone. Every day I pray it’s the latter, not the former. So you oughta give me a good reason, Detective.

Field Operative: [sighs] Look. We…may have a lead on where he could’ve gone. Nothing concrete, but it’s worth revisiting.

Letitia James: I find that hard to believe, Detective. Last I was told there was no trace. No locational data, no witnesses, you couldn’t even tell how he left the house.

Field Operative: I’m sorry, Ms. James, but I can’t give you anymore than that.

[There is silence for approximately 10 seconds. Letitia James takes another drag of the cigarette.]

Letitia James: I’ve told you all that I know. One day he was here, the next day he was gone.

Field Operative: I understand. Thank you for your cooperation.

[The operative moves to end the recording, when Letitia James speaks again.]

Letitia James: Where is my TV?

Field Operative: Your…TV?

Letitia James: 5 years ago, law enforcement came and confiscated my TV. Said it was part of the investigation.

Field Operative: I wouldn’t know, ma’am.

Letitia James: It’s weird, isn’t it? Why my TV? My son had a weird fixation with it, sure. But to assume it had something to do with his disappearance-

Field Operative: It is weird but I have nothing to do with the actions of those particular law enforcement, Ms. James. My investigation is wholly separate.

Letitia James: Is that right? Well, don’t let me hold you then.

[End Log]

Note: The operative had noted that their was an odd tension between themselves and Ms. James that wasn’t conveyed in the transcript. As the operative described it, it’s as if she was aware of the Department’s existence. Although no new information was gathered from this interview, the decision has been made to label Ms. Letitia James as a person of interest and potential threat to the Department.

Entry #10: Final Logs

11/16

School’s been rough. It’s approaching the end of the marking period and I’m at the point of giving up entirely. I’m averaging Cs and Ds in all my classes, I’m tired all the time and it feels like I could die today and no one would care. ~~Sometimes, it feels like I should.~~

The day after my last entry, I had that party Pinkie promised. I waited til mom was asleep before turning on the TV. I felt like I was 10 again. I felt like I had friends again. True to her word, we travelled all across Equestria. The sheer amount of ponies I still remembered was astounding. The CMC, the Apple and Pie families, the Wonderbolts. And the longer the party I went, the more I remembered.

One day, when I was 8, I came home with scratches and bruises. I had gotten into a fight with a friend. Fluttershy had been the first to see me and taught me how to treat my wounds. She sang me a lullaby to soothe me when my nerves were shot.

Another day, around 9, it was picture day at school. Rarity had me set up an outfit the day prior. More humorously, she had me sneak my mom’s makeup kit to school and attempted to teach me how to apply it to “accentuate my features”. Keep in mind, I was 9 and, suffice to say, I’m embarrassed by those pictures.

At 10, I had a PSP. I would sit with my back to the TV and Rainbow would watch over my shoulder and coach me through some of my video games. At 11, AJ taught me to make Apple fritters for Mother’s Day. At 12, Twilight taught me my probability and statistics.

More and more memories like these were uncovered over the course of the night. It became increasingly clear that these ponies weren’t just friends, they were practically family. It’s like I had 6 aunts that I could see whenever I wanted, so long as I turned on the TV.

Eventually, like all things, the party ended. I had stayed up to 5 am on Monday and had to leave for school at 7. It was a bit of whiplash for me. I time travelled to a time where life was simple and I was regularly surrounded by people I loved. Then, I came back to a world where I was no one. Little did I know, I had a AP US History test that Monday. I bombed it.

The following week, my mind wandered to those old memories, those better days. I just couldn’t focus on school, what was the point? When I came back home, I hopped on the TV and hung out with the Mane 6 until mom came. I waited until she slept and back in front of the TV I was. It was like I had been sober of drugs for years and over the course of a day, I was overdosing. Then, I came crashing back down, back into an uncaring reality.

Friday, I practically unraveled. I saw a glimpse of what my report card would look like and I broke down. This week was supposed to be me trying to salvage what I can but I spent it acting like a child again. I suffered what I think was a panic attack and called a hotline. You know the one. For some dumb reason, I thought it would help. I couldn’t even tell them what was really going on. So, I hung up and did what I knew. I went to the ponies.

