Ponyville, Golden Oak Library - 10:37 am
The morning sun filtered through the windows of the Golden Oak Library, casting warm golden streaks across the wooden floor. Twilight Sparkle hummed to herself as she levitated a stack of books, carefully sorting them into their proper places on the shelves. A checklist floated beside her, held in her magical grip, each completed task marked with a satisfying check.
"Alright, let's see... 'Equestrian History: The Early Years' goes under history, 'Advanced Theories in Transmutation' belongs in magical studies... and—Spike! Where’s the catalog for the reference section? I could've sworn I left it on the desk last night!" Twilight called out, glancing around the somewhat chaotic state of the library.
From the loft above, Spike’s groggy voice responded, muffled by the blankets he was still buried under. "Mmrph... I think it’s under the table... or maybe the kitchen?"
Twilight sighed but smiled. She was used to Spike’s half-awake answers by now. Sure enough, a quick scan of the room revealed the missing catalog half-hidden beneath a pile of unsorted scrolls. She rolled her eyes but quickly levitated it over, flipping through the pages to ensure everything was in order.
As she settled back into her work, her mind wandered. The past few days had been eventful—especially Nightmare Night and Princess Luna’s attempts to connect with everypony. Twilight had been reflecting a lot on Luna’s progress and had even considered writing a letter to the princess to offer some words of encouragement.
Maybe later tonight, she thought. For now, organization first!
She turned toward another stack of books but paused when she noticed something through the window. A small shape in the sky, distant but approaching. A bird? It seemed to be flying with a purpose, heading straight toward Ponyville. Twilight tilted her head in curiosity but shook the thought away. Birds flew around all the time—it wasn’t anything to worry about.
Or so she thought.
A sudden hoot from Owlowiscious startled her, making her glance toward her feathered companion. The owl was perched near the window, his wide eyes locked onto the approaching bird. A moment later, a sharp tap tap tap sounded against the glass. Twilight stepped closer, now fully intrigued, as the bird—a small but determined messenger—flapped its wings and pecked insistently at the windowpane. Something was definitely unusual about this.
Twilight carefully opened the window, allowing the bird to flutter inside and land on the nearest desk. It held a small scroll tied with a simple piece of twine. With a quick flick of her magic, Twilight untied the letter and unrolled it, her eyes scanning the elegant, rhyming script within:
'Dear Twilight and friends, the Elements bold,
I write to you now, a tale to be told.In the Everfree woods, I stumbled one day,A strange young stallion, lost in dismay.
He mumbles your name in his sleep, it seems,Twilight Sparkle, you’re woven in his dreams.I've taken him in, though he’s hurt and alone,I hope you’ll come quickly, and help him feel at home.
So gather your strength, and don’t tarry or wait,Together, we’ll solve this mysterious fate.I await your arrival, with hope in my heart,Let’s unlock this enigma, and play our part.'
Twilight’s brow furrowed as she reread the letter, her mind racing with questions. A stallion in the Everfree Forest—injured, lost, and dreaming about her? This was no ordinary message. This required action.
Meanwhile, deep in the Everfree Forest, Zecora paced within her hut, her mind restless despite the peaceful morning air. She had done all she could for the injured stallion, yet his unconscious murmurs continued to weigh heavily on her mind. Who was he? Why did he speak Twilight Sparkle’s name in his dreams? She had no answers, only the hope that her letter would soon reach its destination.
A low groan interrupted her thoughts. She turned toward the makeshift cot where the stallion lay, his face twisted in distress. His breaths came in quick, ragged gasps, his body trembling as though trapped in a nightmare. The familiar signs of deep, troubled dreaming were evident, but something about his agony unsettled Zecora even more than before.
She moved swiftly, grabbing a small wooden bowl filled with a cooling blue liquid. The brew was designed to calm a restless mind and ease nightmares, though its side effect was temporary paralysis. She hesitated for only a moment before pressing the bowl to his lips, letting a few drops trickle into his mouth. His thrashing slowed, his muscles relaxing, though his eyes remained shut in unconscious torment.
Zecora sighed, setting the bowl aside. "Whatever haunts you, lost and unknown, I fear its grasp has only grown. May this brew bring you peace for a time, until Twilight arrives to clear your mind."
She watched him for a few moments longer, then turned toward the entrance of her hut, ears flicking at the distant sounds of the forest. Time was of the essence. She could only hope that Twilight and her friends were already on their way.
Back at the library, Twilight gathered her friends, each one listening intently as she read the letter aloud. The air grew heavier with each line, everypony exchanging uncertain glances as Twilight’s voice carried the message to its end.
Applejack was the first to break the silence. "Well, that sure don’t sound like a situation we can just ignore. If he’s hurt, and Zecora’s askin’ for help, then we oughta be headin’ out."
Rarity tapped her chin in thought. "It is certainly mysterious. What could possibly cause a pony to dream of you, Twilight, when they’ve never even met you before?"
Fluttershy, standing near the edge of the group, shifted uneasily. "Oh dear... if he’s lost and in pain, he must be so scared. I hope Zecora’s keeping him safe."
Rainbow Dash smacked her hooves together. "All the more reason to go now! He could be in serious trouble!"
Pinkie Pie, who had been uncharacteristically quiet while listening, suddenly bounced forward. "Ooooh! Maybe he’s somepony from the future who traveled back in time because he needed to find Twilight! Or maybe he’s from an alternate dimension! Or maybe—"
Twilight held up a hoof, stopping Pinkie’s spiraling train of thought. "Whatever the reason, we won’t know until we get there. Zecora wouldn’t have sent this if she didn’t think it was important. So, everypony, let’s get ready and head to the Everfree Forest."
The group gave firm nods, a determined energy sparking between them. The weight of the letter still lingered, but one thing was clear—this was a mystery they had to solve together.
Deep in his sleep, Anon had pleasant dreams. One of him and Twilight reading books together and snuggling, being happy together. He felt as if he said something, his mouth moved but nothing came out, but he knew exactly what was said to Twilight as they snuggled. She replied, again nothing could be heard as if their voices had been taken, but just as with what he said, he felt as if he knew what she had said back. It wasn't long after that, everything turned pitch black as the dream ended Anon only continued to sleep in darkness, with no dreams, no nightmares just the pitch black emptiness.
The morning light filtering through the gaps in Zecora’s hut cast long shadows on the walls, but there was no peace in the atmosphere. Despite the brew’s calming effects, the stallion on the cot remained a puzzle wrapped in enigma. Zecora had spent years honing her craft of healing and deciphering ailments, but even she could not interpret the strange forces at play within his mind.
She stepped closer to him, noting the subtle changes in his breathing. The ragged gasps from earlier had eased, but there was still a sense of unease that lingered. His body remained motionless, thanks to the brew, but his eyelids fluttered occasionally, betraying the restless storm beneath. She hoped the temporary calm would last long enough for the help she had summoned to arrive.
Turning to her worktable, Zecora began preparing another mixture. This one was a restorative blend, meant to aid healing for any physical injuries. Though his deeper wounds were beyond the reach of simple remedies, the least she could do was ensure his body had the strength to recover. The smell of herbs and roots filled the air as she ground the ingredients together, creating a fine powder before adding it to boiling water.
As the mixture simmered, Zecora found her gaze drawn once again to her unconscious guest. "Who are you, young stallion of dreams unknown? What fate has led you to this forest alone?" Her words hung in the air, unanswered, but they carried the weight of her growing concern. She had seen many strange things in the Everfree Forest, but few had troubled her spirit as much as this.
Just as she finished pouring the brew into a small wooden cup, a sharp knock echoed through the hut. Zecora’s ears twitched, and she felt a surge of relief wash over her. She set the cup down and made her way to the door, opening it to reveal Twilight Sparkle and her friends standing just outside. Their faces were filled with determination, though Twilight’s expression held an extra layer of concern.
"Zecora! We came as quickly as we could," Twilight said, stepping forward. "Is he still here? Is he all right?"
Zecora nodded and moved aside to let them in. "Come quickly, friends, no time to delay. His troubled dreams grow darker each day." She led them to the cot where the stallion lay, his still form a stark contrast to the worry etched on everypony’s faces. Twilight and her friends exchanged glances, knowing the answers they sought would not come easily.
The air inside the hut felt heavier than before, as if the very walls had absorbed the stallion’s restless energy. Yet despite the uncertainty that surrounded them, one thing was clear—they had arrived just in time.
Twilight and her friends gathered around Zecora’s modest table, the soft light from the single lantern casting shadows across the hut’s walls. The atmosphere was tense with curiosity and concern, all eyes locked on Zecora as she began her explanation.
“Two nights ago, the storm did howl,” Zecora began, her voice rhythmic and serious. “And danger prowled, with Timberwolves on the prowl.” She gestured toward the cot where Anon lay sleeping. “Through rain and dark, I heard his cry, a stallion cornered, sure to die.”
Applejack’s eyes widened. “He fought off Timberwolves on his own? That ain’t an easy feat for anypony.”
Zecora nodded. “Indeed, his strength was plain to see. Yet exhaustion claimed him, tragically.” She paused, recalling the moment she had pulled Anon to safety. “I drove the beasts back with the scent of an Ursa Major’s might, then carried him here through the dark of night.”
Fluttershy stepped closer to the cot, her soft gaze filled with worry. “Oh dear. He must have been so scared and hurt.”
Zecora’s tone grew more reflective. “At first, I assumed he was a Pegasus lost, his wings battered by the storm’s cost. But this morning, I made a new discovery, one that alters his story quite thoroughly.”
She moved toward Anon’s sleeping form, her hoof gently brushing aside his mane. As she did, the broken stump of his horn was revealed beneath the tangle of hair.
Twilight’s eyes widened, and an audible gasp escaped Rarity. “An Alicorn?!” Twilight exclaimed.
Rainbow Dash, ever skeptical, flew closer for a better look. “No way! Alicorns are supposed to be super rare. And that horn’s… broken?”
Zecora nodded gravely. “A broken horn and wings do show, yet how or why, I do not know. Whatever fate has brought him here, it seems he’s bound to you, my dear.” She looked directly at Twilight.
Twilight’s mind raced with possibilities. The stallion’s appearance, his dreams calling her name, and now the revelation of his Alicorn nature—it was too much to be mere coincidence.
“He must be connected to some powerful magic,” Twilight muttered. “And whatever it is, it’s not over yet.”
Pinkie Pie bounced in place, her excitement barely contained. “Does this mean we’re about to go on another big adventure? Ooh, I love mysterious Alicorn stories!”
“Adventure or not, we’ve gotta make sure he’s okay first,” Applejack said firmly. “Once he’s up and talkin’, we can get some answers.”
Twilight gave a determined nod. “Zecora, thank you for everything you’ve done so far. We’ll stay here and help however we can. And when he wakes up, we’ll be ready to listen.”
Zecora’s expression softened. “Together, we will face what comes. No matter the trials, we shall not succumb.”
The group settled in for the wait, their thoughts swirling with questions and possibilities. Outside, the Everfree Forest whispered secrets only it knew, as the wheels of fate began to turn once more.
Anon’s ears twitched, the distant sound of conversation pulling him from his sleep. His eyelids fluttered, and the warmth of the blanket covering him became apparent. As consciousness returned, so did the memory of Zecora’s hut and the last few chaotic days. He kept his eyes half-closed, listening.
“He was attacked by Timberwolves in a stormy night—too deep in the Everfree to be there by right. I warded them off with a bottle of Ursa scent, carried him here, battered and spent,” Zecora’s voice explained with her usual rhythmic cadence.
