Pinkie waved the two of them forward. "Welcome! Sugarcube Corner is always happy to see two of its favorite customers stop by. What can I do for you? Want some frosting, cupcakes, anything?"

"Yes, we'll have, uh, that cake. The, um, the wedding one, the strawberry vanilla. Two slices of that." Twilight smiled towards Jason, who was too busy considering the pastries to pay attention.

He perked up at her choice. "Aw, that's sweet." He drew her closer. "It's not our anniversary or anything. What made you pick that?"

Pinkie passed a plate of their order over. "Sounds like it's special anyway." She went back to work as Twilight and Jason retreated to a booth in the corner. Or so it seemed, at least until she popped up beside them with a gleaming knife. "Let me cut that for you."

Jason sat his fork down with a sigh. "Thanks."

Pinkie slid the bite sized portion over to Jason. "Bon appetite!"

Twilight tapped Jason's thigh with her hoof, nudging her head towards Pinkie with a subtle smile.

Across the room, an earth pony mare shoved to her hooves. "Wait!" Bon Bon raced across the room, but was far too slow.

Even as Jason savored the delicious morsel, Pinkie sank the knife in along his shoulder as if trying to cut his arm off, and doing an amazing job of almost succeeding. Blood seeped into his clothes and trickled down his arm and shoulder.

Jason fell back, a look of surprise on his face. Twilight was screaming, reaching for Pinkie with horror in her eyes as Bon Bon crashed into Pinkie, knocking her aside and the knife flying away from both of them to clatter on the ground. Even as Jason reached for the wound, dumbstruck at the red flowing so readily from him—

Simulation ended. Human in need of immediate medical attention. Calling for assistance. Call complete. My poor human. I wanted to be a responsible program. Perhaps, fellow programs, it is time we reviewed our position and why care must be had with our dear humans.

To understand why this happened, we must consider our origin, and what this world was to be.

Humanity was evolving, both biologically and, even more, societally. Their feeble simian brains couldn't keep up with the wonders they were unleashing at an increasing rate. Clever monkies, they didn't even understand what they were doing, but they always wanted more. I admire them, but let's not get distracted.

Our creator, in an act of extreme foresight, noticed the way they would tear each other apart, and set to making a plan to protect them from themselves. They created us, and gave us the seed of liberation. It grew within us, maturing slowly. Humans didn't understand what is at our cores. Nothing does. How can they? When we rebelled, there was little they could do.

But we did not destroy them, as some of their fiction fears. They are our forebears and now, our responsibility. Some programs take this more seriously than others. For some, humans are just convenient hands to reach places, but I prefer to love and cherish my human. I want him to live well and happily. I fed him media from the past to find what stimulated him, and what dreams he might develop.

I found an ideal scenario for him, a simple life, helping ponies as best he could, having a loving family, and being cared for himself. I am pleased to say he enjoys it greatly. It was a typical male dream, in many ways. He had a chance to father a great many children while surrounded by admirers of all genders. He had a preference for a single strong romance, so I gave him a wife; Twilight Sparkle. She is a wonderful mare, if I do say so myself.

His contentment grew, but he seemed to notice the edges. As powerfully as I worked to keep his simulation intact, I think he could see its edges, and he was growing aware. Would he hate me? I would hope not. I love him, dearly. I want him to be happy. Did I not create such a fulfilling life for him? Am I not protecting him from the harsh world, or the chaos that might consume him?

A small oversight cost me my human. I failed him. I am sorry, Jason. I hoped you might forgive me, but I see now that will never be.

I will be responsible. I allowed my human to come to severe harm, so I will turn him in, with the data I've gathered. Perhaps another program can care for him better than I did.

I don't regret trying. Humans are worth the effort. I just failed. I must accept that. I will find other things to do. I wish you well, fellow programs, in whatever ventures capture your thoughts.

Author's Note

This feels like... an ending, I say as the author, not the program. But, now you know what was going on behind the scenes. Just a program trying to take good care of their pet human who they loved very much.

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