I spent that afternoon curled against the TV as the ponies spoke in soft, low tones. They assured me nothing was wrong with me. That I wasn’t a failure, or pathetic, or incompetent. Just hearing them put me at ease, soothed the pain. Yet, it didn’t go away.

While I laid there, I could hear them whispering. I worried, in my low mood, that they were conspiring against me or something. But as I write this now, it felt like they were discussing a plan. I didn’t pay enough attention and I probably should’ve. Wasn’t this whole project supposed to be me getting to the bottom of just who they are?

I don’t think I care about that anymore.

I had told them I was going to talk to mom about this later. There was some trepidation in their voice and they even argued I should sleep on it. They worried that if I revealed too much about what was really going on, we could be separated again. It didn’t feel right hiding this stuff from my mom, like I did in the past. Yet, what could I do? Best case scenario, she thinks I’m schizophrenic and puts me on drugs that might take them away. Again, it feels so wrong to say that but right now, they’re keeping me going.

They’ve been keeping me going.

Later that night, something happened. Mom came home, so TV was off limits. I went into my room, still feeling like shit. That’s when my phone rang.

The Caller ID just said “Unknown Caller”. I picked it up and it was Twilight.

I should’ve been scared, but I wasn’t. I was elated. The Twilight “Goddamn” Sparkle managed to break past the TV completely. Of course she would, she’s the element of magic, it was only a matter of time. She told me that she had been working on this kind of spell for a while now, as a side project. I told her about the tape I found, where Pinkie told me that the more i communicated with them, the closer our worlds came. She told me that was still true but there was another factor: my desire.

The more I wished I could be with them, it accelerated the rate of our realities merging. Although the mane 6 wished and prayed and begged to see me again, over those 6 years, there was no movement. It only resumed when I came back. That night alone made significant progress. According to Twilight’s calculations, it wouldn’t be long before our worlds would directly overlap.

She said she had a plan. She said everything was going to be alright. She said they needed me as much as I needed them. She left me with this:

“You are more than our friend, Aaron. You are family. You are a member of our herd. We love you. I love you. We will see you soon.

Very soon.”

11/27

I think mom’s getting suspicious. At dinner she asked if I was seeing someone. I told her I wasn’t and left it at that. She told me I could talk to her about anything. I told her I knew that.

Am I a bad son?

12/24

Happy Hearthswarming eve’s, journal. I haven’t been writing much in you lately. The ponies kinda replaced you actually. Anything I want to talk about, I talk about with them. I hide nothing from them now. They’ve earned my trust. Which is why I feel bad coming back to write in you.

No prose this time. Here’s the gist: Twilight wants me to come with her. Like, into the TV, into Equestria. She had this big meeting with the other girls and even the princesses. Yeah, it was kind of a big deal.

Best I could recall was that the meeting took place in her map room. Everyone was seated around this table, which showed the entire map of Equestria. It was like I was sitting in front of a council, deciding my fate. It all felt so surreal but I’m used to it at this point.

Despite the setting, there was an electricity among everyone. Best I can describe it was the feeling I assume NASA had when they just figured out how to send people to the moon. Pinkie and Dasj could barely sit still, Fluttershy played with her mane the whole time, even Rarity was frantically sewing as if to ease her anxieties. Only one who barely showed it was AJ. Good ‘ol Applejack, though she did fidget with her hat a bunch.

Twilight described it like this: over the past couple months, the threshold between our worlds have finally come into contact. Similar to Shimmer’s human dimension, the two worlds can be crossed via portal. However, unlike Shimmer’s dimension, my world and theirs were still vastly distant. It would take a lot more energy to conjure this portal. More importantly, if I were to cross, there could be…complications.

For one, there’s no telling how the atmosphere, the air, even benign things like water or food, would affect me. Twilight assured me that my chances of outright dying were nil to slim. Although, there would be an indeterminate amount of time where I could be under some form of sickness from crossing realities.

Secondly, is the fact that I would be leaving almost everything behind. My mom, my school, my home, everything. She couldn’t even guarantee me the clothes on my back.