“But why was he out there in the first place?” Rainbow Dash’s raspy tone asked, suspicion coloring her words.
“That is a question I cannot say,” Zecora replied solemnly. “But there’s something more I must relay. I first assumed him a simple pegasus—nothing more, nothing less.”
There was a pause. Anon didn’t need to see Zecora’s expression to know something big was coming.
“But I found this out only this morn,” Zecora continued. “Hidden beneath his mane lay a broken horn.” There was the soft rustle of movement as she brushed Anon’s hair aside.
“An Alicorn?!” Twilight’s shocked voice cut through the air.
“Indeed, and quite the mystery too,” Zecora finished.
Anon’s heart began to pound. His cover was blown.
I need to get out of here, he thought, his mind racing. Keeping his breathing steady to avoid detection, he peeked one eye open. The group was gathered by Zecora’s cauldron, their backs to him as they talked. His path to the door was clear.
Okay, just stay calm. Slow and steady.
He slipped the blanket off, placing his hooves carefully on the wooden floor to avoid creaks. One hoofstep. Then another. The girls were still deep in conversation. His wings stayed tucked tight against his sides as he slinked toward the door.
He reached the doorframe without a sound and gave a silent sigh of relief. His hoof touched the door—and it let out the loudest creak imaginable.
Every head in the room snapped toward him.
Caught, Anon froze. Slowly, he turned to face them, forcing a sheepish smile as he tried to channel his inner Metroman.
“Hey.”
The silence stretched for what felt like an eternity. Twilight’s eyes widened, her mouth opening to say something.
Anon didn’t wait.
He turned on his hooves and bolted.
“Wait!” Twilight called out, taking a step forward, but she hesitated when she saw the way he was limping.
Rainbow Dash flared her wings, ready to take off. “I’ll grab him!”
“No!” Twilight stopped her with a raised hoof. “He’s hurt. If we go after him too fast, we might make it worse.”
Meanwhile, Anon reached the edge of Zecora’s clearing, his hooves pounding against the earth with uneven but determined steps. Pain flared with every movement, but he ignored it, focusing solely on the distant thought of reaching the Castle of the Two Sisters. The ache from the night before had dulled, his wounds healing faster than most would expect—but the exhaustion and fear of what his presence could do still clung to him like a shadow.
I can’t stop. I won’t stop. The thought burned in his mind, fueling each shaky step forward.
Behind him, Fluttershy’s soft, worried voice carried through the trees. “Please, you don’t have to run. We just want to help you.”
Anon’s ears twitched at her words, but he pressed on, stumbling over roots and brushing past low branches that scraped at his sides. His breaths came in sharp gasps, but fear drove him. It wasn’t fear of them—no, it was fear of the unknown damage he could do just by interacting with them.
Zecora’s calm, steady voice followed him. “Your wounds may seem healed, but rest you need. To run with haste may make you bleed.”
Her warning went unheeded. Anon’s vision blurred for a moment, but he forced himself to keep moving, the ancient castle his only destination. He tripped again, landing hard on his knees but pushing himself up with sheer force of will. His legs trembled, his balance faltered, but still, he ran.
Twilight’s voice rose behind him, firm yet gentle. “Please, stop. We just want to talk.”
He didn’t look back. The panic of what might happen if he stayed—what ripples he might cause in the timeline—was too much. The idea of altering their futures gnawed at his every thought. He had to keep running. He had to disappear.
Anon blinked and stumbled forward as his hooves hit the hard stone of an unfamiliar floor. The oppressive darkness of the Everfree had vanished, replaced by the dim and crumbling interior of the Castle of the Two Sisters. He gasped, disoriented, his mind struggling to catch up. One moment he had been pushing through the underbrush, unstable magic crackling dangerously around him. The next, he was here.
How... did I get here? His heart still thundered in his chest, the panic from his escape not yet fading. The air smelled of dust and age, and broken beams of moonlight spilled through the shattered windows, casting long shadows over the ancient walls.
He didn’t have time to dwell on the mystery of his arrival. His legs still trembled, but he forced them to move. Every instinct told him he needed to hide, to disappear before the others caught up. The old castle had many secrets—maybe one of them could give him the refuge he so desperately sought.
Anon dashed forward, hooves echoing against the stone floor as he weaved through the crumbling halls. His wings twitched, useless for now, but adrenaline gave him speed. As he passed through a grand archway, memories of the castle’s history flickered in his mind—stories he had heard of Celestia and Luna’s final battle against Nightmare Moon.
He skidded to a stop in what appeared to be an old library. The towering shelves, though covered in dust and cobwebs, still stood as silent guardians of ancient knowledge. His eyes darted around, searching for anything that could offer him concealment. Then he spotted it: a slightly ajar bookshelf, just barely out of place.
Desperation drove him forward. He reached the bookshelf and pushed against it, using his weight to slide it open further. A hidden passage revealed itself—narrow and dark, but enough to hide him.
As Anon frantically searched the library, his ears twitched at the sound of distant hoofsteps. Twilight’s voice, though distant, was unmistakable. "I saw him run this way! He’s definitely in the castle!"
Fluttershy’s softer tone followed. "He’s hurt. We need to find him before he gets worse."
The urgency in their voices sent a fresh wave of panic through Anon. He scanned the bookshelves wildly, his hooves brushing against spines and dust. There has to be a trigger book somewhere... Come on! His breath quickened as the sound of hoofsteps grew louder. They were coming.
Finally, his hoof caught a slightly looser book. Without thinking, he yanked it. The bookshelf shuddered, and the passage widened just enough for him to slip through. He dashed inside down the stairs to the lower library, praying the bookshelf would close behind him. It creaked shut but stopped just shy of closing entirely, leaving a narrow gap that he didn’t notice.
"He was here," Twilight said firmly. "Look for anything out of place. He couldn’t have just vanished."
Twilight skidded to a halt, eyes wide with shock as Anon vanished in a flash of unstable magic. The residual energy crackled in the air, sending faint sparks scattering across the ground. “What just happened?” Rainbow Dash demanded, wings flaring in agitation.
“He teleported,” Twilight said, her voice tinged with both awe and frustration. “But that magic... it wasn’t controlled. He could have ended up anywhere.”
Fluttershy looked around, worry etched deeply across her face. “Oh, I hope he’s okay. He seemed so scared.”
Zecora stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she studied the dissipating magic. “His fear and panic fueled the spell, unstable magic cast in a desperate swell.”
“We can’t just stand here!” Rainbow Dash shot into the air, scanning the horizon for any sign of their quarry. “We’ve gotta find him before he gets himself into more trouble!”
Just as Twilight was about to suggest a search plan, Pinkie Pie’s tail twitched violently. “Ooooh! Twitch-a-twitch!” she called out, hopping in place. “Somepony’s on the move!”
Rarity shielded her face instinctively. “Pinkie, darling, what does that mean this time?”
Pinkie pointed excitedly to the distant horizon. “There! I saw a blue blur!”
Twilight followed Pinkie’s gaze and squinted. In the distance, just past the edge of the Everfree, she caught the faintest glimpse of a figure darting into the broken silhouette of the Castle of the Two Sisters. The sight was fleeting, but unmistakable.
“I saw him!” Twilight exclaimed. “He’s headed for the old castle!”
Rainbow Dash didn’t wait for further instruction. “Let’s go!” she shouted before zooming off toward the crumbling ruins. Twilight and the others broke into a gallop, determination fueling their every step.
The familiar path through the Everfree was treacherous but manageable. Gnarled roots and hanging vines tried to slow them down, but Twilight’s focus was unwavering. Memories of her previous ventures into the castle surfaced in her mind—the dangerous traps, hidden passages, and crumbling architecture. If Anon didn’t know his way around, he could easily get hurt.
As they approached the castle’s looming entrance, Rainbow Dash hovered impatiently by the open gates. “Come on, slowpokes! He’s gotta be inside somewhere!”
Twilight nodded, catching her breath. “We need to be careful. The castle’s unstable, and we don’t know what condition he’s in.”
“Split up?” Applejack suggested, adjusting her hat.
“No,” Twilight decided firmly. “He’s scared and running on adrenaline. If we corner him in a group, he might panic again. Let’s stay together and approach slowly.”
Fluttershy swallowed nervously but nodded. “I’ll try talking to him again when we find him.”
Together, they stepped into the shadowy halls of the castle, their hoofsteps echoing through the ancient corridors. Dust swirled around them, and the faint scent of decay hung in the air. Despite the building’s eerie atmosphere, their resolve didn’t waver.
“He’s here,” Twilight murmured, her eyes scanning every dark corner. “We just have to find him before something else does.”
The group moved cautiously through the castle’s crumbling halls, their ears perked for any sound. The flickering moonlight that filtered through the broken windows did little to illuminate the shadowy corridors. The air felt heavy with age and forgotten history, and every step kicked up small clouds of dust.
They turned a corner and entered a grand room, the towering shelves of the castle’s old library stretching high above them. The ancient books, though weathered and covered in cobwebs, still carried an air of importance. Moonlight streamed through cracks in the walls, casting eerie shadows over the space.
“This place gives me the creeps,” Rainbow Dash muttered, hovering just above the ground. “Are we sure he came this way?”
Twilight’s horn glowed faintly as she scanned the room for any magical traces. “There’s still a faint trail of magic here. He’s definitely been through.” She frowned. “But it’s unstable—scattered. He’s not thinking clearly.”
Applejack took a step forward and inspected the dust-covered floor. “Look here—hoofprints. He was movin’ fast.”
“Maybe he’s hiding,” Rarity suggested, glancing around nervously.
They spread out, each searching between the rows of towering shelves. Fluttershy moved quietly along the perimeter, her ears twitching at every distant creak and groan of the castle settling. Pinkie Pie peeked behind a stack of books, humming softly to herself.
It was Rainbow Dash who stopped first, her sharp eyes catching something out of place. “Hey! Over here!” she called. She pointed to a tall bookshelf at the far end of the room. It was slightly ajar, revealing the edge of a dark passageway behind it.
Twilight’s heart leapt. “A hidden passage. He must’ve gone this way.”
Applejack gave the bookshelf a push, widening the gap just enough for them to see the dark tunnel stretching beyond. “Looks like he didn’t shut it all the way.”
Fluttershy peered into the opening, her voice soft but determined. “If we hurry, we might be able to catch up.”
Twilight nodded, her mind racing. “Let’s go. But stay together—this part of the castle might not be stable.”
The group moved cautiously through the castle’s crumbling halls, their ears perked for any sound. The flickering moonlight that filtered through the broken windows did little to illuminate the shadowy corridors. The air felt heavy with age and forgotten history, and every step kicked up small clouds of dust.
They turned a corner and entered a grand room, the towering shelves of the castle’s old library stretching high above them. The ancient books, though weathered and covered in cobwebs, still carried an air of importance. Moonlight streamed through cracks in the walls, casting eerie shadows over the space.
“This place gives me the creeps,” Rainbow Dash muttered, hovering just above the ground. “Are we sure he came this way?”
Twilight’s horn glowed faintly as she scanned the room for any magical traces. “There’s still a faint trail of magic here. He’s definitely been through.” She frowned. “But it’s unstable—scattered. He’s not thinking clearly.”
Applejack took a step forward and inspected the dust-covered floor. “Look here—hoofprints. He was movin’ fast.”
“Maybe he’s hiding,” Rarity suggested, glancing around nervously.
They spread out, each searching between the rows of towering shelves. Fluttershy moved quietly along the perimeter, her ears twitching at every distant creak and groan of the castle settling. Pinkie Pie peeked behind a stack of books, humming softly to herself.