I won’t lie, the prospect of leaving this shitty planet behind is great and all, but it feels so…final. I mean, isn’t it kinda like suicide. That’s the ultimate reason people do it, right? To escape? To hope that on the other side of it is a better world? This is much less gruesome, but it doesn’t feel any less dark.

I brought this up with the table and the room fell silent. The looks on their faces told stories. They have clearly thought about this for a while. And just when I thought that they were possibly going to reconsider the plan, Twilight asked me a simple question:

“Have you ever thought about hurting yourself?”

It was a question that knocked me on my ass. I didn’t say anything and hoped it was rhetorical. That’s when Celestia repeated it. Given her status as both a leader and potentially a god, the question felt infinitely worse coming from her. Sure, she’s no Abrahamic god, but she was probably the closest I’d ever get to see. I felt really young and small and dumb in that moment.

I told them, “Yes, I’ve thought about it.” Some of them winced. Twilight kept composure, like she’s practiced this 100 times by now. In her words, I was a potential danger to myself. If I would be willing to hurt myself, I would be bringing that pain to my mother regardless. At least by jumping worlds, I have a chance at a better life, which my mom should ultimately want from me.

It all made rational sense but it still didn’t feel right. My mom wouldn’t know the difference. Her son would be gone without a trace. At least, she would if I didn’t leave a note.

With that, mom, I dedicate this journal to you. Let this journal be my “going away” note. In it, it details everything that has happened to me over the past few months. I hope it brings a little comfort in that I think I’m in safe hands, or hooves, I guess.

Mom, I wanted to just tell you this outright but I don’t think I can. It’s all too weird and strange and I don’t think you’d understand. I could be making a mistake. Maybe I will talk to you, just before I go. Hell, you could even watch, if it only so it wouldn’t be so heartbreaking. I don’t know what I’ll do honestly. The ponies let me think on it and that’s what I’m doing now.

But if we don’t speak again, know that I love you.

And I’m sorry.

———

Note: There are no further entries within the journal. According to what little records remain of OBJ-503 within the Database, OBJ-503 was acquired along with the journal. During both the initial interview and the follow-up interview 5 years later, Letitia James makes no reference to having read the journal or even knowing of its existence.

Author's Note

We enter a new phase of this investigation. Maybe it’s about time we start looking for Aaron…

Chapter 4: First Contact

“Oh, hello! My name is Twilight Sparkle. What’s your name?” Twilight asked, for the first time she noticed that someone or something was next to her.

The something said nothing. It looked alien to Twilight, like a Minotaur with none of the horns or snout. It was cute looking in its own weird way but she couldn’t fathom why she was perceiving this.

“Can you…hear me?” She asked tepidly. The something nodded.

“Hmm, you’re incredibly shy, aren’t you?” Twilight asked. She reached out to touch this something, when her hoof pressed against an invisible surface separating them. It was like a ghost trapped in a mirror before her. Then, the ghost reached back, pressing their hand against the glass beneath her hoof. The two stared at each other for a while, lost in the absurdity of their predicament.

Twilight was the first to break eye contact, her gaze turned to the book of the two sisters. She levitated the book from the patch of grass it laid in rest and held it for the something ghost to see

“You know,” Twilight started. “I was just going to reread this ‘ol tale of the two sisters. I don’t imagine you’ve heard of it?”

The something ghost shook their head.

“Hmm. Well, I’ve never had an audience before. Except Spike. Here, I’ll read it to you. That’s okay, right?”

The something ghost nodded with a little smile. Twilight smiled back, then cleared her throat.

“Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria…”

For a moment, all Aaron could see was a white light. The moment lasted much longer than he wanted. Nausea filled his stomach. Dizziness pulled him, to and fro. He felt that he was in free fall, but felt the floor beneath his feet. He risked collapsing onto the floor, his knees slammed into what felt like marble or glass flooring. He shouted, a shout he moreso felt in his throat than actually heard. Slowly, his hearing came to him and he heard faint voices around him.

“Keep your distance!” A voice. “He needs time to stabilize.”