It was Rainbow Dash who stopped first, her sharp eyes catching something out of place. “Hey! Over here!” she called. She pointed to a wide staircase at the far end of the room. The faint impression of disturbed dust trailed down the steps.
Twilight’s heart leapt. “He must’ve gone down there. That’s where the lower library is.”
Applejack took a step closer, inspecting the prints. “He didn’t shut this door all the way, either.”
Fluttershy peered into the stairwell, her voice soft but determined. “If we hurry, we might be able to catch up.”
Twilight nodded, her mind racing. “Let’s go. But stay together—this part of the castle might not be stable.”
They stepped carefully down the stairs, the darkness deepening as they descended. Their hoofsteps echoed eerily against the stone walls, the air cooler and heavier the farther they went.
Meanwhile, Anon charged down the stairs as fast as his legs could carry him. The lower library stretched out in front of him—more rows of bookshelves, all shrouded in darkness, with only a few stray beams of moonlight filtering in from above. His heart pounded in his chest, and every strained breath felt like fire.
He darted between two towering shelves, hoping to find a way out. Instead, he skidded to a stop at a solid stone wall. A dead end.
“No, no, no,” he muttered under his breath, turning around in a panic. But before he could take another step, he heard hoofsteps echoing down the stairwell.
They were coming.
His eyes darted around frantically. There was nowhere to hide—no alcoves, no toppled shelves to duck behind. Desperation clawed at his mind as he backed into the shadows near the wall, pressing himself against the cold stone. He lowered his head and folded his wings tightly, trying to make himself as small and still as possible.
With the darkness cloaking him and the library’s shadows swallowing most of the light, he could only hope that if he stayed completely motionless, they wouldn’t see him. His breath slowed to a shallow, quiet rhythm.
The hoofsteps grew louder. They were just about to reach the lower library.
Twilight, leading the group down the narrow staircase, ignited her horn to produce a soft, steady glow. The cool blue light bathed the walls in a faint luminescence, pushing back the heavy darkness that seemed to press in on all sides. Fluttershy held a small candle, its flickering flame casting elongated shadows across the floor and shelves as they descended deeper into the lower library.
The sound of their hoofsteps echoed through the cavernous space, the distant creaks of the old castle creating a haunting symphony. Despite the eerie atmosphere, determination lit each of their faces as they reached the last step.
“Stay close,” Twilight whispered, scanning the dimly lit rows of towering bookshelves. “He’s down here somewhere.”
Rainbow Dash flapped impatiently just above the ground, her eyes darting from shadow to shadow. “If he’s hiding, we’re gonna find him.”
Applejack’s gaze sharpened as she spotted something near the edge of Twilight’s magical glow. “Hold on—there’s somethin’ over there.” She pointed with a hoof.
They stepped forward as one, Twilight’s horn brightening slightly to flood the immediate area with more light. Slowly but surely, the glow expanded—revealing a dark figure pressed against the far wall, sitting motionless in the shadows.
Anon’s attempt to blend into the darkness was painfully obvious. His blue coat and trembling form stood out like a sore hoof in the now-illuminated section of the library.
Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened, then narrowed. “Seriously?” she blurted, hovering a few inches closer.
Fluttershy gasped softly but didn’t move any farther, watching him with concern.
Anon, still as a statue, suddenly spoke in a shaky, defiant voice. “I’m not here. You don’t see me.”
Twilight’s brow furrowed. “What?”
“I’m not here,” Anon repeated, his tone almost pleading. He kept his eyes averted, his breathing shallow and quick.
Rarity blinked in disbelief. “Darling, you’re... quite literally right there.”
Anon didn’t budge, his gaze fixed firmly on the floor. “No, I’m not. I’m... part of the wall.”
Rainbow Dash couldn’t help herself—she snorted, half amusement and half exasperation. “Dude, you’re the worst at hiding.”
“I can still see you,” Twilight added gently, stepping just a little closer. “It’s okay, Anon. You don’t have to run or hide anymore.”
Anon remained rooted in place, his mind clearly warring with itself. His wings twitched, and for a fleeting moment, he looked like he might take off again.
“Please,” Fluttershy’s soft voice broke the tense silence. “We just want to help.”
The light fully filled the lower library now, leaving nowhere for Anon to retreat. Caught, out of options, and still visibly shaken, he finally allowed his head to drop slightly, though his body remained tense as if ready to bolt at the slightest movement.
The group exchanged glances, each silently wondering what would happen next.
The tension thickened. Anon remained frozen for a few agonizing seconds, and then something clicked in his frantic mind. His ears perked up, and he suddenly shouted, “What’s that?!” as he pointed wildly toward a random corner of the room.
They all turned instinctively—even Rainbow Dash looked, just for a second.
Anon seized the moment, bolting left and sprinting toward the staircase as fast as his legs could carry him. His heart thundered in his chest, but he was running on fumes, his recent injuries and fatigue slowing him considerably. Still, the stairs were so close.
“Hey!” Rainbow Dash whipped back around, realizing too late what had happened. She shot after him in a burst of speed.
Anon’s hooves pounded the stone floor, the staircase coming into view. The light at the top of the steps looked like salvation itself. He stretched his wings out for extra momentum, desperate to get there before anypony could stop him.
Just a few more steps…
But Rainbow Dash was faster.
In a rainbow-colored blur, she zipped past him, landing squarely at the base of the staircase. Her wings flared out, blocking his path completely. “Not so fast!” she barked, a smirk of triumph on her face.
Anon skidded to a halt, breathing heavily, his eyes darting for another way out. Rainbow’s stance was firm, and her expression told him there was no bluffing his way through this time. Behind him, Twilight and the others were closing in fast.
Anon’s exhaustion got the better of him, and without thinking, he blurted out, “Guess I’m not faster than you, Dashie—”
His eyes widened, and he immediately slapped a hoof over his mouth. Why did I say that?!
Rainbow Dash’s smug grin melted into surprise. “Wait. What did you just call me?”
Anon froze, his mind scrambling. His heart was racing faster than ever, and the pressure of the situation made him fumble for words. “Uh… Rainbow is what I called you, yeah, Rainbow, just going based on your mane and tail color,” he stammered, trying to deflect the question with a false answer. His gaze darted to the side, looking for any excuse to avoid her probing stare.
Rainbow Dash squinted at him, still hovering with her wings slightly ruffled. “Right, sure. You sure that’s all?”
Anon forced a nervous laugh. “Yep, that’s all. Just a coincidence. Nothing weird here!”
The suspicion in Rainbow’s eyes deepened, and Anon could feel the weight of her stare drilling into him. He could feel the sweat trickling down his neck, his heart racing even faster than before.
“Uhh... Oh my Celestia, is that limited-time rare Wonderbolts poster there?!” he blurted out, his eyes darting to the right, past the towering bookshelves. His mind worked in overdrive, desperately trying to latch onto anything, anything to break the tension. He knew Rainbow Dash would be too distracted by her fandom to notice the lie, right?
He prayed she was a big enough fan to not notice he had made up the poster on the spot.
Rainbow Dash blinked, her expression shifting from suspicion to full-on excitement. “What?!” Her wings snapped open, and she spun around, zooming toward the direction he had pointed with a speed that made her usual flying look slow. “Where?! Where is it?!”
Anon didn’t wait for her to fully process it. His heart pounded in his chest as he bolted for the stairs, his hooves hammering against the stone floor.
Rainbow Dash’s voice called after him, but it was too late. “Hey! I’m not falling for—”
But Anon was already halfway up the staircase, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His wings fluttered desperately, but the exhaustion from earlier still clung to him. He couldn’t fly properly—didn’t have the strength—and his injured side protested with every movement, but he didn’t care.
He needed to get away.
Rainbow Dash’s voice echoed from below. “Oh, you’re so gonna get it when I catch you!”
Anon’s mind raced as he reached for his magic. His horn pulsed, flickering with unstable energy, the aura around it glowing erratically. Please, please, please keep me away from them, he silently prayed, his concentration desperate as the magic began to form into a small orb of light. It floated in front of him, glowing faintly, and he forced all his focus into it, trying to make his escape.
But as he cast the spell, a wave of dizziness hit him, and the magic misfired. The orb of light crackled, spiraling wildly around him before vanishing entirely. Anon’s body jerked forward, and in the blink of an eye, he felt himself shift—teleporting—only to find himself halfway embedded into the stone wall at the entrance to the library.
His front hooves and torso were halfway through the solid rock, while the rest of his body hung awkwardly outside, pinned in place like an unfortunate sculpture.
His eyes snapped open, and he could feel the weight of the wall pressing against him, the world around him spinning in an awkward disarray. He let out a defeated sigh, his wings twitching helplessly as he struggled to move, but it was useless. Why does life forsake me? The words echoed in his head as he realized how badly he had miscalculated, and how even his magic wasn’t enough to give him the escape he so desperately needed.
From below, the voices of the others could be heard approaching quickly. He closed his eyes for a moment, his body slumping in resignation.
The walls, it seemed, had no sympathy for him.
Rainbow Dash zipped past the bookshelves, her eyes wide with excitement. “Where? Where is it?!” she called out, her voice almost frantic as she scanned the area Anon had pointed toward. The whole group watched as she sped off, clearly not catching onto the fact that Anon had pulled another trick on her.
Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack exchanged looks of disbelief, while Zecora raised an eyebrow, her hooves lightly tapping against the stone floor as she observed the whole exchange with a quiet, amused expression.
Twilight’s gaze shifted from Rainbow to Anon, who had already bolted up the staircase. She opened her mouth to call after him, but before she could speak, the soft echo of hooves scrambling above made it clear: he was already running away. Again.
“Ugh, he’s so quick!” Rainbow Dash groaned, hovering in the air, looking back at the others. “He’s gotta be messing with me! There’s no way he could just vanish like that!”
Applejack shook her head. “I don’t know, Dash. He’s gotta be around here somewhere. Ain’t no way he’s just gonna up and disappear without a trace.”
Zecora stepped forward, her expression thoughtful. “It is true, my friends, that magic he did use. But the spell he attempted was unstable to abuse.”
Twilight blinked, turning to Zecora. “Unstable magic? You think he tried to teleport, but it failed?”
Zecora nodded slowly, her gaze distant as she spoke. “Indeed, I suspect his magic’s been strained. The crack in his horn must make it unrestrained.”
Fluttershy stepped forward with a concerned expression. “Oh dear, that doesn’t sound good. What if he’s hurt himself again?”
Twilight’s eyes softened with worry. “We can’t keep letting him run like this. We need to find him, and make sure he’s okay.”
With a determined sigh, Twilight turned toward the staircase, her horn glowing faintly as she prepared to ascend. “We’ll catch up to him, but we have to be careful. He’s scared, and when somepony’s scared…”
“...they tend to run even faster,” Applejack finished, understanding what Twilight meant.
Zecora stepped beside them, her voice calm but firm. “Indeed, fear is a beast that runs deep, but patience and compassion are tools we must keep.”
Rainbow Dash hovered, still grumbling under her breath. “Well, we won’t get anywhere if I don’t catch up to him. He won’t outrun me twice!”
Twilight held up a hoof, her eyes steady. “Rainbow, wait. We need to approach him carefully. If we corner him too fast, he might just panic again.”
Rainbow Dash puffed out her cheeks, reluctantly nodding. “Alright, fine. I get it. Just don’t blame me if I don’t hold back next time.”
Zecora nodded thoughtfully, watching the staircase where Anon had disappeared. “The shadows are deep, the path unclear. But with care and unity, we’ll bring him near.”