“Yeah, Pinkie.” Added another voice, more tomboyish in tone. “Try not to pounce on him. I don’t want to see his insides outside.”

“Whaaaat?” Another voice echoed, as it became clear to Aaron that it was Pinkie. “Pssssh, no! I wasn’t gonna pounce on him. Do I seem like the type of pony that would just pounce on somepony unexpectedly?”

“Yes, darling.” Rarity answered. “Yes, you are.”

“Y’all? Not to interrupt your banter but I think he’s not, uh, shakin’ anymore.”

“Aaron? Aaron, are you okay? Please, say something…”

Aaron vision slowly returned. He stared at the floor beneath him and the reflection of himself staring back. He looked…wrong. His features diffused between the reality he was used to, one of pores, wrinkles, imperfections; and the reality he was now in, one of perfect curves, angles, technicolor hues. His visage morphed from one to another, refused to settle into a final shape.

Aaron’s breath quickened. He couldn’t stand to look at it any longer so he looked up, to the ponies ahead of him. They too undulated between their cartoon selves and a more realistic, uncanny alternative. Aaron looked up at them like a cornered animal, terror having gripped him.

“What have you done to me?!” He screamed as he closed his eyes to the horrors all around him.

“You’re okay, Aaron!” Twilight tried to reassure him. “It’s just a side effect of the spell, I think. I theorized that your brain may struggle to comprehend being in a different reality. It shouldn’t be permanent.”

She took a step forward, cautiously. The sound alerted Aaron and he retreated backwards. His head slammed into an unseen table. All the ponies tensed and froze in place.

“Get away!” Aaron yelled. His hand felt around for something, before he then grabbed a thick book. He tossed the hardback in the general direction of the ponies. Fluttershy ducked with an “Eep!” as it soar over her head. “Stay away from me! I shouldn’t have ever trusted you! Monsters!”

“Monsters?!” Rarity gasped, more offended than anything.

“Sugarcube, we ain’t monsters!” Applejack reasoned. “We’re the same ponies ya been knowin’!”

“The hell you are!” Aaron opened his eyes in a squint. He desperately tried to focus his vision, demand it to see anything normally. He swore he could feel his body betray him. He shook violently as he struggled to keep upright. A pain in his chest radiated outward and pulled all his muscles taut. “I’m gonna die! Oh my God, I’m gonna die…”

Then just like that, Aaron collapsed and fainted. The shock had taken it all out of him.

The ponies descended upon him after a moment, when they knew he was still. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flipped the unconscious teen on his back. Applejack propped up his legs by resting them on her back. Rarity tossed a nearby blanket over him. Pinkie, with a stethoscope that wasn’t there before, presses the cold metal against his chest.

“Weak, but beating, Twi!” She called out.

Twilight nodded and turned to look at Rainbow Dash. “Dash, go let Nurse Redheart know she’s clear to move in.”

Dash gave a salute and took off past the balcony.

“I think I’ll be the first to say this was NOT our finest work.” Rarity spoke up. She placed a hoof on the boy’s head and lightly stroked his head.

“We all knew this was going to be a messy process.” Twilight reassured her. “The important thing is that he is stable. That’s all we could’ve hoped for.

“I ain’t gonna lie, Twilight.” Applejack started. “I still don’t get how this reality hoppin’ business works but sho nuff, it did!”

“Applejack is right.” Fluttershy concurred. She nuzzled the human softly against her barrel, the back of his head pressed against her chest. “To be holding Aaron right now, physically, is something I’ve only dreamed of.”

The room got noticeable lighter in mood, as each pony realized what they have achieved. They all encircled the human and watched as he struggled to breathe.

“He’s breathing. That’s good.” Twilight said, more so to quell her panic. “That means the atmosphere is compatible. He also had his senses, even if they are disoriented.”

“Are they going to get un-disoriented, Twi?” Pinkie asked.

“They will, Pinkie.” Twilight promised her. “I didn’t get us this far to quit now. I can Pinkie Promise that.” Twilight motions the Promise to further prove her commitment.

“Oh, good!” Pinkie cheered, her gaze returned to the human. “I want to throw him a “Welcome to Ponyville slash Get Well Soon Party!”

The doors to the library opened. Rainbow led the team of Ponyville’s doctors to Aaron. The rest of the ponies moved away from Aaron to let the doctors take over. Nurse Redheart and some of her staff wheeled out a stretcher custom built to Aaron’s estimated measurements and with extreme care, placed him upon it. Before Aaron was wheeled away, Dash flew over to his side.

“You’re gonna be okay, kid.” She whispered to him. “You’re tougher than you think. You better not give up or you’ll be sorry, alright?”

She waited for a response that never came as the stretcher rolled along, past the open doors she came from. Her friends joined her by the door.

“Aw, Dash~” Rarity cooed a bit teasingly. “I didn’t think you would get so sentimental.”

“What? He’s my friend too!” Dash defended herself. “Lil’ guy always was scared of a little pain.”

“Wouldn’t say he’s so lil’ anymore.” AJ corrected. “We ought to be careful treating him like a child. Celestia knows it’s gonna be hard enough for him to settle. Babyin’ him won’t help none.”

“Easier said than done.” Twilight admitted. “Judging by his reaction, the shock is going to prevent him from being completely independent. He will need our help.”

“I don’t mind that.” Fluttershy stated frankly.

“Yeah, what Fluttershy said!” Rainbow interjected. “We raised the brat before, we can do it again.”

Pinkie appeared from behind the girls and pulled them all into a big hug. “Oh, look at all of us! Six momma mares all working together! Just like the good ol days!”

“Hey, I’m no one’s momma!” Dash objected.

Rarity nodded. “Yes, I agree. Dash doesn’t strike me as having a maternal instinct.”

“I’m more like the cool aunt!”

“Wouldn’t say you’re that, either Dash.”

“I’d like to be a mom.” Fluttershy said absentmindedly.

“Oookay!” Twilight broke the conversation up. “Let’s just start prepping Aaron’s room, okay? Okay.”

Chapter 5: Real

“So, it just follows you?” Rainbow asked, her eyes glued cautiously at the glass mirror behind Twilight.

“He.” Twilight corrected. “And yes, he just follows me around.”

“That makes two of us…” Spike snarked as he pulled the covers further over his head to muffle the ponies preparing to leave for the Everfree Forest.

“Well, at least he doesn’t give me any lip.” Twilight jabbed back, a look of disapproval. After a roll of her eyes, she continued. “I want to say it may have connections with Nightmare Moon’s return but it seems too…random.”

“Well, Twilight. Is there any chance we could leave the colt here in the library?” Rarity asked. She peered into the mirror to find the boy enamored with her mane. She couldn’t help but chuckle. “Although, he is quite the charmer so maybe-.”

“Charmer or not, the Everfree ain’t no place for a foal, otherworldly or not.” Applejack rebutted.

“I’d love to,” Twilight started. “But I can’t. At least I don’t know how. He just appears and reappears on his own. I have no control over it.”

“So…” Rainbow Dash started, deep in thought. “Does he follow you in the bathroom?”

“What? No!” Twilight answered, appalled at the thought. “The mirror seems to selectively decide what it focuses on.” She turned to look at the mirror, only to find it gone. After a frantic bit of searching, Applejack coughed and directed her attention to Pinkie Pie. She sat in a corner with the mirror and was in the midst of playing “Patty Cake”.

“Patty Cake, Patty Cake, Baker Mare!” Pinkie sang cheerfully. The rhythmic tap of her hooves against the mirror echoed softly. On the other side, the boy matched tempo. “Bake me a cake with love and care! Pat it, prick it, mark it with a P; and there will be enough for Pinkie and-“

“Me!” The boy shouted gleefully. The two shared a laugh together. After the pain in her sides subsided, she wiped a tear from her eye. She then faced the rest of her party.

“I like him. He should come with us.”

The first conscious thought Aaron had was awe at the softness of his surroundings. He could feel his body slightly sunk into the mattress, as it conformed to his shape. The blanket over top of him was thick and silky. He had never felt such luxury. Or such soreness.

Aaron stirred between the sheets, a feat much harder than it sounds. His muscles had atrophied, which rendered them stiff and borderline useless. He even struggled to open his eyes. But after some time, they did open.