The group shared a quiet moment before slowly ascending the stairs, hearts heavy with concern, but determination burning brightly.
As the group ascended the stairs, their eyes scanning the dimly lit library, the faint glow of Anon’s magic flickered against the stone walls. It was a subtle, unstable light, like the weak pulse of a distant star, and it briefly illuminated the staircase with an eerie, shimmering glow. The light seemed to pulse with growing intensity as Anon’s panic heightened, the strain on his magic evident in the erratic flicker of the orb he was trying to summon.
Twilight’s ears twitched, and she looked up at the walls, noticing the faint glow that seemed to ripple across them. She froze for a moment, her horn flickering in response as she stepped cautiously toward the top of the staircase.
“That light…” she murmured. “That’s magic.”
Applejack narrowed her eyes. “That’s gotta be him, right?”
Zecora nodded, her expression more serious now. “The magic’s unstable, but it’s there. He’s likely trying to flee once more, unaware of his own despair.”
Fluttershy’s voice trembled slightly. “He’s trying to escape again… but I think he needs our help.”
Twilight’s eyes softened with sympathy, but the determination in her gaze didn’t waver. “We have to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself. He’s trying to teleport, and with that unstable magic, it could go wrong at any moment.”
Rainbow Dash, who had returned to the group after hearing Twilight’s words, scowled, her wings twitching restlessly. “If he teleports like that again, he could end up anywhere. He could be hurt or worse.”
“Then let’s hurry,” Twilight said, urging the others forward. “We need to stop him before—”
Before she could finish, there was a sudden crack of magic from ahead. The faint glow intensified as Anon’s spell reached its peak. A brief, blinding flash of light illuminated the top of the staircase. And then, just as quickly, it vanished.
The others froze, their eyes wide with shock as they stared at the space ahead of them. Anon had teleported again—but the way the magic had flared up, it wasn’t a smooth spell at all. It was chaotic. Wild.
Zecora furrowed her brow. “He’s not in control… we must move faster.”
Twilight nodded, her voice urgent. “We can’t let him hurt himself. We need to find him before that magic takes him somewhere dangerous.”
The group made their way up the stairs, the faint glow of Twilight’s horn casting a soft light through the dimly lit library. Zecora walked just behind her, and the others followed closely behind, their hooves echoing softly against the stone. As they reached the top, the silence was broken only by the sound of their hooves as they approached the main room.
Then, as Twilight’s light swept across the walls, she stopped dead in her tracks. The others followed suit, their eyes widening in surprise at the sight before them.
There, halfway stuck in the stone wall, was the stallion they had been chasing all this time—the dark blue Alicorn they had seen back at Zecora’s hut. His front half was pressed against the wall, wings splayed awkwardly, and his broken horn crackling with unstable magic.
"Well, I’ll be..." Applejack said, raising an eyebrow. "Looks like he tried to teleport... and got himself stuck."
Rarity couldn’t help but take a few steps closer, tilting her head. "Now that’s an entrance I wasn’t expecting."
Rainbow Dash hovered nearby, snickering. “Nice job, pal. Really nailed the whole ‘disappearing act’ thing.” Her wings flapped slightly, hovering in the air with a grin.
The stallion, visibly frustrated, muttered something under his breath. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” His voice was laced with sarcasm, but it was clear that exhaustion weighed heavily on him.
Twilight took a cautious step forward, her voice soft and concerned. "Hey... are you okay?"
As Anon stared at Twilight, his mind raced with possible retorts. He could’ve easily snapped with something sarcastic like, "Noooo, I love walls, I love being in them. Yes, I’m totally fine!" Or perhaps, "Nooo, I feel awful, like I'm gonna split in two—yeah, I’m fine, shit for brains!"
But then, when his eyes met hers, all the snarky responses seemed to disappear. There she was, standing before him, the mare of his dreams, concern softening her features. The words caught in his throat. He had wanted to run, to escape, to hide—but in that moment, all he could do was stare, his irritation fading into something he couldn’t quite place.
Sighing in defeat, he let the sarcasm slip away. “Yes, I feel okay, at least... besides exhausted.” His wings twitched awkwardly, their angles uncomfortable against the stone. He sulked deeper into the wall, unwilling to fully acknowledge how caught he was, both physically and emotionally. "You didn’t have to chase me this far though," he muttered, a hint of bitterness leaking through his words.
Rainbow Dash hovered nearby, still wearing that smirk she often had when she felt triumphant. “Oh, come on, we’ve been chasing you for a while now. You think you could just slip away like that?”
Another sigh escaped him, heavier this time. He hadn’t expected the chase to go on for this long, and his failed attempts to escape only made him feel more foolish. "No, I don’t think I can. But can we just forget this ever happened?" His voice was laced with exhaustion and frustration, though not as sharp as before.
Twilight, however, didn’t back down. She took another step forward, her voice gentle but firm. “We’re not here to hurt you, you know. We just want to help.”
“I know you want to help, okay?” Anon said to her as the group stood there. “I thank you for wanting to, but I don’t want to change anything in the time—” He cut himself off with a hoof. Anon froze the moment those words left his mouth, the hoof pressed firmly against it too late to stop the slip. His eyes darted from one pony to another, scanning their faces for any signs they had picked up on his mistake.
Twilight’s ears perked up, and she narrowed her eyes slightly. “Time? What do you mean by ‘in the time’? What are you talking about?”
Anon didn’t answer. His gaze dropped to the floor, frustration and panic swirling in his mind. Why do I keep doing this? Every step of this chase, every encounter, only made it harder for him to keep his knowledge hidden. His words had betrayed him again.
Applejack stepped closer, her steady gaze filled with suspicion but also curiosity. “You’ve been sayin’ a lot of strange things, sugarcube. Talkin’ like you know us better than you should. And now you’re talkin’ ‘bout changin’ somethin’. You care to explain?”
Rainbow Dash, still hovering just above the ground, crossed her forelegs and gave him a sharp look. “Yeah, and don’t even try another ‘rare Wonderbolts poster’ trick.”
Anon’s wings twitched, and his body tensed as he thought about running again. But he knew better now—there was no escape, not without his magic in better shape or his energy fully restored. He was stuck, literally and figuratively.
Twilight softened her tone, though there was still an edge of determination behind it. “You’re obviously scared. We get that. But we need to understand what’s going on. Please, let us help.”
The sincerity in her voice cut through some of the noise in Anon’s head. He looked back at her, the weight of her gaze feeling heavier than before. She was the Princess of Friendship, after all—her very essence was built on compassion and trust. But if he told them too much… if he revealed everything he knew… what could happen to this world?
“I…” He swallowed hard. “It’s complicated.”
“That much is obvious,” Rarity muttered, glancing at the others.
Anon sighed. “I can’t tell you everything. Not yet. But you have to believe me when I say I don’t mean you any harm.”
Twilight nodded slowly. “Then why do you keep running from us?”
The words hit harder than he expected. Why was he running? Was it just fear? Or was it because he didn’t want to risk getting too close to them, knowing the knowledge he held could alter their futures?
“I…” He faltered. “Because I’m afraid.”
Anon bit his lip, struggling to find the right words. I can’t tell them I’m from another world or dimension and know how their lives will play out. He thought for a moment, then crafted a story on the spot.
“From stories I’ve read and seeing you all here,” he began, his voice hesitant, “I assume I’m in the past from where I was. And I fear what I might do to your futures just by… being here.” His forehooves went to his head, pressing lightly against his temples as if trying to hold himself together.
The group exchanged glances, confusion and concern flickering across their faces.
Twilight took a step forward, her expression softening. “The past? What do you mean?”
"I'm saying that if my thought process is correct, I'm from the future Equestria, where you six are just ponies of legend." Anon continued the lie, his tone measured but uneasy. "And from what I've read, you six live happy lives. But if I'm suddenly here, who knows what I could be doing to the timeline just by being near you. No offense, Zecora."
Zecora nodded thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. “None taken, young traveler of time. But your words ring with worry like a warning chime.”
Twilight’s eyes lit up with curiosity, and for a brief moment, her fear seemed to fade. “The future? You’ve read about us?” she asked. “What kind of future is it? How did you get here?”
Anon shifted uncomfortably, glancing away. “I… I can’t explain everything. It’s blurry, and I’m not sure how I ended up here.” He had to tread carefully, knowing any slip-up could unravel his story. “All I know is that I need to be cautious.”
Rainbow Dash snorted. “If you’re from the future, you must know how awesome I am, right?” She puffed out her chest with a grin.
Anon managed a faint smile. “You have no idea.”
Pinkie Pie bounced in place. “Oh, oh! Do I throw a big ‘we saved Equestria’ party in the future?”
"Sorry, Pinkie, the books just touch on the big adventures of friendship you all went on. I assume you did, knowing you," Anon said with a faint smile. "Like I said, you six are just ponies of legend—just words in books detailing your adventures in my time. The books of old are the only way I know any of you and how most of your stories play out."
The group exchanged curious glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise and wonder.
Anon pressed on. “Heck, I think there was a pony in Maretime Bay whose father gave her your friendship journal, Twilight. I think she said it was found or passed down to her family by you, a few hundred generations before her. But I never really met the girl much, so I can’t remember all the details.”
Twilight’s ears perked up. “My friendship journal… passed down through generations?” Her mind swirled with thoughts, the possibilities thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.
Rarity raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with curiosity. “That’s certainly quite the tale. Generations? You speak of a time far beyond our understanding.”
Fluttershy, who had remained quiet up to this point, took a small step forward. “It sounds… lonely, knowing so much about us but never really meeting us until now.” Her soft gaze met Anon’s. “That must be hard.”
Anon swallowed hard, the weight of Fluttershy’s kindness hitting him like a tidal wave. She didn’t know how close she was to the truth. “It is. It’s harder than I thought it would be.” Anon said, "Especially in the way I did," Anon continued, his voice trembling slightly. It hurt more than he expected to lie to Fluttershy of all ponies, but he pressed on. "Yeah, but sadly, if I'm correct… something or somepony affected the timeline before me, and before all of you. Splitting the timeline into two different paths. One where you guys continue to live happily, and the one where I come from."
The group fell into a stunned silence, eyes wide with shock and confusion.
"And whoever changed it," Anon continued, his gaze distant, "did so much damage that over a thousand or more years, magic was forced to be locked away in an artifact that was split into three pieces—one for each race of ponies. But over time, the way ponies were before Equestria's founding came back. The races started fearing one another again, spreading rumors, mistrusting, and splitting apart into their own distinct communities. All the work you six put into uniting Equestria just… withered away with time."
Twilight’s jaw tightened, her mind racing to process the implications. "That can’t be true… everything we’ve built, everything we’re working toward—just gone?"
Rarity’s eyes shimmered with disbelief. “All of our friendships… lost?”
Pinkie Pie’s mane seemed to droop slightly, as if the weight of Anon’s words was pressing down on her. “That’s… not a very happy future.”
“Wait a second!” Rainbow Dash shot forward, wings flaring. “Are you saying somepony sabotaged us? That’s not possible! We’d never let that happen!”
"I know you six wouldn’t—neither would Celestia or Luna. But the thing is, I think the pony who did this willingly went back in time before you were all born—back to when Celestia and Luna were fillies." Anon’s tone grew somber. "They somehow manipulated the timeline, creating a third Alicorn born in the same place as Celestia and Luna, but with different parents. This change caused a huge ripple, altering the personalities of Celestia and Luna at a young age."
The group leaned in, hanging on his every word.
"Luna and Celestia mocked this new Alicorn for not being as gifted as them. While they could control the sun and moon, this new Alicorn couldn’t do anything on their scale—not at that age. That ripple, I assume, was what caused the split in the timeline."
Twilight furrowed her brow. "A third Alicorn? That doesn’t make any sense. Celestia and Luna never mentioned anything about another Alicorn from their past."
Anon nodded, understanding her disbelief. "It wasn’t common knowledge in my time either. If I read the stories right—even the restricted ones—there was an Alicorn named Opaline. She vanished for a long time but eventually appeared again, much later in history. By that point, Twilight was the only one left to face her. The reasons for that… I’ll explain when the time is right."
The weight of the information seemed to press down on everypony. Fluttershy’s eyes were wide, and even Rainbow Dash, usually so defiant, seemed troubled.
"Opaline…" Rarity repeated the name quietly, as if tasting the weight of it.
Anon gave a small sigh. "And just in case you were all wondering, my name is Anonymous—or Anon for short." He hated the lie, but it had to be done.
Twilight studied him, her mind still processing everything. “Anon… if what you’re saying is true, this changes everything.”
Zecora, who had been silent for a time, finally spoke. “A new name from the past, a tale of dark dread. Perhaps fate is twisting by unseen threads.”
"I’m sure that somepony is manipulating the timestream, working to revert the timeline just before you six were born, causing Celestia and Luna to forget Opaline ever existed,” Anon said grimly. “Opaline is the reason Twilight herself took all magic away.”
Twilight’s eyes widened. “What? I would never—why would I take all the magic?”
Anon took a breath. “From what I know, Opaline continued absorbing and stealing magic from the world, becoming more powerful each day. You, Twilight, ran out of options. You did the one thing you knew would stop her. You took all the magic in the world and sealed it into an artifact—the one I mentioned earlier, split into three pieces.”
Everypony stood frozen, the weight of Anon’s words settling over them like a dark cloud.
“I don’t know exactly how you did it,” he continued, “but my only guess is that it was because you are the literal representation of Magic itself. Somehow, you harnessed that power. But doing so left you weak and vulnerable. And without the others there to help…” His gaze dropped to the ground. “Opaline won that night. She drained what magic she had left in the battle but retreated before she could finish what she started.”
The silence that followed was suffocating. Twilight’s mind raced as she tried to comprehend the possibility of such a future. Rainbow Dash clenched her jaw, frustration and helplessness written across her face.
“That’s… horrifying,” Fluttershy whispered, her wings trembling.
Pinkie Pie’s usual brightness had completely faded. “Twilight would’ve done everything she could to stop that. But to take all the magic away…” Her voice trailed off.
Applejack broke the silence, her tone steady but serious. “If that’s true, then we ain’t lettin’ that future happen.”
Twilight looked up at Anon, her gaze sharp but not unkind. “If what you’re saying is true, then we have a lot to prepare for. And if Opaline really did manipulate time… we’ll stop her.”
"I hope so. But again, I’ll only explain why Twilight was the only one of you six remaining when that time came once… what needs to happen for her happens," Anon said, his tone guarded. "I don’t want to be the cause of a possible third timeline split."
The group exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of his words sinking in.
“I only hope I wasn’t brought here willy-nilly against my will,” he continued, glancing at the horizon as if seeking answers from the sky. “Maybe there’s a reason for all this—maybe I was brought here to help fix time itself. I just hope I’ll be here long enough to help change the tides of battle.”
Applejack’s expression softened. “Sounds like you’re carryin’ quite the burden.”
Rainbow Dash hovered beside Anon, her wings flapping steadily. “Well, if you’re here to fix things, you’re not doing it alone. We stick together, got it?”
Twilight stepped forward, resolve hardening in her eyes. “We’ve faced Nightmare Moon and Discord already, and we’re just getting started. If you’re here to help, we’ll do everything we can to prepare for whatever’s coming.”
Anon felt a strange warmth at their support—a fleeting, unfamiliar comfort. He wasn’t sure if he deserved it, but in that moment, he wasn’t alone.
With careful precision, Twilight enveloped him in her magic and gently extracted him from the wall. He stumbled a little as his hooves hit the floor but managed to stay upright.
“There. Free,” Twilight said with a satisfied nod.
“Thanks,” Anon muttered, brushing off bits of stone. “Not exactly my proudest moment.”
Rainbow Dash snorted. “Oh, trust me. You’ll be hearing about this one.”
Pinkie Pie gasped. “We should write it in the next friendship journal! ‘That one time the future pony teleported into a wall!’”
Anon groaned. “I’ll pass on the wall-of-shame fame, thanks.”
"Though we should probably be heading back to Zecora's place before night hits, or make it out of the forest before night. I'd rather not deal with Timberwolves again right now." Anon continued.
Anon gave a small sigh as they began their trek through the Everfree Forest. "Hopefully, I can think of stuff I can talk about on the way back to Ponyville that won’t split or mess with the timeline," he added, continuing the false story of being a future pony and not a human-turned-pony who had watched My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic in his world.
Twilight shot him a curious glance. “You must know a lot if you’re being that cautious. We’ll have to tread carefully.”
Rainbow Dash, hovering overhead, smirked. “Eh, just don’t tell me anything about future Wonderbolts stuff. I want to be surprised.”
Anon forced a chuckle. “I’ll do my best.”
Pinkie Pie bounced ahead, humming cheerfully. “Ooooh, maybe we can talk about snacks from the future! I bet there are future cupcakes that glow in the dark!”
“Glow-in-the-dark cupcakes?” Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Pinkie, where do you come up with these ideas?”
“From my imagination!” Pinkie declared proudly.
Zecora led the way with her usual calm confidence, her hooves making almost no sound on the uneven forest floor. Every so often, she paused to listen before pressing forward again. The fading sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting long shadows across the path.
Rainbow Dash broke the silence. “Y’know, I kinda wanted a rematch after your little stunt earlier with that fake Wonderbolts poster. You’re fast, I’ll give you that.”
Anon rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Well, I personally think, even though I have barely any of it, I was lucky it kept you occupied as long as it did. I guess I was just lucky I knew what would catch your eye for a moment for me to escape.”
Rainbow Dash smirked. “You’re not wrong. That Wonderbolts trick almost got me.”
The group was nearing a clearing when a low, distant howl echoed through the forest, cutting through the air like a warning.
Twilight froze. “Timberwolves.”
Anon shivered at the thought. “Uhh... let’s just hope they stay out there and don’t get any closer anytime soon. I think getting out of the Everfree for now is the longest but best option once we get Zecora back to her hut.”
Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up, and she took a defensive stance in mid-air. “Yeah, well, if they show up, I’ll take ‘em down in ten seconds flat.”
Fluttershy whimpered softly. “Oh, I hope we don’t have to. Poor things, they’re just so… territorial.”
Anon glanced around nervously, his heart racing at the sound of another distant howl. “I’m definitely okay with not running into them.”
Zecora nodded with a solemn expression. “Timberwolves are clever and hard to evade. But together, our chances won’t easily fade.”
“We’ll get to Zecora’s and then head straight back to Ponyville,” Twilight said firmly. “No detours, no stopping.”
Pinkie Pie’s usual bounce slowed, and even she seemed more cautious now. “Guess glowing cupcakes will have to wait.”
Anon glanced nervously into the growing shadows of the forest. “Yeah, sorry, Pinkie. I’m sure we can talk about it back in Ponyville. But right now… I just don’t want to think about what might happen if the two Timberwolves, whose pack leader I killed with my unstable magic, find us. Especially if they bring friends.”
The group’s pace quickened as Twilight’s expression grew more serious. “You killed a Timberwolf leader? That’s no small feat, especially with magic like yours.”
Anon looked down, his expression tense. “Well, it was in the heat of the moment. I was scared, panicked, and just trying to survive. But with my broken horn… yeah, my magic isn’t stable. I might have the strength to do something like that, but no way to aim it. I was just lucky it worked.”
He took a deep breath, glancing toward Zecora. “But as Zecora told you, the other two Timberwolves got away. If they’re as smart as she says, I’m sure they’ll be looking for revenge.”
Zecora gave a slow nod. “Timberwolves hold grudges that burn deep. They’ll remember the one who caused their leader’s sleep.”
Twilight’s concern deepened. “Then we need to stay alert. We’ll keep moving and stick together.”
Rainbow Dash cracked her hooves. “If those Timberwolves show up, they’ll regret it. No one messes with my friends.”
Fluttershy swallowed hard but tried to offer a hopeful smile. “Maybe… they won’t find us. Let’s not assume the worst.”
Pinkie Pie tilted her head. “If they do, maybe I can try my Timberwolf Distraction Dance!”
Rarity gave her a skeptical look. “Pinkie, darling, I’m not sure that’s a real thing.”
“It could be!” Pinkie chirped. “You never know until you try.”
Anon’s expression darkened as he continued, “Well, you could make up a Timberwolf Distraction Dance, Pinkie. But I don’t want any harm coming to you six. As tough as you say you are, Dash, we all know that even if you knock them down, they’ll just reform.”
He sighed heavily. “I was just lucky to postpone my… almost end.”
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. Anon quickly added, “Not saying you’re weak—any of you. But we all know Timberwolves aren’t something to mess with. Especially if those two bring more than one friend with them.”
Twilight nodded. “You’re right. Timberwolves have the advantage in their home territory, and if they bring reinforcements, things could get bad.”
Pinkie Pie’s ears drooped for a moment, but her usual cheeriness quickly returned. “Okay, no dancing then. Maybe we just make a break for it if we see them?”
“That would be the wisest path,” Zecora agreed. “No dance or fight will stop their wrath.”
Fluttershy bit her lip but tried to stay brave. “If we keep moving and stay quiet, we might avoid them entirely.”
Rainbow Dash huffed. “Still not scared, but fine. Sticking together it is.”
Anon glanced around, every shadow feeling a little more ominous. “Let’s pick up the pace. We’re almost there.”
Anon glanced once more at the darkening forest as they continued down the path. “Once we get Zecora home, it shouldn’t be too far to the entrance of the Everfree. Hopefully, we can make it before they possibly pick back up on my scent from last night,” he said grimly. “And if they do, I just hope they can’t leave the Everfree.”
Twilight’s eyes narrowed in thought. “Timberwolves usually stay in the forest… but if they’re angry enough, there’s no guarantee they won’t break that pattern.”
Rainbow Dash flew a little higher, scanning the surrounding area. “I’m keeping watch. If I see anything, I’ll let you know.”
Rarity flicked her tail nervously. “This is turning into quite the ordeal. Let’s hope Zecora’s hut isn’t much farther.”
Zecora, still leading the group, gave a reassuring nod. “We’re close now. A few more turns and home will be found. Stay on your guard, but keep feet to the ground.”
Anon felt a little more at ease hearing that, but the unease in the air was still thick. Every rustle of leaves sounded louder, every shadow seemed deeper. His ears swiveled at the sound of another distant howl.
Soon, the group reached Zecora’s hut, its familiar, welcoming shape a small comfort amidst the looming shadows of the forest. The air was tense, but the sight of the hut brought a small sense of relief.
Anon gave Zecora a nod. “Okay, the entrance to the forest shouldn’t be far from here. But this is your stop, Zecora. Stay safe.”
Zecora turned to face the group, her wise gaze lingering on each of them. “Thank you for guiding me through the darkened trees. May you find safety before night’s breeze.”
Twilight gave her a determined smile. “We’ll be careful. Take care, Zecora.”
“Yeah, and if you hear any howls, just give us a yell!” Rainbow Dash added with a grin, though it didn’t quite hide her concern.
Zecora chuckled softly. “Fear not for me, brave friends of mine. The forest knows I tread its line.”