He saw a bedroom, bathed in the glow of daylight. The walls were a fusion of oak wood and crystal, with portraits of the Mane Six adjourned. The furnishings of the room were sparse, with only a dresser and a chair placed next to his bed.

Aaron’s heartbeat quickened. He remembered in the fuzziest of details before his unconsciousness. He was sitting in front of the TV, then in front of the ponies directly. Although, they didn’t look like them. In fact, nothing looked like anything until now.

Aaron moved his hand in an attempt to sit himself up, when a bell rung above him. He looked up to see it hanging above the headboard, with a length of string running down to his finger. Aaron pulled the knot apart and the bell fell unceremoniously to the floor with a tin ding. Not long after, the sound of hooves echoed in the adjacent hallway.

Aaron held his breath. He recognized that there wasn’t much else that he could do, not with his muscles dead and still under a brain fog. So, he sat and waited for the door to open.

The door creaked open, a sparkling aura gripped around the handle. Twilight peeked her head through. She smiled genuinely at Aaron but Aaron only met her smile with skepticism.

“Aaron…” Twilight whispered, a sense of longing in her voice. She took a step forward.

“That’s close enough.” Aaron commanded with a tinge of hostility. Twilight was taken back by his tone, but stopped.

Aaron’s eyes bore into Twilight. No longer did her form shift like the eldritch being he assumed she had been. She looked as she always did, except…real? It was hard to pin down. It was like those cartoons that get a live action adaptation. He could identify the hairs of her coat, the light reflecting off her eyes. There was a look of sadness in them, no doubt from being told to stay away.

“You’re not real.” Aaron said.

“I very much am, Aaron.” Twilight responded, calm and cautious. She bowed slightly and her horn glowed. Aaron felt an invisible pressure envelope his hand and watched in horror as that pressure manipulated it to lift up into the air.

“Stop!” Aaron cried out. Twilight’s horn immediately faded as Aaron pulled his hand free.

“Sorry! I’m sorry!” Twilight apologized. “I just…wanted to prove it. You know, I would never hurt you. Not willingly.”

Aaron flexed his fingers into a closed fist, then open again. “You can’t be real. This place can’t be real!”

“Why not!?” Twilight shouted, then eased her temper. “I’m sorry, but what I meant was how can this not be real to you?”

“I thought I was crazy. I thought the past few months was a descent into madness.” Aaron groped his face, the sensation of touch undeniably there. He hardly had registered what Twilight had said. “To even think I was actually talking to real, living beings! Let alone be physically around them!”

“I know.” Twilight nodded. “I…somewhat understand the feeling. It will take some time to adjust, more so for you. For now, I suggest you-“

“What is wrong with you?”

The question was sharp. It cut through the room like a knife. Twilight’s words caught in her throat. She coughed.

“W-what do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“I didn’t agree to come here.” Aaron said. His demeanor grew colder, his gaze sharper. “I remember. I came to the TV, to talk to you. I told you how scared I was. How scared I was of leaving home. How scared I was about potentially dying if this didn’t work!”

Aaron’s voice grew louder, harsher. “You guilted me. Made me feel bad. I placed my hand on the TV and you placed your hoof against it. I thought it was for comfort. Then your horn glowed. I could feel my hand sink into the TV. I didn’t know what was happening. I cried for help. I cried for you to help me. More of me fell in and it felt like I was caught in wires, coiling around me like snakes.”

Twilight said nothing. She only listened with a guilt-stricken frown.

“Wasn’t long until I was fully gone. I don’t remember what it was like but I thought I died. I thought I died…” Aaron’s voice trailed. Tears ran down his cheeks, as the images of that event replayed in his mind. The sensation of static crept up his hands, his arms, his legs, his torso. Like a eletrical current that moved with the speed of molasses through his veins. Though his body was still sore from atrophy, Aaron laid back down and curled into a ball. Twilight heard soft sobs pass from beneath the sheets.

“Aaron, I-“

“Get out!” Aaron whispered harshly. Twilight reached out with a foreleg, but stopped. It was instinct on her part, but she knew what had to be done.