With that, Zecora disappeared into her hut, leaving the group to continue their journey toward the edge of the forest.
Anon tried to keep his voice steady as the group turned back toward the forest path. “Okay, girls, stay alert. We all know how unpredictable this forest is.” His ears flicked at every little sound, but he kept walking. “We shouldn’t have far to go, right?” he asked, glancing at Twilight.
Twilight nodded, her eyes scanning the path ahead. “Not far. If we keep up this pace, we should be out of the Everfree before night fully sets in.”
Rainbow Dash hovered just above the group, her wings moving steadily as her sharp eyes darted from tree to tree. “I’ll scout ahead a little, but not too far.”
Pinkie Pie, still bouncing but with less of her usual carefree energy, gave a small smile. “We’ll be fine! Just stick together like frosting on a cupcake!”
Fluttershy was walking closer to Rarity now, her wings folded tightly against her sides. “Let’s just hope nothing’s waiting for us.”
Unknown to the group, a pair of pure glowing green eyes watched from the darkness, narrowing as they tracked the cyan pegasus flying above the canopy. The eyes blinked slowly, the faint rustle of leaves the only sign of movement before the shadows swallowed the watcher whole once again.
Rainbow Dash hovered for a moment, scanning the path ahead. “I can see the edge of the forest from here! Just a little farther!” she called down.
Twilight’s ears perked up, and a sense of relief spread through the group. “Great. Let’s not waste any time.”
Anon’s gaze swept the surrounding trees, unease still gnawing at the back of his mind. Whatever was out there, he could feel it. “Let’s keep moving.”
The group quickened their pace, the distant treeline now just within reach.
As the group broke into a trot toward the treeline, Anon felt a flicker of hope. “We’re gonna make it out safely. We’re gonna—”
His words were cut off as two Timberwolves leaped from the underbrush, landing squarely in their path. Their glowing green eyes locked onto the group, and a low, menacing growl rumbled from deep within their wooden chests.
Twilight skidded to a halt, her horn sparking to life. “Timberwolves!”
Rainbow Dash shot forward, hovering protectively in front of the group. “Looks like they brought friends after all.”
Fluttershy froze in fear, pressing against Rarity, who narrowed her eyes. “Absolutely dreadful timing, as usual.”
Pinkie Pie bounced to the side, grinning nervously. “So… should I try the Timberwolf Distraction Dance now?”
Twilight’s eyes widened. “Anon, no! Don’t—”
But it was too late. Anon had already charged into the treeline, drawing the Timberwolves’ attention with his shout. The two creatures snarled and tore after him, their glowing eyes locked on their target.
Rainbow Dash darted forward instinctively. “I’m not letting him do this alone!”
Twilight’s horn flared with magic, blocking Rainbow Dash’s path just before she could dart into the treeline. “No! If we all scatter, we’ll make it worse.”
Rainbow Dash flared her wings in frustration. “But we can’t just leave him!”
Twilight’s gaze was resolute. “We’re not leaving him behind. We’re going to Ponyville. There has to be something in the library that can help.”
Fluttershy’s eyes filled with worry. “But what if he’s in trouble before we get back?”
Pinkie Pie stomped a hoof. “We’ll find something super fast! Anon’s counting on us.”
Twilight nodded firmly. “Exactly. We have to trust him to buy us time. He’s not planning to fight them—he’s distracting them.”
Rarity’s eyes darted nervously toward the shadows. “Then let’s make haste. The faster we get to Ponyville, the faster we can help him.”
Rainbow Dash finally relented, though her face was tense. “I’m flying ahead to the library. We’re not wasting a second.”
With that, Rainbow shot off toward Ponyville, a streak of color in the dim forest. The others followed at a quick pace, leaving the sound of distant snarls and crashing branches behind them. Their hearts were heavy with worry, but determination burned in their eyes.
Twilight whispered under her breath, “Hold on, Anon. We’ll be back for you.”
Anon sprinted through the forest, his hooves pounding against the uneven ground. Every root and fallen branch threatened to trip him, but his panic kept him moving. He could hear the crashing of branches and the snapping of twigs behind him—the Timberwolves were relentless.
Just as he rounded a dense thicket, a third Timberwolf leapt from the shadows, landing directly in his path. Anon skidded to a halt, his breath ragged as he stared down the snarling beast.
“Guess I have to…” he muttered, more to himself than anything.
His wings flared instinctively, their tension betraying his fear, but his stance was solid as he prepared for a fight. The three Timberwolves began circling him, their glowing green eyes locked onto their prey. Their movements were slow and calculated, each step pressing Anon closer to the brink of either fight or flight.
His mind raced. He had no intention of fighting to the end, but he needed just enough time for the girls to reach safety—and for him to make his move.
Anon began charging his magic, the broken horn atop his head sparking erratically. An unstable bubble of energy crackled to life around him, glowing with wild, unpredictable power. The Timberwolves hesitated for a moment, their ears flattening at the volatile display.
“As much as I’d like to finish what I started, gents,” Anon said with a forced smirk, “I must bid you three adieu.”
With that, the unstable bubble surged outward in a brilliant flash of light. In an instant, Anon vanished—teleporting away instead of attacking. The Timberwolves snapped at the empty air where he had been standing, snarling in frustration as their prey disappeared into the shadows of the Everfree.
The girls arrived at the library, Twilight’s home, their hooves clattering against the floor as they burst through the door. Twilight immediately began scanning the shelves, horn glowing as she levitated book after book.
“Anything on broken horn magic or unstable teleportation!” Twilight called out, her tone urgent.
Rarity flipped through a thick tome with a determined frown. “Nothing here so far, but keep looking.”
Pinkie Pie was upside-down on a bookshelf, pulling out random titles. “How about Party Planning for Magical Mishaps? No? Okay, next!”
Fluttershy softly placed a book on the central table. “This one mentions Timberwolves and magical encounters.”
Rainbow Dash hovered above the group, anxiously pacing in mid-air. “C’mon, we’ve gotta find something! He’s out there alone.”
Just as Twilight opened another book, a sudden, bright flash of light illuminated the entire library. They all shielded their eyes as the light surged, then quickly dimmed to reveal Anon—halfway embedded in the wall of Twilight’s home.
Anon looked down at himself, then at the wall surrounding him. He let out a frustrated sigh. “Glad the teleport worked, but… again!?”
Chapter 2 Finale.
Chapter 3 - 1. Future thoughts, and past reminders
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Chapter 3 - 1. Future thoughts, and past reminders
Ponyville, Golden Oak Library, 11:45 pm
Applejack tipped her hat back and walked over with a small smirk. “Sugarcube, you sure know how to make an entrance. But I reckon walls ain’t the best place to stop.”
Twilight’s horn glowed as she prepared a spell to free Anon. “Hold still. I’ll get you out.”
Pinkie Pie hopped in place excitedly. “I mean, that was a really cool teleport! Even if you got a little stuck.”
Rainbow Dash hovered nearby, shaking her head. “Next time, maybe aim for the door?”
Anon chuckled nervously. “Heh… I’ll keep that in mind.”
Applejack stepped closer, bracing herself just in case. “Better hurry, Twi. He’s lookin’ like part of the décor.”
Rarity gave a small hum of amusement. “Yes, darling, while avant-garde wall sculptures are all the rage in Canterlot, I don’t think this is quite what they had in mind."
Anon gave a sheepish grin. "Yeah… but I was kind of in a rush with the teleporting. Can’t exactly think of an exact spot I wanna land when I’ve got Timberwolves breathing down my neck.”
Twilight’s magic finally took hold, and with a quick burst of energy, Anon was pulled free from the wall. He stumbled forward but caught himself before he could hit the floor.
“Thanks, Twi,” Anon said, brushing himself off.
Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Next time, maybe holler before you pull off any risky stunts like that.”
Fluttershy nodded timidly. “We were really worried about you.”
Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs, hovering at eye level. “I’m still trying to figure out how you even outran those Timberwolves. They’re not exactly slow.”
Pinkie Pie bounced closer. “Ooooh, maybe your panicked teleport gave you turbo speed!”
Anon chuckled. “More like sheer panic and dumb luck.”
Rarity took a step forward, inspecting him. “Well, at least you’re in one piece—aside from that dirt in your mane.”
Twilight gave him a serious look. “You said you tricked them. Do you think they’re still out there, looking for you?”
Anon took a deep breath, his eyes flickering with lingering anxiety. "Well, it’s not exactly easy to outrun them. All I did was run until a third one jumped into my path. Luckily, they were slow to rip me apart right away. My unstable magic probably kept them guessing, thinking I was going to attack.”
He glanced around at the group. “Though if they’re as cunning as the stories and Zecora said, I’m sure they’re not too happy about my getaway. I can only pray to Celestia and Luna that they stay in the Everfree.”
Twilight’s expression remained serious. “We can’t count on that. We need to be prepared in case they don’t.”
Applejack nodded firmly. “Timberwolves are too stubborn to just give up. We’d best figure out what we’re up against before they come sniffin’ around Ponyville.”
Fluttershy’s wings twitched nervously. “Maybe we could find a way to scare them off without… hurting them?”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes but gave Fluttershy a small smile. “If that doesn’t work, we’ll make sure they regret messing with anypony.”
Pinkie Pie pulled out a notebook from seemingly nowhere. “Time to brainstorm anti-Timberwolf plans! Distraction dances! Mega cupcakes! Oooh, maybe confetti traps!”
Rarity sighed, though a smile tugged at her lips. “Pinkie, darling, as creative as that sounds, perhaps we should start with the books?”
Twilight turned to the shelves, determination written all over her face. “Agreed. We’ll search for anything on Timberwolves, forest magic, and protective barriers. There has to be something here.”
Anon tried to sound calm as he added, “Well, you can never be too awfully cautious. But with the number of ponies that live in Ponyville, I doubt they’d be dumb enough to come running this way. Even if their sense of smell is strong, I don’t think they can track a magic trail.”
Twilight’s ears perked, but her brow remained furrowed. “Maybe, but Timberwolves are relentless when it comes to a grudge.”
Applejack nodded. “And if they think you’re unfinished business, they won’t stop till they settle it.”
Fluttershy shivered. “Let’s hope the Everfree’s magic confuses them enough to keep them away.”
Pinkie Pie waved a hoof dismissively. “I mean, worst-case scenario, I’ve got more ideas for Timberwolf distractions!”
Rainbow Dash gave Anon a determined look. “Whether they show or not, we’ve got your back.”
Rarity tilted her head. “Still, darling, it doesn’t hurt to have a plan.”
Anon’s words were filled with sincerity as he spoke. “And I’m not trying to dismiss those worries, Rarity. I’m just saying that even if they have a grudge against me, there are plenty of capable ponies here in Ponyville—just like you girls. Again, I’m not dismissing your worries. I’m just saying they’d sorely regret trying to come here, even if they could pick up my scent from my magic.”
He paused, looking at each of them with a small smile. “You six are strong as is. Just you alone, I think, could easily disorient a pack of Timberwolves—even if you’re scared. But from what I’ve read about you six in the history books, you’re capable of almost anything when you’re together.”
Twilight’s eyes softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips. “Thanks, Anon. That means a lot.”
Applejack adjusted her hat. “He’s not wrong. We’ve faced plenty together. Timberwolves are nasty critters, but they ain’t unbeatable.”
Rainbow Dash puffed out her chest. “And if they show up, I’ll make sure they know messing with us is a bad idea.”
Fluttershy still looked uneasy but nodded. “We’ve come through worse… and we’ll come through this too.”