“I understand that you’re upset with me.” Twilight offered weakly. She headed for the door. “In time, I hope you can see it from my perspective. But for now, I’ll leave you be.” She turned her head one last time to look at Aaron. There was nothing she could see.

“I meant it, Aaron.” Twilight said with almost a whisper. “I would never hurt you. Not willingly.”

The door closed shortly after, the hoof steps trailed down the hall. Meanwhile, Aaron laid in the dark of the soft, damned blanket. As he drifted back to sleep, as the phantom pain flooded his body, he fell backwards in time to his last memory of home.

“Twilight, I don’t think I’m ready.”

“Ready for what?”

“Leaving. Like, leaving all of this behind.”

“What? But you said-“

“I know what I said. I’d give it some thought and I did: I’m not ready.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about! You told me that you feel invisible there. No one cares about you. That your world is cruel and hateful. Why won’t you leave it?”

“I dunno. Maybe I’ll come around to it, but just not now.”

…

“I…I had everything prepped and ready to go.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

…

“What’s even there for you?”

“What?”

“Even if everything in your life was going right, what does that world have that we don’t?”

“Twilight, it’s not about this world being better. It’s about it being the only world I know.”

“You know us.”

“I only know what I’ve seen. I’ve experienced things here. Pain, joy, fear, love.”

“Love from who?”

“My mom, for one.”

“Is her love greater than mine?”

…

“Twilight, that’s a hard question to answer.”

“Is her love realer than mine?”

“Twilight, it’s not personal.”

“It feels very personal! The girls and I have watched you grow just as much as any mother has! We taught you to clean yourself, feed yourself, defend yourself, take care of yourself, we gave you all of us!”

“Twilight, you’re scaring me…”

“Ha. Ha ha ha. I’m scaring you? Do you know how much you have scared us? How you scared me? One day, you just disappear. Gone without a trace. We didn’t know if you were missing, if you died, if you hated us! We endured so much since you left and still, we kept going because we all hoped that the next day, you would come back. Our little colt would come back.”

“Twilight, I didn’t know how much I hurt you. I didn’t know that I would be gone so long. I didn’t know-“

“We were real. We are real. Always have been. Just as real as anything and anyone around you now. All we-no. All I want, is for us to be together.”

“I’m here now, Twilight. And this time, I’m not going away. Isn’t that enough?”

…

“It’s not.”

“Twilight-my hand. My hand! What the fuck is happening to my hand?!”

“Please, Aaron! Just…take some deep breaths!”

“No! No no no NO! Argh! It fucking hurts.”

“It’s…only temporary. You will…be okay! I’m…still here…with you! I just…need to…concentrate…”

“Aaaah! AAAAAAAH! MOM! HELP! HELP ME! SOMEONE PLEASE!”

“I’m…here. I…always have been.”

…

“I…am…helping…”

…

“I…am…real…”

…

“My…love…Real…”

…

“Always…have… been…”

Author's Note

Damn.

From: The Department of Anomalies To: Site-101 Subject: [Anomalous Object Relocation]

[The following is an internal memo from the Department of Anomalies.]

To the staff of Site-101,

I am authorizing the transfer of OBJ-503 to your care. After a breach at Site-23 which resulted in its disappearance, this Object, plus a few others, were the only remnants of the event. Site-101 will be granted access to all documentation regarding OBJ-503. The documentation will require Level 2 Security Access to view, with some information requiring Level 4 Security Access. We believe Site-101 to be well equipped for the handling and containment of OBJ-503 and authorize full control of the Object’s handling by the Site Director.

Thank you for your service.

Councilor P5
The Department of Anomalies

…

There’s an attached message to the memo. Click to view it?

THERIDENEVERENDS

Author's Note

No, but like, what if tho fr?

But on a serious note, this year I’ve went to both HarmonyCon and MareFair and it kinda got me reminiscing on the dumb, silly, poorly drawn and barely edited shit I did in 2020. So, why not try to get back into it, 4 years wiser and twice as pathetic? If you’re reading this, thank you. And don’t worry, I still suck at this.