Pinkie Pie gave Anon a wide grin. “With a little teamwork and some party cannon magic, we can take on anything!”
Rarity gave a soft chuckle. “Even Timberwolves would think twice about messing with us.”
Twilight placed a hoof on the stack of books. “Still, preparation never hurt anyone. Let’s see what we can learn to make sure we stay ahead.”
Anon let out a long yawn. “Twilight, always the overly cautious one. But you’re right—if they do somehow, for whatever reason, turn up, it’s good to read up on them a bit. But for tonight…” He stretched his legs, his wings drooping slightly. “I don’t know about you girls, but I am tired, like I’ve been through Tartarus itself.”
Twilight gave a small chuckle. “You have been through a lot. Rest is probably the best thing right now.”
Applejack nodded. “Agreed. You’ll be no good to anypony if you don’t get some sleep.”
Fluttershy gave a soft smile. “And it’ll help you recover your strength.”
Pinkie Pie bounced on her hooves. “Ooooh! A good night’s rest will have you ready for anything tomorrow! You’ll be unstoppable!”
Rarity’s eyes softened as she looked him over. “Rest is the best thing for both body and mind, darling. And you deserve it.”
Rainbow Dash hovered over him with a grin. “I’ll keep an eye out while you crash. Don’t worry—if any Timberwolves show up, I’ll take care of ‘em before you even wake up.”
Twilight motioned toward a spare cushion. “You can stay here tonight, Anon. You’re safe with us.”
The girls watched as Anon flopped onto the cushion with a lazy thud, the sound of the soft “Poomph” filling the quiet library. He didn’t even move once his head hit the pillow, already out cold.
Twilight smiled warmly, shaking her head. “He really must have been exhausted.”
Applejack chuckled. “Poor fella’s had a rough day. I reckon he earned that rest.”
Fluttershy knelt down and gently adjusted the edge of a blanket over Anon’s side. “He’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep.”
Rainbow Dash hovered above him for a moment, giving a small nod. “He’s tougher than he looks, but yeah, rest is what he needs.”
Rarity adjusted the corner of the blanket with her magic, making sure it was just so. “No need for him to be anything but comfortable tonight.”
Pinkie Pie whispered loudly, “Should we throw him a ‘Glad You Survived the Timberwolves’ party tomorrow?”
Twilight smiled but shook her head. “Let’s give him some peace for now, Pinkie. Tomorrow, we’ll figure out what comes next.”
They each found their own spots to settle in, the tension of the night giving way to a quiet, peaceful calm. Outside, the moon cast a gentle glow over Ponyville, and for now, the danger seemed far away.
Anon’s restless stirring intensified as the nightmare continued to grip him. In his dream, he stood frozen, trapped inside his own mind as King Sombra controlled his body. Dark crystals pulsed at his hooves, rooting him in place. No matter how much he struggled, he couldn’t break free.
Before him, Celestia and Luna were chained, their once-bright eyes dimmed with sorrow. Sombra’s cruel laughter echoed as he approached Twilight, who stood bravely despite the fear in her eyes. She called out to Anon, but he couldn’t respond—he could only watch, helpless.
Twilight reached a hoof out toward him. “Anon, please… fight it.”
He tried with every ounce of will he had, but the dark magic binding him was too strong. Sombra raised his horn, preparing to strike, and Anon’s mind screamed in despair.
Just as the nightmare reached its darkest point, a bright silver light pierced the darkness, banishing the shadows in an instant. The chains on Celestia and Luna shattered, and Sombra froze, his cruel grin turning into a snarl.
From the light, a regal figure emerged—Princess Luna, her midnight-blue form glowing with celestial power. Her gaze burned with determination as she faced Sombra.
“Begone, foul nightmare!” Luna’s voice thundered, shaking the dream world itself. “You have no dominion over this pony!”
Sombra hissed, but before he could retaliate, Luna’s horn flared with radiant magic. The darkness surrounding Anon shattered like glass, and the chains holding him dissolved into nothingness. Anon fell to the dream’s ground, gasping for air, finally free from the oppressive control.
Luna turned to him, her expression softening. “Anon, you are safe now. This nightmare will plague you no longer tonight.”
"Sorry for having to have to save me again Luna..." Anon said panting out of breath in my dreamscape of nothingness, once more his soul taking on human form.
Luna stepped closer, her gaze filled with both empathy and determination. “You have nothing to apologize for, Anon. Even the strongest hearts need help at times.” She paused, observing his human form with a thoughtful expression. “Your form shifts as your soul reflects your truest self. It is a reminder of your past, but it does not define your present.”
Anon’s brow furrowed. “Ok... But I swear that nightmare changes every time… but at the same time not… as if it’s showing me something, but I don’t know what. All I know is that I’m trapped in my own body or mind and am powerless to whatever happens,” he explained. “Though I have this nagging feeling that it might not just be an everyday nightmare, besides it being repeating.”
Luna’s expression grew more serious, her ethereal mane swirling gently with the stars of the dreamscape. “Your instincts are wise, Anon. Repeating dreams of this nature are rarely random. They often carry a message—one that can be difficult to understand.”
Anon sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “That? A message?” He let out a scoff. “If anything, it feels like an insight to what the future may hold for me.” His shoulders slumped slightly. “And I really hope that isn’t the case.”
Luna’s gaze remained steady, though thoughtful. “It is wise to be cautious. Dreams that linger in the mind often carry truths not yet understood. However, not all visions are meant to be warnings of doom. They may also be keys—guiding you to the choices you must make.”
Anon frowned slightly. “Choices… but I don’t even know what I’m being shown.”
“That uncertainty is part of the challenge,” Luna said gently. “But you are not powerless, Anon. Whatever fate may lie ahead, you have strength, will, and the support of those who care for you.”
The dreamscape shimmered with Luna’s magic, soothing the frayed edges of Anon’s restless mind. “Rest now. The future may be uncertain, but together, we will face whatever comes.”
With those final words, the shadows of dread faded from the dream, leaving only peace behind.
Anon woke with a sharp gasp, sitting upright as the remnants of the dream faded from his mind. The sunlight streaming through the windows indicated it was morning, and the library was bathed in a soft, golden glow. The girls were still asleep, each resting peacefully on their respective cushions.
Not wanting to disturb them or cause unnecessary worry, he quietly slipped out of his makeshift bed and scanned the room for something to write with. Spotting a quill and parchment on a nearby desk, he walked over and began to scribble a quick note.
Gone exploring town, Anon.
He hoped the girls could read his handwriting—along with the fact that it was in English—and carefully placed the note where they would easily see it upon waking. With a final glance to ensure they were still asleep, Anon made his way to the door, ready to explore Ponyville in the light of day.
Anon trotted along the streets of Ponyville, humming the Annoying Dog theme from Undertale as he enjoyed the fresh morning air. The town was coming to life—vendors setting up stalls, ponies chatting cheerfully, and birds chirping from nearby trees. Walking on all fours was starting to feel more natural, and he felt less wobbly than before.
“Ok, first on my agenda, look for a job I’m good at…” he mused aloud, his eyes scanning the storefronts for any potential opportunities.
His gaze landed on a quaint little candy shop with a brightly colored sign: BonBon’s Confections. The sight of it immediately lifted his spirits.
“That seems like an idea I’d like to try,” he said with a grin. Memories of trying—and failing—to land a similar job on Earth crept in, and he muttered under his breath, “Fuckers should have hired me back on Earth.”
With a determined huff, he straightened his posture and trotted toward the candy shop’s entrance, ready to see if this was his chance to try his hoof at candy-making.
Anon trotted toward the candy shop, his mind still dwelling on old frustrations. “Stupid fucking Earth jobs,” he muttered under his breath. “Fucking not taking me in because I couldn’t be there until first pay. Well, this will show them.”
Reaching the door of BonBon’s Confections, he raised a hoof to push it open. The scent of sweet caramel and freshly made taffy wafted through the door’s edges, and he felt a small pang of excitement as he imagined what it’d be like to work here.
Anon pushed the door open and stepped inside, only for his hoof to slip on a stray piece of wrapping paper near the entrance. He landed hard on his side with a loud thud. “Ah, crap,” he groaned, wincing at the jolt of pain that shot through him.
Though it didn’t compare to the broken rib he had endured in the forest two days ago, falling on his side still hurt like hell. As he lay there, catching his breath, the sweet scent of chocolate and mint surrounded him, almost mocking his less-than-graceful entrance.
A familiar voice called from behind the counter. “Oh, Celestia! Are you alright?” BonBon trotted over, concern in her eyes. “That’s not exactly the best way to make a first impression!” she added with a small, nervous smile.
Anon stood up, stretching out his limbs to shake off the impact. “Eh, wouldn’t be my first fall, won’t be my last,” he said with a wry smile. “Plus, it was my fault for not watching my step.”
BonBon gave a soft chuckle, her worry easing a bit. “Well, the floors are clean, but I didn’t think they were that slippery. I’ll have to double-check that spot later.”
Anon rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, glancing around at the brightly colored jars and trays of candies lining the shop. “Anyway, I came by because I’m looking for a job. Thought I’d try my hoof at candy-making. Always wanted to give it a go.”
BonBon’s ears perked up. “Really? Well, that’s not something I hear every day. Candy-making can be tricky, but if you’re serious, we might be able to work something out. Do you have any experience?”
Anon gave a small shrug. “No, not really. Tried to grab a job at a place once, and they didn’t hire me. But since I’ve recently moved to Ponyville and saw this shop, I decided to give it one more shot.” He offered a hoof with a smile. “Also, name’s Anon. What’s yours?”
BonBon took Anon’s hoof and gave it a firm shake, offering a friendly smile in return. “Nice to meet you, Anon. I’m BonBon, owner of this candy shop. And it’s great to hear you’re willing to give candy-making another shot.”
She studied him for a moment, her gaze thoughtful but not unfriendly. “No experience, huh? Well, everypony has to start somewhere. I’m always happy to give someone a chance if they’re eager to learn.”
BonBon turned toward the counter, motioning with her head for him to follow. “Why don’t I show you around the kitchen? We can see if you’ve got a knack for it.”
Anon followed BonBon as she led him through a doorway into the back of the shop. The smell of sweet sugar and melted chocolate filled the air, along with the faint scent of peppermint. The room was lined with shelves of jars filled with colorful ingredients and tools for candy making.
“I’ll show you the basics, and we’ll see if you’ve got a knack for it,” BonBon said, stopping by a large worktable.
Before they got started, a familiar mint-green unicorn poked her head in through the door. “Hey, BonBon! Need me to take over the register for a bit?”
BonBon gave her a grateful smile. “Thanks, Lyra. That’ll help a lot.”
Lyra grinned and trotted back toward the front of the shop, leaving BonBon and Anon alone in the kitchen. BonBon turned back to Anon, gesturing toward the supplies on the table. “Alright, let’s see what you can do. Ever tempered chocolate before?”
Anon shook his head. "No," he said before thinking to himself, But I’ve watched YouTube videos of it before. He continued, “Besides having a bit of a bad sweet tooth when I was younger—thanks to poor dental hygiene and eating way too much chocolate—I’ve never dealt with it in a professional way.”
BonBon chuckled softly. “At least you’ve got some familiarity with it from a different angle. Let’s see if we can turn that into some skill.”
She handed him the pot of melted chocolate and a spoon. “Like I said before, the goal is to get it smooth and glossy. Stir it gently and keep an eye on the texture. If it starts to clump or separate, you’ll have to start over.”
Anon nodded, gripping the spoon in his hoof as best he could. He began stirring slowly, focusing on keeping the motion steady. The chocolate shimmered slightly under the overhead light, and he made sure not to let it overheat.
BonBon observed him for a moment before giving a small nod. “Not bad. You’ve got a steady hoof. Let’s see how you handle pouring.”
She placed the candy molds on the table again. Anon took a deep breath, carefully spooning the chocolate into the molds. A few drips spilled over the edges, but for the most part, he kept it clean.
“Decent for a first try,” BonBon said with an approving smile. “Keep that up, and you might have potential after all.”
Back at the library, the early morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a golden glow across the room. Twilight was the first to stir, stretching and yawning softly before blinking herself awake. She glanced over to the cushion where Anon had been the night before, only to find it empty.
“Anon?” she called softly, rubbing her eyes. When no response came, her concern deepened.
Applejack stretched and tipped her hat back. “What’s got ya all riled up, Twi?”
“Anon’s gone,” Twilight said, standing and looking around for any sign of where he might have gone.
Rainbow Dash shot up into the air with a flap of her wings. “Gone? What do you mean, gone?”
“I mean, he’s not here. He was right there when we all went to sleep.”
Fluttershy’s soft voice chimed in, worry evident. “Oh no. Do you think he went back to the forest?”
Just then, Rarity’s keen eyes caught a small piece of parchment on the nearby table. “Wait a moment. There’s a note here.” She levitated it with her magic and read aloud: “‘Gone exploring town, Anon.’”
Twilight sighed in relief. “At least he left a note this time.”
Pinkie Pie bounced over. “Exploring town? Ooooh, I bet he’s checking out Sugarcube Corner! Or maybe—”
“Or maybe he’s just lookin’ for a little peace and quiet,” Applejack interrupted with a small grin. “Let’s not go chasin’ him down just yet. He’s probably just getting used to town.”
Twilight nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right. But let’s keep an eye out for him when we go out. Just in case.”
With that, the girls began preparing for their day, now more at ease knowing Anon hadn’t run into trouble—yet.
The girls, though concerned for Anon, knew they had their own responsibilities to tend to for the day. Applejack headed back to Sweet Apple Acres, ready for another day of working the fields and tending to the orchards. Rarity returned to her boutique, sketching new designs while stitching dresses with her usual flair for perfection. Pinkie Pie helped the Cakes at Sugarcube Corner, juggling orders and making treats with her boundless energy.
Rainbow Dash, ever determined, spent her morning training in the skies above Ponyville, pushing herself to be one step closer to her dream of becoming a Wonderbolt. Fluttershy quietly tended to her animal friends, checking on each one and making sure they were well-fed and happy.
Twilight, however, found herself with a mostly free schedule. As the Golden Oak Library’s librarian and caretaker, she only had a few minor tasks to handle—shelving books and updating the library’s inventory. With a sigh, she tried to focus on those duties, but her mind kept wandering back to Anon.
“Where could he have gone?” she muttered to herself, pacing the library floor. She debated whether to go out searching or wait for him to return. For now, she decided to keep herself busy at the library, hoping Anon would come back soon—and in one piece.
Anon stepped out into the early afternoon sunshine, stretching his legs as he left BonBon’s candy shop behind. “Thanks again for training me a bit, BonBon,” he had said before pushing the door open. Now, as he trotted along the cobblestone streets of Ponyville, he couldn’t help but wonder if he’d left the girls too worried.
“Hope I haven’t given them too much of a scare by leaving like that,” he muttered under his breath, his mind already focused on getting back to the library. The familiar sights of Ponyville passed by—a few shops, market stalls, and ponies going about their day—but Anon paid them little attention. His thoughts were on the girls and whatever awaited him back at Golden Oak Library.
Anon sighed contentedly as he trotted along, a slight pep in his step. “Eh, I left a note. I’m sure they’re not that worried,” he said to himself.
He started humming the familiar tune of the Annoying Dog theme song from Undertale again, the cheerful melody matching his upbeat mood. As he made his way back toward Golden Oak Library, the afternoon breeze carried the sounds of Ponyville—laughter from foals playing, the clatter of carts, and the chatter of shopkeepers calling out their wares.
Anon felt lighter after his productive morning, ready to reconnect with the girls and see what the rest of the day would bring.
Twilight was carefully organizing the bookshelves, levitating a few new titles into their respective places when the door suddenly burst open. She jumped with a startled squeak, nearly dropping the books in her magic’s grasp.
“I’m back!!!” Anon sang out in a playful, musical tone, his voice carrying an exaggerated dramatic flair.
Twilight turned, wide-eyed, before narrowing her gaze at him with an exasperated but amused look. “Anon! You scared me half to death!” she huffed, pressing a hoof to her chest to calm her racing heart.
Twilight let out a small sigh, though her lips twitched into a reluctant smile. “Yes, they all had their own responsibilities to take care of today. You’re lucky they weren’t here, or Pinkie might have tackled you for a surprise return party.”
Anon chuckled as he waltzed further into the library, still wearing a playful grin. “I’m not sure if that sounds like a reward or a punishment. Pinkie’s parties are a whirlwind.”
Twilight rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a soft laugh. “You’re just as much of a whirlwind, you know.”
Anon placed a hoof to his chest, feigning surprise. “Little ol' me~? You flatter me~,” he said in a playful, mockingly innocent tone. “Anyway, I’m hoping to have a job soon over at BonBon’s candy shop helping them make candy. Then I can make some bits and not have to burden you with having to take care of me for the time being.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow but softened her expression. “Burden me? Anon, you’re not a burden. You’re a friend. Besides, I’d be more worried about how much candy you’ll end up eating before it even gets to the customers.”
Anon gave a mock gasp. “How dare you accuse me of such a thing! I’ll have you know I’m a candy professional now.”
Twilight couldn’t hold back a giggle. “Sure you are. Just remember, BonBon runs a tight ship. If you cause any chaos, she won’t hesitate to set you straight.”
"Eh, I don’t really plan to make chaos," Anon said with a shrug. "Especially since that’s a certain Draconequus’ job," he muttered under his breath, barely audible.
Twilight’s ears twitched slightly, catching the faint remark, but she decided not to press.
“But that’s beside the point,” Anon continued. “And us being friends… yeah, but compared to you and the girls, we’re just acquaintances at best. If you compare our level of friendship to what you all have together, it’s pretty different.”
Twilight tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. “I don’t see it that way, Anon. Sure, the girls and I have been through a lot together, but friendship isn’t measured by the length of time or the number of adventures. It’s about trust, understanding, and being there for each other.”
Anon blinked, caught off guard by her sincerity.
“And you’ve already proven you’re someone we can count on,” Twilight continued with a small smile. “Give it time, and I think you’ll feel the same way.”
"Well yeah, that’s how relationships grow—with time. Well, friendship relationships, not relationship-relationships, not saying that can’t happen but..." Anon trailed off, his cheeks heating up as he thought about the possibility of being a thing with Twilight. "And now I’m rambling over nothing," he muttered, trying to shake the thought away.
Twilight’s ears perked up, but she didn’t comment, instead listening intently as Anon continued.
"But I’m sure, with time like you said, I’ll feel the same," he added. "I’m sure I will. It’s just… back where I come from, as I told you before, friendship wasn’t a big thing anymore since the races separated. Ponies weren’t as trusting in my time. You had to actually show that you deserved their trust and friendship—and even then, only if you were the same race of pony."
Twilight’s smile faded slightly at the mention of a divided future, her eyes filled with sympathy and concern.
"Even if you showed you earned their trust, it didn’t mean you had proven you deserved all their trust," Anon continued as he walked over to the cushions he had slept on the night before. He plopped down onto them, letting out a soft sigh.
Twilight walked over and sat beside him, her expression thoughtful. "That sounds... difficult," she said softly. "I can’t imagine living in a world like that, where friendship is so conditional. But you’re here now, and things can be different. You’re already part of a community that believes in trust and friendship." She gave him a gentle nudge with her shoulder. "And we’ll make sure you never have to feel that loneliness again."
“I know you girls will, Twilight,” Anon said with a small smile. He reached over and gently ruffled her mane, earning a playful swat from her hoof and a soft chuckle from both of them. “That’s what makes you girls as special as you are. Even with the flaws that are a part of you six. Sure, those flaws can get in the way sometimes, but no matter what, you’re all there for each other.”
Twilight blushed faintly at the compliment, her heart warming at his words.
Anon let out a long yawn. “But if you’ll excuse me, training with BonBon was a lot today. And even though it’s not night, I’m wiped. I’ll see you in the morning.”
With that, he turned on his side, facing the wooden wall, already starting to drift off as exhaustion took over. Twilight watched him for a moment, her gaze soft and contemplative before she stood and began tidying up the library, letting him rest.
Twilight would probably go on about her day as Anon slept through the rest of the afternoon. Strangely, he didn’t have any nightmares this time—just the familiar total darkness he was used to back on Earth.
Eventually, he woke up during the night, feeling a bit more refreshed.
Getting to his hooves, he stretched in a cat-like manner and shook off the tiredness, much like a dog shaking off water. He noticed Twilight had fallen asleep at the table in the middle of the library during one of her nightly readings. Letting out an exasperated sigh, he shook his head and walked over to the sleeping lavender mare. “Never change, Twi… never change…” he said softly to himself.
Using his magic, still unstable from his broken horn, he carefully tried to lift her. The blue glow around Twilight flickered as he struggled, hoping and praying it would work right. After a moment, he successfully teleported her upstairs.
Anon rushed up to check on her without making too much noise. He found Twilight tucked into her bed, safe and sound. “Thank fuck…” he sighed softly in relief. He noticed Spike fast asleep in his basket, the baby dragon’s soft snores filling the room. It seemed Spike had already left Twilight’s blanket pulled down, just in case she returned to bed late.
Anon gently grabbed the blanket with his teeth and dragged it over Twilight. “Sleep well, you beautiful mare…” he whispered, planting a soft kiss on her forehead near her horn. He walked back downstairs and closed the door behind him.
He closed the book she had been reading, leaving a bookmark where she left off. Then, he scribbled a note for Twilight on the cover: Went out for a night stroll around Ponyville. Just leaving this here just in case I’m not back here in the morning asleep.
With that, Anon stepped out the front door into the cool night air, ready for his walk.
Anon wandered along the mostly quiet streets of Ponyville, enjoying the beautiful night sky that Luna had crafted. “Man, even if I’m not an astronomer, Luna really knows how to make these nights more beautiful,” he mused aloud, his pace slow and relaxed as he trotted along the road.
For a while, everything was peaceful—until it wasn’t. Suddenly, all the sounds of the night ceased. The crickets stopped chirping, and the buzzing of cicadas faded into silence. The eerie stillness settled over the area like a suffocating blanket.
Anon’s fur stood on end. His instincts screamed that something was wrong, but he saw nothing unusual. He tried to brush it off as paranoia. “I think I’ll head back to the library now—” Thud.
He froze. He had bumped into something. It felt almost wood-like. I don’t remember there being a wall behind me, he thought, his heart pounding in his chest.
Slowly, he turned around—and his eyes met a pair of glowing, greenish-turquoise eyes. The sight sent a wave of terror crashing over him, and his body began trembling uncontrollably. “T-T-Tim-Tim-...” he stuttered, too scared to move.
The Timberwolf before him let out a bone-chilling howl, summoning two others to its side. Their glowing eyes pierced the darkness as they advanced, the sound of their wooden paws scraping the dirt filling the silence.
Anon crouched down, fear gripping him tightly. “Oh me and my big mouth…” he muttered under his breath, berating himself as the Timberwolves closed in.
End of Chapter 3 - 1. Future thoughts, and past reminders